Graphic Monday: Page by Paige

Paige was forced to relocate from Virginia to New York with her mom. She doesn't know anyone, and spends most of her time talking to museum paintings and drawing in her notebook. Her art is gorgeous, but she is so afraid to share it. Until she meets some new friends that inspire her to be free. The Graphics kept me turning the pages, as the author found clever ways to put text everywhere. It really felt like I was staring at a piece of art and not a book. Particularly, because the story dragged as Paige dealt with her insecurities. Just when I thought she was moving on, she would shield herself back into her cocoon. Some similarities with Plain Janes, although, I must say the drawings in this one really take the cake.

Review: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

I finally understand why Charlotte married Mr.Collins out of the blue.

I have seen the numerous movies based on Pride and Prejudice novel, and was looking forward to reading the zombie adaptation. Would it linger toward the horror genre or humor -- I did not know what to expect. But after reading it, I must say it definitely belongs to the latter. 

Grahame-Smith changed lots of the dialogue to incorporate the zombie theme as the Bennett girls are well trained in combat. Yes, their mother is still obsessed with marriage (regardless of the plague) and all the characters are there. Although, I must say that Grahame-Smith karma the heck out of all of them, whether by giving them even more egotistical personalities or crippling them. 

Review: This song is (not) for you

Sad to say, this book was not for me. Ramona and Sam have been bandmates for a long time. And to both of their dismay, the relationship has crossed the friendzone. Then one day Tom appears in the picture and gets added as a new member. But will Ramona's crush on Tom bring out everything that has been left unsaid between her and Sam? Despite the author's efforts to add subplots about bullying, cancer, and teen/parents issues -- the main focus remained on the romance. Lack of sex motivation is not commonly seeing in YA books and I'm glad that it gets some spotlight. I mean how many of us have dated someone that just couldn't get it up or didn't want more than to hold hands? Not everyone has a high drive. The problem is the author dragged it. Giving us the impression that a huge revelation will explain his condition (gay, asexual, molested, alien...) And if that wasn't bad enough, she then ended the climax with a dried up solution to try to make every character happy. Life doesn't work that way.

Review: Firsts

Although one night stands are no longer frowned upon as before -- 15 of them with guys from the same school -- will not go unnoticed 

Following a bad breakup, Mercedes decides to take control of her body. She quickly becomes the school "devirginizer", sleeping with other girls boyfriends to teach them how to respect girls needs in bed. As one guy after another leaves her bedroom, Mercedes goes sloppy. No longer checking if the virgins have girlfriends or not -- or if they are virgins at all. How long can she keep doing this? Doesn't she realize that this is the opposite of self-control?

The author made sure to compliment Mercedes character with selfish parents. The mother was present throughout the novel, which made it even more cruel that she never tried to stop her child from casual sex. The book kind of dragged for a while, as Mercedes accumulated partners, but once everything unraveled Flynn provided an amazing conclusion, making sure to fit as many lessons as possible for young girls everywhere. 

Review: VIP I'm with the Band

Who can resist boy bands?

Certainly not Mac who has been a huge fan of Perfect Storm (PS) before they were a hit. Mac knows everything about them -- from eating habits to favorite colors -- and dreams of going to her Spring Fling dance with the lead singer, Zander. But when a sudden turn of events causes Mac's mom to get hired as PS' tour manager, Mac will not only get to daydream about the band, she will spend the next two months with them 24/7. Will this personal encounter change her image of them? What if Zander is not so dreamy as she pictured in her head?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although, I did find it a little lengthy for Middle-Graders at first, I soon began to see various drawings, blank pages to separate chapters, and graphic novel entries (Mac's alter ego), encouraging me to quickly changed my mind. Mac was heartfelt and quirky/clumsy making it easy to get attached to her character. She also acted like a mature twelve-year-old. Aside from the romance, the author added Lola, a rich spoiled fifteen-year-old ready to challenge Mac's favorite fan status. 

All in all a fun read with an open ending. Do I sense a series?