Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank : A Slightly Tarnished Southern Belle's Words of Wisdom by Celia Rivenbark

Hilariously Funny!!!

You don't, have to have, children or be from the south to get this southern belle's humor.

A quick, simple, fast read that will make you laugh out loud.

Grade: B

Synopsis
Celia Rivenbark’s essays about life in today’s South are like caramel popcorn---sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible

Celia Rivenbark is a master at summing up the South in all its glorious excesses and contradictions. In this collection of screamingly funny essays, you’ll discover:
* How to get your kid into a character breakfast at Disneyworld (or run the risk of eating chicken out of a bucket with Sneezy)
* Secrets of Celebrity Moms (don’t hate them because they’re beautiful when there are so many other reasons to hate them)
* EBay addiction and why “It ain’t worth having if it ain’t on eBay” (Whoa! Is that Willie Nelson’s face in your grits?)
* Why today’s children’s clothes make six-year-olds look like Vegas showgirls with an abundance of anger issues
* And so much more!
Rivenbark is an intrepid explorer and acid commentator on the land south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Under the Dome by Stephen King

Under the Dome is one of Kings' best novels yet. Expect to be entertained. Expect gore, expect the unexpected, no one and I mean on one is safe. The characters, and there are several, are distinguishable (King makes it possible to keep track of his, many, many characters). They are each well developed and true to life. This is a brute of a novel, awkward to hold and 1074 pages of thrills. An excellent look at the break down of society/civilization from a sociological point of view. Despite the girth, you will be hooked and finish this novel within days. The characters and story will stay with you long after you put this book down, each one embedded into your memory. You will cheer when villains get their own and feel outrage when the "weak" parish. A tale of survival, death and corruption.

Grade: A+

Braless in Wonderland by Debbie Reed Fischer

Braless in Wonderland is Fischer's debut novel. It is cute, fresh and fun.

You will have laugh out loud moments. Allee's a great character with a lot of spunk.

This read is easy, you will breeze right through it and be left wanting more.

This book covers more than the glamorous side of modeling and touches other issues besides the standard eating disorder.

Expect to read this in one or two sittings.


Grade: B+








Synopsis (B&N)
Allee Rosen is a lot of things: high school senior, overachiever, brain. The one thing Allee is not is supermodel material—at least that's what she thinks until modeling scouts spot her and she moves to Miami to work with an elite modeling agency. Suddenly Allee is swept up?p in a whirlwind of designer labels, photo shoots, go-sees and some seriously backstabbing models. Will this fabulous new life go to her head? New author Debbie Reed Fischer offers readers a fresh, fun, and honest peek into the crazy and glamorous world of professional modeling.

The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods, Book 4) by Melissa De la Cruz

The Van Alen Legacy starts of extremely slow but don't let that stop you from reading this because the ending is phenomenal.

You MUST have read the previous novels in this series our you will be completely lost in this particular book. There is too much history to let this book stand on its own.

This is by far the weakest novel in the series but that is due to the slow star and tedious build up. There is also a jumping between the characters that can be a bit dis jointing.

I can't say that I completely enjoyed this book. It wasn't until the last few chapters that it got interesting and captured my attention.

I suggest checking it out, borrowing it or waiting for the paperback. It isn't worth the hardback price.


Grade: B-




Synopsis
With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

A ripped-from the headlines novel, about mothers, daughters, friendships, love and forgiveness. A group of teen girls, forms a pact to become pregnant, without considering the true consequences of their actions. The small town they live in becomes full of controversy and complicates the lives of the involved parents and teens. The plot reminds me of something, Jodi Picoult would tackle with the exception of the ending (it's a bit, too tidy). The characters are well developed and most are likable. Expect drama with a touch of romance. You will be drawn into the novel and easily become fully engrossed. 

Grade: B+ 

 Synopsis A pregnancy pact between three teenaged girls puts their mothers' love to the ultimate test in this explosive new novel from Barbara Delinsky, “a first- rate storyteller who creates characters as familiar as your neighbors.” (Boston Globe) When Susan Tate's seventeen-year-old daughter, Lily, announces she is pregnant, Susan is stunned. A single mother, she has struggled to do everything right. She sees the pregnancy as an unimaginable tragedy for both Lily and herself. Then comes word of two more pregnancies among high school juniors who happen to be Lily's best friends-and the town turns to talk of a pact. As fingers start pointing, the most ardent criticism is directed at Susan. As principal of the high school, she has always been held up as a role model of hard work and core values. Now her detractors accuse her of being a lax mother, perhaps not worthy of the job of shepherding impressionable students. As Susan struggles with the implications of her daughter's pregnancy, her job, financial independence, and long-fought-for dreams are all at risk. The emotional ties between mothers and daughters are stretched to breaking in this emotionally wrenching story of love and forgiveness. Once again, Barbara Delinsky has given us a powerful novel, one that asks a central question: What does it take to be a good mother?

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Stargazer is the second novel in the, Evernight Series by Claudia Gray. It is better than the first and keeps you interested until the end. Haunting occur and deep, long buried secrets are revealed causing life altering events to transpire. The relationships between the characters are extremely complex, adding the the allure of this novel. This sequel is full of suspense, tension, deception, betrayal and revelations. I simply can't wait for the next installment, House Glass. Keep a look for it, it will be released March 9, 2010.

Grade: A 

Synopsis The vampire in me was closer to the surface . . . Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them. But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school. Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies. Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning. . . .

Tilt by Elizabeth Burns

Tilt is a semi-compelling story about a family and their struggles with such things as autism, manic depression and suicide attempts.

The writing style, takes a bit to get use to and if you can successfully struggle through the first few chapters, the time you take to read this novel becomes worth it.

Burns, captures what it is like to struggle with mental health issues and the death of loved ones.
It can become depressing, dramatic and a bit unreal at moments.

Check it out from the library or borrow from a friend.


Grade: C+





Synopsis
Which could also be the same as saying everything's impossible in this family. It's the tightrope I walk between the Irish knowledge that cookies always crumble, and the Midwestern fact that a sunny disposition can get you anywhere...

Bridget Fox's life is full of blessings, including her husband Pierce, a talented sculptor, and her two delightful daughters. But her elder daughter, Maeve, doesn't seem to be developing the way she's supposed to. She doesn't respond when she's called. She doesn't like to be touched, and the slightest disturbance sends her into a frenzy. Suddenly Bridget, who has plenty of experience with travel and art and sophisticated pleasures, is facing challenges she's never imagined. And as she copes with loss, change, and uncertainty-sometimes with nothing to hold on to but Maeve, and her sense of humor- she begins to find a strength she's never imagined...

Tempted by P.C Cast & Kristin Cast

Tempted the sixth book, in the House of Night Series does NOT stand alone.

You MUST have read the previous novels in order to get an understanding of what is going on, otherwise you will be confused. It picks up right, where, Hunted left off.

The characters are well developed and growing into "their" own. The story line seems to be missing some of the charisma from the first three novels in this series.

The build up is slow, nearly tedious, luckily the second half makes up for this.

Expect the unexpected in the ending. Be prepared to be shocked and devastated. There is no resolution and hopefully the next novel, Burned (released, April 27, 2010) will give us some much needed answers.





Grade: B-



Synopsis

So…you’d think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark’s life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite’s visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn’t go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul? Find out in the next spectacular installment in the House of Night Series, Tempted.

Shadowland by Alyson Noel

Shadowland, the third novel in the immortals series is riveting. The ending leaves you wanting more. You will be anxious to read, Dark Flame, which comes out this summer! Shadowland has unexpected twist and turns. Noel paints a perfect picture of her characters, enticing you to want to know more. It goes deeper than its predecessors and immediately jumps into the plot, keeping you enchanted. A beautiful addition to the series. Sure to make readers happy. 

Grade: A 

Synopsis (Inside Cover) Ever and Damen have traveled through countless past lives—and fought off the world's darkest enemies—so they could be together forever. But just as their long-awaited destiny is finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon Damen...one that could destroy everything. Now a single touch of their hands or a soft brush of their lips could mean sudden death—plunging Damen into a bleak afterlife in the Shadowland, an eternal abyss for lost souls. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses herself in magick—and gets help from an unexpected source...Jude Knight. Although she and Jude have only just met, he feels startlingly familiar. Despite her fierce loyalty to Damen, Ever is drawn to Jude, a green-eyed golden boy with magical talents and a mysterious past. She's always believed Damen to be her soul mate and one true love—and she still believes it to be true. But as Damen pulls away to save them from the darkness inhabiting his soul, Ever's connection with Jude grows stronger—and tests her love for Damen like never before...

My Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir by Samantha Abeel

My Thirteenth Winter is well written and descriptive. Abeel, does a wonderful job of expressing her feelings related to her learning disability and anxiety.

This memoir is a must read. It is compelling and gives individuals hope. As, an individual who suffers from anxiety, I can tell you that, Abeel does an amazing job of explaining the feeling associated with anxiety.

The writing is expressive and captures the authors life and feelings.

You will be inspired and amazed by, Samantha's story.


Grade: A


Synopsis
Samantha Abeel couldn't tell time, remember her locker combination, or count out change at a checkout counter -- and she was in seventh grade. For a straight-A student like Samantha, problems like these made no sense. She dreaded school, and began having anxiety attacks. In her thirteenth winter, she found the courage to confront her problems -- and was diagnosed with a learning disability. Slowly, Samantha's life began to change again. She discovered that she was stronger than she'd ever thought possible -- and that sometimes, when things look bleakest, hope is closer than you think.

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Another, average, typical and predictable vampire novel.

Another tale of Vlads and Dragomoris'. A long ago pact, prince, princesses, war and love. Nothing out of the ordinary, just another recycled tale.


Grade: C




Synopsis

The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Stop Dressing Your Six-Year Old Like a Skank and Other Words of Delicate Southern Wisdom by Celia Rivenbark

Hilariously funny!

You don't, have to have, children or be from the south to get the humor from this southern belle.

You will laugh out loud and finish this simple read in one sitting.

Grade: A-

Synopsis Celia Rivenbark is an intrepid explorer and acid commentator on the land south of the Mason-Dixon Line. In this collection of screamingly funny essays, you’ll discover: *How to get your kid into a character breakfast at Disney World (or run the risk of eating chicken out of a bucket with Sneezy)*Secrets of Celebrity Moms (don’t hate them because they’re beautiful when there are so many other reasons)*ebay addiction and why “It ain’t worth having if it ain’t on ebay”*Why today’s children’s clothes make six-year-olds look like Vegas showgirls with an abundance of anger issues*And so much more! Celia Rivenbark’s essays about life in today’s South are like caramel popcorn---sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible.

While I'm Falling by Laura Moriarty

The characters are vivid and the writing makes this novel beautiful, honest and believable. The story is complete, thoughtful and memorable. An interesting read about a family torn apart who is coming to terms with who they are as individuals. Family crisis at its "best".

Grade: A

Synopsis Ever since her parents announced that they're getting divorced, Veronica has been falling. Hard. A junior in college, she's fallen in love. She's fallen behind in her difficult coursework. She hates her job at the dorm, and she longs for the home that no longer exists. When an attempt to escape the pressure, combined with bad luck, lands her in a terrifying situation, a shaken Veronica calls her mother for help - only to find her former foundation too preoccupied to offer any assistance at all. But Veronica only gets to feel hurt for so long. Her mother shows up at the dorm with a surprising request - and with the elderly family dog in tow. Veronica soon finds herself with a new set of problems, and new questions about love and independence. Darkly humorous, compelling, and filled with crystalline observations, While I'm Falling takes a deep look at a relationship between a mother and a daughter when one is trying to grow up and the other is trying to stay afloat.