Thoughts On: Chloe by Design

Billed for fans of Project Runway, that is exactly what Chloe by Design: Making the Cut is. Margaret Gurevich has recreated the show for the teen audience and put it in book format. Fluffy and fun to read, it probably will have a niche audience. But, Brooke Hagel's illustrations--drawing sketches and watercolors and beyond beautiful. They were my favorite part of the book!














*** ARC provided by publisher at BEA.

Tell Me Again How A Crush Should Feel

I was super excited to hear about Sara Farizan's first book If You Could Be Mine and was so happy when I learned about her new book Tell Me Again How A Crush Should Feel.

It does not disappoint. Keep writing Sara Farizan!

Thoughts On: Breathe, Annie, Breathe

Annie has decided to run a marathon in honor of her boyfriend who died before he got the chance. She is not a runner. Has never been one, but she is determined and she has a good coach.

Starting months after Kyle passes away, after they had broken up, Annie is still stuck in her grief and trying to pull her life back together. But rather than dwell on her sorrows, Kenneally, addresses them, deals with Annie's emotions well and then tells a story of triumph, recovery and new beginnings.

Not quite fluffy, but an engrossing chick-lit book none the same, I can see why Kenneally has become popular so quickly. Breathe, Annie, Breathe is already on the shelves at my library.

Oh, and the running coach's adrenaline junkie brother makes for a great romance.



***ARC provided by publisher.

Thoughts On: Skink--No Surrender

I love Car Hiaasen's books and Skink, No Surrender was no exception. (Although I am still very partial to Chomp). In this book, the beloved character of the former governor of Florida and vehement if unpredictable environmental activist teams up with a teenage boy attempting to find his abducted cousin.

Richard comes across Skink on the beach where he is impersonating a turtle nest in order to catch a poacher. Not that he turns the bad guy into the authorities or anything. And despite Skink's disturbing actions and appearance, Richard trusts the man and tells him all about his cousin, Malley, and her disappearance. So Skink investigates and then reports back with news that Malley is in more danger than previously realized. What follows is a desperate chase into the wilds of Florida where Richard, Skink and Malley face off against weather, crocodiles, and the kidnapper.

Skink is an extremely interesting character, and one I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Hiaasen discuss at the BEA Children's Authors and Illustrators breakfast. I can't believe people now send him roadkill recipes. Actually, I can. But I just love that this means Skink is such a beloved (am I really describing him like that) character.


***ARC received at BEA.

Thoughts on: Stone Cove Island

When a violent hurricane reeks havoc on the tourist destination of Stone Cove Island, a decades old mystery has come back to haunt the islanders.

Eliza finds a cryptic note while cleaning up the island's lighthouse. Starting an investigation she learns that this may be an important clue in solving the murder of her mother's childhood best friend. But the islanders don't want the investigation to begin again and by asking around she may be putting herself in danger.

I give this book 4 stars because it is compelling and interesting to someone from New England. There are lots of places like Stone Cove Island out here. But, Suzanne Myers wrapped up the story too cleanly. Or maybe not cleanly at all. I don't want to write any spoilers but while the ending was believable I thought some of the reactions were not in character.


***ARC received at BEA.

Thoughts on: Stronger Than You Know

I was so glad I was able to read this book!

Joy has finally found a safe home with people who care about her. Her mom never let her leave their trailer, she and her friends abused Joy for years. Her aunts home is safe, but it will take some time for her to understand and learn to trust.

This is a beautiful story of strength. 4 Stars.












**ARC received at BEA.

Thoughts On: Half My Facebook Friends are Ferrets

Half My Facebook Friends are Ferrets by J.A. Buckle is an easy fast paced glimpse into the life of a teenage boy.

Funny and entertaining, I was left with a few questions. Such as, why are half is friends ferrets?