Perfect Scoundrels

Warning:  Read Ally Carter’s Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals before proceeding. The third book in this series, Perfect Scoundrels, is not a stand-alone novel! You need prior knowledge of the characters to really grasp what’s going on!

It’s my last day of spring break, and, to be totally honest, I am not ready to go back to school. Don’t get me wrong. I love my job, most of the people I work with, and my students…but this week has been kind of awesome. I’ve shopped, taken lots of naps, watched what some would say is way too much Doctor Who, and I’ve read several fantastic books. One of those books, Perfect Scoundrels, the third book in Ally Carter’s Heist Society series, has me wondering how I would fare as part of a crew of top-notch thieves. For a rather large woman, I’m often overlooked in a crowd, so I think I would be great at gathering intel. I’m also fairly decent with computers and research, so that’s another strength. I’m horrible, though, when I have no plan, and you can forget anything that requires even the smallest amount of athletic prowess. So, I guess, at least for the time being, I’ll stick with being an elementary school librarian and part-time book blogger. Oh well…I have my Knight Reader persona for now.

If you’ve read Heist Society and Uncommon Criminals (and I assume you have if you’re still reading this), you probably have something of a crush on the character of Hale. Who wouldn’t? He’s cute, rich, funny, talented, and totally loyal to Kat and her merry band of thieves. So what could possibly happen to cause this seemingly perfect guy to go completely off the rails?

In Perfect Scoundrels, Hale is forced to finally deal with his family after the death of his beloved grandmother, Hazel. Kat doesn’t know how to help him through this, especially when it becomes crystal clear that she does not fit into his high society lifestyle. When Hale is named Hazel’s heir, though, Kat finds herself drawn into a bigger mystery than any she’s ever faced before. Why would Hazel leave her company to a teenager? And why would she leave her oldest, dearest friend out of her will? Something is up, and Kat is left to figure things out. But can she do this without Hale knowing? And if he finds out, what could it mean for their somewhat tenuous relationship?

As Kat and her crew begin to put the pieces together of the events surrounding Hazel’s death, a tale of corporate espionage comes into focus. She discovers that Hazel’s will might have been an elaborate forgery. What will this mean for Hale? And how can Kat prove that the will is a fake when the person who is sabotaging the Hale family seems to always be one step ahead of her?

Kat and crew will have to pull the biggest con of their lives if they have any hope of restoring order to Hale Industries and reclaiming the boy who has come to mean so much to all of them…but most especially to Kat. She feels Hale drifting away from her and toward the life and family he was born into. Can she expose the truth of what’s going on while keeping the boy she’s come to love? Can she convince him that his real family is the one he’s chosen? No matter what, Kat will have to pool every resource, every family member, every friend she’s ever known to reveal the truth of Hazel’s will. The real question is…will it be worth it if she ends up losing Hale? Find out when you read Perfect Scoundrels, the thrilling third book in Ally Carter’s Heist Society series!

Perfect Scoundrels is an excellent book, and it provides a lot of insight into the enigmatic character of W.W. Hale the Fifth. (We still don’t know what his initials stand for, though. Dare I hope we’ll find out in future books?) We learn that his nickname in the moneyed world of Manhattan is Scooter…which totally doesn’t fit the Hale I’ve come to know in previous books. We also learn a lot about how he and Kat met and how he interacts with his family (the majority of whom are cold, greedy snobs.) In my opinion, readers also discover a bit about just how much Hale really means to Kat. (Even Kat didn’t realize just how much she cared for him until she was in danger of losing him.) Kat also realizes how much it means to have friends and family who are always there for her. Even though she’s part of a family of thieves, they’re an honorable group, and family means everything to them. It’s touching.

I really hope that we haven’t heard the last of Kat, Hale, Gabrielle, Simon, Angus, Hamish, Uncle Eddie, and assorted other colorful characters. There’s already a novella that combines the world of Heist Society with Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls series. It’s called Double Crossed, and I read it yesterday before I began Perfect Scoundrels. It’s a pretty cool story, and it leads me to hope that these two worlds will intertwine once more.

If you like mysteries or tales of teenagers with very little adult supervision and seemingly unlimited resources, you definitely want to check out the entire Heist Society series. You may have to suspend reality a bit while reading these books, but the stories will definitely keep you guessing, and you’ll find yourself eager to see what happens next. It’s kind of like Ocean’s Eleven for the YA crowd.

For more information on Ally Carter, the Heist Society series, and several other books, visit her website at http://allycarter.com/. There’s also tour information and how to interact with the author through Twitter and Facebook. All you visual people may also like the book trailer from Hyperion Teens below. Have fun!

The Boy Project

I picked up Kami Kinard’s The Boy Project: Notes and Observations of Kara McAllister for two main reasons: 1) several of my students recommended it, and 2) the author lives in South Carolina and will be attending the annual conference for SCASL (South Carolina Association of School Librarians).  The cover and title alone clued me in that this would be a “girl book.”  (I wasn’t wrong.)  I just wasn’t prepared, I guess, for it to be a “girly-girl book,” if that makes any sense.  This book revolves around a seventh grade girl and her quest for a boyfriend.  While reading, I reflected on my own (horrible) time as a seventh grader, and it was hard for me to relate to the main character in this book.  When I was in seventh grade, I still thought boys were gross (and I still do to a certain extent).  Also, I knew I was in for a rough time when the very first paragraph got my dander up:

“I am starting this experiment because I have no choice.  Well, I have no choice unless you consider being a lifelong boyfriendless social outcast destined to die alone a choice.  Which it isn’t.”

Um, yeah…as someone who’s actually chosen to remain single and thinks a life of virtual solitude sounds like heaven, this was a little insulting.  (For those that don’t know, my lifelong ambition is to become a hermit.  I think I would be awesome at that.)  It seems to me that the main character in this book, at least in the beginning, has what I like to call the “Bella Swan Syndrome.” Having a boyfriend is the most important thing in the world, and a girl must do everything she can to obtain said boyfriend–and hold on to him–or she’ll just die.  (Can you tell that I’m a feminist?)

Although I had some issues with this book (due mainly to my own past and present circumstances), it’s easy to see why The Boy Project would appeal to readers in upper elementary and middle grades.  It’s a very fast read, often funny, and it even teaches readers a little about real-life applications of the scientific method. And even though I didn’t relate to the main character, I think many other readers will find it all-too-easy to make connections with Kara McAllister.

Kara McAllister is the only girl in the seventh grade who’s never been kissed.  Even worse, she’s never come close to having a boyfriend.  But she’s determined to change all that.  This year is her year.  She’s even going to make her quest for a boyfriend her science project.  She’ll use what she knows about the scientific method to gather data on guys she finds attractive and what they’re looking for in a potential girlfriend, and–Voilà!–she’ll apply her new-found knowledge and nab herself a boyfriend–and an A in science.  Simple, right?

As you can imagine, nothing is simple when it comes to figuring out boys and finding the perfect boyfriend, especially when the guy at the top of your list asks out your BFF.  Kara uses observations, “expert” advice, interviews with her sister, surveys, and eavesdropping in the boys’ bathroom to answer her all-important question:  How do I get a boyfriend?  Sometimes her research methods land Kara in a bit of trouble, and she even considers abandoning her project altogether, but she moves forward and realizes that maybe the key to finding a boyfriend isn’t to figure out what they’re looking for but to realize what she’s looking for.

Kara learns that she has to be true to herself if she wants others to see how great she is.  Yes, she (like everyone else in the world) could improve on a few things, but she has to be herself if she wants a boyfriend.  No, not just a boyfriend, but a boyfriend who will really make her happy.

Will Kara McAllister ever succeed in finding a boyfriend?  What will be the final results of her science project?  I’ll leave that for you to find out when you read The Boy Project by Kami Kinard.

I don’t know what else I can say about this book.  Parts of it were cute, and some young girls will like it, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.  I find the very idea that a girl MUST have a boyfriend to be disturbing, and, while that doesn’t end up being the primary message of this book, it’s still a big part of it.  There are worse things than not having a boyfriend. Trust me.

If you’d like to give The Boy Project a try or just want to learn more about the author, you can visit Kami Kinard’s website or follow her on Twitter.  You may also want to check out this book trailer that I came across on YouTube   It encapsulates the book fairly well.

Finale

Spoilers! If you haven’t read the first three books in Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush series (Hush, Hush, Crescendo, and Silence), stop whatever you’re doing, and get on with it! These books are super-duper, and the fourth and final book, Finale, is equally wonderful. If you have read the first three books, proceed with caution. This post might be a little spoilery. If you haven’t experienced this fabulous saga, stop reading this RIGHT NOW! This post will be extremely spoilery.

Before I get into talking about the awesomeness that is Becca Fitzpatrick’s Finale, let me vent a little bit. I had every intention of finishing this book days ago (instead of yesterday evening). Sadly, though, I had to return to school on January 2nd (which kind of stunk), so that ate into my reading time. (I really need a job that allows me to read all day…and stay in my pajamas. If you know of a job like this, please let me know.) Anyway, I was too exhausted when I came home from work to do anything more strenuous than vegging in front of the TV. Thursday night, I got violently ill, so I had to deal with that. I read a little Friday evening and Saturday morning, but I spent Saturday evening and Sunday morning with family, so not much reading was done. I finally caught a break on Sunday afternoon. I was able to become absorbed in a book with no interruptions. I tell you all of this to explain why I’m not doing so well with my resolution to read 400 books this year. The year has barely begun, and I’m already way behind. *dramatic sigh*

But I’m guessing most of you don’t give a flying fart in space why I’m not reading as much as I should, so let’s move on to the reason we’re all here. Yesterday, I finished reading Finale, the fourth and final book in Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush saga. This book was released on October 23rd, 2012, and I’m pretty sure I bought it the day it came out, so it had been sitting on my shelf for a couple of months before I decided to dive in. (I don’t have to remind you that I’m a busy girl, so it’s no secret why I didn’t get to it right away.) I had to reread my posts on the first three books in the series to remind me what happened previously, but, after that, I entered into the world of Nora and Patch rather seamlessly.

For those that don’t remember what happened at the end of Silence, here’s a short reminder:  Hank (Nora’s biological father and leader of the Nephilim) is dead, and Nora swore on the lives of her and her mother that she would lead his army. Nora became a member of the Nephilim (so she’s no longer totally human). It’s up to her to lead her new army against the fallen angels, but she doesn’t want to do that because the love of her life, Patch, just happens to be one of them. It’s quite the sticky wicket.

In Finale, Nora Grey is the new leader of the Nephilim. She doesn’t want to be the leader of this army, and the Nephilim don’t really want her as their leader, but a blood oath ensures that nobody gets what they want. Nora is now the Black Hand, and she is faced with a decision that will force her to choose between continued slavery for the Nephilim or the complete annihilation of the fallen angels…including Patch, her beloved.

At first, Nora thinks her job is fairly simple.  She’ll just lead the Nephilim into a peaceful alliance with the fallen angels. Alas, this is not to be. Neither the Nephilim or the fallen angels will go for it, and, once the archangels of Heaven get involved, it becomes even more of a no-go. Even Nora, after seeing what it really means to be Nephil, has doubts about peace even being a consideration.

And that’s not all that’s giving Nora reason to doubt her situation. Her best friend, Vee, is keeping secrets. Her boyfriend, Patch, can’t be seen with her. (When there’s a war brewing between Nephilim and fallen angels, it’s not the best idea to be seen cavorting with the “enemy.”) Also, his heinous ex-girlfriend has been sniffing around. Nora’s nemesis (and half-sister) has decided that living with Nora would be a good idea. To top it all off, it seems that someone–someone who Nora thinks can be trusted–is working to undo everything Nora is trying to achieve…and he or she is using devilcraft (think witchcraft…but way, way, way worse) to do it.

Will Nora be able to lead the Nephilim? Will she lead them to war or peace? And what will either situation mean for Nephilim, fallen angels, and, most importantly to this story, Nora and Patch? Is the future of their relationship doomed to fall before it really has a chance to fly? If Nora can find a way to bring a peaceful end to the war that is brewing, what–or who–will she have to sacrifice? What is the cost of freedom, and is Nora willing to pay it? Find these answers and more when you read Finale, the thrilling conclusion to Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush saga.

I don’t know if you can tell from this post, but I kind of adore this entire series. Until yesterday, I would have told you that Silence was my favorite book in the series, but I think Finale may have, at the very least, forced a tie. There was just so much drama! Yes, there were times when I had to close the book because I wanted to punch Nora in the face, but that’s how I know this story really gripped me. Also, even though there were tons of clues pointing to the true bad guy(s), I honestly didn’t see it coming. Maybe that makes me as gullible as Nora was, but that’s okay. If being gullible comes with having a fallen angel like Patch think you’re awesome-sauce, I’ll take it.

One complaint: I did feel like the epilogue was a little too neat. I would have liked to know more about what happened between the last chapter and the events in the epilogue. Some things, in my opinion, were just glossed over too much.

All in all, I think Finale was a great conclusion to what was an amazing series. I look forward to reading even more from Becca Fitzpatrick!

To learn more about Becca Fitzpatrick, you can visit her website or follow her on Twitter. You may also want to visit the official Hush, Hush fansite, Fallen Archangel, for the latest on this series, including movie news!

Still not enough? Well then…check out this super-cool book trailer for Finale from Simon & Schuster Videos. Knight Reader out!

Take a Bow

If you had asked my eighteen-year-old self what I was going to be fifteen years later, I would have said “a musician.”  I originally went to college as a music major (tuba, specifically).  It was a pretty cut-throat world, even in a small liberal arts college in South Carolina.  After two years of nearly working myself to death, I was completely burnt out.  (At one point, I was practicing eleven different instruments during the same semester.)  I changed my major and began a journey that would lead me to my true calling—school librarianship.  Music, though, has always been and will always be a part of my life.  I still play occasionally, and I’ve even been known to write a piece of music when the spirit moves me.  (I even did a stint as a low brass instructor for a marching band when I still worked at a high school.)  It should come as no surprise, then, that I enjoy books that combine my love of music with my love of young adult fiction.  Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg is a wonderful example of this winning combo. 

Take a Bow follows four high school students as they navigate the tough waters of a performing arts high school.  Emme is a songwriter who seems content to play with her band and write songs for her best friend, Sophie.  Sophie is a diva of the highest order who will stop at nothing to become a star.  (She reminded me a little of Rachel Berry on Glee.)  Carter is a former child star who is struggling with who he was, who everyone thinks he is, and who he wants to become.  Ethan is a gifted musician and songwriter who can’t seem to stop himself from self-destructing…even though he’s damaging the only relationship that really means something to him.

Each of these young people is dealing with the pressure that comes with striving to be the best performer in their fields—auditions, college applications, and nerve-wracking performances.  They’re also discovering just what they want out of life, and what they’ll do to get it.  People will be hurt, friendships will end, delusions will be shattered, dreams will be crushed, and lives will change, but Emme, Sophie, Carter, and Ethan will learn a lot about themselves, music, and life on their roads to success…and success won’t mean the same thing to all of them.  They’ll learn that sometimes the spotlight isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…and that true friends are there whether you’re falling on your face or taking a bow.

I truly enjoyed Take a Bow, especially glimpsing what each character was experiencing.  I totally identified with Emme.  (I was a very shy performer unless I was with a group.)  I loathed Sophie, and I couldn’t wait for Emme to really see the truth about her.  I rooted for both Carter and Ethan to get what they wanted (especially Ethan).  This is a perfect book for music, theater, and even art nerds.  It provides readers with a fairly accurate look at the competitive world of the performing arts.  It’s a little like Glee, but a lot more realistic.  (I love Glee, but I have no illusions that high school students break out into song in the halls or that the same three teachers seem to be involved in absolutely everything.)

If you’d like to learn more about Take a Bow and author Elizabeth Eulberg, visit http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/.  You can also like the author’s Facebook page or follow her on Twitter @ElizEulberg.  I’ve read two of her books so far (Take a Bow and Prom & Prejudice), and I look forward to reading many more!

Lola and the Boy Next Door

Before I begin telling you about Stephanie Perkins’ Lola and the Boy Next Door, I must urge you to read the amazing Anna and the French Kiss.  A couple of notable characters from Anna appear in Lola’s story, and it might be helpful–but not totally necessary–to read about their story before diving into Lola’s.  And, honestly, Anna and the French Kiss is a funny, romantic, beautiful novel that you really need to read anyway.  So do that.  Now.

Moving on to Lola…I loved everything about this book.  It’s got it all:  quirky, memorable characters, teen angst and drama, humor, and, most importantly, a love story that readers can really root for.  I also enjoyed that, unlike many other YA novels, Lola’s parents had a presence in her life.  They had rules they expected her to follow (which she didn’t always do, of course), and, in my opinion, Lola respected her parents and wanted their respect in return.  That was a nice change of pace from what I normally read.

Lola Nolan is a true individual. She dreams of being a fashion designer, and she sees clothing as a way to really express herself.  Lola’s appearance may change from day to day, but some things will always stay the same.  She will always be a loyal daughter, friend, and girlfriend.  She loves her dads, she supports her best friend, and she’s devoted to her boyfriend, Max.  In fact, she and Max (who is much older than her) have big plans for the future.  She’ll design fabulous costumes, and Max will enjoy success as a rock star.  All the while, love will keep them together.  (Anyone else have a Captain and Tennille song playing in their heads right now?)

Well, as you know, plans have a way of unraveling…especially when Lola’s first love–the boy who broke her young heart–moves back into the house next door and makes it clear he’s never forgotten Lola.

Cricket Bell was the first boy Lola ever loved, and, now that he’s back in town, Lola must face him, the past, and the rather confusing feelings Cricket inspires.  Can Lola and Cricket put the past behind them and be friends (even though one–or both–of them wants more)?  If they can be friends, how will Lola explain this relationship to Max, the boyfriend who’s been the center of her life for months?

Lola is becoming more conflicted by the minute.  She and Cricket are closer than ever, and it’s clear that there are strong feelings on both sides.  But Lola is still with Max.  Max, an older guy her parents and friends hate, a guy who’s not always nice or there for Lola, a guy who may not be as perfect as Lola once thought.  Will Lola wake up and see what’s obvious to everyone else in the world?  Will she give the boy next door the chance to be the boy that captures her heart?  Read Lola and the Boy Next Door to find out!

This book is an absolutely perfect example of young adult romance.  Stephanie Perkins has captured the very essence of young love and the drama that goes along with it.  Lola, like most teenage girls, is confused yet determined to go her own way, and she wants to be loved by those closest to her…and sometimes she makes things more difficult than they need to be.  I think we can all relate.

I’ll admit that Lola takes second place when it comes to my favorite character in this book.  I fell in love with Cricket Bell (and I think most readers will, too).  He is the perfect guy–not brooding or moody like most guys in YA novels–and he’s my new standard for, well, everything.  Move over Edward Cullen.  Cricket Bell has just taken your place.

If you’d like to read some truly stellar love stories, you must check out both Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door.  We can also look forward to another book to join these two, Isla and the Happily Ever After, due out in the fall of 2012.

For more information on author Stephanie Perkins and her wonderful books, visit http://stephanieperkins.com/index.html.  You won’t be disappointed.

How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend

A couple of days ago, I finished yet another book, How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison.  (Normally, I post on the books I read immediately after I finish, but, well, life got in the way.)  I think this makes the 290th book I’ve read so far in 2011. 

Anyway, as you may have guessed from the title of the book, this is very much a “chick” book.  It’s a light, quick read that will appeal to girls from middle school on up.  It’s not particularly deep, and the main character is a bit aggravating sometimes, but the story is decent and most girls will find something to relate to.

What would you do if you had to choose between your family and the love of your life?  That’s the dilemma facing Giovanna.  Her twin brother, Dante, has unexpectedly decided to run for student council president.  Giovanna expects her too-perfect-to-be-real boyfriend, Jesse, to help with Dante’s campaign, but things don’t really work out that way.  You see, Jesse’s best friend, Wilson, is also running for president, and Jesse has agreed to be his campaign manager.  Giovanna feels betrayed, so what does she do?  She breaks up with Jesse, of course.  (Stupid, stupid girl.)

Now, Giovanna is managing her brother’s campaign and sparring with Jesse on a regular basis.  She just doesn’t understand why he’s so devoted to Wilson.  Can’t he see that Wilson and his buddies are a bunch of stuck-up elitists who look down on everybody else?  They’ve always looked down on Giovanna, and, now that she and Jesse have split, it’s not getting any better, so she is determined that Dante will win this election.  The “little people” need a voice in this school.

As both campaigns heat up, Giovanna realizes that, although she loves her brother and wants to help him win, her feelings for Jesse are still there.  She wants him back, but can she forgive him for what she sees as a betrayal?  Could something more be behind his loyalty to Wilson’s campaign?  Does he want her back, too?  Read How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison to discover how one simple class election can both rip a couple apart and, quite possibly, bring them back together.

This book is full of your typical high school drama–objecting to frog dissections, dealing with mean, rich girls, horrible blind dates, fighting with parents and step-parents, young love, and simply trying to survive.  Giovanna has a way of inviting trouble into her life, as do many teenage girls.  (I know I did.)  As I said before, most girls will find something to relate to within the pages of this book.

If you’d like more information on this book and others by Janette Rallison, visit http://www.janetterallison.com/.

A Need So Beautiful

In previous posts on this blog, I have mentioned my many fears–clowns, zombies, evil children, thunderstorms, rodents, reptiles, arachnids, bugs, and the dark, just to name a few.  I haven’t however, mentioned my greatest fear, the one that really keeps me up at night and leaves me depressed during my waking hours.  It’s deeply personal, and I’m pretty sure only my mom knows that I have this fear.  It’s the fear of being forgotten.  The thought of no one remembering my existence is shattering.  (I’m pretty sure this all started in the eighth grade.  My science teacher was handing out papers or something, and he came to one with my name on it.  He had no idea who I was…and school was about to get out for the summer.)  Anyway, this fear took center stage when I read my latest book, A Need So Beautiful, by Suzanne Young.  The protagonist, Charlotte, is forced to face her own destiny, one where she loses everyone she loves and is completely erased from their memories.  She will be forgotten…

Ever since she can remember, Charlotte has felt the Need, an uncontrollable urge to help people in need.  She cannot control when or where the Need will hit, but she feels intense pain until she helps those who call to her.  At first, the Need would hit her every month or so.  Then, it became every week.  Now, though, the Need plagues her one or more times per day. 

Charlotte doesn’t know what’s happening to her, or even what she really is, but the Need is quickly destroying her.  It’s wrecking her relationships–with her boyfriend, her best friend, and her adoptive family.  She wishes she could ignore the Need, but the pain is just too much to handle.  She must help those who need her, even if it means losing parts of herself.  But when things begin to get even worse–like her body emitting a golden glow and people around her forgetting who she is–Charlotte seeks answers.  First of all, who and what is she?  Why does the Need compel her to help people she doesn’t even know?  And can she change her destiny before everyone in the world forgets she ever existed?

Charlotte’s search for the truth leads her to something she never expected.  She is one of the Forgotten, sort of an angel sent to earth to help those in need.  When she helps people, she is instantly forgotten.  And every time she helps someone, she draws closer and closer to the end of her own life.  She will wear out until she is nothing but light, and her entire being will be erased from the memories of those she encountered.  But there might be a way out.  There may be a way to keep her life, her plans, her boyfriend, and her family.  Is Charlotte willing to do anything to be remembered?  And what is the price she will have to pay to make it happen?  Will she be able to pay it?  Read A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young to find out.

A Need So Beautiful is a breathtaking book, and, if you’re anything like me, it will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.  It made me think about what it would really be like if no one remembered me.  (It would suck, by the way.)  But it also made me consider that there might be worse things than being forgotten.  Would I be willing to sacrifice my own desire to be remembered for the greater good?  Would you?

FYI, this book has a couple of adult situations, mostly involving sex, so I would recommend it for ages 16 and up.

If you’d like more information about this book or others by Suzanne Young, visit http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/.

Geek Magnet

It should come as no surprise to anyone that I am a geek.  Always have been, always will be.  I embrace my geekhood and everything that comes with it.  Others, however, do not appreciate how awesome it is to be a nerd, geek, dork, or various other names I’ve been called over the years.  The main character in Geek Magnet by Kieran Scott is also unappreciative of the geeks around her.  In fact, she’d like nothing more than being completely left alone by all of the nerdy guys who seem to gravitate toward her.  Well, she may just get her wish…

KJ is the stage manager of her school’s upcoming production of the musical Grease.  That’s a big job, but it’s not the only thing she’s dealing with.  She’s got a major crush on the most popular guy in school, Cameron.  She’s afraid to go home every day because she doesn’t want to face life with her alcoholic father.  And she’s the object of adoration of every geeky guy in the school.  Something’s got to give before KJ completely loses it.

When popular girl Tama Gold makes KJ her special project, it seems that things might finally change for the better.  KJ begins to tell people what she really thinks.  Granted, she’s being a complete witch most of the time, but how else is she supposed to get her point across?  The geeks are finally giving her some space, and Cameron is taking notice.  Sure, KJ is losing a couple of friends, but that’s a small price to pay for popularity, right?  KJ even tells her dad how she feels about his drinking.  All the anger she’s been bottling up begins to pour out, and KJ has never felt lighter.

But does KJ (or anyone else) like the person she’s becoming?  What happened to the nice girl who loved her friends and respected those around her?  Is there any way for KJ to mix her new, confident self with the sweet girl she used to be?  And what will happen when KJ’s life at home takes a total nosedive?  Where will her popular friends be?  What if her true friends were really the geeks she pushed away?  Who will really be there when things get rough?

Join KJ on her journey of self-discovery when you read Geek Magnet by Kieran Scott.  And remember–”The geek shall inherit the earth.”

I have to say that Geek Magnet had more serious moments than I initially expected.  Those moments helped to create depth in the character of KJ, who was a bit shallow at times.  The book was a little on the predictable side, but that’s okay.  It’s a light, fun read that will really appeal to all of the Gleeks out there.  The ending was satisfying and showed that KJ learned something throughout the course of the book.  Not all of her issues were resolved, but she learned to embrace her true self and the people who she could really count on.

For more information about author Kieran Scott and her books, visit  http://www.kieranscott.net/author.html.

Prom & Prejudice

Many people are surprised when I tell them that one of my favorite books of all time is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.  It is widely known that I prefer fantasy and science fiction, and Pride and Prejudice has neither vampires (that we know of) nor aliens (although some characters seem to be from other planets).  Yet it’s still one of my favorite books.  It’s a great story, and nothing tops that.  So, when I read the first lines of my latest read, I knew I was going to love it:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.

If you know anything at all about Pride and Prejudice, you know the significance of that line.  (And if you don’t, what are you waiting for?)  Well, this is how Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg begins.  Imagine, if you will, Jane Austen’s iconic characters as modern-day teenagers attending elite boarding schools.  Lizzie, Darcy, Bingley, Jane, Wickham, Lydia, and the others are all there, but the story is a little different when placed in the modern world…and a world focused on a high school prom, no less.

Lizzie is a scholarship student at the prestigious Longbourn Academy.  The other girls at school torture her because she is seen as poor.  She has only two friends–her roommate Jane and Charlotte, another scholarship student.  Lizzie is convinced that nearly all rich kids are snobby brats who care only about money and status…and that feeling only grows stronger when she meets Will Darcy.

Darcy attends the neighboring Pemberly Academy, and he and Lizzie butt heads almost immediately.  Both have preconceived notions about the other…and both of them are wrong.  As Lizzie and Darcy navigate the tough waters of high school, friendships, family, and prom, can they reconcile what they think they know of the other with what is really there?  Find out when you read Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg.

I think Prom and Prejudice will be a delightful read for those already familiar with Pride and Prejudice, and it could serve as a way to introduce young readers to this beloved story.  It is a very fast, light read and is suitable for middle grade students up to adult readers.  I was enchanted from the first page, and I plan to tell my fellow Austen fans about this wonderful adaptation of one of our favorite stories.

If you’d like more information about this book or any others by Elizabeth Eulberg, visit http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/.

The Unwritten Rule

Sometimes I amaze even myself.  In the past two days, I have finished three novels.  Yes, that’s right–THREE!  I even took time out to do laundry, wash dishes, clean my house a little, and have a wonderful birthday dinner with my family.  How did I do it all, you ask?  I have no idea, but I hope to make a habit of it.  (It helps that I am single, live alone, and have no one–other than my mother–telling me what to do.  It’s nice.)

Anyway, my third book this weekend was one of my fastest reads.  It took me less than four hours to read.  The book is The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott, and I think I was so engrossed in the book because I totally identified with the main character.  Let’s dive in…

There is one unwritten rule for girls:  You cannot like your best friend’s boyfriend.  Not even if you liked him before they got together.  Not if he seems to like you more than her.  Not even if you’re still in love with him.  This is what Sarah is going through.  She’s been friends with dynamic and popular Brianna since they were five, but Brianna is dating the guy Sarah has loved since the eighth grade.  Sarah knows her feelings for Ryan are wrong, but she can’t seem to stop herself, especially when Ryan begins to give her signals that he’s always wanted Sarah, not Brianna.

Sarah is confused and guilt-ridden, but she can’t stop the elation she feels when she thinks that Ryan may actually prefer her to Brianna, the gorgeous, confident, beautiful girl that everyone seems to go nuts over.  How is it possible?  She’s nothing special.  But she may be to Ryan.  When Sarah and Ryan share a forbidden moment, things get more confusing than ever for Sarah.  How can she be with Ryan when she knows it will hurt her best friend?  And how can she watch as Brianna tries desperately to hang onto Ryan?  Is there any way to resolve this bitter love triangle without someone getting hurt?  Dive into the drama when you read The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott.

Like I mentioned, I identified with the character of Sarah.  I, too, broke the unwritten rule when I was in high school.  I liked my best friend’s boyfriend.  (He didn’t like me back, but that’s another story for another day.)  I felt so guilty when they were going out, but I still wanted to be around him.  It was extremely painful, so I could relate to Sarah’s angst that seemed to pour off the pages of this book.  I could also relate to having a friend that seems to delight in making you feel bad about yourself.  I hated the character of Brianna because she reminded me so strongly of a couple of my so-called “friends” from my youth.  (Adolescence wasn’t exactly pleasant for me.)

Anyhoo, I think The Unwritten Rule is a great book, even though Sarah does tend to repeat herself a bit…but I think that’s indicative of how teenagers in love really think.  They obsess over everything, and the smallest change in their world could mean the end of life as they know it.  I’ve been there.  It’s exhausting.

If you would like more information about The Unwritten Rule or any other books by author Elizabeth Scott, please visit http://www.elizabethwrites.com/.