Review: Painted Blind by Michelle A. Hansen

Seventeen years old and agoraphobic, Psyche Middleton vows her dad will never see the risqué photos she took during a summer modeling stint abroad, but one of them ends up on a billboard in her Montana hometown. Now everyone—especially her dad—can see it. And yet, somehow, those are the mundane things in her life because she is about to fall unexpectedly, head-over-heels in love with Erik, a mysterious young man who rescues her from a crowd of admirers, and who she’s never actually seen because…he can make himself invisible.

As strange as this may seem, it’s about to get even stranger. Erik takes her to his palace in an idyllic kingdom, and she is swept into the beauty and culture of his world, but his affection has one condition: she may not see him. Overtaken, intrigued, and still not wholeheartedly believing he’s real, Psyche is going to have to decide if she can love him blindly; because if she can’t, she may lose him forever.

My Rating:

Facts:

Name of book: Painted Blind

Authro: Michelle A. Hansen

Publisher: CreateSpace

Publication Date: May 3rd, 2012

Source: Provided by the kind author...

My Thoughts:

Real love is something hard to find, but once it's there, it's also very hard to keep. Michelle A. Hansen draws a line between fake affections and real, overwhelming love, she shows you that real love is worth any sacrifice, and that it's indeed worth fighting for.

    17-year-old Psyche, swears that her strict father will never see the photos she took in some modelling sessions, but one of the photos ends up on a huge

billboard in the main street. 

     After this incidence, Psyche struggles to stay normal, but against her will she starts to fall for Erik, the mysterious guy who saved her from a group of admirers by making her disappear. Yes, Erik can be invisible.

    After taking her to his magical kingdom, Psyche knows that Erik can touch her, talk to her, or kiss her lips, but she can only hear him, she can only feel him when he's near. Erik doesn't let her see him, so Psyche has to prove to herself that she can fall in love blindly. She has to prove that real emotions come from the heart not from the eyes. But that's not as easy as it seems.

    After struggling so hard to keep herself from trying to see Erik, she finally gives up. But betrayal is something not easily forgiven, Psyche has to try quite hard to bring her real love back. 

    What will Psyche has to do to bring Erik back? Will Psyche suceed in making him forgive her? And will they finally be together and live their magical happily ever after? Check this out when you read, Michelle A. Hansens first novel, the captivating standalone, Painted Blind...

     Michelle A. Hansen created a huge masterpiece, the characters are all so overwhelming. I loved Psyche's wit, her teasing attitude, and her cute sense of humor. Actually, the whole book has a touch of humor in it, which had me laughing hard. I loved how  Psyche developed from the first line till the end, she makes a few silly mistakes but she tries real hard to correct them. Psyche is stubborn, definitely a plus!

    Erik is gorgeous, magical, caring, loyal, emotional and over-protective (I'm not exaggerating), he is definitely special. Although he makes a few mistakes, but he grows up and fixes them. I full-heartly adored most of the good guys in the book, they were all so gentle and kind. 

     And I loved the touch of Greek mythology in the novel, you might not know what I am talking about now, but when you read the book, you will be surprised at how many unexpected, wonderful twists you will encounter.

    This book will take your breath away, it will leave your heart pounding, and your skin tingling. Although it's a standalone, but you will enjoy it as much as you could have enjoyed reading a whole series, maybe even more. This novel is thought-provoking, it is full of intriguing characters, exhilarating twists, and wonderful scenes. No matter what you like, you should definitely read Painted Blind....

Review: What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat. 

His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

My Rating:

Facts:

Name of book: What I Didn't Say

Author: Keary Taylor

Publisher: CreateSpace

Publication Date: May 11, 2012

Source: Provided by publisher...

Visit: Author's Website, Author's Goodreads, Author's Facebook

My Review: Goodreads

My Thoughts:

     I never thought I would fall in love with this novel as much as I did, Keary Taylor has created an exhilarating read, full of unexpected twists and compelling characters.

     Being drunk the night at the homecoming is a really huge mistake. After the terrible accident that he goes through, Jake is positive that his life is over, when he loses the ability to speak. Coping with being mute, he regrets everything that he has not done when he was able to speak. But the thing that he regrets the most is not telling Samantha Shay that he has loved her forever.

      Jake turns into a guy with huge self-pity, a guy who cannot tell the girl of his dreams that he loves her. But as Jake goes back to school, Samantha changes what he has thought will never be changeable. With Samantha, Jake finds out that he is not alone, that he has a family who loves him, a home that he grew up in, food enough for all his needs, she teaches him that being mute is not as bad as it seems.

     So, Jake decides to change his way of living in the world, and to help everyone whenever he can. He is infatuated with Samantha, but she doesn't believe in love, Sam thinks love is something temporary and never lasts forever. Sam is lonely, and poor, and Jake knows that she might be taken away from him at any moment.

     Can love can overcome any obstacle? Jake's love will burn strongely, but does Samantha love him back? Will Samantha be his or be taken away from him forever? Find out when you read the romantic, captivating novel, What I Didn't Say...

     You will get hooked to this novel, it will keep you at the edge of your chair, praying, hoping, wishing that Jake and Samantha will end up together. Although the books was a bit predictable, Keary Taylor created a bunch of captivating, emotional characters. I loved the sense of humor in the novel, Jake has six brothers and sisters, I fell in love every single one of them! From the caring Jordan, to the little brat, Joshua. 

     And I loved how influential Samantha was, she made a good point in everything she says, which is normal, since she has been through a lot, and that has made her much stronger that normal teenagers.

    Another thing that I liked, was the book is Jake's point of view. It's the first time I read a book in i a guy's point of view, but it was definitely worth it, since Jake is such a wonderful character. 

    Keary Taylor wrote a note at the end of the book, describing why this book was so dear to her heart and why it was very difficult to write it. I thank her for the effort she put into writing this novel, it's such a msaterpiece. This book is recommended to everyone, specially lovers of romance. YOU should definitely add this to your to-be-read list...

Review & Interview: The Magic Window by John M. H. Pratt

My Rating:

Facts:

Name of Book: The Magic Window

Author: John M. H. Pratt (Book Blogs)

Buy it: Amazon

Source: Provided by the kind author...

My Thoughts:

     A wonderful read, describing the life of a family of Robins. I found out that John M. H. Pratt has a very lyrical voice, as he uses rhyming verses in his short story. 

     It is a very quick read, that you can enjoy along with your little kids or with your family, it can even be enjoyed as a bedtime story. Although I am a teenager, and this is not my type of books, but I really enjoyed the meaningful verses and the wonderful pictures, illustrating the life of the Robins in their nest. 

     I was a bit unsure when I saw that the book is illustrated but as I look back at it now, I find that the pictures explained so much more that words could have. I would definitely be waiting for other works by this author...

Author Interview w/ John M. H. Pratt

  

 To know more about this story, we will interview the author, John M. H. Pratt:

Me: Hello, and welcome to my blog. First of all, where did you get the idea for this story?

Mr. John: I was really fortunate that those birds chose to nest in such a fantastic and accessible setting... As I watched the birds in the window building their nest I took a few pictures with my phone and sent them to my nieces and nephew. The more photos I took the more the story naturally unfolded...

Me: Did anyone incourage you to write this story?

Mr. John: My friends and family saw my first version that I'd written only for the kids (nieces and nephew) and it just kind of snowballed into The Magic Window.

Me: Did you have any experience in writing verses and poems before you wrote this story?

Mr. John: I've written some poetry for old girlfriends, mostly bad...

Me: Do you have any other works on the way? Maybe you can give us some hints?

Mr. John: I've got another 250 photos of another nest that isn't as picturesque but is much more detailed...I've got some other great nature photos and ideas. Yes, I plan to write more but I might give the birds a rest.

Me: Now for some quick Q & A

        Hot drinks or cold drinks?

Mr John: Cold

Me: Paperbacks or ebooks?

Mr. John: I'm old school - paperbacks!

Me: Reading inside or in the garden?

Mr.John: Beach (garden)

Me: Your favourite book?

Mr. John: Too tough a question, love to read!

Me: Favorite kind of music?

Mr.John: Depends on my mood, love Bonnie Raitt

Me: Birds, Cats, or Dogs? Just curious...

Mr. John: Animal lover

Me: Thank you very much Mr. John for being here with us today, do you have any last words?

Mr. John: Yes, I'd like to thank you and everyone else for your kindness,

patience and encouragement.

Review: Stunning (PLL #11) by Sara Shepard

Full of darker secrets, juicier scandals, and deadlier plot twists, the latest arc of the #1 New York Times bestselling series continues to deliver fast-paced, tension-ridden drama. 

After Alison DiLaurentis tried to kill them, Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna tried to get their lives back on track. But these girls just can’t stay out of trouble. First there was their disastrous trip to Jamaica, and their summer breaks were no less eventful. Now a new A is stalking them, taunting them with the very secrets these pretty little liars have been trying to forget. But this A doesn’t just want to blackmail the girls—this A is out for blood. 

Sara Shepard’s fan base only gets bigger as the hit ABC Family Pretty Little Liars TV show continues to draw new readers to the bestselling series. Everyone will be dying to find out what A does next....

My Rating:

Facts:

Name of book: Stunning (Pretty Little Liars #11)

Author: Sara Shepard

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: June 5th, 2012

Visit: PLL Website, PLL Facebook, Goodreads

Source: Burrowed from a friend...

My Review: On Goodreads

My Thoughts:

**WARNING this review is a huge spoiler if you haven't read the other 10 books in the series WARNING**

     This is the eleventh book in the Pretty Little Liars series, I have read the past 10 books before I started this blog, that's why you can't find the other 10 reviews.

     Aria, Hanna, Spencer, and Emily can't rest at all, the new A is stalking them, exposing their hidden secrets and ruining their too-far-from-perfect lives. 

     Aria's relationship with Noel is falling apart, either Aria will break up with him or tell him the secret that will eventually lead to their break up anyway and him hating her. And of course, A is the biggest threat.

     The Hanna-Kate relationship is growing, and Kate is becoming caring and kind but Hanna is becoming an A herself, stalking Mike's new girlfriend, to find a  flaw that will make Mike hate her, but how far Hanna will go until she realizes that she doesn't need to do this?

     Spencer is trying to cope with her future life in Princeton, making new friends, and maybe, just maybe she will join an Eating Club, but that's not what A has in mind. Who knows? Maybe A's plan will actually do Spencer more good than harm.

     Emily is searching for her young daughter and her adoptive parents, after they have moved out of town. But sweet Emily had made a very powerful, and evil enemy, the summer she stayed with her sister. Will her enemy leave her alone, will her enemy leave her daughter alone? It's all in A's hands... And A is leaving them with yet another dead body to deal with.

     With the eleventh book in the series, I hated A more and more, and I still have no idea who this A is (but I guessed a few), but what I know is this A is much more powerful, and this time he/she is not after making the girls' lives miserable, this A is after blood.

     This new book in the Pretty Little Liars series, will leave you frightened, craving and eager to read the next book, Burned. There's no wonder this series is a New York Times Best Seller.

Pages From My Thoughts Giveaway

An international giveaway of Struck plus an author interview on:
International Giveaway Of Struck

The Liebster Fan

I received the Liebster Blog Award about a week ago, but I have been offered the award twice again by  


Gigi at http://glassesgirlreads.blogspot.com/
&
Kelsey at http://kelseyheartsbooks.blogspot.com/


Thanks girls <3 I appreciate it :)

Review: The Boy Who Made It Rain by Brain Conaghan

Cutest cover :P

When a school tragedy happens, you may lay the blame on society, the Internet, TV or violent films. Not many of you think it could be the parents' or teachers' fault, do you? But then, is it? We have our say, spout off opinions in different directions according to our view of the world. In this novel, too, they all have their say, but who's right?

At only sixteen Clem's world is turned upside down. His Willy-Loman-like father, a travelling salesman and a loser, is transferred from Eastbourne to Glasgow and along with him go Clem and his meek accommodating mother. But Glasgow is rough and Clem's posh English accent is not well-accepted in the sink school he attends. And he's a brilliant scholar. He soon becomes the target for McEvoy's group of thugs for whom slashing faces is the most important ambition in their depraved lives. When a school tragedy happens, you probably lay the blame on society, the Internet, TV or violent films. Not many of you think it could be the parents' or the teachers' fault, do you? But then, is it? We all have our say, spout off opinions in different directions according to our view of the world. In this novel, too, they all have their say, but who's right?

My Rating:

Facts:

Name of book: The Boy Who Made It Rain

Author: Brian Conaghan

Publisher: Sparkling Books

Publication Date: September, 01, 2011

Source: Kindly provided by publisher...

Contact: Website

My Review: Goodreads

My Thoughts:

      The first thing that got my attention was the blurb of this book, I quite liked it, so decided to read it. I haven't heard of the author before, so it was a new read, and it was a very quick read too.

     Clem, a high school student transferred from England to Scotland, tries hard to cope with his surroundings. With his straight A's, his accent, and his looks, coping isn't as hard as he thought it would be, he gets the teachers' approval, the girls' attention, and the boys' jealousy (mostly) . But he didn't expect to end up the center target of a huge circle of bullies known as the NEDs.

     About half of the book is narrated by Rosie (Clem's new girlfriend), Rosie's friends, her parents, and Clem's teachers, they describe what happened during the first few weeks when Clem transferred. But their description is very mysterious, it's like the author didn't want to give anything away until the last few pages.

    The other half is narrated by Clem himself, as he describes his first few weeks, and the way he coped with the transfer, but honestly, I couldn't understand anything, I didn't know what was the problem they were all talking about, until I reached the last pages, then it all become clear, but I'm trying not to spoil anything!

     I respect the hard work of the author, the book mainly talks about bullying and its consequences. This is a very touchy subject to many teenagers these days, although I haven't personally experienced it myself. 

     The funny  part is  the way a few of the characters talk, since the setting is in Scotland and author is Scottish, it's normal, but I found the way they talked very cute and pretty hard to understand, I never knew there was such a difference between the Scottish accent and English accent!

     Brian Conaghan has written a great tale, circling around families, and friends, it is a great read for those who have experienced bullying, or those who know someone who experienced it. The novel is a bit slow at the beginning, but as you read, the pace gets quicker. Altogether, it might be just what you were willing to read!

Review: Brittle by Jordan Calher

The most-gorgeous cover

A diabetic since freshman year, the control Sara Jacobs needs to survive is obliterated when she unleashes Voodoo barons of the afterlife from the dark witch trial history of her hometown -- Andover, Massachusetts. Past and present blend and ignite as her life crumbles beyond recognition, shattered by the same forbidden forces she is drawn to embrace: magic, the supernatural, and the demon raging uncontrolled in her veins. Rewired by magic, she revisits and dominates her petty high school world – paybacks to authority, and a little help with that crush from freshman year.


From a gossip-crazed high school to a moonless limbo of tombstone covered hills, BRITTLE is what happens when Sara stops being the victim. But through it all, nothing can really fill the void left by a mother who abandoned her at birth. Or did she?

Facts:

Name of book: Brittle (Between The Tides: Book 1)

Author: Jordan Calher

Publisher: Gabran Press

Publication Date: May 6, 2012

Source: Provided by the kind author...

Contact: Website, Facebook

Buy the book: Amazon
My Review: Goodreads

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

     I hate it so much when you read a book by an author you haven't known before, and it turns out to be a bunch of crap! That's exactly the opposite of what I felt when I read this book.

     When I received this book, I honestly didn't know what to expect, since it's the first time I read Jordan Calher's work and all. But I wasn't disappointed, not even a little bit! Actually, I fell in love with everything, the cover, the plot, and the characters. I can't possibly believe that it is Jordan Calher's first novel, she is a total pro!

     Sarah, a third year diabetic, struggles to keep her life in total control. Whether she's hanging out with friends, or taking Insulin doses, she need to do almost everything at a specific time. 

     Sarah's control falls apart when she finds a book of spells in her attic. Drawn to the mysterious spells, determined to find the truth amongst the lies from her past life, and to full the void left by her mother, Sarah steps into the game with the help of her best friend and the boy she likes. Sarah has to finally accept who she is and appreciate what she had all along. What she finds out is something you couldn't have expected!

     What will Sarah choose: her pre-magic life as a normal high school student or her super fascinating life as a witch? Will she finally be able to fill in the holes left by the lies from her past life? Find out the answers and much more, when you read this tale; full of magic, Voodoo, spells, and time travel, the breathtaking Brittle...

     I don't want to repeat it many times, but I can't stop saying how wonderful this book is! I don't want to be a spoiler and give anything away! But Sarah is a character you will instantly fall in love with, she is witty, smart, and has a cute sense of humour, she had me laughing hard sometimes. 

     Jordan Calher will grab you and take you away to another world, I loved how she put some sensible history into the novel. And the romance wasn't too little or too much, I likes Sarah's crush as much as she did! He is very protective and caring, just my type of guy.

      Jordan Calher has my heart pounding so hard, waiting for Book 2 in the series, and trust me, this novel will sure make the top 5 in your list of all-time favorite books. Either that, or you have no sense in reading!

Stacking The Shelves #1

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews, Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

All the books I have bought and received are ebooks, since I am in Iraq :(

--Bought--

Stunning by Sara Shepard

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

--For Review--

Brittle by Jordan Calher

Painted Blind by Michelle A. Hansen

The Unsacred Gift by C.S. Dorsey

Blood Harvest: The Entourage by RL Young

What about you? What's on your shelf?

Review: This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

I am totally in love with Sarah Dessen's book, this time, her novel is about searching, believing, and falling in love. 

     Remy, has learned  a lot from her mother's series of husbands, she has learned to never fall in love. Love is pain, love is stupid, love is the mistake Remy should never make. Until she meets Dexter. Persistent, funny, charming, full-of-bad-habits Dexter.

     Dexter is very different from the type Remy dated before, he is not Mr.Perfect, but still Remy can't get away from him. She panned to have a gorgeous summer boyfriend and that's it, nothing more. But Dexter doesn't think that way...

     Will Remy finally change what she believes? And will she let the love blossom between her and Dexter? Find out when you read Sarah Dessen's romantic, best seller, This Lullaby...

Recommendation:

     Sarah Dessen has a way to touch your heart, I was so moved by this story. Remy dealt with a lot in her life, she finally has the chance to be happy, I felt happy for her too. The pace is quick, and you can't help but fall in love with the wonderful bunch of characters. Recommend to every helpless romantic, like me!

My Wish List

Hello, people!
Here's my shortened Wish list, I will just post the Top 5 because the list is way too long!

Rapture by Lauren Kate

Stunning by Sara Shepard

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Liebster Blog Award

I have been awarded the Liebster Blog Award, thanks to Lauren from Lauren's Library.

It is given to upcoming bloggers with under 200 followers...

Here's the rules:

1. Each person must post 11 facts about themselves

2. Answer 11 questions the tagger has given you and give 11 questions for the people you've tagged.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Tell them you've tagged them.

5. Remember, no tag backs.

11 facts about me:


1- I have one sister and one brother, both younger.
2- I am in love with Ian Somerhalder (stomach fluttering at the sound of his name!) as Daemon, from Vampire Diaries.
3- I adore Enrique Iglesias, I know every song of his by heart!
4- I NEVER wear dresses or skirts.
5- The first English book I read was Black Cat, by Edgar Allan Poe.
6- I hate the color black, it's too sad, although it makes me look skinny sometimes.
7- The first English song I listened to was, True Friend by Miley Cyrus.
8- I am in a high school for talented students (with mental abilities, higher than normal people, I'm not bragging!)
9- I want to write a book that will someday be a New York Times Bestseller!
10- I am too emotional, I can't help but cry at least once a week (exclude sad films or love songs as reasons!)
11- I love eating chocolate-flavored ice cream...



11 questions asked by tagger, Lauren:


1) Do you have a party trick?
We don't have many parties in Iraq, and if we have, I don't go. I would rather read a book than dance or watch people dance!


2) Have you got any summer reads you're looking forward to?
Yes! A lot! Rapture by Lauren Kate, and Stunning by Sara Shepard.


3) Hot drinks or cold drinks?
Cold drinks: Coke, Mountain Dew, etc...


4) Do you have a role model? If so, who and why?
No, I don't have one. I don't know why but I have never been able to choose a role model. There are just so many amazing people!


5) What is your favourite place? Why?
My favourite place is the roof of my granparent's house,  it's just so calm and peaceful there, I just love it!


6) What one item would you save from your house if it caught on fire?
My photo album, it has the memories I fear I will forget if I don't keep the pictures.


7) If you could be anybody for a day then who would you be? Why?
I would want to be celebrity, because I want to know if their life is normal (like they cliam it to be) or if its so full-packed that they don't have time for anything else.


8) If you could have any superpower for one day then what would it be? Why?
I would want to read other people's minds, just to know what they think about.


9) What is your dream job?
Being a doctor, and a well-known writer (at the same time!)


10) Do you have any phobias? 
Well yes, I am TERRIFIED of cockroaches. Gosh! They are so disgusting! (I don't know if that's a phobia or not!)


11) If you could build a time machine and venture into the past then would you change anything? If so, what would you change?
Well no I won't change anything, because I'm afraid that if I change something I regret, then I might lose all the good things that happened afterwards.




11 people I have tagged to receive the Liebster Blog Award:


1-Bound 2 Astound
2- Auggie Talk
3-Young Adult Critic
4-Amy's Book-et List
5-Kelly Walker Writes
6-2 B Read
7-Cafe Reads
8-Daydreaming Bookworm
9-Moosubi Reviews
10-Realms Of An Open Mind
11-Teeny Reader



My questions for the ones who are tagged:


1- What is your favorite drink?
2- If you were on a deserted island, what two things would you take with you?
3- If you were able to invent something, what would you invent, and why?
4- What is your next read? Are you excited about it?
5- Which do you prefer: reading paperback and hardcover, or reading e-copies on Kindle and iPad?
6- Chocolate-flavored icecream or vanilla-flavored icecream?
7- Do you believe in love at first sight? Do you want it to happen to you?
8- Do you like historical novels? Why or why not?
9- What is your favorite book? and why?
10- What is your favorite place to read? 
11-If you want to go on a vacation, where would you go?

Review: Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Rogerson Biscoe, with his green eyes and dark curly hair, is absolutely seductive. Before long, sixteen-year-old Caitlin finds herself under his spell. And when he starts to abuse her, she finds she's in too deep to get herself out...

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

     Five stars? Well, yeah it deserves five stars. Sarah Dessen has created a breath-taking tale of family life, and abuse in the wonderful novel, Dreamland...

     Caitlin is devastated after her sister, Cassandra, runs away with her boyfriend instead of going to college. Caitlin has always been the second-in-line, the unnoticeable, the one who followed Cassandra's lead. But all that is about to change.

     After being accepted as a cheerleader, Caitlin meets a mysterious gorgeous boy, Rogerson. They get closer and closer, going to party after party, selling illegal drugs (Rogerson's, of course!). 

     Caitlin is not aware that she is slowly falling in love with Rogerson. All she wants is to live a happy life, but it looks like that is not meant to be. Caitlin has to tolerate the constant slaps of her boyfriend, the bruises on her arms, legs, wrists, neckline, everywhere. 

     Now, Caitlin has to hide from everyone she loves, hide herself behind long-sleeved, baggy sweaters and large pants. She escapes into her own dreamland, far away from the real world.

     Will Caitlin break away from the abuse? Will she finally find the road to happiness? Find out all of this and more, when you read Sarah Dessen's emotional, exhilarating masterpiece, Dreamland...

Recommendation:

     Gosh! I love Sarah Dessen's books, she shows you another side of life, she shows you that there is a story behind every one, whether happy or sad. Dreamland had a quick pace, and a bunch of wonderful, emotional, characters that will remain with you long after you have read the novel...

Review: Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen

From Google...

It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

     I fell in love with Sarah Dessen's other book, Someone Like You ( see my review here), so I  was willing to fall in love with this one too, and I did! What I love about Sarah Dessen's books is that she always proves that if you can't be perfect, you got to love who you really are.

     Auden, a high school graduate, decides to spend the summer with her father and pregnant step-mother. A hard-worker, and perfectionist, Auden is a loner. She doesn't want to try anything new, or to get out of her comfort zone. But that's not what happens.

     Auden is finally willing to change what has been her routine since she was born. She tries to make up for everything she has missed as a kid, with the help of the mysterious guy she becomes friends with, Eli. Auden decides to make new friends and live for now, she decides to just go along for the ride...

     Sarah Dessen makes you feel what Auden feels, her happiness, her pain, her excitement, everything. You get to watch Auden change, develop, and fail. And that's one of the points (I think), why Sarah Dessen, is a New York Times Bestseller...

Recommendation:

     Sarah Dessen is one great writer, I would love if I get to meet her someday. Along For The Ride has a quick pace, and the characters are wonderful, they all have their own stories to tell. For some readers, this book would make a great summer read, for some other readers, it would make a great MOTIVATIONAL summer read. This book says: For those who have given up, it's not too late...