Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Title: Speechless

Author: Hannah Harrington
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
Page Count: 288
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 5/5
 
 

Synopsis


Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

Favourite Quotes

“Hate is...it's too easy," he says. His face calm, calmer than it has any right to be, his eyes not wavering from mine, like he's so completely sure of what he's saying. "Love. Love takes courage.” 

“You can be surrounded by people and still be lonely. You can be the most popular person in school, envied by every girl and wanted by every boy, and still feel completely worthless. The world can be laid at your feet and you can still not know what you want from it.”  “I love the way he says my name, like it’s something he wants to keep safe.” 

Few words quickie

Love is louder, a beautiful read worth picking up.
 
My Thoughts

SPEECHLESS is a powerful and beautifully written book which captured me as a reader and was able to highlight all the many problems facing society today. Hannah Harrington has swiftly made her way onto my favourite authors list because of the wonderful way she presents her characters and develops them through the course of her books.

SPEECHLESS handles issues that teenagers face today. The book allows the main character Chelsea to some extent to find herself amongst all the problems that are thrown at her. One main lesson it illustrated for me is how we're all human, we're the same but different but we all make mistakes. It explores old and new friendships, ones that are temporary and at the end of the day not worth it and ones that have the possibility to last a lifetime. All the characters seemed so realistic and honest it would've been a hard job to truly dislike any of them.

I liked the way the author made Rosies' a kind of central place/area for Chelsea to go to, but it also let me see the change in her character while also allowing me to explore the other characters like Sam who I must admit I very much liked. More like LOVED. Sam and Chelsea's relationship was one of the many reasons this book made me smile, I pretty much was cheering them on to get together through most of the book.

If I had to give one reason why I dearly loved SPEECHLESS it would have to be because it's relevant more than anything else. I think as a whole it shows off how you can change as I person but to forgive yourself in the midst of it all. This book should definitely be picked up and read, even if you don't love it as much as I did (and I sure loved it a lot) you can't mistake the powerful message the book holds.

Links:
Hannah Harrington's website
Harlequin's Website
Harlequin TEEN on Facebook
Love is Louder website
Love is Louder on Facebook

Teaser Tuesdays {1}

 

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

 

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

My Teasers:

 

Title: Paper Towns

Author: John Green

 

 

"Call me selfish, but if I found her, I wanted it to be alone."

 

p.208

 

 

 

Leave the link to your teaser in the comments and I'll check them out!

 

 

 

 

Review: Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett

Title: Confessions of an Angry Girl
Author: Louise Rozett
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Publication Date: August 28th 2012
Page Count:
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

ROSE ZARELLI, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make...
1. I’m livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I’m allowed to be irate, don’t you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating
a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.
 
3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the
time. (Mars is red and “seeing red” means being angry—get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life:
Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.

(Don’t know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)

(Sorry. That was rude.)

Favourite Quotes

“Bad things happen whether you're scared or not, so you might as well not bother being scared. It's a waste of time.” 

“The most acrobatic thing that goes on here is a synchronised hair flip.”

Few words quickie

Couldn't put it down

My Thoughts

CONFESSIONS OF AN ANGRY GIRL had me hooked straight from the beginning. When I began the book I really didn't know what to expect. As soon as I started reading I knew I would probably be reading late into the night. Well that's exactly what happened.

From the summary I expected the book to be a pretty heavy and dark read but it was nothing like that. I can totally relate to Rose's character especially her personality and attitude, she isn't one to give under peer pressure just like myself I would say. I think one of the elements of the book that I found pretty fun and engaging was the different words at the  start of each chapter along with a definition which came along with a sarcastic comment. It brought about this feeling of anticipation in some sense for the next chapter.

I particularly liked the different characters even though a few were clique like the cheerleaders being the queens of the school and all that but I didn't mind as the other characters were different and unique. I really liked Angelo's character especially as he seemed to always lighten the mood but also carried a story of his own. Not forgetting mysterious Jamie who I was definitely swooning over throughout the book, I think he captured me straight from the start especially as his character is quite quiet but enjoys art, this is a quality in a guy that is worth fanning myself over. But it wasn't only his cuteness that I liked it was the fact he had a history that Rose slowly unravels as the book goes on and you fall more in love with him. At the end of the book you're still wondering about different aspects of Jamie and his life.

Another reason why I really loved this book was because it presented issues facing teens today, it highlighted them in a realistic manner and showed the reader some teens behaviour and attitude towards topics like sex. Rose's adventure of sorts explores her reaction and experience, one that was quite outgoing was her trip to the gynaecologist which was quite interesting and unexpected.

I  wouldn't really say Rose was exactly a very angry person as the title presents because with all things considered including her father's death she was quite a strong character because she didn't take out all her anger or frustration on everyone around but as you read the book you could see that she was slowly cracking and ready to burst. However I think by the end of the book you could feel some of that anger dissipate slowly. The author does an excellent job in taking us on Rose's emotional journey and does it in a way that the change is not sudden but kind of merges in slowly.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a short YA read that they will probably enjoy as much as I did personally. I'm already excited for the next book especially as the ending left me hanging and some questions unanswered. You'll probably find me counting down till the release of 'Confessions of an Almost Girlfriend' in 2013.

Louise Rozett's Website
Louise Rozett on Twitter
Louise Rozett on Facebook

November Book Pile {2012}

I've got quite a few books in mind to read in November. I've recently been a pretty lazy reader so I thought the best thing to do was make a list so I would have a target to achieve. Challenges sure help keep me on my feet, so as the days get colder and darker what better way to entertain myself than cuddling up with a book.

Books:

1. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

2. Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

3. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

4. Paper Towns by John Green

5. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

6. Slammed by Colleen Hoover

 

I'm not sure how many of these I'll be able to read because I might pick up other books to read or I'll lose interest which I do very often. Fingers crossed I read at least 2 of the above titles!

 

What books are you planning to read in November?

If you've read any of the titles I've chosen, were they good or bad?

Which book is totally worth reading first?

 

 

Review: Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Publication Date: July 24th 2012
Page Count: 416
Buy The Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis

SO WRONG FOR EACH OTHER...AND YET SO RIGHT.
No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with “freaky” scars on her arms. Even Echo can’t remember the whole truth of that
horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.
But when Noah Hutchins, the smokinghot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo’s world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.
Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she’ll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Favourite Quotes

“I love you enough to never make you choose.” 

“Luke used to give me butterflies. Noah spawned mutant pterodactyls.” 

“I gazed into her beautiful green eyes and her fear melted. A shy smile tugged at her lips and at my heart. Fuck me and the rest of the world, I was in love.” 

Quickie

Emotionally Attaching

My Thoughts

PUSHING THE LIMITS struck a few chords, it's relatable and tugged at all the right emotions. It brings together unique, quirky characters with a storyline that keeps you on edge.

Noah and Echo are both complicated characters with background and depth that allows the characters to tell and unravel their history with the reader. They both share strong feelings that are raw and painful. The author does an amazing job of communicating these emotions to the reader. Both characters are original in their own way and hold a strong voice and narrative of their own so you didn't have to worry about the alternating points of view because they're clearly made out.

PUSHING THE LIMITS explores problems and issues faced by teenagers and gives you a sense of hope in undertaking a challenge and coming out on top. The message is clear and really emotionally touched me because each issue holds a great importance in its own way.

I loved Noah and Echo's relationship, it had its ups and its downs, those really sweet moments together and moments where they had to face hardship together, each moment and event seemed to make each of them stronger as an individual but also the bond betweem them.

PUSHING THE LIMITS is definitely worth reading, it has its fair share of twists and turns with a distinct message to readers.

Book Trailer:

Author Website: http://www.katielmcgarry.com/

My Book Boyfriend #8 {Archer Cross}

 
My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme hosted by Missie @ The Unread Reader and Lesley @ My Keeper Shelf. This meme is one of my favourites because it gives me the chance to show off some of the many awesome book boyfriends there are out there.

Recently I read the last book in the Hex Hall series and I definitely think overall as a series it was pretty good, I can gurantee it will make you laugh. Hex Hall sure does have it's fair share of charming characters, so this week's book boyfriend is...

ARCHER CROSS

• Archer is the sarcastic, charming, even caring, bad boy type.
• Totally swoon worthy
• 17 years old
• Curly dark brown hair and dark brown eyes
• Sarcastic
• Attends Hecate
• If you haven't read the book Archer is definitely a complex character of sorts.

Quotes:

“Archer Cross, resident bad boy and total heartthrob. Warlock. Every girl here is at least, like, half in love with him. Crushing on Archer Cross
might as well be a class.” 

“Archer?” I asked, raising my eyebrows. Hey, you might be able to take away my magical powers, but the power of sarcasm was still at my disposal. “Is your last name Newport or Vanderbilt? Maybe followed by some numbers? Ooh!” I said, widening my eyes, “or maybe even Esquire!”
I’d hoped to hurt his feelings or, at the very least, make him angry, but he just kept smiling at me. “Actually, it’s Archer Cross, and I’m the first one. Now what about you?” He squinted. “Let’s see . . . brown hair, freckles, whole girl-next-door vibe going on . . . Allie? Lacie? Definitely something cutesy ending in ie.”
You know those times when your mouth moves but no sound actually comes out? Yeah, that’s pretty much what happened. And then, of course, my mom took that opportunity to end her conversation with Justin’s parents and call out, “Sophie! Wait up.”
“I knew it.” Archer laughed. “See you, Sophie,” he called over his shoulder as he disappeared into the house.” 

“I am not snotty!" I nearly yelped.
He leaned back on his elbows, a wicked smile on his face. "Please.The first day I met you,you practically had a layer of permafrost covering you.” 

“There was a sensible part of me somewhere that clutched its pearls and hissed that I better not give up my V-card in a CELLAR, but when Archer's hands slid under my shirt and onto the skin of my back, I started thinking that a cellar was as good a place as any.” 

Have you read Hex Hall? What do you think of Archer?

Leave your link below so I can check your book boyfriend out too!

 

Review: Rape Girl by Alina Klein

Title: Rape Girl
Author: Alina Klein
Publisher: Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC
Publication Date: August 15th 2012
Page Count: 129
Buy Book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

 

Valerie always wanted to be the smart girl. The pretty girl. The popular girl.

But not the rape girl..

That’s who she is now. Rape Girl. Because everyone seems to think they know the truth about what happened with Adam that day, and they don’t think Valerie’s telling it..

Before, she had a best friend, a crush, and a close-knit family. After, she has a court case, a support group, and a house full of strangers..

The real truth is, nothing will ever be the same..

Rape Girl is the compelling story of a survivor who does the right thing and suffers for it. It is also the story of a young woman’s struggle to find the strength to fight back.

 

My Thoughts

 

RAPE GIRL was a short but powerful read which gets to the point and touches upon the topic of rape in a manner which creates awareness as well as highlighting the affects of rape.

 

I wasn't sure what to expect of the book when I started it. You are thrown into flashback scenes which then switches back to the present, this occurs throughout the book. This helps illustrate the story as a whole and gives you the whole picture. It definitely speaks about the topic of rape in a sensitive way that expresses how fragile or damaged a person can be after becoming a victim. However it also presents ways to overcome the challenges that it may bring and how to come out on top even when everything seems to be weighing you down.

 

I would have loved to read more and that would have given me the chance to really get to know the main character Valerie but I think the way it was written really focussed on the right parts and exposed the emotions of a victim. The ending was rather empowering in some sense as it shows how Valerie stays strong even though it doesn't give much away about the future. RAPE GIRL gives you a realistic idea of what actually happens in real life and gives you an insight into a young person's mind and their feelings.

 

I definitely reccommend reading RAPE GIRL, it a short and engaging read that will have you hooked.

 

 

Author Website: http://www.alinabklein.com/