How NOT to be Popular by Jennifer Ziegler

     About the book: Maggie Dempsey is tired of moving all over the country. Her parents are second-generation hippies who uproot her every year or so to move to a new city. When Maggie was younger, she thought it was fun and adventurous. Now that she's a teenager, she hates it. When she moved after her freshman year, she left behind good friends, a great school, and a real feeling of belonging. When she moved her sophomore year, she left behind a boyfriend, too. Now that they've moved to Austin, she knows better. She's not going to make friends. She's not going to fit in. Anything to prevent her from liking this new place and them from liking her. Only. . . things don't go exactly as planned.

     My thoughts and opinion: Well, this book got me very close to tearing up, but not quite. Maggie discovers herself a lot in this book; she learns to forget about Trevor, she realizes that her plan hurt her true friends, and she, gradually, finds that Austin, Texas is growing on her. (Besides she's stuck there forever now. Hahaha.)
     I really think her parents, Les and Rosie, are so cool and awesome though. Her parents aren't that crazy voodoo-peace, dude-hippies I thought they would be. I mean, in the book, she talks about how hippie her parents can be, but I like them. I would really love to be their daughter, too! Because it'd be so cool to get fresh starts every few months. AND meet new people! AND see new sights! However, I don't think I'd be good with the emotions and losing friends and boyfriends over and over again.
     I thought it was nice when Les and Rosie finally decided to stay at Austin. And when Maggie managed to win back her friends that she hurt.
     I really loved Drip and the description Ziegler gave her. Hahaha, I totally could imagine how Drip would be like in real life! She was different from the rest of the "losers" because she actually wanted to go up against the "Bippies". The rest were cowards and I disliked that so much, but I guess that made Drip stand out more.
     Overall, this book was a nice read; it took a while, but it had a nice ending.

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

     About the book: "You shot me." 
     It's three a.m. We're in my father's law office on the forty-seventh floor, or what's left of it. Gobi walks over to me, kneels down and wraps her arms around me, and presses her lips to my ear, close enough that I can make out the words. 
     "Perry," she says, "I had a very nice time tonight."
     It's prom night. Up till now, Perry Stormaire's only worries were finishing his college applications and getting his band its first big gig in the Big Apple. But when his mother makes him take geeky, quiet Lithuanian exchange student Gobija Zaksauskas to the prom instead, Perry figures the night is going to be a disaster.
     He has no idea how right he is.
     Gobi has a special mission--five targets by daybreak--and Perry's roped into it whether he likes it or not. Now they're off like a prom dress on a reckless, no-brakes blitz through nighttime Manhattan in his father's red Jag, going eyeball to eyeball with Russian mobsters and teen angst, high-velocity bullets and high school bullies, all thanks to the most beautiful girl that ever almost got him killed.
     Crammed with car chases, heists, hits, henchmen, eyeliner, and even a bear fight, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is a pedal-to-the-floor, rapid-fire thrill ride that will hold you captive to the last page. And remember, it's not over until "au revoir."


     My thoughts and opinion: READ THIS BOOK. The only reason I picked up this book was because I thought it had French stuff in it. You know the "au revoir" stuff. But I also thought it was going to have a unexciting plot because of how short the length of the book was. However, cracking open that book was the best decision of my life. This book is like packed with action; I felt like I was reading something similar to Jackie Chan or Matt Damon. Exciting action and awesome adventure!
     I kind of think Gobi isn't that crazy. I mean, why does she drag Perry into her problems and murderers when obviously he is a chicken and useless? Gobi is not really shooting people randomly because she feels like it. So I don't think she's crazy; I just think she wants revenge for her twin sister.
    I really hate Perry's father. He should really be proud of Perry! He has raised a son who graduated high school. I hated the way Perry's father acted like he knew what was right for Perry; he doesn't even know how to be right! Having an on-going relationship with a fellow worker? So many wrong things there.
    I gotta admit though, that was AWESOME the way Perry turned down that university lady. I would have been jumping up and down with excitement.
    The dialogue that Perry has with Gobi is witty so I liked that. Overall, this book was scrumptious and I enjoyed reading it!

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

      About the book: What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position...suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.
   
      My thoughts and opinion: JORDAN IS SUCH A KICK-ASS GIRL! Oh my gosh, when I was reading this book, I thought, "Why can't I be as cool and awesome as she is? She's so chill!" However, Jordan finally shows proof that she has girl emotions when Ty Green comes along. I found it so cute when she'd get nervous whenever he was close! And Ty? He was the quarterback for his high school in Texas. So a Texan cowboy playing football = Hot!
      All Jordan's friends are great. Even JJ who might seem like a pig when he hooks up with different girls in a row. He looks out for Jordan just like Henry, Carter, and Mike. I gotta hand it to Henry (by the way, did you guys notice that he's the only dude Jordan refers to by his last name? His whole name is Sam Henry.) because how could you keep your love for someone so close to you secret for that long?? HE COULD HAVE TOLD HER ANYTIME...It would have been quicker and easier than Jordan finding out from Carrie.
     Poor Carrie though.
     But seriously, how could Jordan NOT notice Henry liking her? Or no, actually LOVING her?
     And then Jordan's father. Donovan Woods. Why couldn't he just be fine with Jordan playing football? Why was it so hard for him to support her? I thought it was nice when he finally came to one of Jordan's games. That was a touching move.
     I didn't get why Jordan hated Kristen so much in the book until I got to the middle-ish of the book. Wow, that was really low; how could Kristen say that about Jordan? Personally, I think girls can be JUST FRIENDS with a guy. Or in this case a LOT of guys. HOT guys. A LOT OF HOT GUYS. Haha.
     This book was such a great book full of flavor and spices and herbs! I really enjoyed reading it (and perhaps devouring it too!)

Revelation by Kate Brian

      About the book: The biggest mystery of all...and Reed is dying to learn the truth.
      Two months after Cheyenne Martin was found dead in her Billing House dorm room, exclusive Easton Academy is rocked by another stunning revelation: Cheyenne was murdered. No one knows who the killer is, but everyone agrees that Reed Brennan, who took over Cheyenne's role as Billings's president, gained the most from her death. Once the most powerful girl on campus, Reed is now powerless to stop her classmates' accusing whispers. Rumors begin to swirl that she killed Cheyenne.
      And just like that, Reed is kicked out of Billings.
      She's lost everything -- her friends, her home, her boyfriend -- and Reed knows the only way to get it all back is to figure out who really murdered Cheyenne. And she has to do fast because the killer is still out there. The more Reed investigates, the more she uncovers. And as any Billings Girl knows...secrets can be deadly.

      My thoughts and opinion: Boy, is Reed SCREWED! Why can't she just hop on a plane and fly back home? Where THERE IS NO DRAMA AT ALL! But no. She is attached to that place; Billings is a cursed place...
      But, the real killer. Wow. WHO KNEW! Reed seems to attract the worst friends ever. First Ariana, then Sabine??? And they're SISTERS?! When did that happen? Hahaha. Sabine must have been close with Ariana or like really loyal because that was extreme revenge. And an innocent life was lost. Cheyenne.
      Hahaha. I can't imagine working alongside my ex's girlfriend to search for the killer! I think now I'm looking at Ivy very differently. She's not that bad.
      But Josh needs to get back with Reed!! :-(
      This eighth book was very good and delicious with that shocking ending! Craving Paradise Lost!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

      About the book: Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn't understand that once love--the deliria--blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day she'll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.
      But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

      My thoughts and opinion: I seem to be in a phase where I read any book and cry. Or I'm in a phase where I am discovering brilliant books that make me cry.
      Anyway, this was one of the best books I have ever read. I loved Hana; she was like the cool best friend that I have right now! So rebellious! Hahaha. And Lena, I felt like I could be her twin or something.
      Well not that running part. I suck at running. But I usually want safety and stability in my life.
      And then I also want things so bad, but maybe not so bad as to run away with a guy.
      OH and Alex. I don't even know WHAT to say about him. He really is a brave and courageous guy at the end of the book. If only they succeeded in running away together...Alex + Lena = FOREVER!
      Obviously, I love all the characters in the book, but I also love how the story is set. It kind of reminds me of the Hunger Games. That strict government with rules and guards and everyone is labeled and tagged like farm animals. And how there are outsiders, free and wild. The Invalids.
      Which means I really HATE their government. I mean, the Raids are the cruelest thing and they're supposed to be for the good of the people, the citizens? Yet people get beaten and injured.
      This book was great and delicious! Somehow, I don't want to read the sequel of Delirium. This book was already wonderful without one, but I don't know. Maybe I'll find time to read the sequel.

Ambition by Kate Brian

      About the book: The higher you climb, the farther you have to fall...
      Reed Brennan knew being elected president of exclusive Billings Hall would change her life. What she didn't count on was being dumped by her boyfriend, Josh Hollis, or being responsible for a fire that destroyed Easton Academy's oldest building.
      And now the administration wants to shut down Billings. Forever.
      As president, it's up to Reed to save Billings Hall. What better way to win over the headmaster than to host a glam fund-raising event in New York City? Everyone needs a date, and the newly single Reed is the most eligible girl on campus. All of Easton's hottest boys are angling to take her out, and for once, Reed's biggest problem is which one to choose.
      Reed has never felt so popular or powerful -- until the police start asking questions about Cheyenne Martin's death. Excited party buzz quickly turns to whispered rumors and dark moods, and one thing becomes clear: There is someone who wants to see Billings, and Reed, go down. And they will do anything to make it happen.

My thoughts and opinion: First of all, I cannot believe Josh and Ivy are a couple. Just canNOT believe. But I applaud Reed for coming up with such a great idea. A fund-raiser. Very cool. I kind of think Noelle is just trying to help Reed. Maybe helping too much.
      Then, there are the boys lining up for Reed. What I wouldn't give to be in Reed's spot, but then again she had to see Josh and Ivy together on campus and have her heart break every time.
      And at the fund-raiser. How did someone record a video of them? And when? Wow, poor Reed. I don't think Noelle is ever going to forgive Reed for that. Or Dash.
      Hungry for Revelation!