Review: The Education of Hailey Kendrick

Are we really able to judge someone?

After Hailey's father -- the only parent she has left -- cancels their summer get-together once more, Hailey loses it. Joel convinces her to go nuts, and together they dismantle the school statue. The rush is so high, that they kiss, regardless of the fact they are on school campus, or that she all ready has a boyfriend who happens to be his best friend. Before she could think, a security guard sees them and Hailey gets caught, taking all the blame. 

Eileen Cook did a great job demonstrating how a crazy impulse can not only make you feel alive, but it can ruin everything. Deep down, Hailey had lots of problems she didn't want to deal with. Having everything thrown at once, like the school calling her father, or her boyfriend learning of her infidelity forces Hailey to take charge of her life once and for all. 

It felt good to savor a charming contemporary/coming-of-age story. I only wish the climax had been more intense.

Top Ten Tuesday: Oh, the Humanity

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOKS TO GET OVER HUMANS

The topic might sound a bit awkward this week, but as a heartbroken gal, I decided to turn the other cheek and set my eyes (and heart) on aliens. Until I meet my ET, here is a list for every one who needs to get over someone:

                                                  

The Education of Hailey Kendrick: Everyone can make a mistake. Don't let that ruin your image or self-esteem.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me: Moving on isn't easy. It's okay not to rush it.

The Sky is Everywhere: Rebound after a loss isn't always a good idea. 

Burn for Burn: Although revenge might be tempting, the chances you'll end up regretting it are huge. Try to be the best person.  

Over You: Getting over someone is easier when you have help. Don't lock yourself alone in a room for too long, let your best friends in. 

Share your own favorites!!

Review: Love Me Tender

Can constant criticism force a family to separate?

Elvira and her mother always had a strange relationship. In fact, she calls her Mel, and can't seem to relate to the pain her mother goes through when her Dad leaves. But a sudden call warning them that grandmother is very ill, forces Mel out of her shell and allows Elvira to discover why her mom left her family, and why she acts like she does. 

All in all, Couloumbis wrote a pleasant read. Often somber and with lots of sibling rivalry. Sadly, I expected more of a family crisis under the circumstances, and found things a bit too easily resolved. It is my belief that too much time apart after a fight deepens the wounds, not fixes them. 

Feature and Follow Friday: Pre Thanksgiving Blues

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Are there any books to movie adaptations where you think the movie is better than the book?

Many in my opinion. But the one that reaches me the most is The Shinning by Stanley Kubrick/ Stephen King. The plot circled around madness more than the supernatural, which made it scarier for me, since cabin fever is not that far fetched. Especially with the overcrowded thanksgiving reunions lurking about.

7 Quickies for that Special Occasion

Whether by plane or train, travelling with a good light read makes the trip more memorable. Here is a list of quick reads (all 300 pages and less) to complete the journey in peace.

Inspirational (197 pages)

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Sci-Fi (216 pages)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Classics (254 pages)

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Contemporary (264 pages)

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

Horror (273 pages)

Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith

Historical Fiction (296 pages)

Marie Antoinette Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Ya/Chick-Lit (229 pages)

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart