Ronni Davis
I actually really loved this book. I liked reading the buds of what bloomed in the Gossip Girl series (which I am still working my way through, one out of order book at a time).
Because I was already familiar with the series, I had built some attachments to some of the characters. Blair is still my favorite, as difficult and complicated as she is. I feel like she's the most well-rounded and developed character, and I love reading her chapters.
I also like Jenny. Her innocence is preteen eagerness is so cool and kind of sad. She really does need a female figure in her life.
Anyway, the Gossip Girl books are definitely a guilty pleasure of mine, but I enjoy them, and this prequel was fun to read.
Three stars because it kept me engaged, but I really didn't like Lily at all. I thought she was silly and made really bad decisions over and over and over. I know that when I was her age, there were a lot of things I just didn't GET, so I probably would have been the same way. But then, she had these people SPELLING things out to her and she still just did her own thing and flat out refused to do her job.
Her dad kind of threw me off too. He was so adamant about her following through but then demanding she not go to a party that Sabrina specifically asked her to be at? WTF Dad? You can't be so stubborn about one thing and then change the rules to suit you.
I thought the premise was great and the writing was easy to read. It was Lily's actions that had me cringing through the whole thing. But then, I never did care for The Devil Wears Prada, so maybe this book wasn't for me to begin with.
This book came out when I was about DONE with reading paranormal and thirsty for more contemporary novels. However, I got to meet the author at an event this past weekend. She did a reading from the sequel Supernaturally, and I was intrigued. When she talked about what the book was about, I was even more intrigued. This wasn't your typical paranormal.
I figured if the book was at least as entertaining as Kiersten, then I'd enjoy it. I was right.
I LOVED it. Evie is a great character–kick butt and funny. And Lend. Oh Lend. I LOVE that it's a book set in a paranormal world with a girl who just wants to be normal. She gets excited over the funniest things. And it was a page-turner for sure.
So, not much of a book review per se, but I'm looking forward to picking up Supernaturally and giving it a go.
I seem to have a hard time relating to Echols's female characters, but I was extremely fascinated with Doug in this book. And also with the town the story was set in.
Echols is certainly a champion at writing teen angst. I think she has it down pat. There were too many times I wanted to shake Zoey because I felt like a lot of drama could have been avoided if she'd just told the truth. But then again, I can see why she hid some things. Her father wasn't exactly supportive. He was a total prick.
I liked the book well enough, but I had a hard time getting interested in Zoey. I was way more into what was going on with the people around her.
I like Echols's writing. I think she does a good job of setting the scene and describing the setting without going overboard. It was easy to visualize the sea, to see the earrings lying in the junkyard, and to smell the chlorine in the pool.
TOTALLY lives up to the hype.
I knew this book was good when I was so engrossed that I almost missed my train stop last night.
It started off a little bit slowly–but that's just because I am impatient with descriptions and things. A personal thing of mine, nothing wrong the author did. In fact, when I go to reread it, I know I'll be glad to read the descriptions of Paris. The beauty of this book is that it can be read quickly, then reread for savoring purposes.
Lots of funny things, complicated and complex relationships. Nothing was easy or simple. I liked that. I did feel like Amanda the Villain was a bit cliched, but the author acknowledged it and kind of made fun of that. I can respect an author who pokes fun at herself and her works.
I loved that the St. Clair/Etienne wasn't this one dimensional perfect boy. He had a temper. He was also super kind. He made dumb decisions. But he was loveable just the same. He was REAL and 3-dimensional without being a total jerk. Plus, he was British. Yum!
Anna is the kind of girl I'd love to hang out with. She just seems super cool. And definitely not a Mary Sue.
I was satisfied with the book. Contemporary, thick, and complex. :) I look forward to reading more from this author.
I promised Jennifer that I would review this months ago, and I am finally following through. Sorry for taking so long, Jennifer!
I'm going to be the first to say that I am not the world's best reviewer. I used to have a “book review blog” years ago, way before they became popular, and I didn't keep up with it because I realized it's not my strength. (Get me blogging about Disney World, on the other hand....) Still, I am going to give it my best shot.
At first glance, it may seem that The Aristobrats is another one of those “bitch-lit” stories like Gossip Girl or The Clique. (And don't get me wrong, I LIKE the few Gossip Girl books I've read a lot.) I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't. The characters are warm and fun to read about. They're not perfect, but that's OK.
I loved Parker's interactions with her mom. I was laughing out loud at a lot of it. They were hilarious. But my favorite story was Ikea's. YAY person of color!! And YAY person of color who struggled with things that I did when I was younger as far as fitting in, trying to be like the other girls. Her story was dear to me. I don't want to give away spoilers, but she is so strong. I was pumping my fist and yelling ‘you go girl' at many points!
I loved that this book wasn't overly positive or negative. It just was. And that was refreshing. :)
