In my mind, I promised to get this posted before the week was out.  

This is the hardcover version which, while perhaps underwhelming, reflects the theme of the book better than the paperback version, which is more generic.  I was surprised to see that this is published in part by Disney; does this mean we can expect to see a made-for-TV movie starring Selena Gomez soon?  Well, I don't know about that.  
( Makeover. Dev's term for it was reinvent the brand, but I understood what it really meant. )

I literally squealed with delight as I finished reading this. 


The title is so similar to How to Be Popular, I wondered if this was written as a response to that book.  And yet, it bears many more similarities to Stargirl.  On a different note, it's wonderful to see an original cover instead of some stock photo.

( Lunch at a new school is like the SAT of social tests. It determines your immediate standing. Whomever you choose to sit with tells people who you are, or who you see yourself as. )

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. )

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 ... )

... as I explained to my father while driving home from Borders.


Translation: Stargirl.

I first read this book last summer (or the summer before last - can't remember) and I'm so glad I did.  That's right - this book is so good, I'm thankful that it came into my life.

Here's the deal I made myself concerning Meg Cabot: I wanted to read one of her books, but not any in the Princess Diaries series.  The movies (yes, the first and second) were enough for me.  I believe this is her most recent offering - published in March 09 - and I snatched it up at a used book store.  About $5 for a four-month-old book - and in hardcover.  I was proud.


Great ass, right?

( Tommy Sullivan is a freak. )

So way back before Christmas 08, I was checking around for the latest popular YA books, I discovered this gem.  I took one look at it and immediately put it on my Christmas list. 


This was also part of my ongoing campaign to read more YA books with male main characters (see Flight, Stargirl).  Larry Doyle used to write for The Simpsons, as I mentioned, which was all the more encouraging.  I read this book in less than a week.

This is the most adorable book.  I want to cuddle with it.


A couple entries ago, I mentioned how much I like character-heavy stories.  Unlike The Juliet Club, this book did something with all of its characters, and a lot of it came as a big surprise.

( Read more... )

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? )