Review: Smile

One bad day can sometimes turn into bad years. 

Poor Raina fell and broke her two front teeth. If that weren't unlucky enough, due to a dentist's mistake, she's forced to undergo several procedures to remedy her smile. As we follow orthodontia ups and down, we also get to meet a young girl going through puberty changes, crushes, and friendship issues. 

Telgemeir illustrated the story beautifully, with vivid images and sentimental frames. Even bullying was included in the book, as I turned the pages swiftly to see if and how Raina would learn to stand up for herself. A great coming-of-age story that teaches no matter how bad life is-- it will get better. So keep on smiling. 

Others books in the series
Drama
Sisters

Review: Marie Antoinette Serial Killer

Despite the fact of Marie Antoinette's grandeur, Katie Alender doesn't let her steal the show. 

At first glance, Colette Iselin, is just a typical mean girl's pawn. Pretending to be wealthy in order to fit in, she has to scarf down her paid class trip meals in silence, then tell her friends she isn't hungry as they order succulent à la carte platters. But a visit to Versailles changes her path, as Colette learns she is linked with Marie Antoinette's traitor, and the failed Queen's ghost wants revenge. 

Marie Antoinette Serial Killer describes Paris with such visual detail, you can't help but feel like you are there. The characters imperfections help maintain that reality and pushes the story forward. Knowing she can't count on her friends for help, Colette reaches out to an ostracized nerdy girl and a sweet French tour guide Jules, to unravel the mystery and get rid of Marie Antoinette's ghost before she causes more damage. 

Love in Paris, murder, and mean girls at war -- it's hard to say no to this book. 

Feature and Follow Friday: Entrepreneurial Gal

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

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Q: What are some of your favorite magazines?

Cosmopolitain!! I used to sneak into my mom's room to read them all the time. So parents, please, unless you want your teens learning about 10 Ways to Keep a Man Happy in Bed, lock up those magazines.

On the plus side, I used to write down tips and trade them at school for Ho Hos. Too bad school cafeterias don't seem to carry them anymore.  

Zombie Walk coming soon to Montreal

Are Zombies ready to take over the streets?

World War Z terrorized the screen recently, demonstrating just how fascinated the world is with the undead. Whether it is their lunatic stare or attractive red color, Zombies got it going on. This year, Montreal is planning a Zombie Walk on October 19th as are many other cities across Canada this month.

What you need to know

Get there early. CPR Makes You Undead, a program organized by The Heart & Stroke Foundation will provide a 3 step free training. Learn to save a life in just 10 minutes and become an anti-zombie hero.

How to Fit in 

The living might have their crazy high fashion standards, but the dead accept everyone -- and I mean everyone -- as long as you are, well, dead. A simple mixture of corn syrup and drops of red food coloring can create blood in no time. But if you are of creative nature, you might want to adopt a character role. 

Last and not least

Turn your cell phones on silent, unless you enjoy grrrr conversations. Remember to stare those delicious onlookers while you are running, and limping, creeping through the streets. And please, wear comfortable shoes.  

Zombie picture provided by Montreal Zombie Walk. 

Review: Cleopatra Confesses

A first person account by the Queen of the Nile. 

Cleopatra's early life was never documented, nor were her portrait and birth records. Therefore this marks the first time, Cleopatra Confesses her story between the age of 10 to 22.

Sadly for us, the vivacious Cleopatra capable of conquering everything she dreamed off -- like the great Caesar -- did not exist until much later. Instead we meet a young to-be-queen with no self-preservation instincts. Cleopatra knows someone will harm her or turn others against her, and yet she doesn't act. What else can we expect from a 10 year old?

Regardless of the slow story line, the characters are realistic and Meyer's strong voice always present. The sibling rivalry controls the pace, as sisters Tryphaena, Berenike, Arsinoe, and her brother Ptolemy II all try to assassinate her. 

Not the best Carolyn Meyer book on the market, but a splendid effort nonetheless. 

Want more from Carolyn Meyer

Beware, Princess Catherine