Alternative Covers 10

The book I choose for this weeks post is Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

So here's the paperback cover:



I think this one fits the title and the story so well.

Here's the UK cover:



I'm not really fond of any of the UK covers for Sarah's books, including this one.

My favorite cover is Just Listen. I think it's amazing and plus, Just Listen is my favorite book by Sarah Dessen.

But I wanna know what cover you like, so please comment and tell me!

Also, what's your favorite book by Sarah Dessen?

-Lexi(:

Exposed by Susan Vaught

Summary: Straight A's. A shot as the regional majorette championships in baton twirling. The best best friend a girl could as for.

Those are just some of the things that are going right for Chan Shealy.

They get even better what Chan goes to look for the perfect boyfriend online.

At least they seem too...

Chan thought she was being safe, safer then safe.

But soon her home life collides with her fantasy life.

Her fantasy life becomes realer then she ever wanted.

When reality hits, Chan must make some impossible decisions.

She has to save her family that means the world to her and the future she wants for herself.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

Review: Exposed was a really good book. I really wanted to give it 5 Stars but something just stopped me. I think I had the feelings that this had been done before. It was different, but some of it seemed a little predictable. Chan was definitely a complex character, she pulled me into the story. It was a relationship gone wrong that I'm sure many people can relate you. Chan grew up and learned a lesson only to be thrown another on. The family dynamic in this book was unique. The obsessive sister, the over-weight dad, the mother with strong political tastes. It was all different and intertwined which is why I think I gave this book 4 1/2 Stars. No matter the rating, I'm really glad I got a chance to read this book. It teaches you think so you don't really have to experience them first hand.

-Lexi(:

Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick

Pub Date: October 20, 2009

Summary: Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she hardly knows.

She thinks it's just going to be a one night stand.

Paul is too popular to be interested in her.

Plus he has a steady girlfriend, Saskia.

When Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly finally lets him in.

Holly hasn't felt alive since her mom died six months ago.

Paul's kisses take Holly's mind off of everything in her life.

Holly loves feeling like the kind of girl Paul would chose, but things aren't that easy with Saskia around.

She's nothing like Holly, she's perfect.

But, when they start to become friends, Holly realizes that she's going to lose more then she ever even had.

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: I was so excited when I got the ARC for Nothing Like You in the mail. I couldn't wait to start reading it. I loved the plot, I though Holly sounded like an interesting character. One that I could really relate to, which is always important. When I started to read this, I realized that Holly was going to be my favorite character. The differences between the way Holly and Paul acted at school and when they were alone, were major. From the outside you could tell that Paul was really only after one thing, and that Holly was always hoping it would be more. But, you were also inside Holly's mind and you started to think what she was thinking. At one point it became hard not to like Paul at certain moments, but then you realize how low he would actually go. The ending to this novel by Lauren Strasnick was not completely what I expected but it fit. You knew the ending was going to be hard, but a good change for Holly. Nothing Like You really is a great novel with complex characters and a new, interesting plot. You get pulled in from the beginning.

-Lexi(:

In My Mailbox (7/20 to 7/25)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren. If you want more details, click here.

This week was definitly a lot better for books(:

Recived:


Exposed by Susan Vaught (Already Published/ Nov 2008/ Bloomsbury)

Following a disastrous affair with her former boyfriend that has left her with an STD and a reputation as shredded as an election-year campaign promise, Chan wishes for a perfect guy to talk to online—you know, all the fun but none of the problems of a real-life boyfriend. Well, be careful what you wish for . . . In short order Chan has begun a parent-defying and increasingly steamy online relationship with a “perfect” guy named Paul. In the meantime her morbidly obese father, who is recovering from a heart attack, continues to gobble those jumbo pizzas, her mother is increasingly shrill and controlling, and her younger sister is consumed by her desire to become an actress. And, oh, yes, Chan is a majorette and the regional twirling competition is upon us. Clearly, psychological complexity and thematic unity are in short supply in Vaught’s cautionary tale cum problem novel. But the perils of Chan make for compulsive, page-turning reading and the message about online predators—though heavy-handed—is inarguably an important one.

I'm so excited to read this! I love the plot, I think it's gonna be really good. Plus it's signed(:


Fade to Blue by Sean Beaudoin (ARC/ August 2009/ Little, Brown Young Readers)

Sophie Blue started wearing a black skirt and Midnight Noir lipstick on her last birthday. It was also the day her father disappeared. Or spontaneously combusted. Which is sort of bad timing, since a Popsicle truck with tinted windows has started circling the house.

Kenny Fade is a basketball god. His sneakers cost more than his Jeep. He's the guy all the ladies (and their mommas) want. Bad.

Sophie Blue and Kenny Fade don't have a thing in common. Aside from being reasonably sure they're losing their minds.

Acclaimed author Sean Beaudoin's wildly innovative novel combines uproarious humor with enough plot twists to fill a tube sock. Part thriller, part darkly comic philosophical discussion, and accompanied by a comic book interstitial, Fade to Blue is a whip-smart romp that keeps readers guessing until the last paragraph.

I'm kinda excited, kinda not excited to start this book. It sounds interesting but I'm not sure if I'm really going to like it.


My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter (Already Published/ April 2009/ Graphia)

The summer before senior year is Jory’s last chance to transform herself and leave behind her mediocre grades, unrequited crushes, and especially her ugly nose. Intent on earning money for a nose job, she finds a job delivering wedding cakes near her home in Reno, Nevada, even though she can barely handle a stick shift, never mind parallel parking. In her wry, spirited voice, Jory reveals her jealousy of her girlfriends, mistakes at work, conflict with her appearance-obsessed mom, muddles with various boys (including one who turns out to be gay), and, always, her anguish over her proboscis. Obsession is boring and repetitive, and this first novel is too long in descriptions of Jory’s mess-ups and the message-heavy resolutions, as she learns to see the best in herself and finds the perfect boyfriend. But the contemporary dialogue is rapid and funny, and teens will enjoy Jory’s comic self-deprecation and the way she gets the signals wrong, both while driving and on dates.

This happens to be another book that I'm really excited to read. It sounds really good and it's also signed! (:


The Comeback by Marlene Perez (ARC/ August 2009/ Point)

Sophie Donnelly is one half of the most popular and powerful couple in school, until new girl Angie Vogel shows up and compromises everything. Angie steals Sophie's starring role in the school play, and, worse, her super-popular boyfriend. Sophie has been quickly dispatched to social Siberia, but not for long--she'll do anything it takes to make a triumphant comeback.

The Comeback sounds like an interesting book. I can't wait to start to read it and see it I really do like it, because I hope I do!




Won:


Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson (Already Published/ May 2009/ Point)

Johnson certainly seems to have the formula for good, clean, readable chick-lit down pat, and this title does not disappoint. According to tradition, when the Martin children turn 15, they inherit a suite in the family's small Manhattan hotel and a job: to take care of the rooms and their occupant. On Scarlett's 15th birthday, Amy Amberson sweeps into the suite that Scarlett has just inherited. The woman is demanding and brash, but she does have her charms (and large amounts of cash). In the beginning, Scarlett is overwhelmed, but then her role becomes that of Mrs. Amberson's assistant for her projects, which change on a whim. When Amy decides to help the theater troupe that Scarlett's brother is involved in put on Hamlet, the teen begins a romance with one of the actors. Then everything starts to go awry, and when things get tough, Amy abandons ship, and plucky Scarlett is left to step in and save what needs saving, something that she does with flair. Scarlett's brand of humor is particularly dry and well articulated. This novel blends sibling rivalry and the importance of family, friendship, and romance into a plot that is charming and well delivered.

This is the first time I've won a contest for a book so I'm excited(:

Bought:

I didn't buy any books this week, no need(:

Borrowed:

I didn't need to borrow any either(:

All summaries were taken from Amazon.com.

-Lexi(:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Summary: Choices.

Everyone faces them, but seventeen-year-old Mia has faced some tough ones.

Choosing her first love, music, over her boyfriend.

Leaving her friends and family behind to purse a dream.

Mia learns that in an instant, everything can change.

One car ride changed everything for her.

Mia lost everything.

Now only one choice really remains.

It's the only one that matters to her, to everyone.

Rating: 4 Stars

Reveiw: If I Stay has been sitting on my desk for a month calling me name, and I managed to read it in one night. I fell in love with it right away. I love the way that Gayle writes and how she went from past to present and back again. It showed how Mia's life was before the accident and how much her and her boyfriend really do love each other. The characters were all so lovable, they all cared and wanted to best for Mia whatever it may be. The ending of If I Stay was really unpridictable. The way Gayle wrote it, you thought the opposite was going to happen. It almost had to sitting on the edge of your seat! I loved it. I'm so glad I finally read this book, but I wish I would have sooner.

-Lexi

New Blog(:

Hey everyone!

My best friend in the whole world has made a blog!

We just made the blog so there isn't really anything on it, but she reads a LOT so she should have some reviews up soon(:

www.whyhaveaboyfriendwhenyoucanhaveabook.blogspot.com

Follow her! She's nice.

Thanks guys(:

-Lexi

Candor by Pam Bachorz

Pub Date: September 2009

Summary: Candor teens are changed for life.

In Candor, Florida, teens are very different.

They respect their elders, they enjoy homework, and they do their chores.

Only, the teens do this because they are controlled by subliminal messages.

Oscar, the son of the town's founder, has figured out a way to ignore the messages, and get teens out of the town, for a price.

But then Oscar meets Nia and falls for her.

He can't lose her, he can't see her changed.

Oscar has a big choice ahead of him.

Should he help Nia escape Candor and lose her forever or should he keep her close and risk everything he's worked for?

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: When I started Candor, I wasn't sure what to expect. The plot sounded different, the characters unique, I couldn't wait to start reading it. The beginning of Candor was different but I loved it. The characters were all really well developed and they interacted well. Oscar was definitely a new kind of character. He went against all the rules that his father has set for the whole town, it was interesting. I loved Nia the moment she came to town, she was my kind of character. Dark, funny, unique, everything that makes a girl different but special. She was definitely my favorite character. The romance she has with Oscar was very cute, I really like them together. But the ending of Candor was so surprising. Pam Bachorz definitely wrote this book so you wouldn't see it coming. At first I wasn't sure what to think about it, but it started to grow on me and I think it fit this book really well.

-Lexi(:

Let's Be Friends Award

I received this award from Katie at Katie's Book Blog. I wanted to thank her for giving me this awesome and very cute award(:

Here's a little information on this wonderful award(:

Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and befriend. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers.

My nominees:

Laina from Laina Has Too Much Spare Time.
Ashley from Books Make Great Lovers!
Neveen from Princess Neve Reviews.
Taschima from Bloody Bookaholic.
Liyana from LiyanaLand!
Amanda from Reviewabook123.
Emily from That One Girl Emily.
Emma from Don't Lose My Place!

Well there ya go guys!

It's now time for me to go to bed.

-Lexi(:

Alternative Covers 9

This weeks book is Paper Towns by John Green.

I personally adore him, I think he's an amazing writer.

I love all of his books, this one happens to be my second favorite(:

Everyone knows the original, hardback cover:



I really like this cover, I have since it first came out.

I love the bright colors and the girl, but I also love the dark cover:



Those two cover are probably the most known for Paper Towns.

But, Paper Towns recently came out in Australia, so here's the Australian cover:



I adore this cover. It's so.. I don't know how to describe it, but I think it's my favorite cover.

I love how there's the map in the corner and I love how the girls positioned on it.

Like always, I wanna hear what you have to say.

Comment and tell me!

-Lexi(:

A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl by Tanya Lee Stone

Summary: Josie, Nicollete, and Aviva.

Three girl who couldn't be more different.

But they all have one thing in common. A Bad Boy.

Each girl allows him to get under their skin.

They all wonder why he chose them.

What they don't realize is that he's really only after one thing.

Can each girl choose the right path to go down?

Can they realize and protect themselves before it's too late?

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: I'm not sure why I loved A Bad Boy Can Be Good For a Girl so much, but I did. I thought that it was a wonderful book. I had heard many good things about it so I was really excited to start reading it, and it definitely met my expectations. The title of this book is amazing in itself. I guess that it does go to show that a bad boy CAN be good for a girl. Tanya wrote this book to teach teenage girls many things. It teaches you to know when a guys after one thing, how to move on, how to protect yourself, how to wait until you know it's your time. I learned a lot from this book like I'm sure everyone else who reads this does. Time to go buy a copy since I know Ashley won't let me keep her copy.

-Lexi(:

The Au Pairs by Melissa de la Cruz

Summary: Three girls. Three different agendas. Destination: the Hapmtons.

Mara, Eliza, and Jacqui are three very different girls.

Each girl answered a classified ad to become an au pair for a certain reason.

Mara needed money for a car and college.

Eliza wanted to get back where she "belonged".

Jacqui wanted to find her long lost love, Luca.

The girls never expected things would be as hard as they are.

Maybe it could still shape up to be the summer of their lives like they dreamed it would be.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Review: I really like Melissa de la Cruz writes. I love all of her books that I've read. The Au Pairs was definitely what I expected it to be. It was a very fun summer read. It had a lot of romance and friendship which is what summer is all about. I really can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. By the end of the book I loved all of the characters and how they interacted. I wanted to know everything else by the end. Time to go buy the rest of the books!

-Lexi(:

In My Mailbox (7/12 to 7/18)

This week kind of sucked for books. :(

For Review:

NONE! :( This really upset me. Haha

The Bought:

Also, none.

The Borrowed:


A Bad Boy Can be Good for a Girl by Tanya Lee Stone

Three girls succumb to the charms of one sexy high school senior and emerge wiser for the experience in this energetic novel in verse. Josie is a self-assured freshman who values her girlfriends over boys until a hot jock focuses his attention on her and her simmering hormones break into a full boil. Confused by her behavior, yet unable to control her desire, she acts out every romantic cliché she has ever disdained, until the boy drops her and she experiences the chill of rejection. It is Judy Blume's Forever that sparks Josie's fire again, and finding a few blank pages at the back of the library's copy, she sends a warning to the girls of her school. Next readers meet Nicolette, a junior who sees her sexuality as power. A loner, she's caught by surprise at her own reaction when this popular boy takes notice of her. Suddenly she thinks she sees the difference between sex and love, and then, just as suddenly, he's gone. Finally, Aviva, a pretty, smart, artsy, and funny senior, is stunned when the jock seems to want her. She gives up her virginity, only to be disappointed in both the sex and the boy. Furious, Aviva heads to the library to check out Forever, now crammed with the words of girls who suffered the same fate at the hands of the same boy. The free verse gives the stories a breathless, natural flow and changes tone with each narrator. The language is realistic and frank, and, while not graphic, it is filled with descriptions of the teens and their sexuality.


The Au Pairs by Melissa de la Cruz

Sun and sea, hot parties, hot guys, and the promise of $10,000 for taking care of four overprivileged, undersupervised kids. This is the life that awaits three teens during a summer in New York's exclusive Hamptons. Eliza, whose father's fortune fell, is hoping to recapture some of the glamour and luxury of her former life by taking this position where her family once had a summer home. Mara is looking for a way out of her small hometown and a way to earn enough money for a car and college tuition. Jacqui, a Brazilian beauty used to getting everything she wants, is looking for the one thing that eludes her: true love. The three are hired by the Perrys and wade through problematic relationships, power struggles, and the ever-important social scene. De la Cruz name-drops and power-shops throughout, creating an entertaining vision of how "the other half" lives. The Au Pairs offers wealth, status, steamy sex, lots of heavy drinking, changing values, and juicy fun on the East Coast for fans of Zoey Dean's "The A-List" series and Cecily von Ziegesar's "Gossip Girl" series (both Little, Brown).



Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

Dominique, a high-school senior in Fort Myers, Florida, is an aspiring doctor whose favorite book is Grey's Anatomy. Wes, a fellow senior, becomes her first boyfriend, and the two inexperienced teens explore first love, and sex, together. Written in Dom's authentic voice, Snadowsky's debut novel is an unusually honest portrayal of a teen girl's sexual discovery. Comparisons to Judy Blume's Forever (1975) are inevitable; even the plot, from the couple's initial fumbles to their breakup after separation, is similar. What feels so new here is the nonsensationalized explicitness. Dom speaks with an almost scientific curiosity: "I can recognize the features of his penis from my anatomy books." And her sexual insecurities are just as direct: "What if I squeal or scream or fart?" Also rare and authentic are scenes of Dom experimenting on her own, when she finally experiences her first orgasm. Snadowsky considers all the questions: Does sex mean love? What's normal in a relationship? Like Forever, this sensitive, candid novel is sure to find a wide audience among curious teens.

All summaries from Amazon.

-Lexi(:

Winners of the Harry Potter Contest

So I have the winners of the Harry Potter Contest.

There was five lucky people who get a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

1. Llehn
2. Alicia
3. BrittLit
4. Ashley
5. Throughthehaze

Since everyone left their email I will get in touch for your email then mail the books as soon as possible.

Thanks for entering everyone!

I'm going to post about another contest soon.

The book this time will be a copy of Over the End Line.

-Lexi(:

After the Moment by Garret Freymann- Weyr

Summary: When Leigh meets Maia he doesn't know what to think about her.

Maia's pretty, but not pretty-pretty. She's brave. She's smart. She's also a train wreck.

Leigh is the the opposite.

He's popular. He's cute. He's very polite.

Maia eats her meals with the Hunter family as a part of her recovery program.

At first Leigh just wants to help her get healthy, but as their friendship progresses, he finds himself falling in love.

When Maia is raped one night when Leigh is away in New York, he blames himself.

His own world comes crashing down.

Leigh realizes that maybe it's harder to save the one person you care about so much.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: I definitely enjoyed reading After the Moment. I thought that the relationship between Maia and Leigh was cute how it slowly started and progressed. Garret touched on so many problems that go one in people's every day life. Eating disorders, self-mutilation, sex, rape. There was everything in this book. I myself have dealt with many of these different issues, self-mutilation being the biggest, so I always enjoy reading about how others have gotten over such things. The biggest thing in this book was how Leigh wanted to do anything to protect Maia. I loved that. After the Moment is a really amazing book. It's definitely worth reading.

-Lexi(:

Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Pub Date: September 15, 2009

Summary: Breathers are what ghosts call the living humans on the Earth.

Cass McKenna prefers hanging out with the ghosts then the "breathers".

To Cass, the ghosts aren't complicated and they've always been very dependable.

Also, they know the dirt on everyone.

Cass loves dirt.

She also hates the poseurs at her school.

She's made a mission for herself: expose all of their secrets.

When Tim, the Vice President of the Student Council, finds out her secret, Cass knows that now everything hangs in the balance.

Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

After Tim tells Cass her wants to talk to his mother who has recently died, she becomes entwined into Tim's life.

More then she ever wanted or needed.

Cass is surprised when she starts realizing that maybe some people aren't as bad as you first think.

All you have to do is give them a chance.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Review: Let me first say that I loveeee this cover. I think it's really cute. It gives away some of might happen in Give Up the Ghost but just enough that it makes you want to read it. So saying that, I was really excited to start reading this book. Like most of the other reviews I've been posting lately, I read this book in one day (where do I get all my free time??). Well actually I stayed up until 2:30 in the morning. I just didn't want to put the book down. For me, the ending was definitely the best part of the book. I was really happy the way Give Up the Ghost ended, even if I could predict it a little bit, but I think that was kind of the point. Anyway, Megan Crewe did a wonderful job writing this book. I loved all of the characters. Mostly they were all really well developed. I say, go pick up a copy of this book when its released.

-Lexi(:

Alternative Covers 8

This weeks book is Forever by Judy Blume(:

Ashley helped me pick out this weeks book. Thanks Ash!

You can visit her blog here(: but back to the post.

Since there's like sooo many different covers, I'm just gonna kinda group them together.

But here's the newest paperback cover. It's the one I own and the one I used for the review:



This one is by far my favorite cover(:

I'm thinking this one is one of the older paperback covers. Like the second newest. Not sure. It's the cover goodreads.com uses. Haha



So these are the rest of the covers that I found. You can tell by looking at them that some are older then others. (:




There ya have it guys(:

I personally loved this book and I know Ashley did too!

Don't forget to comment and give me your thoughts!

-Lexi(:

Okay Guys..

Just three more people need to sign up for my Harry Potter contest.

There's five winners and only two people have signed up.

Enter here to win a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I'll make it easy on ya guys.

The next two people to sign up are automatically entered.

If I get more then three entries, then the last winner will be randomly chosen.

Just enter guys, please.

-Lexi(:

Devoured by Amanda Marrone

Pub Date: September 22, 2009

Summary: Megan takes a job at the Land of Enchantment amusement park so she can spy on her boyfriend Ryan and his best friend Samantha.

Samantha happens to be in love with Ryan.

When Megan starts seeing the ghost of her dead sister, Remy, she knows this summer can't possibly be the good one she was hoping for.

Then Luke, another employee at the Land of Enchantment, tells Megan that he can see Remy too.

Megan doesn't know how to save her sister.

When something very unexpected happens, she knows she has to try to find away to change what else might happen.

Only to make things more complicated, Megan's new friend Ari has a serious crush on Luke.

But Luke has eyes for someone else. . . Megan.

Rating: 3 Stars

Review: I didn't really enjoy Devoured. For me, it started off way to fast. It seemed like everything was happening at once. Then towards the middle of the book, things got kinda boring. At the end, things seriously picked up. I wish this book would have slowed down so things could have had more time to develop. Including the characters. Megan and Luke were pretty much the only well developed characters. I didn't really like Ryan that much. So I'm happy that it ended the way it did(: At a couple parts I got a little confused mostly because I didn't know the story of Snow White very well. If you're planning on reading Devoured, brush up on the fairy tale.

-Lexi(:

Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton

Summary: Jane's big sister has always been the center of attention.

She's everything Jane wants to be.

Pretty. Popular. Straight A Student.

Or in other words, Perfect.

No one ever pays attention to Plain Jane.

But, on her twelfth birthday, Lizzie takes her final turn in her road to a fatal eating disorder.

Now Jane knows what's harder then living in her sister's shadow.

Living without her.

After a tragic accident, Jane learns how to focus all of her feelings on something new.

Looking through a camera lens and seeing her life differently.

Her family is broken but maybe through all the pain, Jane can see that ever girl has her own season to blossom.

Rating: 3 Stars

Review: Jane in Bloom was an interesting book. Going into it I kind of thought that it seemed a little too short, but it's length wasn't a problem because the story was told really well in a small period of time. It didn't take me very long to read this book. I read it in one night. Mostly because it's a quick book, but I did enjoy it. I liked how the plot sounded and I think that books that have eating disorders aren't really read that much. To me, eating disorders add something to the book. It made me happy to see that Jane focused all of her anger and pain into something positive and how she actually felt important to her family. Jane in Bloom was a good book but I also think that maybe it could have been a little better. You're definitely pulled into the book though, which I liked.

-Lexi(:

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Summary: Alexis thought that her high school experience was dysfunctional.

Her parents marriage. Her doll obsessed sister, Kasey. Her antisocial attitude.

Alexis soon realizes that her dysfunctional life is becoming dangerous.

Kasey is acting stranger then ever.

Her blue eyes turn green. She uses old fashioned language. She loses chunks of time.

The old house that Alexis and her family lives in is also changing.

Doors close on there own. Water boils on an unlit stove. An unplugged air conditioner runs so long Alexis and Kasey can see their breath.

At first, these things seem harmless.

But then, they become life-threatening to everyone who steps foot inside the house.

Alexis knows she is the only one who can save her sister.

But, what if the green-eyed girl isn't even her sister anymore?

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: I really enjoyed this book. Although, at times I did get a little more freaked out then necessary because the main characters name was Alexis. Haha. But, Bad Girls Don't Die was really good. It also has some romance in it(: I think that most of the characters were really well defined. I could see myself connecting with them. I was instantly pulled in. Even though this book isn't that small, I ended up reading it in one night. I really couldn't put it down. It's been awhile since I've read a kind of scary, mystery book and now I know why I used to love them. To me, it's cool not being able to guess what happens next, with this book, I was guessing the whole time. It was a good read. I hope Katie Alender comes out with another book soon because I think I'm really going to like them.

-Lexi(:

In My Mailbox (7/6 to 7/11)

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren. If you want more details, click here.

Yes, this is my first time doing this and I'm excited(:

So, here are the books!

For Review:


Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
(ACR/ September 2009/ Henry Holt and Company)

(From Amazon) Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over “breathers.” Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody…and Cass loves dirt. She’s on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life, she’s surprised to realize he’s not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance…

I can not wait to read this book! I loveee the cover!

Candor by Pam Bachorz
(ARC/ September 2009/ Egmont USA)


(From Goodreads) Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he's found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He's got them all fooled: Oscar's the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he's made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. Oscar has even found a way to get rich. For a hefty price, he helps new kids escape Candor, Florida before they're transformed into cookie-cutter teens. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar's carefully-controlled world crumbles.

I love the plot and concept of this book. It seems a lot different.



Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick
(ARC/ October 2009/ Simon Pulse)

When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Holly...and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly's mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she's getting desperate to feel something, anything--so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul's kisses are a welcome diversion...and it's nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.

But things aren't so simple with Saskia around. Paul's real girlfriend is willowy and perfect... and nothing like Holly. To make matters worse, she and Holly are becoming friends. Suddenly the consequences of Holly's choices are all too real, and Holly stands to lose more than she ever realized she had.

I think this book sounds cute. I'm excited to start reading it.

The Bought:

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel


(From Amazon) Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever’s powers are increasing, Damen’s are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.

Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen’s past—the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden—but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day...

I love Alyson Noel. I can't wait to read this.


Body Surfing by Anita Shreve

(From Amazon) The beach house in New Hampshire which figured in Anita Shreve's The Pilot's Wife, Fortune's Rocks, and Sea Glass is once again featured in Body Surfing. This time, it is the summer home of the Edwards family, Anna and Mark and daughter Julie. Mrs. Edwards has great hopes for Julie, who is "slow," so she hires Sydney to tutor her, in preparation for her senior year. There are two older brothers, Jeff and Ben, whose arrival changes the household dynamic considerably.
Once again, Shreve revisits the minefield of love and betrayal that she has explored so well in her best novels. Sydney is 29, twice married, once divorced, and once a widow. She is floundering, not sure she wants to go back to school, accepting whatever job comes along and then moving on. She answers the ad for a tutor and finds herself in the Edwards household, where she discovers that Julie has undiscovered artistic talent. Mrs. Edwards dislikes her instantly, is dismissive, and treats her like a servant. Mr. Edwards befriends her, shows her his roses and talks to her about the history of the house, giving the reader a rundown of the role the house has played in prior novels.

Sydney, Jeff, and Ben go body surfing late one night and Sydney is sure that Ben has tried to grope her underwater. She takes immediate umbrage at this and treats him coldly thereafter. Shreve's other work has a steady narrative flow, but this novel is episodic and disjointed. There is the the arrival of Jeff's girlfriend, her departure, an evening when Julie comes home drunk and won't talk about it, and a liaison between Sydney and Jeff which leads to the complications that eventually define the novel. There is a twist at the end, involving the brothers, that is divisive, destructive and rather hard to believe.

I enjoyed Testimony by Anita so I thought I'd give this book a try(:

Thanks for reading my new post guys!
-Lexi(:

The Lost Summer by Kathryn Williams

Summary: Summer for seventeen-year-old Helena Waite means, Southpoint.

Every July, she returns to the familiar routines, faces, and landmarks.

This year, will be different though.

Helena is returning as a counselor, not a camper like all of the years before.

The worst part is that her best friend, Katie Bell, is a camper for one more year.

Helena begins to see the difference between being a counselor and a camper.

The nights are now filled with things so different from sleep.

Late-night Pranks. Skinny-Dipping. Hooking Up.

With this new summer life, Helena finds herself turning her back on the one person who was always there for her, Katie Bell.

Things get even more confusing for her when a summer crush turns into something more then she ever expected, a romantic possibility.

All of those carefree summers are slipping away.

Helena finds herself asking, why growing up means changing.

Rating: 5 Stars

Review: I loved The Lost Summer. I was pulled into the story, the characters, the plot from the beginning. I actually read this whole book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down no matter what. Helena was a unique character but yet she was like every other teenage girl with a crush that never went away. I was so surprised when it turned out that Ransome had feelings for Helena too. It was really cute and special how their relationship and feelings for each other began to develop more and deepen. The ending that Kathryn Williams wrote was so surprising. I never thought that The Lost Summer would end that way. I found myself crying as I read it. It was so heart-felt and touching. I really don't know any words to describe it right now. It was simply amazing. Every single part. I loved it. There is no way I will ever not read this book again. It's in my top 5 now. Amazing.

-Lexi(:

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Summary: Auden missed out on a lot while growing up.

Riding a bike being one of the many things.

Auden was forced to grow up very quickly which continued through her parents' divorce.

She was always cast as the little adult while her brother, Hollis, never stopped being a kid.

Auden's main focus was always her academics, she was always trying to please her mother.

The summer before college, Auden moves to the small town of Colby to spend time with her father, his new wife, and their baby.

She starts working at a little shop along the boardwalk.

While there, Auden starts to learn all of the things about girls that she missed out on.

Their Friendships. Conversations. Laughter. Romances.

One night, Auden meets Eli. The town loner, who happens to very intriguing to Auden.

Eli happens to be a fellow insomniac who introduces Auden to the world of Colby after dark.

Eli takes Auden a quest.

For Auden, it's about experiencing the carefree teenage life she missed.

For Eli, it's about putting his past behind him.

But, there's one question.

Will this quest tear them about or.. bring them even closer together?

Rating: 5 STARS

Review: I LOVE SARAH DESSEN! Every one of her books is absolutely amazing! Along for the Ride proved even more that Sarah is one writing who is sticking around for a while. Auden and Eli had chemistry from the very beginning, but you weren't really sure where they would go with it. I loved how Auden learned how much she missed out on but gained it all. She became a kid again, yet growing up in the process. Auden's relationship with her dad was unique as it was with her mom. You could kind of tell that Auden sort of blamed herself for their divorce. I liked how Auden and Hollis had a good relationship for brother and sister. They were different, but yet really alike. You could tell that they did love each other. I really don't know what I can say about Sarah Dessen. She is simply an amazing author. I loved Along for the Ride. It's now my second favorite book by Sarah Dessen. I can't wait until I can read this again!

-Lexi(:

It's Not You, It's Me by Kerry Cohen Hoffmann

Summary (taken from the inside cover of the book): Zoe loves Henry.

Henry leaves Zoe.

Zoe wants Henry back so bad.

She'll do anything to get what she wants.

Zoe and her two best friends come up with what they think is the best plan to win him back.

Make him jealous.

But what happens when the plan takes a turn?

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars

Review: I wasn't really fond of It's Not You, It's Me. I felt that the plot wasn't really the original. The book of been written better too. But, it was a very light quick read which some people do like more, I just happen to not be one of those people. When I started this book, I went in with an open mind even after all of the reviews I had read before it. I don't think that going in with an open mind helped me like this book in anyway. I wish it would have been a lot better but it wasn't. Maybe if the plot was just a little different and if it would have had more detail, It's Not You, It's Me would have been a lot better.

-Lexi(:

Alternative Covers 7

I have chosen Before I Die By Jenny Downham for this weeks book(:

I read and LOVED Before I Die. I thought it was amazing.

You can read my review here and comment it if you want(:

For my post, I used this cover:



It's the hardback one.

But when I googled this book, I found two other covers.

Here's the first one:



This one happens to be the UK cover. I actually like this one. Maybe even more then the hardback one.

Here's the final alternative cover:



I think this one is the paperback cover or maybe the audio book cover.

Whatever it is, it's my favorite. I love this cover.

I'm not really sure why THIS one is the one I like the most.

I think it might be how the girl is laying on my grass and the colors in it.

Okay, you all know this part, tell me which cover you like best and why(:

-Lexi(:

Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Pub Date: August 25, 2009

Summary: They taunt you. They trip you. They break one.

One day can change everything. In one day, someone can snap.

Will and Ernie both don't have many friends at school, just each other.

They have a few things in common, but they have one major one: the school jocks.

The jocks must think that bullying is a new sport. It's all they seem to focus on lately.

Ernie and Will always walk the halls in together.

There's supposed to be strength in numbers, right?

But one day, Will has the worst day of all.

In front of his eyes, Ernie sees Will snap.

Loss. Humiliation. Anger.

Every thing's getting to Will all at once in great numbers.

Ernie doesn't know what to do.

Should he join Will in getting revenge?

Should he tell on Will and risk death?

Is the possibly a third choice, another way?

Rating: 4 Stars

Review: I really enjoyed Diary of a Witness. When I first started it, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I was hoping it would be really good, and it was(: I loved the point of view. I haven't really read many books told from a guys POV, just the books by John Green. Every author writes differently, so I guess you could say that I had SOME expectations, but not many. I could have had higher expectations though because Catherine Ryan Hyde I truly think she would have met thing. This is a really good book, at least I think so. I can't wait to see what other people have to say about Diary of a Witness. But, I think more people should read this. It definitely teaches you something about bullying. I actually learned some things while reading this book. I hope that when others read Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde, they do too!

-Lexi(:

California Baby(:

So if you're reading this right now, I'm probably either on my way to San Diego, California or there!

Vacation is a wonderful thing, dontcha thing?

Especially when you spend it on the beach in sunny Cali(:

I'm gonna have a post or two scheduled, but other then that, don't expect much.

I will becoming back Wednesday though(:

So you won't be without me for very long!

The worst part is that I don't think I'll be able to check my email while I'm gone!

I hate that, my email happens to be my life.

So, please don't email me with something urgent and expect me to email back right away.

I won't be able to.

But, I just wanted to let everyone know why my blog will be kind of non-existent while I'm gone.

Be back Wednesday guys!

-Lexi(:

Second Skin by Jessica Wollman

Pub Date: July 14, 2009

Summary: Popularity. A-List. Worshipped. The IT Girl.

Those are things every girl wants during her high school career.

What if you could have all those things?

Would you leave everything about your old life behind? Even your best friends?

Why not, right? I mean, you would be popular.

That's what happens to Samantha Klein one day.

The most popular girl in school becomes her next door neighbor.

Sam finds out why Kylie is so popular.

It's not because of her clothes, her hair, her spot on the cheerleading squad.

It's none of that.

Kylie has a second skin.

No one can tell she wears it, you can barely even tell you have it on.

When you wear it, you feel different.

You feel popular, special, invincible.

Sam has a plan to become the most popular girl in school.

Can she go through with the plan?

Can she lost everything she once held dearly to her?

Rating: 3 Stars

Review: Second Skin was so not what I expected. The main idea that Jessica Wollman came up with was definitely something that I had yet to read. Sometimes I don't like books that are really far off, but I did enjoy this one. It's not one of my favorite books, but it's enjoyable. It's the book to read if you want something new and different. I did, however, liked the lesson that both Sam and Kylie learned at the end of the book. I always love an ending with a message. Personally, I've never really wanted to be popular, it's just not my place. Second Skin sure didn't change my mind. I mean, yeah it does sound fun, but I couldn't lose all of my friends. So it was nice to read a book where the characters don't want to be popular anymore after they have actually experienced it. Instead of the fairy tale ending where the IT girl loves her life and couldn't imagine it going back to the old way. All in all, I really liked the angle of Second Skin.

-Lexi(:

Awards(:

Thank you Michelle for this award!

I've never gotten this award before so here's what you're supposed to do, list seven of your favorite things and nominate seven blogs that deserve this award.

My 7 things:

1. Friends
2. Swimming
3. Music
4. Reading(:
5. Laughing
6. Talking
7. Movies

My 7 blogs:

1. Laina(:
2. Ashley(:
3. Amanda(:
4. Christina(:
5. Emma(:
6. Taschima(:
7. Nev(:

Now for my second award(:



I got this award from Amanda anddd from Taschima! Thanks so much guys(:

I'm not really sure what this award is for is about so I looked! (:

"This blog invests and believes in the Proximity - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

Awww, that's so cute(:

Now for the nominating, I don't have a lot of time right now, so if your name is nominated above, then you're nominated for this one too!

I just need 8 people for this one, so the last person is..

8. KD! (:

Thank you for these awards everyone! I appreciate it(:

-Lexi

Alternative Cover 6

Sarah Dessen.

Who doesn't just LOVE her books?

I don't know, but I know that I really love all of her books.

Personally, I think that they're amazing.

So, this weeks books is, Lock and Key.

Here is the US cover for the book:


This cover definitely goes along with the title of the book.

But, here's the paperback cover:


I think that this cover is REALLY cute! (:

Last but not least, we have the UK cover:


I like the key on this cover, but that's about it.

If you couldn't tell, my favorite cover out of these three is the paperback one.

It's so cute! I love how the girl is just sitting there.

My least favorite is the UK cover. I'm not really fond of any of the UK covers for Sarah Dessen's books.

Anyway, the whole reason for this post is to hear what you have to say(:

So, comment and tell me!

-Lexi(: