Review: In A Heartbeat

Okay final review of day. Enjoy:)

In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
Published: by Walker Books for Young Readers- 2/2/10
Pages: 195
Series or Standalone? Standalone.
Acquired From: Around The World Tours

Summary (from GoodReads):
When a small mistake costs sixteen-year-old Eagan her life during a figure-skating competition, she leaves many things unreconciled, including her troubled relationship with her mother. From her vantage point in the afterlife, Eagan reflects back on her memories, and what she could have done differently, through her still-beating heart.

When fourteen-year-old Amelia learns she will be getting a heart transplant, her fear and guilt battle with her joy at this new chance at life. And afterwards when she starts to feel different — dreaming about figure skating, craving grape candy —her need to learn about her donor leads her to discover and explore Eagan’s life,meeting her grieving loved ones and trying to bring the closure they all need to move on.

Told in alternating viewpoints, In a Heartbeat tells the emotional and compelling story of two girls sharing one heart.

In A Heartbeat was good, but I'm having trouble saying more than that. I think I was expecting a wonderful, heartfelt, have-me-balling-my-eyes-out book- and all I got was good.

I'm not trying to undermine the quality of the book, it was good, but I felt I had expected a lot more than I got.

I mean I'm a horribly over-emotional person, but I did not shed a tear though I fully expected to. (I mean come on, its about a heart transplant between two teens younger or a year older than myself. That definitely sounds tear worthy.) I feel as if my lack of tears comes from my lack of connection. Though even with a deep connection I still don't know if I would have cried because its not as gut-wrenching as I had anticipated.

Can I specifically pin-point my where my lack of connection came from? No. I think it was a combination of predictability and a little bit of being melo-dramatic.

In regards to characters, they were good. Again, I'm having trouble saying more than that.

Amelia. I liked her more than the other characters, including the other protagonist. Not quite sure why, but I think its because she seemed genuine.

Eagan. I liked seeing her remininces of her life. She was mostly a static character, but I think to an extent that might have been the author's point.

The Boy we come across. Yeah I forgot his name. Which in all honestly isn't that hard to do. But okay, who didn't see the ending coming as soon as we met him?

Overall, In A Heartbeat was a good/okay book, and despite all of the faults I have found in it, I truly encourage you to pick it up and decide for yourselves. (I have also seen some rave reviews for this book!) I recommend this one more so to girls.

When Hooked: Some Where in the Early Stages of Book.
Hookability: (8/10)
Writing: (9/10)
Characters: (8/10)
Plot: (8.5/10)
Originality: (9/10)
Romance: (5.5/10)
Ending: (7/10)
Remembarable: (8.5/10)
Recommendability: (8.5/10)
Enjoyability: (8/10)

Overall: (8.05/10)









(If you're a "letter person" 80/100= A-)


*To see others' reviews of this book who were a part of the Around The World Tour, go here.
**Cute cover though it is a bit cliche. Cover= 7.5/10

Want More Loretta Ellsworth? She is also the author of In Search of Mockingbird and The Shrouding Woman, which are both currently released.

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You can find Loretta Ellsworth on:
her website (http://www.lorettaellsworth.com/)
her blog (http://www.lorettaellsworth.com/journal/current.html)
or on GoodReads (where she is a member)

You can find In A Heartbeat at:
GoodReads / Borders / Barnes&Noble / Amazon / Indie

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Also, take a look at the book trailer for In A Heartbeat!

Review: Notorious

Note: This is another re-read of mine, so I would like to have it noted that I liked it better the first time, though I have read, in my opinion of course, a lot more "worthwhile" books!


Notorious by Cecily von Ziegesar
Published: by Poppy- 6/6/06 <=Ahhh, day of the devil, lol.
Pages: 288
Series or Standalone? 2nd in a series

Summary (from GoodReads):
Popular Gossip Girl character Jenny Humphrey is making a splash at Waverly Academy, an elite boarding school in New York horse country where glamorous rich kids don't let the rules get in the way of an excellent time.It's less than a week into school, but Jenny's already been caught with her roommate's boyfriend (in bed!), flashed the whole school at a field hockey game, and gone up against the Disciplinary Committee. She's become notorious, just like Tinsley Carmichael, Waverly's former It Girl, who was expelled last year and is rumored to be jet-setting around the world.So what happens when Tinsley arrives back on campus and moves in with Jenny? After all, there can only be one It Girl.

My Review: The It-Girl series are fun, slightly leaning towards trashy, guilty pleasures. Notorious in particular is a drama-packed sequel, that while in my opinion not as good as first, holds the promise for the series to get better.
When Hooked: Immediately. The cliff-hanger from the previous book draws you in and has you captured until the final page is turned.
Hookability: (8.5/10) I'll give the series props for it's hookability, when it hooks you it hooks you. You need to know what the heck those crazy Dumbarton girls are going to do next.
Writing: (8/10) The writing is very engaging and flows quite well, but it is not anything really original or set apart. Though I am a fan of the multiplte character's thoughts portrayal this book contains, I like hearing all the sides to the story!
Characters: (7.5/10) There are times when I loved certain characters, and times when I wanted jump into this book just so I could yell and scream at them. They took me on a rollercoaster. Jenny. Shes the most likeable character, and the one that I definately root for. I have to admit she was pretty awesome in this book with that cheer, I wish I had that much courage! Brett. Are you really surprised at the aftermath with your scandalous affair? Honey, you're supposed to be the smart one, it was obvious as to what was gonna happen! Callie. Hey, get a backbone! Don't be such a spineless person who just tries to top someone else, but won't stand up to anyone. And seriously get over your pathetic love life already! Tinsley. I find it funny that the first time I read this I liked Tinsley, and this time I found her a complete and total b*tch. Hahaha, I do tend to love the "mean girl." Easy. I'm torn, I wanna love you, which is mostly what I feel for you, but you can be a total jerk-off sometimes. Brandon. Grow some! Eeeerrrrrgh, thats about all I have to say!
Plot: (8/10) I have found that with this series there really isn't a central "plot" but rather just a string drama-filled events that occur and somehow flow together in the end. However, I do like how chalk-filled of drama goodness they are!
Originality: (7.5/10) Nothing is quite original about this book per se, but I definitely don't think its a copy of anything either.
Romance: (8/10) I wouldn't read this book/series specifically for its romantic appeal but it is a nice little addition, that as long as your not seeking it out, will leave you content! Jenny and Easy are so cute together!
Ending: (9/10) Cecily is a master of the cliff-hanger endings. They will leave you in need to pick up the next installment to find out what happens next! You can't help it!
Remembrable: (6/10) Yeah, not so much on that one. Basics you might/will remember, but its not the kind of book where you remember every little detail, or even just the specifics.
Recommendability: (7/10) Check out the section below of the graphic/violent content, if none of that bothers you and you are in need of a guilty pleasure than I will recommend this to you! Fans of Gossip Girl will probably like this. Also, I'm definitely going to say girls will like this a whole lot better than boys.
Any Particular Graphic/Violent/"Inappropriate" Content? Drinking? YES! Drugs? Yes, not heavy or descriptive of anything but the references are still there. Swearing? YES! Not potty-mouth kind of swearing per se, but there is definitely swearing every couple pages or so. Sexual Content? HECK YES! You've hit the mother load with this one. Not really a fade-to-black kind of book, but not really graphic either, lets just say things don't really stop at making out. Also, there is a heck of a lot od sexual innuendos and implied sexual occurances. I personally think that basicly you can read anything, well besides erotica or whatever, when your over the age of 12. But I totally get that others might say this should be read by older teens only. (12+)
Overall: (8.06/10) Notorious is a drama-filled sequel that will have in need of the next installment. I feel there are better books to be your main source of reading, but as a guilty pleasure, this series is a good pick.

Cover Comments: I like the single girl on the cover thing this series has going on, simple and pretty. It doesn't blow my mind but I'm content with it. Oh, I've mentioned it before but if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
Want more of the It-Girl series? There are currently 8 other books released in the series; The It-Girl, Reckless, Unforgettable, Lucky, Tempted, Infamous, Adored, and Devious. The 10th book Classic will be released June 1, 2010!
Want more Cecily von Ziegesar? Try her Gossip Girl series; (in order) Gossip Girl, You Know You Love Me, All I Want Is Everything, Because I Worth It, I Like It Like That, Nobody Does It Better, Nothing Can Keep Us Together, Only In Your Dreams, It Had To Be You (prequel), Would I Lie To You, Don't You Forget About Me, I Will Always Love You. Or her Carlyles series: (in order) The Carlyles, You Just Can't Get Enough, Take A Chance On Me, Love The One You're With. Also, you can try the popular CW show Gossip Girl which is based off the GG books, even though mostly they improv all the stuff.

Review: The It Girl

Note: This is a re-read. From experience I know I liked it better the first time, though I have read a better selection of quality YA books since the first time I read this.

The It Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar
Published: by Poppy- 11/2/05
Pages: 272
Series or Standalone? 1st in a series.

Summary (from GoodReads):
Popular Gossip Girl character Jenny Humphrey is leaving Constance Billard to attend Waverly Academy, an elite boarding school in New York horse country where glamorous rich kids don't let the rules get in the way of an excellent time. Jenny's determined to leave her crazy Manhattan past behind and become a sophisticated goddess on campus. But first shell have to contend with her self-absorbed roommates, Callie Vernon and Brett Messerschmidt. Hot guys, new intrigue, and more delicious gossip all add up to more trouble than ever for Jenny. But if getting caught with boys and going up against the Disciplinary Committee is what it takes, Jenny's ready. Shell do all that and more to be The It Girl.

My Review: The It-Girl is a fun, slightly trashy, guilty pleasure kind of read. The drama and scandal contained within, you just eat up like candy, while there is enough of slightly deeper stuff involving the characters' inner feelings to make it not completely trashy, and more of a worthwhile read.
When Hooked: Early-On. In the first chapter when we are introduced to Jenny, you are drawn in because of you know you either know her from The Gossip Girl series, or if not already familiar with her, you become curious to what the elusive boarding school she is about to attend will have instore for us.
Hookability: (8/10) The hook is a pretty good one. Not an "oh-my-god-I-NEED-to-know-what-happens-next" hook, but one where your drawn in early on, and are eager to see what kind of trouble the girls of Dumbarton will get themselves into next.
Writing: (8/10) The story is very engaging and flows well , and I am a fan of how the author is able to tell the story through each of the character's personal thoughts and actions. (As time passes the story will flip on who is narrating, and sometimes we get other character's takes on past events.) My only criticism is the writing doesn't really bring anything new to the table.
Characters: (8/10) I enjoyed the drama that sparked from each of the characters' different personalities, though I definitely liked some characters more than others. Jenny: She is likeable and probably the most 'real' which makes her the one you "root for" through it all. Callie: Move on with your life! The world is not going to stop if you don't have a boy toy. Brett: Really? I thought you were the smart one. Tsk, tsk, you should have stayed with Jeremiah. Easy: (Funny name) Very likeable, maybe not "loveable" but definitely likeable. He's cool even if he can be a bit of a jerk sometimes. Side note: I don't know why but I loved Brandon in this book.
Plot: (8/10) There really isn't a 'plot' to this series. There are lots of conflicts and events, but no central plot per se.
Originality: (7/10) A boarding school, a girl who is 'poor'/not a lot of money and goes to a place where there are dominantly rich kids and tries to fit in, the new girl suddenly becomes mega-popular; all these are all major themes of this book. And lets face it, these are all not one bit original. We've, or atleast I have, seen them a million different times. But in context with the other novels with these themes, the way it is told through the multiple persons is slightly unique.
Romance: (7.5/10) The sparks between Jenny and Easy are cute. They won't melt your heart, but they'll put a smile on your face.
Ending: (9/10) Cliff-hanger! Color me intrigued. Very unexpected surprise at end that will make you want to go and get the next book right away!
Remembrable: (6.5/10) You might remember the basics, or a bit more, but nothing that will "wow" you, making you remember every detail.
Recommendabilty: (7/10) This is hard. To a certain, select group of people who like slightly trashy books and don't mind certain possibly "inappropiate" content, then I recommend it to you. Those who read Gossip Girl series, and watch the show will probably love it! I have a feeling though that most people would either get offended, not be "allowed" to read this, or think that there are more "worthwhile" books to be read. Personally I think it's more like a fun, guilty pleasure, but to those about to pick up, uhm, you've been warned.
Any particular graphic/violent/"inappropiate" content? Drinking? YES! Lots of underage drinking references? Drugs? Yes. One occurance where someone is smoking, it was brief and was not dwelled on, but it was there. Violence? No. Sexual content? YES! This book doesn't stop at kissing, or even making out. It really doesn't even fade-to-black either. Its not graphic per se, but you definately get the idea. And there is A LOT of innuendos. I read this at age 12, the age I'm saying you should atleast be when reading this, but if I were to put myself in a parent's shoes I could see them making their kid be a bit older to read this. (12+)
Overall: (8.10/10) Like I said this is a definite guilty pleasure read. I think there is a heck of a lot more quality YA books out there for the main intake of reading, but if in need of a private school guilty pleasure chalk full of drama, The It-Girl is for you!

Cover Comments: I like it, it has the right feel for the book. Nothing really special though. Though if you do have the whole series, or even a few of the books in the series, the spines look really cool all lined up together! (8/10)
Want more of the It-Girl series? There are currently 8 other books released in the series; Notrorious, Reckless, Unforgettable, Lucky, Tempted, Infamous, Adored, and Devious. The 10th book Classic will be released June 1, 2010!
Want more Cecily von Ziegesar? Try her Gossip Girl series; (in order) Gossip Girl, You Know You Love Me, All I Want Is Everything, Because I Worth It, I Like It Like That, Nobody Does It Better, Nothing Can Keep Us Together, Only In Your Dreams, It Had To Be You (prequel), Would I Lie To You, Don't You Forget About Me, I Will Always Love You. Or her Carlyles series: (in order) The Carlyles, You Just Can't Get Enough, Take A Chance On Me, Love The One You're With. Also, you can try the popular CW show Gossip Girl which is based off the GG books, even though mostly the improv all the stuff.