Review: Panic by Lauren Oliver

Title: Panic
Author: Lauren Oliver
Published March 4th 2014 by HarperCollins
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
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Panic is the newest (and my first) Lauren Oliver novel. I knew of her (who doesn't) and I knew of the huge hype her books cause, and all the fan base she has acquired. So yeah I was a little bit scared to tackled this book. And my expectations were high.

Since this is a contemporary novel, I felt like this was my chance to start something that I would probably like, and I went ahead. I did like Panic. I liked that the dual Point of view was not shared by the two parts of a couple but rather by two practical strangers that end up being friends.

Heather and Dodge both participate on Panic this summer. Panic is a dangerous but entertaining game high school seniors play for the fame and money. At the start I didn't really liked, or get, either Heather or Dodge. They were both whining and complaining and didn't seem to have a lot of potential. But as the story progressed I started to like them, I saw where they were coming from and why they were that way and my heart felt for them.

While the plot story was great and the writing style was romantic and engaging, I really didn't think the book was that exciting for me. I figured everything out very early on and had a lot of trouble to keep going. However, I did finish the book and that counts a lot to me. The romance aspect wasn't the main focus but I did liked the way it developed with one of the couples, Heather and Bishop; and how they went from best friends to something more. Dodge and Nat gave me a little bit of trouble, I could really see how obviously in love Dodge was but Nat was enigmatic and I had a hard time believing she truly was interested in him.

The game was cool to read about and witness but completely terrifying to think about. Like, in some form or another, people actually do stuff like this in the streets. It strengthens my conviction that every teenager should get a 24-hour job in the summer.

So basically, a good book that made me glad I tried Oliver's books (finally) even though it didn't quite convert me into her fan base. But I am sure it is going to please everyone else who has been waiting for her next work.

 

 

Waiting on Wednesday: Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan

Waiting on Wednesday:

- Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan

  

Millions of people witnessed Emma Taylor’s first kiss—a kiss that needed twelve takes and four camera angles to get right. After spending nearly all of her teen years performing on cue, Emma can’t help but wonder if any part of her life is real anymore . . . particularly her relationships. But her new costar, Jake Elliott, couldn’t care less about how many scenes he has to fake his way through; he needs the money. Toss in a reckless heartthrob, desperate for a comeback, and a resident diva who may or may not be as evil as she seems, and the production of Coyote Hills heats up in unexpected—and romantic—ways. Along with offering front row seats to the real life drama that often unfolds within the entertainment industry, NOT IN THE SCRIPT is a story about two not-so-typical teens who are searching for themselves, and just happen to find each other. 

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It sounds like this could be a really cute one. I'm excited to try it. 

Review: Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

Title: Side Effects May Vary 
Author: Julie Murphy
Expected publication: March 18th 2014 by HarperCollins/ Balzer + Bray
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
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Side Effects May Vary was probably the book that had me most worked up for 2014. I mean with a synopsis promising lots of drama and a "love story" blossoming between two childhood best friends I just couldn't contain my excitement. Add a cancer patient and then you have me hooked for life.

 

So I am not happy to write this review. You'll see why.

 

Mean girls have never bothered me before (I am not one of Courtney Summers biggest fan for nothing) but there was something really mean  about Alice. I found it hard to believe she cared about anyone feelings but her own, like with her mom's affair, everything was about Alice and how her mom had no right to ruin her life, then she saying that she loved Harvey but she constantly played games with him and clearly took advantage of his  feelings towards her. I couldn't really find it in my heart to like anything about her. Even reading the Now Alice, I just didn't see any changes in her. She didn't really show signs of maturing at all. In fact she acted even more selfish than when she was sick.

 

What I really loved was the "friendship" between Harvey and Alice. I really understood Harvey and think he is perfectly crafted as a person, so it was easy to see why he would feel so passionate towards someone like Alice. He was nice and caring and his good natured personality just makes you see why he is such a good friend to Alice even when she acts the way she acts.

 

But my inability to love Alice as a person didn't stop me from realizing that Julie Murphy is very good at story telling. The book was interesting. Things kept happening and even though some scenes were killing me to read, and I have a permanent scowl in my face from all the cringing; I can still say that I finished it and my time wasn't wasted. Murphy really did a good job at making the story come alive in front of my eyes, even if I didn't exactly loved it. But I am still interested in reading what she comes up next.

 

 

 

Waiting On Wednesday: Famous Last Words by Katie Alender

WoW is weekly meme created by Jill at Breaking The Spine in which bloggers can share books they're excited to get soon :)

Famous Last Words

by Katie Alender

Willa is freaking out. It seems like she's seeing things. Like a dead body in her swimming pool. Frantic messages on her walls. A reflection that is not her own. It's almost as if someone -- or something -- is trying to send her a message. 

Meanwhile, a killer is stalking Los Angeles -- a killer who reenacts famous movie murder scenes. Could Willa's strange visions have to do with these unsolved murders? Or is she going crazy? And who can she confide in? There's Marnie, her new friend who may not be totally trustworthy. And there's Reed, who's ridiculously handsome and seems to get Willa. There's also Wyatt, who's super smart but unhealthily obsessed with the Hollywood Killer. 

All Willa knows is, she has to confront the possible-ghost in her house, or she just might lose her mind . . . or her life.

Acclaimed author Katie Alender puts an unforgettable twist on this spine-chilling tale of murder, mystery, mayhem -- and the movies.

 

 

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Even though I am not fangirl crazy about Hollywood life and glamour, I do feel passionate about a good murder mystery and this book seems to have that!

 

Review: Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Title: Better Off Friends
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Published February 25th 2014 by Point
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
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Better Off Friends is a story about- you guessed it!- best friends that realize maybe they want to be something more. As a fan of this kind of storyline I was thrilled to dive in and read it. I've read this Elizabeth Eulberg before, but not in a long time, so I didn't really remember much about her style.

It ended up being a really cute story, though. Just a little on the juvenile side, but that's okay. I really liked the main characters, Macallan and Levi, their friendship was very cute. I thought it was well developed and in a sense that make you really enjoy having to witness them growing up and becoming better friends with the time that passed.

It was nothing extraordinary but definitely a book that will entertain some girls, especially the younger ones. Possibly also the not-so young ones that love to root for the best friends in a love story.

Oh, and I also liked that Macallan's uncle had mental retardation but he was portrayed as a normal person and not someone ill. It gives the kids a very good message about respect to everyone that is different, cause after all, we are all different.