Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

Luckiest Girl starts off a bit weak and you question why you're reading it -- then you find yourself completely absorbed in this brilliant and gripping novel.

This is "Mean Girls" to the  max.  Topics such as ddepression, anxiety, eating disorders, bullying and sexual assault are covered. This is a dark and intriguing read.

This is Jessica Knoll's debut novel and it is character driven, which allows you to get to know the main character, Tifani.

Tifani's story is told in a flashback pattern, flipping back and forth, from present time to the past. Readers get to know both the adult and teen version of, Tifani. When, Tifani was a young girl she became a victim of a devastating event, that has left her traumatized. This book explores the impact it has had on her throughout her entire life and a secret she has carried with her that when revealed will be explosive.

The most interesting and compelling chapters are the ones that take place during, Tifani's teen years. Adult, Tifani just isn't as entertaining but that doesn't mean that, the  novel isn't thought provoking or haunting. 

Expect sharp writing and a plot twist you don't exactly see coming.  

Grade: A

I Take You by Eliza Kennedy

Lily Wilder is smart, sassy and funny. Will is boring and she is about to marry him in six days! She's an attorney, he is an archaeologist.

They are as different as two people can get. Her family is crazy and complicated.  His is a much tamer and she has yet to meet his parents!

To make matters worst -- she just can't stop cheating on him.

The relationships between all the characters are fantastic and intriguing. I love the friendships, the conversations and the subplot makes this book worth the read!

So -- sit back, kick up your feet and sink your teeth into this book. You won't regret it.

Grade: A+

The Blondes by Emily Schultz

This book had so much potential! The premise was intriguing and I was initially fascinated but then I quickly lost interest but keep chugging along in hopes that things would improve, sadly they did not.

A disease, a virus, an epidemic of sorts has spread and it only targets blonde, females. This includes blonde's who dye their hair blonde --- so you don't have be a genetic blonde to succumb to this disease. It turns them into crazy, rapid killers!

The book opens up with a character named, Hazel who is heavily pregnant and sequestered in a cabin. She narrates the story, which entails her affair with her professor, her relationship with the professors wife and the epidemic spread.

Hazel isn't really a likable character and the outbreak is centered around her rather then the epidemic itself. I personally wanted to know about the epidemic and how it impacted society. I really didn't care about, Hazel's personal life story. I was rather disappointed with the story but I could see how some people would like the premise is fairly unique.

Grade: C-

Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish by Abigail Pogrebin

Pogerbin, writes an uplifting and enlightening look into Judaism. Judaism as a culture and as a religion.

He interviewed 60 different Jewish individuals, each having their own story to tell. Some of the interviewees are well known such as Stephen Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. There are lesser known yet equally important people who also share what is like to be Jewish and what being Jewish means to them.

Stars of David really makes you think, analyze and make critical distinctions between Judaism as a religion and a culture. Both are breathtakingly beautiful. This gem of book is impossible to put down, each story is poignant and personal.


Pick up your copy today.

Grade: A+

Every Fifteen Minutes By Scottoline, Lisa

Every Fifteen Minute starts off strong, slows down and then speeds right back up.  The plot is intriguing but many parts are hard to believe.

This book is basically about the life of Dr. Parrish, one of his clients who goes on a rampage and a trap set to bring him down professionally. A lot of different things are going on but it is written in such a way that you don't confuse events or characters.

I wish things had move a bit faster in the middle of the book purely for entertainment purposes. It did take me longer then usual to read this book and I'm not sure if it was because the middle portion dragged or because I've been working so much that I'm way past exhausted to stay up and read.

This isn't the best or worst book written by, Scottoline but if you are anxious to read another book on your pile, skip this one and pick up the other.

Grade: C

Those Girls by Chevy Stevens

Those Girls by Chevy Stevens 

will be released on

 July 7, 2015

Jess, Courtney and Dani have a less than stellar life. Their mother is dead and they live with their alcoholic abusive father. They are often left on their own and to fend for themselves. One night an event occurs that irrevocably changes their lives forever. 

They are forced to run away from "home"  and on their path to freedom they find themselves stranded in a strange town when their truck breaks down. The naively trust the very people who are out to hurt them. Things spiral out of control rather quickly but the strong bond they have forged over their young lifetime helps them survival.

18 long years pass and the sisters find themselves having to revisit the town they wish they'd never set foot in or remembered. Sometimes the very things you run from come back to get you. The stakes are higher and sacrifices will be made.

Stevens doesn't disappoint. She can write! Be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions and a good read! This is one book you won't want to put down!

Grade: A+

Check out reviews from some of Chevy Stevens other books below:

STILL MISSING

NEVER KNOWING

THAT NIGHT

ALWAYS WATCHING

Those Girls by Lauren Saft.

Lauren Saft "gets" teen girls! Her book, Those Girls is crafted in such a way, that you become the character(s). She captures the insecurities, heartache and drama that come along with being a teen girl and how everything is the "end of the world".

Alex, Mollie and Veronica are "friends" and juniors in High School. They live in a posh area in Philadelphia (  Am, I the only one who sings the The Fresh Prince of Bel-air themesong whenever I see the world Philadelphia?) and their stories unfold in the pages of this impossible to put down novel.

Each character has their own unique voice and their stories are told in their own chapters. Alex is in love with the boy next door, Mollie is popular and in a toxic relationship and Veronica just wants to be loved and seeks it with sex and unhealty relationships.  The girls have a love, hate friendship between them and judge one another harshly.  They all have mean girl qualities but one event based on revenge may or may not break the weak foundation of their friendship apart.

This is an excellent debut novel and I can't wait until, Saft writes another novel! 

Grade: A+

If you are one of those people who have issues with strong language and sex you might want to skip this book.

Oh! You Pretty Things by Shanna Mahin

Jess Dunne is a hot mess! She has a tremulous relationship with her mother, quits her job before having a second one lined up and doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut!

Luckily, Jess lands a job as a first time celebrity assistant to an agoraphobic, Oscar wining composer. She quickly finds out that things are never quite what them seem to be and working as a assistant to the stars required a lot of quick thinking and jumping through hoops in particular when the celebrities manager a bit more than she can handle.

Jess jumps ship and moves on to another star. This one more demanding, needy and famous. At first things are smooth sailing but Jess ends up hitting rough patches of water and it just might cost her more than she ever bargained for!

Jess's mother reemerged into her life complicating things further but Jess being the stubborn person she is ---- cant' see past the past and reconnect with her mother until it's too late!

This book is predictable but the read is easy and fun! A great way to spend the day at the beach or lounging around at home!

Grade: B+

My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh

My Sunshine Away takes place in, Louisiana. The year is 1989 and  15 year old, Lindy  Simpson has  become a victim of a crime. There are four suspects and the  foundations of their upper class neighborhood have been shaken.

The book is narrated by a man who gives an account of what his life was like and what took place during his teen years. He not only suffered from regular teen angst but had to deal with the death of a sibling, an absentee father and a mother who was a wreck and simply could not get over the infidelity of her husband.  He also had a heart breaking innocent crush on, Lindy who he ultimately betrays.

This is a coming of age novel that spans a few years and deals with a variety of subjects. It is well written and the ending won't disappoint.

Grade: B+

The Heir (The Selection) by Kiera Cass

 “I’m not sure anyone knows what they’re looking for until they find it.”
― Kiera Cass, The Heir

The Heir is the fourth installment in, The Selection  Series. America and Maxon are married. They have two children and the cast system has been abolished. This story is about their children, not them. Their characters have become nearly unrecognizable.

Their oldest is female and heir to the throne. Her name is Eadlyn and she is a self centered, spoiled, brat but she knows what she wants and is unapologetic for it. The people of the country are upset and in turmoil. Maxon and American convince, Eadlyn to hold her own selection in hopes to raise the spirits of the country and cause some distraction.

Eadlyn begrudgingly agrees and is determined to do it her way and send everyone home. She sends suitors without a second thought and then she finally takes the time to get to know some of them and finds out that they aren't all as bad as she thinks (despite there being some bad apples in the bunch).

Eadlyn is insufferable but her antics will make you laugh, shake your head and call it teen angst! I hated her at first but grew to love her! It's really fun to see the selection from different points of view and to see a character grow is a short span of time.I really enjoyed reading this book but the ending -- the ending is a cheap cliffhanger that ruffled my feathers!

Grade: A

You can find the reviews to the rest of the series below:

THE SELECTION
THE ELITE
THE ONE

THE PRINCE - A NOVELA

So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

I love this book -- well not at first! It took a bit of time to get into it and then I loved it!

This novel is about the public shamming that takes place over social media and the lasting impacts faced by those who are shammed.

What makes some stories stick and others disappear? Public humiliation has lasting ramifications and can cost people their jobs, reputation and more! Ronsons examines cases of shaming, some more interesting then others.

This book really makes you think about what you post and how one single post can change your life and that of others.

Grade: A-