Forget You by Jennifer Echols

 
To tell you the truth, I read this book a couple of times already. It was good, but there are some things that until now, I can't still figure out or understand.
The main character, Zoey, is the daughter of two well-known individuals in their town. But her parents is divorced and her father got his 24-year-old girlfriend pregnant. Zoey's mom had a nervous breakdown and her dad was furious. He sent her to the local asylum and Zoey was kind of embarrassed by that so she hid her mom's condition from her friends and from her co-swimming team members.
(That was the part that I did not understood much. Because probably when something happened to me or to my loved ones, I will immediately go to my friends and seek for comfort.)
Doug is the team's best swimmer and Zoey hate him. Not because he's good but because of an incident that happened years ago between them. But an event has led them to be together again.
That was another part that I don't get (haha). I do not understand how Doug and Zoey got together after a party when Zoey was always saying that there's nothing between them. How did Doug convinced Zoey to come with him and not with Brandon (Zoey's boyfriend)?
Well maybe you need to find out for yourself.
All in all, I do love Doug and his chemistry with Zoey. On the other hand, I do not like Zoey and can not understand the way she thinks and decides (huu).
This is a very YA-ish and Chick Lit-ish book (which has many fans mind you) so I'm very certain that if you're a fan of both (or not), you will like this all the same.


Rating:
B+

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens

In some way, I did liked this book because of the story, but the one that did not appealed to me was the way the author conveyed it. It felt like the author just used synonyms of certain words in order to make the book not sound too redundant.
I love books with stories like this (haha the chick lit side of me) and as a matter of fact, when I read the description of the book I automatically liked it and expected a funny and romantic read. It did meet my expectations on some occasions but not most of the time.
Charles, the father of Ashlyn (the protagonist), is one of the things that I dislike. I think the way he restricts Ashlyn to do things her peers can do is kind of... annoying. How can a father be so obsessed with his daughter's safety? A sixteen year old can already keep herself safe right?
Anyhoo, the romantic side of the story is the one keeping me from grading this book too low. Good thing that Colin is charming and his chemistry with Ashlyn is expressed well.
For fans of rich-kid-falls-in-love-with-bodyguard or First Daughter-ish (Katie Holmes movie)  kind of stories, you might like this one.


Rating:
 C

The Goose Girl (The Books of Bayern #1) by Shannon Hale

Wow. I'm not really a fan of Fantasy books and I tend to get bored easily when I read them, but this one is just plain awesome. I'm telling you right here right now that this is not your usual fairytale-princess-prince charming-happy endings-kind-of-book! I was totally surprised by the turn of events of the story.
In the first part, you'll read about how Ani's so different from her mother, the queen. Instead of being regal and superior, Ani is reserved, shy and well... weak. But when you keep reading you'll see how she transformed into something that her countrymen didn't believed or didn't trust her to be.
The second part of the book is where you'll see Ani's new adventures in Bayern as Isi. How she met her new friends and Geric. How she finally understood what her aunt was telling her when she was just a child.
The reason why it's not your ordinary fairytale book is because it's full of action and suspense that will keep you on your toes and will want to read more. Instead of seeing a princess-turned-goose-girl as weak and needy of a knight-in-shining-armor that will come to her defense, you'll see that Ani is doing her best to be brave and to fight for herself.
I know that this is also for kids so I'm not really expecting a lot of lovey-dovey scenes between Geric and Ani although at the back of my mind I am wishing for more (harhar). Geric's presence was a little lacking but since this (once again I'm telling you) is not your usual fairytale, the story revolves around Ani 90% of the time.
And of course, the third part is where you'll get to see Ani finally standing up and claiming what by right is hers. The battle between the Kildenreans and Bayerns (or Ani's animal keeper friends) is great and the ending as well.
So for kids (and adults as well) who're looking for a fantastic read, grab a copy of The Goose Girl and read one now! Kudos to Shannon Hale! :-bd


Rating:

A+

Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Right now, I'm telling you that I am doing my best not to compare books to their movies or to movies with similar stories but this book reminds me so much of the Hannah Montana movie! Gah. But I like the cover of this book though, it really gives you an insight of the story.
I don't want to make criticisms because being an author and selling books are so hard, so I'll just keep it slight. Let's start with what I "don't" like in the book.

• Corinne is definitely a spoiled brat. I'm waiting for her to change a lot in the story but based on what I have read, she did not.
• If a book is supposed to be romance, there should be a lot of mushy stuff between the protagonists. Bubby (if remember the name correctly) and Corinne did not have a lot of scenes together "alone".
• I understand that the story revolves around Corinne and her "embracing the recessionista life" but I find it annoying. Sorry.
• I could go on and on and on about what I didn't liked but as I've said, I'm trying to keep it down because writing is a tough job.

What I "like" about the book.

• Um... Oh yeah, I definitely loved Kitsy. Finally, a character who's not selfish.
• Corinne's grandparents and her brother.

I'm sure there are still many good things about the book but maybe I'm not the one to appreciate them. For readers of Chick Lit and for people who like quick reads, add this to your to-be-read lists. :-)

Rating:

C

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I wasn't planning on reading a John Green book again since I didn't liked Looking for Alaska that much and I can't force myself to finish reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson. But this book suddenly appeared on my Goodreads homepage and asked if I could read it. Out of curiosity, I checked it out and see if I would like the description of the book. I actually liked it so I marked it as to-read and downloaded a copy in the vast world of Internet.

I din't get the chance to start reading it until last night, when I'm desperately searching for something to do. And then...

After 10 pages or so, I was smiling like an idiot because it's a John Green book and it was just so good. I didn't stop reading until midnight and continued reading it the next morning and when I finished... I. WAS. SO. SMITTEN.

The characters, the story, the theme, the everything. It's perfect. I only read 1 and a half books by John Green and both heroes of the novel seems to be wimpy and cute, so it's quite refreshing to see the hero of this book to be quite... vain. In a good way. I love Augustus Waters in every way that's possible. The wittiness, the leglessness... everything.

And of course, Hazel Grace. I don't even know how to describe my thoughts toward her. She's strong, smart, selfless, lungless... I know, how can a heroine be so selfless?!

And... shit. THIS BOOK MAKES ME WANT TO MAKE A REVIEW IN TAGALOG!!! Urgh. Haha. But well, you know you've read a good book when it left you speechless in the end. And this book made me speechless indeed.

Rating:

A+

Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt

Payton Gritas is a 15-year-old girl who's living a good life when  suddenly it became... not-so-good. She found out that her Dad has multiple sclerosis and her family hid it from her for a long time. Feeling betrayed and left-out, she decided to ignore her family and refuse to speak to them unless needed. So her parents told the school's guidance counselor to help Payton deal with their problem at home and her guidance  counselor told Payton to choose a focus object (something to concentrate her emotions on) and she decided to choose the thing that she's been staring at since third grade: Sean Griswold's head. The focus object exercise seems to be working since Payton find herself focusing more on Sean Griswold rather than her problems at home.

So...

The very first thing that I liked about this book was the sarcastic humor of the main protagonist. And the romance between Gritas and Griswold is very cute, so this is a book for all ages. I also like Jac, Payton's bestfriend and although there are obstacles in the book for them, I still loved her. The family bonding between the Gritases was also very good, and you can feel the love they have for each other even though Payton refused to speak to them at first, you can feel that she loves her family so much. And it's also a tear-jerker for those who like a little drama in their reads (like me!).

All in all, this book is a very touching story about dealing with family problems and sickness, friendship and love all combined in one! Highly recommended! ;)

Rating:
 
A

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

I can say that I enjoyed this better than the first one. I guess I'm not most people because as I've seen in Goodreads, most readers like the first serving better.

One thing that I don't like about love triangles is that the female protagonist tends to make it harder for everyone, especially to the two males that are attracted to her. And I think that's the reason why I kept reading this trilogy, I want to find out who will Katniss choose between Gale and Peeta.

The first few chapters of the book were hard for me because I'm a Peeta fan and Gale had more spotlight in those parts. But when the Quarter Quell begun, I became enthusiastic and wanted to finish the book in one seating.

I really loved the Games in this book compared to the 74th Hunger Games. The characters were great and I find Katniss easier to deal with. She's beginning to open up to Peeta and I loved it!

I won't say more to keep the suspense going (although I know most people have read the trilogy already). It's a great book so it's a must read everyone!

Rating:

A+

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

It's plain awesome. I read it from the first page up to the last and I don't even noticed the time when I'm reading it. I finished it at 4 o'clock in the morning (Yep, that's how addicting it is) and it's the first time that I put it down.

So... the Vincent boys. These are my views on the characters!

1.     The moment that Beau was mentioned, I just knew that he's going to be my favorite Vincent boy! He's a perfect male protagonist for the story. He has this bad boy exterior, but is sweet and caring (and everything else in between) inside! He's making me blush just by thinking about him. I love that he's always there for Ashton and knows his limits. And I also like how he loves Sawyer, even though he's (Sawyer) dating the girl he (Beau) loves.
2.     Ashton. I like her. Not because I have to, but because I really do. She never  concealed her feelings for Beau and that's what I like about her. And I like how she never lets herself be affected by the people from their neighborhood and how she protects Beau's reputation from them.
3.     Sawyer. I never liked him. He's so... abnormal? I mean, who doesn't want to have sex with a gorgeous girlfriend who's serving herself in front of you? Ugh. Does he have hormones at all?

The story and the setting were great. I love the Southern feel of it! For me? There's no flaws at all. There's not a thing that I don't like about it. So for those who're suckers for Chick Lit (like me), this is the book for you! ;)

Rating:

A+

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I never, ever read a book that was so emotionally draining. But in a good way. I'm not a fan of YA novels that are popular all over the world (anymore) and I am also not a fan of this genre. I've been reading Realistic Fiction books for so long that I forgot what it feels to read an unrealistic one.  I really refused to read this series, until one day I ran out of books to read.

To be honest, when I was reading the book there were those times when I want to put it down, especially on the first parts. I'm having difficulties to get myself inspired, and the whole message or meaning of the Hunger Games didn't got to me at all. But I still keep on reading. And then finally, I began to enjoy it and began embracing the change.

These are my views on the main characters:

    Katniss. Although I find her hard to like, I did understand her situation. Being the breadwinner and protector of her family since her father died, I know it's very hard for her age to fend for her mother and her sister, Prim.
    I know that Gale's an essential for the series, being the best friend of Katniss and all, but I don't like him. From the start, I know he loves her and has a strong bond with her but there's this part of me that don't want him for Katniss.
    And then Peeta came. He's the reason why I kept reading. I love him. He's always there for Katniss even though he knew that she doesn't have feelings for him.
    Haymitch. I love characters like him. The mentor, the brain. And I love how he gives a touch of fun in the book.
    Cinna. I know he's not a major character but I love him! (Just saying.)

About the Games.. my head is working double-time while reading it. There's so much that's happening. I have to pause for a bit then continue because I'm imagining this scene to another and another.

I love the writing of the book. Although it's a little heavy for me. I really can say that I enjoyed it and was amazed by the author's imagination. I love the story and the other characters. I also finished reading Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) yesterday, so I'm going to post a review later. So now, I can't wait to read Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)!

It's a wonderful book and I gave it a rating of 5 stars in Goodreads, but it's not one of my favorites. To those who haven't read it yet, I highly recommend this, especially to those who love Adventure books! :-)

Rating:

A+

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

It's fanfreakingtastic! It's my last book for 2011 and I've been wanting to read this way back then, but I think destiny wanted me to save the best for last! It's awesome. I am a Filipino, and I don't know a thing about football. At all. So I was hesitant to read this until one day, Ms. Miranda Kenneally herself and Lauren (of Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf) tweeted me in Twitter and told me that you don't have to understand football to love this book. And so I did.

Let's start with Jordan Woods. She's captain and quarterback of their high school football team. Even though I'm Asian, I know that being a quarterback's the highest position in a football team. So I was surprised and astounded that she got the position. I really love her and (secretly) want to be like her. There's a cloak of hierarchy that surrounds her and will make you respect her on a different level.

Then there's the rest of the Woods family. First is the "great" Donovan Woods. I really like it every time Jordan mentions him like that (Lol).  Even though he's a jerk, I really like him. I think it's because I knew from the start that the reason he doesn't want Jordan to play football is because he loves her so much and is scared that she might get hurt someday. Next is Mike. I want a brother like him! So supportive and you can feel that he wants the best for Jordan. And then her Mom, the one who's always there for Jordan. The one to get to see all of her games. Always present and encouraging. I love her.

And of course, the Hundred Oaks High Football Team. My favorite is JJ. He reminds me of my oldest brother. You can see him as this tough and huge character, but behind that is a guy who loves crossword puzzles and loves to hang-out with Jordan. Then Carter. I also like him, although his part was not until half of the book.

Then Ty. I hate him. I know that he's this hot and cute guy, but I don't like him from start to finish. I hate that he's so emotional and protective (Probably because I hate boys that cry), especially when it comes to Jordan. And I hate it when he feels like he's the captain of the football although he's just the back-up quarterback. He's stealing the spotlight from our football hero. Hear me, hear me.

And we can't forget about *insert awesome background music here* Sam Henry. Oh. My. God. He's like, my favorite male character of all the books that I've read this 2011. Seriously (I'm blushing right now. Shit.). He never fails to make me laugh! Especially the scenes with Jerry Rice (Lol).  I can imagine him as this cute and comical guy, with green eyes of course. You will DEFINITELY fall in love with him from start to finish. You can hold my word on that.

So yeah, Catching Jordan is by all odds one of my favorite books of all time. And I love how approachable the author is! I can't wait to read her next release next year. Once again, this book is a must-read. Happy New Year guys!

Rating:

A+

Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park

Caution: This is not a review. It's more of like, me expressing my thoughts on a wonderful book that I've finished reading last night and left me lying on my bed completely speechless.

And so here's the deal, I'm going to verbalize all my feelings for this book (spoilers and all) and no one's going to complain.

When Julie Seagle, a college freshman in Whitney who's from small-town Ohio, discovered that her "supposed to be" apartment in Boston was a, uh... burrito restaurant, she instantly called her mom home for help. The help turned out to be Erin Watkins, an old friend of her mom from college, and decidedly invited her to their home.

Despite the warm welcome and their good nature, the Watkins are a little bit... not normal for the typical household. The parents, Erin and Roger, are both academically driven to certain extremes and definitely love their professions to a large degree. Then there's Matt, the middle-child who enjoy Physics, theories, and the like. And then, Celeste. I picture her as a fragile, sweet girl who has a heartwarming smile and of course, with the genes of Erin and Roger, she's frighteningly bright for her age. But there's a catch. She carries a cardboard cutout of oldest brother. And yes, it's life-sized.

Finn, the oldest, is supposed to be funny, handsome, smart, adventurous, and loves to help people that are in need. But he's away, travelling around the world for wonderful causes, and is only available in Facebook and e-mails. And you know what? I fell in love with him, just like Julie did. And that's what I loved about the author. The story, it's efficacious. It's addicting. It's everything I like about a book.

And of course, let's not forget Julie has a family of her own... Sort of. Her parents are divorced since she was five, and her dad is always away for business. But something came up, her father asked her to go to California with him on Christmas break. Her old hopes were lifted high again. But you know what they say, "Those who rise the highest, falls the hardest."

She did. Her dad backed out from their trip and promised to be in Boston for New Year's Eve instead. Julie didn't had the guts to tell the Watkins that she wasn't going to Cali after all, so she decided to stay in the apartment of her friend Dana, who went home for Christmas. But things went a little rough with her father again, because their "supposed to be" dinner was off. He forgot to tell her that he's going to be in New York and Julie was left in a freaking expensive restaurant. Thank God her father's secretary backed her up and took care of things. And that's when Julie gave up setting hopes for her dad.

Desperate to talk to someone, she e-mailed Finn but didn't respond and thought that he's already asleep. So she called Matt. They talked and blabbered (in Julie's case, because she got drunk in the restaurant) throughout the night until Julie went to sleep.

Skip skip. She went to the Polar Plunge which Matt knew and thus fetched her in her frozen state along with Celeste. So she finally told the truth about her not going to Cali and all.

Skip skip. Then there's the coming-out-of-the-shell phase for Celeste. She finally  pulled out from her old world and is slowly learning to be a normal teenager. With the help of Julie, of course. So when Celeste got invited for a party, everyone got ballistic. But of course, Celeste's parents and Matt agreed for her to come because she told them that she really want to go. But at the end, it went all bad. Celeste got a breakdown and asked for Matt to pick her up. Matt got so mad at Julie that she blamed herself entirely for this. But when Celeste calmed up a bit, she told Julie that it wasn't her fault and she really did wanted to come. Matt got all riled up and protective about Celeste that he said miserable words to Julie. So she e-mailed Finn and told him all about the incident, but he's nowhere to be found. Of all the wrong timing.

But Julie wanted Matt's forgiveness and went to his room and asked for it even though she knew he's still mad and frustrated. But he told her he didn't meant all those words and he was sorry, too. (It's my favorite scene, just so you know.) Then they kissed. (I know! I can't believe it either. I was always pinning for Finn that I totally forgot how sweet and lovable Matt is. I fell in love with all his e-mails and the way he talks to Julie that I totally forgot about Matt.)

Skip skip. Julie felt something's missing from the story. With the way everyone talks about Finn, and the way that Celeste has withdrawn from the outer world? There's really something.

Until, Erin told her that the room she's staying in is Matt's room, and the woodcraft "Wow" that's supposed to be "Mom" was from Matt, not Finn. And when Julie found out that the barrette Finn gave to Celeste that's supposed to be (Yeah, there's a lot of "supposed to be" in this novel) from somewhere distant and far away, was locally made.

And then there we are. The missing piece of the puzzle. The one-of-the-greatest-twists-in-YA-history. I know. It's great. I cried a lot while reading this. And laughed, too. I loved those parts. Especially when Matt's talking. And sorry! For uncovering the suspense for you! But I really can't help it because it was just so good. I'm going to leave it just that, so you still need to read the book. Ha! Enjoy! I know I did. Happy Holidays!

Grade:

A+

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

I loved it! It's the second book that I've read from the author, and I'm so happy that I stumbled upon this.

Let's start with Lola, a 17-year-old girl who believes in dressing-up, costumes, asking advice from the moon, and everything in between. I like her point-of-view and the way she talks, but I don't like the way she respond to things and how she solves a certain problem. She has a boyfriend, Max, a cool musician who's 22 (Or is it 23?). And that's the main reason why her "fathers" (Her uncle and his boyfriend that are both gay and took care of her because her mother, Norah, is incapable of the job) doesn't like her current relationship with Max.

And of course, there's the Bell twins. Lola's neighbor in which the male twin Cricket, has a window opposite of her window. Lola suffered a heartbreak from him when they left, thus causing everyone who cares about Lola to not talk about him for two years, until their arrival one day.

Cricket. I love him. For me, he's goofy and cute, with that killer smile that make your toes curl, and of course a genius. He loves mechanics and is taking up Mechanical Engineering in Berkeley, where Anna (I know, Anna from Paris and is Lola's co-worker) and her boyfriend St. Clair are currently attending.

Skip skip. The main problem is Cricket still likes Lola and Lola still likes Cricket BUT Lola has a boyfriend. Period. And then there's Calliope, the female twin who's overly protective of her brother and is one heck of a figure skater and does not like Lola, at all. Probably because she thinks that Lola is stealing Cricket from her. So skip skip skip.

Everyone knows that Cricket and Lola are meant for each other, but there are complications like Max. But you know, Lola tries to find herself, with the help of everyone she loves, including her biological mother Norah, and her bestfriend Lindsey, and her Dads.

The ending was great! I also love how things fall into place. How the characters changed throughout the story. And I also love the funny parts which made me laugh, and the romantic scenes which made me blush! So I am really recommending this for you to read. Happy Holidays!

Rate:

A+

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

This was the second book that I've read about death and loss and I can only say one word: Superb. And to top it all off, this is the author's debut novel which makes it double amazing.

I read this last November, a week after my Dad's burial. Having the memory fresh, I think that's one of the reasons why I really can relate to this book. I can feel the pain and grief of Harper. The feeling of emptiness, when questions start to bubble up and you don't have answers to any of them. I had a connection with that.

The other thing is the music. I love rock music. Although I don't play any instruments, I'm really a listener and totally loves music. And that also gave me another reason to love Jacob. My God. I love Tolan. I dunno why, but I do, from the moment when he and Harper first met at her house, and until the end when Harper went to see him again. I love his bluntness and honesty. Then there's Laney. She deserves a round of applause for being so strong and for standing up to Harper at all times, being the bestfriend that she is.

And if some people hated the twist of the book, I liked it and thought of it as brilliant. It balanced the building passion between Harper and Jacob.

What I also like about the book is how you can feel the author's love for music and how you can automatically recognize that she knows what she's writing. I love her for that. Kudos to you, Ms. Harrington! Saving June is definitely one my favorite books this 2011 and I am looking forward to read another book by the author. ;)

Grade:

A+

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

When my Dad passed away, I started reading books about death and loss. I want to know the people who knew and felt the pain and grief that I am experiencing. To know what their point-of-views are. To connect.

This book was a recommendation of a very dear friend, whom I knew since grade school. So I know that this is going to be a great read because I really value her opinions.

What I like about this book is how light it is for a teenager like me. Mia has cool parents, nice kid for a brother, a musician for a boyfriend, and is waiting an acceptance letter to Juilliard. She has a life that most people will admire. And Adam, her steady boyfriend, is a guy whom you could fall in love with easily. Who the hell buys two eighty dollars worth of concert tickets just to impress her? He does. I loved him from start until the end of the story.

And then there's the part where Mia is contemplating if she should stay or not. She's thinking it over that if she stays, her family - Mom, Dad, and Teddy, is gone.

I like how Mia tells the story of every person that she loves in book. My favorite parts are:

1.) When her Gramps told her that she has a choice. She has every right to stay or to leave. “So I just wanted to tell you that I understand if you go. It's okay if you have to leave us. It's okay if you want to stop fighting.”

2.) My second favorite part of the book is when Kim, Mia's bestfriend talked to her. "She stops now. Leans over me so that the wisps of her hair tickle my face. She kisses me on the forehead. 'You still have a family,' she whispers.”

3.) And finally, the last scene with Adam. I was reading this last night at 3:14AM and I was crying like shit because of this. “If you stay, I'll do whatever you want. I'll quit the band, go with you to New York. But if you need me to go away, I'll do that, too. I was talking to Liz and she said maybe coming back to your old life would be too painful, that maybe it'd be easier for you to erase us. And that would suck, but I'd do it. I can lose you like that if I don't lose you today. I'll let you go. If you stay.”

It's not the typical drama-slash-death-slash-YA-novel that you think it is. It's just wonderful, from start to finish. The music, the flow of the story, the characters, the love. I even liked the Acknowledgement part of the book. I'm really happy that my best friend told me about this because this book deserves a place in my heart.

Grade:

A+

Looking For Alaska by John Green

John Green, for me, is a proficient author and is very good. But Looking For Alaska just didn't give off any sparks to interest me. But nonetheless, I finished reading the book because somewhere in my mind, I know that this is a great read.

Miles Halter is a wimpy, timid, cute teenager - all the typical John Green character. I liked him, how he thinks and talks in the book but I find his character lacking. I dunno. Probably because I didn't found a development from him throughout the book.

And then there's Alaska. Smart, witty, sexy, and mysterious. I really didn't like her character, to be honest. I hate how she can manipulate Miles, and still at the end of the day, she keeps telling him that she has a boyfriend. I hate how she flirts with him, but still kept her distance even after the end.

The book's full of the same teenage problems. Dealing with school, peer pressure, family problems, and the lot. Too much smoking and drinking and pranking and sex and bullying and flirting and lying.

I didn't loved it but I liked it, which is very confusing. Well, I liked it probably because of the second characters especially his room mate and his professor in spirituality. I also didn't felt the "romance part" of the book, although it's categorized as such. It's an ok book for me and I expect more from the author.

Grade:

B+