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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Carefully Everywhere Descending in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Audrey Anderson is a bright student from a low income family. Audrey spends most of her time focused on school, with college as her ultimate goal. While she's close to her best friend, she isn't that involved with other kids at her school. However, when one of the most popular (and beautiful) girls in school, Scarlett, asks Audrey to tutor her in English, Audrey finds herself caught up in the typical drama of high school - friendship, prom, etc.
Okay, first of all, I probably bumped up this rating a bit because it was just so refreshing to read a YA LGBT novel with a nice, normal protagonist who seemed real. Most of Audrey's friends and family seem fine with her sexuality and other girls at her school go to prom together. It's wonderful to see a LGBT book where the character's sexuality is just part of her life, versus what drives the entire plot.
The book also does a good job of portraying Audrey and Scarlett's romance - Audrey's unrequited love for Scarlett seemed a bit much at first, but remembering back to the angst of teen love, it seemed right on point.
My problem with this book was some of its odd plot twists, which really didn't seem necessary. I won't spoil the book here, but I think Bedford could have stuck with Audrey and Scarlett's love story and been just fine. That being said, I didn't think they were that crazy or out of left field. I found Audrey to be a compelling and realistic character and it was great to see an author use a YA protagonist from a low income background, even if it did seem a bit overused at times. Too often these books focus on the popular kids, driving their parents' cars and living life without a care in the world. Audrey's life is probably far more realistic for many.
Frankly, the book had some holes and issues, but it was still worth the read for its portrayal of a real YA lesbian relationship and Audrey's overall situation. I enjoyed her character and read the entire book in one day - I'll certainly be recommending it to several of my friends.
(I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Okay, first of all, I probably bumped up this rating a bit because it was just so refreshing to read a YA LGBT novel with a nice, normal protagonist who seemed real. Most of Audrey's friends and family seem fine with her sexuality and other girls at her school go to prom together. It's wonderful to see a LGBT book where the character's sexuality is just part of her life, versus what drives the entire plot.
The book also does a good job of portraying Audrey and Scarlett's romance - Audrey's unrequited love for Scarlett seemed a bit much at first, but remembering back to the angst of teen love, it seemed right on point.
My problem with this book was some of its odd plot twists, which really didn't seem necessary. I won't spoil the book here, but I think Bedford could have stuck with Audrey and Scarlett's love story and been just fine. That being said, I didn't think they were that crazy or out of left field. I found Audrey to be a compelling and realistic character and it was great to see an author use a YA protagonist from a low income background, even if it did seem a bit overused at times. Too often these books focus on the popular kids, driving their parents' cars and living life without a care in the world. Audrey's life is probably far more realistic for many.
Frankly, the book had some holes and issues, but it was still worth the read for its portrayal of a real YA lesbian relationship and Audrey's overall situation. I enjoyed her character and read the entire book in one day - I'll certainly be recommending it to several of my friends.
(I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Buddies, Bullies, and Baseball
6.0
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When Bullies Act Out, It’s Time for Buddies and Baseball A cloud hangs over Jack as he begins...
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Because I Love You in Books
Dec 12, 2017 (Updated Dec 12, 2017)
After reading this emotional and heartfelt read, I had to step back and relax before writing my review. Reading through some of this was like deja vu as I myself got pregnant my senior year of high school and I was brought up in a strict Christian home. I was able to relate to Andie and understand her fears with ease.
What I wasn't prepared for was the turbulent and tornadic ride that this author was leading me into so in one split second I went from giggling to feeling my heart being torn into pieces and I honestly felt like I would never recover.
This story line was amazingly beautiful, touching, emotional, sad, and heartbreaking but also inspirational. I loved the development of these characters and I am fangirling over Tori Rigby!
What I wasn't prepared for was the turbulent and tornadic ride that this author was leading me into so in one split second I went from giggling to feeling my heart being torn into pieces and I honestly felt like I would never recover.
This story line was amazingly beautiful, touching, emotional, sad, and heartbreaking but also inspirational. I loved the development of these characters and I am fangirling over Tori Rigby!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Heist Society (Heist Society, #1) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I bought this book from a Scholastic book order that I sent home with my 4th graders...yeah, 4th graders. I thought the synopsis looked interesting & I had heard good things about the author.
I enjoyed the book. It is similar to The Italian Job or Ocean's 11, but for a middle/early high school crowd. That is the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4. The writing was simple, but the plot was interesting if not a bit predictable in places. Of course it is hard for me to judge too harshly because I am not its target audience.
With that being said, it was still a great read! I look forward to continuing to read the series & see what Katarina does with her life.
I enjoyed the book. It is similar to The Italian Job or Ocean's 11, but for a middle/early high school crowd. That is the reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4. The writing was simple, but the plot was interesting if not a bit predictable in places. Of course it is hard for me to judge too harshly because I am not its target audience.
With that being said, it was still a great read! I look forward to continuing to read the series & see what Katarina does with her life.
Alex Trybus (79 KP) rated Divide by Ed Sheeran in Music
Jan 24, 2018
Overall a very good album..
I have been a fan of Ed Sheeran since I was in high school (before he reached his current popularity). I saw him live at a very small venue in Pittsburgh, way before he was used to singing in huge arenas all around the world. His songs have always been very sweet and heartfelt, and I am glad that this new album did not stray from that despite his new popularity. I also enjoy some of the hip hop aspects of the album, especially like Eraser and New Man. Those two songs are definitely some of his strongest off of the album. I definitely recommend this album to people who have either already loved Ed Sheeran, or want to start!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated End Me a Tenor (Glee Club, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Paige is thrilled when she lands the job of soprano soloist in a production of The Messiah along side world famous tenor David Richard. But at their first rehearsal together, he takes a sip of his water and dies. Meanwhile, she has to get her high school show choir into shape, including a new song, in just a few days or lose her day job.
There's lots going on here, and I did feel the mystery suffered a bit as a result. On the other hand, Paige is such a great character I couldn't help but root for her even when the show choir sub-plot was taking center stage.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/12/book-review-end-me-tenor-by-joelle.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
There's lots going on here, and I did feel the mystery suffered a bit as a result. On the other hand, Paige is such a great character I couldn't help but root for her even when the show choir sub-plot was taking center stage.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/12/book-review-end-me-tenor-by-joelle.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Sex Drive (2008) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018
This movie is incredibly crude, but completely hilarious. It's got some of the funniest lines I've ever laughed at loud and obnoxiously in theaters. I always know if it's a good comedy if there are lines I still laugh at years later (ten in this case, it makes me feel old af). The main character, pretends to be this buff, muscle car owning dude, and chats up chicks online. Of course, the car belongs to his brother, James Marsden's character. One of the chicks tells the main character that she's willing to 'go all the way' (this is a high school age movie), if he makes this road trip from his home to somewhere in TN or KY. Various hijinks ensue, and rando actors show up throughout. Like Seth Green randomly being Amish.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Book Thief in Books
Jul 10, 2018
This novel was recommended to me by an old high school friend. This is definitely not my typical book. I like the fast paced suspense/romance and I tend to stick with those novels. I'm glad that I picked up this novel.
This novel was very interesting. It's a collection of short stories narrated by death. It follow the life of a young German girl during the time of world war 2. It's told in a different way by having "Death" as the narrator.
This was a pretty quick read. It makes you think too. It's one of those novels that will make you think about the depravity of human beings and give you some hope along side of it.
All in all, it was a good novel that deals with World War II.
This novel was very interesting. It's a collection of short stories narrated by death. It follow the life of a young German girl during the time of world war 2. It's told in a different way by having "Death" as the narrator.
This was a pretty quick read. It makes you think too. It's one of those novels that will make you think about the depravity of human beings and give you some hope along side of it.
All in all, it was a good novel that deals with World War II.
Sarah Betts (103 KP) rated Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4) in Books
Dec 30, 2019
All right, so the high school crap was taken care of. Kate was being a passive-aggressive douchecanoe and Curran was being the stereotypically boring alpha male and they called each other out on it, which is awesome.
I really don't want to give away the plot because it's a doozy. I loved this book and the only real complaint I have is Kate's internalized misogyny. I'm referring to the "slut" and "bimbo" comments. Come on, Kate! The only bimbo is Curran!
I also really enjoyed the Frienship between Andrea and Kate and hope it's explored more in the next book. It's really nice to see female leads in UF who like and respect their fellow women and don't think they're evil whores out to steal their man.
I really don't want to give away the plot because it's a doozy. I loved this book and the only real complaint I have is Kate's internalized misogyny. I'm referring to the "slut" and "bimbo" comments. Come on, Kate! The only bimbo is Curran!
I also really enjoyed the Frienship between Andrea and Kate and hope it's explored more in the next book. It's really nice to see female leads in UF who like and respect their fellow women and don't think they're evil whores out to steal their man.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Because I Love You in Books
Jul 16, 2019
Emotional Read
After reading this emotional and heartfelt read, I had to step back and relax before writing my review. Reading through some of this was like deja vu as I myself got pregnant my senior year of high school and I was brought up in a strict Christian home. I was able to relate to Andie and understand her fears with ease.
What I wasn't prepared for was the turbulent and tornadic ride that this author was leading me into so in one split second I went from giggling to feeling my heart being torn into pieces and I honestly felt like I would never recover.
This storyline was amazingly beautiful, touching, emotional, sad, and heartbreaking but also inspirational. I loved the development of these characters and I am fangirling over Tori Rigby!
What I wasn't prepared for was the turbulent and tornadic ride that this author was leading me into so in one split second I went from giggling to feeling my heart being torn into pieces and I honestly felt like I would never recover.
This storyline was amazingly beautiful, touching, emotional, sad, and heartbreaking but also inspirational. I loved the development of these characters and I am fangirling over Tori Rigby!