REVIEW : Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

REVIEW : Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

   10:22 PM       Elisa

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Lola and the Boy Next Door

Author      : Stephanie Perkins
Publisher   : Speak
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 368 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion...she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit--more sparkly, more fun, more wild--the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket--a gifted inventor--steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

review

"I have three simple wishes. They're really not too much to ask.
The first is to attend the winter formal dressed like Marie Antoinette. I want a wig so elaborate it could cage a bird and a dress so wide I'll only be able to enter the dance through the set of double doors. But I'll hold my skirts high as I arrive to reveal a pair of platform combat boots, so everyone can see that, underneath the frills, I'm a punk rock tough."

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Because I had soooooo much fun with Anna and the French Kiss last time (Etienne luv luv!) and have already fallen in love with Stephanie Perkins' writing, I was both excited and terrified to read this book because my expectation were somehow already high. I was afraid I would not enjoy Lola as much as I've enjoyed Anna.

And after I finished reading Lola, I have to admit I still love Anna much more.
It doesn't mean Lola is bad. Generally I enjoyed this book quite much so I still give it 4 shining stars (you know I'm kind of too generous in giving stars =p). The story, the characters are still very lovely, relatable and realistic, about a unique girl named Lola who lives with protective two fathers (I loved them by the way) and a lovely dog with attractive name; has a loyal Korean best friend and also befriend with Anna and Etienne (LOVE THEM SO MUCH HERE), loves to wear not just an ordinary clothes as her usual attire, but a full costume; and out of the blue she's torn between 2 attractive boys in their own way. I was happy to meet different circumstances and unique people in this book. I also loved the relationship between Lola and people around her, and especially with her biological mother which develops more and more every page. I can say that somehow this book is more complex, if you compare to Anna's which seems common and normal. But because this book is very relatable and realistic; like I've said before; I could not help but analyzed and made several personal judgements based on my personal values and I found some of Lola's were not very suitable to me.

My problem with Lola was somehow I found a double-standard in Lola's wearing-costume habit---which actually the most unique point of her---as her daily attire. Actually this was a thing that made me a bit nervous to read at first. For me, wearing costume could have two meaning : you just like to be stand out and have a plenty confidence of it, or you don't have enough confidence of yourself without costumes covers it. And Lola is most likely the first and then develops to the second. So while I read this whole book from Lola's head, I also thought which was the real Lola. Thankfully Ms. Perkins vocalizes this question of mine through Max, Lola's former boyfriend so I could feel it wasn't only me who disappointed with her. And maybe a love triangle which involves 2 people who are already a couple, lies and cheating is really not my thing. Quite personal, eh? =)
Nevertheless, beside all the fuss about self-confidence, Lola is still a lovely girl and I really admired her guts to be different and very passionate about it. I also loved to read how she grows maturer and willing to give a chance to people who have ever hurt her in the past. She definitely stood out, unique and unforgettable.

Yes, of course this book has several fabulous side characters!
I was really happy when I heard Anna and Etienne make some appearances in here and was grinning like an idiot when I met this lovely couple. They stole my attention though they briefly shown up because.... THEY'RE JUST THAT LOVELY! *emotional*. And Ms. Perkins created a unique and fabulous boy for Lola, Cricket Bell *can you guess from who he gets the 'Bell' name? :)*.
I found Cricket was very very different from the other YA contemporary love-interest who is usually super popular hotty with hot body, nice hair, a party-go-er, a bad-boy, and another droll-worthy qualities; that made him unique. Cricket maybe has not fully developed his physical qualities yet (well, who knows?) but he was certainly hot in his own brainy way, I definitely agree with Lola for this one. Though sometimes I like, okay, love to read about bad-boys, in reality I appreciate good-and-smart-boy much more and Cricket is one of perfect good-and-smart-boy image for me (after Etienne). He's literally an inventor, very nice, slightly shy and awkward which makes him more adorable, and I LOVEEEEEEEEEED his preppy style (THANK YOU SO MUCH MS.PERKINS), it accentuates his smartness more. Fashionable brainy is new sexy =).

Lola and the Boy Next Door is a fun, cute and fabulous contemporary reading with realistic, imperfect but lovable characters you could not help but in love with. Despite my very personal issue, I still fully recommend this book if you love realistic contemporary story. Stephanie Perkins is officially my favorite contemporary author and I can't wait to read the next companion book, Isla and the Happily Happy After which (finally) will be released this year, silently hope I could meet either Anna-Etienne nor Lola-Cricket.

Happy reading! =)

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REVIEW - Noah by Elizabeth Reyes

REVIEW - Noah by Elizabeth Reyes

   10:50 AM       Elisa

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Noah (5th Street #1)

Author      : Elizabeth Reyes
Source      : Given
Pages        : 254 (e-book)
Publisher  : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Summary from Goodreads :

Veronica Cruz has been through hell and back. After disconnecting with the world two years ago to be at the side of her dying mother, she’s left alone, unemployed, overweight, and feeling a decade older than her twenty-eight years. When her best friend coaxes her into joining the local gym to ditch her depression and rejuvenate her life, she meets Noah. Assigned to help Veronica lose weight, Noah is everything she expected a young trainer to be—perfectly chiseled, supportive and motivating. Add to that, he’s incredibly sexy. He’s everything she’s ever looked for in a man. What she least expected was for him to fall for her, but he has. There's just one glaring problem: Noah is eight years younger.

Noah Quintanilla has his eye on a boxing title—someday. Down for a few months with an injury, his maintenance-boy pay at 5th Street Gym won't cut it. He’s finally given the opportunity to train. The catch? His trainee is an out-of-shape woman with a free week pass. Taking on the challenge, Noah stumbles into one of the closest friendships he’s ever known, and before he knows it, he’s in love. But Veronica’s not having it—the age difference is too much. Their platonic relationship means having to watch her date other men—something that would make him crazy. Believing he's the man for her, Noah sets out to prove that age is but an illusion, and there's more to him than just a number.

Review :
At first, thank you Nana from Reading in The Morning who provided this book for me. I really appreciate it, you know it rite? ;D

Noah happened to be the second contemporary New Adult book I've read after Beautiful Disaster and also the first book I read in 2013 as a refreshing start and yeah, I love it! =D Probably with a right portion like this book, New Adult could be a new favorite genre of mine. The story itself is something I would like immediately. It sounds both realistic and also dreamy at the same time. Seriously, who doesn't want to find unexpected love from the unexpected person, who would love you unconditionally? But in reality, the main issue in this book is not something you can accept lightly, at least for me.

When the first I read the summary, I thought Reyes was pretty bold to pick up this issue as part story concept and I was pretty curious how this issue would work in this story. I imagined if I were Roni, would I want to date a boy who is 8 years younger than me? No matter how hot, sexy, irresistible he was, um... I think I'd like to think twice, no, five times before I decided something like that. I still find a wide age gap between an older girl with a younger boy is kind of awkward, I've read a lot of convincing quotes that told me age is just a number but well, I'm still not convinced enough. Yet, I have to admit this book quite changed my perspective about age-gap between a lover though still only ... a half =p.

Everything about the story feels so right for me. The pace is not too slow yet not too rushed either. Relationship between Veronica and Noah happens quite naturally, how at first they begin it with a good friendship (which is fun, witty, sexy, just wow! =D) and it slowly grows as a love and it's really beautiful. There's a stage where they live together under the same roof because Veronica is a kind heart like that and honestly I was pretty afraid the story would move too 'abruptly' to the next step because of this condition but yet thankfully it's not. I was glad that the author has, what should I call it, a respect for the issue and didn't make Veronica as a dumb girl who jumps easily into such a relationship without think twice and also didn't make Noah as a bastard who force his will to Veronica. They slowly develop their relationship and when it comes, I'm talking about a new year eve scene, the first make-up one, oh wow, pretty hot here *fanning my face*

I simply love the main characters here. Because of thoughts I have previously, Veronica's uneasy feeling and hesitancy about her feeling toward Noah are very relatable. I understand her very well while I also love to see how she struggles to fix her life quality, how she spends her time with Noah (which is very sweet and thoughtful,mutually from both side), knowing him farther and finally found reasons to accept Noah despite of his young age. Noah, oooh he's such a perfect example of a perfect guy and I really adore him. He has a lot qualities in him, physically and mentally. He's naturally well-matured because of his tough life but he still has that sweet, adorable side of a 19 years old boy who easily get jealous when someone is getting closer to a person he loves *swoon*.

As a New Adult novel, this book pretty much has profanities and some explicit smexy scenes but thank God the author didn't abuse it and made it in a pretty right proportion. This book is beautiful and fun, it's not just the romance that can steal every hearts, but also there are a lot of good other things you can see in it. And maybe one important thing I got from this book is that maturity is not depend on number(s) on your age, but from how life has done to shape out our personality =).
So yeah, if you want to read good contemporary romance which is maturer than YA, this novel can be your perfect choice. I can't wait to read Gio, another my favorite boy from Noah's gang. Once again, thank you Nana for providing the sequel as well! =D

Happy reading, everyone! ;)

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REVIEW : Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

REVIEW : Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

   9:57 PM       Elisa

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Anna and The French Kiss

Author      : Stephanie Perkins
Publisher   : SPEAK
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 372

Summary from Goodreads :

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and Ameriban, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Cover Glimpse :
Simple but very sweet =D
I love the background (Eiffel Tower!) and how they place Anna and Etienne at each side, while Etinne only reveals his arm. It's simply lovely.

2cents :
I decided to read this as a little distraction from any kind supernatural and Dystopia novels, I needed a normal reading to keep my mind straight and healthy (lol, hey you know what I mean, it doesn't literally mean supernatural and Dystopia readings do something terrible, except make your imagination goes wilder xD) I already had a high expectation over this book because it has very great reviews and many people recommended this book too me, I highly hoped this would entertain me more than just another ordinary teen romance. Then did this book meet my high expectation? Oh hell YESH! This book is FABULOUS, probably one of my most favorite reading this year. Although it's a teen romance, I didn't find it cliche at all. The story is very well-built and develops in a right pace so I didn't find it in the rush or dragged at all.

Reading this book gave me such a nice feeling, made me so happy, giddy, dreamy and also uber-jealous over Anna, for her luck, getting a chance to study at Paris (the most romantic city in this world, yes?) and also lucky enough to have such a WOW-nderful boy-friend like Etienne St. Clair. Aaaaaah Etienne!!! If only I had someone like him on my high school moment... *dreamy mode on*.
Anyway, beside the lovely premise, the characters also help in building the whole story more 'alive' and believable. I love the nice-one-high-school drama (which is not too cliche nor too mean-girls-vs-poor-girls, something like that quite annoys me), the friendship among the characters and how they maintain it while it faces problems, and especially I love how Perkins knits love between Anna and Etienne. She does very awesome job in step by step improving their relationship from friend to lover. The moments and tension just... wow! Really WOW! I can't spoil them, just read it yourself so you know how I feel. Love it so much!

One thing I also love from the character because they're real. Like a real teen who flaws and does a lot mistake in their lives. Anna is a nice, sweet, very lucky, I should add, and a bit naive girl and I really like her. Like a normal girl, she has insecurities in her mind about some things and mostly about how Etienne feels about her. Sometimes she's also being driven by her emotion and does something she'd regret later. I felt a strong connection to her and I could understand her insecurities very well. Etienne who I adore too much and looks all perfect is not that perfect too. He has some flaws too, physically and mentally. To be honest, his indecision and insecurity quite bugged me and I could not agree with his certain behavior. But again, he's very very awesome and I literally melted over his cuteness, the most awesome boy-friend you'd ever have if he really exist and still one of the most awesome YA boys.
Other characters also give another spices and unexpected moments into the story as well, and I heard they would appear in the sequels. Really can't wait to read more about them!

Overall, Anna and The French Kiss is a must read for fans of contemporary story or simply for those who love very nice-cute story with awesome and believable characters. You'll fall in love with Anna and moreover, to Etienne *squeeeeee!* And of course, PARIS! Because of this book, I dream to go to Paris someday with someone special... ugh, see, I'm all dreamy again! So then, grab it FAST!
Happy reading! =)

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REVIEW : Where She Went by Gayle Forman

REVIEW : Where She Went by Gayle Forman

   11:25 PM       Elisa

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Where She Went

Author      : Gayle Forman
Publisher   : Gramedia Pustaka Utama (Indonesia)
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 200

Summary from Goodreads :

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future-and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

“But I'd do it again. I know that now. I'd make that promise a thousand times over and lose her a thousand times over to have heard her play last night or to see her in the morning sunlight. Or even without that. Just to know that she's somewhere out there. Alive.”
- Adam Wilde "Where She Went"

As the sequel of If I Stay, Where She Went is also one powerful and emotional contemporary reading I've ever read. And for some reasons I really loved this book more than If I Stay. Beside this is told from Adam's side (male's voice is mostly always touching deeper, I completely biased), I really awed how Forman can make such an intense, heartbreaking story about separation yet you can also feel a hope in it. I barely knew Adam at If I Stay but I already liked him a lot for what he did for Mia. And because of this book, I love him more and more. The writing just really emotional and raw I literally felt Adam's pain, made my heart aching and shed tears for him ;~;

“Who says I breathe music? Who says I even breathe?”
- Adam Wilde "Where She Went"

Where She Went is told from Adam's side who is now holding his celebrity status as a rock superstar with his bandmate, Shooting Star, and has a celebrity girlfriend too. But inside, he's a total mess, has been hurting and broken since Mia left him and disappeared for 3 years after Mia survived from the death. He's still love Mia so bad yet he can do nothing.

At this part, Adam's voice is very bitter and hopeless. It was really sad, saw him struggling to keep his sanity with consuming lots of sedatives but so amazing that he still manages to continue his life and eventually gained his dream. This is one thing I loved the most about Adam's character. Forman makes him so flawed and believable as a person who has to face his hurtful moment, and also somehow has a big and tough heart to allow Mia out from his life if it has to. I was too absorbed into Adam's voice and blamed Mia a lot, how dare she left someone so precious like him. But soon I changed my view of her after finally at one moment they meet each other because Mia is different and maturer here. I was glad to see that she becomes the first one who approaches Adam and the way Forman fix their relationship through only one night with pack of memories and presents is beautifully and heart-warmingly done. I literally shed tears (inside the office bus on my way to the office, cool huh? xD) at some moments and in the end I shed happy and relieved tears for Adam. I still could turn melancholy if I remember it.

I know my review is lacked here and there and not enough to describe how amazing this series is but it DOES. Where She Went, along with If I Stay are must-reads. I always appreciate a fiction that also can teach us about life values from its characters and how the story goes. I learnt an epitome of love and understanding, hope and fortitude, lost and found, grief and forgiveness through this series and it gives an amazing feeling to me. You should experience it too.
Happy reading! =)

“You know, I thought about that a lot these last couple of years," She says in a choked voice. "About who was there for you. Who held your hand while you grieved for all that you'd lost?”
Mia "Where She Went"

PS : talking about cover, I love the Indonesia version more than US. I love soft colors, the simple wooden wall and a guitar leaning back against it. Somehow it's like representing Adam =)

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REVIEW : If I Stay by Gayle Forman

REVIEW : If I Stay by Gayle Forman

   10:19 PM       Elisa

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If I Stay

Author      : Gayle Forman
Publisher   : Gramedia Pustaka Utama (Indonesia)
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 200

Summary from Goodreads :

A critically acclaimed novel that will change the way you look at life, love, and family.

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.

“I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard.” - Mia

I had no idea what exactly this book about at the first I read the summary. It sounded a bit strange and I thought it would be like a ghost story since Mia, the main character and the narrator of this book is the one who involved in a terrible accident that killed entire of her family and put herself in a state between life and death. I also already prepared for another tear-jerking reading because I'm that person who easily shed tears while just reading a small touching part. But then I was wrong at the ghost part, and it's way more than just a tear-jerking reading.

If I Stay is being told in a unique way. It's not usual to see the whole story from the one who is in coma instead from the people around her, in this story I can't exactly call in what form Mia is and actually it's still bugging me until now, lol. But that's not really a matter. We also see the whole story in two ways from Mia's perspective; things that happen around her as invicible-Mia and broken-coma body, and flashback of Mia's memories from the past, which honestly made me feel more miserable and sad.

Mia is a realistic character for me, with realistic life and thoughts. I could get an emotional connection with her. I did really pity Mia for everything happened on her and couldn't imagine either if I was on her shoes. I would think exactly like she does if it's like everything I had was gone and nothing left in me, and there's no positive points at all. But thankfully, beside her beloved lost parents and little brother, she still has wonderful people who still there and love her: her grandparents, Kim, and Adam, her boyfriend. My eyes got teary each time I read their restless effort especially from her granddad and Adam, convincing Mia to stay alive.

This book doesn't have such a flowery and passionate love story and it's not the main point of the whole story. Instead we see both Mia and Adam, although they are in love, are still learning to understand each other since they're very two different persons in and out, like classic and rock-band. They some times face unpleasant moments of adjusting, but it feels more down-to-earth and realistic. That situation gives more rooms for good development in their relationship and I really like it.

Such a emotional, tragic, sad story with powerful voice that could affect your mood immediately, but in the same time you can feel heartwarming feeling and hope. Forman successfully deliver meaningful messages about the values of memories, good one or bad one, and supportive people around us in our life because once we maybe need them to convince us to keep staying.
This book is one good reading about value of life, so you might not want to miss it. Don't forget prepare your Kleenex, in case you need it ;)
Happy reading!

“If you stay, I'll do whatever you want. I'll quit the band, go with you to New York. But if you need me to go away, I'll do that, too. I was talking to Liz and she said maybe coming back to your old life would be too painful, that maybe it'd be easier for you to erase us. And that would suck, but I'd do it. I can lose you like that if I don't lose you today. I'll let you go. If you stay.” - Adam

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REVIEW : Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy

REVIEW : Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy

   7:34 PM       Elisa

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Marshmallow Skye (Chocolate Box Girls #2)

Author      : Cathy Cassidy
Publisher   : UFUK
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 369 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

SKYE TANBERRY is an identical twin, and she loves her sister Summer more than anyone else in the world. They do everything together, but lately Skye's been feeling like second-best - it's the story of her life. And when her friend Alfie confesses he's fallen for Summer, she pretends it doesn't hurt.

Skye wants to be her own person; but with an effortlessly cool twin, how can she? Will Skye ever step out of Summer's shadow and find her own chance to shine?

Every time I bring this book along with Cherry Crush, I feel like bring two boxes of delicious chocolate that ready to be devoured by myself *looks yummy!*, well obviously it has that design . But personally I do think that way, because I'm already in love with this series although it still has only 2 books! Both share the same taste: brilliantly written, cute, simple and heartwarming family bond, but I can say Marshmallow Skye is a bit different. This book has no single 'real' love scene even at first it looks like a sad love story, but oddly I could feel it and it's oddly beautiful. Somehow the story remind me of the old song "I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You" by Savage Garden which I think that was ridiculously impossible at that moment. But this book makes it possible in very sweet way =D

Skye Tanberry is in dilemmas. She loves Summer, her inseparable identical sister, more than anyone else in this world, yes, but finally that time comes when she realizes how weird she is compared to her perfect twin sister (her obsession over vintage things is kinda weird for 15 years old young girl), feels so tired to be the second best, to be Summer's shadow although they share the same face and love. Then one day she finds a trunk full with things from the past at the spooky-rumoured cellar of Tanberry's house, and those things belong to one old relative, Clara Travers, who had committed suicide because she couldn't be with someone she loved, a gypsy guy. Since then Skye only cares about the old tragic love story, old clothes and letters from that trunk and starts to have a weird dreams, likely she is Clara, together with a gypsy boy who predicted as the one she loves. Skye also gradually falls in love with the boy in her dream but sure it's impossible to love someone who doesn't exist, or literally, a ghost from the past. Always be the second best and fall for a ghost, can't life be more misarable for her. But is it really that miserable?

This book was rather giving a melancholic feeling to me. Skye is so pitiful because she's tortured by her own negative thoughts, but strangely I felt a strong connection with her, for some reason I can understand her down feeling very well. At one time I was like wanting to shout to her ear "Oh please Skye, you're already so AWESOME so shut those negativities up! Believe in yourself!" kind, but then I thought I had no right to tell her so because sometimes I can be insecured like her, felt like other is better than me, I'm so odd no one could understand me and so on. But although she seems low spirited, I loved her determination to keep being herself in her unique way, keep being different and stand out with her own charms, not trying to be someone else she doesn't want to be to make people love her.
Skye maybe is my favorite one among Tanberry sisters. She's like the cool, calm, and mature version of her twin and her obsession over old and vintage things add romantic and sentimental image on her. And yes, I can say that what happen on her at this book is really magically romantic! I was deeply inhaling while reading the last part and really can't wait to see more about this couple! =D

What I also love about this series is the settings and how Cassidy explained it through words. They have a beautiful and mysterious impression, like old house where the Tanberry lives that hold some mysteries, an old Gypsy caravan where used to be Cherry's room, a cellar that has been keeping many goods from the past, even Clara's old bird cage that Summer uses to display some flowers. And don't forget, their dad's creative chocolate creations! Yummy~. My mind was busy imagining them all, wondering if I could live in a place like that with a unique family like Tanberry sisters, I would be soooooo happy! =D
We also find the other family members that have been appearing since Cherry Crush like Mom and Dad, Honey, Cherry, Summer, Coco even Shay, and the family drama also enrich the whole story. I enjoyed that this story not only focusing on Skye (although she gets the biggest part, of course) but the whole family get a situation development too.

Overall, actually this is a middle grade reading but I think it's definitely nothing wrong if we the olders read and love this book. It's simply cute, sweet, addicting and magically heartwarming, well, like marshmallow =D. It's also a good story with strong family bond and drama about the processes of acceptance and forgiveness between family members. I definitely can't wait to read the next sequels, about the other sisters and love to see Skye and her boyfriend-to-be again.
Happy reading! ;)

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REVIEW : Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

REVIEW : Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James

   9:57 AM       Elisa

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Practice Makes Perfect

Author     : Julie James
Publisher  : Indonesia - Elexmedia
                  US - Berkeley Sensation
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 408

Summary from Goodreads :

When it comes to the law of attraction, there are no rules. The battle between the sexes is about to make these two lawyers hot under the collar. Opposites collide when two lawyers try to make partner at the same firm. Payton Kendall is a feminist to the bone. Cocky J.D. Jameson was born privileged. But when they're asked to join forces on a major case, they gain a newfound awareness of each other's personal assets. The partnership spot will be offered to only one of them, though. The competition heats up. Sparks fly. Let the games begin.

Another delightful Contemporary Romance from Julie James and I enjoyed it so much! I really like enemy-becomes-lover story and although it took a bit time to catch up with Payton and J.D. than with Taylor and Jason from Just The Sexiest Man Alive (it's still my most favorite of her novel so far =P), I admitted they're the most adorable, funniest couple ever from all CR novels I've read. Both of them are professionals and successful, people with good career but also very childish when they have to dealing with each other feeling. It was very refreshing and I got a good laugh reading how adults could act in such a cute way =D.

J.D and Payton have been in a 'secret' competition for 8 years, they've been doing their best in handling many cases, to prove they are the best partner candidates for the firm they work on. We can say that J.D is lucky enough to be born as a rich man, which means he's more reliable, has more privilege and knows many prestigious places, also seems getting his success very easily. Payton who can't accept it has been working hard to show that woman also can do as good, or even better than man, that she can't be lose from a spoiled, cocky rich bastard like J.D. Then one day their competition becomes real, and here comes all hillarious moments in order to get a chance filling only one partner seat, a major change of previous plan that stated they both would be partners at their firm. Both J.D and Payton (note : they thought they've been hating each other) have to team up, to lure a potential client, and the one who gave the most contribution would be a winner. At first, because each J.D and Payton are very desired to win, they do almost everything, in clean or even dirty and childish way to gain the victory. But as time goes by, as they spend times together more than they had before and know their real selves and condition, they finally fall in love harder to each other, which brings more confusion how to decide both of their future.

There was a LOT of hillarious moments and sarcastic banters that made me laughing so hard, especially when I read about their adult version of kiddies fight, you know something like "I have to come earlier than him/her" then something like "a simple threat (broke a girl's heel) created a very bad outcome (ripped skirt, lol, God poor Payton!), and the stake was really high (your perfect image and dignity, ouch!)" and then revenge was decided, and so on. But since they're adults, they can handle it professionally and still (hardly) manage to apologize. I also loved the romance, absolutely not one of an instant love making and it has to pass through a long journey filled with lots of (hillarious) moments. To be honest, although I more than just enjoyed their fights, I found it's a bit ridiculous how they finally admit they've been in love with each other after spent TOO MANY YEARS, because of J.D's childish's reason. But I think that's a part of it's charm. Speaking about adult scenes, well, it was just one, steamier than JTSMA but definitely not overwhelming, even James did write it in a cute way

Many reviews said J.D and Payton were too different. Yes, they're in different gender and background. But I found they have quite similar characteristic : hard worker, professional, and yes, childish. Being childish can be quite annoying especially if we see it from adults, but because they showdd it at a 'right' time, when they're jurt alone, and it's rather cute =D. So fun and refreshing to see some adults who are professionals, act not too seriously but at the other moment they can act charmingly cute especially in front of someone they love. I still found J.D and Payton are very likable, like most all of James' characters.

Reading this book made me so thankful it might not just me, a grown-up with a little too much 'childish' side buried inside. The ending is really surprising and pleasing, J.D and Payton finally get what they have dreamt for so long, even bigger. If you like funny, happy and 'almost-clean' contemporary romance, you should give this book a try. You won't be disappointed at all!
Oh anyway, one thing kinda bugging my head until now, about what the heck is J.D's real name? Ms. James hid it until the end of story!

Happy reading! =D

==========================

Back to Bahasa! =p
Jadi karena Nana dari Reading in The Morning mengoperkan tongkat estafetnya ke saya, maka review ini saya partisipasikan ke Lomba Estafet Review Buku #LERB yang diadakan oleh Bookoopedia. Kalau berminat mengetahui cerita buku ini, bisa didapatkan di bookoopedia :)

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REVIEW : My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions by Becca Wilhite

REVIEW : My Ridiculous, Romantic Obsessions by Becca Wilhite

   11:26 AM       Elisa

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My Ridiculous, Romatic Obsessions

Author     : Becca Wilhite
Publisher  : Indonesia - Atria
                   U.S - Shadow Mountain
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 270

Summary from Goodreads :

Sarah Howard's first year at the university is everything and nothing she expected especially when a very cute boy named Ben in her Art History class starts to show interest in her.

Sarah feels like she's an average, normal, everyday girl. So, when Ben (to whom she secretly refers as Adonis because she thinks he could be a Greek god) begins to take interest in her, Sarah is in denial. For one thing, last year she was deeply crushed and humiliated by Jesse James a guy who she thought liked her.

She's determined not to get burned again. But in her heart of hearts, what she really wants is a Jane Austen kind of romance. Ridiculous, right? That kind of romance doesn t exist anymore . . . or does it? Sarah is smart and fun to be around and even pretty, despite her Medusa-like red curls. She even plays the guitar. (So does Ben!) Yes, Sarah is everything Ben has wanted. He's crazy for her, but Sarah is just not getting it. She's playing hard to get, and if she s not careful, she s going to lose a real hot gentleman -- her 21st-century Mr. Darcy.

This novel was a refreshment after loads of paranormal and dystopia novels I've read. I really enjoyed reading this; fast-reading, heartwarming and sweet like candies =9. The story has a plain and cliche plot, but it's incridibly real and I instantly related to the main character condition very well.

I was very moved with the story and the characters. I could imagine if I stand there as Sarah, our main character here. She has very low self esteem, because her parents unconciously always remind her about how unattractive she is and a bad memory, badly being rejected by a boy she thought liking her, and the reason was her appearance. Those things make her becoming quite a loner and ridiculously obsessed with romance story and it's prince charming, while in reality she sure herself no one like her. However, although she sees negatively upon herself (reading her pitiful voices was a bit tiring and annoying, no matter how real they were), she's a sweet and smart girl, sometimes sarcastic and innocent. I quickly connected to her, knew very well how to feel what she feels and liked her true personality, not pictured as a dashing girl, but a down to earth one, with common girlish problems about insecurities. Thankfully, she also has a real good friend who always help her dealing with her situation.

When a hot guy like Ben shows interest on Sarah, she's really confuse and hesitate whether react the same or not because she's afraid this is a one side feeling. Again, I really understand that feeling, something like "I'm not good enough for him, how come he likes me. He could find someone better". It's annoying, yes, but some girls can't avoid to feel that way. Yeah, I've been getting that feeling too. But I really glad she could ease her insecurities and gain her confidence, thanks to that wonderful Ben.

Sarah and Ben relationship is a type of insta-love but after read more farther, hey, who won't fall in love with him? =D Ben is a veeeeeeeeeeeeeery sweet and kind, a very rare type for hotties these days. I was glad he's not built all round perfect but has a hidden flaw too. More amazing that he doesn't hide it to remain him look perfect and he can deal with it. I loved almost everything about him, his sincerity love toward Sarah, as he could see beneath the surface, and how he can deal with Sarah temporary insecurities and hesitancy. Such a dreamy guy!

Maybe I'm too biased, giving such a high rating for simple teenlit. But this sure delighted me, and I already want to read it all over again =D
This is a good read if you need a sweet and heartwarming teenlit story to, at least, help you gaining your confidence ;).
Happy reading!

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REVIEW : Goodnight Tweetheart... by Teresa Medeiros

REVIEW : Goodnight Tweetheart... by Teresa Medeiros

   11:15 AM       Elisa

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Goodnight Tweetheart...
Author     : Teresa Medeiros
Publisher  : Indonesia - Gramedia Pustaka Utama
   U.S - Gallery
Source : Bought
ages      : 248

Summary from Goodreads :

New York Times bestselling author Teresa Medeiros absolutely dazzles in this quick-witted, laugh-out-loud funny, and highly moving love story that will set readers’ hearts a twitter.

Abigail Donovan has a lot of stuff she should be doing. Namely writing her next novel. A bestselling author who is still recovering from a near Pulitzer Prize win and the heady success that follows Oprah’s stamp of approval, she is stuck at Chapter Five and losing confidence daily. But when her publicist signs her up for a Twitter account, she’s intrigued. What’s all the fuss.

Taken under the wing of one of her Twitter followers, “MarkBaynard"—a quick witted, quick-typing professor on sabbatical—Abby finds it easy to put words out into the world 140 characters at a time. And once she gets a handle on tweets, retweets, direct messages, hashtags, and trends, she starts to feel unblocked in writing and in life. After all, why should she be spending hours in her apartment staring at her TweetDeck and fretting about her stalled career when Mark is out there traveling the world and living?

Or is he?

Told almost entirely in tweets and DMs, Goodnight Tweetheart is a truly modern take on a classic tale of love and loss—a Griffin and Sabine for the Twitter generation.

I tend to read Chicklit or Contemporary Romance from authors I've known before, their names are like a suggestion for me at least I would enjoy the writing style I've liked. Teresa Medeiros was a very new name for me and I never read nor find her book before so why suddenly I decided to read her book, Goodnight, Tweetheart... ? Shamelessly I confess, the first thing interested me to this book was that cute cover. I abruptly took it at the first I saw the cover then the story ensured me to bought it. It's quite interesting with writer who stuck at Chapter 5 of her second book for years and a mysterious guy as main characters and the premise about how people could find their love through social network like Twitter. And yeah, it's not disappointing at all for me. I really glad I found this funny and heartwarming novel! It's a quick reading and I really enjoy the dialogues, which mostly in Tweet and Direct Message forms, since I'm an avid Twitter user I understand them very well :). I really really love those witty tweet and DM volley between Abby and Mark, jokes about pop cultures and it's so creative, funny, and sarcastic. And as a replacement of explicit steamy scenes that this novel doesn't have, we'll get, ehem, almost naughty sex-tweets. Lol, somehow it could redden my cheeks xD

To be honest, I couldn't really enjoy about first 3 chapters of this novel, because Abby was really pitiful. Her condition is a proof that to maintain is even harder than starting. Her wonder-success first book burdened her too much so Abby scared she couldn't make another hit with her next book and that makes her stuck. I felt sorry for her and quite understand how stressful it is, have no idea what to do next although we already had the concept. She lost her readers, follow with her confidence then she thinks to stop. Reading that made me feel sad as her, but than the plot start to lighten and enjoyable when her publicist makes a twitter account and she meets 'Mark Baynard'.

Just forget about hot-guy-meets-average-woman type like in mostly contemporary romance if we talk about Mark Baynard. You even won't know single thing about how he looks like, handsome or not, hairy or bald, muscular or fatty, etc. Mark only appears as an hillarious description of his conditions and as Tweets or DMs and the way he talks through 140 characters. But he's the amazing unknown person who slowly brings Abby back from her desperation cave.

Actually I always feel sceptical about relationship that built from social network although it's already a trend and well with good luck you could build a good one these days. Internet / virtual world is full of liars and lies so what could be expected from something uncertain no matter how fun it is. But reading Goodnight, Tweetheart could ease that perception, well, a bit. This novel kinda gives us an amazing premise, to gradually love someone we never know how he is in real life and it's like we like him not because of his dashing appearance but from the way he thinks and talks. Somehow words and thoughts are more important, even can influence our opinion about others. I think If I met someone smart and witty like Mark virtually, I couldn't help but fell in love with him too and want to know the real him so badly with any consequences like Abby does. I was really happy finally Abby and Mark meet and accept their each other condition. I even finished it with bursting tears in my eyes because it's so moving and heartwarming. But still kinda bugging me, I couldn't imagine how Mark looks like! /frustating/

Overall, Goodnight, Tweetheart is simply a sweet, moving and heartwarming romance. I really really enjoyed it and emotionally gave it a high rating. I recommend it to everyone who can enjoy romance that lack of some romance elements itself and if you're a sappy person like me, don't forget to prepare Kleenex while reading this =D


Chopped from Goodreads :

“Abby_Donovan: I bet you were one of those uber-cool teachers like Mr.Chip, weren't you?
MarkBaynard: I was more like Mr.Kotter or that guy from GLEE who looks like the love child of Orlando Bloom & Justin Timberlake.
Abby_Donovan: Your female students were probably writing "I love you" on their eyelids and listening to "Don't Stand So Close to Me" on their Walkmans.
[...]
Abby_Donovan: Goodnight Mr.Schuester
MarkBaynard: Goodnight Miss Pillsbury
Abby_Donovan: Goodnight Puck
MarkBaynard: Goodnight Rachel
Abby_Donovan: Goodnight Kurt
MarkBaynard: Goodnight Quinn
Abby_Donovan: Goodnight Finn
MarkBaynard: Goodnight Sue Sylvester, you heartless but oddly sexy beast
Abby_Donovan: Goodnight Artie
MarkBaynard: Goodnight Tweetheart...”

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REVIEW : Something About You by Julie James

REVIEW : Something About You by Julie James

   2:09 PM       Elisa

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Something About You

Author     : Julie James
Publisher  : Elexmedia
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 411

Summary from Goodreads :

Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends with a death. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago- and for nearly ruining his career.

Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it's no joke; the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes- and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension.

Whoa! Another amazing contemporary romance by Julie James =D She's definitely my favorite romance writer, along with Lisa Kleypas! I really love her writing style after reading Just The Sexiest Man Alive, and when I saw this on upcoming release I was like HOOORAY 8D, and immediately rushed to a bookstore to get it and this book still amazed me with smart characters, witty dialogue and yeah, more but enough steamy romance that I didn't find on JTSMA (and not complain though =p)

Something About You combines 2 themes I love, romance and crime thriller, and still inserting funny-sexy dialogues and sarcasm. Although it's not really that suspenseful and there's a part when the story goes from the criminal's side (so we know why he did that), it's still quite enjoyable for me. The characters are mostly smart and I never bored of reading smart people, especially a combination of attorney and FBI agent, damn wicked~ xD
Cameron Lynde is a female Assistant U.S. Attorney ; full of confidence, smart, bold and a successful one. But still, she's just an ordinary woman who need protection when one day she accidentally became an ear-witness of homicide and she would be the next target because of it. Then accidentally too, Jack Pallas, a brooding-hot FBI agent who just came back from his 'exile' is one who takes a responsibility to this case. And their hatred to each other is mutual because of certain situation in the past.

I like Cameron, although she's a 'stand-alone' type she doesn't fake herself and admit she needs help, even from her enemy (Jack Pallas) and although Cameron has Jack protected her, she also smart and willing to sacrifice herself to protect him. They both are really mutually at many things : hate, protection and love. Jack is a swoooooon worthy alpha-male : tall, dark, handsome and dangerous . He's a 'legendary' FBI agent and work professionally. But with Cameron, he also very protective, both from the criminal and other men. I like Cameron and Jack interaction, misunderstanding cause them hating each other, but slowly they clear them and reconcile (some with quite smutty way, lol). Not like JTSMA which almost doesn't have any single make love scenes, this book has it, quite steamy and sweet but with enough portion so it doesn't look 'meh' to me. I'm so glad although this is romance genre, it's not too much focusing in sex scene and we also can enjoy the relationship development between Cameron and Jack. Also don't forget about the besties : Amy, Collin, and Wilkins. They also sparks this story with their witty-ness and warm friendship. I mesmerized by Collin many times and hoping I can have a guy friend who willing to cook me delicious meal like Collin does =D.

I think Julie James will always write a romance story I like the most. If you like Contemporary Romance with intriguing story, smart-sarcastic-funny characters, and proportional make-up scenes, you should read this book!
Now I really can't wait to read other book of her, like Practice Makes Perfect or A Lot Like Love. I hope they'll be published here soon! =D

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REVIEW : Heist Society by Ally Carter

REVIEW : Heist Society by Ally Carter

   5:57 PM       Elisa

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Heist Society

Author     : Ally Carter
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 326

Summary from Goodreads :

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat, there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

After about several professional teenage espionages, now it's about professional teenage thieves. Wow, Ally Carter, you rock my world! :D I always consider that hacker and thief are cool job because they run by smart people right? I love smarties! XD

I've interested at Heist Society for so long after I read unusual and the interesting summary of it and my cousin who already listened to its audiobook said it was really good. Thankfully, I didn't disappointed at all! The story moves fast and captivates with lovable-witty-smart characters and naratives, packed with action and mysteries, and made me keep guessing till the end.

At the first chapter, I couldn't really draw into the story, I kept wondering what actually happened on Kat, but then after some pages I realized that she (forcefully and set by some scenario) expelled from her school because suspected to do a big 'crime' to her school.statue and headmaster's car.
Katarina Bishop (wonderful name btw) is surely one of my favorite character. She's smart, seems having cute appearance (bob hairstyle and tiny body) definitely a genius thief at her age. I like the background story that Kat is from a great and famous thief family, all of her relatives are thieves, ones who steal rare and valuable things like paintings, jewelries or other arts for their own containtment and pride, but what more interesting is that Kat actually tries to escape from the world where she belongs to and lives more normal life, either because she's tired and wants to live as common girl in coomon school and having common friends, or she actually didn't get a real meaning of being a thief. But because she loves her father, she decides to go back willingly to her trueself, travels back and forth to more than 5 city and country at U.S and Europe with her crew in 2 weeks to track the vanished paintings (isn't it FABULOUS???? France, Italy, England, Prague, Poland, Austria, woah, HALE, MARRY ME! XD), bravely challenge herself to do the biggest robbing in her family history and makes a surprising descision at last. I also like (and glad) that Kat doesn't take an action by herself, but with her friend and cousin, some professional at specific skills at their young age . Each of them has their own characteristic and talents that make this crew more perfect. And I believe some of you who already read this book interest with one of the crew, the wealthy W. W. Hale V.

I can see that maybe a mysterious main male character is one of Carter's story characteristic (like Zach and now Hale) Despite his status as young multi-bilionaire, W. W. Hale V, or just Hale, is really a mystery, why he willingly gets involving on every Kat's mission and support her return to thieves world since he's no one of Kat's relatives, just a bored rich boy. But well, mysterious guy always draws attention :) It just slightly describe about how exactly Kat and Hale met and I hope there'd be a special story about it. Oh and of course, finally we can know what exactly his name part, W.W. stand of ;p
I didn't find or actually there's no single love scenes here, although Hale obviously likes Kat and Kat isn't sure about it and always denies it. But I found their relationship is really cute. Hale mostly does everything for Kat and Kat trusts him, depends on him all the time. I hope their relationship will be more developed at next books

Overall, Heist Society is fantastically fun and smart written, will grip you with its action, suspense and mysteries. The robbing techniques are told very sophisticating and professionally which is very enjoyable and I awed by their (or author's) smartness. Ally Carter sure has a deep knowledge and imagination about it, awesome! :D It maybe leads by 'criminals' but actually they're good people who try to save others and you won't be disappointed by the ending :) I can't wait for the sequel, Uncommon Criminal to be release here :)


NB : sorry if this review is messed up. This is phone blogging and like lost review ability a bit because life is damn busy out there :(

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REVIEW : Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

REVIEW : Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

   10:02 PM       Elisa

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Thirteen Reason Why

Author     : Jay Asher
Publisher  : Matahati (Mpop)
Source     : Bought
Pages       :

Blurb from Goodreads :

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Again, my first read about Slice of Life novel which unrelated to supernatural things. This book haunted me. It's too real, I was like read person's confession, more like true story than fiction. And it made me couldn't sleep (I read it at 9.30 p.m till 11.30 p.m, and really could sleep well at 2 a.m.) I didn't know, maybe because I can't help but have emphaty toward others. I kept imagine myself stood on Hanna's shoes, so it affected me, disturbed me, made me thought a lot about my attitude and everything I've said to others.
I have to say, if you decided to read this, you have to prepare because this book is very negative, especially when you read Hanna's narrative, but also would give you some lessons (if you're a type who learn something from what you read, like me =p). On reading world, usually I don't really like a main character (I assume Hanna is our heroine here, while we see this story through Clay eyes) who is weak, desperate, and easily give up. But on this book... I did pity Hanna for everything she goes through, how people easily miss-judging her, or everyone, because somebody else's word.

Hanna Baker is a new girl in small town, hope to be accepted, get some good friends at her new place and her new school. But she makes friends and falls in love with wrong people who like to use her for their own good reputation, to play her and all of those ruin Hanna. At first Hanna tries to keeps positive and trust some people, but again their bad reactions make her dissapointed, nobody seems caring about her truly self and willing to hear her, then she gradually lost her trust to everybody else and think she has no reason to live in this world again. And then, there's Clay Jensen, your positive hero here, and very likeable. He is down to earth, not dazzling or flashing, but everyone is kind to him. He has been falling in love with Hanna like forever but has no guts to revealed it. But strangely, Clay who didn't do anything wrong to her before recevies Hanna's only inheritance, a box of 7 cassette tapes and becomes one of 13 persons who become her reason to commited suicide.

You know, me personally think that the best revenge for people who did bad to you is make them feel 'guilty' which is unforgettable and haunting, so Hanna's decision to do something like that is quite wicked and brilliant =p (well, although not all people feel any guilty, like one of person she pointed). At another side, I really mad at her, for her negativity toward people and herself, for her incapability to find good people who will listen to her, and finally her decision to easily end her own life. Her POV beccome worse and worsen, and that's tiring. But in the same time... I understand why she did it and ended with hating all people who force her to did it. I feel and think exactly like what Clay do, angry and guilty, and I believe everyone who face the same case will do the same.

Like i said before, beside a good story, this book gives you a lesson, and important lesson about it's not only guns knives that could kill people. And also, please, please don't lose your hope if you feel like Hanna, because there are many people like Clay out there, who are willing to lend you their ears and shoulders.
This book is really a good read, at least for me so I give is many glasses. You should try this too =)

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REVIEW : Sing Me To Sleep

REVIEW : Sing Me To Sleep

   10:37 AM       Elisa

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Sing Me To Sleep

Author     : Angela Morrison
Publisher  : UFUK
Source     : Bought
Pages       :


Blurb from Goodreads :

THE TRANSFORMATION

Beth has always been "The Beast" - that's what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth's only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she's selected to be her choir's soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.

THE LOVE AFFAIR

When Beth's choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek's untethered passion - for music, and for Beth - leaves her breathless. Because in Derek's eyes? She's not The Beast, she's The Beauty.

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?

THE HEARTBREAK

The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek's been hiding a dark secret from her ...one that could shatter everything.

I had very high expectation of this novel. The cover is very gorgeous, blurb caught me, I read good reviews about this, moreover this is inspired from a real story, and I like the story like this. It sounds like "A Walk to Remember" which I love so much, yeah you know how the story end now. Judge what kind of girl I am =p

So when I decided to read it and struggled to finished this...
Ugh.
Another harsh review from me, I just try to be honest. Be prepared =p

Okay, this should be a kind of tear-jerker story and I already prepared myself to sheded some tears but guess what. I didn't. It even didn't move me. I felt nothing, happy nor sad. What the.
The concept is good actually and with some magical writing talent, it can be a beautiful story. But for me, this is not the one. I don't know maybe because all this time I read kick-ass and strong mind main girls characters and adore them, or because I'm too old for high schooler drama. This book is absolutely not for me.

The first problem is the main characters. I don't like Beth and Derek, but I really really love Scott. I thhnk he's the only likeable character in this book.
Beth is maybe a real character for a girl in her age with all condition and obstacles she has, but she is shallow and pathetic. Almost all pages of this book is about Beth whinning. She whines all the time about how ugly she is, how unattractive she is, and reading all of this was really tiring. And then she gets a make-over because she has to shows herself in front of people as a main vocalist at the choir she joins and then because of that she is liked by everyone. I'm glad it's only lasics to get rid her scars from her face and does some make-ups, if she ran plastic surgery, I'll really hate this book. I can't understand the purposes of Beth's bad condition and her transformation. It might change her life, but what for? Be more likeable with more attractive outer appearance? Got a boyfriend she dream of because her new features? It's not a mistake to be pretty by some efforts, it's even a must and a nature for all girls. But somehow I feel something is wrong if we just depend on our outer appearance to be loved.

And more bothering is her deep and blind love for Derek. She is helplessly...stupidly falls in love with him. She can't live without him, can't stay depart from him after she knows Derek for just a short time, not even a month. Geez seriously such a torture to read her whinning about her love life. I can't stand a girl who helplessly begs for love, so yeah... I simply can't stand it.
Next is Derek. Beside his good looking, a rebel boy, and his high passion towards music and choir despite of his terminal illness, I didn't know him. His portion at this story can't describe him very well and from everthing he does in this book, I barely can sympathize him, even I judge him as a selfish boy who does everything to fullfill his last wish, like uses a naive girl who coincidentally is a great singer and doesn't know anything about love before. Derek barely knows about Beth but he abruptly says love to her after he heard her voice, like interests to her just because of her voice and her 'new look'. Just imagine if Beth didn't change, will Derek still like her despite of her voice? Maybe yes, but he won't love her. Because even when they are in relationship, I didn't feel his sincere love.
At the contrary, I really adore Scott, Beth's only best friend. He loves Beth since she was a kid, when she was still an ugly, and still love her while Beth blindly loves Derek. He loves Beth whatever and however her condition is. I sympathize him a lot, although at the last Beth realizes at the bottom of her heart she loves Scott and she's nothing for Derek except her talent, and back to him after Derek's death. He's obviously the second. Hmph.

Many reviewers compare her with Bella from Twilight. I think I must agree at the part of instant love, like love at the first sight. But for the rest, Bella and Edward are the way better than Beth and Derek. At least for me =p
So... I won't recommend this book to especially for those who loves strong-willed and positive girl main characters, but if you still curious, just read it. Maybe you have a better opinion about this book than me =)

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REVIEW : Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

REVIEW : Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

   3:40 PM       Elisa

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Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy (Gallagher Girls #2)

Author     : Ally Carter
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Pages       : 264
Source     : Bought

Blurb :
After staking out, obtaining, and then being forced to give up her first boyfriend, Josh, all Cammie Morgan wants is a peaceful semester. But that's easier said than done when you're a CIA legacy and go to the premier school in the world . . . for spies.

Cammie may have a genius I.Q., but there are still a lot of things she doesn't know. Like, will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble is she really in after what happened last semester? And most of all, why is her mother acting so strangely?

Despite Cammie's best intentions to be a normal student, danger seems to follow her. She and her friends learn that their school is going to play host to some mysterious guests--code name: Blackthorne. Then she's blamed for a security breach that leaves the school's top secret status at risk.

Soon, Cammie and her friends are crawling through walls and surveilling the school to learn the truth about Blackthorne and clear Cammie's name. Even though they have confidence in their spy skills, this time the targets are tougher (and hotter), and the stakes for Cammie's heart--and her beloved school--are higher than ever.

P.S : Somehow i feel the blurb is exaggerating =p but well...

The second book is more thrilling, and more boys involve here =(
This book opens more mysteries that some are still left unknown till the end of book.

First, Cammie and her friends accidentally heard 'Blackthrone' from a secret conversation between the headmaster (Cammie's mom) and Mr. Salomon, and guess that as an all-boy spy school, like a 'brother school' of Gallagher Academy. But is that true? Why Cammie and the others have never heard about that before?

Second, we introduced to a new character, a boy named Zack, who always distracted Cammie from her mission with his smart and witty and mysterious behaviour. And he knows well about Cammie.
But, his true identity is still remain mystery
I think Zack is a young version of Mr. Salomon, but he's softer. I have to say, I like him more than gentle Josh ;) His characters are complex but fascinating combination.
His relationship with Cammie is uncertain yet, but I hope for a nice developement at the next book.

Again, in this book there is no real villain here (ooops, spoiler ;p), and sometimes I felt some scenes were exaggerating. But it's still enjoyable.
I give 4 stars for this book.

The English version cover :

I like both version. I like red plaid skirt combine with high black boots, very cool and so 'spy girl'.
The English version is nice too, the girl with crossing finger, like title says.

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REVIEW : I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

REVIEW : I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

   3:11 PM       Elisa

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I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Hve To Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1)

Author     : Ally Carter
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama (Indonesia)
Pages       : 320
Source     : Bought

Blurb :
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it’s really a school for spies.

Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real “pavement artist”—but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?

Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she’s on her most dangerous mission—falling in love

I have to say, this is COOL story! =D.
When I was a little girl, I ever had a dream to be a spy or secret agent, because it sounded very cool *face palm*. It's because I was a fan of 'Mission Impossible' old series (but i didn't watch Tom Cruise's version. I'm not his fan btw =p), and also unforgettable hot cassanova agent; 007 Bond, James Bond, so I enjoy spionage story so much ;D
I read this series a bit late, I didn't snatched it right away when it published here although the cover and the story quite tempting (pretty legs of spy-girl, whooohoo). But after read lots of book recommendation, I decided to read and yeah, I like it!

This first book tells more about how Cammie and her friends fullfilled their 'dangerous' school mission from a new teacher, Mr. Salomon who is a professional spy, dangerously hot and mysterious. And also, their mission to found out about Josh, a townie boy who could see Cammie when she became unseen among the crowds because she run her mission. Was Josh a 'honeypot' or just a commoner. And of course, a little of romance between Cammie and Josh.
There is no real villains here so the story lacks of suspense feeling. But still, it's enjoyable.

One thing makes me more enjoy this story is because almost all (or even all) characters are smart, even Macey who acts a rich biatch at the first time (Bex and Macey are my favorite characters).
The story is told from Cammie POV, and from that you know her interaction with others. I love Cammie's close relation to her mom and her 2 then 3 best-friends. I like her clueless, curiousity and confusion about boys, especially about Josh (Macey had important rules here) ; and 'ordinary lives' that she never had.
Josh is cute, I even like him more than Mr. Salomon. He sincerely liked Cammie, just too bad he liked the wrong girl who had to kept secrets from him. And what makes me adore him more, he still tried to safe Cammie even after everything was revealed. Just well... too bad....

This books is mixture of spionage, myteries, school or personal mission (note : Josh), girls friendship, and first love, and definitely recommended if you like strong, smart, deadly girls characters, mysteries and spionage world ;)
I give this book 3 stars, because although I loved the idea of the story, it didn't grip me, and I still could put it down a while =p

This is the cover of English version :



I like both of them. They just show half part of girl's body. English version shows Cammie's figure (perhaps) and Indonesia version specifically shows legs of Gallagher Girls, perhaps Cammie, Bex, Liz and Macey.

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REVIEW : Cherry Crush by Cathy Cassidy

REVIEW : Cherry Crush by Cathy Cassidy

   2:11 PM       Elisa

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Cherry Crush (The Chocolate Box Girls Book 1)
Author              : Cathy Cassidy
Publisher           : UFUK Publishing (Indonesia)
Page                 : 328

Source              : Bought

Blurb (from Cathy Cassidy's Official Website) :

The Chocolate Box Girls
Each sister has a different story to tell, which one will be your favourite?
Cherry Costello’s life is about to change forever. She and Dad are moving to Somerset where a new mum and a bunch of brand-new sisters await.
And on Cherry’s first day there her head is turned by the gorgeous Shay Fletcher.
But Shay already has a girlfriend, Cherry’s new stepsister, Honey. Cherry knows her friendship with Shay is dangerous – it could destroy everything. But that doesn’t mean she’s going to stay away from him . .

I am not familiar with the author, but the cover was very cute and tempted (pink, heart shape, chocolates, cute title etc, just see it yourself =9) so i tried this.
After stayed at my book pile for about 5 months, finally i decided to read this when i needed a light reading. And yes, this is totally light and fast reading (I read this about 4-5 hours at night =p).

The story mainly is about love and family, and full with lovable characters.

Cherry Costello is a cute, dreamer,and good girl (and wow she is half Scottish half Japanese), and she seems living her simple live with her father quite happily, but the main problem is she keeps lying to make herself looks good in front of others and she knows it. Although it doesn't make any harm to anybody, that personality flawed her cuteness and makes her looks pitiful. Thankfully the author didn't make Cherry's lying problem as the main issue for the entire story.

What is nice also how her new family happily accept Cherry and her father, well, almost all her new family, not Honey. I didn't like her at the first, she was a typical of popular-blonde-girl, often mad for no reason, egoist, and rude. But after read some chapters i knew her more and even sympathized her when Shay was 'snatched away'. Not Cherry nor Shay's fault though, because Shay couldn't take Honey's rudeness and Cherry was a nice and cute girl who was always there to heard Shay.

Shay had a player image and every girl in town liked him. I like how Shay slowly approached Cherry in many sweet ways *amused*.

I can't wait for the next book after saw the ending part. Very thrilling! If you like light, cute and sweet like chocolate's story, this book is fit for you.
I give this 4 star, despite of the simple story, i couldn't put it down and finished it in short time ;D

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REVIEW : The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

REVIEW : The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

   5:15 PM       Elisa

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The Mysterious Benedict Society #1 (Indonesia ver.)
Author              : Trenton Lee Stewart
Publisher           : Matahati Publishing (Indonesia)
Page                 : 576
Source              : Bought

Summary from Barnes & Noble :

Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children-two boys and two girls-succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they'll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you're gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help.

REVIEW :
(May contain some spoiler, I unconciously wrote it down xD)

I was tempted to bought this after i saw the English copy at my friends's book shelf, and the reviews are very good at everywhere i visited, so yes, i got it in my hand and after several months stayed dusty at my book piles, i grabbed and finished this
I always enjoy any kind of detective or mystery books since i was a kid (i read Alfred Hitchcock's and some of Agatha Christie's), and yesh, i totally love this one too!

The story is about 4 kids, Reynard 'Reynie' Muldoon, an orphan, mundane but very smart boy; George 'Sticky' Washington, a bald, nervous boy with photographic memory; Kate Wetherall, a physically strong and acrobatic girl, she brings a pile full with equipments (i don't understand why she didn't bring a bag maybe, instead a pile.LOL), and Constance Contraire; a very very very stubborn, cranky, always hungry and sleepy, seems hating anything but smart little girl, who are recruited by Mr. Benedict, a good and mysterious genius man, after they finished some tricky and challenging tests with their own unique abilities, and yet find a name for themselves "Mysterious Benedict Society".
These gifted yet unique kids get a mission, to infiltrate the isolated school name "Learning Institute for the Very Enlighten" or LIVE, a place that mysteriously run by Mr. Curtain. They believe that Mr Curtain and his fellows have an evil plan to take over the world with spreading some hidden-hypnotizing-phrases behind any broadcasts on TV or radio, and more wicked, he used orphanage or kidnapped children to make his plan success.

The story is very brilliant. It is light-reading, but also kindly force you to think too. Like other book for kids or teenage, this book teaches a lot of good things from the characters and the story itself.
The pace maybe a bit slow, but i think it help us to understand the characters more. I enjoyed reading every pages and didn't feel it bored at all. I imagined how if a kid's voice keeps saying a same phrase inside my head, wow seriously it's creepy like horror movie =x

The main characters are good and lovable, and the bad ones.... they're very bad that you want to punch them on face although there's a character you would like because his stupidity helps kids a lot =D.
Each of them has different abilities but they complete each other. Well maybe Constance seems very bothering here (you'll know why she act very irritating-childish at the end of story) and like have nothing special to do, but actually she has a big role to make this mission, bigger than her size.
They are trusted to solve a big and wicked mission that claimed impossible for adults. And behind all super brain and abilities people, there lay some weakness too that make them a human, or a kid. Raynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance seems very accustomed with their loneliness because of parent loss, abandoned, special abilities or being different. From all problems they faced, they learn that they need others not only their own power or brain. They also learn about love, loyalty and friendship between them. I was glad this kids got their happy life at the end of story.
i already purchased the 2nd and 3rd books, gonna read them ASAP.

I give this 5 star rating! (gonna add some fancy rating symbol soon =p)
If you like detective story, about smart and genius people, you have to read this

And now, we compare the cover, since Indonesia version has different cover :

All of cover versions are good.
Indonesia version is cute, US version is gorgeous, UK version gives more mysterious feeling
For me, i think i like the UK version. Black color is cooler =D

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