Contests Ending!

Today is the last day to enter my contest for Twenty Boy Summer. The 2 winners will be posted tomorrow. Tomorrow is also the last day to enter my Nikki's Purse Giveaway. The winner will be announced the following day. The links to the contests are in my right sidebar!

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

These are the books that I received this week.

Bought:

Gone by Michael Grant

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. Gone. Everyone except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not a single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Gone, too, are the phones, internet, and television. There is no way to get help. Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day. It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen and war is imminent. The first in a breathtaking saga about teens battling each other and their darkest selves, gone is a page-turning thriller that will make you look at the world in a whole new way.

For Review:

Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner

When the girl who’s foresworn men meets the boy who’s devoted himself to picking up women, there’s bound to be drama—perfect for a sixweek summer program devoted to the arts. Olivia’s summer goal: to write a musical that censures men with wandering eyes. Max’s summer goal: to hone his acting skills, along with his talent for attracting the ladies. Before camp is over, they’ll perform Olivia’s musical onstage and in real life—though the ending may turn out differently than either expects.

-Amanda

A Look Inside: Burned

"A Look Inside" Is a post where I'll have a featured author, and I'll choose a book that they wrote. I always come out after finishing a book with a favorite character, so I'll also have a featured character, and one of my favorite quotes from them.

Author: Ellen Hopkins
Book: Burned

Character: Pattyn

Quote: The next-to-the-last thing I wanted was a baby. The very last thing I wanted was ever having to tell my dad I was pregnant.

If you have a favorite YA author, book or quote e-mail me it at txmandaxt@yahoo.com I'll make sure to give you credit!

-Amanda

Bonus Interview With Samira Armin Hodges + Milestones Excerpt

"After breakfast, I found myself standing on a raft on the lake. The others were there as well. The raft was square and we were all lined up along the four sides. We were ordered to stand there indefinitely, facing the water, with our backs to each other, until the first person fell in. We were told the first to fall in would get their punishment and the day would subsequently be over. This was so not how I pictured my summer, by the way."

Why did you write Milestones?

Well, there are many reasons so I’m just going to list a few of them.

1- I had a story that took a life of its own and I wanted to share it with the world.
2- I love writing and I had a secret dream of being an author someday.
3- I felt like it might speak to some teenagers. And if it does, I will consider it a job well-done.
4- I wanted to deviate a little bit from the genre of books I’d recently read. I’m always a fan or something different and I thought some readers might appreciate that as well.

How often do you write?

Every day. In some way, shape or form, I write every single day. I have to. It’s like an itch I have to scratch. I have to share something, with someone, IN WRITING every day. Whether it’s expressing how much I love somebody (I can never say it face to face – for me, it’s always about the written word), or writing a funny parody-type story to my best friends, it doesn’t matter. It’s a daily thing for me.

Now if the question is: how often do I write my novels? Well that waxes and wanes. Sometimes, I’ll write dozens of pages at a time and other times, I’ll just write one. It depends on what kind of “groove” I’m in. Overall, I write every two or three days or so.

In a previous interview you said that you were already planning another series, do you write more than one book at once?

Sadly, no. If writing was my only full-time job, then I’m sure that could be a possibility. But since it’s not….I’d have to say that residency, writing on my blog daily, keeping up with my friends and family and writing Milestones #2 is about all I can handle. Let me know if you guys find out a way to prolong the day though. I’d be all over that.

Is writer’s block a problem and how do you get past it?

Um….I don’t know! Sorta? I mean, there are days when I just can’t make any progress on my novel. If that constitutes as writer’s block, then yes. It’s a problem. But I never let it bother me, because if I let a few days pass, I will literally bulldoze my way back to my laptop and catch up on those lost times. Like I said: itch and scratch.

Also, I’ve ready about authors who don’t know how a story is going to end and they let their fingers lead the way, but I’m not that type. I'm different. My stories are already thought out (to the chapter), so it’s just a matter of getting them onto paper. For me, it’s a bit easier that way. There’s less of a “block” problem if all I have to do is regurgitate it onto paper. J

Milestones is book one of a trilogy...do you already have the ending to book three in your head?

Of course! I did from day one. My family and friends can vouch for that. I told them, "I have this story and this is how it's going to go and this is how it's going to end". It’s just the way it HAD to be. For me, there were never any alternate endings.

Is Benji based off of an old school crush?

HAH! I wish! This question made me laugh out loud. I guess I can see how that would be a question but the answer is a big, fat, definite, NO. Sorry. He’s purely fictional.

Is Camp Milestone based off of a real camp?

Maybe…

Tell us a bit about Galiana. She certainly makes an impact in the book, what inspired her personality?

I’ve met many people like Galiana in my life. They are the type of people who come off as so intense when you first meet them that you can’t imagine there would be another layer to them. But inevitably, there always is.

Anything else you would like to tell us about Milestones?

Yes, there will be a book trailer coming out soon! And I’m having an absolute blast with the blog tour so feel free to contact me with any further questions.

Thank you so much for having me again Amanda. It’s always a pleasure and as usual, I wish you all the best!

-Amanda

Looking For Alaska by John Green

****Looking For Alaska by John Green****

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 20/20
Remembrance- 10/10
Quote-ability- 10/10
Entertainment- 20/20
Ending- 10/10
Recommend to read- 10/10

TOTAL- 98/100
Grade- A

Before. Miles “Pudge” Halter’s whole life has been one big non-event. Then he heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-butboring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into a new life, and steals his heart. After. Nothing is ever the same.

I absolutely loved this novel. Whatever I say in my review won't do it justice. Not only was a constantly entertained I felt like I could connect with every character. They were all very round, I could understand all of their actions and feelings. I was awed by Alaska, and Miles's tip-toed relationship. I felt every emotion with force, I even teared up everal times. Looking For Alaska is now one of my all time favorite authors. The characters, the plot, and the setting were all amazing. I've already said that I love stories set in a boarding school, so that made it so much better. It was a lot of fun to see this hilarious group of teens discovering themselves and each other. Overall I would say that Looking For Alaska was a funny and touching read that will keep even the most reluctant readers turning the pages.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

For Review:

So Not the Drama by Paula hyman Chase

In exactly one hour, eighteen minutes, and thirty-five seconds, Mina Mooney will be dipping her pink Nellie timbs into the infamous frosh pit... Hoping Del Rio Bay High will live up to her greatest expectations, Mina has big plans for infiltrating the school's social glitterati. After all, she's been mad popular for as long as she can remember--and she isn't about to go from Middle School Royalty to High School Ambiguity. But Del Rio Bay is a big school, so it'll take some plotting to avoid getting lost in the crowd. Good thing she isn't afraid of a little hard work and that her playground peeps--Lizzie, Michael, and JZ--have got her back. But it isn't long before Mina's big plans for securing her social status take a back seat to some drama that was so not expected. Lizzie's scored an invite from the beautiful people that Mina can only dream about, and not only is Michael tripping about being back in school, but now he's beefing with JZ. Worst of all, Mina's sociology class experiment to rid the world--or at least Del Rio Bay High--of prejudice is about to backfire...because it might just mean she'll have to rid herself of her very best friend.

Don't Get It Twisted by Paula hyman Chase

Mina's fantasy has finally come true. Craig Simpson-the hottest guy at Del Rio Bay High-has just invited her to the biggest bash of the year. There's just one hitch— her parents aren't down with letting Mina date a boy they know nothing about. Now she has thirteen days to give her parents a crash course in Craig, or else figure out how to get her fine self to the soiree-without alerting mom and pops. Whatever she decides, she's going to need reinforcements. Unfortunately, her peeps are caught up in their own twists and turns. Jacinta's boyfriend has been getting on her nerves about spending so much time in `burbville, while rich and sheltered Kelly just might kick it with Angel, a cute, slick-talking hustler from the projects. And ever since JZ made varsity basketball, his mind has been glued to the game instead of schoolwork, which means his dad might make him drop all sports. As for Mina, if she doesn't succeed in enlisting the help of her friends-and fast-her social life just might hit skid row.

That's What's Up! by Paula hyman Chase

It's springtime in Del Rio Bay, and everyone's heading to the O.C. to catch the varsity cheer squad compete at the Extreme Nationals. Everyone's pumped, especially Mina Mooney, because making the elite squad has finally gained her entrance into the Upper Circle. Mina's psyched for the big show-and some unsupervised cuddle time with Brian. Best of all, her number-one enemy, Jessica, has shocked everyone by calling a truce. But little does she know that Jessica's peace offer is nothing more than a disguise for what she really has in store for Mina. Spring break means all sorts of trouble for Mina's friends, too. Lizzie, whose focus has never strayed from the books, is boy crazy for the first time in her life. Kelly's decision to give ex-hustler Angel another chance just might backfire. And Jacinta is having a hard time breaking things off with Raheem-even when he does something utterly unforgivable.

Who You Wit'? by Paula hyman Chase

Summer is just around the corner, but things are already too hot to handle in Del Rio Bay. Mina's so sprung over Brian that she's having a hard time just thinking straight. So, she's not at all ready when her best friend Lizzie makes their clique swear to a year-long virginity pact... Now Mina and her crew are feeling way too much heat. Kelly is glad to take things slow with cute jock Greg-but ex-hustler Angel isn't about to let her go drama-free. For Jacinta, a missed period and Raheem planning "their" future together is promising nothing but trouble. And when Lizzie finds out Mina has "betrayed" the pact, it's a head-to-head, no-holds-barred showdown that could say hasta la vista to the clique for good.

Flipping the Script by Paula hyman Chase

Now that Mina's boyfriend Brian is off to Duke University, life in Del Rio Bay is lonely. And Brian's busy schedule as a Duke baller isn't helping. As the season heats up and the phone calls get fewer, Mina's insecurity increases—and so does Brian's impatience with it. But he's not the only guy in the clique dealing with craziness. Michael's passion for fashion has led to a chance to attend a special creative arts program in D.C. He knows he should jump on it, but leaving home is harder than he thought. He turns to his dancer friend Rob for support, but Rob's presence around the clique triggers star athlete JZ's feelings of homophobia. As JZ's discomfort simmers, his feelings get the best of him when he finds himself seriously attracted to Jacinta—and discovers she's on a different page.

-Amanda

Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott

****Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott****

Originality- 17/20

Characters- 17/20

Remembrance- 8/10

Quote-ability- 8/10

Entertainment- 18/20

Ending- 8/10

Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 84/100

Grade- B

Everyone thinks their parents are embarrassing, but Hannah knows she's got them all beat. Her dad made a fortune showcasing photos of pretty girls and his party lifestyle all over the Internet, and her mom was once one of her dad's girlfriends and is now the star of her own website. After getting the wrong kind of attention for way too long, Hannah has mastered the art of staying under the radar...and that's just how she likes it.

Of course, that doesn't help her get noticed by her crush. Hannah's sure that gorgeous, sensitive Josh is her soul mate. But trying to get him to notice her; wondering why she suddenly can't stop thinking about another guy, Finn; and dealing with her parents make Hannah feel like she's going crazy. Yet she's determined to make things work out the way she wants -- only what she wants may not be what she needs....

Something, Maybe was a fun read. It did however get me annoyed at times. I was constantly wondering why Hannah isn't noticing certain things or why she would believe such obvious lies. The characters were done pretty well. Hannah was very round and original, but I felt like all of the side characters were missing something. I wish we could have been brought farther into some of Hannah's friends lives. I was curious at to why we weren't. There were many opportunities in which Scott could have easily gave us more insight. Overall I would say that Something, Maybe is a great book for girls who don't quite belong.

-Amanda

Posh and Prejudice by Grace Dent

****Posh and Prejudice by Grace Dent****

When 16-year-old Shiraz Bailey Wood's year-end test results come in, she's astonished to discover that not only did she pass them all, but that she's actually clever! Emboldened by an invite to higher-level classes, Shiraz enrolls in SuperchavAcademy's "Center of Excellence" to get even brainier.

Hanging with goodie-two-shoes in higher level classes seems like just the ticket to avoid getting stuck forever in her crap hometown. But Shiraz has to figure out for herself: are these posh types really any better than she, or are they just wanting to stick up their noses at everyone?

This book was a lot of fun to read. Not only did I feel like I got something out of it, I also had a great time reading it. Posh and Prejudice had a lot of fun lingo and attitude that was hilarious and refreshing. I felt like I was reading a Georgia Nicolson book but with a older and more mature narrator.

Shiraz has several struggles going on just like we all do. It was refreshing to read this book because she had to make an important choice: whether she wanted a higher level of education. Shiraz had to find things out about herself. I would go as far to say that this is one of those "finding yourself novels" but with a YA feel and foreign attitude.

Overall I would say that Prada and Prejudice was not only a funny read, it was also a book that shows that you're not always what everyone thinks you are.

-Amanda

Waiting On Wednesday

The book I am waiting on this week is...

Title: All We Know of Love

Author: Nora Raleigh Baskin

Release Date: August 26th

Four years, four months, and fifteen days ago, Natalie Gordon's mother walked out mid-sentence, before she finished what she was going to say. Now Natalie is traveling twenty-four hours on a bus to Florida to find her mother, to find herself, to find out something about love. Along the way, Natalie struggles to understand her relationship with Adam, a boy she pines for with near-obsession, and to her surprise, she meets people with stories like her own, stories about giving love and getting lost in the desire to be wanted.

-Amanda

The Debs: Love, Lies, and Texas Dips by Susan McBride

**The Debs: Love, Lies and Texas Dips by Susan McBride**

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 19/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 87/100
Grade- B

These Texas girls are now rosebuds just like they always wanted...well most of them have. Mac, as we know, isn't as excited as the other girls, but at least she has her best guy friend, Alex to rely on, that is until the new girl starts to take a place by Alex's side. Mac is even more frustrated when she starts to question her true feelings for Alex. Ginger is having a slightly better time. She even gets to have a portait painted of her by a painter she remembers badly from her childhood. Jo Lynn is growing even more suspicious of Dillon's actions when she sees Laura's number on his phone. Now Jo Lynn is determined to do whatever is takes to bring Laura down.

The Debs: Love, Lies, and Texas Dips made a great sequel to The Debs. I'm not usually into books filled with catty drama. But somehow Susan McBride is able to capture my attention and keep it. Sometimes I want to be frustrated with the girls. If only they could talk to each other about their problems most things would be solved. I'm glad though that this doesn't happen. The betrayal is all too realistic. The friendship between Laura, Ginger, and Mac is just so refreshing. It's nice to see a group of friends that don't believe rumors and stick up for each other. I have a fun time reading about all of the misunderstandings and fights. That may sound weird but my life is pretty relaxed, I need some drama sometimes. Overall I would say that The Debs: Love, Lies, and Texas Dips is a very enjoyable read that will keep you rooting for the underdog and trying to discover the truth.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

Again I didn't get anything this week. I've been busy....you know...starting summer vacation..but I'm expecting things for next week. I have posts planned for next week so again no worries.

I hope your summers are going great! Make sure to check out my contests in the sidebar!

-Amanda

Contest: Dork Diaries

Rachel Russell is giving me the opportunity to host a contest for her book Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life!

Not just the book though, oh no. Your Dork Diaries book will arrive in Nikki Maxwell's favorite purse. It is stuffed with fun stuff like body spray, lip gloss, nail polish, bandana, fashion ink pen, Tic-Tacs, and lots of other cool things that Nikki absolutely CANNOT live without. Most of these items have a special relevance to the book.

To enter: Leave a comment telling me some school experiences that maybe weren't so great. U.S and Canada addresses only.

For extra entries.....

+2 for becoming a follower or if you're already following me.

+2 for posting about the contest, make sure to leave a link. Sidebar is fine.

+1 for commenting on my Dork Diaries review, which is posted HERE.

+1 for commenting on my author interview with Rachel Russell, which is posted HERE.

Contest ends July 1st. I'll post the winner on July 2nd.

-Amanda

Author Interview: Rachel Russell

I was lucky enough to get to ask Rachel Russell some questions and be part of her blog tour! Check out my review for Dork Diaries HERE and make sure to read this funny interview I had with her! Make sure to leave your comments...they may help you in a future giveaway *cough*
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Did you ever keep a diary?

Yes, I did. When I was in grade school, I had one of those cute little diaries with gold leaf pages, a latch and a tiny gold key. Unfortunately, after the first week, I would always lose the little key and my locked diary would become useless. But, I would just ask for another diary for my next birthday. By the time I got to middle school, I owned maybe a half dozen locked diaries.

What is your most memorable Middle School experience?

I spent most of 6th and 7th grade trying desperately to hang out with the popular kids. By 8th grade, I was so tired and burnt out that I just gave up and decided to be myself and eat alone. That's when I finally made real friends. 8th grade was a decent year for me for this reason.

Were you popular like Mackenzie, or not so popular like Nikki?

I was definitely not-so-popular, like Nikki.

How did you live through those Middle School Years?

Looking back, my middle school years were probably the most difficult time in my life. I felt like I would NEVER fit in with my peers. I had a lot of the same feelings that my character, Nikki Maxwell, had.

Do you have any favorite YA books or authors?

Since I'm currently writing humorous books in a diary format, right now I am partial to similar books (The Absolute True Diary of a Part-time Indian, Princess Diaries, Dairy of a Wimpy Kid, Nanny Diaries, Bridget Jones' Diary, etc.). When I was in grade school my most favorite book (and later my favorite movie) was Harriet the Spy, which was...you guessed it...a funny, diary book.

Do you have any more books planned?

Yes, I'm currently working on Dork Diaries Book 2. It is scheduled for release in the Spring of 2010.

What are you doing right now?

Since Dork Diaries was just released a few days ago (on June 2nd), I'm obsessively checking my ranking on Amazon.com. It changes every hour, so I feel I have to check it at least once every hour. It's like if I stare at it long enough, maybe I can telepathically "will" my ranking to go from 5 digits to number 1. I've heard this behavior is normal for new authors and only lasts about a week. It automatically goes away when you drop from exhaustion, due to lack of sleep, from compulsively checking your ranking around the clock.

-Amanda

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel R Russell

****Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel R Russell****



Originality- 17/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 18/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 85/100
Grade- B

I'm only a freshman in High School but already it feels like my Middle School Years are so far away. Dork Diaries brought back a lot of those memories. The plot is pretty basic but it's the way it was presented through a diary that really reeled me in. When a story is written in diary form, for me, it seems much more personal. I get a deeper insight of the character. Nikki was such a fun character to read about. She had a lot of the same problems that we can all relate to. I loved how Nikki didn't write formally in her diary. She let her emotions burst onto the page. At times she would annoy me by being so quick to judge and over-reacting, but then I get a glimpse at her insecurities or a laugh at her parent's or sister's behavior and I'd be back to loving her. The whole theme of the book is really cute. I really like all of the fun drawing inside as well. Tweens and Teens alike will be able to relate Nikki in some way or another. Whether it be trying to fit in, or trouble making friends. Overall I think that Dork Diaries was a fun read that every young teen will enjoy.

-Amanda

Access Denied by Denise Vega

****Access Denied (And Other Eighth Grade Error Messages) by Denise Vega****

Originality- 17/20
Characters- 18/20
Remembrance- 8/10
Quote-ability- 8/10
Entertainment- 17/20
Ending- 8/10
Recommend to read- 8/10
TOTAL- 84/100
Grade- B

Computer whiz Erin Swift is ready to start eighth grade. The Year of Humiliating Events (aka, seventh grade) is behind her and she's ready to rule the school. But eight grade comes with its own set of problems for Erin to navigate, including her first boyfriend, her first break-up, and the fact that her mom has been treating her more like an eight year old than an eighth grader. Even worse, there's a new girl at Molly Brown Middle School who is determined to remake Erin in her bad-girl image, and former crush Mark "Cute Boy" Sacks has been acting strange lately.

But as Erin's school year once against hurdles toward disaster, a personal tragedy forces her to realize that things, and people, aren't always as bad as they seem. Can she save what's left of eighth grade before it's too late?

I was able to relate so much to this story. Erin was just an average girl. Not too popular but not super dorky either. She had good friends and few enemies even after the problems she went through in seventh grade. Erin dealt with a lot of problems and situations that a lot of teen girls go through. She had older crushes and peer pressure. I wasn't completely happy with all of the choices that she made but that's what made her real. She made mistakes just like we all do.

The plot wasn't really original but it was still a fun read. The story had its ups and downs, in the end though, everything was wrapped up nicely. I don't have any complaints about this book. I was very pleased and got all that I expected out of it. Overall I would say that teens would like this book because it depicts what eighth grade can really be like.

-Amanda

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a post where I tell you the books that I received this week either by buying them from the bookstore, going to the library or from my mailbox. Check out The Story Siren to learn more!

For Review:

The Debs: Love, Lies and Texas Dips by Susan McBride

Now that her dream of becoming a deb is finally coming true, Laura’s confidence is at an all-time high. But when she dares to mess with Jo Lynn’s football star boyfriend, Dillon, Laura finds herself at the center of some heinous gossip.

As predicted, becoming a deb is a shallow undertaking that Mac can barely muddle through. Still, things go from bad to worse when the new girl at school starts working her charms on Mac’s best friend, Alex. When Ginger’s grandmother asks her to sit for a formal portrait with the son of a local legend, she discovers that she already knows him—and what she knows isn’t good.

The stakes are raised for Jo Lynn when she finds Laura’s digits in Dillon’s cell phone. Is her boyfriend cheating on her with a debu-tank? She will soon find out.

-Amanda

Update

School just ended yesterday for us. Bye bye freshmen year! Summer is here and I'm really excited, mostly because of not having school but also because my birthday is in the summer, July 21st.

Posting will get back to normal starting tomorrow. I have a lot of cool stuff planned for next week so keep checking back!

-Amanda

A Look Inside: 13 Little Blue Envelopes

"A Look Inside" Is a post where I'll have a featured author, and I'll choose a book that they wrote. I always come out after finishing a book with a favorite character, so I'll also have a featured character, and one of my favorite quotes from them.

Author: Maureen Johnson

Book: 13 Little Blue Envelopes

Character: Ginny

Quote: The locker at the end of her bed had no lock, and one of the hinges was busted. She opened it up.

There was a thing in it.

The thing might have been a sandwich at some point, or an animal, or a human hand...but what it was now was fuzzy and putrid.

A minute later, Ginny was down the stairs, out the door, and gone.

If you have a favorite YA author, book or quote e-mail me it at txmandaxt@yahoo.com I'll make sure to give you credit! (A.K.A FREE promotion.)

-Amanda

Waiting On Wednesday: Blue Moon

Title: Blue Moon: The Immortals
Author: Alyson Noel
Release Date: July 7th

Eager to learn everything she can about her new abilities as an Immortal, Ever turns to her beloved Damen to show her the way. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen’s are waning. In an attempt to save him, Ever travels to the magical dimension of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen’s tortured past; a past which he has always kept hidden from her. But in her quest to cure Damen, Ever discovers an ancient text that details the workings of time. Now Ever must choose between turning back the past and saving her family from the accident that claimed their lives—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows sicker every day...

-Amanda

Ghostgirl: Homecoming by Tonya Hurley

****Ghostgirl: Homecoming by Tonya Hurley****

Originality- 18/20
Characters- 15/20
Remembrance- 7/10
Quote-ability- 7/10
Entertainment- 15/20
Ending- 5/10
Recommend to read- 6/10
TOTAL- 73/100
Grade- C

Charlotte Usher discovers that the afterlife isn't quite what she pictured when she's forced to intern at a hotline for troubled teens. Before she can officially cross over, she'll have to be a source of guidance for one such teen. The problem is she doesn't have much advice to offer since dying hasn't exactly boosted her confidence level. But when Hawthorne High's leading, love-to-hate cheerleader Petula and her gothic little sis' Scarlet find themselves suddenly resting-in-peace in comas, Charlotte's opportunity to save them will prove to be the risk of a lifetime-for all of them.

We pick up right where we left on in Ghostgirl, which seems like an important thing to do since a lot happens quickly after. I honestly didn't enjoy this as much as the first one. The whole plot is sloppily written. We are led to believe one thing but then we are spun out of control and looking at something else instead. Ghostgirl: Homecoming did not have the right mix of fun and serious.

All of the dead kids names were always cutesy and lots of the causes of incidents are so unserious. Those parts were fun to read because they were clever. But then Hurley throws in some life lessons, and death, which makes for an uneven mix. I was happy to see that a lot of the characters grew and learned from their stupid mistakes.

Basically though Ghostgirl: Homecoming was just too unbelievable. I found my self feeling frustrated and not understanding why people would do the things they did. Overall I was disappointed, Hurley could have done so much with this sequel, but what I read was a hot mess.

The cover though is, once again, beautifully done. Can you say redeeming quality?

-Amanda