"I didn't want to write a book. They made me do it."- Grace Slick
Happy July! Also, Happy Canada Day! This will be my last post for the summer, at least until August possibly. I will definitely write one when school starts again, which for me just so happens to be August. I'm going to camp in eight days so this should hold you for a while. This post will be about one author, and one series of books called Heist Society. They are really good books and I just heard that Drew Barrymore will be directing a movie version of the first one, yay!
So the first one is actually called Heist Society, by Ally Carter. It's about a 15 year old girl named Katarina Bishop. She is part of a family of art thieves. She left the lifestyle to go to a boarding school, and her family never forgave her for it. She gets kicked out of the school (though she doesn't know why) and is forced to go back home, wherever that is. Soon after, Kat learns that her father is in grave danger and she needs to steal five paintings in order to help him. With the help of the GORGEOUS W.W. (Wadsworth Worthington?) Hale the Fifth and her beautiful cousin Gabrielle, she discovers enough secrets and tells enough lies to get her arrested for life. I finished it in 2 days. I would give it a 4/5. It's really melodramatic at times, but I could totally picture what was going on in my head.
The second one is the sequel called Uncommon Criminals. It has the same characters, just a different plot. This time they need to steal the Cleopatra Emerald for a Mrs. Constance Miller who claims that the emerald really belongs to her. But should her sob story be believed? I don't want to give away too much. Again, this one came out on June 21st or 22nd and I finished it in 2 days. I love all the characters in these books because they are so believable. Hale is just like a laconic 16 year old boy, Gabrielle is just like a pretty girl who knows she's pretty, and Kat is exactly how you would expect a 15 going on 30 art thief to be. It's kind of awesome. There is a lot of action and you get a little bit of history thrown in. Also all the names of possible methods are really clever. This book made me want to learn the art of pickpocketing, just saying.I give this one a 4/5 as well.
Well, that's pretty much it! I currently have 13 books on my reading list, so expect some book knowledge soon! I'm off to camp, and I hope everyone has a fantastic summer!
Keep reading!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Well...
"If there exists no possibility of failure, then victory is meaningless."- Anonymous
Well, it's summer. And I'm really happy. Just letting everyone know this will be my second last post before I go to camp for a month, so read it well. It's only two books because those are the only two on my mind right now. The names are "My Life in Pink and Green" and "Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes" both by Lisa Greenwald. They're both a little young for me, but I thought they were cute concepts and I always want to know what those pre-teens are reading. I mean, who doesn't?
Okay, first. "My Life in Pink and Green." The cover is a girl getting a facial and the cucumbers over her eyes have recycle signs on them. So a normal person would think oh my goodness, it's about recycling. Which is what I think the author was going for. But it ended up being of more a "find yourself and use makeup and recycling to help you" book. It's about this girl who wants to save her families business. And she's not exactly a teenager, she's a tween.It was Greenwald's first book, so I understand some plot complications. I thought the author did a really good job of portraying the voice of the main character, Lucy, and her relationships with the people in her life. It really added to it. I give it a 3 out of 5.
Nexxxtttt!! "Sweet Treat and Secret Crushes" It's about these three girls and their snow day. Each chapter is from one of their points of view. It's pretty good, but I felt like it followed the EXACT GRAMMAR RULES! No venturing outside the box with fragments, nothing! It also had the same cliche sentences that I would mock in my own stories. I've read it now twice, so that must mean it's at least a little good. It's also a little bit stereotypical for girls in seventh grade but what are you gonna do? I give it a 3.5/5.
That's all for today, guys! I know it's summer and it's probably got where you are unless you're in Australia or New Zealand but keep reading! It's especially important during the summer because you will forget when September comes, I promise. Read, read, read, read, read!!!
Happy Summer! <3 Izzy
Well, it's summer. And I'm really happy. Just letting everyone know this will be my second last post before I go to camp for a month, so read it well. It's only two books because those are the only two on my mind right now. The names are "My Life in Pink and Green" and "Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes" both by Lisa Greenwald. They're both a little young for me, but I thought they were cute concepts and I always want to know what those pre-teens are reading. I mean, who doesn't?
Okay, first. "My Life in Pink and Green." The cover is a girl getting a facial and the cucumbers over her eyes have recycle signs on them. So a normal person would think oh my goodness, it's about recycling. Which is what I think the author was going for. But it ended up being of more a "find yourself and use makeup and recycling to help you" book. It's about this girl who wants to save her families business. And she's not exactly a teenager, she's a tween.It was Greenwald's first book, so I understand some plot complications. I thought the author did a really good job of portraying the voice of the main character, Lucy, and her relationships with the people in her life. It really added to it. I give it a 3 out of 5.
Nexxxtttt!! "Sweet Treat and Secret Crushes" It's about these three girls and their snow day. Each chapter is from one of their points of view. It's pretty good, but I felt like it followed the EXACT GRAMMAR RULES! No venturing outside the box with fragments, nothing! It also had the same cliche sentences that I would mock in my own stories. I've read it now twice, so that must mean it's at least a little good. It's also a little bit stereotypical for girls in seventh grade but what are you gonna do? I give it a 3.5/5.
That's all for today, guys! I know it's summer and it's probably got where you are unless you're in Australia or New Zealand but keep reading! It's especially important during the summer because you will forget when September comes, I promise. Read, read, read, read, read!!!
Happy Summer! <3 Izzy
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Enough!
"All stories interest me, and some haunt me until I end up writing them. Certain themes keep coming up: justice, loyalty, violence, death, political and social issues, freedom." - Isabel Allende
Okay, enough is enough. I know I just posted one like five minutes ago, but here is one now. My parents suggested it.
This one post is about the series of books, "The Spellman Files" by Lisa Lutz. I have read the first one and currently have the second in my To Read pile. They're about a girl named Izzy Spellman (funny huh?) She lives in a family of private eyes. It's really interesting and gave me a look into a world I didn't really know about. Izzy's kind of a rebel, but she's also really funny. The ending though surprised me. Did NOT see that coming. Good writing, Lisa. Recommended for boys and girls age 13 and up. 4/5.
Okay, enough is enough. I know I just posted one like five minutes ago, but here is one now. My parents suggested it.
This one post is about the series of books, "The Spellman Files" by Lisa Lutz. I have read the first one and currently have the second in my To Read pile. They're about a girl named Izzy Spellman (funny huh?) She lives in a family of private eyes. It's really interesting and gave me a look into a world I didn't really know about. Izzy's kind of a rebel, but she's also really funny. The ending though surprised me. Did NOT see that coming. Good writing, Lisa. Recommended for boys and girls age 13 and up. 4/5.
So, So, Sorry
AH! Readers, I am so so sorry that I haven't posted in like five months! I've been extremely busy and I just got accepted into a creative writing program! Yay! I've been reading an insane amount, not to mention the entire Odyssey and Mahabharata for school. I literally have a pile of books to blog about sitting in my room collecting dust. I don't know when I'll find time to write, but hopefully soon! Oh also I took a vow off the computer for like a month so that adds to it.
Thanks, and Keep Reading!
Thanks, and Keep Reading!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Hodgepodge
"It took people 10 years to figure out that while stuck in a morning commute, they could be listening to a book."- Paul Hilts
Hey readers! Well believe it or not, this is my first official post of the new year! Took me that long. Well I've got a few books to talk about and they don't really relate to each other. I read a few of these a while ago but I've had so much work lately. I know that's not an excuse, it's really because I'm just lazy. I mean I spend all day on my computer and I can't even write one post? Crazy, I know. But I'm actually really sorry for not writing. Cry cry, sniff sniff. *Puts awesome face back on*.
The first is called "Olive's Ocean" by Kevin Henkes. This book is probably one of the best and one of the worst books I've ever read. It's about a girl named Martha who is finding herself. She thought she was well to do until she gets some news. A girl she hardly knew, died. As you guessed, the girl was named Olive. Shortly after Martha hears this, she learns how much she actually had in common with each other. Martha then goes to spend the summer with her grandmother where her teen girl hormones take over and she gets her heart broken! The book jumps all over the place, making it hard to understand, but it's totally relate able. Also, Martha is only 12 but she seems 16! It's crazy. I don't think that a book from the point of view of a tween girl should be written by a grown man. Recommended for kids age 12-16.
The next book is called "The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis. It's about a girl growing up under the rule of the Taliban. She knows that it's not a proper way to live, but also knows she can't do anything about it. Then, one day her dad gets taken to jail. Her family is struck with shock and all of them start losing hope. In a family of four girls and a baby boy, there isn't much they can do. Since the main girl, Parvana, is only 11, she is still able to pass off for a boy. So she does just that. With the help of an old teacher, Parvana manages to make money selling goods, both legal and contraband. Overall the book has a happy ending. Their father comes back, the oldest sister gets engaged, and everyone seems fine. I just don't understand the very end. What happens to the rest of the characters? It just seems to trail off. I recommend this to EVERYONE, OF ALL AGES!
The next one is a sequel sequel sequel. Yes I said it 3 times. It's called "Thirteen Plus One" by Lauren Myracle. As many of you know, she is my favorite author so expect a lot of books by her. Its the fourth in the Winnie Series, but not my favorite. It takes place during Winnie's ninth grade year. She's still managing to keep her boyfriend, by barely. I especially liked the summer chapters. Her camp seems so much fun! There were some things I didn't understand though. I've known they live in Atlanta, but when did they get southern accents? I don't remember then saying y'all in the other ones! And another thing: what happened to each month being a chapter? I loved that! It didn't start and end in March, which made me sad. This is my least favorite in the series, but if you liked the others then most definitely read this one. 3/5 stars, for girls.
The last book is called "Dumped by Popular Demand" by P.G. Kain. It's about a girl, Dorie Dilts, and her adjustment to East Coast life. She moves from southern California to New Jersey. While there, she has a realization that no one at this new school knows her. She does some research and comes up with a whole new look. Her plan: to be popular. Dorie knows it will be hard, but with the right people at the right time, she just might get there. And she almost does! Until someone *Grant* messes her up. It's a touching book about growing up, moving, and family all at the same time! There is also a sequel but it isn't available in stores so it's going to take me a while to get it. 4/5 stars, for girls.
Ah I know this wasn't the best post possible but what are you gonna do? I currently have seven books on my "To Read" shelf, and am on the last chapter of another. I would say expect another post soon, but I don't trust myself anymore.
Keep reading!
Hey readers! Well believe it or not, this is my first official post of the new year! Took me that long. Well I've got a few books to talk about and they don't really relate to each other. I read a few of these a while ago but I've had so much work lately. I know that's not an excuse, it's really because I'm just lazy. I mean I spend all day on my computer and I can't even write one post? Crazy, I know. But I'm actually really sorry for not writing. Cry cry, sniff sniff. *Puts awesome face back on*.
The first is called "Olive's Ocean" by Kevin Henkes. This book is probably one of the best and one of the worst books I've ever read. It's about a girl named Martha who is finding herself. She thought she was well to do until she gets some news. A girl she hardly knew, died. As you guessed, the girl was named Olive. Shortly after Martha hears this, she learns how much she actually had in common with each other. Martha then goes to spend the summer with her grandmother where her teen girl hormones take over and she gets her heart broken! The book jumps all over the place, making it hard to understand, but it's totally relate able. Also, Martha is only 12 but she seems 16! It's crazy. I don't think that a book from the point of view of a tween girl should be written by a grown man. Recommended for kids age 12-16.
The next book is called "The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis. It's about a girl growing up under the rule of the Taliban. She knows that it's not a proper way to live, but also knows she can't do anything about it. Then, one day her dad gets taken to jail. Her family is struck with shock and all of them start losing hope. In a family of four girls and a baby boy, there isn't much they can do. Since the main girl, Parvana, is only 11, she is still able to pass off for a boy. So she does just that. With the help of an old teacher, Parvana manages to make money selling goods, both legal and contraband. Overall the book has a happy ending. Their father comes back, the oldest sister gets engaged, and everyone seems fine. I just don't understand the very end. What happens to the rest of the characters? It just seems to trail off. I recommend this to EVERYONE, OF ALL AGES!
The next one is a sequel sequel sequel. Yes I said it 3 times. It's called "Thirteen Plus One" by Lauren Myracle. As many of you know, she is my favorite author so expect a lot of books by her. Its the fourth in the Winnie Series, but not my favorite. It takes place during Winnie's ninth grade year. She's still managing to keep her boyfriend, by barely. I especially liked the summer chapters. Her camp seems so much fun! There were some things I didn't understand though. I've known they live in Atlanta, but when did they get southern accents? I don't remember then saying y'all in the other ones! And another thing: what happened to each month being a chapter? I loved that! It didn't start and end in March, which made me sad. This is my least favorite in the series, but if you liked the others then most definitely read this one. 3/5 stars, for girls.
The last book is called "Dumped by Popular Demand" by P.G. Kain. It's about a girl, Dorie Dilts, and her adjustment to East Coast life. She moves from southern California to New Jersey. While there, she has a realization that no one at this new school knows her. She does some research and comes up with a whole new look. Her plan: to be popular. Dorie knows it will be hard, but with the right people at the right time, she just might get there. And she almost does! Until someone *Grant* messes her up. It's a touching book about growing up, moving, and family all at the same time! There is also a sequel but it isn't available in stores so it's going to take me a while to get it. 4/5 stars, for girls.
Ah I know this wasn't the best post possible but what are you gonna do? I currently have seven books on my "To Read" shelf, and am on the last chapter of another. I would say expect another post soon, but I don't trust myself anymore.
Keep reading!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Oops, Sorry!
Readers,
I am deeply truly sorry about not writing another post. I've been so busy lately, what with school returning and a musical theater workshop, there just isn't any time! I really hope I will have time to write another post before the end of January, considering I just bought seven new books and have about four others I need to write about.
So sorry, keep reading!
I am deeply truly sorry about not writing another post. I've been so busy lately, what with school returning and a musical theater workshop, there just isn't any time! I really hope I will have time to write another post before the end of January, considering I just bought seven new books and have about four others I need to write about.
So sorry, keep reading!
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 Archive
Hahaha readers I tricked you! I said I would post an archive tomorrow, but I'm thinking I'll do it now, and post something else tomorrow! Looking back at the books I reviewed, I realized I reviewed The Secret Series books a year apart. I've had this blog longer than I thought. So here is the 2010 archive. It might not look great, but at least the books are in order! Well at least I try to make them appear that way. They may or may not be in order (from bottom to top, sorry computers are stupid), and also sorry about the different sizes or pictures being really big :) But hey what are you gonna do?
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