Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Title: Where I Belong
Author: Gwendolyn Heasley
Pages: 304
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: February 8, 2011

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems....

The recession affects everybody differently. For Corrinne, her entire life changes. When her dad loses his job and all their savings, Corrinne is sent, along with her younger brother, to Broken Spoke, Texas to live with their grandparents. But the transition from her urban, designer life to her new manual labor-filled one, doesn't go smoothly. As she rediscovers familial relationships and weaves through a new life, she even finds a little love...but sometimes in the wrong places.

Where I Belong is a humorous, light read filled with a rich Texan cultural atmosphere and endearing, eccentric characters. The realism merged into the novel flies off each page with adept cultural references and realistic circumstances. The recession plays a large part in the novel; it becomes the catalyst that further amplifies Corrinne's [whiny] attitude and really contributes to the authenticity of the plot. The concept of material objects and the value of family are truly emphasized by the friendly, familial setting of Broken Spoke, Texas, making for a thoughtful, relaxing read.

Despite Corrine's snobby attitude from the very beginning, her resilience manifests when she is thrown to different situations; her ability to cope with her volatile environment. The contrast between her previous and her current lifestyle is apparent with the blatant cultural and traditional references made between Broken Spoke and New York. Here, Corrinne is at a liminal stage in life; she is at the threshold between two very different lifestyles, and she is a teenager; stuck between her childhood and adulthood. In her time in Texas, Corrinne's metamorphosis is clear as she gradually falls for not only Bubby, but also the whole town of Broken Spoke.

Where I Belong embodies a warm, friendly tone with an entertaining cast of charming characters that will surely pull many heartstrings. Heasley writes with fun and hilarity in mind, and contrives a sweet, sensitive air throughout the novel. The characters, along with their quirky names and personalities, will surely captivate hearts. Although not quite as memorable, Where I Belong still proves to be a pleasant, witty read.

At its core, Where I Belong is a heartfelt novel that explores life, family, and friendship. It portrays life at its best, and at its worst. This novel conveys that happiness is a state of mind; it doesn't matter where you are or how much money you have. All that matters is the people around you and the ability to adapt. Readers will encounter different life lessons in this meaningful, fun, contemporary novel.

The Bottom Line: A realistic debut.

---Field Report---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 8/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 4/5
Style: 4/5
Tone: 3/5
Cover: 9/10
Total Score: 79/100 (B)

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The Star Shack by Lila Castle

Title: The Star Shack
Author: Lila Castle
Pages: 224

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Publication Date: June 1, 2010

Pete and Annabelle live for their summers together on Gingerbread Beach. They've always believed they were a perfect pair… until junior year, when A...more Pete and Annabelle live for their summers together on Gingerbread Beach. They've always believed they were a perfect pair… until junior year, when Annabelle becomes obsessed with astrology. Now they can hardly stand each other. Pete thinks that Annabelle (a Leo) has become a total flake; Annabelle thinks Pete (a Scorpio) has become an uptight jerk.

When Annabelle dares Pete to open a summer business on the Boardwalk generating personalized horoscopes, their fast-paced, hilarious bickering soon rises to a fever pitch. The he-said/she-said advice of the Star Shack is wildly popular and seems able to fix any relationship problem… except their own.

But when one of Annabelle's star charts helps catch a thief, Pete might have to admit that the stars could really hold the key to the future…and to his own heart.

Pete and Annabelle are meant for each other. Or so they think. When Annabelle becomes obsessed with astrology, Pete starts thinking she's weird and breaks up with her. And since Annabelle knows Pete can't refuse a dare, she dares him to start The Star Shack with her. Too bad it backfires. Soon, Annabelle's fed up of Sarah, Pete, and Gingerbread. She thinks Pete is happy with Sarah, but is he really? Maybe Annabelle and Pete are really meant to be together. Or are they really?

A lighthearted tone, lively characters, and a quaint, yet intimate setting, The Star Shack charms readers with its exceptionally executed split narrative, and lively, quirky supporting characters. Pete and Annabelle's narrative presents both sides of the story and provides the reader with their biased, but nonetheless entertaining take on one another. And although the overall tone of The Star Shack is light, it still embodies deeper emotional turmoil and sentimentality, sustaining a fun, contemplating summer read.

Initially, Pete is perceived as a close-minded jerk but his narration is able to make the reader root for him as well. Pete's baseball obsession as a Boston Sox fan, is significant and sparks plenty of humorous banter with Annabelle and other New York Yankees fans. His internal conflict and pretense stops him from being with Annabelle and his sarcasm and comebacks are defense barriers that keep him detached from her. But as he learns more about astrology, his façade starts to break and he finally starts being true to himself. He finally realizes that Annabelle is really what he wants. His strong narrative truly portrays him as a practical, pensive character despite his faults.

Witty, passionate, and understanding, Annabelle is a well-developed character that emanates a cheerful personality, but is truly sensitive inside. She keeps her emotions well-hidden from the others, but the reader will unequivocally feel her emotions and heartache stirring within her as she struggles with Pete throughout the novel. Her viewpoint is optimistic at first, but as her friendship with Pete dissipates, so does her optimism. And even though their chemistry is palpable from the beginning, both Annabelle and Pete refuse to accept one another.

Astrology and baseball are extremely significant in The Star Shack, the combination of these two very different subjects is connected creatively and tangibly. Here, the idea of astrology is strongly questioned by Pete, and is strongly believed by Annabelle. Both sides are argued well with baseball incorporated into it. Lila Castle smoothly brings controversial topics into this entertaining novel and immediately sparks interest into the subject.

The Star Shack is a balanced, introspective read that makes readers reflect and muse about the subjects presented here. The great chemistry between the characters, the relaxed and easy tone of the book, and the fun concept of astrology and baseball, all pull together to contrive a beautifully written, perfect summer read. (A+)

The Bottom Line: Truly the perfect book for the beach =)

---Field Report---
Originality: 7/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 96/100 (A+)

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Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Title: Forget You
Author: Jennifer Echols
Pages: 304

Publisher: MTV

Publication Date: July 20, 2010

Why can't you choose what you forget...And what you remember?

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four- year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people— suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

The accident. Zoey remembers nothing of it...or anything that happened that night. Already dealing with her disjointed family, and the added pressure of her friends, she has enough to deal with. But when she pretends to remember everything that night, she is confused by her relationships with Brandon and Doug. As she tries to figure out what truly happened, she discovers many things about the people around her, as well as herself.

Forget You is an unparalleled novel that explores difficult situations with immense clarity and impression. Mysterious, as well as romantic, Forget You deeply scrutinizes the different aspects of teenage life. Family, friendship, and love are consistent themes in the novel that are complexified by Zoey's amnesia. As events of the accident are unraveled, readers will gain a true understanding of the emotional strife that teens go through everyday. Jennifer Echols writes a poignant and thoughtful novel that profoundly conveys the insecurities and vulnerabilities many people deal with.

Zoey's life is problematic and complicated even before the accident; her parents are divorced, her mom is on a downward spiral to suicide, and her conflicting feelings for Brandon are a lot to handle. Zoey's practicality and maturity is evident in the rational way she handles herself. But her candor in some situations remind the reader that she's still a teenager. There are times wherein she becomes somewhat irrational and stubborn; especially when she starts to play with Doug's feelings. Readers will empathize with Zoey and genuinely apprehend what she goes through. Her broken relationships with her dysfunctional family, distant friends, and Doug, will slowly mend themselves as she begins to realize what really happened and finally allow herself to be honest and true to herself.

Initially, Doug is perceived as a jerk. But his tough exterior slowly reveals a more sensitive and understanding side of him. His feelings for Zoey are strong and evident in the way he treats her. And even with his elusive past that molded his reputation, his determination to get Zoey is heartfelt and admirable. The sexual tension and intensified electricity between them crackles in the atmosphere, just waiting to break free.

The main concepts and themes in Forget You, are love, understanding, and coping. When Zoey gets amnesia, she has to grapple with the confusion and unsureness that has seeped into her life, as well as the opposing feelings she develops for Doug. And with her mom, she finally begins to understand as well as cope with the fact that her mom has a bipolar disorder. When Zoey finds her mother in their home that day, she is ashamed of it, especially when her dad is as well. But eventually, she learns to accept it.

Forget You is reminiscent of Jennifer Echols' other novels; it has the same descriptive and expressive writing style, as well as a believable conflict that deals with real-life problems. Jennifer Echols is an astounding author who has written a powerful, in-depth novel with a strong voice and concrete characters that readers will all identify with. (A+)

The Bottom Line: Striking characters with an original plot line. Extremely meaningful.

---Field Report---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 99/100 (A+)

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She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott

Title: She's So Dead to Us (Book 1)
Author: Kieran Scott
Pages: 256

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Publication Date: May 25, 2010

When having money is all that matters, what happens when you lose it all?

Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.

Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.

But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.

Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?

Ally Ryan is back. That's what everyone is talking about. Why? Because she's coming back after two years. She's coming back after her dad bankrupted half of the town. Now everybody hates her. Secrets, lies, and diminished friendships haunt her every move. Insults become a normal thing for the once-popular, once-loved Ally Ryan. Will she get through it all? Will she even snag one of the most swoon-worthy guys? Or will she fall?

She's So Dead to Us is a pleasurable read with an intricately and elaborately woven web of lies, lust, and secrets. Friendship and family relationships are made more complicated with an enhanced high-society background with the über wealthy. The rich families' bad attitudes are evident based on how they treat Ally and her mom. Of course, their feelings can be empathized with, but even so, they still stoop very low and treat Ally's family harshly though her and her mom don't have anything to do with the scandal. Grudges are strong, but new bonds are formed.

Ally's powerful stance and character is very promising as she deals with insults, pranks, and judgments. She is an extremely strong protagonist, who, in the midst of everything, will make the best out of what she has. A big theme in this novel is acceptance; here, Ally accepts her financial status and comes to terms with what her father has done. Jake, on the other hand, eventually starts accepting her as well. Characters in She's So Dead to Us, such as Jake, are shallow at first, but progress into somewhat more understanding and more empathizing characters. His deeper perception of Ally is what brings them together, but his shallowness also comes in the way at times, making him look pig-headed and immature.

The characters surrounding Ally are not neglected and well-developed. Each has a unique personality and outlook on Ally's situation. Most of the characters' attitudes towards Ally is thoroughly established through their immense bullying and insulting; all of which are well-put and realistically portrayed by Scott. The divide between wealthy and the middle class is truly visible in She's So Dead to Us due to the treatment and the behavior of each group. Kieran Scott delivers this through undiluted discrimination between the two classes.

There is a large contrast here between shallowness and depth. Ally's narration is mature and full of depth while she lives in a typical, shallow background filled with the very rich. Stereotypes here are profoundly scrutinized at a more perceptive level, but the stereotypes themselves are shallow. Ally's relationship with her mom is one that is genuine and real amongst the façade of 'adept' relationships put up by her other friends.

She's So Dead to Us is surprisingly an in-depth book in the midst of shallow books similar to its premise. Scott's novel will stand out and will pull readers in with its riveting world of high-society life, secrets, drama, and a blooming romance. Readers will encounter scandals, deceit, and will truly find out how imperfect and complicated rich people's lives can be.

The Bottom Line: Fresh, fun, gritty, and utterly real.

---Field Report---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 92/100 (A)

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My Invisible Boyfriend by Susie Day

Title: My Invisible Boyfriend
Author: Susie Day
Pages: 288
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: April 1, 2010

Heidi has the perfect solution to her popularity problems - a fake boyfriend. She's even made him an Internet profile that makes him look like a motorcycle-riding, poetry reading bad boy. *swoon* Heidi's friends are so impressed they start emailing Heidi's fake boyfriend with their problems . . . including their problems with Heidi.

As if that weren't bad enough, a delicious and possibly single person called "A Real Boy" emails Heidi to say he knows the truth. Can Heidi escape from her world wide web of lies? Or will her chance at romance disappear faster than you can type gtg?

Heidi's just another normal, single, unpopular girl in the midst of floating, happy couples. The solution to her problems? A fake boyfriend. That should solve everything right? WRONG. Her fake boyfriend Ed, causes more problems than she imagined and someone knows about her plan. Will she damage her own reputation? Or will she find love...in the most unexpected places?

My Invisible Boyfriend is a quirky, hilarious, and entertaining read that is very realistically portrayed through emails, funny recipes, and chats as well as prose. This element especially enhances and emphasizes the convincing and believable background of the story. Readers will be able to imagine themselves in Heidi's position very easily because of the contemporary versatility and authentic characters in the book.

My Invisible Boyfriend starts out quite shallow, but the eccentric quirks and Heidi's overactive imagination lets the novel flow smoothly and eventually gains more depth and characteristic. Heidi's narration is humorous and light, making her antics even funnier to read about. And even though she's quite naive, she cares for her friends and her efforts mirror that through a few situations-gone-wrong. Heidi is not without her quirks and funny behaviors as well. Although one that might agitate the reader a little bit are her
WOE.
UH.
or
PAW.
LOO.
DOE.
moments that are quite overdone. Readers might even have a hard time understanding what they mean. But ultimately, Heidi is an unforgettable protagonist that will not fail to make readers laugh with her LOL-worthy shenanigans and escapades.

Hilarious and charming, My Invisible Boyfriend is a light, fun read that will captivate readers with its charm and wit. The recipes are flat out funny and everything else--even a little predictable--will definitely make you laugh! A =)

The Bottom Line: ROFLMAOing while reading this =)


---Field Report---
Originality: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 8/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 92/100 (A)

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Swoon at Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter

Title: Swoon at Your Own Risk
Author: Sydney Salter
Pages: 360
Publisher: Graphia
Publication Date: April 5, 2010

It’s the summer before senior year and Polly Martin has sworn off boys. Who needs the hurt and confusion? Five recent breakups have left her with an unnatural knowledge of NASCAR, the ultimate hiker’s outfit, a student council position, the sixth highest score on the Donkey Kong machine at the mall, and a summer job at Wild Waves with ex #2 Sawyer Holmes.

Success seems a sure thing when Polly’s grandmother, the syndicated advice columnist, Miss Swoon, moves in for the summer. Polly almost doesn’t mind sharing a room with her little sister, Grace. Think of all the great advice she’ll get!

Everything is going according to plan except... Miss Swoon turns out to be a man-crazy septuagenarian! And then there’s Xander Cooper. If only he wouldn’t keep showing up at Wild Waves with his adorable cousins every afternoon — and what is he writing in that little notebook?

No advice column in the world can prepare Polly for the lessons she learns when she goes on a group camping trip (with three too many ex-boyfriends). Polly is forced to see people for who they are — a blend of good and bad qualities that can’t be reduced to a list or a snappy answer in a Miss Swoon column.

With her past endeavors with boys, Polly realizes she needs a break from boys. But throw in grammy Miss Swoon, hot skater dude Xander, and a trip with her exes, what's a girl to do? Only the granddaughter of Miss Swoon can tell! Ready, set, SPLASH!

Swoon at Your Own Risk is a fun, exuberant read full of growth and self-discovery. Although sometimes cliché and obvious, Swoon at Your Own Risk provokes a light, flowing nostalgia of summertime for the readers. Polly's situations are always laugh-out-loud hilarious and entertaining, keeping the novel bright and flowing.

The best main aspect in Swoon at Your Own Risk is Polly. At first, Polly seems unlikeable, selfish, and annoying, but as she deals with her issues and situations, she transforms into a funny, spunky, and fun character. The diverse spectrum of characters surrounding Polly brings Swoon at Your Own Risk to life and each and every character is special in their own way. Xander's part in Polly's life is extremely predictable, but that doesn't take away much from the plot. He's a cute, sensitive, and deep character. Xander is different from other YA love interests because he shows a more creative and different side of guys.

The tone of Swoon at Your Own Risk is established straight away with Polly's narration. In the beginning, readers may become a little frustrated with Polly's first-person narrative, but that's part of how she grows as a person. As the book progresses, readers will see subtle changes in Polly and her way of thinking, and this ultimately makes her a more down-to-earth character. Her previous experiences with boyfriends makes her fear of taking that leap of faith with Xander and later on, she may or may not overcome it.

Cheery, meaningful, and fun, Swoon at Your Own Risk takes you on a relaxing swim of realization, laughs, and of course, boys! It's perfect to remind you of summer and summer romances...but with a twist of Miss Swoon! A =)

The Bottom Line: Fun, fun, fun!

---Field Report---
Originality: 6/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 93/100 (A)

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The Clearing by Heather Davis

Title: The Clearing
Author: Heather Davis
Pages: 228
Publisher: Graphia
Publication Date: April 12, 2010

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

Recovering from an abusive relationship, Amy goes to her great aunt Mae's house to run from her problems and start anew. When she discovers Henry's life on the other side of the clearing, she is immediately drawn to his world and the inexplicable connection they share. But their relationship might not last; for Henry's situation may be far too complicated to hold their bond. Their hearts are on the line and their feelings for each other are quickly growing. It may be too late to avoid heartache.

The Clearing is a beautiful, bittersweet book that portrays the hardships and obstacles that people like Amy and Henry have to go through, just for love. It focuses on perfectly capturing the essence of love and showing its different sides. The Clearing shows the ups and downs, and also depicts how people can mistake 'infatuation' or 'like' for love.

The concept of The Clearing is extraordinary yet convincing. The idea of the mist in the clearing separating two different times; present and 1944 stands out well and is solidified with the realistic references in the book. The Clearing has a simplistic backdrop that gives the plot a more intimate and rustic feel to it. Readers will be completely interlocked and captivated with the charming countryside where Amy and Henry reside.

Amy's voice as a narrator is clear and concise with a comfortable tone. Amy has been through a lot, and readers will resonate with her feelings and experiences as Amy strives to get over her abusive relationship. Henry, from a completely different time, is a well-established character from the very beginning and yearns for something different...something only Amy can give. Their relationship coincides with Henry's family's developing revelation of the situation they're in and this further complicates things between their boundaries. They won't get all of what they want, but they do get to experience something very valuable; love. Even if their romance is quite rushed, it's easy to overlook that tainting aspect and focus on the subtle and important messages in The Clearing.

Amy's situation is uncommon but the reader will become in tune with her situation because of the normalities that are present in the novel. Amy deals with school, trying to fit in, friends, and family problems just like many other teens today. Henry and his world serves as an escape from her unhappy reality which ultimately elaborates on the concept of reality and fantasy comparison.

Simple, beautiful, and compassionate, The Clearing is full of depth and simple messages that readers may have forgotten. It's reminiscent of quiet summer nights, the lovely countryside, and the slight paranormal tinge. The Clearing is a magical and thought-provoking read that will make readers truly question their morals and beliefs of love. A+ =)

The Bottom Line: Breathtaking, simple, and balanced.

---Field Report---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 97/100 (A+)

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Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Title: Siren
Author: Tricia Rayburn
Pages: 352
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: July 13, 2010

Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything—the dark, heights, the ocean—but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge. That is, until Justine goes cliff-diving one night near the family’s vacation house in Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day.

Though her parents hope that they’ll be able to find closure back in Boston, Vanessa can’t help feeling that her sister’s death wasn’t an accident. After discovering that Justine was keeping a lot of secrets, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor, hoping that Justine’s boyfriend might know more. But Caleb has been missing since Justine’s death.

Soon, it’s not just Vanessa who’s afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes host to a string of fatal, water-related accidents in which all the victims are found, horrifically, grinning from ear to ear.

Vanessa turns to Caleb’s brother, Simon, for help, and begins to find herself drawn to him. As the pair try to understand the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance—and will change her life forever.

Always living on the edge, Justine is the complete polar-opposite of Vanessa. While Justine is adventurous, outgoing, and spontaneous, Vanessa is shy, practical, and afraid. When Justine dies cliff-diving, she tries to figure out what happened that unfortunate night with the help of Simon. Little does she know that her sister--and Winter Harbor--hold many fearful secrets that can endanger everybody's life. Will facing her fear be enough to save Winter Harbor? Or will she stay hiding in fear? She has to decide. Her decision will affect all of Winter Harbor...including Simon.

Siren is a bittersweet, dangerous, magical read that will never cease to surprise; much like the sea itself. In Siren, the bond between the Vanessa and Justine is strong, but both have insecurities that affect their perception of themselves and each other. The mystical and enigmatic elements, linked with the romance in Siren, creates a very intense, yet effortless atmosphere that flows throughout the novel.

Vanessa is a compelling and complicated three-dimensional protagonist that is pulled out of her shell once her sister dies. The two sisters; Justine and Vanessa, are a study of contrasts that completely fit together. Even when they are so different, their connection is seemingly unbreakable. After Justine's death, Vanessa copes with her grief through her shared connection with Simon. The romance aspect of Siren doesn't overpower the mystery and sense of urgency in Siren, but rather, it develops slowly as the plot unravels itself and as Simon and Vanessa make sense of their feelings for each other.

The emotional turmoil in Siren is portrayed continuously through Siren's progression. Grief, death, and insecurity are all very visible themes in the novel and the concept of fear is greatly emphasized with every secret, and every anomaly that is revealed. Vanessa's choices and decisions impact not only her, but everyone else. And she has to overcome her fear in hopes of discovering the deep, dark, and unimaginable secrets that her sister left in her wake.

In the midst of searching for answers, Vanessa is able to meet new people and make friends like Paige. Paige doesn't know about Justine and doesn't judge Vanessa right away, and this provides her with a relief from all of the grief and anxiety that she has to deal with. Paige is a supportive character and a real friend to Vanessa. She plays a big part in a secret that even she is unaware of.

Rayburn not only keeps readers on the edge with Siren, but she evokes so much emotion through her words, keeping Siren perfectly balanced. Its build up of suspense and mystery will explode into a fusion of an electrifying and breathtaking climax that will unequivocally satisfy the readers' craving for a beautiful yet simple ending. A+ =)

The Bottom Line: Siren gives a simple, beautiful message with the infusion of mystery, and a paranormal touch.

---Field Report---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 100/100 (A+) !!!This is one of the TEN books that hold the title: The Holy Grail - Beholder of the Perfect 100!!!

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Mixed Messages by Jahnna N. Malcolm

Title: Mixed Messages
Author: Jahnna N. Malcolm
Pages: 208
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: December 28, 2004

To whom it may concern, Jade has had it for Zephyr forever. But you can only crush on a guy for so long. And with graduation just around the corner, it's now or never. Jade writes Zephyr a love letter. Only Zephyr never gets the letter. Adam get's the letter. It's a huge disaster and total embarrassment. . .

Then again, maybe not.

The whole time Jade's been in high school, she's had a crush on ultra-cool musician Zephyr...she even learned how to play the guitar to make him notice her! Now, she's a heart-stopping singer/songwriter. But when she finally tells her friends about her crush, they dare her to send him a love letter---declaring her 'undying' love for him. Only it doesn't go to Zephyr, it goes to Adam. Jade's confused about who she really likes...or loves? She's going to have to make a decision or she'll lose them both.

Malcolm did a great job with this book. For the first few pages, it might seem like cliché, unoriginal, but Malcolm breathes life into it with witty dialogue, fresh new characters, and a knot of complications and lies. It builds up into a completely unexpected ending that readers may or may not like. Readers will have a hard time deciding between Adam and Zephyr. Adam brings adventure and spontaneousness into Jade's life, while Zephyr rocks her socks off with his passionate music. Who will she decide?

Although the characters in the novel were not described as vividly as they could have been, Malcolm was still able to individualize them as a person. The plot was light and funny, without making it sickeningly sweet, and the dynamics between the characters are completely believable and tanglible. It will let nearly any teen relate to them.

The Bottom Line: I enjoyed this hilariously funny read! Jahnna was able to mold a could-have-been cliché plot into a light, heart-warming read. Snow White loves this book :-) You'll know what I mean if you read the book :-) A :-)

---Report Card---
Originality: 9/10
Ending: 9.5/10
Characters: 9.5/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9.5/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 7/10
Total Score: 93.5/100 (A)

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Cupidity by Caroline Goode

Title: Cupidity
Author: Caroline Goode
Pages: 288
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: December 28, 2004

Dating in high school is like reality TV. It can get pretty surreal.

Between the strict social ladder (geeks' lockers left, jocks' to the right), and silly, pointless rules (no hand-holding, no kissing, no breathing!), high school is the single worst place to fin a boyfriend. And Laura Sweeney is no exception. She hasn't had a date since...well, ever.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. So Laura is calling in the big guns. She needs guidance. A proven "get the guy" strategy. Luckily she knows exactly the expert to call. He's a matchmaking mastermind who actually has the bow and arrow to prove it. Let's just call him...Cupid.

Laura Sweeney is the typical trying-to-be-valedictorian senior. She's smart, but not so popular. She buries herself in books, trying to beat out her competition with her 4.0 GPA. At the start of the year, she swears to herself that she will have a boyfriend. She makes a wish to the god, Jupiter for his help and he sends him Cupid...or Cupidity. Laura's life becomes upside down and topsy-turvy; jocks going out with goths, brainiacs dating cheerleaders, everything changes as her life spins out of control. When will she get her wish?

Confusing, random, and only slightly entertaining, Cupidity will not impress readers. Only people with the general knowlege of mythology will be able to understand the gods and the creatures in this novel. Judging by the cover, you would think that it probably has something to do with a dating service, but it's really about the Cupid. Goode's writing was entertaining, but cheesy and choppy.

The cast of characters in this book were extremely generic and stereotypical. They weren't individualized at all! They were the 'so-called-normal' jocks, skater dudes, goths, cheerleaders and it fails to impress readers. Without a good plot, and without good characters, Goode was just not able to accomplish a good RoCom.

One thing the reader will recognize though, is the originality of the plot. The connection between high school and Greek mythology was interesting and fresh. Otherwise, that's it. It would be a good read for those readers who like cheesy romance, a little touch of mythology, and a bucket full of stereotypes.

The Bottom Line: I really, really didn't like this book. Everything was just way too random and way too complicated! High schools don't really have stereotypical cliques and a 'social ladder'. In some books, this was the case...but for Cupidity, this is all that Goode focused on! I was frustrated and annoyed with Laura and the other characters. Also, does anybody know who that guy in the cover is? I don't think he was even mentioned in the book! I'm confused. You might like Cupidity...but I don't. B-

---Report Card---

Originality: 8/10
Ending: 6.5/10
Characters: 5/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 7.5/10
Theme: 8/10
Imagery: 8/10
Setting: 4/5
Voice: 3/5
Style: 3/5
Tone: 3/5
Cover: 7/10
Total Score: 72/100 (B-)

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Miss Match by Wendy Toliver

Title: Miss Match
Author: Wendy Toliver
Pages: 304
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: February 10, 2009

Want to snag that certain someone? You need Miss Match!

Sasha Finnegan has always had a knack for setting people up, and at sixteen, she's turned her talent into an online business, molding high school crushes into true love. But Sasha finds her toughest match yet when hottie Derek Urban asks her to set him up with Sasha's gorgeous sister, Maddie. It's not that Derek isn't a good catch. In fact, after spending so much time with him, Sasha can't help but think he's perfect-for her, that is.

Can Sasha push her feelings aside for the sake of her business? Or has this miss finally found her match?

Another cute read from the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies! Yay!

This book is FULL ON light entertainment. Miss Match is bright and comical. I thought that Toliver did great on making all of the characters witty and realistic. I loved Sasha's character because she was a character that teenagers would be able to relate to. Surprisingly, I also liked Sasha's sister, Maddie. I thought that she was just going to be the cliché cheerleader type, but she was down-to-earth and had her own problems to deal with.

The friendships and relationships between the characters were typical but they were still compelling and charming.

However, even though Miss Match is entertaining, it still has its weak points. For example, nothing in the book would compel me to remember Miss Match. I didn't find anything in Miss Match that was captivating or distinct enough to be 'unforgettable' or unique. Also, I didn't like the whole 'knight' event with Derek. It was just TOTALLY impractical and non-realistic. I found it absurd and grotesque.

The Bottom Line: An easy, carefree book that isn't anything special, but nonetheless a fun read. C :-)

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