Review: Fixing Delilah

Every family has got secrets...

But Delilah's tired of being left out of the loop. She and her mom return to Vermont for her grandmother's funeral. A woman they had not seen for the past ten years, after a family fight regarding her father that no one wants to discuss with Delilah. Why did they keep away? Why so much resentment? Are things really better left unsaid?

Death has a way of reminding us that pride isn't always worth it. Ockler kept some really juicy secrets from Delilah in this book and made us sympathize with all sides of the equation. Loved the small town feeling of the book, and found the dialogue realistic with a contemporary plot that was easy to follow. 

A great fast read. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Red Eye Flight

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOKS I'M TAKING TO THE BEACH

Leaving next month and appreciate having to do this list in advance. Let me know if you recommend them as well: 

World After by Susan Ee

Loved the first book, can't wait to see what happens next.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Heard wonders about this novel. I admit it sounds sad, but reading this by the beach might make it easier to take in. 

The One by Kiera Cass 

Need to finish this series. Can't believe I'm behind...

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla means island in spanish. Island goes with beach which goes with summer.... It's meant to be. 

What's on your summer to read list?

Review: Panic

Summer means it's time for Panic.

Every year, the senior class collects one dollar a day/per student to raise a huge prize. This year the winner of Panic will receive 67,000$. For many living in the small town, the money means a ticket out. Heather never thought of leaving. She joined Panic as an impulse after a bad break-up. But with dares like Russian roulette and crossing a highway blindfolded, will this impulse be worth it?

Joining a crazy game like this, made Heather appear immature and foolish just like the rest of gamers who were there for cash or honor. But Oliver gave the story a twist by making it vital for Heather to win. The story was told with two point-of-views, giving us a wide perspective of the game. What I found most difficult was fitting the story into a genre. It appears Oliver managed to create a thriller/contemporary ya. 

Interesting concept!!

Review: The Royal We

Becoming a princess takes more hard work than just being vigilant about a pair of glass slippers.

Bex leaves America, and her twin sister Lacey, to pursue her studies at Oxford University. She wants to find herself and instead finds Nick. A prince. Not just any prince, but the prince of England -- who is unquestionably unobtainable to someone of her status (and nationality). But after years of secret rendez-vous, will Nick ever declare his love for her in public?

The Royal We is divided in several acts: from falling in love, to surviving the pressure from their families, trying to live apart, and of course how the media attempts to damage their relationship. Although I failed to see Bex as an American (dialogue) she did captivate my interest. She had both flaws and qualities, and made several mistakes that many of us would make in her shoes. 

A realistic take of what a royal/normal person relationship might feel like.

Review: Half Bad

What would it be like to be born an abomination?

Poor Nathan gets treated worse than Rosemary's baby due to his bloodline. Everyone expects him to take after his father, and go on a murderous rampage when he grows up. so they deny him a proper education, living conditions, love, and mostly the magical gifts that could lead to his death if not provided before his seventeenth birthday. Should Nathan run off and join the Black Witches -- and if so -- will his heart turn bad? Can he become what everyone feared all along?

Let's be blunt, witches have always been fascinating. I must admit this is the first time I see them set against each other so viciously. White Magic vs Black Magic witches. Sadly, the idea of being discriminated because of who where you come from isn't far fetched. Sally Green used it quite well by providing us with different mindset of characters and a timid love story that will most likely bloom in the sequel. 

Recommended to all witchcraft fans.