Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

      About the book: Ever since her parents' divorce, Auden has been unable to sleep. She's built a routine that gets her through each night; but when the opportunity comes for her to spend her summer at the beach with her father and his new family, she jumps at the chance to break out of her rut.
      Life at the beach proves more challenging than Auden expects. In addition to trying to figure out how she fits into her father's new life, she also has to navigate the girls at work with their gossip and friendship and crushes. And then there's Eli, a fellow insomniac who becomes her nocturnal tour guide. With an endless supply of long summer nights between them, almost anything can happen....

      Quote of the Book: "'Hot dogs!' Adam burst out excitedly. "We've got hot dogs! Tons of hot dogs! Here! Have one!"" -Adam.

      My thoughts and opinion: I loved this book because the characters just clicked and there were so many little moments that came together in the end. I noticed I seem to be on a roll of reading books that include the main male character having green eyes. Maybe that's fate telling me I need to meet a guy with green eyes pronto. 
      Let's talk about Auden. I like the fact that she was more into numbers and calculating because numbers were easier to deal with than feelings and emotions. High five! I could relate to that. Numbers never lie and you can always trust them. Oh my gosh, but Auden should not have let Eli slip away like that. I thought I was going to pass out before I could get to the part where they finally come together again. 
      Eli is so mysterious! And cool! I seriously need to be friends with this guy. I don't care that he's a book character. Haha. I thought his history was depressing but I am so glad that Auden made it better for him. They totally are meant to be. It's also really awesome how Eli can do bike tricks and I can barely ride a bike so flipping and jumping on a bike is terrifying. 
     I really, really liked how Auden and Eli's friendship/relationship developed! All those late nights, it almost makes me want to become an insomniac and find some guy who's an insomniac as well and just go on quests with him. I also agree with Auden that everything is different after sundown. Things change and there are many possibilities that could happen at night. 
      Oh, Sarah Dessen does it again. Although I like This Lullaby better, Along for the Ride is a terrific book, too. It's the perfect summer book, but it is still a good book to read in the winter too. This book took me along on a very cute ride. :-)

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

     About the book: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor and Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits -- smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love -- and just how hard it pulled you under. 

     Quote of the Book: "It's up to us not to lose this." 
-Park Sheridan 

     My thoughts and opinion: I wanted to read this book for the longest time and gosh, reading it was just awesome. It's witty. It's adorable. It's a great book. Although the time period is in the late 1900s, it didn't feel like I was reading something historical (which is good because I probably would have stopped reading).
     I loved reading how Eleanor and Park's relationship developed and the thought of them falling in love on a school bus is cute and funny. It was also adorable when Park would give her his comic books and he'd mix cassette tapes for her. I fell out of my chair laughing when Park was searching for all the AA batteries he could find. 
     Okay now for the characters. Eleanor Douglas is the coolest, strongest, and awesomest (or most awesome to be grammatically correct) girl! I really do admire Eleanor because she has four other siblings and she is so caring. I could never be like that with so many siblings. And even though Eleanor is extremely poor, she makes the best of it. She continues with her life as if nothing is wrong when most people would not be able to take it. I also love how Beebi and DeNice helped her out and took Eleanor under their wings. That was really kind of them and Eleanor had real friends which made the book better knowing things were not all gloomy for her. Eleanor had special people in her life especially Park.
     Oh, Park Sheridan. First of all, I would love to meet him. An Asian with green eyes and black hair? Very hot. I kind of thought it was funny how on the cover, Park is wearing a light blue shirt, but in the book, it's mentioned that he usually wears black. Park is so thoughtful and sweet. I like how protective he gets and he's just so perfect with Eleanor. His parents are wonderful too. I hope to have a marriage like theirs. 
     I don't understand how Sabrina, Eleanor's mother, could be with Richie if he is an abusive, good-for-nothing drunkard who is also a perv. Richie really made me sick to my stomach and I was jumping with joy when I read that she and the kids got up and left Richie. They all deserve way better. 
     That ending was not enough for me! It totally left me hanging and it's so ambiguous! I like that Rowell left the ending for readers to interpret, but I need to know exactly what the postcard said! I kept looking for more pages to read, but it just ended there. 
     Eleanor and Park was a wonderful book and I absolutely enjoyed reading it. The characters and the dialogue between Eleanor and Park was so cutesy and adorkable. After I finished reading this book, I felt an urge to go read a comic while listening to the Smiths. 

The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram

     About the book: When Avery Shaw's heart is shattered by her life-long best friend, she chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how --scientifically.                                                                                        The state science fair is coming up and Avery decides to use her broken heart as the topic of her experiment. She's going to find the cure. By forcing herself to experience the seven stages of grief through a series of social tests, she believes she will be able to get over Aiden Kennedy and make herself ready to love again. But she can't do this experiment alone, and her partner (ex partner!) is the one who broke her heart.               Avery finds the solution to her troubles in the form of Aiden's older brother Grayson. The gorgeous womanizer is about to be kicked off the school basketball team for failing physics. He's in need of a good tutor and some serious extra credit. But when Avery recruits the lovable Grayson to be her "objective outside observer," she gets a whole lot more than she bargained for, because Grayson has a theory of his own: Avery doesn't need to grieve. She needs to live. And if there's one thing Grayson Kennedy is good at, it's living life to the fullest.

           

     Quote of the Book: "Hey now, you can't just go jumping in the shower with every guy you know. That's totally our thing." -Grayson Kennedy

     My thoughts and opinion: I'm not a science geek, but I thought this book was awesome. It was different from anything I've ever read, which could be a terrible, awful thing, but for this book, it was a wonderfully delightful thing. And I thought the cover was pretty cool because the periodic table of elements is there! I mean, how often do you see that on a book?

     Onto the characters. Avery reminded me of an innocent deer. She was cautious and careful (who wouldn't be after getting your heart broken?) but it wasn't to the point where it made the book unbearable to read. Avery might be shy, but she can be quick and she certainly isn't dumb. 

     Well, in the beginning, it may seem so. However, I thought Avery's judgement was just clouded because her heart was really, really broken. Like stepped on, smashed with a baseball bat, and thrown off a ten-story building. So, I really felt for Avery when she tried to defend Aiden's behavior and actions. Her denial was understandable. Avery Shaw was, in a way, a complex character to read, but no matter how frustrated I sometimes got at Avery, (yeah that happened, too) I still liked her since she wasn't really a bad person.

     And another character who likes Avery is Grayson! I totally loved Grayson from the start when he inserted his own prologue. What's not to love about him? Grayson's charming, sexy, hilarious. He's also really caring and gentle and just so darn perfect. I also liked how everything he did was for Avery; you could tell that Avery was his whole world. (Seriously. Grayson even joined the science club for her.) He never truly gave up on the science project and on curing her broken heart even though it seemed hopeless in some parts of the book. Not to mention, Grayson is super funny, which just adds on to how awesome he is. The guy has a fantastic sense of humor and it was nice to laugh every once in a while. 

     Aiden Kennedy. Now, since I love connections, I'll connect. When I met Aiden, I couldn't help but think of Aidan from Girl at Sea. There are similarities between the two characters like the fact that Aiden and Aidan are smart guys and their names are almost, almost the same. But while I loved Aidan, I really, really did NOT like Aiden Kennedy. I could not stand Aiden with his selfishness and his cruel revenge back at the cabin. The one time when I paused hating Aiden was when I realized what he said was true, that Grayson did, in fact, steal Avery away from Aiden. Then again, the way that Aiden acted (especially when he was with his horrible girlfriend) he didn't deserve Avery anymore. In my opinion, Aiden really didn't deserve Avery's forgiveness, but I guess it helped Avery's heart heal. 

     The friends in this book were great, too. Grayson's friends were popular yet cool at the same time. They were the good kind of popular, and I thought it was great of Pam and Chloe to take Avery under their wing. Avery's friends were witty and geeky and they treated a jock like Grayson somewhat equally. I mean, they took Grayson bowling in order for him to grasp the concept of Newton's Laws so, that's a pretty generous thing to do, right?

     Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It was cute and fun with all the characters and humor. I thought The Avery Shaw Experiment was a roller coaster of a book since there are emotional stuff (SEVEN stages of grief!) Even if you're terrified of roller coasters, you can still try this book out. It's just as awesome without all the dizziness. 

His Eyes by Reneé Carter

     About the book: Amy Turner's about to graduate from high school and all she wants is a job. Actually, all she wants is to find a way to pay for college. Amy certainly isn't looking for love when she answers an ad to baby-sit a boy-she just need the cash. But the job has a catch: The boy is blind...and he's her age. 
     Tristan Edmund may be hot, but he doesn't want Amy's help. Or so he thinks. After being blinded in a horse show-jumping competition, Tristan spends his days in the dark, refusing to accept his disability. Much to his annoyance, Amy bursts into his life and drags him into the light. But just as the two begin to see something in each other, Tristan's beautiful ex-girlfriend shows up. Will the temptation be too much, or will Tristan choose the girl who really sees him? 

     Quote of the Book: "Way to be humble, Romeo." -Amy Rose Turner

     My thoughts and opinion: What a light yet sweet read! I knew I was going to like this book after  reading the summary, and I was right. There was humor in all the right places which is always great, but at 3 in the morning, I had to contain my laughter. I would have been laughing, though. And the characters were fabulous and kept me going.
     Amy Rose Turner is so cool and easy-going like whipped cream in a mug of hot chocolate. The way she bonded with Chris and Marly was so caring and gentle; it must have been her baby-sitting expertise. I thought Amy would be a great role model for the kids. Next, Amy is so persistent, in a good way, because she got Tristan to open up to her. I thought that was really awesome how she was determined to help Tristan and earn the money for Evanston, her dream college. So determined that she was able to tolerate Lexus or better known as, The Creature. All in all, Amy is just amazing because she got Tristan to change for the better.
     Tristan Edmund is... He is really something because in the beginning, he was emotionless like a rock and then once he's comfortable with Amy, he turns into this witty, sweet, fun guy to be around. And when The Creature shows up, Tristan is an oblivious ice cube, trying to please his mother by hanging with The Creature and therefore hurting Amy. Finally, towards the end, Tristan was wonderful again. More than wonderful. Although Tristan seemed like the typical, rich snob, he proved me wrong because he was actually a good person. He's one of the good people! 
     Since there needs to be a balance, The Creature is the loathsome character. There's also Kristy, but I didn't hate her; I just disliked her. Kristy didn't do that much to make my blood boil, but The Creature made sure the stove was turned on. I didn't think anyone could be so self-centered until I met The Creature. I'm still incredulous how Tristan could have dated such a vile girl. However, the book wouldn't have been great without an evil character like The Creature. She was the total opposite of Amy and that made Amy all the more better. Even the kids love Amy way more than The Creature.
     Speaking of the kids, Chris and Marly are just the cutest siblings ever! And they totally loved Amy more than The Creature which warmed my heart. Chris was like the ideal little bro because he was mischievous yet adorable. And all those Battleship games reminded me of childhood years. 
     Overall, I really liked this book and not surprisingly, it turned on my tear faucet in some parts. If you're a sucker for happy endings (like moi) or just looking for an light read, then give this book a shot! :-)

Impossible by Nancy Werlin

     About the book: Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that she is the latest recipient of a generations-old family curse that requires her to complete three seemingly impossible tasks or risk falling into madness and passing the curse on to the next generation. Unlike her ancestors, though, Lucy has family, friends, and other modern resources to help her out. But will it be enough to conquer this age-old evil? 
     A beautifully wrought modern fairy tale from master storyteller and award-winning author Nancy Werlin. Inspired by the classic folk ballad "Scarborough Fair," this is a wonderfully riveting and haunting novel of suspense, romance, and fantasy.

     Quote of the Book: "I'll think of something. You're pregnant, for crying out loud. They won't arrest you. Come on, Lucy. We aren't going to let a little thing like what people will think stop us. Besides, Southerners are hospitable. They'll probably offer me lemonade." Zach Greenfield.

     My thoughts and opinion: First of all, take a look at that amazing cover! It's so beautiful and the dress is fabulous. Also, the flying hair is pretty neat, too. 
     Despite the bad reviews on this book, I thought it was actually really good. And it isn't because the author and I share the same name. I mean, don't get me wrong, that's totally awesome. However, I actually loved the characters and the plot. The whole curse thing was very appealing and there was a LOT of suspense so I loved that.
     Lucinda (or more commonly known as, Lucy) Scarborough was an excellent character to read about. I was amazed by her determination and her strength. Lucy gets pregnant and she makes the decision to have the baby which was admirable, in my opinion. She kept going at the puzzle, even though it was almost impossible. Lucy did not give up, and maybe she wanted to at the end, but she had Zach to encourage her on. Lucy was also strong because although her mother, Miranda, was a lunatic, that did not bring Lucy down. Lucy might have been afraid and resentful at her mother, but Lucy came to respect her mother. I also thought Lucy was mature and she handled her situation well.
     Zachary or Zach Greenfield was just as wonderful as Lucy. At first, I thought he was going to be a jerk or a total wimp and back out from helping Lucy with the curse and pregnancy. However, I was really wrong because Zach was so supportive of Lucy and then that one part, I was shocked and surprised by what he asked Lucy. But of course I definitely approved of them being together. I loved how caring Zach was and also how he would sacrifice and change his life for Lucy and the baby.
     Soledad and Leo Markowitz deserve a Best Parents award. When they find out that Lucy is pregnant, they were really understanding and super supportive. Also with the curse, Soledad and Leo worked hard to try to solve the pieces of the puzzle. I liked Miranda Scarborough a lot especially when she isn't crazy. Miranda seemed nice and cool, and I would love to read more of her. And last of the characters, Padraig Seeley. I was suspicious at first and I knew all along. Poor guy, but he deserves what he got which was nothing. 
     Overall, I disagree with the people who thought this book was terrible because I thought it was terrific! However, I do think it's possible this book won't amazed everyone. I personally loved it, but I can think of some people who will not touch the book. I still recommend it; I mean, just give it a try. And however impossible it may seem, there's a happy ending! 

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

     About the book: Every April, when the wind blows from the sea and mingles with the scent of lilacs, Landon Carter remembers his last year at Beaufort High. It was 1958, and Landon had already dated a girl or two. He even swore that he had once been in love. Certainly the last person in town he thought he'd fall for was Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of the town's Baptist minister. 
     A quiet girl who always carried a Bible with her schoolbooks, Jamie seemed content living in a world apart from the other teens. She took care of her widowed father, rescued hurt animals, and helped out at the local orphanage. No boy had ever asked her out. Landon would never have dreamed of it. 
     Then a twist of fate made Jamie his partner for the homecoming dance, and Landon Carter's life would never be the same. Being with Jamie would show him the depths of the human heart and lead him to a decision so stunning it would send him irrevocably on the road to manhood...

     Quote of the Book: "You have to promise that you won't fall in love with me." -Jamie Sullivan.

     My thoughts and opinion: I made a mistake. I read this book without having a box of tissues by my side. As always, Nicholas Sparks amazes me with another tearjerker. I had to admit that the beginning was a slow one, but I kept on reading and boy, am I glad I did. The whole story was very touching and the unique characters were wonderful in their own way. 
     Landon Carter didn't impress me at first because of his dislike toward theatre. (I love drama and acting and plays.) Also his attitude toward Jamie was, to be honest, rude and a sweet, kind girl like Jamie didn't deserve such treatment. However, because of the Christmas play (which I loved!) I started to like Landon much more. There are things I admire about him like how hard he tried to be a gentleman and what he did for the orphanage. So then, Landon became one of my favorite characters especially in the middle and towards the end.
     Jamie was instantly my favorite because she's truly a good person and she really taught Landon (and me) how to live life, and forgive and forget. I thought Jamie was a really inspirational character and one that I'll never forget. I really loved her and Landon together and I loved how much they've been through together. Their love is so powerful that it doesn't die. 
     I'm pretty sure that I did not dislike any characters. I mean maybe there were some negative emotions toward one or two characters, but I thought the characters were too minor to even remember. I even grew fond of Mr. Hegbert, Jamie's dad because although he may seem like a grumpy, old man, he's really just a very caring father who loves his only daughter. 
     Overall, I loved this book and its characters. The world could really use a Jamie Sullivan or two. I cried, I laughed, and I smiled. There is no doubt that this book is definitely one to remember.

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

     About the book: There are two sides to every breakup.
     This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation. 
     Then Jordan dumps Courtney--for a girl he met on the Internet.
     It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la--this is Courtney pretending not to care.
     But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.
     Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

     Quote of the Book: "Jordy, I had no idea you felt that way about me. I have to warn you, though. I happen to be in a very committed relationship." -Brain Joseph "B.J." Cartwright 

     My thoughts and opinion: Nothing like starting off a new month with a book review, right? Lauren Barnholdt amazes me again with this book so she is on my Favorite Authors list now. It's jealousy, love, hatred, and wit bound in a cool-looking book that has half of a car on the front and the other half on the back! 
     I enjoyed reading Courtney's point of view and then Jordan's point of view and vise versa. I'm actually glad the book is written that way or else I think I would have ended hating one of them and that would not be good. However, going back to how their relationship started and then returning to the present confused me a bit. It was a little tricky making the switch and there were a few times when I had to stop and think whether what I just read was the past or present. But readers (and I) would not get to see how Courtney and Jordan's relationship develop if it was just the present. 
     Okay, so now the lovely characters. Jordan surprised me because I thought he would be a total jerk, but he's a real gentleman and he's the only one for Courtney! Lloyd is a great friend, and it should stay that way. I love the way he cares for Courtney and worries about her like a true boyfriend should. It just shows that Court is Jordan's whole world. Yeah, cheesy, but I felt like that was the case.
     Courtney is... Well, she's a lot because she is stubborn and she runs away from anything she doesn't like. I can't blame her though, from her point of view, she didn't know anything; she didn't know the whole truth. Her anger and pain and heartbreak was right for her to feel, but I thought she should have listened and see things from Jordan's perspective. However, Courtney was really funny and I enjoyed reading her jealous moments and her made-up scenarios. 
     B.J. and Jocelyn are hilarious together; seriously, their bickering had me laughing for a long time. I thought they were great friends to Jordan and Courtney and a great couple. I liked how Jocelyn was such a good friend to Courtney and B.J. had Jordan's back. I sort of hoped for a double date somewhere in the book. 
     Overall, the book was a light and fun read and eat. It didn't disappoint and it was different from what I'm used to reading. In a good way. :-)