Posh & Prejudice by Grace Dent

At the end of the school year, sixteen-year-old Shiraz Bailey Wood isn't expecting incredible grades. But when her test results come in, she's astonished to discover not only that she passed them all, but that she's also actually clever! Emboldened by an invite to higher-level classes, Shiraz decides she can't waste her brain power frying eggs for minimum wage at the greasy spoon Mr. Yolk. So even in spite of her mum's objections that it ain't her place, Shiraz enrolls in Superchav Academy's "Center of Excellence" to get even brainier.

I've heard tons of terrible things about the Diary of a Chav books from other bloggers, but I really enjoyed reading this. Sure, it was hard to keep up with the lingo for the first few chapters, and yeah, Shiraz isn't the most interesting character in the world, but it was funny and very enjoyable.

My very favorite part of the book is the cover. It's gorgeous. It's awesome. It's something I'd love to wear. The bracelets, the visor, the makeup, the necklaces, and above all...the mesh tank top with the bandeau underneath?! Doesn't that scream awesome. Maybe it's just me. And it's definitely Chav-y. (Chav = Trailer Trash in Americanese.)

Truthfully, I wasn't buzzing (excited) about the dictionary in the back. Only half the terms were there for the ARCs which, I would assume, would cause an increase in the quantity of bad reviews. I really got the hump (take offense) about it at first. I was fizzing and hacked off, not to mention lairy (various forms of mad, angry, etc.). Some skunk (marijuana) might have helped calm me down, but I'm not a rudegirl (gangster). But when I got used to the British-ness of it I started to like it. Actually, I'm going to start applying these terms to my daily life to confuse as many people as possible.

The plot wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best either. Since the book is told diary-style, it skips around a bit but you really get to know Shiraz. Her life is so much more eventful than mine.
(I want to read a British version of Private. Like some girl at a British Boarding School. Preferably and American girl so I can understand her thoughts. Someone get on that.)
From what I could tell, there were no problems with the writing that would drive someone away.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book I'm I plan on buying the first Diary of a Chav book as well as another copy of this one. Not only are the covers amazingly awesome, they're funny and filled with fun slang that is nearly impossible to understand...in a good way. I do recommend these books. They're tons of fun if you approach it the way I did. And if you like the British diary-style books, you should also read the Georgia Nicolson books as well.

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him: one can time-travel, one can raise the dead, one can tell the future, and one can possess another human.
With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now they're causing him all kinds of trouble. Like, he'll blink and suddenly he's a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he'll change the future. Or he'll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she's going to die.
He's so over it. All he wants is peace.
And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, as long as he's near her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He's a loner; she has friends. He doesn't care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it's too late….
Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own, and a vampire princess Aden can't resist.

Well, this book was definitely different. But I don't really think that made it all that great. The four souls in one body was enough for me. Then I found out there were werewolves, vampires, and time travelers. At that point I just thought it was weird. I'm actually starting to be really annoyed by the paranormal thing.

Aside from that, it wasn't so bad. It was a little awkward and creepy at moments, but if you get past that it wasn't that bad. It was actually kinda good when there were no paranormal moments.

I didn't really enjoy this, but if you're still into the whole paranormal thing, I'm sure it'd be enjoyable for you. Of course, there was a suspenseful ending that makes me want to read the next book, so when that's available, I'll be buying that one as well. Because while I don't really like paranormal, I'm a sucker for the cliffhanger ending.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school—and life in general—with a minimum of effort. It’s not a lot to ask. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s sick and he’s going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure—if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most.

Going Bovine is completely different than anything I've ever read before. In a good way. If you're looking for another Great and Terrible Beauty, this isn't the book for you.

There were definitely some really weird parts of this book. The beginning was a little too slow for me and I thought it took a little too long for him to finally diagnosed. Then after that, it was very quick paced and adventurous. It made me really think about it. While the adventures were well described and seemingly real, there were little parts that made me think it was just a delusion caused by the disease. Truthfully, I'm still not really sure how I feel about this book. I know I liked it but I don't really know what to think beyond that. But, I can definitely say that Libba Bray is a terrific author. Her books are always completely unique and while I don't always end up loving them, I'm still drawn to her books. So I'm sure I'll just need her next book...whether I want to or not.

I'm Back!

Soccer is finally over! We placed 2nd in districts which is the farthest I've ever made it. Unfortunately I didn't get to play once, but I was the statistician and carried all the equipment around. But only 3 weeks until the doctor okays me and I get my new sports brace. Then I can finally play again.

Band was cool too. I'm a first in our Honors Wind Ensemble now and I finally got to restart my lessons.

Anyways, I've got quite a few books to be reviewed, and I loved them all so there will be some positive reviews coming up and then I get to start reading Beautiful Creatures! And this Sunday, I'll post an IMM summing up all the coolest things I've gotten over the past few months.

If you haven't noticed...

I haven't posted since the beginning of the month. Why? I was too busy. And I won't be back until soccer/band is over. I'll explain more then.

But I have a few books to review when I come back so I won't be boring when I come back!

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Micah will freely admit that she’s a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she’ll ever tell you. Over the years she’s duped her classmates, her teachers, and even her parents, and she’s always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies. That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as naturally as breathing?

I loved this book. Everything about it. The cover, the writing style, the lies, the "truth," and Micah.

When the book starts out, I believed nearly everything that Micah said. Probably because I'm not used to the idea of a book possibly lying to me. So I went along with it. But when I got to the second part and she started telling the "real truth," that's when I started to not believe it. Probably because it was so unexpected and maybe because I thought it was a realistic fiction story, but I really didn't think she was telling the truth. But, after a while I got used to the idea of her "truth" and went along with it. But I still don't know. It's so confusing and that's probably my favorite part.

Micah was an awesome character. I will admit that I'm not the most honest person and I do tell some lies for my own personal amusement. Yeah, I also end up telling people when I am lying, but I understand the entertainment factor. She was really interesting and it was difficult to figure out if she's lying or not without an open confession. But I was fun to try.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The writing was fabulous and the story was so original. I loved so many parts about this book and there was nothing that I really disliked. I definitely recommend this book. It's amazing!

Waiting on Wednesday 7

Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

There's still no cover, summary, or anything on this book, right?
But I still want it VERY much. LHA is one of the best writers ever and I can not wait to read more of this series. I want to know what happens next. If anyone knows anything about his book, please share information below...because I know nothing!

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel.

In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed---about God, about your family, about yourself---is transformed.

I didn't really enjoy this book too much. Why? I am not, and probably will never be, a religious person. I haven't been to church since my sister and I started playing club soccer years ago. I actually get really bored by the whole idea of religion, which is probably really bad but it's the truth.

Nick, the brother of the kidnapped girl, was my favorite character. The parts that he was in were always my favorites and I think that he was one of the few aspects of the book that entertained me.

Also, I love the cover of this book. I think it's really beautiful. The flower is really pretty and the fonts used in the title really go well with the image. I don't really see how it ties in with the book other than Sam's gardening, but it's still nice.

Overall, this is not something that I would read again, but it wasn't a bad book either. I don't think I could appreciate it as well as someone who's more religious because that part of the story was too distracting for me to get past. So I recommend giving it a try if you're not bothered by that because it was well written.

In My Mailbox 38 + Contest Winner!

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have a room in the palace--and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust--and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

I wasn't expecting this and it just sorta showed up, but I've been thinking about reading the series for a while and now I have a reason to!

Also...
The winner of the James Patterson contest is: Valerie. You've been sent an email...if I don't hear from you in 3 days, I'll pick someone new. Congratulations!

In My Mailbox #?

Don't expect too many posts this week. I haven't been able to read that much recently. Why? This is my 4th week of school already. And everyday I either have a soccer game, soccer practice/physical therapy, or a football game/band. Along with tons of homework from all my honors and AP classes.

Plus I found out I'm mildly allergic to bees yesterday. (And that bees really like coconut scented deep conditioner...). My hand is still swollen.

But anyways...

This week I got:
And ARC of Liar and a finished copy of Liar. I won one in a contest and the other came randomly. I'll be using the hardcover to pass on to friends and keeping the ARC to myself.