Identical

The first book I read this year was Crank Ellen Hopkins. The subject matter was a little dark, but I loved her writing style. She writes her books in verse. At first, I thought that it would be difficult for me to read a book written like that, but it flowed so beautifully that I knew I would read more of her work. I picked up Identical from the library and dove right into it.

Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical twins. Their parents are well known members in their small town. Their father is a district-court judge and their mother is a politician. On the outside, it looks like they have a picture-perfect family, but nothing can be farther from the truth. There family hides a horrible secret.

Kaeleigh is the focus of her daddy's love and affection, love that is meant for her absent mother. Raeanne is rebellious and uses drugs, alcohol and sex to help fight the demons at home. Both girls are struggling with addictions, eating disorders, and insecurities. They are both lacking a healthy relationship with their parent. Although they are facing the same struggles, the twins do not rely on each other for help or strength. Can they make it on their own, or will they help each other through this horrible time?

WOW, this book was just...WOW. At first, I didn't know if I would be able to finish reading it. The subject matter was a little darker than what I'm used to, and I just didn't know if I could handle it. I am so glad I stuck through it. Hopkins' writing was beautiful, as usual. She chose a subject that doesn't get talked about much in YA books and she took a different approach. She kept me engaged the whole time. I went through all the emotions: happy, sad, angry, shocked. At one point, I even through the book across the room. I highly recommend this book. Go check it out today!

The Battle of the Labyrinth

By now, you all know that I am hooked on the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. Here is Goodread's synopsis on the fourth installment:

Percy Jackson's fourth summer at Camp Half-Blood is much like his previous three—high-octane clashes with dark forces, laced with hip humor and drama. Opening with a line for the ages—The last thing I wanted to do on my summer break was blow up another school—this penultimate series installment finds Percy, Annabeth and the satyr Grover furiously working to prevent former camp counselor Luke from resurrecting the Titan lord Kronos, whose goal is to overthrow the gods. When the heroes learn that Luke can breach Camp Half-Blood's security through an exit from Daedalus's Labyrinth, they enter the maze in search of the inventor and a way to stop the invasion. Along the way they encounter a lifetime supply of nightmare-inducing, richly imagined monsters. Grover's own quest to find the lost god Pan, meanwhile, provides a subtle environmental message. Percy, nearly 15, has girl trouble, having become something of a chick magnet.

I love Riordan's writing. He keeps me hooked. Just when I think I can predict the ending, he switches it up! I never know how Percy and his friends are going to get out of those life threatening situations, but he totally makes it work. I love Annabeth, Tyson, and Grover just as much as I love Percy. I went to check which book was next in the series and I freaked when I realized that there is only ONE MORE! What will I do without Percy and his friends in my life?

Hex Hall

So I've been reading a lot of Internet buzz about this book from some of the girls in my online book club. I read the synopsis online and decided to buy it and give it a try. Now, this is strange because I rarely buy new books. I totally believe in the library and I use it to my advantage. Boy am I glad I bought the book instead of waiting forever to check it out! Plus, the author, Rachel Hawkins, lives in Alabama; therefore, I'm supporting a local author! Yay me!

Sophie Mercer is a 16 year old witch who has lived in 19 different states and attended just as many schools. She always seems to cause problems (spells gone wrong) at her school and must relocate. After a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie's mother-a human, and her father-an out-of-the-picture warlock decide to send her to Hectate Hall until she turns 18. Hectate is a school for witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. Once at Hectate, Sophie befriends her roommate, the only vampire student, Jenna. Sophie and Jenna are constantly having to defend themselves against 3 dark witches/bitches, and Sophie begins to fall in love with a gorgeous warlock, Archer. When Jenna is accused of murder, Sophie is the only one on her side.

Okay, first things first- these were the best character names I've read in a LONG time! I mean Sophie, Archer, Chaston, and Elodie? I love them! Those names are way better than normal boring names like say, Bella, Jacob, or Edward. I'm just saying...

This book was so good! I zipped right through it and then was upset that there wasn't more. I can't believe I have to wait for the second book to come out in March 2011!! I loved Sophie! I really felt like I knew and understood her by the end of the book. This book was funny and exciting. There were some unexpected twists and a cliffhanger at the end. If those ingredients don't make a good book then I don't know what does. Go get your copy today!

The Titan's Curse

I have been engulfed in the Percy Jackson series. I can not put the books down! It's a good thing they aren't lengthy because I wouldn't get anything else done.

The Titan's Curse begins with Percy, Annabeth, and Thalia going to help Grover with some new half bloods. While trying to rescue the demigods, dangerous monsters intervene and kidnap Annabeth. In this book, Percy befriends a few Hunters and goes on a quest with his friends to rescue Annabeth and save the world...again.

I guess I can relate these books to the Harry Potter books. They are similar in some ways. They are both about teenagers fighting to save the world, they are both fantasy type books, and they are both highly addictive. If you haven't started reading either series, get off the computer, go to the library, and READ THEM NOW!!

Going Bovine

I have been reading such wonderful things about Libba Bray's books and so I picked a few of them up from the library. I decided to read a stand alone first and Going Bovine just sounded so interesting that I gave it a try.

Cameron is a 16 year old boy who is coasting his way through high school with a minimum of effort. He has a twin sister who is popular and makes great grades, a mom is teaches English 101 at a local college, and a father who is a physics professor. His life seems pretty normal if not boring until one fateful day when he discovers that he is sick with a fatal disease. Cameron's life changes instantly. He's not ready to die; he's only 16 and is still a virgin! He begins to prepare himself for the worst until one day a punk rock angel appears and tells Cameron that there is a cure and that he must go on a road trip with his friend Gonzo, a paranoid dwarf who is obsessed with video games. Cameron's journey through America is filled with chaos, adventure, love, and lost.

This book started out to be hilarious and fun. After the first 100 pages or so, it started to get a little trippy like I was taking a ride on psychedelics. It actually took me weeks to finish this book. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the book, but there was something about it that I just couldn't get into. I must say, the writing was wonderful, but the plot was sub par. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Cancer is a BITCH!

A year ago I lost my father to cancer. We didn't find the cancer until it was already in stage four. I didn't have much time to spend with him before it was too late. This was my first experience in losing someone I love to that cancer bitch.

I have a maternal aunt who has battled breast cancer and been in remission for a few years. We just recently learned that her cancer has returned and spread to her lungs, liver, and brain. It is now in stage four. Just when you get over one tragedy, life hits you with another. My family is pooling together to provide strength and support to each other.

If you have ever lost someone you love to cancer, then you know how devastating it is on them as well as the family. I just ask my followers (all 15 of you :-) to make sure you get yearly check-up and encourage your family members and friends to do the same. My aunt had been complaining of migraines, but waited until it was too late to go to the doctor. My dad had been having problems breathing and also waited before visiting a doctor. If you are experiencing unusual pain or are having symptoms that are new to you, go to the doctor. You can never be to cautious when it comes to your health and the health of those you love.

Stay well and love hard!

Until next time,

Leah

Remember Me?

No, I know you remember me. I'm talking about the book by Sophie Kinsella's book, Remember Me? I've read a few of Kinsella's books, and they are hilarious. I heard great things about this one, so I finally picked it up off my shelf.

Lexi is 25 years old and working an entry level position at a company where he best friend works. She has a loser boyfriend, her dad just died, and she didn't get the bonus she deserved at work. It seems as though her life is falling apart until she wakes up in a hospital. While in the hospital, Lexi learns that she was in a car accident and hurt her head badly. She soon discovers that three years have passed and she's not 25, she's 28. She's married to a gorgeous and wealthy man, they live in an amazing loft, and she is now a director in her company. Lexi has amnesia and doesn't remember the last three years of her life. Lexi has to try to adjust to her new life while her mind is still set in the past.

I really liked this book. It was a little predictable in parts, but it was still good. I really enjoyed the storyline. It's interesting having your main character have amnesia. I was learning about the MC the same time she was. This book was cute and funny and just a fun read. I'll definitely be reading more Kinsella in the future.