Pluto's Ghost

Pages: 256
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Mystery
Rating: 4/5


Summary (from Goodreads.com)

"Murderer. It's one kick in the belly of a word isn't it? Has a taste, too. It tastes like barbed wire and has wild hyena eyes. Murderer. Murder-her. Did he? Did I? That's when I remember what I want to forget."
Jake Upshore has loved Skye Derucci since before he can remember. Volatile, complex and frustrated (he's got a label disorder from all the labels he's been given) at the best of times, Jake's on a desperate quest to find Skye before she aborts the baby he believes is his. As he hurtles headlong toward certain tragedy, Jake relives the fatal choices he's made and the powerful forces that have led him to this to end. A gripping thriller and a heart-wrenching love story, Pluto's Ghost is a raw and powerful novel about anger, escape, and redemptive love.


My Thoughts

I really liked this book even though I wasn't sure of it at first. It's slow paced at the beginning and then picks up a bit more, so don't quite reading! You won't be disappointed in the end! The writing was definitely something to marvel over, it was funny and touching.
I just want to hug Jake (main character). He's so sweet and thoughtful, despite his anger issues.
It was amazing to read and be able to see that Jake was serious when he meant he would do anything for the girl he loves, Skye, anything! It's not a sappy love story, it's not fairy-tale like, so don't expect that. It's a mature read, and Jake's story will stay with you for a long time.

Fat Vampire by Adam Rex

Rating: 2/5 (It was okay)
Pages: 324
Genre: Supernatural, Humour

Summary (from book)

Doug Lee is undead quuite by accident--attacked by a desperate vampire, he finds himself being cursed with being fat and fifteen forever. When he has no luck finding some goth chick with a vampire fetish, he resorts to sucking the blood of cows under cover of the night. But it's just not the same.
Then he meets the new Indian exchage student and falls for her--hard. Yeah, he wants to bite her, but he also wants to prove himself to her. But like the laws of life, love and high school, the laws of vampire existence are complicated--it's not as easy as studying Dracula. Especially when the star of Vampire Hunters is hot on your trail in an attempt to boost ratings....
Searing, hilarious, and always expected, Fat Vampire is a satircal tour de force from one of the most original writers of fiction today.

My Thoughts

The good:

1. I really love the cover of this book. It's unique and creative and very eye-catching.

2. The summary and reviews on the back of the book were convincingly funny and appealing.

3. It had some parts that did make me laugh-out-loud and I was genuinely interested in Doug's conflicting situation. And a good start in the plot.

4. Jay is my favourite character. Although he was a bit cliche character-wise, I still enjoyed his company.

 The bad:

1. The book went bad after the first sixty or so pages. The interest rate really dropped for me and the book started focusing on diffrent things. I really wished it would have focused more on the main character instead it begins to more greatly focus on Segal and I'm left wondering isn't this supposed to be about Doug and his fatness, his thirst for blood and issues with girls?

2. I began to feel very disconnected with the characters and I didn't feel attached the them or the story at all.

3.  The stroy began to throw in all this random stuff about a vampire hunter TV show and a vampire mentoring program among other things. And I'm sitting there wondering where did all this come from? What happened to Doug being fat and drinking from cows?

4. I wasn't too crazy about the ending. It didn't leave me feeling satisified. The book in all didn't do it for me really.

Overall, the book was unique, much different from anything I've read. It was funny, which I liked, however, the story just didn't satisfy me.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (Book 1) by James Patterson

Genre: Action, Thiller, Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction
Rating: 5
Pages: 413

CAUTION: THESE PAGES FLY!!!!

“Basically, if you put a fence around New York City, you’d have the world’s biggest nontravelling circus.” –Max

Summary

Young Fourteen-year-old Maximum ride is 98% human and 2% bird. And the girl can fly. She’s got a load on her plate and more than she can eat and if you know her you’d know that the girl could win three pie eating contests in a row.

Max’s Dinner Plate (Also known as Missions):
• To protect the rest of her gang – Fang, Iggy, Nudge, The Gasman and Angel, from a pack of half-wolf, half-human mutants with a taste for flying humans.
• Rescue angel from a team of wack-job scientists.
• Infiltrate a secret facility to track down their missing parents (if they have any).
• Interpret what she really thinks about Fang.
• Get revenge on the one person she thought she could trust.
• Discover the best chocolate-chip cookie in New York City.
• And finally, save the entire world, why not?

Why Read It?

Fasten yourself in tight for this thrill ride that you can go on as many times as you please without the risk of getting sick to your stomach. It's a boys and girls read and if you love nonstop action, adrenaline, mystery, and suspense you better prepare for launch... no joke... these pages truly fly!



My Thoughts

Okay, so I completely and utterly loved this book. I cannot wait to read the next book. However, I’m trying to buy myself a little time between reading each book. I mean I want to read these books so fast but I want to read them slowly so the story lasts longer.
Anyway, I’ve rated it a five. I’m going to read this book multiple times for sure. I’m pretty sure I hit a new speed of reading. I’ve bumped up about ten pages in an hour, that’s how good it is and I can guarantee that any person who thrives for adventure, a little thrill, chocolate chip cookies and mystery this is something they’ll enjoy. I’d say especially people who hate reading, the chapters are no more than three pages long, which makes you feel like you’re accomplishing a lot in a way, maybe. My point is it has a super easy reading level, and those who prefer a challenge, well, all the mystery and suspense does it for you.
My favourite thing about this book though is all the sarcasm Max puts into the story, I love being in her head. However, something you should know is it will switch to a third person perspective and then back to hers. Like I said, it’s a easy read so it’s not hard to follow, it’s not like you’re suddenly in someone else’s head. It’s all her head and here and there a he/she perspective.
Now I want wings! Maybe I should think that desire through a little more... Nah, I like the idea of being able to fly, which is why I plan on going Norwegian Free Falling! I mean when I’m of age, because my mom says if I went now it would be abuse or something, I don’t know. I wasn’t really listening I was too busy daydreaming about flying. And you won’t be able to blame me if you read this book, the way Max describes her experience, well it’ll leave you breathless to the point you’re turning blue to purple. I’ll post a link at the bottom or you can search for it on YouTube or something.
I guess that’s about all I have to say for this book. Pfft. Yeah, right! I could go on forever about how much I love this adventurous series James Patterson has put together.
Literally, these pages fly! (Mentioned for the third time!!!!).

FREE FALLING IN NORWAY

NEXT IN THE SERIES: Maximum Ride: School's Out- Forever (Book 2) by James Patterson

Teenage Mermaid by Ellen Schrieber

Genre: Romance, Mythical
Rating: 5/5
Pages: 150

"I'm going to drown! I'm only fifteen. I haven't gotten my driver's license yet. I haven't surfed the famous Pipeline in Hawaii. I haven't fall in love- unless my Sports Illustrated swimsuit poster counts. I barely had any breath left as I desperatley tried to reach the surface. Then it hit me- not the meaining of life, but my surfboard." -Spencer

"What I did was forbidden. To see one was objectionable, to be seen is prohibited, but to touch an Earthee is punishable by exile. And I, fifteen-year-old Waterlilly, touched on on the lips!" -Lilly

Summary

Spencer is about to drown in a surfing accident, until he is rescued by a sparkling golden girl who saves him with a kiss before she suddenly disappears. He is left not only awe-struck but love-struck too. Where did this gorgeous angel appear out of the blue from and when will she return?

Lilly has always been fascinated by humans, no matter how many times she is warned that they are dangerous and careless. Curious Lilly rescues a boy from nearly drowning one morning. She totally can’t believe what she did, but she realizes that she has to find her handsome Earthdude; because he accidentally ripped off her silver heart locket which she desperately needs back.

Why Read It?

If you love mermaids, romance and a little bit of humour this is definitely something that you’ll want to add to your reading list. It’s easy to read and great for all ages.

My Thoughts

When I first read this book I was twelve or thirteen years old. I decided to pick it up again recently this year for the third time. It’s one of my favourite books and it reminds me of the little mermaid. It’s an adorable love story that I just can’t get over. I don’t know what else to say...

Angus, Thongs and Full-frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison

Genre: Comedy, Romance
Rating: 4
Pages: 247

There are six things wrong with my life.
1.I have one of those under-the-skin spots that will never come to a head, but lurk in a red way for the next two years.
2.It is one my nose.
3.I have a three-year-old sister who may have peed somewhere in my room.
4.In fourteen says the summer hols will be over and then it will be back to Stalag 14 and Oberfuther Frau Simpson and her bunch of sadistic “teachers.”
5.I am very ugly and need to go into an ugly home.
6.I went to a party dressed as a stuffed olive.

Summary

Georgia is just like any other girl; she shaved her eyebrows off accidentally, she’s desperate, believes herself to be ugly and just wants a boyfriend. This interesting diary-like story includes boy-stalking, teacher baiting and full snogging with a sex god.

Why Read It?
It’s one of those books that you can just laugh at and no doubt feel good about yourself. Georgia is a teenage girl I think anyone could relate to.



My Thoughts

This book was funny, and realistic. Georgia is just one of those characters that are so real. I haven’t read about a girl in a book that seemed so real like this I don’t think ever. However, I don’t have any intention on reading it a second time, because it wasn’t something that I absolutely loved, even though it was something I enjoy and gave me a good laugh. I’m going to recommend this to a lot of people, especially ones who are much into reading because it is a very easy read.

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 3/5
Pages: 375

"I was used to this weird experience, but usually they were over quickly. This twenty-four/seven hallucination was more than I could handle.” -Percy Jackosn

Summary

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is troubled with his ADHD, dyslexia and high school, but that becomes the least of his problems when he learns that he is the son of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, which means he is a demigod (half-human, half –god). And that’s not all! The Greek gods are on the verge of war because Zeus’s lightning bolt has been stolen and Poseidon is being blamed for theft.
Percy travels to Camp Half Blood, which is a training ground for demigods where he meets Annabeth, daughter of Athena and Grover who he already knows but learns that he is his protector and a satyr. Grover and Annabeth accompany Percy on his quest to set things straight with the gods, such as facing challenges, monsters and a visit to the underworld.

Why Read It?

The Lightning Thief is full of adventure and will leave you wishing there was more. Lucky for you this is just the beginning of the series!
If you love books that are full of thrills and adventure you’ll fall head over heels for this! With action happening constantly barely a page apart you won’t to stop reading.
This is definitely a treat for Harry Potter fans, young boys and even girls.

My Thoughts

Well, I know there’s a movie. Of course, they say; “The movies are never as god as the book.” However, I beg to differ in this situation. I can’t really say why other than the fact that he was older and I think that helped, and the story line was changed a bit and I preferred it over the one in the book. The book was great, though. I didn’t want to put it down when I was reading it and I have rated it a four. It didn’t reach a five, for me, because I don’t know if I would read it over and over.
I don't think this book’s genre can be also placed under humour, but it does have quite a bit in there. If you pick this book up and you aren’t so sure about it just take a peek at the chapter titles that should pull your interest. My favourite chapters and titles were: I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre –algebra Teacher, I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom and, We Take a Zebra to Vegas.I have always loved Greece ever since I learned about it in grade seven. I really enjoyed learning about all of their beliefs and Greek mythology and I just thought it was the most fascinating thing. The best thing about The Lighting Thief is it’s just packed with all these myths and monsters and Gods. The story just left me wishing I knew more about Greece. So I did some research on Greek mythology, especially Medusa, for some reason she just captivates my interest.
The characters in this book are very interesting. I really like Annabeth. She’s very headstrong and I admire that about her. Grove, the satyr, well he’s got a great sense of humour which makes him such a loveable character. And finally the main character, Percy, you know, the guy with dyslexia and ADHD, is just a classic character. He’s intelligent and mature for his age and I just wish I knew a kid like him.

The Divine Ryans by Wayne Johnston

Genre: Humour and Mystery
Rating: 3/5
Pages: 215

"It became a kind of routine for me, standing at the window watching the empty house across the way grow dark. Twice in the next couple of weeks, my father appeared in the kitchen exactly as before." ~Draper Doyle

Summary

Young and naive Draper Doyle grows up in St. John's Newfoundland. He hates choir, boxing practice and the visits to the Ryan family funeral parlour. But, Draper doesn't despise everything, one of the things he loves and cherishes most as a Montreal Candadien fan is hockey. Throughout the story Draper struggles with moving into a new home, trying out for hockey, puberty and finding someone he feels comfortable talking to as he overcomes the death of his beloved father. Draper Doyle sees his father's ghost, or is it just his imagination? And finally, he is able to unravel the dark secrets hidden deep within his family.


Why Read It?

I think people should read this book because it's rather interesting how naive Draper Doyle overcomes all of his problems. It's actually rather humorous too and I think girls would get a good laugh out of it. It's a great book for guys too, but I don't think that they'd find funny what I found funny. The characters and plot are quite odd and twisted, but that's pretty much what makes it so great.



My Thoughts

The Divine Ryans caught my interest in a book talk my school librarian had given to my English class this year. She’s actually the one who got me started on this blog! Which I am grateful for! When I picked up the book and first began to read it I became engaged into the story almost immediately. Because Draper Doyle was going through such a difficult time in his life dealing with his father’s death the story atmosphere was rather depressing. However, Draper Doyle’s naivety to puberty made me laugh. I found it quite unusual to put something like that in a book. I also pitied him though. Because of his father’s death, Draper doesn’t have anyone to confide in, at least no one he is entirely comfortable with.

The family runs a funeral home and the story revolves a lot around death and some or most people aren’t so secure with the subject, I being one of them, found it quite difficult to spend too long with the book. Since I was reading it for school I didn’t want to put it down and also I wanted to see how it ended and how Draper Doyle would overcome his depression. But if you’re not someone likes this kind of humorous depressed atmosphere maybe this book isn’t something you’d want to be reading.

I do believe it is a mature read. Because it does talk about “it” (sex) a lot. The plot is slow, and there isn’t much happening here and there. However, I would become alert and stiffen when it talked of scenes of Draper seeing his father’s ghost. That was interesting. But I’d hate to ruin the rest of the book by saying much else, except for the ending is rather twisted. It’s a very interesting story and I think it points out a lot about how kids don’t really feel comfortable talking to their parents, or just don’t have anyone to talk to. I found it hard to connect with Draper and his story because I have never had a person so close to me pass away and I’ve always had someone to talk to and actually so many people that I am able to talk to it’s almost overwhelming!