The Downside of Being Charlie by Jenny Torres Sanchez Review

Title: The Downside of Being Charlie by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Pages: 268
Publishing Date: May 22nd 2012
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Audience: Teen
Obtained: Review for Seta Zink

Charlie is handed a crappy senior year. Despite losing thirty pounds over the summer, he still gets called “Chunks” Grisner. What’s worse, he has to share a locker with the biggest Lord of the Rings freak his school has ever seen. He also can’t figure out whether Charlotte VanderKleaton, the beautiful strawberry lip-glossed new girl, likes him the way he likes her. Oh, and then there’s his mom. She’s disappeared—again—and his dad won’t talk about it.
Somewhere between the madness, Charlie can at least find comfort in his one and only talent that just might get him out of this life-sucking place. But will he be able to hold his head above water in the meantime?

My Thoughts:

First off I want to thank Seta Zink for an ARC copy of this book. Can I just say how much I loved this book! Its def something totally different than some of the stuff I've been reading lately. Charlie is not our typical MC. He struggles with his weight, isn’t confident and always gets bullied but this is his year. He doesn’t want to be known as that kid anymore. He loses weight and he thought that it would change everything but it doesn’t.

Charlie is such a great character. He’s shy and honest. He’s funny. I saw the teenage boy in the voice that the author wrote. There so much honesty in this book. His family problems are real. There are a lot of families out there that go through the same thing that Charlie does. I’ve seen it first hand and it honestly is greatly executed in this book. I give the author props because those topics are really hard to write about, especially in YA.

I also loved the minor characters. His best friend is just so random. He likes to dress and talk like one of the guys from the Pack Rat and it’s just so crazy how good of a relationship they have. You can tell he would do anything to help Charlie and that’s what true friends are like. It was so good to see that. I also really loved the teacher. We don’t often give those few teachers that notice that things are off credit. Those are the teachers who save lives. I can’t express how much I loved everything about this book. It was so well written and just Charlie’s voice is just unforgettable.

This author does an excellent job battling topics like mental illness and bulimia. It’s serious but she finds a way to put it into an optimistic way. It’s not dark and I love that because that’s what  gets you to move forward. In all that negativity you find hope. I honestly can’t wait to read more books from this author. This book is def must read for anyone. It sends out such a good message.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What do you think about dark topics in YA literature? Do you think they help? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows Review

Title: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Pages:  374
Publishing Date: January 31st 2012
Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books
Audience: Teen
Obtained: Borrowed

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.
No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?
Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

My Thoughts:

I don’t know how to feel about Incarnate? There were some parts in the book that made me completely swoon and then there were so many other times when I thought “Really?” with the occasional eye roll here and there. I mean it was good romantic wise but I just wished it explained more into the complexity of the book. There were a lot of questions that I wish that were explained better.

I loved the concept of the book. Reincarnation is totally complex and such an incredibly cool thing. The fact that after “x” amount of years that this newsoul came about really intrigued me. Common questions that I found myself asking were, “how?” “why was she the first newsoul?”. The answers to those questions were never answered.

I felt like the entire book was just centered around Anna and Sam and their relationship. Although it’s difficult to picture Sam as anything but an old man. I mean how many times do we have to hear about his past lives. The cemetery scene was just a bit much for me to be honest. While ignoring that, their relationship seemed pretty good. I really liked how it took time for her to actually like him and it wasn’t abrupt like some of the other young adult novels I’ve read lately.

The thing I really like about Ana was the fact that she’s so sheltered but just hate that for 18 years she was mentally and physically abused. Wouldn’t that break a person down? There has to be side effect of this right? Am I the only one to think this? I mean just in the first chapter her mother sends her out to pretty much die in the wilderness with a broken compass. That girl should’ve known better.

The thing that bothered me the most was just the fact that although she wanted answers, there was little time that she actually looked for them. I mean there were times spent at the library and other little things here and there but other than that she didn’t really discover much of anything. It just kind of bothered me through out the book.

I’m kind of anxious to see how the next book plays out. Like I said, it wasn’t bad at all. I just wished there were more answers to the questions. Here’s to hoping #2 exceeds my expectations…

Comment Question of the Blog:

Do you believe in incarnation? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini Review

Title: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Pages: 487
Publishing Date: May 21st 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Audience: Teen
Obtained: Nook and Softcover bought

How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart

My Thoughts:

I was a little hesitant to read this book. Don’t ask me why? I guess I just have to be in the mood to read a certain kind of book. There were some good things that I loved about the book but there were also some things that I wish could’ve been done a little better.

It’s been a long time since I haven’t read a novel where there is a single parent or where there are absentee parents involved. I guess I felt that it was expected I guess? I don’t know. I guess I have to give her father credit. At least he wanted to parent her. Although it felt more like a Bella/dad relationship. I just wish they would’ve developed more of a relationship. That would’ve def been a refresher.

Let’s stop and talk about the main characters. In the beginning of the novel they’re trying to kill each other! They seriously try killing each other! It’s described as this incredible hate that fuels that murderous state. I think that’s pretty cool to be perfectly honest. The only problem I have with this is that if they’re in a school and that hate is so powerful, how can they not just go and finish each other off? I don’t know.. Well anyway, so not to get into too many details their debt is paid and they stop their murderous streak. I don’t know how I feel about the whole murder ordeal at all.

The one thing that I really did enjoy is that the minor characters were very present in the book. It was actually a very awesome thing! I abs loved all of their qualities.

The greek mythology was actually a cool concept. I really liked how everything turned out. It’s actually one of the few mythological books that I’ve read and that aspect def wasn’t disappointing.

The only thing that I really didn’t like was the fact that it seemed to Twilight-ish. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate Twilight. I just disagree with the concept. I guess it’s because I would hate it if my daughter just completely gave up because a boy left her sort of thing. Anyway, I guess if you like Twilight, then Starcrossed is def up your alley.

Comment Question of the Blog:

What’s your favorite mythological character and why? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Bumped by Megan McCafferty Review

Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pub. Date: April 26th, 2011 
Pages: 336
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to convince Melody that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.

When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.

My Thoughts:

Ok can I say one word to describe this novel? Amazing! Best novel of 2011 maybe? Actually definitely! Well I mean what's to expect from the author of the Jessica Darling Series, which by the way is super awesome! Anyway.. As you guys all know, with shows in today's society like 16 & pregnant, Teen Mom and other Teen Pregnancy celebrities; Pregnancy has now been glorified in this society. These girls get paid thousands of dollars to show other teens tough it is to be a teen parent or to give up their child for adoption. Well this book is about two teens, and the pov is split between them both. Melody is from a society where teen pregnancy is encouraged, even glorified because there is a virus that inhibits anyone above the age of 18-19 to conceive. Harmony is from the churchy side and they believe that marriage comes first and then the act of having children. They are two twins that got separated at birth. I love the two perspectives that this novel gives! McCafferty does a great job with this novel. It made me question so many things and honestly this might be a possibility in the future! One thing I do have to point out is that condoms are illegal! How the f are you supposed to have safe sex? What about those teens that don't want to be pregnant? These are questions I am definitely wanting to know and hope to find out in the next book! McCafferty really leaves us hanging on that last page. Even made me yell out "Oh Come On". Having said that, I give this novel 5 out of 5 paws!

Comment Question of the Blog:

What do you think of the show 16 & pregnant? The good, the bad  and the ugly. Let me know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead Review

Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead
Publisher: Kensington  
Pub. Date: August 30th 2011
Pages: 277 
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought 

In Georgina Kincaid, succubus and she-demon, #1 New York Times bestselling author Richelle Mead has created one of her most enticing characters. But with a shot at love, and maybe even redemption, is the ultimate seductress finally going soft? Like hell she is. . .

Georgina Kincaid has had an eternity to figure out the opposite sex, but sometimes they still surprise her. Take Seth Mortensen. The man has risked his soul to become Georgina's boyfriend. Still, with Lucifer for a boss, Georgina can't just hang up her killer heels and settle down to domestic bliss. In fact, she's being forced to transfer operations. . .to Las Vegas.

The City of Sin is a dream gig for a succubus, but Georgina's allies are suspicious. Why are the powers-that-be so eager to get her away from Seattle—and from Seth? Georgina is one of Hell's most valuable assets, but if there's any way out of the succubus business she plans to take it—no matter how much roadkill she leaves behind. She just hopes the casualties won't include the one man she's risking everything for. . .

My Thoughts:

What can I say? I hate to say Georgina and Seth go. I loooove them! I’ve been reading about them since the very start and this has def been my favorite series of all time! This one is a little different than the other ones in the series. It didn’t have as much sex in it, but it had the answer to questions I’ve been wanting to know since the very beginning. The characters have always been great! Seth has been by far my favorite! He’s sexy, smart and cares about Georgina and his family beyond belief. My other favorite had to have been Carter. He’s just so awesome and is always there when Georgina needs him and his angelic ways. There was a lot of stuff in this book I totally didn’t see coming and I kept squeeling and saying no way! It’s crazy! This series had it’s ups and downs, well more ups than downs, and it’s taken me on a rollercoaster ride I will never forget. I feel sad that’s Mead is going to stick with her young adult series for now but if she’s planning on doing anything like another Georgina look a like series I’m game! I give this one 5 out of 5 paws!

Comment Question of the Blog:

What’s your favorite Georgina scene? Lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting Review

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pub. Date: February 15th 2011
Pages: 368
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Library

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

My Thoughts:

Well I kind of liked the first one and I have to say it was the same thing with this one. There's more body finding but this time the FBI is involved, as well as some new characters that I hope we learn more of in future books. Violet is trying to adjust to her new relationship with her boyfriend and having this ability to find bodies. There are also some new kids in town and more mysteries! I def love Derting's writing. The character's were just as great as the first one. The only thing that I just couldn't stand was the whole moping around for like 3 days. I mean come on! Stuff happens, get over it.. Anyway, I do have to say she left a good cliff hanger and I want to know what happens! I give this novel 3 out of 5 paws!

Comment Question of the Blog:

What kind of mysteries would you have liked to solve? Let me know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads

Everlasting by Alyson Noel Review

Everlasting by Alyson Noel
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Pub. Date: June 7th 2011
Pages: 320
Age Level: Young Adult
Obtained: Bought

Everlasting is the sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears-all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.
Will they be united-or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

My Thoughts:

Ok this one is def my favorite book out of the series. I read this one pretty quickly. It was everything I hoped that the series would be. Every answer I wanted to know since the beginning of the series was answered through out the book. Noel did an amazing job of answering those questions with such detail that it just amazed me. Damien continues to be my favorite character of the series. The twins were also so awesome! The finale was just so great! I’m still in shock by it! I hate that it’s finally over but I have to say that It just left me so satisfied. I can’t wait to read more of Noel’s stuff! I give this one 4 out of 5 paws.

Comment Question of the blog:

If you’ve read the book, did you like the ending? If not, are you excited to read it? lemme know in the comment section below!

As always,
That Chick That Reads