Books of Summer: Jessi Kirby's Moonglass

So when it comes to reading new books I often feel a certain skepticism. "Is this book really worth the 12-15$ I'll spend on it? Do I really even trust the reviewers?" However nothing gets me to read a book like a recommendation from an author I love.

In this case, Sarah Dessen. Sarah Dessen is on the quoted as saying "I couldn't put this book down. Kirby's voice is fresh and wise, all at once. An incredible first novel." The last book I read she said she loved was The Summer I turned Pretty and after reading my previous blog you know how much I loved that book! So again upon Ms. Dessen's recommendation I read it and yet again I was NOT disappointed.

Moonglass

Moonglass follows Anna as she and her father relocate to the beach town where her mother and father met many years ago. Her father manages the lifeguard company on the beach and Anna is strictly warned to stay away from the "lifeguarding staff" and the lifeguards are likewise warned to stay away from her. She meets a lifeguard named Tyler and it seems that she won't be able to follow the guideline her father set before her.

More than the lifeguards there are many townies who have a lot to teach her about her mother and father and the times they spent living along this beach. Her mother's past is what interests and scares her most of all, and its the mystery she is most interested in solving.

As with most YA fiction I find myself always longing to understand the relationship between the boy and girl. In this book Anna and Tyler don't disappoint. Tyler is kind and witty. He and Anna have a banter that makes you find them even more endearing.

Great book that you don't want to put down.

You can't wait to find out about Anna's

past right along with her!

That's all for now!

Signing off,

Reader Girl

Books of Summer: Jenny Han

I've read a lot of books. Some books when I go to the store initially deter me. Mostly because I'm 23 years old and there are some books that when someone asks me "What are you reading?" I'm embarrassed to say the name.

"The Summer I Turned Pretty" started out as one of those. However very quickly my mind was changed and I couldn't put down this trilogy of summers. Moreover I had no problem recommending them to my friends!

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Welcome to Cousins beach and the beach house of Susannah Fisher and her two sons Conrad and Jeremiah. Every summer they invite down Susannah's best friend from childhood Laurel Conklin and her two kids, Stephen and Belly (Isabel). Belly has been in love with Conrad for as long as she or any one else can remember. Belly has spent her life as a fourth wheel to the boys fun and sometimes finds herself not included at all. She is the youngest of them all. Conrad is older than Belly by about 2 years. So until she comes to Cousins the summer she turns 16, she has just been little goofy Belly. However, the summer she turns pretty, the Fisher boys start to look at her a little differently in a way that confuses both of them. That coupled with a lot of secrets in the house causes a summer none of them would forget.

I loved this book! I couldn't put it down and was thrilled to find there was another on out! This book is the summer you always swore you'd have and lets face it probably never did. Jeremiah is cause for a lot of hilarity in this book and he will make you smile probably more than just about anyone. Once you get passed that Belly's name is in fact, Belly... the book charms you into its fictional world.

It's Not Summer Without You

Welcome back to Cousins for yet another unforgettable summer. This book takes place the following summer and a lot has changed. Without giving anything away I'll try and summarize this book for you. This book takes a look at what happens after Belly becomes seen as something more than just Laurel's little girl. What I loved about this book is that while most of the book is written from Belly's perspective there are chapters written from the perspective of the ever lovable Jeremiah. Jeremiah has a self deprecating humor that you can't help but find endearing. Jeremiah is getting ready for college, Conrad is finishing his first year, and Belly is entering her senior year certain that nothing will ever be the same again. Follow them on adventure to sort out exactly what has happened in the past year and what it means for their future.

We'll Always Have Summer

Oh this book... It was EVERYTHING I could have wished it would be. It takes place two years after "Its Not Summer Without You" and it seems as though EVERYTHING has changed. Because this book is the latest installment I refuse to be the one that tells you how it ends. BUT just so you know. Jeremiah finally gets his shot outside of Conrad's shadow. And Conrad has a moment... where he says EVERYTHING you've been waiting for him to say for the past two books. The ball is in Belly's court. Who will she pick? Will she pick either of them? How will it end? I can't tell you but I can say... You will NOT be disappointed.

I spend a lot of time with middle school aged kids and EVERY one of them who has read these books ADORED them. If you have a daughter/friend who enjoys reading... get them this book! I would say starting age is about 12.

Kudos to Jenny Han. You wrapped up this series wonderfully and I can't wait to see what you tackle next!

That's all for now!

Signing off,

Reader Girl

Books of Summer: Sarah Dessen

So as I shared before I love Sarah Dessen novels! I find they are like a good wine and get better with age. It seems the first ones I read by her are my favorites but I think its only because I have read them so many times. So here they are my top two! Tomorrow I will post my next to favorites by Sarah Dessen and then we'll change it up with another favorite YA author of mine.

This Lullaby

Basically about a girl who doesn't believe in love and has a bunch of rules as to how relationships work. Then this girl meets a guy who turns her world upside down. Now you might be thinking.... haven't I read this book? Haven't I seen this movie? Here is the thing... you may have heard the story but you've never seen anything like these CHARACTERS. Remi the main character is kick butt. She is gutsy and a little bit crazy but very sarcastic and witty. As a foil for her we have Dexter. Dexter is described as "all angles", he is charismatic, and has a way of getting under Remi's skin that just MAKES YOU LAUGH.

The Truth About Forever

For starters you should know this book will make you "Sa-Woon!". Macy is a girl who has spent the better part of the last couple years trying to be perfect. It should come as no surprise though that just when she thinks she has it all figured out, the ball drops, and she walks herself into a job catering at "Wish". While catering at Wish she forms a friendship with Kristy, Monique, Bert, and... pause for it.. Wes. **Sigh** Wes is essentially a dream. Macy describes him as "The boy all the girls want to rebel with, plus the whole tortured artist bit". Wes will woo you with his sweet humility and his irresistible charm. Wes is my favorite of all the Sarah Dessen leading men.

That is all for now!

Signing off,

Reader Girl