It's too bad I didn't pick this up last fall at a bookstore I'd stopped at - I would enjoy owning this (FYI, I did pick up Stargirl, SVH #3 Playing with Fire [the 2008 reissue], and The Veronicas' Hook Me Up).


On my copy, it says "scratch and sniff here" on the top of the cup. Unfortunately, I can't confirm the verity of that statement, since the cover is covered with plastic.

( Is love an STD? From what I've seen, it's harder to cure than herpes. )

After a couple of hectic days (had to put our old cat down and do some stuff for next semester), it feels good to post something.  Unfortunately, I think the book I'm reviewing deserves more time devoted to thinking it over.  And at the same time, I just want to do this and move on.


It really sucks when you finish a book and the first thing you can think of, regardless even of whether or not you liked it, is "At least I didn't pay money for this." Well, okay, maybe I'm feeling a bit miserly lately, but the point is I was disappointed in the direction this book took.

( It's the first time Iris has ever seen her stepsister look, for just a moment, as if she doesn't mind being beautiful. )

Holy wow, am I really posting another book review two days in a row, even though this book was more than the combined lengths of the two previous books* I'd read?  I am quite surprised at myself.


This was one of those instances where I gobbled the book up out of the good kind of fascination, and not the bad kind (see: The Luxe).  I was riveted.

*I'm bad at math, so this may be a slight exaggeration.

( In which fate deals me a savage blow, leaving me to my own pitiably meager devices. )

This post's title is a slightly altered quote from one of my all-time favorites, Mansfield Park.  It's funny (well, not funny ha-ha) how well it describes the extreme non-events in this book.  However, I find myself confused as to how I feel about it.



Disclaimer: They didn't wear dresses like that in 1899.  But, oh my God, the marketing people they have are geniuses.

( In life, Elizabeth Holland was known not only for her loveliness but also for her moral character, so it was fair to say that in the afterlife she would occupy a lofty seat with an especially good view. )

Things like this just goes to show that you should always keep trying.  This is the third Kate Brian book I've read - bought on a whim from Half Price Bookstore - and I'm very glad I did.


This is one instance where I don't like the cover at all.  It's typically pink and bland, and hardly reflects what the actual plot is about. 

( She could have done anything she wanted. If, of course, she were still alive. The ghost could kiss it. )

After literally months of putting it off, I was finally bored enough to return to this book.  Willpower!


DISCLAIMER: One of the biggest reasons why it took me so damn long to read it is because my mother actually started reading it (!), got farther along than I had (!!) and had accidentally told me the ending (or at least, her guess at the ending, which turned out to be right).  Major turn-off.  Another turn-off?  The narrator never tells us her name.

( She looked ridiculously sophisicated for a girl in her mid-twenties, but all the Park Avenue Princesses are. )

Another one from my recent trip to the library.  I remember seeing/hearing about this book a few years ago.  Now I know why: everyone was busy praising it to the heavens.  And with good reason.


On a whim, I went on Rachel Cohn's website and I saw this author's name on her blogroll.  Isn't it great that good YA authors love each other? (Note: neither Alyson Noel or our friend Meg made the list.)

( Fact of Life #1: Fat girls don't get much action. Fact of Life #2: I want to increase my kissability. )

I'm so glad I only checked this out from the library.  I would sincerely be hating myself if I'd spent the $14.95 that is this book's price.


I believe the blurb at the bottom is all the explanation you need as to why this book kind of really sucks.

( It's not like I'm conceited. It's not my fault everyone says I'm the most beautiful girl in the school. So I guess I am. )

Okay, class, settle down.  This session of Rachel Cohn's Library is now starting.


This is definitely one of the heavier YA novels I've read, as it deals with the aftermath of suicide and drug abuse.  But I trust Cohn, and of course I was ultimately satisfied with this.  A couple minor things about the covers: the one above is the hardback version, which is different from the paperback I have - however, both covers feature a pretty, slim blonde girl surrounded by nature.  This is not our protaganist, but rather the girl who committed suicide.

( She wishes the went-away girl was here now to play their old game, to help her invent a better ending. )

I read this because this was the only Rachel Cohn book at my university's library, other than Nick and Norah.


I have no interest in the music business, and even less after reading this (assuming this is an accurate portrayal, which it seems to very well be).  But I loved the story nonetheless, mostly because the main character is much smarter and funnier than Britney and her ilk.

( Lick it, chew it, blow it, pop it ... )

Blah.  I bought this book with the vague intent of snarking it for 1bruce1, but it's still too soon.


Quick background: Random House decided to reissue the first dozen of the Sweet Valley High series for ... well, I'm sure they had a good reason.  I'm guessing they thought it'd be the perfect thing to bring back to compete with Gossip Girl, A-listers, and other bitchy books.  Only because of my loyalty to 1bruce1 did I spend $5.99 (plus tax) of my money on this slight contribution to the world of YA literature, Playing with Fire.

( The girl would not be able to pull off Jessica's outfit after a month on Weight Watchers, but it wasn't as if she could say that to her face. )