Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Book review #58

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

Rating: Five stars

Summary:

Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.

Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

 

I honestly have no idea where to begin. Twenty Boy Summer was one of my all time favorite books, so I was nervous that Fixing Delilah wouldn't be as good. Boy was I wrong. Fixing Delilah left me speechless, it's definitely going onto my favorite books list. Better yet I can confirm that Sarah Ockler is without a doubt an amazing author. She has a way to put all my favorite things into one book. Fixing Delilah had everything from romance, mystery, to family relationships.Ockler really knows how to balance everything creating the perfect blend.

 

Delilah has had a very rough year and to top it all off she's being forced to spend the summer in her old hometown to help plan for her grandmother's funeral. After both her grandparents died and with her aunt dead, she was only one of the three Hannafords left. Right after her grandfather died, her mother packed up and moved to Red Falls. Delilah never knew why she had to leave her hometown behind. Eight years later she's back and she's determined to uncover the truth. 

The characters were perfect. If wanted to pick characters to read about it I would chose this cast. There's Emily who is the nice outgoing good friend that Delilah's never had. Then there's the Hannaford sisters. Family is really important to me. I know all about crazy family secrets and sister rivalries. It was so refreshing to see family play such an important part in the book. I loved see how the siblings interacted with each other. Of course Patrick was my absolute favorite. Delilah and Patrick grew up together and now eight years later they realized they have feelings for each other. Childhood best friends turned lovers are just my type of romance :) It was so pure and real. Lastly there was Delilah herself. She has a had a tough time lately, transforming from a  good girl into who knows what. Her friendships are falling apart, her love life isn't any better, and to top it all off the family mystery is driving her crazy. But the moment she steps back into Red Falls everything changes...

 

Sarah Ockler sure does know how to write a love scene! The chemistry and interactions between the two can be compared to scenes written by Simone Elkeles and Jennifer Echols. It made those who haven't experienced those feelings longing to fall in love. Not only does she know how to write a love scene, but her writing over all is impeccable. There were so many memorable quotes and verses. The lines flew effortless almost off the page. I was so engrossed in what was going on, I had forgotten everything I had to do that day. Fixing Delilah became the number one thing on my mind.

 

I almost forgot about the setting of the book. Red Falls is even better than a summery beach town. It's small and a place I would love to spend my summer at. The descriptions were so vivid, I felt like I knew my way around town.

 

For those of you exciting for Fixing Delilah to be released, get even more excited! It definitely won't disappoint. Fans of Twenty Boy Summer are guaranteed to fall in love. Realism, coming of age, romance, and the added family tension makes this one unforgettable read. I'm anxiously awaiting for the release date as well, so I can get a copy of my own.

Borderline by Allan Stratton

Book review #43
Borderline by Allan Stratton
Rating: Four stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

Life's not easy for Sami Sabiri since his dad stuck him at a private school where he's the only Muslim kid. But it's about to get a lot worse.

When Sami catches his father in a lie, he gets suspicious. . . . He's not the only one. In a whirlwind, the FBI descends on his home, and Sami's family becomes the center of an international terrorist investigation. Now Sami must fight to keep his world from unraveling.

An explosive thriller ripped from today's headlines, borderline is the story of a funny, gutsy Muslim-American teen determined to save his father, his family, and his life.  

Whoa. What an intense read! Being a Muslim girl, I have to say that Borderline was the closest representation of Islam that I've read about. It wasn't perfect, but it was close to it.  It was nice having so much in common with the main character. I haven't read anything about this subject and I'm sure not many have you either.

Sami is forced to attend an all boy academy after having some trouble at his old school. Although he keeps his two buddies with him, everyone else makes fun of him. He sticks out like a sore thumb. Sami is really confused about his identity and who he is. He never had a really close relationship with his dad. Everything is going pretty normal, aside from his dad's sneaky behavior. After the blink of an eye he witnesses his dad being dragged out of the house for being accused of being a terrorist. Sami doesn't know what to believe. The family is flipped upside down.

Sami was such a strong character. I loved seeing things through his eyes. I was so proud of him, he was a great son and friend. I was very glad to see his transformation throughout the book. He went from being lost to being proud of who he was. I mean imagine having a father being watched and accused of being a terrible person by about the whole country. Along with everyone else, I even automatically assumed he was guilty. But there is always more parts to the story. It was crazy to watch how the family was treated. The mother lost her job and Sami was even asked if he wanted to drop out of the academy. Cameras were everywhere and everything was bugged within reach of their house.

There were a couple of complaints that I had. The beginning was kind of slow, but it definitely picked up during the second half when more of the action begin. Boy did I love the action parts, it was very intense. And I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing.

Those little complaints didn't take away from the story at all.  I thought that this was a very important book and it was quite enjoyable. It taught me not to judge anyone and that there is always more to a story. You usually don't get to see what really happens during these situations, but now you can. Mystery, thrill, a life lesson- it's all there. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone (:

Heartless by Sara Shepard

Book review #32
Heartless by Sara Shepard 
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
The newest installment in Sara Shepard’s bestselling Pretty Little Liars series is packed with juicy drama and delicious surprises that will keep readers guessing to the very end.

Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer have been telling some outrageous tales; only, the proof always seems to go missing. The friends insist they’re telling the truth, but all of Rosewood thinks they’re just out for attention—and nobody likes a girl who cries wolf. So when the big bad killer comes after them, will anyone believe the girls. . . or will they be the next to disappear?

Heartless was intense, thrilling, and just a perfect addition to the Pretty Little Liars series. Once again I was blown away! You would think being the 7th book in the series, that is would start to get old. Well that definitely isn't the case, it's back and better than ever. Having reading this book on the plane I did get a couple of stares due my reactions. I can't count how many times I said "oh my god!".

Everyone has something going on. All the main characters have their own take on what happened to Ali. Hanna is sent to a mental institution due to A of course. She meets a girl who she automatically clicks with, but there's more than meets to the eye. Iris sure is trouble, and Hanna thinks she may be connected to Ali's story. A sends Emily to live with an Amish family for a couple of days, where she learns some important things. She thinks she might have a lead in the mystery. Ali has her own things going on. Together with Noel she thinks she can contact the spirits and talk to Ali. Then lastly, there's Spencer who learns some disturbing news about her family which was of course sparked by A.On top of all that, the town has officially nicknamed the group Pretty Little Liars, due to the claim the girls made about seeing Ali in the forest after the fire.

The plot really is simply amazing. It has you twisting and turning at every corner. Important things are finally revealed, but knowing this series, you never know what to believe.I became really attached to each character. I feel like I've known them for years now. It's going to be really sad when the series finally ends.

The Pretty Little Liars is officially one of my  favorite series. Mystery, romance, suspense, and that fluff that I love to top it all of, it has it all. I'm dying for the next book to come out. AND it's going to be an ABC Family television show, which makes me extremely excited! If you haven't read this series, I strongly recommend you should. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Fade by Lisa McMann

Book Review #26
Fade by Lisa McMann
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END.

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....

After being blown away from reading Wake (link takes you to my review), I thought nothing could top it. I was wrong. I almost can't describe how satisfied I am with Fade. I feel so comforted and completely engaged in the Wake series that I never want it to end. My favorite couple-Janie and Cabel were back this time and better than ever. Now that they are officially together, you get to see whole other side to them. Basically Fade took all the amazing things Wake had, but added with the crime fighting mystery that I absolutely love.

Janie uses her dream catching abilities to join Cabel to solve crimes. Due to the fact that this job puts Janie in danger causes Cabel to start becoming uncomfortable about his feelings towards the new arrangement. The main case in the story is a major sex scandal at Fieldridge High. Janie and Cabel spend most of their time trying to solve the case. Although the crime was a big part of the story, it was only half of the enjoyment. Janie learns to better control of abilities, while Cabel struggles with his own internal struggle. Compromising decisions are made, relationships grow, and the suspense will keep you guessing from the beginning to the end.

I have to say that Janie and Cabel are officially two of my favorite characters. Janie is such a strong heroine, who never gives up, despite the difficult life she suffers from. I simply admired Janie for all the accomplishments she gets done. Oh and then there is Cabel. Cabel is just amazing! He is always there for Janie, despite where their relationship stands at the time. Alone both Janie and Cabel are great, but together they are just so much better.

The writing combined with the scenes were so powerful and vivid. The scenes suck you in and never let go. Particularity the scenes at the party, when Janie was getting tipsy, you actually started to feel a little out of it yourself. The writing is definitely not traditional, but it works just right for the story. Without a dull moment, Fade will be impossible to put down.

I"m am so happy that Fade went way above my expectations. Intensity, romance, complex lovable characters, are only a few of the components in Fade. I'm so glad I picked up this series. I can't wait to see what happens next. I think everyone should-no needs to check out this series, because if not then you are definitely missing out.

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Book review #15
Liar by Justine Larbalestier
Rating: Five stars(refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary:(taken from Goodreads) 
Micah will freely admit that she’s a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she’ll ever tell you. Over the years she’s duped her classmates, her teachers, and even her parents, and she’s always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies. That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as naturally as breathing? Taking readers deep into the psyche of a young woman who will say just about anything to convince them—and herself—that she’s finally come clean, Liar is a bone-chilling thriller that will have readers see-sawing between truths and lies right up to the end. Honestly.

I just finished reading Liar a few minutes ago and I have to say I'm left feeling breathless, overwhelmed and almost exhausted from being on Micah's roller coaster of lies. I've never read a book like Liar, honestly it was a breath of fresh air. Before reading this book you have to understand that Micah is a liar, you can't trust anything she says, she will lie about telling the truth, and she will lie about lying. I kind of wish I kept that in mind more while I was reading the book. I'm a very gullible person and tend to believe most things, so I got a little confused.

The book is divided into different sections all revolved around Zach's death. Micah describes the times before Zach( her after hours boyfriend) died, after he died, then adds in "family history". At first, I almost questioned if Zach was even her boyfriend! Along with Micah's illness for lying, the book focuses on how Zach really died. Aside from the subchapters there are three parts to the book. Part one is titled Telling the Truth except that she doesn't tell the whole truth.The clues build up, so that in part two: Telling the True Truth, her biggest secret isn't so hard to believe.You easily find yourself torn between the truth. At times I even found myself questioning if small details, that should be true, were lies. This might sound confusing, but the more Micah lied and told us she was being truthful, the easier it was to believe her. The last part, The Actual Real Truth, is where some of your questions are answered, and the "truth" is revealed. I have to admit, while reading some of her confessions, my mouth literally dropped open! 

Micah is a fascinating, strong main character. I loved how she literally "talked" to you, as well as her "reasoning" for her lies. I have to warn you at the end of the book, it's up to the you to decide whether or not Micah's telling the truth. The only complain I could come up with about Liar, is the journey of doubting and second guessing myself the whole time, but then again that just made it that much more interesting. Liar is a suspenseful thriller that will leave you at the edge of your seat. I'm happy to say that Liar is a book that stays with you long after you read it.

Suspicion

Book Review #9
Suspicion by Kate Brian
Rating: Three stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary:
Suspicion starts out where Paradise Lost ended with Reed, Noelle, and former Billings Girls Kiran and Taylor spending their winter break over at St.Barths. Reed is finally happy and relaxed after having a crazy last semester. She even landed Upton and might be in love, but there is definitely trouble with dating the most sought out guy on the island. (I can't really say any more without spoiling the previous book in the series)

Having read the first nine books of the private series in less than a week, I was very eager to read the tenth book, unfortunately the public library didn't have it. Yesterday, I spent my day at the book store finally reading Suspicion! Paradise Lost left off with the biggest cliffhanger ever, so Suspicion picked up where it left off. I have to say this was one of my least favorite of the books in the Private series, but that doesn't mean it was a bad book. I felt really sorry for poor Reed, so much as happened to her. I think I just prefer the Private series when based at Easton, as opposed to the islands where Reed and her friends currently where. My favorite part about the book was the ending, leaving readers with an even bigger cliffhanger than the last! I can't wait to read the next book, everyone is back at Easton, there's a new student attending, and something has happened to the Billings (which is revealed in this book). Watch out for Scandal coming out on March 9th, 2010.  Overall, I'm officially in love with the Private series! I would recommend the Private series to anyone. 

Kiss Me Kill Me

Book Review #7
Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
Rating: Three stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary:
 Sixteen year old, Scarlett transfers from St. Tabby’s to Wakefield Hall Collegiate, after having a traumatizing experience six months earlier. Scarlett, a former gymnast, had two best friends and wasn't really in the popular crowd. One day, the head of the popular group invites Scarlett to an elite party. Scarlett having a huge crush on Dan, ditches her two friends, to get closer to her dream boy. While at the party, on the penthouse deck, Dan leans in and kisses Scarlett, while Scarlett gets the perfect first kiss, Dan  took his last breath as she held him in her arms. No one knows how or why Dan died, but everyone at St. Tabby’s believes Scarlett was the main reason. Scarlett becomes the outcast at school; to a point where she transfers to Wakefield Hall Collegiate, where her grandmother is the headmaster. 

For the first half of the book, I really felt sorry for Scarlett, she had no friends whatsoever, her parents are dead, the teachers and students are even harder on her because her grandmother runs the school, and on top of that she has to keep up with the extra hard schoolwork. Although I felt bad for Scarlett, it was annoying  how much she complained and felt sorry for herself, instead of trying to make it better. The book got a lot better in the second half, when the mystery finally came into play. Scarlett finally made a new friend who helps her really discover what happened to Dan and even met a new guy. Although I was extremely disappointed with the ending of the book, the mystery wasn't fully solved, leaving you in need of the sequel. The sequel did just come out, (Kisses and Lies) and it is definitely on my books to read list. Overall, Kiss Me Kill Me wasn't the best book in the world, but it wasn't bad. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery and romance books.