The Lightning Thief

by: Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1)

375 pages

Summary: Percy Jackson is just your average dyslexic, ADHD kid...until he finds out he's a demigod (half human, half god). After finding out quite abruptly, and at a cost, Percy finds himself at Camp Half-Blood-where all demigods, satyrs, centaurs, and more reside. But Percy quickly finds out that this camp isn't all fun and games, he also finds out who his father is...Then he's told that Zeus's lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. But there's one way Percy can clear his name...by taking the quest. After visiting the Oracle, about whether he should take the quest or not, he finds out that he will be betrayed by a friend, and he won't save what matters most. Despite hearing this, Percy takes the quest-accompanied by his half goat/half human stayr best friend Grover, and Athena's wise strategic daughter Annabeth, but they don't know what lies ahead of them, and that something more powerful than the gods is coming...


My Reaction: This book was...FaNtAsTic!!! I looved it! There was suspense, mystery, action, romance, friendship, and even humor. My favorite character would probably have to be Grover, he's clumsy but lovable. Riordan did an amazing job of creating characters that are relatable-even if ur not a half blood. He also took the gods, and made it into a YA (young adults) book. He did an amazing job. I couldn't put it down!! I've started the 2nd one already!

My Rating: 12/10




                                               Happy Reading & Christmas Vaca,


                                                                                                 ~Chantel***



P.S.  we got to 1300 views before Christmas, yayyy!! Thanks guys, soo much for checking out r blog, it means a lot :)(: 

Twelve

by: Lauren Myracle (Winnie Perry #3)

208 pages

Summary: After dealing with all the friendship issues, and her sister's mood swings last year, Winnie is ready to be 12 & one step closer to being a teenager. But being 12 is harder than being 11, because there's a lot more to deal with. 
                       Will her new friendship with Dinah be able to last? Can she handle the pressure's of junior high? And then there's all the embarrassing things that happen. And the pressure of dating. Will Winnie be able to handle all the new pressures of being 12?



My Reaction: Soo this book is the only book in the series that I actually read. This book series is good for tween girls, but NOT for teens. I mean there are some books about younger kids, that teen girls can read & they're great, but not this one. It did have a lot of everyday situations, but I felt like some of them didn't fit for girls who are 12, like getting a bra in 7th grade what? Like I know some girls get their 1st bras at 12, but not most girls... anyways, I think this book just depends on who you are, an how old you are. 

My Rating: 5.5/10




                                          Wishing For Books for Christmas,



                                                                                                ~Chantel<3


P.S. Do you guys find yourselves checking out The Teen Girl's Library constantly, follow us to get updates, and ask us questions! 
*Thanks for all the views guys, let's set a goal to get 1300 by Christmas, only 30 more to go!!

P.S. I Loathe You

by: Lisi Harrison (the Clique #10) 

208 pages

Summary: The Pretty Committee is done with the boy fast, not it's time for boy fever...

                       Massie has a plan to catch Dempsey's eye, while making her old crush Derrington jealous, cheering for Dempsey on the soccer field. So Massie decides to start a cheer leading squad. But now she has a problem, Dempsey and Layne have been spending time together-what? 

                       Kristen, has to make a choice: the Pretty Committee or the Witty Committee  and if she doesn't make a decision quick, she be Committee-less.

                        Dylan has a crush on...Derrington, who Massie's discarded, but will Massie be mad when she finds out that Derrington might feel the same way about Dylan?

                       Alicia isn't happy about the new cheer squad, especially since Massie outs her at the bottom of the pyramid. After this, Alicia isn't sure if she can keep her beta status...

                       Claire is happy now that she's back with Cam, but the rest of the Committee are swapping and getting new crushes faster than the newest Teen Vogue issue...will the Pretty Committee be able to get through the boy fast, or is the Committee done for good?

My Reaction: This book was a great lead up to the next book, Boys R Us, which happens to be favorite in the series. I feel like finally people are starting to get there emotions out, and the truth is revealed. Even though some of these situations are kinda out there, this stuff does happen, and I feel like starting with this book, the series kinda got back on track, how it used to be. No Hollywood or quests for a secret room, just the Clique...

My Rating:  7.5/10


                                              It's Cold Outside, So Read Inside, 

                                                                                                   ~Chantel!

The Hunger Games: Movie

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Donald Sutherland

Labels: Action/Adventure, Romance, Suspense, Family, Friendship, Teen Fiction, Coming of Age

Summary:  In a place known as Panem, the people of all 12 districts, are subject to a cruel and unusual punishment. As punishment for rebellion against the Capitol, one boy and girl from each district must participate in the Hunger Games-where the tributs must fight to the death, until only one is left.
         In District 12 Primrose Everdeen's name is drawn, her older sister Katniss decides to volunteer herself as tribute, alongside Peeta Mellark, the male tribute, whom Katniss knows form her past. Now Katniss must say goodbye to her mother, sister, and close friend Gale. Together Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol where their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy-victor (winner) of the 50th Annual Hunger Games-instructs them to watch for the other tributes strengths and weaknesses. But that's just the beginning of their problems, as they face the loss of everything they know, and that eventually one or both of them will have to die...



My Reaction: The movie was great, not amazing though. I felt as though there was a lot of Katniss, and it didn't focus enough on some of the other characters as much as it did in the book. I also thought there could've been more romance between Katniss and Peeta, i mean only one kissing scene-what? Even though, I looved Josh, the perfect Peeta, in my opinion. I also liked how they showed what was going on in the capitol, along with in the Hunger Games. Another thing I thought was cool, was that Suzanne Collins wrote the screenplay too. The movie wasn't as good as the book-obviously=but I still really liked it :)

My Rating: 8.5/10




                                                 Read Along,

                                                                               ~Chantel



P.S. Currently reading The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson & the Olympians & looving it, review coming asap! <3 u guys!! 

Perfect

by: Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars #3)

298 pages
Summary: Emily, Aria, Spencer, and Hanna haven't stopped getting themselves in trouble, and A hasn't stopped keeping tabs on them. 
                      Emily is struggling with her sexuality and is trying to get her parents to understand her, while her relationship with Maya grows. Aria can't get over her ex, and on top of that her mother's found out that she knew about her father's affair, and that has consequences. Spencer has been nominated for the Golden Orchid, a high essay contest, but when there's so much to do and her sister's essay is right in front of her, Spencer can't help, but take it... After losing soo much, Hanna now might lose her best friend, Mona after the two have a big fall out, and Hanna turns to old habits to help cope. And then there's Ali's murder...and murderer. 

My Reaction: This book was good. I loooved the suspense, but I couldn't help feel disappointed and upset when/if one of the girls got caught. One thing about this series that bothers me, is that for the most part it's unrelatable, I do like it, it's just hard to connect with the characters and plot sometimes. But, I loved how the title Perfect is the exact opposite of the girls lives in this book. The cliff hanger ending was...great! Soo suspenseful. Look for the answer to the cliff hanger in Unbelievable coming soon!

My Rating: 6.5/10





                                                    Read On,

                                                                    ~Chantel(;



P. S. If you guys have any requests of genres or even books, comment and tell us, and we'll try r best to post ur requests, thanks :)
*1200+ views, wow u guys are awesome!! Keep viewing, it means a lot. <3 u guys!!!
...& Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Roses For Mama

By: Janette Oke

222 pages

Summary: After her and her family moved out west, because of her mother's health, Angela's life changed drastically. Both of her parents died, and since then her brother and her have been raising her three younger siblings for the past three years. Now seventeen, Angela struggles to raise her younger siblings, and raising the way her mother would want her. As she grows, and wants to live her own life, Angela feels trapped. As she starts to have feelings for someone, Angela wonders if this is really what God has in store for her. 

My Reaction: I loved this book! Probably one of my favorites by this author. While some of Oke's books tend not to have a significant amount of romance, this one has quite a bit of clean romance. As usual Oke's writing and plot was good. It showed how the decisions we make don't only affect ourselves, but others around us too. Like I said a favorite by Oke. Loved it!

My Rating: 9/10

                        
                                                       Tender, Loving, Reading,
                               
                                                                                                 ~Chantel


P.S. OMG guys over 1100 views!! U guys are awesome <3 u!!!

Snow White and the Huntsman

      Hey guys, so I decided to do a movie review, this is our first one, so bear with me, but hope you like! Things are a little different from the book reviews, but it's still me :)~C

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, and Charlize Theron

Labels: Action/Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Suspense, Fiction (I only officially label movie reviews movie, but i'll always tell you the genre)


Summary: Snow White has gone through torture since her father died, and her evil queen stepmother, Ravenna, has kept her locked in a tower. One day, Ravenna finds out she is not the prettiest of them all, because Snow White has come of age, so she decides to kill Snow. She sends her brother, Finn, to get Snow White, and bring Snow back to her, so she can kill her. By a lucky chance, Snow escapes from the tower into the Dark Forest, where Ravenna has no powers. Angered by this Ravenna sends Finn and a group of soldiers out to bring her back. Their attempt fails, so the queen enlists Eric, the hunter, to find Snow-against his will-promising she'll bring his dead wife back to life. 

                          Eric and his soldiers quickly find Snow, but just as he's about to turn her over to Finn, Snow tells him that he'll be killed, and Finn confesses that his sister can't bring people back to life. Out of spite, the Huntsman fights off the army, and delays Finn, then him and Snow head to Duke Hammond's castle (Hammond and his son, William, are one of the few people still loyal to the king-Snow's father.) On their journey, Eric becomes Snow's protector, and companion. But will he be enough to stop Ravenna, and her desperation to be young and beautiful?

My Reaction: I really liked this movie, but I didn't love it. I liked Stewart, Hemsworth, and Theron, as Snow, the Huntsman, and Ravenna. They did a really good job. The plot was also pretty good, was it perfect? No. I don't want to tell you what exactly wasn't perfect, because of spoilers, but if you want to know-just press comment down below, and I can tell u how u can ask us. The main thing i didn't like was the way they over dramatized the queen. I don't know if this was Theron-even though I liked her besides that-or the writers, but either way it was just too dramatic. Perfect Halloween movie-suspenseful, but not creepy- witch is when I watched it :)

My Review: 8.5-9/10



                                                  Watch and Read,

                                                                            ~Chantel*


P.S. Have a Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Bratfest At Tiffany's

by: Lisi Harrison (the Clique book #9)

227 pages

Summary: Just as the Pretty Committee solve their last problem, another comes along: the Briarwood boys are taking over OCD & every member of the Pretty Committee has something to worry about. Massie is afraid that her alpha status is in danger, now that the soccer guys seem to be ruling the school. So she makes a new rule-anyone caught will be thrown out of the New Pretty Committee forever. But maybe she spoke too soon.

                      Dylan is ready for a boyfast. She's changed her look and her look on life, now if she could only do that with food. Alicia feels the exact opposite, her feelings for Josh Hotz are growing stronger everyday. But is he worth losing her spot in the NPC? Kristen's changed her entire look, from Pumas to Billabong shorts, she says she's sworn off boys, but if she has, what's with the new makeover? Claire's spent the entire summer dreaming about Cam, but now he's moved to a new girl faster than you can blink. One thing's for sure, she's safely in the NPC, unless jealousy & flirting break the new rules...

My Reaction: This book, was kinda in the middle for me. It was definitely better than the last one  http://allda98.blogspot.com/2012/09/sealed-with-diss.html, in the way that it was more realistic-but it wasn't a lot better. It was interesting to see how each of the characters handled the situation in a different way. Like I said, not exactly the best book, but I would recommend it, it's an important book in the series and is essential for what's coming next in P.S. I Loathe You (review coming soon). 

My Rating: 6.5/10


                                                  Live, Laugh, Love, and Read,

                                                                                               ~Chantel!

Mockingjay

by: Suzanne Collins (the Hunger Games #3)

391 pages
Summary: Peeta's been captured, Katniss's home has been destroyed, Gale's escaped, and District 13 exists. But most importantly a revolution has begun. District 13 is plotting to overthrow the Capitol-which is where Peeta is. 

                      Katniss is trying to settle into life, when she finds out that she is the face of District 13. The District starts making videos and spreading them throughout the Districts. The Capitol sends some videos of their own...                       
                    Then the shootings start, and Katniss soon finds herself in the middle of the revolution. Decisions will be made. Lives will be the same. And no one-even you-will ever be the same again.

My Reaction: I liked this book, but I didn't love it. The first two were amazing, and I couldn't wait to read this one. But when I actually did read it, it was sort of a disappointment. In Hunger Games and Catching Fire, the surprises that Collins put in made me never want to put the book down, but in Mockingjay, I found mysself dreading the surprises. I did like the ending-let me rephrase that-I loooved the ending, even though it was a little flawed. Even if it wasn't perfect, it was a great conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy.

My Rating: 7.5/10

                             Peace, Love, Read,

                                                          ~Chantel

P.S. Just started reading I Am Number 4. Review coming soon after I finish it!

Princess Academy

By: Shannon Hale

Summary: Miri is a mountain girl. Living in their remote mining village on Mt. Eskel with her sister and father, she is convinced that nothing is going to change.
     So it was a big surprise when the ambassador from the lowlands made the journey to their village and announced that the next princess of their land would come from Mt. Eskel. In order to civilize the girls, and to help select the future princess, "lowlanders" set up an academy a little farther down the mountain. 
      Miri is forced to go to this academy, and after some time, decides to do the best she can there, even if she doesn't really want to be a princess.

       Through several different turns of events, Miri discovers that you don't have to be big and powerful to make a difference. And, in the end, maybe what's best will be something totally unexpected!!

Reaction: This is possibly one of my favorite books ever. I've read it so many times! It's a very sweet story. I can't really give everything away, but anyways I would definitely recommend it!

Rating: 12/10


                                           xoxo, 
                                          Marie

Magyk

by: Angie Sage (Septimus Heap #1)

564 pages
Summary: Wizard Silas Heap, and his wife Sarah give birth to the seventh son of the seventh son-Septimus Heap-only to have him pronounced dead. That same night while Silas is out getting some things in the forest, he comes across a baby girl at the edge of the forest. The Heaps take her in and raise her as their own. But who is this girl really? And whatever happened to Septimus?
                        Now on Jenna Heap's tenth birthday, everything is about to change. Her true identity is revealed, the Heaps have to flee the only home they've ever known, and be separated on top of that. Accompanied by the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, Marcia Overstrand, their dog Maxie, Jenna's brother Nicko, and an unexpected traveler Jenna and Silas head to stay with Silas's sister. But someone is following them, and their mission is to kill...


My Reaction: I liked this book a lot! It had suspense, action, and on top of that surprises. I liked the characters, and how they had their own strengths and weaknesses. I also liked the recurring characters, and how they all had their own special part in this story. This is a young adult book, so there wasn't any romance whatsoever, which was disappointing. I also didn't like this one part near the ending, even though the ending was amaaazing. I recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, and doesn't mind some weird creatures. 

My Rating: 8/10

                                Keep Calm and Continue Reading,

                                                                                      ~Chantel

P.S. *Sorry guys, been reallly busy with school, we try to post as often as we can.


OMW over 900 views, thanks guys sooo much!!! Really appreciate it :)

The Last Little Blue Envelope

by: Maureen Johnson (Little Blue Envelopes #2)

288 pages
Summary: Ginny thought she was done. Last summer she traveled all around Europe doing whatever the letters her dear deaseased Aunt Peg left her told her to do. Then someone stole her backpack, along with the last little blue envelope inside it. So after all that, she thought it was all over.
                        Now months later, Ginny gets an email from a boy named Oliver, who happened to find the last little blue envelope. Oliver's opened and read the letter, only to discover that Aunt Peg's artwork is worth a fotune, and the letter tells Ginny how to assemble it. But there's a catch: Oliver demands to go with Ginny, and get half of the money once the artwork is sold. 
                       
 My Reaction: Compared to the first book in this series, this book was also good. The characters were easier to relate to and more developed. It also has closeur, which the first book didn't have. On the other hand, the book starts out slow, but at times it's too fast, it's jsut a little scattered. It also doesn't have the same magic or special touch that the first book had. All in all, good but not great. 

My Rating: 5.5/10



                 Keep Calm and Keep Reading,

                                                               ~Chantel<3

 

Palace of Mirrors

by: Margaret Peterson-Haddix

320 pages
Summary: Cecelia knows that she's the real princess. That Princess Desmia is a fake. And she knows that one day she'll take back the throne. But when the enemy- whoever they are- start catching on, that one day might be sooner then Cecelia thinks. 
                       Along with her best friend Harper, Cecelia heads off to the royal palace to see Desmia face to face and take back the throne. But this isn't what she's supposed to do, she's supposed to go see one of the knights Sir Stephen and stay with him until the enemy has gone. But Cecelia has to start doing what's best for her, and stop waiting for the day, because that's what she's been waiting for her whole life.

But when Cecelia arrives, Desmia believes a whole different story...

My Reaction: This book was ok. I liked the beginning, it seemed mysterious and adventurous. But the middle & end wasn't as good as thought & totally different than I expected. I also think there needed to be more romance. It's also really a fast read, I read it in like 2 days. I don't know if that makes a difference, so ya. But like I said it was ok.

My Rating: 6/10


                                                   Peace, Love Read,

                                                                            ~Chantel

Sealed With A Diss

by: Lisi Harrison (Clique book #8)

248 pages
Summary: The Pretty Committee is back, and ready to start 8th grade. They are so close to getting access to the best room at OCD from Skye Hamilton. The only problem is, there's a catch, in order to prove their worthy enough to get it, they have to have dates to Skye's famous "couples party". Not only that, but Massie has to convince her used to be crush, Chris Abeley to go with Skye to the dance. That shouldn't be too hard, right?
                      Wrong, Massie needs to find a date. Kristen seems to have found one, but is he really "the one"? Dylan seems to have found the way to a guys heart, but it comes at a price. Alicia dumped her boyfriend, but now she wants him back. Claire's the only one who seems to have a date to the dance, or does she?

My Reaction: If you really love the entire Clique series, I'm sorry, but in my opinion the books keep going downhill. I mean who gets to be in a movie, & get access to a secret room? I eventually stopped reading the series, but I did read this book. I thought that it was ok. Even though it wasn't very realistic, it did focus a lot about boys. And everyone once in a while I could use a book focused on guys. All in all not my favorite book, but no tthe worst. Bratfest at Tiffany's coming soon!
*Sorry if this review is bad guys, sooo tired right now. 

My Rating: 5/10


                                           Read Like There's No Tomorrow,

                                                                                                 ~Chantel*

Inkheart

by: Cornelia Funke (Inkheart #1)

534 pages

Summary: When Meggie Folchart was three years old, her father, Mo read aloud from Inkheart. Out of no where, three characters from the story appeared. Now nine years later, Meggie's in for the surprise of her life.
                         For some reason, that Mo won't tell her, the Folchart's are forced to leave their home and stay with an aunt that Meggie's never met, along with an "old friend" of Mo's. When they get there, Meggie finds herself in a world of books. But Meggie's interested in a particular book, and it seems that she's not the only one. 
                          When secrets are revealed, unexpected visitors arrive, and a new world is introduced, Meggie, Mo, and all their friends wish they go back to a different time and place...

My Reaction: This book was AMAZIIING! I absolutely loved it. Funke tells a great story about family, friends, and books. Inkheart is told from many different viewpoints, and is a book I would recommend to any one who loves books. After reading Inkheart, I appreciated books a whole lot more. After reading the back of the book, it seemed a little slow getting into it, but it's full of action and suspense right from the beginning. A wonderful read!!!

My Rating: 11/10

                                               Tender Loving Reading,

                                                                                  ~Chantel<3

P.S. Sorry we haven't posted in a while, started high school and have been really busy. We'll post when we can. Love u guys! 
Also currently reading Magyk by Angie Sage. Review coming when I finish it!

Flawless

by: Sara Shepard (Pretty Little Liars #2)

330 pages
Summary: As you've seen in the first book, Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna have been very bad girls...

                      Aria is heart-broken over her English teacher. Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Emily likes her new friend Maya as more than a friend. And Hanna will do almost anything to look flawless. But those secrets are nothing compared to a secret that could destroy their pretend perfect lives forever. 
                      At first they thought "A" was their best friend Alison, who disappeared three years ago, but then she turned up-dead. So is "A" Spencer's competitive sister, Melissa? Or Maya, who wants Emily all to herself? Or Toby, the mysterious boy who left town right after Alison disappeared? No matter who it is, "A" knows everything, and they're threatening to tell...

My Reaction: Unlike most books in series, Flawless was not a disappointment, even though the first book was better-but barely. Like the first book, the girls had their own separate problems, which is good and bad. It's good, because the reader can get to know the character better, and how they deal with things, but bad, because the 4 main characters aren't together very often. The plot thickens in this book, so if you doubted the series before,  you won't now, you'll be hooked!       
Keep an eye out for Perfect coming soon!

My Rating: 6/10

                                             Read, Breathe, then Read again,

                                                                                                  ~Chantel

Catching Fire

by: Suzanne Collins (the Hunger Games #2)

391 pages

Summary: Against all odds, Katniss and Peeta are alive. Now they're heroes, and have returned home to their families-along with food and riches. Shouldn't Katniss be happy?  But she can't be, not with Gale holding her at a distance. Peeta no the other hand is completely done with her. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the capitol, one Katniss and Peeta may have started. 
      
                   No matter how much Katniss and Peeta try to stop the rumors of rebellion, they don't seem to be doing any good, all while trying to convince the world their still in love. But if Katniss and Peeta think that's all they have to worry about, they've got another thing coming...and well they do. 

My Reaction: A+!!! I don't know if I liked the first or second better, and that's saying a lot considering I liked the first a lot. I was not expecting the surprises Collins put in the book, but I loved most of them-especially the big one (if you've read it you know what I mean). The ending was probably the only thing I didn't like, because it ended on a cliffhanger, so i recommend that if you get Catching Fire, that you also get Mockingjay (review coming soon). 

My Rating: 10/10

                                           Reading As Usual,

                                                                      ~Chantel:)         

Perfect You

by: Elizabeth Scott

282 pages
Summary: Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit her job to sell Perfect You vitamins at the mall, and now she has to work with him everyday. Her best friend is no longer her best friend, and then there's Will. Will-the one she pretends to hate, but really likes. And then things get worse. 

                     The Brown family starts to have serious money problems, and they turn to the one person that can help-Grandma-too bad she does more bad then good. Anna seems to want to be friends again, but things have changed now. Will, the hookup king, seems interested in Kate, but she's sure he'll just hook up with her and then find some new girl. All Kate knows is unlike the vitamins her dad sells, he life is not perfect.

My Reaction: This book was ok. I think readers can relate to Kate, and the things she has to go through. The book got a little slow during the middle, and it just seemed to drag on for a while. I personally think Scott could've shortened the book. The ending was unexpected in a good way, so good book mostly. 

My Rating: 7/10

                                                 Keep Reading, 

                                                                           ~Chantel<3

13 Little Blue Envelops

by: Maureen Johnson (Little Blue Envelops #1)

319 pages
Summary: 17 year old Virginia Blackstone (Ginny) receives the first blue envelope from her Aunt Peg-who has died-that sends her on an adventure that turns her life around. The envelope contains $1000 in cash, instructions to pick up a package of envelopes that has Ginny traveling all over Europe, tracing the steps of her Aunt. But there are a few catches-no cell phones, no maps, and Ginny can only open one envelope at a time. after finishing the task of the previous one. 
                        Through the letters, Ginny finds out what drove her Aunt away to Europe to pursue her art and about her last year of life. Through the adventures, Ginny learns about herself too, her strengths, forgiveness, and that she too is an interesting person-all while learning about life love, and the Aunt she never got to say goodbye to. 

My Reaction: Not my favorite book. The whole thing seemed kind of unbelievable, a young girl just packs up, and goes off to Europe. The dreamy playwright Ginny meets, wasn't very exciting, and not extremely likable. It was a adventurous book though, and I liked how Ginny learns more about the people and things around her-not to mention herself. There's also a bit of mystery as to what's going to be in the next envelope. All in all, a good book, but not great. Second book coming soon!

My Rating: 6.5/10

                                           Enjoy the Summer, 

                                                            ~Chantel!

The Hunger Games

by: Suzanne Collins

374 pages

Summary: In a place known as Panem, the people of all 12 districts, are subject to a cruel and unusual punishment. As punishment for rebellion against the Capitol, one boy and girl from each district must participate in the Hunger Games-where the tributs must fight to the death, until only one is left. 
                      In District 12 Primrose Everdeen's name is drawn, her older sister Katniss decides to volunteer herself as tribute, alongside Peeta Mellark, the male tribute, whom Katniss knows form her past. Now Katniss must say goodbye to her mother, sister, and close friend Gale. Together Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol where their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy-victor (winner) of the 50th Annual Hunger Games-instructs them to watch for the other tributes strengths and weaknesses. But that's just the beginning of their problems, as they face the loss of everything they know, and that eventually one or both of them will have to die...

My Reaction: I LOOOOVED THIS SERIES. It was heartfelt, and adventurous. I loved the unexpected surprises Collins weaves into her books. Specifically about the Hugner Games, I liked the unusual plot. The characters were loveable, and I could relate to some of the feelings Katniss had. Although some parts of the book were sad, overall it was a great book. I can't describe how amazing this book is, and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do. Catching Fire, coming soon.

My Rating: 10/10

                                                Happy Summer Reading,

                                                                                       ~Chantel!!!

The Wedding Planner's Daughter

by: Colleen Murtagh Paratore
208 pages
Summary: 12 year old Willa Havisham loves cherry cordials, classics, and is the world's worst wisher. But when she and her single, wedding planner, mother move to Cape Cod, things seem to be looking up. She finally has a best friend, Tina. She gets to know her candy-making Nana. And best of all her mother, Stella is falling for her English teacher, Sam, who is perfect dad material. But before she can dance with her crush, and get the perfect father, something disastrous happens. Can Willa fix the problems, and get her mother to say "I do"? 

My Reactions: This book was really cute, and sweet. The characters were well explained and relate able. I felt a connection with Willa and some of the challenges she faced. This is better for readers who are ages 11-13, and if I were to read the book now, I would think it a bit immature. But a cute book if you're the right age, and looking for a sweet story.

My Rating: 8/10

                                            Gotta Love Summer Reading,

                                                                                             ~Chantel:)

Pretty Little Liars

by: Sara Shepard
272 pages
Summary: Meet Alison, Aria, Emily, Hanna, and Spencer. The queen bee, the oddball, the swimmer who has feeling for Alison, the Alison wanna be, and the girl who can stand up to Alison. Then in 8th grade at a sleepover, Alison disappears. 
          
            
          Now three years later, every thing's changed. Aria returns home after three years in Iceland, now more sophisticated. Then she meets and kisses this guy in a bar, who turns out to be her English teacher. Emily develops feelings for the new girl, Maya. Though popular, Hanna struggles with keeping her queen bee status and with bulimia. Spencer has a hard time with her older-rival sister, Melissa, and things get worse when she develops feelings for Melissa's new boyfriend, Wren. 


                     The Liars are now receiving texts from "A" threatening to expose their deepest darkest secrets-including The Jenna Thing. They automatically assume it's Alison, since she's the only one who knew their deepest darkest secrets. But then again, maybe it's not... 


My Reaction: I had mixed feelings about this series. This book wasn't my favorite, but it was one of the better ones. I liked how everyone had secrets. I also liked how the reader is able to make their own assumptions, even though, that's not always exactly what happens. I liked the mystery aspect of the book, but some of it was dragged out and a little creepy at some points. Another thing that wasn't my favorite, was that the girls don't seem very close in this book, and it seems like your reading 4 different stories, all put into one book. Altogether not my favorite book, but to some it might be. 
Side Note: The TV show doesn't do the books justice. 




My Rating: 6/10

                                                Read On,                                                                                                                     ~Chantel*

             

Moon Over Tokyo

By: Siri L. Mitchell

Far from home, Allie prays for a friend who speaks English.
She didn't expect to fall in love too...

291 pages

Summary: Allie O'Connor went to Japan to find herself. And, possibly, write a book along the way. 

     Now, two years later, her best friend is moving away. Allie still feels like a foreigner. Discouraged, she prays for a friend. Just someone who would understand what she's going through. She certainly didn't expect Erik Larsen! 

      Erik and Allie went to high school together. They were opposites then, Erik being popular and Allie being a more behind-the-scenes good girl. Of course, Allie is sure they are still opposites. After several chance meetings between them, however, a friendship forms, possibly something more. Can Allie open her heart to something unexpected?

Reaction: This was a good book. It had a combination of themes, but it was still fairly easy to read. I also liked the fact that she talked lots about the culture in Japan, including a reference in the back for some words. However, it was a little generic in the story line, not anything huge to make it stand out from other books like it. I still enjoyed it though. 

Rating: 8/10


                      Check back soon!
                            ~Marie 

Take A Bow

by: Elizabeth Eulberg
280 pages
Summary: A childhood actor, a shy songwriter, a planning to-be superstar, and a passionate songwriter all have one thing in common, they go to CPA (the New York City High School of the Creative and Performing Arts).Take A Bow follows Carter, Emme, Sophie, and Ethan during their senior year at CPA, and the changes and dreams they face.
                      Carter had his fame when he was only 10 years old. Now starring on a soap opera, Carter struggles with being the Carter Harrison everyone expects him to be, and the person he was born to be, and do what he wants to do...
                      Emme has always been behind the spotlight, instead of in it. Emme's has always had Sophie sing her songs, and that's how it should be. But with college auditions coming up, Emme's going to have to find her own voice, in more ways than one.
                      Sophie knows she has the voice to be a star, but she needs the famous boyfriend and unsure songwriting best friend, and she has no problem using them. Well maybe she has a problem with it, but as far as she can see, that's the only way she can be a star. 
                     Ethan is the best songwriter in his class, probably because he has the most inspiration-considering he has managed to ruin every relationship he's ever been in. Emme is the only girl he's really respected or really loved, but is he willing to risk their friendship,  or keep the feelings bottled up inside him?


My Reaction: This book was fantastic! The way Eulberg described the feelings the characters had was incredible. I especially loved how the chapters was told in the main characters viewpoints. I also loved how Eulberg made the characters so lovable and believable. The ending also was touching, and left the reader to draw their own conclusion to what happens to the characters. This book is definitely a favorite of mine. 


My Rating: 10/10


                                                Reading As Always,


                                                                                  ~Chantel*