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June 30, 2012

Review: Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer - Juhina

Smart Girls Get What They Want
Title: Smart Girls Get What They Want
Author: Sarah Strohmeyer
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: June 26th, 2012
Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary)
Challenges: Debut, Contemporary
Source: Publisher
Format: ARC
Pages: 352
Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren't the most popular girls in school, they aren't too worried. They know their "real" lives will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges. There will be ivy, and there will be cute guys in the libraries (hopefully with English accents) But when an unexpected event shows them they're missing out on the full high school experience, it's time to come out of the honors lounge and into the spotlight. They make a pact: They will each take on their greatest challenge--and they will totally "rock" it.

Gigi decides to run for student rep, but she'll have to get over her fear of public speaking--and go head-to-head with gorgeous California Will. Bea used to be one of the best skiers around, until she was derailed. It could be time for her to take the plunge again. And Neerja loves the drama club but has always stayed behind the scenes--until now.

These friends are determined to show the world that smart girls really can get what they want--but that could mean getting way more attention than they ever bargained for. . . .
Smart Girls Get What They Want has become the only YA contemporary novel that has finally reached the same love I have for Anna and the French Kiss. This is saying ALOT. I loved every single page of SGGWTW. It was full of laughs, such likable and flowing writing, realistic plot, amazing secondary characters, a kick-butt protagonist that is SMART and is independent, an enjoyable plot, and finally a cute boy to giggle about! That being said, beware, this review will be full of praises, gushing, and outright infatuation over Sarah Strohmeyer's debut novel!  
The protagonist, Gigi, is nicknamed "Einstein". That should give you an understanding of her level of smartness. Along with her other two best friends, Neerja and Bea, they are the three smartest girls in their sophomore year. However getting tired of not being noticed or leaving an imprint during their high school years, they decid to try out for different things. Neerja for the play Romeo and Juliet, Bea for the Skiing team, and Gigi for Student Rep. However Gigi, at first, is only running for Student Rep to win and be able to remove the accusations of cheating that were filed against her and Mike at the beginning of the year, even if they were exonerated. What Ivy League school would take a possible cheater? Here enters Mike. The guy that is all fun and Jokes. He is not the usual hot jerk, even with his constant teasing of Gigi, he is truly goodhearted and sweet. I really loved Mike! however the other side of the love triangle, Will, I can't say the same about. He ticked me off, and I'm glad the protagonist is smart and follows her head, and not only her heart. 
The secondary characters (her best friends) were amazing! I am so glad the protagonist had such loyal friends. A great change from the 'mean best friend' we see in YA novels. You also get a glimpse of their high school struggles and also you see their strong friendship. Also, they all make new friends. There is no evil witch, or a mean girl. Even Mike's ex-girlfriend. I was totally invested in not only the protagonist's life, but also all the secondary characters! including Mike's ex-girlfriend! Sarah Strohmeyer knows how to grab the readers and immerse them into her characters' lives and make us become totally involved in their lives! 
The only way to describe Smart Girls Get What They Want is that it is a totally feel good novel. A contemporary that would appeal to all YA readers. All I can say, at the beginning the synopsis didn't make me that excited for this novel, but when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. So in my opinion give it a try! This novel is amazing. I can not wait to see what Sarah Strohmeyer has in stores for her next novel! I will definitely be picking it up! 
5 musical notes

June 29, 2012

Review: One Moment by Kristina McBride - Farah




Title: One Moment
Author: Kristina McBride
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: June 26th, 2012
Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary)
Challenges: A-Z
Source: NetGalley
Format: Digital ARC
Pages: 272
"This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie's life. Now it's the one she'd do anything to forget.
"
Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can't she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below-dead?
As Maggie's memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?
The latest novel from the author of "The Tension of Opposites," "One Moment" is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.
You all probably know how much of a sucker I am for realistic fiction, but I guess this book just didn't really get to my heart. I have to say it was one of my highly anticipated books, but it just didn't amaze me like most realistic fiction do. The main protagonist, Maggie, suffers from the tragedy of her boyfriend, Joey's, death. While the synopsis of the story sounded interesting to me, I have to say I didn't enjoy it that much.
The beginning of the book, was interesting. The writing was nice, and the events were exciting as well. Though after Joey's death, I felt like the story dragged on way too much. I felt like I was just reading about how Maggie is depressed and how upset she is. I know that plays an important part in the book, but I would have liked it if it didn't drag that long. While I was reading that part, it took me a while to finish it because it just didn't make me want to turn every page after the other. While the middle was a bit boring, I loved how there was excitement towards the end. I really enjoyed the twist of the book, and that made it sound even more realistic. 
I alos enjoyed the friendship between Shannon, Tanna, Pete, Adam, and Maggie. It was nice and interesting to see how those best friends coped after the death of one of them. I really didn't even know whether to like or hate Joey, because every one of those friends had their own view of him. I don't have much to say about this book without spoiling it, so I'll stop here. While the middle felt really draggy and boring, I really did enjoy the end of the book. I do recommend it to young adult readers.
3.5 musical notes

June 28, 2012

Blog Tour: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt - Author Interview

Hello wonderful readers! Welcome to todays stop on Chosen Ones blog tour at Maji Bookshelf! This blog tour is hosted by Entangled Publishing for the newly released dystopian (addictive!) novel: Chosen Ones. For today's stop, I have with me Tiffany Truitt herself answering a couple of questions I was curious about after reading Chosen Ones. I'm sure they'll make you want to pick it up now! Also, here is my review of Chosen Ones! be sure to check it out!


Tiffany Truitt is an 8th grade English teacher in Suffolk, Virginia. When she’s not traveling the world, she enjoys reading, writing, and obsessing over coffee. Lost Souls: Chosen Ones is her first novel.

Find out more about Tiffany Truitt at her: 

Blog
| Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

The Lost Souls, book 1 is available now from Entangled Publishing!
 I pushed down a key. The hair on the back of my neck 
shot up, and my skin tingled.
I imagined this was what it felt like to fall in love.
In that moment, I was ready to fall.
............... 
1. I always ask this of authors, it's a good way to introduce their book, but describe Chosen Ones in three words!
Intense. Thought Provoking. Chilling
2. Chosen Ones shows advanced genetic engineering to the point of cloning, what inspired you to write about human cloning?
I think it’s an issue that not only fascinates a lot of people, but is also one that people get very passionate about. Mankind’s relationship with science has been the focus of books for hundreds of years. Despite the scientific nature of cloning, the real issue being explored is ---what defines humanity itself. And that will always be something that interests me.
3. If you had the choice to change one thing about yourself, personality, ability, or enhance anything, what would it be?
That’s a really great question. It’s been a rather crazy year for me, and this is something I have thought about a lot. I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve learned a lot about myself this year, and that includes a good deal about both my great and not so great parts. But these attributes make me who I am, and I am finally at a point in my life where I am comfortable with this. As long as I stay true to myself, I’m pretty content.
4. Do you relate to any of the characters in Chosen Ones?
I think I relate to all of them in some way. They are my creations after all. I like to think I share Tess’ idealism. I find that she’s a character who really grows into her own, and learns to stick true to her beliefs. I can only hope to reflect that in my own life in some ways. I sometimes wish I could be as understanding as James, but I don’t always have his patience. But their love of classic lit is all me ☺
5. How is the second book in the series coming along? any sneak peaks or hints regarding it? I can't wait to get my hands on it! 
It’s coming along. I am hoping to get the first draft into my editor this week. It’s been a struggle to write. I don’t want to produce a sophomore slump. As for hints…I don’t want to reveal too much, but I will say I am having a ball writing some new characters as well as putting my old characters in completely new situations.
Below is the trailer for Chosen Ones! It gives you a clear idea of how fantastic Chosen Ones will be when you pick it up! 

Get your copy of Chosen Ones at 
Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Powell's Books | Books-A-Million | Book Depository

June 27, 2012

Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth - Juhina

Insurgent (Divergent, #2)
Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: May 1st, 2012
Genre(s): Young Adult (Dystopian)
Challenges: Dystopian
Source: Own
Format: Hardback
Pages: 525
One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
Insurgent... sigh, I have waited long months for this book. Had my heart broken when some people got early copies and also when my copy didn't arrive on time. To say that I did not think about this book everyday would be a lie. You can call me obsessed, or borderline addicted to Divergent, but Divergent was one HECK of a book. I am telling you all this to show you how high my expectations of Insurgent were, and for the most part, Insurgent did not disappoint. 
Insurgent kicks off exactly where Divergent ended. Veronica Roth does not waste time with a recap or introductions and you get right into the action. I loved how I just had no idea what would happen next, what Roth would throw in our and Tris & Four's way and I just loved the unpredictableness of this book. Everything was thoughtfully planned and that ending? was so shocking I literally gasped out loud, closed the book and thought in my head "Damn it! Roth did it again!". The plot was so solid, so creative and just fast paced, I loved all the 525 pages of it! 
My only problem lies in Tris & Four's relationship. I am the biggest fan of Four, he is my ultimate all time favorite fictional crush, and I just adored Tris and his relationship. However, in Insurgent, it felt like the bond they had in Divergent was a bit broken, secrets are formed, feelings suppressed, and mistrust crept into their thoughts and I just wanted to grab them by their shoulders and shake them and tell them to wake up! you are TRIS and FOUR, don't break my heart please! The more problematic character for me would have to be Tris. I felt she started the doubts and mistrust and keeping secrets and having her own agenda, even if it is with good intentions, I just didn't understand why she would ask for help from other people and not seek Four. Even though I loved her in Divergent, I just didn't enjoy her character as much in Insurgent. However Four is still the one in my heart. 
Overall while Insurgent did fell a bit short of Divergent, adding in my crazy expectations I think it was a brilliant sequel to Divergent and if I did have any doubt about how amazing it was, the ending erased all of that. Now the torture of waiting for the third and final book has began and all I can say is read Divergent and Insurgent! the wait for the third book is WORTH IT! 
4.5 musical notes

June 25, 2012

Exciting New Releases! for the Week of June 25

Hello lovely readers! Exciting New Releases is back on Maji Bookshelf! I started this back in january however with the amount of university work I haven't been able to keep it up, however since summer is here i'm planning on starting it and making it a weekly feature! 

Between the Lines


Between The Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: 
Simon Pulse
Purchase

A Want So Wicked (A Need So Beautiful, #2)



A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Purchase
Secret Letters




Secret Letters by Leah Scheier
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Dust Girl (The American Fairy Trilogy, #1) 


Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Purchase
Blackwatch (Wintercraft, #2)


Blackwatch by Jenna Burtenshaw
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
  
A Midsummer Tights Dream (Misadventures of Tallulah Casey, #2)


A Midsummer Tights Dream by Louise Rennison
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Purchase
Smart Girls Get What They Want





Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Temptation 


Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin
Purchase
Rebel McKenzie



Rebel McKenzie by Candice Ransom
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
  
Zoe Letting Go 


Zoe Letting Go by Nora Price
Publication Date: June 28, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Purchase
My Life in Black and White


My Life in Black and White by Natasha Friend
Publication Date: June 28, 2012
Publisher: Viking Juvenile 
  
Choke


Choke by Diana Lopez
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Purchase








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