My Life in…

BookEval Review: For all of her life, Kate has been devoted to her deeply strict and conservative church. After her father’s death, Kate isn’t sure what to believe anymore. When her mother moves them to Maine to work in her aunt’s B&B, Kate gets a taste of the rest of the world - from secular friends, possible boyfriends, and a different type of church with an understanding minister. There isn’t a lot of action but the characters ring true. Converting Kate is an interesting look at a girl’s religious beliefs and relationships with her family and friends.

I read this for Book Eval although this is the only one I would have picked up on my own. A realistic portrait of teenage life particularly concerning religion. The characters were all well-developed.

Grade: B+
Book #29 read in 2008

E. Lockhart can do no wrong. Super strong. Loved the narrative distance. Loved the relationship between the narrator and boyfriend - rarely is a relationship portrayed as realistically flawed throughout an entire book. A picture perfect resolution. Printz committee take notice.

Grade: A
Book #28 read in 2008

This is really a departure for Rachel Cohn, and a strong one, although it was a bit bleak. Almost reminded me of a Laura Weiss book, but stronger in the writing department.

Grade: A-
Book #27 read in 2008

Book Eval Review: Gemma’s sister is getting married to a guy she’s been dating for a month who has a crazy family. Gemma is also taking and enjoying drama class despite a history of stage fright and having to partner with Raven, one of the juvenile delinquent DeHead brothers who cause trouble in their town. While the premise of the book is lighthearted, the tone shifts as Gemma develops a fondness for Raven and his family and a tragedy happen. Give this to girls who like both light chick lit and meatier books and you’ll have an audience for this one.

This book truly surprised me. It started out very light and fluffy but really became very moving. I thought the DeHead boys were excellent, particularly Raven and was glad that the protagonist’s transformation wasn’t too quick.  The fiance’s family was hysterical.

Grade: B+
Book #26 read in 2008

Book Eval review: Giovanna and her twin brother Dante are on the outskirts of the popular crowd once she starts dating Jesse, the cool guy at school who shares a love of motorcycles with Dante and is willing to overlook the trouble she got herself into last year. When Dante decides to run for class president against Jesse’s best friend, Giovanna is shocked when Jesse takes Will’s side and breaks up with him. Although she supports her brother, she misses Jesse and doesn’t like that he’s been getting closer to another girl on his campaign. Why would Jesse take Will’s side? Although Giovanna’s character is initially promising, all of the supporting characters are boring and the plot is never exciting. There are plenty of other books that do relationship conflicts better than this one.

I only read this because of Book Eval and unfortunately it wasn’t really better than I expected. I think the main character had promise in the beggining but every other character was totally flat and the premise was boring.

Grade: C-
Book #25 read in 2008

I thought the plot was unique and interesting and liked the resolution but I thought the writing was weaker than usual.

Grade: A-
Book #24 of 2008

Really cute. Not laugh out loud funny like old Gordon Korman, but really a great well written story. Reminds me of my book in tone.

Grade: A-
Book #23 read in 2008

It was interesting to read the background the book provided. I was surprised to learn that the show is really not based on the book but more inspired by it since that was the sole reason I picked this up.

Grade: B
Book #22 read in 2008

You should click on that link and watch the first two seasons ASAP. Then pray that it get picks up for another season. It looks like they are close to a deal but until there is a final FNL is coming back next season announcement I am not going to be comfortable.

Solid read. A tiny bit overwritten but mostly rather lyrical. Great characters. I will read more by Deb Caletti.

Grade: A-
Book #21 of 2008