"Cryer's Cross" (a spooky review by Lexi)

Readers,

I'm writing so late tonight, and I'm so sorry. See, I was planning on finishing this novel I'm reading today, but awoke terribly late in the day, and still have sixty pages to go. Since it's 10 p.m., I decided to let myself watch TV instead, including a "Powerpuff Girl" episode where the bad guy was "Professor Dick." You have no clue how bad I was laughing!

Anywho, onto the book review of the night, which is for "Cryer's Cross" by Lisa McCann.

Goodreads Summary: "Kendall loves her life in small town Cryer's Cross, Montana, but she also longs for something more. She knows the chances of going to school in New York are small, but she's not the type to give up easily. Even though it will mean leaving Nico, the world's sweetest boyfriend, behind.

But when Cryer's Cross is rocked by unspeakable tragedy, Kendall shoves her dreams aside and focuses on just one goal: help find her missing friends. Even if it means spending time with the one boy she shouldn't get close to... the one boy who makes her question everything she feels for Nico.
Determined to help and to stay true to the boy she's always loved, Kendall keeps up the search--and stumbles upon some frightening local history. She knows she can't stop digging, but Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried..."


So if you want a creepy book, here you go! How about dark historical? Yeppers, read this. Just get that this is based on what used to happen to kids, exposed in the media, which is where the author yanked this idea from. She transformed it into a very engaging novel that will leave you feeling a mix of emotions, some happy, others sad.

The characters, scenes, and overall plot are all amazing, and this novel will truly keep you within its grasp. Also, the romance story is good as well, very well thought out, and even more believable. It was a great subplot in here.

Rating:

5/5 desks



Sincerely,

Lexi

"Cathy's Book" (Lexi's interactive review)

My lubs,

So today I'm reviewing a book that is not able to be digital. Just a warning there. I've also not seen it in a regular bookstore, but found it in my Half Price Books, where I am able to get ARCs and Brit Lit and more.

This book is an interactive novel. It interacts with things like phone numbers you can call, an a whole baggie of other things that "prove" the story to be real. It's called Cathy's Book: If Found Call 650-266-8233 (Cathy Vickers Trilogy #1) by Jordan Weisman and Sean Stewart, with Cathy Brigg as illustrator. (There are lots of drawings and such.)

Here's the summary from my beloved Goodreads: "Things weren’t so peachy in Cathy’s life before Victor broke up with her. Her father died unexpectedly, she’s failing school, and her best friend is mad at her. But when Cathy decides to investigate Victor’s reasons for ending their relationship, things suddenly go from bad to very, very, very bad as her findings produce more questions than answers. For instance, what does the death of Victor’s co-worker, the strange mark that appeared on Cathy’s arm, and the surreal behavior of several Chinese elders have to do with it?

Through Cathy’s unique and irresistible voice-and lots of proof in the form of letters, photographs, date book entries, telephone numbers readers can call, websites they can access, as well as secrets only a careful reader will be able to decipher-readers will enter a strange and fascinating world where things often aren’t how they appear. Two-color illustrations plus supplemental material."

Now, this is a really cool book. I love that you can follow up on all the evidence, even photos and stuff. I seriously think that more books should be this way. It certainly made me read the whole thing to find out where the evidence fits in in this mysterious, fantasy story.

The storyline is very interesting, and Cathy is a bit obsessive. I believe that to accept her character, you need to remember all the things that are out of control in her life, including her major losses, like her sucky grades and her father's death.

The only bad thing is that I had to force myself to get through this novel due to the main character, how confusing the story was for me at first, and how I was craving a different kind of novel. So I'm going to give this a 3/5.

I really hope y'all try it out anyways, because you may have a whole different view on this novel.

Till next time,

Lexi

Gloomy Sunday (Lexi's musings for this, a rainy Sunday)

Oh, readers,

It's all gloomy here from the storms we've been having. I love rain storms, but the gloom that hangs around is no fun. Of course, if I lived in London, I'd absolutely change my mind, lol. Could just be me.

Anywho, today, I want to share some stuff that makes me smile! I hope it brings smiles to you guys, too.

Twins talking translated... *bad language warning!!!*

Anything from http://www.youtube.com/user/PrankvsPrank. They're the most hilarious couple ever!

My favorite one is this one:

And, of course this drunk sorority chick from Oklahoma University who will sweep, and her best friend who recorded this, while trying not to laugh...

But the ultimate best one? Watch this and try not to die laughing. I love how the dad knows what's coming up at the end...

Hope you guys got some laughs!!!


Love y'all tons,

Lexi

"The Name of a Star" (a dashing Lexi review)

To our amazing and awesome readers,

Hello, again! It's been soooo long.

Okay, so I read an awesome book and thought today (Friday) was Thursday, so now I'm postponing this until Saturday. Then, you'll have a fun bunch of randomness on Sunday!

So this novel is The Name of a Star by Maureen Johnson, and it's the first book of "The Shades of London" trilogy. The first two are out, and the third will be coming in 2014. If you can't deal with a bit of blood and such, please do not read, as this novel mentions murder and Jack the Ripper and such.

First, look at this cover!!! Actually, there have been three, so I'll let you see them all!!!

  

All so pretty, huh? Okay, so read the summary before I decide to flip out and babble on about how flipping awesome this novel is!!!

Summary: "The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago. 

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man...  And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target?" (YAY FOR GOODREADS!!! YAAAAAAY!!!!!)

So right off the bat, I love the main character. She sounds like me and my inner thought process. The author honestly portrayed the characters as they would really speak. She doesn't go for useless slang, but instead had the character just as somebody would today. I know that this novel involves murders and such, but please understand that there's plenty of humor! Humor that's done very well.

Then there are the rest of the characters, who were all well-rounded. You got a chance of experiencing and seeing each character's true colors and lives. Each character is unique and is shown (and a little told, of course) to be a very realistic person that you could meet on the street.

Every happening in the novel seem so realistic. From going away to school in London to the Ripper coming back, there was not one ounce of fake; I could picture it all. Johnson totally took my mind into the novel, the story, the settings, that I absolutely saw it all as real. The plot is wonderful, and very unique. I loved the idea of Jack the Ripper coming back, and if anybody other than Maureen Johnson wrote it, it would not have been this amazing and flawless.

Little Bit of Dialogue from the Novel:

"You told him I have period fever," I replied. "There's no such thing as period fever."
...
"No, there is really no such thing as period fever. There's a difference between being a guy and being an idiot."


In Conclusion: Unless you can't stand any amount of gore, read this. Heck, if you do, skip the gore and go for it! This is one of my favorite novels now, and I'm so glad that I chose to read this novel next! It's going to be difficult to find a read as great as this to read next.

Rating:



7/5 Heart Cutters (Get it!?! Cutters??? Like the Ripper!!! Bahaha!)



Till Tomorrow (Sunday),

Lexi, she who is braving the storm

"Tiger's Curse" and Lions and Bears! Oh my! (a fun Lexi review)

Hello, you awesome (fellow) book nerds!

This is my awesome-lé-possum (stole that from my friend, Ashlynn) book review on Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck.

The first thing to know is that this book is part of a series, but you can read this as a one-shot, and you'd still be satisfied. At least I was. (Oh, and if you're not aware, please read my other post from today, which should be right under this one. Thank you!)

The gorgeous book front looks like this:

Summary (from Goodreads, of course): "Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever."

This seriously is a great book! I was hesitant at first, but once you meet the characters and read the first chapter, you get yanked into the story. The further you go, the more and more attached you get. The author, Colleen Houck, seriously just keeps a hold of your attention this entire book, and she takes you on this amazing journey across the world!

The details she includes are very descriptive. She shows a lot, not just telling. This is shown especially when they end up at a hut. The details Houck includes makes you very able to picture everything in her novel. She makes sure that you are entangled in the entire story, and grabs your imagination. The story even feels like it's completely possible, not just a novel.

I really just love this book, and the characters. The plot is great as well.

In Conclusion: If you're into books that are like mature fairytales, especially ones with awesome, well-done love stories inside, read this book. Reading it for me felt like reading one of the stories from Arabian Nights, maybe a fairytale from childhood. It just made me comfortable and completely in the story.

Rating:

5/5 beautiful, blue-eyed white tigers (my favorite!!!)



Until Thursday, your book babe,

Lexi

Blame It on Dallas ComicCon!!! (an apology from Lexi)

Oooh, Readers, I so suck!

So we (Ash, my mom, my little brother, and me) did Dallas ComicCon this past weekend. All. Three. Days.

So imagine being so exhausted that you're out at 10 p.m. after finally collapsing into bed. That was me on Saturday. That's the long day where everything was going on. So, instead of doing Saturday or Sunday's blogs, I knocked out. I know Ash was exhausted as well. She had to work on Monday, opening! My poor sis.

Today, I'm at a hospital with my Papaw, and am watching him overnight. He's doing well, but prayers are always welcome.

So I promise I will do three times better, and will not ever skip unless there's a big reason, no matter how sleepy I am. I am very dedicated to this blog. It's my Sis's and I's baby, and you guys deserve the best, all the time.

Alrighty, I'm going to go start on the awesome-le-possum (stole that from my friend Ashlynn) book review on Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck.


Sincerely, your book babe,

Alexis

"Shooting Stars" (a famous, glowing Lexi review)

Hello, loves!

Ever wanted to stalk a celeb? Like, you wonder how those people have the money and equipment and time to actually follow this person around? I couldn't imagine. (Well, Johnny Depp, okay, maybe...) Then there are paparazzi. Like Lady Gaga's song: "...I'm your biggest fan / I'll follow you until you love me / Papa-Paparazzi..." (Yes, I totally worked Lady Gaga into a review, lol.) Those people at least get paid for it.

Okay, anyways, this novel is about how far somebody would go to get a shot of a celeb... Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby.

Summary, thanks to the good folks at Goodreads: "Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn't know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment."

Basically, this novel is very interesting, and will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. You'll be surprised how realistic the characters are, and how this story could honestly happen. It would be rather easy to set up this job, actually.

The characters were truly interesting, and this novel shows that not everybody leading a sunshine-looking life is happy or without issues. The situations and slow reveal of a bigger picture are all very well done. The scenes were very realistic, and sensory. You could just feel everything and picture every scene.

It's a great book that is a fun read, so I definitely recommend it.

Review

5/5 cameras

"The Chosen One" (A Review by Lexi)

Hello, readers!

I just got my brand new laptop! YAAAY! It's an HP Envy with a Core i5 Intel processor and 1 terabyte of memory, plus Kaspersky Security, Windows 8, Beats audio, and Microsoft Office 2013 all on it! Okay, I'll shut up now. I'm praying this will last me for forever... But more on another little guilty pleasure...

Do you ever watch "Sister Wives" on TLC? How about "19 Kids & Counting"? Maybe "The Hutterites"? Have you ever wondered what the horrors that could be hidden behind those shows? Ever wonder how a person like you would fit into one of these ways of life? Or do you just watch because it's a train wreck? Well, then you need to read The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams!

This novel took on some dark themes that are usually shown about these cults and "religions" on the news. We watch these shows on TLC, giggle that we'd never be able to stand it, and ignore the feeling that there's something wrong with these shows. We just blow off the issues, and only focus on what they show on TV -- falsely believing that they're just like us. I'm not dissing you guys, because I do the same. I also like pretending it's all like they have it on TV, and that this doesn't go on anywhere around us. It does though, and bad things can happen. Ever noticed how robotic the kids are on "19 Kids & Counting"? How they quickly avoid questions having to do with the outside world? Or how, on "Sister Wives," how the kids feel about the path their parents chose? Ever wonder what religion sect and what in the Bible Hutterites follow? (The last one: They were a sect of Amish that broke away. Mainly, the religion concentrates on keeping women lower than the men. Nothing else.)

Well, this novel shows you. Goodreads summarizes, "Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated community without questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters, with two more on the way. That is, without questioning them much---if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with Joshua, the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her.

But when the Prophet decrees that she must marry her sixty-year-old uncle---who already has six wives---Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family forever."

This novel was very well done, and it'll make you pause and thank God that your parents never joined a cult where these things happen. Read this novel if you want to feel thankful for what you have, all the joys in your life.

Rating:

5/5  Hutterite women

An Apology and "Eloise" (love, Lexi)

So, obviously I'm missing Thursday's review, as y'all can see. I was in a lot of pain, and when I decided to take a pain pill, I was out like a light. In other words, I suck, and I'm very sorry. Today, I'm more used to the pain meds, so I'm back in the game!

Today will be a special book near and dear to my heart: Eloise by Kay Thompson. I blame my obsession with the books on the movies, and the movies I blame on Broadway star Gavin Creel, who was the love interest in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and in "Eloise at Christmastime." The love of that came from an ex-friend. So, see, I have my reasons for reading all of the Eloise books.

Summary (done by Lexi): Eloise is a little girl (opening line: "I am Eloise. I am six.") that lives in the most wonderful place in the world, The Plaza Hotel in New York City. This version of the hotel is the original Plaza, before it was made to look as it does now. Back then, it was so very beautiful and elegant (go watch "Home Alone 2" and you'll see). Now, not so much. However, this little girl causes mischief in the hotel, and to the workers, including the head of the Plaza, Mr. Salamoney. And, of course, Nanny, who is her nanny. However, this naughty little girl who loves to have fun also has a big heart, along with a pug and a turtle. Reading her daily routine is enough of an excuse for a nap.

This is a book marketed to children, but adults and teens should read it, as it is like comfort food in the form of a book. I see the live action movies until I hit about 18, the movies at 20 or so. Now I have an Eloise zip-up hoodie, door hanger, bracelet, keychain, cap, and collection of books (minus the "bawth" one, because Kay didn't ever want that published). My mother even has called me her "little Eloise" at times.

The girl is too much to love. She has a whole back story, a complete and outrageous personality (you would, too, if you grew up with such posh living quarters and so many adults as your friends). Her mother is never shown, but she is a complete character as well, background story and everything. The books are a bit long for kids to handle unless they're older, which is another reason I think this is too perfect for teens and adults. You'll feel like her "mostly companion" once you read the first page and see the little ragamuffin for yourself. This cast of characters and locations to see are all structured and captivating. You'll lose yourself in the book, and want to move to The Plaza and play with Eloise!

Conclusion: These books are actually written much better than many adult and teen novels! The structure, world-building, etc. are all done like a pro. So, if you want to have a fun time, go read Eloise and take some notes from her! After all, a tissue box "makes a good hat."

Rating:

5/5 flags over The Plaza Hotel in NYC, NY!!!!!




Till next time, yours truly,

Lexi

Fun Books To Have Around (Lexi Speaks)

Hey, y'all,


Here are some books that I enjoy filling out and having around for ideas and such...

Hope y'all check these out! They're tons of fun! Of course, coloring books from a dollar store (they usually have Disney even!) plus Crayola crayons can keep you just as entertained, if not more!

Have a great night, y'all!



Sincerely, all my love,

Lexi

"The Program" (A Lexi Review & Survivor's Tale)

Our lovely readers,

I have officially survived my computer deciding it hated me! It knows another is on its way, so it was like "Screw you!" (Maybe I should confess that I have messed about 6 or so laptops up -- all mine -- and seriously, it was the automatic Windows Update that made this one so bad I had to just clear it all... No info was harmed during that, as I have a 3 terabyte external harddrive where I stuck everything a few days ago...

Okay, that leads me to this book, because I got a new Nook as well (Nook HD), and needed to put some books on there, The Program by Suzanne Young.

Reviewing this novel is kinda why I just decided to start this thing (laptop) from scratch. I didn't want to miss a day, or miss telling y'all about this novel. I've been waiting months for this baby, and it turned out three bajillion times better than I could have even imagined.

Anybody ever seen "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"? If not, that's okay; it's just the movie reminded me hard of this novel, just in teen format. I'm a huge fan of the movie -- the story really. So this being a teen kind of version made me a fan of this novel. I read it in one day; less than, actually.

Okay, so here's the Goodreads summary for the novel (thank you again, my beloved Goodreads): "Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them."

Review: The novel captures you right away. The fact that kids are yanked out of classrooms and minds messed with because they're depressed sent a chill down my spine. I can see this happening; a program being designed and this happening. Think about it. By the way, that's one of the awesome things about this novel: it makes you think.

The scenes are perfectly vivid, all things being shown, not told. Water being swift and cold, tugging at you, or the cold tension in a classroom; all of it is very accessible to imagine. Then there are characters, with which the author does the same thing in showing and not telling. The characters have believable pasts that anybody and everybody can relate to.

And the story? Oh my God, you are on the edge of your seat every single minute, until the very last page. And then you get there again. It's a great novel, honestly. It makes you wonder how much the past would mean once it's taken from you.

Conclusion: Buy the book. Don't download it or whatever. Go actually buy this novel, because it'll quickly become the book you'll want to read repeatedly.

Rating:

5/5 pills

Your turn: How much of your past would you want taken from you? What difference would it make in your character, your life?

Btw, there's a part of a Alexander Pope's poem "Eloisa to Abelard" poem to think about:

How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! / The world forgetting, by the world forgot / Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! / Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd

It means that a clear mind would leave one happy, no wishes unfulfilled, no hurt, no pain, no bad memories of anything. What do y'all think?

Comment, cuz I know y'all are reading these things! lol

XOXO,

Lexi

"The Prince with Amnesia" (A Hokey Little Lexi Review)

Loves,

I'm running out of content! lol. Okay, not nearly, but between helping those in my house and then looking for a career, blogging seems to be difficult. However, that's just for now. I'll just need to establish somewhat of a plan for each day, you know?

Summary: Okay, so The Prince with Amnesia by Emily Evans... A prince is volunteered to be on a dating show by his uppity grandmother (the Queen). When he is treated for a concussion, and for amnesia, his mom takes him to the U.S. to where she was from. There, he finds love. But will it last?

Review: Truthfully, this novel is kind of hokey, cheesy, but this is actually not that bad. The storyline and characters are very interesting. There are twists and turns, but not too many to leave you lost. It's very easy to follow. It's also easy to get lost in the story and have the prince falling for you.


The creativity of this story is great. I love how it encaptures something that sounds real enough to happen. It'll put you in a tizzy over trying to find a prince of your own with amnesia! I know that I was hoping for Andrea Casiraghi (Prince Albert of Monaco's nephew) (pics below) was randomly find his way to me during and after this novel, lol! It was just too much fun to read this one, so why not give some light whimsy into your life.


Rating: 

4/5