Looks by Madeleine George

Looks by Madeleine George

Published: New York : Viking, 2008

Two high school girls, one an anorexic poet and the other an obese loner, form an unlikely friendship.

I loved reading Looks.

The first thing that drew me to the book was the cover, I just thought that the cover looked really interesting.

Looks goes a lot deeper than just a good cover however.

For starters the descriptions that Madeleine George provides within her book are amazing. They are almost poetic-like and magical.

The characters were all really well developed too. I really loved Meghan and Aimee which was obviously the desired affect from the author. I didn't like Cara but she was a well-developed character.

The story line itself was great too, everything flowed and there was never anything I doubted or felt was missing.

One thing I really loved about Looks was that everything was there, when I was reading it I thought it would be good to read more about certain aspects and later on they were there. I also just loved how events unfolded and were revealed slowly but really interestingly.

Overall, I really loved Looks and would recommend it to anyone interested in reading a highly entertaining novel with magical descriptions. I will definitely be getting myself a copy of this novel.

My Rating: φφφφφφ

Quotable Quotations (11)

Quotable Quotations (11)

This week I have chosen the theme of Weight Issues. So I will be reading several books that are related to the theme of weight issues. Some of the books are about anorexia/bulimia and some are about being overweight. The quote for this week comes from the book Looks by Madeleine George which I read a while ago.

"She imagines their bready bottom, almost like flesh, seething with grease and sugar and oil, only a foil pan and a flimsy piece of cardboard away from her skin." ~ Madeleine George, Looks

End to Humourous Week

End to Humourous Week

This week has been quite a funny week. I read quite a lot of books that made me laugh out loud. Now I have some recommendations for other books that are good for a laugh.

The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series by Louise Rennison

The Magenta Orange series by Echo Freer

The Deadly series by Paul Jennings and Morris Gleitzman

The Wicked series by Paul Jennings and Morris Gleitzman

Thats all I can think of at the moment to be honest but still, they're good for a laugh.

In My Mailbox (13)

In My Mailbox (13)

In My Mailbox was created by The Story Siren.

So, this week I got more books out from the library than I was expecting to. I also got a surprise book in the mail for review. But thats OK because I will be on a bus from 8 in the morning until about 6 or 7 at night so I'm hoping to get a bit of reading done then and then after that it is the holidays for two weeks so here's hoping I get a lot of reading done. And now for the books:

For Review:

100 Bible Stories will soon be hidden in your child's heart and bursting out in song. From Genesis and Revelation to Psalms, Proverbs, and Jesus' parables, children will read their favorite Bible story and sing their favorite Bible song. Bible truths and Life Action Applications will help your child take these Biblical teachings to heart. 100 kid-friendly Bible stories, with adorable illustrations, are paired with two awesome CDs filled with 100 new arrangements of more than two hours of favorite songs, hymns, and spirituals. It's a unique experience the whole family will enjoy!

From the library:

Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters

Adam's return from death has made Phoebe's love life even weirder. Now she has to choose between two zombie boys. She knows how Adam needs her, but she still has feelings for Tommy. Meanwhile, the zombie population of Oakville, Conn., continues to grow. As their numbers rise, the undead community is becoming increasingly divided.

I was really excited when I got this from the library. I was surprised that I got this cover for it though as I was expecting the cover with the flower on it but I'm happy either way.

Zombie Blondes by Brian James

Each time fifteen-year-old Hannah and her out-of-work father move she has some fears about making friends, but a classmate warns her that in Maplecrest, Vermont, the cheerleaders really are monsters.

This book has been on my reading list for a while now so when I saw it at the library I grabbed it. Another good thing about it is that it will help me fill out the Z category for an alphabet challenge that I'm doing.

The Lump Of Coal by Lemony Snicket

A lump of coal that wants to be an artist, but would settle for making decorative marks on a piece of grilled meat, rolls out of a forgotten bag of charcoal one winter and takes a spin through town seeking a miracle.

I thought this book was kind of cute and I really like Lemony Snicket so I got it out for a quick five minute read.

Midnight Predator by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Turquoise Draka, a mercenary trained to fight vampires, witches, and shape-shifters, infiltrates a vampire stronghold, but ghosts from her past and new possibilities for her future threaten to distract her from the work at hand.

I've waited a long time to get a hold of this book and now I finally have it to read, I just hope it's really good. I got told that it was a little boring so I'll just have to wait and see.

Well thats all the books I got this week, I definitely cannot wait to see what everyone else got.

My Life is a Girdle by Gretel Killeen

My Life is a Girdle by Gretel Killeen

Published: Random House Australia, 2003

Series: Book 4, Fleur Trotter

Bravo, bonjour and welcome! Here it is, the hugely anticipated sequel to the enormous cult classics and intergalactic bestsellers My Life is a Toilet, My Life is a Wedgie and My Life is a Boob Tube. Laugh, weep and make you frizzy hair smooth as Fleur not only deals with being dumped, a massive zit and a dying grandma who's turned orange, but also competes against her family for a million dollars in a reality TV show that's broadcast live across the universe. Oh yes, that's right, the books is brilliant because it reveals the duplicity of human nature, the complications of love, and Fleur's bum.

I really loved reading My Life is a Girdle, it was utterly hilarious.

I'd read about Fleur's adventures in her previous three books and loved them. This one was great too. I found myself laughing out loud a lot.

Fleur really is a delightful character. She's just so funny and I find her family to be so weird it's really interesting and makes for a funny read.

I must say however, the ending of My Life is a Girdle was a bit of a surprise as I had not expected it at all.

Overall, I really liked My Life is a Girdle, it's very original and hilarious. I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a good laugh. I would suggest however, reading the previous three (My Life is a Toilet, My Life is a Wedgie and My Life is a Boob Tube).

My Rating:φφφφ

Stop in the Name of Pants by Louise Rennison

Stop In The Name Of Pants by Louise Rennison

Published: London : HarperCollins Children's, 2008

Series: Book 9, Georgia Nicolson

Now that Georgia has finally won over gorgey Masimo, the Italian Stallion, her old friend and lip-nibbling partner Dave the Laugh has popped up again. Will Georgia go to Pizza-a-gogo land to visit dreamy Masimo? Or could her perfect boy be closer than she thinks. A Sex Kitty's life is never simple...

Stop in the Name of Pants is a hilarious novel. I was laughing out loud at several parts of this book. Firstly, I love how they add pants into everything.

All of the characters are fantastic, I especially love Georgia and Dave The Laugh as they are sooooo funny. I don't particularly like Wet Lindsay however.

I liked the story line in this book as I did in the other ones and found this one to be just as funny as the others. The ending makes me want to read the next book however. Thats one thing I really like about these books is that the endings tend to be the cliffhanger type.

Overall, Stop in the Name of Pants is laugh out loud funny and a really delightful read. I'd recommend this one to anyone who loves a good laugh and to anyone who loves the diary type novels. Sadly, the last book in the series is being released this year. I will be sad to see this series end as it is a very humorous one.

My Rating: φφφφφ

A Fate Totally Worse Than Death by Paul Fleischman

A Fate Totally Worse Than Death by Paul Fleischman

Published: Walker Books, 1996

Danielle and her friends from Cliffside High's cruelest clique — the Huns — set out to crush a ravishing exchange student from Norway. Will they go as far as murder? They have before. But as they plot and plan, they start to realize that something ghastly has started to happen to them, something they would no doubt describe as a fate totally worse than death!

I quite enjoyed reading A Fate Totally Worse Than Death. It was really tiny so it didn't take very long to read at all.

I thought the idea of the book was quite funny, for a while I couldn't work out what was going happening but then I realized what was going on and it became quite hilarious.

The characters were all typical cliché which suited the book well and made it all the more enjoyable.

The twist at the end of the book surprised me a little however. Which just made it quite good and it was slightly humorous.

Overall, I found A Fate Totally Worse Than Death to be a highly enjoyable novel. It's a good book to read on a rainy afternoon. I'd recommend this one to anyone who likes a horror spoof, or just a tiny little read.

My Rating: φφφφ

Hellbent by Anthony McGowan

Hellbent by Anthony McGowan

Published: London : Doubleday, 2005

Sent to Hell for typical teenage misdemeanours, Conor is surprised to find that it's not all pitchforks and leaping flames. But an eternity in a fusty cave full of philosophy books and obscure classical music is actually worse.
Then Conor realizes that his personal version of Hell might be someone else's idea of Heaven – and vice versa. He sets out on a filthy, funny and forbidden journey to search for his opposite number, accompanied by his repulsive pet dog, a depressed cross-dressing Viking and a stumpy devil called Clarence. What he sees is disgusting and what he discovers is shocking, but oddly enough Conor learns a hell of a lot about life – now that he's dead!

Hellbent is a really funny book and I really enjoyed reading it. As well as humour and the whole adventuring through heaven aspect there is some philosophy lessons taking place throughout the book. I think that anyone who is interested in philosophy would like this book as it mentions several philosophical theories. On a lighter note there is a lot of humour so that someone who isn't a fan of philosophy can also enjoy the book. There were several occasions when I burst out laughing at parts in the story.

There was also a lot of gory descriptions so if you don't like that kind of thing then Hellbent probably isn't for you.
Hellbent had me dreaming about my own hell and what it was like and made me think about what there is in the afterlife.
Overall, I thought Hellbent was quite a good and interesting read with quite a lot of funny parts. I'd recommend this one to anyone who wants to give it a go and is looking for something out of the ordinary to read.

My Rating: φφφφ

Georgia Nicolson Reading Challenge

Georgia Nicolson Reading Challenge

Seeing as how this week is humour week I have joined in another reading challenge and this one is the Georgia Nicolson reading challenge and it is being hosted by Greenbeanteenqueen over at her blog so if you are interested in joining you can go here.

Now for the rules:

1. Between now and June 18, 2010 read all ten of the Georgia Nicolson books. They can be any format.

2. There's a Mr. Linky at the bottom of her post to sign up with.

3. Post reviews on all the Georgia books you read and share the Ace Gang fun!

4. You don't even have to have a blog to participate.

5. Anyone can join at anytime!

So, with this one I think I'll list the Georgia Nicolson books in order below and then when I read and review the books I'll link them below as well as at the other place. I'll also add the extra little books that are related to the Georgia Nicolson series. My reviews will probably be all over the place because the only book in the series I haven't read is the 10th one, which isn't out yet so I will be re-reading the others.

The Books:

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

It's OK I'm Wearing really big Knickers

Knocked out by my Nunga-Nungas

Dancing in my Nuddy-pants

...And that's when it fell off in my hand

...Then he ate my boy entrancers

...Startled by his furry shorts

Luuurve is a many-trousered thing

Stop in the name of pants

Are these my basoomas I see before me

Let the snog fest begin

Georgia Nicolson's book of Wisdomosity

So, I shall definitely be enjoying this challenge.

My Cup Runneth Over by Cherry Whytock

My Cup Runneth Over by Cherry Whytock

Published: New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2003

Series: Book 1, Angelica Cookson Potts/ Angel

Believing she is too big, fourteen-year-old Angel tries dieting and kick-boxing to lose weight, but thanks to her friends and the school fashion show, she discovers that her size is just right. Includes recipes.

I read this one in a couple of hours as it was quite a short read. There were a couple of humorous bits in it but not that many.
The characters were nothing too special to be honest. The dad, Potty was about the only slightly interesting character. Angel was a little bit too sensitive about her weight. She really didn't have that much to worry about. I felt that her character just complained all the time.
As for the story line it was really predictable and nothing out of the ordinary. Everything that was meant to be a surprise was obvious.
The only really cool thing was the recipes that were in the book.
Overall, I really didn't think that My Cup Runneth Over was anything great. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes diary sorts of books and for anyone looking for a short, light read.
My Rating: φφ

Quotable Quotations (10)

Quotable Quotations (10)

So, last week we had the theme of randomness, the week before that was the week dedicated to vampires. This week, we have the theme of humour. Or books that make you laugh. Some of the books I have picked out for this week are weird humour but we'll see how it goes.

So, the quote for this week comes from the book Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. This week I'm trying something a little different and have a little motion picture. Here's hoping that it will work.

In case you couldn't read the quote here it is:

"Sometimes he would scribble something on a sheet of paper by his side. It was covered in symbols which only eight other people in the world would have been able to comprehend; two of them had won Nobel prizes, and one of the other six dribbled a lot and wasn't allowed anything sharp because of what he might do with it." ~ Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, Good Omens

Thats it for this week, have a humorous week.

'09 Debut Authors Challenge

'09 Debut Authors Challenge

So I was surfing round the net and have decided to do this debut authors challenge. Which came from The Story Siren's website. For this challenge I have decided to try to read 15 debut novels.
It started at the beginning of the year but I've decided to join now.
It ends 31 December 2009.
What I figure I'll do for this challenge is the same for the Sookie Stackhouse challenge so I'll read a book and when I've read and reviewed it I'll put the link up for the review here.

1. Looks by Madeleine George
2. Jane in Bloom by Deborah Lytton
3. Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee
4. The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
5. Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
6. Skinny by Ibi Kaslik
7. Huge by Sasha Paley
8. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
9. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
10. Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers
11. Switch by Carol Snow
12. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
13. Looking for Alaska by John Green

End to the week of Randomness

End to the week of Randomness

So the week has ended, and I read some books and wrote some reviews and none of the books followed a certain 'theme'.

Just on the topic of randomness however, I do have some books that are very very random. This random means that they are really crazy books to read. So here are the random books that I recommend to you:

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Through the Looking Glass and what Alice Found There by Lewis Carroll

Once again I've linked up some links to the books/information about the books.

The list is kinda short this week because I haven't read many books that I can say are random.

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox was created by The Story Siren.

First of all I actually got a book in the mail this week so I'm really excited about that. So, this week I ended up getting heaps of books out from the library in a way it's a good thing because I'll be going away next Sunday and so I felt the need to get a few books to take with me. And they are:

Rumours by Anna Godbersen

After bidding goodbye to New York's brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, rumors continue to fly about her untimely demise.

All eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her mischievous sister, Diana, now the family's only hope for redemption; New York's most notorious cad, Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; the seductive Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind—including Henry; even Elizabeth's scheming former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency.

As old friends become rivals, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites find their futures threatened by whispers from the past.

I won this in a contest from YA Reads. Which I am so excited about.

From the library:

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek and Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the heart of it. But after an eerie accident leaves Ryan housebound and forbidden to see Sarah, their investigation takes two tracks: Ryan records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out … and then emails the clips for Ryan to see.

In a new, groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book.

I wasn't expecting to get this book this week but I happened to have it on hold when it arrived at the library which was really cool as this book seems really interesting and a really cool concept. I can't wait to read it.

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

When fifteen-year-old Lexi's younger sister Kasey begins behaving strangely and their old Victorian house seems to take on a life of its own, Lexi investigates and discovers some frightening facts about previous occupants of the house, leading her to believe that many lives are in danger.

This book sounds really creepy so I got it. I've heard that it's a really good read.

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson

HE WAS BORN WITH GREAT POWER
The greatest superpower of all isn't to be part spider, part man, or to cast magic spells–the greatest power is the power to create.

Daniel X has that power.

AND A DEADLY SECRET
Daniel's secret abilities–like being able to manipulate objects and animals with his mind or to re-create himself in any shape he chooses–have helped him survive. But Daniel doesn't have a normal life. He is the protector of Earth, the Alien Hunter, with a mission beyond anyone's imagining.

NOW THE FATE OF THE WORLD RESTS ON DANIEL X
From the day that his parents were brutally murdered before his very eyes, Daniel has used his unique gifts to hunt down their assassin. Finally, with the help of The List, bequeathed to him in his parents' dying breath, he is closing in on the killer.

Now, on his own, he vows to carry out his father's mission–and to take vengeance in the process.

I've been meaning to read this one for a while so I decided to get it when I saw it at the library.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson

In the not-too-distant future, when biotechnological advances have made synthetic bodies and brains possible but illegal, a seventeen-year-old girl, recovering from a serious accident and suffering from memory lapses, learns a startling secret about her existence.

This one sounds really good and when I was looking at it, it seemed kind of science fictiony so I decided I definitely want to read this one.

Love is Hell by various authors

Five stories of supernatural romance. Stories written by Melissa Marr, Scott Westerfeld, Justine Larbalestier, Gabrielle Zevin and Laurie Faria Stolarz.

I really love most of these authors so why not read this great book of short stories.

Skinny by Ibi Kaslik

After the death of their father, two sisters struggle with various issues, including their family history, personal relationships, and an extreme eating disorder.

This one I got for an upcoming theme week and it sounded really good.

Dead is the new Black by Marlene Perez

While dealing with her first boyfriend and suddenly being pressed into service as a substitute cheerleader, sixteen-year-old Daisy Giordano, daughter and sister of psychics but herself a "normal" attempts to help her mother discover who is behind a series of bizarre attacks on teenage girls in their little town of Nightshade, California.

Last week I got the sequel, so this week I ended up getting the first book in the series so I can read them both.

Gothic Lolita by Dakota Lane

Sixteen-year-olds Chelsea and Miya have a lot in common, from their love of blogging, loss of loved ones, and the Shonin rainbow warrior books, to nationalities, even though they are half-way across the world from each other.

This one sounded quite interesting so I thought I would have a go at reading it.

Well thats it for this week, can't wait to see what everyone else got.

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Published: New York : Simon Pulse, c2008

When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends–her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.

Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know that he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.

This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.

I would say I enjoyed reading Living Dead Girl because I did but it just doesn't seem to be so fitting.

Living Dead Girl is a really well-written novel and I admire Elizabeth Scott for having the ability to write a novel of this stature really well and she set the scene and mood perfectly.

I feel this is a really serious novel and it isn't to be taken lightly.

I felt an attachment to the character Alice, I felt sorry for her and I really wanted to help her.

The story line itself was really interesting. It's also rather sad.

I quite liked the ending, it was sad but at the same time there was hope.

Overall, I liked Living Dead Girl. It was sad and a really well-written novel about emotional conflict and abuse. This one is quite serious and I would recommend this one to anyone out there interested but I must say that it is not really suitable for the faint-hearted.

My Rating: φφφφ