This book is basically a non-musical version of Hannah Montana (and yes, it is sad that I know even one lyric from the opening song by heart). 


Jen Calonita has written for Teen People and Entertainment Weekly, one of which is my favorite zine and other something I never read when I was actually a teen.  Predictably, this is the first in a series.

( Work, work, work, Kaitie-kins. It will pay off. )

I still can't believe I made myself do it, but I can't deny it now: Over the weekend, I watched The Clique, the movie based on Lisi Harrison.  What was I thinking?  Well, in the spirit of total honesty, there is something about teen movies that I find intriguing.  Hell, I watched Where The Boys Are, a 60s-era spring break movie, just a few days ago.  Even sub-par movies made on the cheap will spark my interest (for the first few minutes or so, and then I usually switch back to USA for a Monk marathon).  I know to expect the convoluted story, the bad acting, and the trying-too-hard "jokes," but that never stops me.  There's something fascinating(ly wrong) about the way Hollywood likes to portray high school life.  Of course, it's occasionally worth it if it's well-done and feels natural.



Feast your eyes, people.  Hatwear, multiple layers, leather gloves, knee-highs, and wavy locks.  These are the most stylish and sickeningly rich 12-year-olds at Octavian Country Day School.  That's their leader, Massie, in the foreground.  How can you tell she's their boss?  Her dog is a pit bull.  Or the leash represents her tight hold on her friends, constantly controlling where they go and what they do. 

Ha, no.  Symbolism in The Clique?  Not likely.

( Teleplay by Liz Tigelaar; directed by Micheal Lembeck; and, duh, based on the book series )

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. )

So, I finally bit the bullet and decided to try one of the Clique novels, one of the more (financially) successful Gossip Girl knock-offs.  I want to smack Lisi Harrison's smug photo on the back of this book for writing what is essentially a massive advertisement for hot brand names with a bit of plot thrown in.


I asked my mom if the three girls on the cover looked like eighth-graders to her.  She said they looked 11, 13, and 15, going from left to right.  Can I add that I still can't believe this is meant for middle schoolers?

( Why was everyone so obsessed with boys these days? Wasn't Massie enough anymore? )

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. )

Again with the Meg Cabot.  But next time, I'll definitely stick to checking out her books from the library.


Clearly, this is a subject Meg knows a lot about, since she's still whipping out books that readers love ... to snark.

( I really have to get a new library card. )

I've been waiting to read this book for literally months.  I put off reading it mostly because it looked longed and the plot summary on the back sounded a lot like a story I'm still currently writing.  Well, I read this book on Saturday afternoon ... and finished Sunday morning.


Based loosely on the frog prince fairytale.  As you can see in the small type below, Robin Palmer has also writtien something called Cindy Ella.  I'll definitely keep a lookout for it the next time I go to Borders.

( Okay, so, there's three levels of popularity ... )

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. )

I gotta get this over with.


Alyson N. has written at least five other YA novels, so I guess she's carved a nice niche for herself.  I say this with the utmost sincerity: Good for her.  Obviously she's got a lot of fans, and is much more successful than I am at this point in my life.  Having said that, I didn't care for this book.

( Could I trade this book in for two cases of lip gloss? )