My Double Life by Janette Rallison

     About the book: Her whole life, Alexia Garcia has been told that she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia's photo filters through the Internet, she's offered a job to be Kari's double. This would seem like the opportunity of a lifetime, but Alexia's mother has always warned her against celebrities.
     Rebelliously, Alexia flies off to L.A. and gets immersed in a celebrity life. Not only does she have to get used to getting anything she wants, she romances the hottest lead singer on the charts, and finds out that her own father is a singing legend. Through it all, Alexia must stay true to herself, which is hard to do when you are pretending to be somebody else!
     My thoughts and opinion: I just want to put this out that I would be so stoked if I had a half-sister that was a celebrity. How cool is that? Also, I would be able to buy anything and NOT go out in public. Unfortunately, I have Kari's problem of not saying the right things when a lot of people are looking at me.
     However, I admit, I did not like Kari at all. Even if she is a celebrity with a mansion and can spend money like it's water, her attitude and tantrums irritated me. And her compulsive spending at malls or casinos. In the book, she says that she does not have a gambling problem, but SHE DOES. Maybe the value of money to rich people aren't that big of a deal, but Kari was losing. If she won money from going to casinos, then okay. Otherwise, I just hated everything about her.
     On the other hand, Alexia is a bit like Kari as well. Her compulsive thinking led her to decide to hop on a jet and fly to California without saying goodbye to her mother. I didn't mind that because besides that, Alexia is a nice girl who was raised well by her mother. She gets straight-A's and likes to read! A bit of déjà vu because I love to read, too.
   
     Also, I just wish Alexia's mother told her about Alex Kingsley BEFORE. Like before the fly to California. Before Kari's manager finding Alexia and asking her to do the job. That would have prevented some anger from Alexia.
     Speaking of Kari's manager, I hate her along with Kari. They should go somewhere else and argue together. Away from Alexia :-). The part where she is talking smugly to Alexia and Alex shows up, stating that Alexia is his daughter made me whoop and holler. Maren's face would have been so priceless.
     This book was a fun read and a fun snack. I've never eaten such a book that had so many...sparkles.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

     About the book: Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps form the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

     My thoughts and opinion: I have GOT to do this when I'm done with high school and get a boyfriend. This meaning the exact road trip that Amy and Roger took. I have got to listen to the same music, eat the same snacks, go to the same stops, places, restaurants (if they're even real and if they're even still there). Book rooms in hotels with my name being Hillary and my boyfriend, Edmund.
     By the way, looking for new music? I found a lot of great songs in Amy & Roger's Epic Detour so give it a try you guys! Roger has really good musical taste even if the band names seem like they aren't all that.

     I feel like Amy is my twin. Well, except the part where she doesn't like tennis because I adore tennis even if I suck horribly at it. And cream soda...That name sounds suspicious so I actually like Roger's choice of beverage: root beer. However, I love her opinion on peanut butter and Amy's choice of candy was Skittles so I was happy to read every receipt that had it. I also loved the way Amy and Roger would already know what the other person likes and grab that for them.

     Secondly, I don't think I would ever be able to drive if such a thing happened to my father. Amy was really brave getting back in the driver's seat like that for the rest of her trip. 

     I got really, really frustrated because THEY COULD HAVE BEEN TOGETHER IN THE BEGINNING. IF ONLY THEY OPENED THEIR EYES AND REALIZED IT SOONER. Hahaha, nearly everyone else did. 
     I was really fond of Lucien because he is a true artist, making shrubbery sculptures. I felt light and happy when he trimmed an owl for Amy. That was really sweet of him. 
     But his sister, Hadley? I hate her with all my life. I just do not get along with those type of girls who can't commit or can't explain themselves.
     Amy & Roger's Epic Detour was interesting and had very unique flavors. I'd love to read this again! Just to taste the spices and sweetness. :-)

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

     About the book:
THE TRANSFORMATION
     Beth has always been "The Beast", that's what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth's only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scot. That is, until she's selected to be her choir's soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.
THE LOVE AFFAIR
     When Beth's choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek's untethered passion - for music, and for Beth - leaves her breathless. Because in Derek's eyes? She's not The Beast, she's The Beauty. 
THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE
     When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?
THE HEARTBREAK
     The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek's been hiding a dark secret from her...one that could shatter everything.

     My thoughts and opinion: Ooh, Canadians! ;-) I totally want to see Derek with Beth in real life. And Scott! He reminds me of those adorable puppies that follow you around everywhere you go.
     First of all, I liked this book because it kind of addresses those readers who are the loner types and others who THINK they are unattractive. This book puts them under the spotlight and shows them not to be insecure and have some confidence in you! Oh goodness, what am I saying?
     Second of all, this book really had my tear faucet turned on! I did not cry like I did for this book in a long time! Really refreshing except that I cried on my pillow which I use to sleep at night...Not good for the pillow :-)
     I really like Derek though because THAT BOY CAN SING! Not many boys I know can sing so a plus for him! His death was the most tearful part for me. And the events that led up to it. For instance, when Beth finds out that he is really, really sick and she rushed to see him.
     I never really liked Blake. Ugh, I hate him. Getting all drunk like that on Sara. I mean, Sara's not on my favorites list either, but Blake was a jerk to her.
     Read this book if you guys want to shed some tears after being mad or just lost. That said, Sing Me to Sleep was a...salty read. ;-)

One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

     About the book: Eliza is in a full-blown panic. Her notebook has been stolen - the one that lists everything she wants but is afraid to go after. And the absolute worst person in the world has it: her ex-boyfriend, Cooper.
     Like it's not enough Cooper was lying to Eliza for their entire relationship, now he and his friends are blackmailing her. They're giving her just one night to complete the most humiliating tasks on her list or they'll post her secrets online - including the ones that aren't just about her.
     Eliza's sure of only one thing: she isn't going down without a fight. Cooper may have what's left of her dignity, but she's not the only one with something to hide ...

     My thoughts and opinion: Now, this is a hilariously, fun book to read. I would recommend it as a summer read because the dialogue is amusing and witty and the situations Eliza gets stuck in are...interesting.
     I really loathe Tyler and his whole gang or posse or crew. The 318s are stupid; I mean, seriously, the NAME is even stupid. Stealing Eliza's notebook makes them look incredibly dumb; it shows what jerks they are. I would have liked making out with Nigel or asking Rich to dance, but when Eliza had to tell her sis about that one kiss, I wanted to punch every single guy who participated in the bullying. For me, it gets very serious if there's family involved.
     That was sweet of Cooper, though. He admitted to Tyler that he give their secret society manual or sacred book to Eliza and endured punches to the face from Tyler. I think what he did finally convinced Eliza of giving him another chance; but if I were her, I would have let Cooper explain the list of things and the points for asking me out or opening a door for me. Eliza shouldn't have erupted like that and ran away.
     One Night That Changes Everything was wonderful and tasty. I read (and ate) it in one sitting! So you guys should definitely read this book this summer. :-)

Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson

    About the book:                           Sometimes you have to get lost...
    The Girl: Clio, seventeen, wants to spend the summer smooching her art-store crush, not stuck on a boat in the Mediterranean. At least she'll get a killer tan.
     The Mission: Survive her father's annoying antics. Oh, also find some underwater treasure that could be the missing link to a long-lost civilization.
     The Crew: Dad's absentminded best friend Martin, his scary girlfriend Julia, her voluptuous daughter Elsa . . . and then there's Aidan, Julia's incredibly attractive, incredibly arrogant research assistant.
     What's going on behind Aidan's intellectual, intensely green eyes, anyway?
     As Clio sails into uncharted territory she unveils secrets that have the power to change history. But her most surprising discovery is that there's something deeper and more mysterious than the sea - her own heart.
                                                                                                                 ...to find what you're looking for

     My thoughts and opinion: I swear, Maureen Johnson is, without a doubt, one of my favorite authors and her book, Girl at Sea, was a very good book. Flavorful with a dash of humor. The characters had interesting names as well. There were names I have not ever seen before in my life.
     For instance, Clio. I liked Clio because she kind of reminds me of me. Hahaha. Except maybe her "stupid" superpower. I CANNOT find things and people as easily as she can. I think all my lost items would equal to the amount of all Clio's drawings and sketches. However, I do not like to draw as much as Clio does. I'm not as devoted to art... The "kind of" I was referring to was our similarity in the boys department. I liked how Clio was portrayed as tough and how she thought she did not like Aidan, but actually, her feelings for him were just hidden.
     I felt bad for Elsa when she caught Aidan and Clio. Clio should have told Elsa about the weird butterflies inside of her that had to do something with Aidan.
     I disliked Clio's father, Ben, at first. He seemed a bit too much like my own father because of the happy-go-lucky attitude in public. I could understand why Clio hated her father. And towards the end, I could understand why she was miserable when her father was upset and disappointed with her. This book really implies the saying, "You never know what you have until it's gone."
     I really would love for this book to be made into a movie. I'm not going to lie; I am very curious who would play Aidan if there was a movie. So, overall, this was a very, very, very, very good book. Seriously. Do not just sit (or stand) there. Read Girl at Sea. Like right now. Most likely, this book will not disappoint.

Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse by Lucas Klauss

     About the book: Phillip's sophomore year is off to a rough start. One of his best friends ditches him for a group of douchebags. His track coach singles him out for personalized, torturous training sessions. And his dad decides to clean out all of the emergency supplies from the basement, even though the world could end in disaster at any moment... and even though those supplies are all Phillip has left of his dead mom. Not that he wants to talk about that.
     But then Phillip meets Rebekah. Not only is she unconventionally hot and smart, but she has seriously great boobs. And she might like him back.
     As Phillip gets closer to Rebekah, he tries harder and harder to turn himself into the kind of person he thinks she wants him to be. But the question is, can he become that person? And does he really want to?

     My thoughts and opinion: This book has got to be one of the few books that make me want to burn it and pour the ashes in a toilet. However, I managed to finish reading the book without murdering it. It took a long time... because seriously? I hate all but one character. Amanda. I ONLY love Amanda. She's so nice and friendly and she makes no effort at all being that. Like Amanda was born to be nice and good and not dumb like the other characters. UGH.
     I think Phillip and Rebekah had the worst relationship I've ever read in a book. Hahaha. Throughout the book, I kept shouting for one of them to break up with the other. Rebekah is moody and she gets angry pretty easily. Phillip is awkward and he is shy.
     Asher doesn't help them by asking Rebekah out and trying to steal her from Phillip.
     That was a jerk move.
     Anyway, I like the parts or actually the ending when Phillip realizes he doesn't believe in all that religious stuff and he leaves the Summit. That was a very nice touch to the frustrating book.
     And Mark. I cannot tell you guys how much I hate Mark and Devin and Asher. I also hate Phillip and Rebekah, but that's a different hate. That's like a feeling hate. Mark, Asher, and Devin all need punches; I hate them violently.
     Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse was quite difficult to swallow because of all that religious allusions and I'm not a big believer in that...area. So I was kind of lost in the book. Lost like confused. It would've been a good book; I just hated ninety-nine percent of the characters.