Shopaholic Takes Manhattan

Sorry I haven't posted in a while! I took an awesome trip to Europe for three weeks and there was no wi-fi anywhere. But, back to Shopaholic.

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10
Usually, the sequels to books just don't compare to the original story. But Kinsella managed to take me by surprise. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan was just as good as the first book in the series, if it did not surpass it.
Some similarities: like the first novel, Becky and the other characters and fun and original. They have fresh but realistic personalities. Each person I could imagine in real life: the workaholic, the flamboyant male best friend, the doting and caring mother. Another similarity is Becky's hilarious antics and thoughts.
Just an example: Becky and Luke spend the weekend in a small village. And while Luke is at a meeting, Becky decides to visit the nearby convent. Unaware of the proper behavior for a church, Becky tries to hold a conversation with a praying nun, disturbing and annoying the women. She talks about the movie, The Sound of Music, and then, thinking the nun is staring at her because she doesnt know what a movie is, begins to tell her about modern day technology. What a television is, what a film is, and on, and on, and on, and on.
This scene alone had me in hysterics.
But some differences between the first and second novel: I believe this novel had a stronger plot, for Becky dealt with troubles far greater than wanting to buy the latest pair of Jimmy Choos. I also enjoyed how Kinsella changed the scenery. Although I loved how the first story took place in London, the switch to New York really provided a new feel for the story, and it wasnt as if Kinsella was just dragging the story on.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoyed the first novel in the series - obviously - and for those who like Target Underwear and A Vera Wang Dress: Notes from a Single Girl's Closet, in addition to Can You Keep A Secret?, also by Kinsella.

Confessions of A Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Overall Rating: 8 out of 10
Her name is Rebecca Bloomwood. And yes, she is a shopaholic.
Confessions of A Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella tells the story of Becky Bloomwood, a British financial journalist  who just can't seem to resist buying new things: clothes, shoes, make-up, the occasional Denny and George scarf... But, as Becky finds herself falling further and further into debt, readers find themselves wrapped up in her story - one of humor, friendship, and even a little romance.
The major reason I enjoyed reading this book was the heroine herself: Becky Bloomwood. Becky is...well, she's very entertaining. The story is told through her eyes, and her thoughts will literally make you laugh at loud. She has crazy ideas, even crazier excuses, and cooks up the craziest schemes imaginable. Becky isn't the most serious of characters, but her antics and fun personality will definitely make you become A-Confessions-of-a-shopaholic-holic.
Other characters, like Becky's best friend, Suze; her lovable parents and neighbors; Tarquin, Suze's quirky cousin; and Luke Brandon, businessman extraordinaire/potential love interest, make this book for a fun and wild ride. There's also Derek Smeath, Becky's very frustrated banker. Alicia Billington, or Alicia Bitch Longlegs as Becky has so graciously dubbed her.
And of course we can't forget Aunt Ermnitrude, can we?
Apart from the great characters, the story is also well-written. Becky lands herself in a great deal of trouble that, although it would usually be classified as boring and dull, Kinsella transforms into an exciting and hilarious adventure that keeps you turning the page. The funny situations that Becky gets herself into are like nothing I've ever read before. And I've read a lot of books, so that's saying something.
But in reality, Becky's personality makes this book a great read, especially for those looking for a laugh. I recommend it to those who like Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison, or Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding but it is am enjoyable book for most teen girl readers.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer

Overall Rating: 6 out of 10
The twi-hards out there certainly lusted after this new novel in the Twilight series, telling the Eclipse story from a different point of view: that of young Bree Tanner, a girl in Victoria's newborn army.
But was there reason to?
The story was short and seemed to have little action. I couldn't connect as deeply with Bree because of such a short time with her. This goes the same for the other characters, like her best friend/love interest Diego; Riley, Victoria's second in command; and Freaky Fred, a soldier who has the special ability to repulse and disgust others.
Besides the lack of connection with the characters, I was also disappointed with the ending to the story. We know what happens to Bree, but as for Diego and Freaky Fred, their fate remains unknown. It is very aggravating.
But besides that, I enjoyed being able to read about the other side of Eclipse: what it was like for the vampires who attacked the Cullens. And if you're like me, you'll be equally surprised by their story.
I also liked the fact that Meyer addressed a lot of the myths about vampires. The newborns believe that they are like every vampire they have heard about - they'll fry in sunlight, and getting stabbed by a stake is deadly. It was interesting to see how they dealt with this information, because the Cullens seemed to almost not be vampires in the Twilight series. The usual myths didn't apply to them.
For those who read the Twilight series, I definitely recommend this book. It's very interesting and fascinating to read about the newborn vampire. Also, it's a good story by itself. But for those who didn't read the Twilight series, I would brush up on my twi-knowledge before reading this. Because even without an extensive knowledge on the Cullens and Volturi, and an adamant opinion on Team Jacob or Team Edward, this still could be a fun and enjoyable read.
Also in the Twilight Series: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn

Reality Check by Jen Calonita

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
Four long-time best friends, Charlie, Brooke, Hallie, and Keiran, are offered a once in a lifetime opportunity: to star in their own reality television show. Of course they accept! Little do they know, the show will change their lives as they know it, in both good and bad ways.
Through the eyes of the star of the show, witty and humorous Charlie, readers are told a story of friendship, romance, self-discovery, and regular high school drama...all while being filmed for television!
The best part about Reality Check was the thorough and complete setting and characterization. I felt as if I had lived in their town, Cliffside Heights, for my whole life and by the second chapter I could tell you where to get a good cup of coffee (Milk and Sugar) or tell you where to find the best seafood on the coast (The Crab Shack). Also Calonita introduces, describes, and establishes the identities and personalities of the four best friends as well as the other minor characters to such an extent that you feel as if you personally know them. They each bring something different to the story and the relationships, such as Charlie's relationship with her crush Zac, keep you turning the pages for more.
Additionally, Charlie, unlike some narrators, is not perfect or annoying to the reader. She makes mistakes, is not always right, but also has the overall sweet and nice personality that keeps readers rooting for her.
Although the characters and setting were fresh and fun, I felt that the story grew slow at some points. It was very predictable, and had me bored multiple times. It is also a very light and very easy read that did not challenge me as a reader whatsoever. But besides these flaws, this story is fun and enjoyable. Those who enjoy Calonita's other works, such as the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series or  Sleepaway Girls, or stories such as L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad will especially like this novel.

Slept Away by Julie Kraut

Overall Rating: 6 out of 10 
Warning: This is not your average summer novel, ladies and gentleman. The city girl doesn't get shipped off to sleep-away camp to suddenly find a connection with nature and a love of the wild. She doesn't form that deep connection with her bunk. And she doesn't return home wishing she was back in camp.
No, Laney Parker, a native New Yorker, has a miserable time in camp. Her bunkmates, albeit the one single friend she makes, torture her. Laney finds that she despises most camp activities, especially swimming or anything else that requires some sort of exercise, and has no unexpected love for nature and all things wild. And when Laney returns home, "home sweet home" has a whole new meaning.
But maybe that's what made this book so enjoyable. Despite the very humorous and witty narrative of Laney, the unique and funny characters, and the countless allusions to pop culture, the fact that this book is different from most usual sleepover camp books actually makes it a fun and fresh read.
However, despite the high points of the story, this novel lacks a fast plot and it takes a while to get into things. For example, Laney pursues a romantic interest, but you only meet the boy two thirds of the way into the book. Additionally, several times the plot goes very slow and it gets a little boring. When Laney first arrives at camp, there is just this lull in the story where all she does is moan and groan about her misery and the terrible torture that her bunk and the camp staff inflicts on her. It gets a little tired after a while.
But this book is still very funny and very enjoyable. It may not be the most deep read, but it's a nice story and is very entertaining. Those who enjoyed Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita, Cruel Summer by Alyson Noel, or Hot Mess: Summer In the City, also by Julie Kraut, will especially like Slept Away. However, it's a great book for all readers.

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

Overall Rating: 6 out of 10
Helen Worthington was betrayed and humiliated by her best friend, Lauren Wood, the year before she went to high school. Forced to leave town, Helen obsessives over getting revenge on Lauren, and finally gets her chance, four years later, senior year. Helen moves back to her old town, with a new appearance, a new identity, and a plan to take Lauren down.
Helen, as Claire Dantes: the rich, exotic international jet setter from New York City, infiltrates Lauren's A-list crowd and devotes her days to making Lauren miserable.
Although interesting, Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood lacks originality as far as plot goes. It is very similar to the film, Mean Girls, with a few twists here and there.
Additionally, the story is somewhat predictable. In the beginning, readers see Helen obsess and deviously scheme Lauren's fall from grace, yet it's almost impossible that any heroine would set that sort of example for readers. Obviously, Helen eventually sees the error of her ways after a few eye-opening experiences.
In spite of these minor setbacks, Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood was a fun and enjoyable read. Helen's narrative voice is fresh and witty, and Cook is excellent with description and imagery. She portrays the character's emotions well using terms like "she chewed her lip", demonstrating Helen's uncertainty without just flat out saying, "she was uncertain."

Getting Revenge On Lauren Wood will definitely keep you entertained. It's interesting, and has twists and turns that keep you reading. Also, Cook keeps the story moving with some pretty interesting sub-plots. There's a nerd who turns cool, and a certain romantic interest that will keep those pages turning. An enjoyable read for most, however, I especially reccommend it to those who enjoyed Meg Cabot's Airhead series or Eileen Cook's other novel, What Would Emma Do?

Gimme A Call by Sarah Mlynowski

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10

She "charmed" us with the famous Magic in Manhattan series and has now managed to steal reader's hearts once again, this time through the story of a new fresh character, Devi. When she was a freshman, Devi fell head over heels for Bryan, and stayed with him for the rest of high school. She ditched her friends, let her grades drop, and focused all of her attention on this one boy. Unfortunately for Devi, Bryan breaks up with her at the end of senior year and Devi is left with absolutely nothing. 

And then she drops her phone in the fountain. Luckily, it seemed to be working. However, Devi can only call one number - her younger frosh self! Older Devi guides 14 year old Devi through her freshman year of high school. 

Her criteria: get amazing grades, participate in boatloads of extracurriculurs, focus on her friends, and completely avoid Bryan. Which is easier said than done for young Devi. 

This book was great for a fresh plot and interesting twists. Mlynowski excellently constructed a story with a great climax, a few unexpected wrong turns for Devi, and what I enjoyed most was their alternating viewpoints. It was really interesting to see old Devi tell young Devi what to do, and then go back and see how it affected old Devi's life. 

And if you think that last sentence was confusing, welcome to the world of Gimme A Call. One major downside was the confusion presented with the alternating narrators. Several times I was forced to reread chapters because I was interpreting it for the wrong Devi. 

However, Mlynowski definitely makes up for this drawback. The character's voice is witty, quirky, and very humorous. It makes the story so fun to read, you never know exactly what Devi will say or do next that will actually have you laughing out loud. 

My favorite aspect of this story, besides the voice, is the epilogue, as weird as that seems. If there was ever an appropriate moment for the expression omg, which I doubt there is, this would be it. 

This story, although lacking in clarity and excitement, depicts the interesting and fresh tale of Devi's self-discovery and conveys a very important message to readers as well about the meaning of having fun, living in the present, but always keeping an eye on the future. 

I recommend this book to any reader, but those who enjoyed Mlynowski's Magic In Manhattan series, or the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter - which shares a similar narrative voice - will especially like Gimme A Call.