Secrets of My Hollywood Life

Secrets of My Hollywood Life

Jen Calonita

What if ... your picture were taped inside teenage boys' locker across America, you closets were bursting with never worn designer clothing, and the tabloids constantly asked whether you were losing you "good girl" status?

It's a glamorous life, but sixteen year old Kaitlin Burke, costar of one of the hottest shows on TV, is exhausted from the pressures of fame. Then she hits on an outrageously daring solution, one that has to remain top secret or it will jeopardize everything she's ever worked for.

I was surprise to know that i actually enjoyed reading this book. Let me get this straight though, it isn't one of my favorites, and it isn't the best book out there, it was just a nice break from some of the sci fi (City of Bones/Ashes/Glass) and serious books i have been reading lately. Now while the idea she comes up with is completely unrealistic, it is cool to imagine that those things would happen. I really like Austin. He seems like an all around good guy, tho i can see many him getting into some trouble in future books, just because he seems like THE perfect guy. I do agree on the fact that young stars today may have too much on their plate, and do need a break once in a while without being criticized and humiliated with phony and outrageous rumors. Then again it suppresses a guilty pleasure of mine too. I alway wished and wanted to be a celebrity, though from the way my life is heading, i can tell this isn't going to happen anytime (or ever) soon. This book, hopefully realistically, lets me imagine what it would be like to be a celeb, and compare it to my normal life. This isn't a must read book, but if someone offers to let you borrow it, don't hesitate to say yes.

City of Bones

City of Bones

Cassandra Clare

When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shawdowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons- and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace. Within twenty four hours, Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary Mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shawdowhunters would like to know...

I liked this book a whole lot. Clary, the stubborn teen who doesn't listen. Jace the one whose gone through too much heartbreak. Simon, Clary's best friend who will stick with her until the end. I wish, wish i had a best friend like Simon, which automatically makes him my favorite character of the book. Isabelle and Alec, "siblings" of Jace are hard to read, and are very unpredictable, but make the story even out. The world of magical creatures in this book, make me want to experience what they are experiencing. In the beginning, it is sort of confusing, but as you read it gets clearer. This book is very interesting. And is a nice vacation from having a sci fi/fantasy book being all about vampires. Okay, there are vampires in this wonderful, amazing book, but they aren't a major part... or are they? This is a must read, and though it isn't as great as the Hunger Games, it is still great. And Clary having red hair? so cool.P.s. i think the figure on the cover is meant to represent Jace.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky

Standing on the fringes of life...

...offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.

This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. more intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course throught uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on the perfect drive to feel infinite.

Though Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming of age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as

growing up.

I am required to read a book for honors english next year that is on the banned books list of 2008. I am very thorough, so i plan to read quite a few and pick from there. This is the first one i have read. (technically the 9th or so, but i mean read specifically for the project. The whole harry potter series is on there and one of my favorites, Looking for Alaska by John Green, and Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.) We are required to write whether or not we agree with critics and it's idea of unappropriateness. This book has many references to sex, drugs, alcohol, and so on and so on. I think the reason it may seem inappropriate is how the boy, a freshman, Charlie, goes about it. He seem so clueless, and maybe the way he talks or writes about these things makes it seem worse than it is. Or maybe it is just plain inappropriate. I am not sure but I still have to ponder about this subject longer.

Anyway about the book. I actually liked it. I stalled reading it (got it from the library two weeks ago, and had gone back for three trip before starting it.) because it was written a while ago. Some books are written today, but are given the setting of the past. Not this one, it was written i think ten or so years ago, so i automatically thought it was going to be boring. I made the wrong assumption. It wasn't boring much actually. With boring books i tend to find myself skipping pages and scanning. With this one, i found myself actually reading everything, and trying to figure out why Charlie is the way he is. The beginning was a little slow, but once I got started reading, i got really into it. I think that Sam is my favorite character, and i am happy i read this book, and even disappointed in myself for stalling for so long. So if you happen to see this book, read it, though it is a little, how should i say this... interesting... at times.

Ha ha. so here is something new. What do you think are the perks of being a wallflower? And how are they advantages vs. maybe being in the center of attention? What are the disadvantages of being a wallflower, and which would you prefer and why? Please comment below and share you thought and ideas. I'd love to hear them.

Prism

Prism

Faye Kellerman and Aliza Kellerman

Kaida Hutchenson isn't exactly psyched for the class trip to Carlsbad Caverns. Fourteen hours in a van with preppy jock Zeke Anderson and high school longer Joy Tallon? No, thank you.

But when a tragic and explosive accident turns the journey into a nightmare, Kaida would give anything to be back on the road. Stumbling at midnight through the unforgiving desert, Kaida, Zeke, and Joy take refuge in an abandoned cave... until the world goes from pitch black to blinding. The next thing Kaida know, she's back home in California and everything is just as it was before the Carlsbad trip ever took place.

Or is it?

Increasingly, unnerved by the distorted world around her, Kaida starts receiving unexpected help from mysterious people. Soom she must band together with Zeke and Joy to try to make it back to the reality she remembers... and to survive the one she's fallen into.

First i just want to give props to Aliza Kellerman for writing this book, even with the help of her mother, Faye. I just think its awesome that she tried to write a book, and succeeded. Writing is very hard, (at least for some) and she only being Junior in high school, has achieved so much already. Okay so about the book. I sort of, really liked it. Though it was a bit to short for my liking. I felt that if it were longer, and had more details, it wouldn't have felt so rushed, and then it would have been ten times better. Also there are some parts that don't make sense, like a certain word here or there that would confuse me, but then again it might just be me, and there are some information that was like, "okay, what did that have to do with anything?" but i still liked the book. My favorite character of the book is... Ozzy Callahan!!! If you haven't read the book, you wouldn't know who he was, cause he is not mentioned in the summary, but he's there. I also really liked how the main character, Kaida was unconventional. Starting with her name which is japanese, and her purple hair, to her dislike of a school trip. ( I mean who doesn't like time away from home with all your friends?) This is one book that i would really like to see a sequel for. It ends alright, but i really want to know what happens next (**** *********** ********************* ***********? *************** * ******** ****** *? ***** * *********** ********? these are all my questions that have been left unanswered. I would write then down though i don't want to ruin the book for you too much.) I would definitely buy the sequel if she ever decides to make one. There is a lot of good stuff that could make a good storyline. And last but not least, I would definitely recommend this book. The thing i disliked the most probably would be the cover, because it almost makes you want to walk past it, due to the oldyness of the cover. But hey, that's just my opinion. It isn't boring, and keeps me interested. So if you just happened to see it on sale, or in the library, pick it up and read it, It won't waste your time.

Have you ever noticed?

that these two covers have the same girl/photo on their covers just a little swapping and editing and there you are.

Happy 4th Of July

Bliss

Bliss
Lauren Myracle

With it's stately, ivy covered buildings, Crestview Academy seems impossibly to newcomer Bliss, but full of promise too. It's here she hopes to make the sort of friends she never could growing up as the lone kid on a commune. With her crisp new uniform and manners gleaned from the wholesome TV shows her grandmother permits her to watch, Bliss feels ready for her new life at Crestview. Until she hears the voice. 

Crestview holds secrets in its stones, ghostly hints of a long ago death. Sensitive Bliss hears a voice that speaks of terrible things... and blood. Always blood. Her fellow students, with their sunny smiles and talk of makeup and dances, seem untouched by this darkness. Yet, as Bliss will learn, they too have secrets. When the simmering tensions of the present mingle with the dark secrets of the past, it is kindly Bliss who becomes the focus of a deadly struggle for power. 

First of all i just wanted to point out this was not as bad as my friends said it was. She considered it Generation Dead bad, and it isn't even close to that. Yes, it is a little creepy. Yes, a little weird and scary too, but that what comes alongside the guidelines of a horror story. This book, ends badly. And was a little bit poorly written. Some of the events are unrealistic, but then again it's a horror story. I believe it is set a couple of decades ago, and things were different back then, if you decide to read it. It is a little racist, and I, being of the African American race , could handle it, so can others. It's is sad, but it's also the truth of what happened. So for me this book was okay if you read it, but not life changing, and the world would keep turning if you didn't. 

Ten Things I Hate About Me

Ten Things I Hate About Me

Randa Abdel-Fattah

Jamie just wants to fit in. She doesn't want to be seen as a stereotypical Muslim girl, so she does everything possible to hide that part of herself. Even if it means pushing her friends away because she's afraid to let them know her dad forbids her to hang out with boys or that she plays the darabuka drums in an Arabic band. 

But when the cutest boy in school asks her out and her friends start to wonder about Jamie's life outside of school, suddenly her secrets are threatened. Can Jamie figure out how to be both Jamie and Jamilah before she loses it all? Jamie's attempt to stop being the girl everyone expects her to be, and start being the girl she wants to be, a poignant, smart, hilarious, journey that will speak to all readers. 

Firstly i like this book because it's based in Australia.  I mean who doesn't like Australia.... And it has a little deeper meaning, just a little, than it shows in the front flap, like racism between cultures. What hurts a little is that they didn't mention Timothy in the summary, he who is a large part of the book. One of my favorite characters in the book are Bilal, who is Jamie/Jamilah's brother.... He has a big ego... I would recommend this book, but it's not my favorite. It was a nice, easy read, that i wouldn't read again, but am glad i read it....

Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy

Richelle Mead

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fr

Buy it!

Read an excerpt!

 

aught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable ritua

Pre-order it!

First Chapter will be posted July 25

ls and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through

 this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

 Okay, so i like this book. I would go even as far as to say i love this book. My favorite characters are Mason and Christian.... This is a must read. It is crucial for all living. I am not saying it's Hunger Games good, but it's very interesting. It seems to me that it is a mixture of all vampire books. A little twilight here, and little Marked there, and some Mediator spinkled in between. (tho not a vamp book, a ..... book. i won't ruin it for you) Rose keeps things interesting with all the flings she has with other dhampirs (half Moroi and half dhampir {Moroi [vampires] body guards}) and Moroi (vamps). It it interesting, and i love this book. I would read it again, if it would give me the same thrill as the first time. 

5 stars and two thumbs up....

Pants On Fire

Pants on Fire
Meg Cabot

She's is not a liar. Katie Ellison is not a liar. At least that is what she keeps telling herself. But she can't exactly tell the truth, either-not when she's juggling two boyfriends, secretly hating the high school football team everyone else worships, and trying to have the best summer ever. At least Katie has it all under control (sort of). Her biggest secret, what really happened the night Tommy Sullivan is a freak was spray painted on the junior high gymnasium wall, is safe. That is, until Tommy comes back to town. Katie is sure he's going to ruin all her plans, and she'll do anything to hang on the her perfect existence. Even if it means telling more lies. Even if, now that Tommy's around, she actually-truthfully-having the time of her life.

I like the book, but it was sort of a stupid plot line. I think the drama with Katie and everyone around her, keeps the book interesting. I really like Tommy compared to the other characters in the books. I don't regret buying this book, but it just not as good as Meg Cabot's other books. I really like Avalon High, and the mediator series.

Hey

Thanks, elaine, sarah, and arvind / arvind again, for following my blog!

check out my other one at www.lifedictatedbyjourdan.blogspot.com

Happy Mother's Day!

Catalyst

Catalyst 

Laurie Halse Anderson

Kate has been stupid. She applied to MIT and ONLY MIT, confident she would get in. Now she's frantic and waiting, and so sorry for not picking a back up school. Her boyfriends going to Harvard, her friend is going to Stanford, and where is she going? She doesn't know. When her ex - bully/neighbor's house get burned down, he father, being the nice town reverend, take them in, and things get alot more complicated. Having to be at someone's beck and call is no fun thing. 

I actually was dissapointed in myself for not reading this book sooner. It makes me anxious about my future, even though it 4 year away until senior year. There are some sad parts, touching parts, funny parts, and other parts. It was worth the read. 

Lock and Key

Lock and Key

Sarah Dessen

Ruby, named after her mother, is going through some hard times. She seventeen, and her mother's disappear. Big Deal, right? well not for Ruby. She figure that if she keeps a low profile, paying the bills, and things, she can tough it out until she's eighteen, where she doesn't have to hide anymore. But one broken washing machine later, and she put up to social services by her landowners, and forced to move in with her sister, that she hasn't seen in ten years, who is also ten years older than her. Her husband Jamie and her take her into their rich, large, nice lifestyle, and things change drastically for her. She changes schools, changes her life, and most importantly, rekindles her relationship with her sister, Cora. oh i forgot, the hot dude next door, who has his own problems also. What will happen. duh, duh, duh!!!! Well read the book and find out!

This was a relatively good book, like usually all Sarah Dessen books are. It isn't my favorite of all of them, That would probably be the truth about forever, or just listen, or this lullaby. (my strategical reasoning for her books are that the thicker they are, the better they are). It's good, nice , interesting, and good for people who don't like to think to much, but still like to think. I would rate this and eight out of ten. 

So Very Sorry

Okay, so i haven't posted in a while. I have been super duper busy. I had a soccer tournament this weekend, and STAR testing has started this week. I am so tired also. At least with the start testing i have two day to finish my homework due to my schedule only permitting three classes a day. half of what is the norm. I will try to post quicker, so don't fear. 

Soccer Books?

Okay so this post isn't really book related but what the hey.... So coach said he would tell me if i made the team thursday or not, and i didn't make it. He said i could keep on trying out and he would give me a decision again, but he also said i could leave if i want to. apparently i need a killer instinct, so i am going to have to start pushing people down and kicking their butts, no mercy. 

RecentlyPurchased

Wintergirls by Halse Anderson

Airhead by Cabot (Being Nikki comes out on May 5 [can't wait])

Pretty Little Devils

Kissing Kate

Those Girls

Aimee

and The Outsiders (the lady whom i bought it from had said it was a classic)

ReleaseDates

So i was doing some research, and i found out a couple of interesting things. The sequel to The Hunger Games (my favorite book), Catching Fire, comes out on September 1. This book would start where the last had ended, which was a real cliff hanger. I also found out that the fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series would be released on October 6. Also this would not be the last installment. 

North Of Beautiful

North of Beautiful

Justina Chen Headley

Terra Cooper has always been an almost. Has an almost perfect family except for her dad. Has an almost perfect boyfriend except that he tends to ignore her. Almost perfect herself, with a body to die for, and natural platinum blond hair, except the huge birthmark that covers half of her face. She had been trying time after time to remove it, but nothing works. She just covers it up with tons of makeup. But then she meets, Jacob, the asian goth boy whose problems are bigger than her own. Jacob makes an almost like Terra perfect in her own way. 

I love this book. I know i know, it's kind of predictable, but a good predictable. Jacob is my favorite character and sometimes I wish he was the main character. It's a love story, and somewhat (quasi) light, but it makes you think differently about what you have. Are you annoyed with your dad's laugh convinced that it's sooo embarrassing, but then you read this and realize it's not too bad. How bout you hate your body, but some people have more problems that you, and you are shown this in the book. I loved it. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a good read. It not a challenging book to read don't worry. Okay maybe I am exaggerating a bit, it's not like she's homeless, but compared to the little things we complain about, a bad hair day, .... etc. she has worse problems, but the homeless in Africa still have it worse than her or maybe just living in an apartment. Okay so I am exaggerating alot, but that just me. Maybe it'll have a different effect on you, just read it. NOW. it's no hunger games but its still good.