Chicklish

REVIEW: Pretty Face by Mary Hogan

Hayley is overweight and lives in Southern California - a combination which doesn't make for a happy life. She's fed up with being told she has a 'pretty face', which translates as 'shame about your body'. Her mother, a born-again tofu-lover, puts constant pressure on Hayley to count calories and weigh herself, and only succeeds in making Hayley more miserable. Then her mother has a brilliant idea - she'll send Hayley to Italy to stay with an old friend. In Italy, Hayley's relationships with people, food and life are gradually transformed.

This book was easy to get into, and I empathised instantly with Hayley's misery. I loved her humour and found myself wanting to shout at her when she deliberately tried to tone it down. The descriptions of Los Angeles and central Italian towns were brilliantly observed, bringing out the contrast entertainingly. There were also some great characters - I especially liked best friend Jackie in California and Gianna in Italy. I think I liked the romance slightly less than I hoped, and it seemed to happen very late in the story. Also, I don't want to turn into one of those kinds of readers, I really don't. But, as an Italian-speaker, I found the Italian spoken by the natives was occasionally making my brow furrow. Most importantly, "bella faccia" instead of "bel viso" for "pretty face" sounded, well, a bit brash to me, especially when it was meant to sound romantic, which was possibly why I found myself distrusting the hero... but overall, it doesn't matter at all, of course.

Despite these niggles, I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, light and funny story and its great heroine.

REVIEW: Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

Something strange is happening all over the United States: teenagers who die aren't staying dead. Attitutudes vary to these zombies - or rather, living impaired people, to use the politically correct term introduced at the start of this book, which later becomes differently biotic. But one school gains a reputation for treating them with respect. The undead start to arrive from across the country to attend Oakvale High. Also at this school is goth girl Phoebe and her sporty friend Adam, who's secretly in love with her. But Phoebe finds herself drawn to Tommy Williams, a differently biotic boy who's trying out for the football team. Adam's ex-friend, the aggressive Pete Martinsburg, is disgusted by the thought of zombies on the team, and even more so when he realises that Adam doesn't share his feelings. Then there's the high-functioning, short-skirted zombie called Karen, and the mystery of Phoebe's dead friend Colette. Tension at Oakvale High quickly grows to bursting point.

For some reason, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book, but within the first couple of pages I was hooked by the witty writing and the interesting characters introduced. The book explores themes of prejudice and discrimination and there are a couple of moments where adult characters come in and make long, fascinating speeches about these issues, only to disappear again. These were slightly heavy-handed, but I found that they somehow really worked to underline the characters' reactions.

On the whole, though, this isn't a serious book, and I mean that in an entirely positive way! It's a page-turner of a story, filled with tension, violence and romance. I was rooting for Adam and Phoebe all the way through, and I was as fascinated by Karen and Tommy as everyone in the book seemed to be. I loved the Colette subplot, which I get the feeling is not entirely resolved, along with some other threads. Although it's very different, the book somehow reminded me of early Stephen King, and I wasn't surprised to read on the author's blog that King was one of his influences.

Highly recommended. I'm absolutely dying (ahem, sorry) to read the sequel, Kiss of Life.

Generation Dead is published in the UK on 7th July 2008.

REVIEW: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Review by Karen

I love Sarah Dessen’s books, and this one more than lived up to my expectations.  Since the sudden death of her father, Macy has strived to give the appearance of being ‘fine’.  She’s still struggling with her grief, but doesn’t feel like she can talk to anyone about it – her sister has moved out, and her mother has engrossed herself in new projects. So Macy attempts to appear perfect – she studies hard, controls her appearance, and does exactly what’s expected of her. But things change when her boyfriend puts their relationship on hold for the summer and Macy meets a new group of friends, who live life to the full. Macy’s introduced to the creative and sexy Wes, and as the two grow closer, Macy realises she can’t always control her emotions.

The characters in this book are vividly drawn, and really leap off the page. I could fully believe in Macy’s fear of the unexpected, and the way she’s trying to regain control over her life. The difficult subject of grief is dealt with compassionately, and the way Macy finally discovers how she can move on is sensitively done, but also very believable.  Dessen also subtly uses humour throughout, to stop the story becoming too dark.

This is an engrossing, powerful and uplifting read, and I highly recommend it!

Review by Karen

REVIEW: Specials by Scott Westerfeld

Review by Alexandra

Specials is the last of this series. The trilogy is quite special to read. The concept is brilliant, the characters well drawn and the excitement and adventures just keep on coming.  I particularly liked the unexpected ending.

Specials continues to follow Tally, who now operates within Special Circumstances and helps keep the Pretties and Uglies in their rightful places. Her plan to make her boyfriend, Zane a special leads her on a particular mission that will change her life forever. 

Throughout all the books in this series, topics such as appearance, society, dominance, self-belief, control are taken on – the reader can read as little or as much into these as they want. In this last instalment I couldn’t help but think maybe too many topics were taken on. The first two novels, in spite of the complexities, are still easy enough to follow, this third book takes on even more. Added in is the element of cutting, which I felt, overall, took away some of the futuristic fantasy feel. And as Clara said in a review the other day, it can start to feel a bit too much when there’s a lot crammed in. 

All in all, this last book didn’t live up to the other two for me, but is still a unique read which gives much to think about. I even couldn’t help wondering who would play Tally if it was made into a film.  A series this big can’t win it all, it’s simply not possible that you’ll love it all, but I guarantee many of you will love it enough to want to read it again some day.

Review by Alexandra

(See also reviews of Uglies and Pretties, and Scott Westerfeld's website)

REVIEW: Give Me a Sign by Shanta Everington

Liz's mother keeps telling her, "Life's not fair... you deal with it, like an adult." Liz's life certainly doesn't feel fair, but she's not quite an adult. She's 16 and she's struggling to deal with it. She left school to escape the bullies, and now she's being bullied at college. She hates herself for being tall and having big feet. She misses her father, but her mother has a new partner and doesn't talk about him. Liz has one friend at college, but she can't really talk to her, either.

Then she meets Doug, who has recently started college after leaving a deaf boarding school. Doug is gorgeous and strong-willed. Best of all, he's genuinely interested in Liz and he asks her out. Liz throws herself into being his girlfriend, taking lessons in British Sign Lanugage so that she can feel closer to him, and trying to impress his family. But the couple start to meet prejuidice from all sides. Can their relationship survive?

I found it very hard to put this book down once I'd started reading; I immediately cared about Liz and I felt involved in her life and problems. The book touches on many issues, including coping with bereavement, bullying, love and prejudice, but these topics never swamp the story, and Liz's feelings and gradual increase in confidence and maturity are always at the forefront. Liz's adventures in BSL were fantastically described (and really struck a chord with me - I am so proud of the BSL qualification I passed that I can't resist mentioning it here, but I felt just like Liz when I was learning!) I'd also like to mention the lovely icons at the start of each chapter, which worked excellently as enticing signs of what was to follow.

Although I loved the sparing way this book was written, I did find myself wishing it had been longer and more detailed! I would have liked to hear more about Doug, and about Liz and Doug's close yet challenging relationship, and more about best friend Meiying and her own complicated home life. I even wanted to read more about the terrible bullying twins, who seemed to have interesting powerplay going on between each other. But I thoroughly enjoyed what is there, which is a consistently well-written and engaging story of first love and finding your place in the world.

Highly recommended.

Shanta Everington has a website, and you can also read Liz's fictional blog.

REVIEW: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Review by Alexandra

Sometimes you need a book that isn’t exactly about the dawn to dusk day. The getting up, the sitting through school or work, the same friends, the exams, end of term, deadlines and Saturday jobs...  This is definitely one of them and it’s a fantastic read.

The first hundred pages I wasn’t sure I was going to get into it, but after that I was hooked.  I’m not going to give much away about what Uglies are, it’s worth finding out only from reading the book, but I will say that Tally is an adventurous Ugly whose life just keeps getting more dramatic and exciting.

Tally’s life has hoverboards, crash bracelets and bungee jackets. Which might sound great to you, but to her, the most excitement she has is from Ugly ‘tricks’ that she comes up with - using this equipment.  That is, until the day before she turns sixteen when she’s scheduled to turn Pretty.

Suddenly thrown into a world of deception, Tally has some tough decisions to make and undertakes some dangerous journeys (both physically and mentally in some ways).

The best thing is, I have the other two in the trilogy to read now (and the companion novel, ‘Extras’) so if you don’t mind, I’d best get back on my hoverboard and get going…

You can find out more about the trilogy on the author’s website.

Review by Alexandra

INTERVIEW: E. Lockhart and Fly On The Wall

We've interviewed fabulous author E. Lockhart on Chicklish before, about Dramarama and The Boy Book. But, following the recent UK release of Fly on the Wall (reviewed here), we've managed to track her down again and ask her a few Fly on the Wall-type questions...

Hello, E.! Do you have a favorite superhero?
Absolutely Spidey. I used to subscribe to the comic book. He's my favorite because he's so angst-ridden and sarcastic. Batman takes himself way too seriously.   

Did you do any research for the boys' locker room, er observations?  ;)
I read books about masculinity and sports culture - even though the school in Fly on the Wall isn't actually very sporty. It was interesting reading, and informed the book in terms of bullying, homophobia, etc.
But no - I've never been in the boys locker room. I just have a vivid imagination.

I love your use of language in Fly on the Wall - "gherkin", "biscuits" etc. - and the way all the characters used the same terms. Is this something you developed just for this book?
Thank you - and yes. In each book I try to give the universe of that particular story its own vocabulary - and part of that is the slang the teenagers use. If I attempted to replicate what's "current with today's young people," I would just fail miserably and everything would  be out of date before the novel got published anyway. So I make up slang.

Did you read graphic novels and/or comics when you were writing Fly on the Wall? Is there a particular graphic novel you'd recommend?
I read a ton of old Spider-man comics. I bought  them on eBay. I'm not much of a graphic novel reader, I have to admit. I know there are amazing things out there, but I am no expert.  I did read The Plain Janes by Cecil Castelluci (out in the US from DC Comics imprint Minx) [and reviewed by Chicklish here] - and I really liked it. Four girls band together and make strange public art that revolutionizes their town.

Thanks very much, E. Lockhart!

E. Lockhart's site, The Boyfriend List

REVIEW: Platinum by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Review by Clara

This is a second in a series (the first is called Golden, and is reviewed by us here).

Lilah is in the hot seat this time. She is the hottest of the hot! Everyone popular is called a Golden but she is better - she is Platinum! Her top tier boyfriend Brock is Platinum too but her second in command Fuchsia is homing in on him. To make matters worse, she has started to see ghosts, Ghosts that are caught up in a battle that could end in Brock’s death. Lissy and Lexie have the sight too, only different versions, and they are willing to do anything to help. Will Lilah accept it, though? And will she still be Platinum?

I don’t think this book was as good as the first - it had the same sort of storyline in a way, just with a different character telling the story and later in the story than the first. I enjoyed this book, though, as it was interesting to think through another head.

Review by Clara, aged 13

Read our interview with Jennifer Lynn Barnes

REVIEW: Tattoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Review by Clara

This is a fantastic book about Bailey (the shy one) and her three friends Zo (the tomboy), Delia (queen of fashion) and Annabelle (the smart one), on a shopping trip at the mall. All four receive a tattoo and a gift. Fire. Knowledge. Sight. Metamorphosis. With this they discover an ancient prophecy that can change both worlds. Can Bailey get a date with eye candy Kane? Can they solve the mystery and defeat evil... in bed?!!?
All will be revealed.

I loved this book!

Review by Clara, aged 13

REVIEW: Fly on the Wall by E. Lockhart

I can't believe we haven't reviewed this book here before. The US version was one of my favourite reads of last year, and possibly of this year too. (I've read it more than once!) And I happen to know that other members of the Chicklish team also loved it. (See the comments on Diane's review on Trashionista.)

It's out on 1st May 2008 - TODAY! - in the UK, with a brand new cover design.

Fly on the Wall is the story of Gretchen Yee, a girl who feels ordinary in a performing arts school where everyone is talented and 'different'. She loves art but it seems to be the wrong sort of art for her school - she draws perfect cartoons of Spiderman, and she dreams of being an action hero instead of a spineless girl who is confused by her parents' imminent divorce, whose best friend seems to be busy all the time and who is too afraid to act on her crush. One day she wishes she could be a fly on the wall of the boys' locker room so that she could learn more about guys. And the next day... she is. She wakes up in the body of a fly, and now she can find out all kinds of things about boys, and also a few things about herself, and life in general.

I don't know where to begin praising this book! I loved it! The story is fairly simple - an ordinary girl goes through an extraordinary experience which helps her sort out some aspects of her life, and helps her see things differently. But there is a lot more going on. The love interest is gorgeous and fascinating, seen through Gretchen's eyes (even when she's a fly), and there are issues in his life which Gretchen sees played out before her. The nitty-gritty details of the locker room are also pretty, um, interesting too. I also loved the language used - from 'gherkins' to 'biscuits' to 'milkshake'. And there were frequent references to Kafka and superheroes thrown into the mix.

The novel is fantastically inventive and still somehow down-to-earth. Thoroughly recommended. Read it!

REVIEW: Hallomere - in the Serpent's Coils by Tiffany Trent

Review by Alexandra

This is the first in the Hallowmere series. It’s historical fantasy and very dark.  Definitely sends shivers up your spine on more than one occasion! 

In The Serpent’s Coils follows Corrine, whose father is missing, presumed dead, and mother dies in the first chapters. It’s clear that her upbringing hasn’t been entirely normal to-date, but no-one explains anything to her. This leaves Corrine to find out herself about the dangers that have followed her family and that are now approaching her. 

Sent to live with her uncle, Corrine is desperate to get into the mysterious trunk that once belonged to her mother and who are the Fey that she hears about? Unfortunately, she quickly manages to earns her uncle’s disapproval and is banished to Falston Manor for girls. 

Life at Falston turns out to be equally baffling and dangerous and Corrine quickly finds herself back to trying to find out more about the mysterious Fey. Are they good or evil? And who can she really trust at the school?  Whose side should she find herself on? I can’t answer those questions for you, as it will give too much away, you’ll have to read to find out for yourself! 

It’s original and I enjoyed the dark parts of the plot immensely. The story skips sometimes too quickly to the next element – I’d have gladly had a hundred more pages and had more between these elements to give more detail and clarity. 

Tiffany Trent's website includes wallpaper of the book cover and among other things, a link to a map of the grounds of the mysterious Falston Manor.

Review by Alexandra

REVIEW: The Ashleys by Melissa de la Cruz

Review by Karen

At the San Franciscan Miss Gamble’s Preparatory School for Girls, the Ashley trio rule.  They look down on the other girls, who all aspire to be like them. Only the very luckiest earn their SOA (Seal of Approval) from the Ashleys.

Over the summer, Lauren, a girl in their year has come into money. A lot of money. She’s no longer the poor outcast, with the cast off clothes. Her father has made it big in the TV industry, and Lauren’s made it her goal to get her revenge on the Ashleys, who have always made her life miserable. She intends to infiltrate the Ashley clique, and then destroy it.

But infiltrating the Ashleys turns out to be more difficult than Lauren expected. She tries to impress them with shopping trips, travel by private jet and her enormous family mansion, but the Ashleys prove difficult girls to wow.

This is an intriguing glimpse into life as a privileged, rich American teenager. At times, it’s difficult to remember that these girls are supposed to be only 12 – they act, dress, and talk like much older teens.  And I defy anyone to read this without envying the characters their glamorous lifestyles and designer wardrobes. Where’s my Gucci handbag?! This is a fast read, where plenty is always going on, which makes it entertaining and lots of fun.

Review by Karen

REVIEW: Tommy Sullivan is a Freak by Meg Cabot

Katie Ellison is practically perfect. She's top of the class, a member of the A-list, and her boyfriend is the boy everyone wants to date: Seth Turner. Seth is a Quahog, a player for the winning local team, and a VIP in their small town. But somehow all this (and Seth) isn't enough for her. When Tommy (now Tom) Sullivan comes back to the town that hates him, Katie's in trouble. Just being seen with him is enough to ruin her life and her chances of becoming a Quahog Princess. But it's even worse that she now finds him extremely attractive, and she's becoming increasingly aware of all the lies she's been telling over the past four years, ever since the events that led to "Tommy Sullivan is a Freak" being spray-painted on the outside wall of the school gym.

This book was called Pants on Fire in the USA, and it works pretty well for a UK audience too as Meg Cabot explains the dynamics of Katie's small Connecticut town and the meaning of 'quahog' in some detail. (I kept forgetting that the town in this book was called Eastport and not Quahog, like the town in Family Guy, but I got over it eventually!)

It's a standalone novel that received mixed reviews in the USA, and I have to admit that it took me a while to get into it. But once I did, I found it a charming and funny love story, with many engrossing and very satisfying twists and turns. It's perhaps more of a pure romance novel than some of Meg Cabot's other books, but it's no less entertaining for it. Highly recommended.

Get your entries in and win a copy of this book!

You can read an extract here.

GIVEAWAY: Tommy Sullivan is a Freak by Meg Cabot

We have two copies of Tommy Sullivan is a Freak by Meg Cabot to give away!

"Katie Ellison can't believe it. Just when she's having the most outstanding summer of her life, Tommy Sullivan arrives back in town. Why's that so bad? Because just about everyone hates Tommy for what he did four years ago. And Katie's boyfriend, Seth, has the biggest reason of all to hate him. Even being seen around Tom Sullivan would make Katie a social pariah - so falling in love with him would be the like the kiss of death."

You can read an extract here.

For a chance of winning one, please email us with TOMMY in the subject line and we'll contact you in two weeks' time (23rd April 2008) if you're a winner.

This particular giveaway is only open to UK residents, but don't worry if you live in another country. There will definitely be more giveaways open to all! We're aiming for a different prize book every two weeks now on Chicklish.

Last fortnight's giveaway, A Bad Boy Can Be Good For a Girl by Tanya Lee Stone, is now closed and the lucky winner has been contacted. 

EXTRACT: Tommy Sullivan is a Freak by Meg Cabot

Chicklish brings you an extract of Tommy Sullivan is a Freak by Meg Cabot, OUT NOW in the UK. Enjoy! And watch out for our fab giveaway, coming soon...
Extract from Tommy Sullivan is a Freak © Meg Cabot

Reproduced with the kind permission of Macmillan Children's Books

‘Oh my God, what’s she doing here?’ my best friend, Sidney van der Hoff, was asking as I came up to the corner booth to hand out menus.   

Sidney wasn’t talking about me. She was glaring at someone at another table. But I couldn’t be bothered to look and see who Sidney was talking about, since my boyfriend, Seth, was sitting next to her, smiling up at me . . . that smile that’s been making girls’ insides melt since about the fifth grade, when we all started noticing Seth’s even white teeth and highly kissable lips.   

It still freaks me out that of all the girls in school, I’m the one he picked to kiss with those lips.   

REVIEW: Ironside by Holly Black

Clara, aged 13, reviews the sequel to the bestselling Tithe, from the author of The Spiderwick Chronicles

Kaye has to convince her family about what she is and get the real Kaye home. It’s about the crown of both the Unseelie Court and the Seelie Court - again a battle, but this time it's Roiben that’s in the middle. Kaye isn’t about to watch from the sidelines. Luis is there too, seeing through glamour and trying to help his brother Dave pay back a troll. Corny is cursed for picking a fight with a faerie. Corny isn’t the only one picking fights though, Roiben is too - although his are a bit more lethal. Can things get any worse?

I didn't find this as good as the first (see our review of Tithe here), as it was a bit slow to get going. But when it does get going, it's brilliant. I love the idea of a quest for a faerie that can lie and the way Kaye solved it. There are new characters and old characters and some that have disappeared altogether. I would still recommend it to anyone.

Review by Clara

See Holly Black's website for more information

REVIEW: Tithe by Holly Black

Chicklish is delighted to introduce Clara, aged 13, who has read and reviewed Tithe by Holly Black, author of The Spiderwick Chronicles. Thank you very much, Clara! Over to you...

Kaye had faeries for friends when she was little, but now she has moved back to her home town after tailing round after her mum and the band. Her faerie friends are not keen to show themselves… until she meets Roiben. Then they're swarming. And the unexpected happens: Wise old Thistlewitch tells her she is a pixie (a changeling to be precise, a faery in human body). Stuck in the middle of a battle between the Unseelie Court and the Seelie Court where good seems evil and evil seems good, Kaye now knows she has only weeks - maybe days - to live, even with Corny’s help. But what’s her plan? And is Roiben who he seems to be?

WOW… This book was AMAZING. I didn’t want it to end. It was so real yet so magical. Every word had me hooked; I didn’t put it down once. I would say it was mainly for older readers but anyone can try it! I'd say older readers because you had to really concentrate on small details that would pop up unexpectedly later in the story. Can’t wait to read the sequel - that’s on tomorrow’s to-do list.

I definitely give this 10/10 (does it go any higher?) [Editor's note: I'll put 5/5!]

I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!

Review by Clara

Tithe will be released in the UK on 7th April 2008

Holly Black's website

REVIEW: Boy Trouble by Beth Killian

Eva lives in LA and is all set to be the star of a hit TV show. This will involve unwelcome kissing scenes with her aunt's boyfriend, but also extremely welcome ones with the hottest Aussie bad-boy heart-throb in town, Teague Archer. Even though Eva hasn't really got over her breakup with Danny, she's very tempted by Teague off-screen, too. Meanwhile, her mother is also complicating life in her usual way, and then there's the long-lost brother and the drama queen roommates to contend with...

This is the third in the 310 series about a girl who moves from the East Coast to track down her superstar mother and ends up being a rising star herself. I hadn't read the other two, Life as a Poser and Everything She Wants, but I found it didn't matter, as I quickly picked up information about the story and characters, and this novel was self-contained and interesting in its own right.

I found this book very entertaining, and Eva was a great character who kept me interested in her life and her exploits. I love the way she stayed in control even when she seriously doubted herself. The other characters are interestingly drawn too, and the only person I had trouble picturing was the ex, Danny, who was a shadowy figure in this book, but presumably featured more in the previous books. This novel was well-written and intriguing enough to make me want to read the series backwards now! Recommended to people who love reading about superstar lifestyles but who still like to keep their feet on the ground!

Beth Killian's website

FROM TEEN BOOK REVIEW: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Jocelyn over at Teen Book Review has kindly offered to help with Chicklish reviews and be our US Correspondent. Hurray! Thank you, Jocelyn!

Just to start with, here's one of her recent reviews (originally posted at Teen Book Review) - The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart. And watch out for more fab reviews by Jocelyn in the weeks to come...

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is the latest book by the fabulously talented and brilliant E. Lockhart. Frankie Landau-Banks is a sophomore at Alabaster, a prestigious boarding school. Previously, the institution was all-male, but it is now coeducational. Its infamous secret society, however, remains a boys-only club. The Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, to which Frankie’s father belonged, is still on campus (although in a rather weak form), and Frankie’s new boyfriend, the sought-after Matthew Livingston, is a part of it.

And he won’t even tell her. It’s only through her own intelligence and curiosity that she figures it out, despite giving Matthew numerous opportunities to tell her. And Frankie’s not the least bit happy with any of it–her boyfriend keeping secrets, or the society not allowing girls.  And Frankie, being Frankie, isn’t going to stand for that.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is told in the third-person (which, you may know is not my preferred point of view), but I absolutely adored it and wasn’t even bothered by the narration, it was told so wonderfully. E. Lockhart is a truly brilliant writer, and her talent really shines in this fresh, witty new novel.

I think this may be E. Lockhart’s best novel yet, and, really, that’s saying something! She’s an amazing writer, and this smart, funny book is one that is already standing out as one of the best of 2008 (and it’s not officially released until March 25).  Frankie is a wonderful character–intelligent, creative, and empowered. She’s always been “bunny rabbit” to her family, and most people see her that way even if they don’t use that nickname–they think she’s cute and charming and harmless. Frankie, however, is anything but! She’s a criminal mastermind.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is a funny, bold, and irreverent novel sure to find many fans who are themselves not content with the established social order or the way the world sees them.

REVIEW: Rhymes with Witches by Lauren Myracle

When ordinary, average Jane gets a chance to be one of the school elite, known as the Bitches, she can't believe her luck. Even when she hears rumours that there's some kind of dark witchcraft behind their popularity, it doesn't really put her off. And when she's accepted as one of the four - well, she just has to do what's expected of her, even if it means trampling invisibly all over the hopes and dreams of others...

This is the first book I've read by Lauren Myracle that isn't written in the form of instant messages (I'm talking about TTFN, TTYL and L8R G8R, reviewed here). I loved those books, but I loved this one even more. I found the storyline intriguing, with all its hints at past dealings with darkness, and the characters fascinating. Reading it gave me a brilliantly creepy, spine-tingling feeling, as feral cats popped up all over the place and frequent references were made to slimy toads. I thoroughly enjoyed its take on popularity, bullying and peer pressure. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has ever wondered about school (and life) hierarchies.

The book also left me aching to know the full story of Lurl the Pearl. Which is great, because when we interviewed Lauren Myracle, she said, "I'm working on a prequel to Rhymes with Witches, called Meow. It's about popularity and ideals and whether the two can intersect... and it's also about how a creepy character named Lurl the Pearl becomes creepy Lurl the Pearl.  Heh heh heh..."

Can't wait.

CHICK-CHAT REVIEW: Princess Diaries: To The Nines by Meg Cabot

Behold! A new Chicklish category! Welcome to the first Chick-Chat Review* - a book-related conversation between two or more Chicklish reviewers. And the first subject of this brand new exercise? None other than Meg Cabot's recently released Princess Diaries book 9, which in the UK is called To The Nines. (You can read extracts here and here.)

*Name subject to change if everyone thinks it's rubbish! Also note that Vulpes Libris has been doing this style of review for a while. :)

Here goes...

CHICK-CHAT REVIEW: Princess Diaries To The Nines by Meg Cabot

Alexandra:  So, I KNOW you read it first (so unfair!) but I’ve now finished it too and I’m dying to know what you thought of it?

Luisa: I loved it! I love the whole series, of course, but I thought this was a particularly strong book. I feel sorry for Mia, but she's growing up, things are changing for her and the people in her life. There were bound to be stormy times ahead in her relationships with Michael and Lilly, really...

Alexandra:  I couldn’t figure out if I was glad about the fall out with Lilly.  I think I was as she was getting really annoying.

Luisa: I agree, she was, although I had to keep reminding myself that I was only seeing everything from Mia's point of view! I can see how Lilly would be annoyed about JP, and doubly annoyed for the sake of her brother. She's not the most touchy-feely person at the best of times, so... Yes, I can see why she wasn't talking to Mia. I do feel sorry for Mia, though. What can you do when someone just won't listen to your side of things? I'm so glad she has Tina! I love Tina.

Luisa: So, who do you think is right for Mia: JP, Michael or someone else?

Alexandra:  Hmmm, I don’t know – maybe someone else.  I worry J.P. might be a bit too ‘stalky’, I mean, she said she needed time, he said he’d wait, but he kept appearing at her apartment!  I agree with what you just said on Lilly.  She should be annoyed at J.P. and, to be a bit of a Tina here:  it was clear that he went out with Lilly to be closer to Mia.   So that makes me worry about if he would let Mia down?  And does he like Mia because he has a dad who expects him to live up to certain things?  But, on the other hand, his own notoriety means he ‘gets’ a lot of what she goes through, doesn’t he?  Like the limelight stuff and he is really cute taking her to musicals!  Don’t get me started on Michael – well, he’s a bit stupid, isn’t he?  He should have told her the whole Judith Gershner thing.  ARGH.  Boys….!!!!!

Luisa: It's true that JP seems a better match for Mia on paper, which could be offputting - I mean, I can see that Mia might be uncomfortable with it. She's not one to do things for the sake of appearances, is she? But there are some genuine feelings between them, too. I think he's a sweet character. He's more in touch with his feminine side than Michael, isn't he? LOL. Hmm. Mind you, I don't think Mia's going to get over Michael in a hurry.

Luisa: D'you know what? It's odd to think that Mia used to go out with Kenny, however briefly!

Alexandra:  So tell me, that thing Kenny does in the lab (that we shouldn’t give too much away about), do you think he did it deliberately?  Like he’s smart isn’t he, so….

Luisa: Ooh, I hadn't thought of that! No, surely not. I'll tell you what, though - that was such a funny moment. I'm laughing to myself just thinking about the way that was built up!

Alexandra:  It was almost as funny as the fact Kenny now has muscles!!!

Luisa: So what did you think of the book overall?

Alexandra: Brilliant.  I love the way the Princess Diaries are not like those series where you think, “I will not read the next one as they’re all the same.”  This was really great, both as the next in the series and on its own.  And I like the grown-up feel, now that she’s older, and I the ending is fab too.  But we can’t talk about that can we?

Luisa: S'pose not. But I agree with you! :)

Alexandra: How long do we have to wait for the next one?  I’m going to go into denial that it’s the last one.  How will I cope otherwise?

Luisa: I don't know when the last one's out (nooooo!) but I'm guessing some time next year. I'll keep an eye on Meg Cabot's site and report back with news. And I agree with you about it being the last one - how will we cope? Let's hope there are spin-offs and, of course, other fab Meg books to look forward to!

REVIEW: The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg

Oh, my. I would have loved this book for the subject matter, even if it hadn't had its Special Ingredient. It's the story of a girl called Jane who survives a terrorist bombing in a big city, and then is whisked away to the suburbs by her over-protective mother to start afresh. Making friends at her new school is nearly impossible, especially when the most interesting people (all called something like 'Jane') don't want to know her. But she slowly wins them round by involving them in subversive art projects - P.L.A.I.N., which stands for People Loving Art in Neighbourhoods. The story is about friendship, community, art and survival.

And the Special Ingredient? It's a graphic novel. I think this was the first in the Minx series, which DC Comics is marketing at girls. But I think there's something for everyone in this book - fantastic artwork, an intriguing main character, a fully rounded supporting cast, a brilliant idea, a lasting and thought-provoking story. I found that I read it very quickly because of the format, but it didn't leave me with that empty feeling that quick reads often do. I loved it and I want to read more like it.

Check out Cecil Castellucci's blog here, and DC Comics here.

Cecil Castellucci has also written prose novels Boy Proof, Beige and The Queen of Cool.

REVIEW: Missing - Code Name Cassandra by Meg Cabot

Review by Alexandra

I haven’t read the first in this series, but it didn’t matter at all. The plot and Jessica’s ‘secret’ ability to find missing children, as revealed in the first book, are made clear again for any new readers.

In Code Name Cassandra, Jessica goes to Orchestra Camp – thinking this will give her a  summer away from the press and FBI, and, most importantly, means she doesn’t have to work at her parents’ restaurant. Unfortunately it doesn’t quite work out how it’s supposed to! First, she’s finding it hard to convince people she no longer can find missing children with her mysterious powers, and second, she’s got to look after a cabin full of difficult boys – one of whom – Shane is particularly challenging. 

This was really fun read.  I loved the idea of Jessica’s abilities, and the fact Jessica and the FBI have a different idea of how these powers should be used.   

Read it to find out if Jess can learn how to control Shane? Will her special powers be outed and the FBI cause her a headache?  Or will she convince them she’s really just another teenage girl? And will she persuade her friend Rob to finally admit he likes her and date her?

Great read.

Review by Alexandra

REVIEW: I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

Ava's boyfriend Jackson is dead, and she feels like it was all her fault. Then she starts to hear him and see him, maybe even touch him. He's back... sort of. Her family and friends are going to think she's crazy if she tells them she's seen Jackson's ghost, so Ava retreats into her thoughts, and spending time with Jackson.

I love verse novels, and this is no exception. I was swept up quickly into Ava's emotions and I read the book all in one sitting, practically holding my breath. (Well, not really, but that's what it felt like!) I found it very easy to put myself in Ava's position and feel everything she was feeling, while identifying with her family and friends' reactions at the same time. A moving, wonderful book that you think about long after you've finished reading. In fact, the best word to describe it is 'haunting'. I know, I know - but really, it was.

REVIEW: Turtle Feet, Surfer's Beat by Marina Kuperman

Penelope is dragged away from her comfortable life in the New York suburbs when her father gets a photography job in Costa Rica. Dumped by her long-term boyfriend just before the move, Penelope's not very happy about her new life, especially when she finds out she's been registered to do a two-week volunteer session at the Leatherback Turtle Biological Center. Oh, plus her parents are on the brink of divorce, and the move turns out to be a last-ditch attempt to save the marriage.

But things take a turn for the better for Penelope when she meets the amazing sea turtles. She vows to do everything she can to save them from extinction. She also meets Kendall, Central America's surf champ. He's gorgeous, he's kind-hearted, and he's interested in Penelope...

This book is full of gripping adventure, fantastic turtles, thrilling surfing, and a very sweet romance. Penelope is a great, feisty character and her brother Sammy is funny and likeable, even though you can see why Penelope finds him irritating. In fact, I loved all the characters in this. When I finished the story I felt like I'd learnt a lot about turtles, surfing and Costa Rica in a very entertaining way.

If you enjoy this, you'll probably also like Girl Overboard by Aimee Ferris.

Turtle Feet, Surfer's Beat is available to order from Marina Kuperman's site, and part of the proceeds go towards saving leatherback turtles and other marine animals. See the website for more details and some fun stuff.

INTERVIEW: Cassandra Clare

Alexandra interviews Cassandra Clare, author of City of Bones.

   

   

Who's your favourite character in City of Bones? Why?

My favourite character is probably Simon, because I like that he's smart and he's got a sense of humor; unlike everyone else, he's a guy who has no special powers, which I think in some ways makes his actions ever braver than say, Jace's, because Jace has been brought up to deal with supernatural threats and Simon hasn't. Plus I like Simon's collection of obnoxious t-shirts.

Clary Fray came over to me as perfectly characterised.  There's a balance of her being neither too forward nor too held back in meeting her new identity and what she faces through the novel.  Was she a difficult character to write?

I specifically made Clary a visual artist because I wanted to write from the point of view of a character who doesn't see the world like I do. I'm a word person; I look at things and think how I would describe them. Clary looks at everything very visually and thinks about how she would paint or draw it, or how whatever she's looking at compares to paintings or drawings she's familiar with. That was tough for me, and I ran the manuscript by artist friends of mine to get their opinion before I finished it. She's also very brave and reckless, while I'm not, but that was fun to write — I like writing characters who really move the action along.

Do you know what you will you write after the The Mortal Instruments Trilogy?

Right now I'm planning another trilogy in the same world as the Mortal Instruments, but set a hundred and fifty years previously. It's not from the point of view of a Shadowhunter this time, but from the viewpoint of a warlock girl who's half demon and half human. Of course she falls in love with a Shadowhunter, but their love is forbidden because of who and what they are. The story takes place in Victorian-era New York, London, Paris and Shanghai, and involves shapeshifters, warlock masked balls, and clockwork demons.

One last (selfish) question - can you promise to write us books like City of Bones forever?

I still feel insanely lucky that someone out there is paying me to do what I love to do, which is write books. I'm certainly not planning on stopping now!

REVIEW: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Review by Alexandra

The cover of my copy of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare says “funny, dark and sexy”. I don’t know if I’d have picked those words myself, mostly as I wouldn’t know which praise words to choose if I had to narrow it down to only three. I wouldn’t normally use this phrase but: this book is really hot.  I totally loved it from page one. 

Clary Fray is the brilliantly written main character, one day a normal teenage girl - the next plunged into a mystery which gradually reveals itself to turn her life, identity, and what she knew as her family, completely upside-down. 

Her new life involves demons, vampires and Shadowhunters. The mother she’d taken as totally normal all her life, is actually a Shadowhunter – and she’s disappeared. Throughout the novel Clary looks for her mum, finding help in the Shadowhunters, Jace and his friends, Alec and Isabelle. 

Clary grows slowly and steadily into her new ‘self’ and is neither too fragile nor too bold, which for me was a perfect balance. When things seem to be worked out, what should be a safe haven for Clary turns into a further problem as one of their allies betrays them. Through this Clary discovers the identity of the father she’s never known and ends up fighting for more than her mother. 

I savoured each chapter, with its great plot, characters and excellent writing. I haven’t read that many urban fantasies but if this is how it goes, I’m in.  Hopefully you’ll go read it and join me in the anxious wait for book two.

Watch out for Alexandra's interview with Cassandra Clare, here on Chicklish very soon!

REVIEW: The Clique by Lisi Harrison

I know it's an old one (the first book was out in 2004 and the series is now on book eight or so, and adapted into a US television series) but, as no teen lit site would be complete without a review of a Lisi Harrison book, here it is.

In the first book, The Clique, we meet mean Massie and clueless Claire. Well, Claire is only relatively clueless. She's new in town and doesn't immediately fit in with the exclusive private school clique led by Massie Block, the glossy, beautiful, rich envy of every girl at Octavian Country Day School. Part of the problem is that Claire's living on the grounds of Massie's family's huge estate, which means the girls are thrown together whether they like it or not. At first, Claire makes an effort to be nice, but when Massie and the gang respond with nothing but meanness, Claire finds a clever way to fight back, and possibly even beat the clique at their own game.

This novel feels complete, yet you know it's just the start of everything, and there are going to be plenty more struggles in later books. You're also kept guessing about Claire - how different is she from Massie really, deep down? Their relationship is nicely complicated and there's loads of sneaky goings-on to keep you reading. Despite the way the girls all dress and act way older than their years, the boy/love interest stuff is minor in Clique-land, maybe because it's aimed at a younger age group but most likely because, well, the true conflict is all between the girls - any boys are just a mild distraction. There are some great funny moments in among all the slightly scary mean girl antics, and this book is pure entertainment for anyone who's ever wanted to be a mean girl, or beat the in-crowd, or both.

There are loads of facts and fun stuff to do with The Clique on Lisi Harrison's website.

REVIEW: Uninvited by Amanda Marrone

Jordan has a regular visitor at her window after dark: her ex-boyfriend Michael. And Michael is dead. It's rumoured that he killed himself, which doesn't really make sense - Michael was always seen as a popular golden boy with everything to live for, unlike Jordan and the wild crowd she hangs around with now. Another strange thing is that Michael seems intent on getting back with Jordan, even though he didn't waste any time finding loads of other girls after he and Jordan broke up. Every night, he tries to persuade her to invite him in. Of course, now that Michael is a vampire, this could mean the end of Jordan's life as she knows it. And she's finding it very tempting...

There are some great teen vampire novels around at the moment. This one is completely different from all the others, although it's equally wonderful. For a start, it's not really a 'vampire novel' at all, even though there's a vampire in it. The story is more about Jordan learning to cope with life, and it's beautifully written. Jordan is lost, in an utterly believable, realistic and touching way, even though she has an added paranormal problem on top of the non-trivial day-to-day issues of functioning at school and in the world. In Uninvited it is extremely easy to relate to her worries. All the way through, this page-turning novel operates on more than one level, and I found it breathtaking to spot the significance of the title as the events unfolded.

This is a brilliant book. Fans of vampire novels will love its darkness and the nail-biting action sequences. Fans of general teen fiction will love this story of a young woman struggling to realise the value and importance of her own life.

REVIEW: The Principles of Love by Emily Franklin

Review by Keris.

When Love Bukowski's father becomes the Principal of Hadley Hall prep school, she has to start over again in a new place and make new friends. Before too long, she has a crush on the school hottie, Robinson Hall, but unfortunately he's dating one of Love's only friends - the gorgeous Lila.

With her mother not around - her whereabouts are a mystery since Love's father refuses to discuss her - Love looks to her Aunt Mable for a female influence and in her spare time both sings at Mable's Boston coffee shop and records radio jingles, generally for embarrassing products.

Oh and there's also her email buddy, DrakeFan, who Love thinks is probably perfect for her, if only she knew who he was.

I sort of enjoyed this book, but I found it a bit strange. Not very much happens and it's a bit too serious for me. I did like Love, though, so I'll probably read the next book in the series - Piece, Love & Happiness (there's also a third: Love from London).

EXTRACT: Princess Diaries: To The Nines by Meg Cabot