Jillicious Reading: April 2009 |

4.05.2009

OMG!

I got to meet ALLY CARTER this week, and, if that wasn’t enough, she put our pic on her blog!

http://www.allycarter.com/2009/04/in-which-ally-takes-pictures-with.html

As soon as I finish Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover (I love that title!), I’ll add some notes about this new novel. I can’t wait to return to the Gallagher Academy and see what Cammie & the girls have been up to!

3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows

by Ann Brashares

Summary: The original Sisterhood is legend in the town of Bethesda, Maryland. Now, three younger girls about to enter high school are dealing with their own changing friendship. Ama, Jo and Polly met in third grade and were the closest of friends until middle school. They’ve all drifted apart, but as the summer before their freshman brings struggles and disappointments, they long for the comfort of their closest friends.

Thoughts: This is an enjoyable, realistic novel that focuses on the changes and challenges in friendships. I liked the author’s idea to create a second generation of close friends in the same town as the Sisterhood with connections to the original characters. Also, the metaphor of the willow tree is used beautifully throughout the novel.

Jane in Bloom

by Deborah Lytton

Summary: Jane has always lived in the shadow of Lizzie, her gorgeous, perfect older sister. However, Lizzie’s struggle with an eating disorder is destroying the whole family and ultimately forces Jane out of the shadows to discover herself and to claim her spot in the world.

Thoughts: Jane in Bloom is an emotional, touching story that focuses on the struggles of eating problems, both for those fighting the disorder and those around them. I really liked the honesty of the novel and the chance to follow Jane on her personal journey.

Dead is the New Black

by Marlene Perez

Summary: When the school’s it girl Samantha Devereaux starts the school year with a new look, ‘dead’ becomes the style of the day. But, Daisy Giordano thinks more is going on. As girls start to actually turn up in the morgue, Daisy and her psychic sisters are determined to get to the bottom of it.

Thoughts: What a sassy new series! I loved Daisy, her crazy sisters, and the blend of realistic issues with the supernatural. This is a great blend of mystery, comedy, and fantasy. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

The Opposite of Invisible

by Liz Gallagher

Summary: Alice has never been part of the in crowd. She’s been on the sidelines with her best friend, fellow budding artist, Julian (“Jewel”). But, then out of the blue, popular football player Simon takes notice of Alice. Suddenly, she is pulled off the sidelines and becomes visible. This causes trouble with Jewel who is left behind and might have stronger feelings for Alice than he’s ever admitted.

Thoughts: This was a fresh, honest story of love and self-discovery. I really liked the realistic characters, the Seattle setting, and the role of art in the novel. I look forward to reading more from this author.

jillicious reading

Jillicious Reading: April 2009

4.05.2009

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