Review: This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Details: Paperback, 345 pages
Published: March 8th 2004 by Puffin (first published May 27th 2002)
Source: I won it.
My Rating: 4/5
Buy It: The Book Depository

Summary: When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?



My Review: Believe it or not, this was the first Sarah Dessen book I've ever read. I actually won this book awhile ago with a couple of others. I just kept putting it off since I didn't know what to expect going into it but I can honestly say that I enjoyed it so much that now I want to read all of Sarah Dessens books.

This Lullaby was a fantastic read. It was also a fast read. I flew right through it needing to know how it would end. I just couldn't put it down. I kept telling myself that I would take a break after one more chapter but that never happened. I read the whole thing in one sitting.

The main character, Remy, was hard to like at times but for me that just made her seem more real. She actually had flaws which is pretty unique. Usually if a main character has flaws it's something that can be looked at as kind of cute and not much of an actual flaw. So as much as I wanted to smack Remy sometimes, it was also refreshing to have a character that seemed so real.

Dexter was just plain awesome. I wanted to be friends with him from the start. He is so funny and just impossible to not like. He had me laughing so hard at times. Even weeks after reading This Lullaby I wanted Dexter to be real and not a fictional character so I could hang out with him
Overall, this was a great book, with an interesting plot and it was well written. I am now a Sarah Dessen fan and I will definitely be picking up more of her books in the future.

Mini Review: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins
Details: Hardcover, 390 pages
Published: August 24th 2010 by Scholastic Press
Source: I bought it
My Rating: 4/5
Buy It: The Book Depository

Summary: Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

My Review: I love this trilogy, however I was slightly disappointed with this book. After I finished Catching Fire, I had to start Mockingjay right away. Going from such an amazing read is probably why I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first two. Don't get me wrong, it is still an incredible read, it just didn't feel the same as the books before it.

I gave it 4 out of 5 stars because even though it was a bit of a let down, I still really loved it. I wish there was more.

Review: The MIS-Adventures of Phillip Isaac Penn by Donna L. Peterson

The MIS-Adventures of Phillip Isaac Penn by Donna L. Peterson


Details: Paperback, 96 pages
Published: June 14th 2011 by Bonneville
Source: I got it for review.
My Rating: 4/5
Buy It: Amazon

Summary: Pip, whose real name is Phillip Isaac Penn, feels that the world is against him as he struggles to deal with angry parents, a bossy older sister, a frazzled teacher, and memorable characters such as Bully Bart, Cheater Chaz, Know-It-All Nell, Liar Lizzy, Stealer Steffan, Conman Cody, and Tattle-Tale Tess. Every day of the week brings another challenge that Pip handles in his own endearing way. Yet, no matter how hard he tries, he realizes that it’s just not easy being a kid.

My Review: Pip really dislikes his name and no matter how hard he tries to be good, he always seems to get into trouble at home and at school.

I was smiling the whole time I read this book. It is such a cute, fast read. Pip is a really great character. He reminded me of myself when I was younger. I was always getting yelled at.

I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone. It's a great book for younger teens and kids, but it's so much fun that older teens and adults will enjoy it too.

Review: The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander

Details: Hardcover, 314 pages
Published: February 8th 2011 by Walden Pond Press
Source: I got it for review.
My Rating: 4/5
Buy It: The Book Depository

Summary: Chris Rylander delivers a funny Ferris Bueler-style middle grade novel with The Fourth Stall.

Do you need something? Mac can get it for you. It's what he does—he and his best friend and business manager, Vince. Their methods might sometimes run afoul of the law, or at least the school code of conduct, but if you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can pay him, Mac is on your side. His office is located in the East Wing boys' bathroom, fourth stall from the high window. And business is booming.

Or at least it was, until one particular Monday. It starts with a third grader in need of protection. And before this ordeal is over, it's going to involve a legendary high school crime boss named Staples, an intramural gambling ring, a graffiti ninja, the nine most dangerous bullies in school, and the first Chicago Cubs World Series game in almost seventy years. And that's just the beginning. Mac and Vince soon realize that the trouble with solving everyone else's problems is that there's no one left to solve yours.

My Review: The Fourth Stall is a fun read. It was surprisingly intense and very well written. It wasn't as light as I thought it was going to be and there was a lot of action.

The kids in this book are so brave, smart and tough. I wouldn't want to go up against them.

Rylander creates an exciting, unique story that is impossible to stop reading. This is a very hard book to put down. I definitely recommend it.

Review: Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely #3) by Melissa Marr

Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely #3) by Melissa Marr

Details: Paperback, 389 pages
Published: May 28th 2009 by HarperCollins Children's Books
Source: I bought it.
My Rating: 4/5
Buy It: The Book Depository

Summary: Aislinn never expected to rule in Faerie--but that was before Keenan stole her mortality to make her a monarch. Now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever dreamed of.

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone--but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he's ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on a new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

My Review: I love this series. It is one of my all time favorites. Every single book is incredible and well written. Out of the three I've read so far, Fragile Eternity isn't my favorite, but I still absolutely loved it.

Melissa Marr really brings the story and characters to life. You feel like you are actually there and not just reading a book.

I love how much focus is on Seth in this book. He is an amazing character and it's nice to know more about what he's thinking and feeling.

I honestly can't wait to start reading the next book, Radiant Shadows. Hopefully that will be sometime this summer.