The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Book review #48
The Karma Club by Jessica Brody
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. It’s that mysterious, powerful force that brings harmony to the universe. You know—do good things and you will be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what’s coming to you. A sort of cosmic balancing act.

But when Mason Brooks, Maddy’s boyfriend of two years, gets caught tongue-wrestling with Miss Perfect Body Heather Campbell, and absolutely nothing happens to either of them—except that they wind up the hot new couple of Colonial High School, it seems like Karma has officially left Maddy in the lurch. That’s why Maddy and her best friends, Angie and Jade, decide to start the Karma Club—a secret, members-only organization whose sole purpose is to clean up the messes that the universe has been leaving behind. Whether they’re modifying Heather Campbell’s acne cream as part of “Operation Butterface,” or righting a few wrongs when it comes to Angie and Jade’s own slimy exes, they know they’re just doing what Karma should have done in the first place. They’re taking care of one another.

Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. Because it turns out, when you mess with Karma, Karma messes back. Now Maddy must find a way to balance her life for good, even as everything around her seems to be toppling to the ground. 

Boy was that a fun read! I've been dying to read this one after seeing the amazing trailer. I'm thrilled to say that it was even better than I though it would be. Realistic characters combined with a fun fresh plot  made this one enjoyable book. I learned a lot of great lessons and I have to say that I had a wonderful time learning them.

Madison and her boyfriend have a great relationship, it's safe to say things are going really well for them. Things even get better when Mason gets an article published in a popular magazine thanks to Madison. They both climb the social ladder which leads to a lot more attention to both of them, especially Mason though. With the blink of an eye Mason and the most popular girl in the school are found exchanging saliva. Poor Madison doesn't even get an explanation. After she goes to a spiritual center and learns about karma she decides to take matters into her hands...

Madison-Maddy- I LOVED her. She was hilarious, witty, and a lot like us average teens-well aside from her early on obsession with the most popular girl in school (kind of annoying if I say so myself). But overall I really connected with her. She was really fun to read about. Jade and Angie were great best friends. They were always there for each other no matter what. Oh and there was some romance involved. Maddy's love interest was really surprising, but wonderful. I simply adored it.

It was very entertaining to read about all the pranks the girls pulled. They were all clever. It kind of reminded me of the movie Mean Girls, which I loved. What was even better was how much each of the characters learned and developed from the Karma Club. You really learned that sometimes you have to let life do what it wants on its own. It's hard to not get a little inspired yourself.

The only thing I didn't really like about The Karma Club, which was mentioned by others was that you never found out the reason Mason cheated/dumped Maddy. You don't even get a little clue. They never even get a chance to talk it out. This irked me big time. 

Aside from that minor aspect, The Karma Club is made of pure awesomeness. The Karma Club is made up of plenty of humor, entertainment, a strong heroine, and of course the rules of Karma. I'm so grateful that I actually own a signed copy! As you can probably tell I definitely recommend reading The Karma Club.

*I received this copy from Goodreads first reads (:

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mylnowski

Book review #45
Gimme a Call by Sarah Mylnowski
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads) 

A new life is just a phone call away!
Devi's life isn't turning out at all like she wanted. She wasted the past three years going out with Bryan—cute, adorable, break-your-heart Bryan. Devi let her friendships fade, blew off studying, didn't join any clubs . . . and now that Bryan has broken up with her, she has nothing left.

Not even her stupid cell phone—she dropped it in the mall fountain. Now it only calls one number . . . hers. At age fourteen, three years ago!

Once Devi gets over the shock—and convinces her younger self that she isn't some wacko—she realizes that she's been given an awesome gift. She can tell herself all the right things to do . . . because she's already done all the wrong ones! Who better to take advice from than your future self? Except . . .what if getting what you think you want changes everything? 

Oh my goodness! That was one of the coolest, funnest, most ridiculous books I've ever read. The concept was really unique and it was executed beautifully.  I had a really really good time. Overall it was fabo as Frosh (freshman Devi) would say.

As Devi walks through the mall, alone on senior skip day, she drops her phone in the fountain. She thinks it's broken, but when she presses the send button she hears someone very familiar on the line. It turns out it's her freshman self, back when she had wonderful friends and an actual life. She ditched everything for Byron, but now that he broke up with her she has nothing. She finally gets a second chance to change things for the better...or so she thinks.

The chapters alternated between freshman Devi (Frosh) and senior Devi (Ivy). You got to see two versions of the same character and what a treat that was! It was crazy how similar they were, yet so different. Some things never change. I really loved Frosh. She was so relatable, definitely one of the most accurate freshman I've read about. I remember having the same exact concerns as her as a freshman...aside from her future self telling her what to do all the time haha. Senior Devi was a bit more dramatic and wacky, but I understood where she was coming from.

It was so fun seeing how one little decision can change everything. You learned so many life lessons from this one little book. You were taught to learn from your mistakes and to not cheat your way out of life. Sometimes you have to let life take it's own course. Oh and I almost forgot- this book was hilarious! I laughed and smiled so much. Yes, it's one of those. Books that can make you laugh that hard are priceless.

Gimme a Call is such an awesome read, it's as simple as that.  It was extremely clever and enjoyable. It certainly brightened my day. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone. Even if the beginning is a little bumpy, stick with it you'll be devouring it in no time. Pick this one up... soon (:

Airhead by Meg Cabot

Book review #41
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from inside flap)
Emerson Watts didn't even want to go the new SoHo Strk Megastore grand opening. But someone needed to look out for her sister, Frida, whose crush, British heart-throb Gabriel Luna, would be singing and signing autographs there- along with the newly appointed Face of Stark, teen supermodel sensation Nikki Howard.

How was Em to know that disaster would strike, changing her-and life as she'd known it-forever? One bizarre accident later, and Em Watts, always the tomboy, never the party princess, is no longer herself. Literally.

Now getting her best friend, Christoper, to notice that she's actually a girl is the least of Em's problems. But what Em's pretty sure she'll never be able to accept might just turn out to be the one thing that's going to make her dream come true...

I can't believe I haven't started this series earlier! I really enjoyed myself. I was surprised at how unique and fun this one was. Reading the summary I got very intrigued...I like how too much of the book wasn't given away. I'm going to have to be really careful to not give anything away to make sure I don't ruin the book.

Emerson Watts, Em for short, is your average girl. She isn't really popular; she spends a lot of time playing video games and hanging out with her best friend Christopher. She's definitely not one of the girls who spends all their time obsessed with the latest fads or celebrities. But she's forced to accompany her sister to this huge store opening to meet her favorite singer. Little did she know that would be the last thing she remembered a month from then. After a huge catastrophe Em finds herself at the hospital, not really feeling like herself. Her life is about to completely change in more than one way...

All of the characters were so real, they were probably my favorite part about this book. I think it's almost impossible not to love Em. She's a character that most of you would be friends with or know in real life. Her take on life was hilarious! I loved seeing the world through her eyes. And better yet she was smart and thoughtful. At first, just like Em, I didn't like many of the new people that emerged in her new life, but in the end they were all part of the gang.

Airhead reminded me how much I love Meg Cabot's writing. The writing really sucked me in. It's the type of book where you get completely lost in. I sat down to do some light reading before dinner and looked up realizing that hours had passed. I laughed and smiled countless times. What can I say...I had a blast!

At first I wasn't too sure about this book, but as you can tell I'm extremely pleased with it. It had just the right concoction of fluff and seriousness. The plot is really extraordinary. Sorry for the vague review, it's best to read this one knowing as little as possible. I'm so excited to see what happens in the next book. I definitely recommend this one, I have a feeling you'll love it :)

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Book review #27
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.

Whew I'm pretty exhausted from the wacky adventure I just took along with Ginny traveling through  London, Denmark, Greece, Paris, Rome, and even Amsterdam. 13 Little Blue Envelopes isn't the shortest book, but it was a surprisingly quick read. It flowed so easily, I found myself reading it one sitting. It was definitely different and unique. I can definitely say travel mixed in with humor and romance resulted in one awesome book.

Ginny's crazy Aunt Peg is gone due to cancer and the only thing left of her are thirteen blue envelopes.  The journey begins with the first letter  instructing Ginny to go to New York to pick up the rest of the envelopes. After retrieving the rest of the letters, she's off to London with everything she has stuffed inside a big backpack. Ginny begins the craziest adventure she's ever experienced. The only guide she has are the letters, which she may not open until her current task is completed. With twists and turns on the way, new scenery and interesting people Ginny almost becomes a whole other person.

There were so many awesome things about the book, but I would have to say the traveling and adventure was my favorite. Ginny traveled to so many different places, and got herself into the funniest situations. Ginny goes through almost everything- from sleeping on a park bench to staying with a random creepy family in Amsterdam. I learned a lot  about places I knew nothing about which was just an added plus.

 I loved all the characters Ginny met along her journey.All the characters were so different and unique. Ginny also meets the adorable Keith, who helps her along the way. The only information given about Aunt Peg were mainly in the letters, but that was enough for me to fall in love with her. She was such a cool interesting person. I also loved Ginny's personal transformation. Ginny is an ordinary likable person, who goes an a crazy journey that helps her discover who she really is.

Who wouldn't want to read about a real life scavenger hunt? An adventurous, romantic, light, and very fun read, are just a few words to perfectly sum up 13 Little Blue Envelopes. I know I definitely finished this book with a smile on my face. I had so much fun traveling with Ginny! I think everyone should check this one out :)

What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

Book Review #24
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

My name is Robin.

This book is about me.

It tells the story of what happens when after almost 15 pathetic years of loserdom, the girl of my dreams finally falls for me.

That seems like it would be a good thing, right? Only it turns out to be a lot more complicated than that.
Because I'm not gonna lie to you -- there are naked women involved. Four of them, to be exact. Though not in the way you might think.

Don't get me wrong -- my girlfriend's amazing. But the way things have been going lately, I'm starting to believe that the only thing worse than not getting what you want, is getting it.

I just devoured What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know whole and I have to say I'm more than satisfied. Although it is a sequel, you don't have to read the previous book (What My Mother Doesn't Know) to fall in love. When I discovered there was a sequel to What My Mother Doesn't Know, I never expected it to be from a whole different point of view, so I knew I was definitely in for a treat. Reading the book from Robin's point of view was so refreshing and breath taking. It was so nice spending the day inside a teenage boy's mind. Due to the way the book is written (short poems) along with the intense humorous engaging plot, I guarantee you will not be able to put this book down.

Robin is a fourteen year old boy known as the "loser" of the school. When Robin begins dating Sophie, one of the most popular girls of the school, his classmates don't now exactly how to react. Eventually, Sophie's friends give her an ultimatum between them and dating Robin. Eventually, it becomes Robin and Sophie against the whole entire school. Robin starts to get picked on even more and Robin just can't stand making Sophie go through the torture with him. Robin has second thoughts about what he really wants. Sophie and Robin have a touching relationship that suffers through pressures which truly test their love for each other.

Over the course of about an hour, I laughed extremely hard, smiled, shifted uncomfortably in my seat, and came pretty close to tears while reading What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know. Robin's emotions and feelings were so real it was almost scary. He had those genuine raw feelings, worries, and anxieties that most teenage boys have, that are sometimes not shown in other books.

My favorite part of this book was Robin and Sophie's relationship. I wasn't used to reading a book with a couple that had such a strong amazingly powerful relationship. Together they faced the whole school, never giving up, when no one else approved of their relationship. It was refreshing to see two people a stronger connection emotionally than physically (although they had a pretty heated physical connection as well). Robin and Sophie were so adorably cute together.

What My Girlfriend was fast paced, funny, romantic, and touching. It was just as good as the What My Mother Doesn't Know, if not even better. I loved reading about Sophie and Robin's stories! If you like quick, light, and "feel good" books, then you most definitely need to check out What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know.

Tangled by Carolyn Mackler

Book Review #23
Tangled by Carolyn Mackler
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all at Paradise—the resort in the Caribbean, that is—for different reasons, but in Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Over the course of four months, through four voices and four stories, what happened in Paradise will change them all.

In this extraordinary novel, the Printz Honor–winning author brings us her most accomplished work yet. Tangled is a story of the secrets we keep, the risks we take, and the things we do for love.

Before reading Tangled, I had no idea a book could be so light and funny while being so intense and heartbreaking at the same time. I never thought I would actually love a book told from four different views/story, but surprisingly it was great. Each character's story was so relatable and touching. The way the stories each intersect is fascinating and will leave you smiling at the end. You become absorbed in each story, that you end up looking up at the time and realizing a couple of hours have passed.

Tangled begins with the four characters all meeting in paradise. The book takes place over the course of four months, with each character telling their story within a month's period. First we meet Jenna in April. Jenna is first introduced while vacationing with her mother, and her mother's best friend and her daughter (Skye).  Jenna is a pretty average teenager who loves to read and collect quotes. During her week in paradise, Jenna meets Dakota who at first makes her heart go crazy. Jenna's story ends rather abruptly, but don't worry you definitely find closure by the end. 

Next month, you meet Dakota- personally my favorite story. Dakota is an athlete and is the type of guy who gets pretty much what he wants. He gets in to a bit of trouble and is forced to go live with his grandparents for a week. I loved Dakota's story because he went through the biggest transformation. Dakota had issues that you would never imagine he had based on meeting him in Jenna's story. 
  
In June you get introduced to Skye. Skye is pretty, popular, an aspiring actress, and "perfect" in everyone else's eyes. The truth is Skye doesn't appear as happy as everyone seems. Skye finally becomes sick of pretending. Skye's story left me preparing for the worst as well has dying to know what was going to happen next.
  
Lastly, there is Owen- Dakota's younger brother. You first see Owen in paradise (he lives with his mother). He is a computer nerd, who has spends most of his time on his blog who is the total opposite of Dakota. The way Jenna appears in Owen's story leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside.
  
After reading each character's story you are left with a cliffhanger at the end, but things come together by the end of the book. The way the other character's appeared or were mentioned in each others stories was done beautifully. Tangled really teaches you that there is always more than meets the eye. You would think that  that the characters would be underdeveloped due to the time you get with each of them, but that definitely wasn't the case. Surprisingly, each character was very complex and well developed. Each character went through significant changes and I was able to connect with each of them. 

Don't let the the different viewpoints keep you away from this one. Tangled is definitely different than the standard book told from different views. Mackler's writing is truly amazing and will leave you so engaged in the book you won't be able to put it down. With romance, comedy, and realistic touching characters, what more could you ask for. If your looking for a enjoyable quick (not all that light though) than pick this one up.

How To Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Standiford

Book Review #19
How To Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Standiford
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from inside flap- I thought it was more fitting than the Goodreads description)

New to town, Bea is expecting her new best friend to be one of the girls she meets on the first day. You know the type: very cheery, very friendly, very average. But instead, the alphabet conspires to seat her next to Jonah, aka Ghost Bot, a quiet observer who hasn't made a new friends since third grade. He's not a big fan of people in general...but he's willing to make an exception for her. Maybe.

Bea and Jonah are not going to have a friendship like other people have a friendship, where it's all based on gossip and parties and what everybody else thinks. Instead, their friendship comes from truth-bound conversations, shared secrets, daring stunts, and late-night calls to the same old-timer radio show. They help each other and hurt each other, push away and hold close. It's not a romance, exactly-but it's definitely love. And it means more to them than either once can ever really know....

Whoa, a few words to describe How To Say Goodbye In Robot would be strange, weird, wacky, and definitely not normal, but that's why I liked it so much. There may be few things that were normal in this book. I'm used to books with similar plots and storylines, so this was like taking a taste of a new exotic dish. Along with be different it was sweet, funny, brutally honest, and warm. I wasn't really sure what to expect, I thought it was going to be a romancish love story, but I don't think I could classify this one as a romance novel. It definitely has love, but a different kind of love.

Bea's constants moves and parents' troubled relationship left her struggling to show her emotions, afraid to grow attached to people and places, and left believing she is actually  the cold, emotionless person everyone thinks she's become (Robot Girl). Luckily it is senior year and it's Bea and her family make one last stop in Baltimore. The private school she goes to is small, with everyone having known everyone else forever. Bea meets Jonah aka Ghost Boy. Jonah, is the school outsider, he has few friends, and no one really knows why. If only they knew that he lost his twin brother Matthew and his mother in a car accident, leaving him changed forever.  Beatrice sets her mind on becoming friends, she sees something in him. 

I've never read about a friendship quite like Robot Girl's and Ghost Boy's. The two form a memorable friendship, based on Night Life, a quirky nighttime radio show, and family secrets. They form an powerful friendship, complicated by Jonah's obsession with his mentally disabled twin brother, who his father had told him died along with Bea's own problems dealing with her wacky parents. There relationship is definitely tested, but for some reason Bea can't stay away from Jonah. Jonah and Bea are never a couple - they are so much more. It's complicated they are more than friends, not lovers, but they certainly each fill a hole in the others' lives, the question is whether Jonah's hole is to deep to fill.

I loved a lot of the characters in this book, they all were different, and you learned a little bit about each of them. You even get to meet the characters on the Night Life show, all of the people start to get to know each other by their on-air personalities and they even meet in person on occasion. I loved the radio show, it was hilarious and fun to "listen in" to. Then there's Bea's mother-she's kind of crazy. First off she's obsessed with chickens, gets "sick" all the time, and in her spare time her and Bea would dress up and reenact crazy scenes.Of course, I fell in love with Bea and Jonah too, who both significantly change. 

I"m not really sure how I feel about the ending. I can't describe how I'm feeling without giving it away, but in a way I'm feeling a bit heartbroken, but definitely touched. It was kind of nice how everything came together, I had no idea, but everything Jonah did everything for a reason (It leaves you going "Oh that's why he did that!"). Although I didn't love the ending, it doesn't make or break the book.

Overall, wow what a memorable book. How To Say Goodbye In Robot is not like anything you've read before. True honest friendship (maybe even more), painfully realistic characters- that weren't normal, but were OK with it, laugh out loud moments, and so much more, what more could you ask for. I almost forgot, I loved the setup of the book- separated by months which was a great way to tell time, and a pink and black interior which I loved. I'm so happy I finally read this one, if this is in your TBR pile, move it up to the top :)