The winner in the Kohl's Gift Card Giveaway is announced!

Click here to find out who was the lucky winner!

Kohl's Gift Card Giveaway!

I am in the Christmas spirit and want to give back to a lucky reader of my blogs!

So
I am having a contest over on my other blog: temppatt too!
Be sure to enter in! :)
Here is the link:
http://temppatttoo.blogspot.com/2008/12/kohls-gift-card-giveaway.html

Good Luck!

Review: Burn by Suzanne Phillips

Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire but just remember someone always gets BURNED!


Cameron Grady is a 14 year old in the 9th grade who’s high school experience is not off to a great start. Cameron is getting terrorized by his fellow classmates, jocks Patterson and Murphy in particular. The bullying gets worse and Cameron has had enough. Will he survive or will the bullying drive him to take action?

Burn is an interesting read. It gives you a great understanding of Cameron, from his school life to his home life. You also see how school is affecting his life at home. Like for example, his relationship with his younger brother. Cameron wants to be seen as a stronger older brother but soon finds out that his younger brother is fully aware of the bullying that takes place at school. Cameron gets upset and becomes distant from his brother.

The problem that I had with the story was the way Cameron used fire. I felt it was a bit much but on the other hand shows that bullying can truly change a person.

I must say that going into this book I expected different events to occur. I actually felt mislead based on the summary on the back of the book, but to avoid giving anything away I will leave it at that.

All and all, Burn did keep me hooked to the end and the fact that what I thought was going to happen didn’t happen offered an unpredictable plot twist. Burn proves how serious bullying is and how the effects from it can stay with you way past your high school years.

Review: THE TRUTH: What You Must Know Before December 21, 2012 by Stephen Hawley Martin

Learn the truth about 2012!

The Mayan Calendar, the I CHING of ancient China and an ultra sophisticated computer model called the Web Bot all predict the end of the world to be December. 21, 2012. It is believed that a shift of higher consciousness will occur and those that shift will survive. The Truth was created to guide you down the right path and help you achieve the shift before the arrival of 2012.

Martin delivers a real eye opener that will definitely give you something to think about. It is an engaging read that is well explained for complete understanding. Topics are explained through illustrations and substantial evidence in science and real life experiences. The Truth has all the right tips to bring about a great change in our universe and a greater change in ourselves.

If you can vote!

Review: How to Drive Your Sister Crazy by Diane Z. Shore

The Best Brother EVER!

Bradley Harris Pinkerton has an older sister named Abby. Bradley loves driving Abby crazy. He feels it’s a brothers job to drive his sister crazy. That is why Bradley was nice enough to create this step-by-step guide on how its done. He even gives brothers a fair warning not to let their sister read this book.

How to Drive Your Sister Crazy is a really fun and easy read. The story flows and is perfect for a child who is well on their way to reading but still needs a little help. The pictures really enhance the story. Seeing Bradley sneaking around every corner and seeing Abby’s reactions to what Bradley does just makes you laugh.

The characters are very relatable. Whether you’re a Bradley, one who would get enjoyment out of driving their sibling crazy or an Abby, one who has a sibling who is driving them crazy. There is something for everyone with a sibling in this story. All the Abby’s who manage to get a hold of this book will know what to look out for. All the Bradley’s will find his antics hysterical and might even gain a few tips. I know my sister will.

Be sure to add this adorable book to your book collection.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Yes, today is my birthday!

OCTOBER 25
I just thought I'd make a nice little post about it.



I'm ready to P-A-R-T-Y!

Review: Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

This book proves relationships are like a game, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose!

Dominique is a High School senior who dreams of becoming a doctor. She loves her school’s science quiz team and playing the board game Operation with her parents. She’s stressed about her studies and college applications but she soon finds someone to take her mind off of it all. This someone is a senior track star from another school named Wes. Wes is cute, sweet, polite, and seems to be into her. Dominique and Wes start to hang out and realizes a relationship can come out of this friendship. They quickly go from phone calls and e-mails to a physical relationship. With their relationship at an all time high, Dominique and Wes start college. They will not be attending the same school or even be in the same state. Can their relationship hold up under these circumstances?

Anatomy of a Boyfriend is an interesting read, It has a simple storyline which is great because that allows you to focus completely on the point of the story, to give you an inside look into a teens first relationship and all the firsts that goes along with it. Dominique is a cool character, although whiny at times, you can’t help but feel bad about the fall of her first relationship. Frankly, she should be happy that it's over because he wasn't a great boyfriend. All he really offered to her and the story was his anatomy.

Anatomy of a Boyfriend is a mature read due to the graphic nature of its sexual content. I feel this should be for ages 16 and up and not for readers as young as 14. I wouldn’t advise a 14 year old to read it. I do advise my 16 and older crowd to go and pick up a copy because it might get you to think about your first relationship and most importantly it will get you to think: Whatever happened to my game of Operation?

Review: The Center of the Universe Yep, that would be ME by Anita Liberty

Anita gives you an inside look into her world!

>This story is by Anita Liberty about Anita Liberty. Anita is not one of the happiest teens around and frankly, she thinks being a teenager sucks. She’s dealing with a 12 year old sister who managed to get a committed relationship, her sometimey friends, boys that she just can’t quite understand and parents that just don’t understand her. In addition to all of this, she still has SAT’s and college applications to worry about. So through writing, Anita will try and take back control of her universe.

>I loved this book, it was hilarious. It has such a personal feel to it. Throughout her journal entries she includes poems, charts and her own spin on SAT math problems and word definitions. I do feel this book is for a mature audience due to sexual content, drinking and drug use but since I am a mature audience, I thought this book rocked! Anita gives valuable evidence that being a teenager does suck and show you how to get though it, by having fun critizing it. If Anita Liberty is the Center of the Universe then the Center of the Universe is a fun and cool place to be!

Revew: Johnny Big Ears,The Feel-Good Friend by John Paul Padilla

This little book delivers a big lesson!

>Johnny is a 5 year old who is starting his first day of Kindergarten. With the new haircut his mother gives him, he is ready for school. Sadly for Johnny, he encounters the worst part of school, bullies. They decide to tease Johnny because of his big ears. Will Johnny be able to handle the teasing from his classmates?

>Johnny Big Ears is a cute book. I think it delivers a message that needs to be heard by all children. It features great pictures and I actually wish there were more pictures given the grade level this book is geared towards. Johnny is a relatable character due to the fact that a lot of people have had to deal with bullies. Johnny offers children great advice and shows them what really matters most. So just remember, you always have a friend in Johnny!

13th Annual Baltimore Book Festival

The annual Baltimore Book Festival is coming and it is sure to be full of festivities. If you're in the area, feel free to check it out!

Where: Historic Mount Vernon Place centered on the 600 block of North Charles Street, 21201. Baltimore, MD.

When: Friday, September 26 from 5-9pm

Saturday, September 27 from 11am-7pm

Sunday, September 28 from 11am-7pm

Website: www.baltimorebookfestival.com

Review: Amor and Summer Secrets by Diana Rodriguez Wallach

A hot island and even hotter temperatures brings a summer full of surprises!

>Fifteen year old Mariana Ruiz has her summer all planned out, to stay in Philadelphia and attend her friend Madison’s Sweet 16 party. But Mariana’s plan gets changed when her father ships her and her brother to Puerto Rico to stay with family they’ve never met. Now that her summer has been planned out for her, Will Mariana have a unforgettable summer or a summer she will hope to forget?

>Amor and Summer Secrets is a fun read. It has romance and drama all surrounding a great cast of characters. The best part is that Mariana is likeable, relatable and you can’t help but enjoy joining her on her summer adventure. This book really hooks you in and then at the end leaves you hanging with an amazing cliffhanger. I can’t wait to join Mariana in the sequel, Amigas and School Scandals in October.

Q & A with Tonya Hurley!

The author of Ghostgirl, Tonya Hurley has many talents. Aside from being an author, she is a writer and director in television and film. To find out more about Tonya's work just visit her website at
http://www.tonyahurley.com/.

With a creditable portfolio and the sequel to Ghostgirl on the way, you can tell Tonya is versatile, edgy and all about standing out, even if she doesn't have purple hair anymore.


TP: How did you come up with the idea for Ghostgirl?
TH: I was working on a TV show in LA and I started thinking invisibility. A lot of time people who are talking to you are shoulder surfing to see if there's anyone more important that they feel they 'should' be talking to. Anyway, it got me thinking about high school and how everyone is pretty much invisible - not just the outcasts and the rebels, but even the popular are being judged and can't be themselves. Then I got to thinking about how it's not just high school where people feel invisible, but life. Everyone from a person stuck in a dead-end job to a hot, young celebrity. It's something that we all deal with at one point or another in our lives. I loved the John Hughes comedies and of course the Tim Burton films, Heathers, so I drew from my inspirations and tried to write a book that was heartfelt and funny. I love satire.


TP: I must say the cover of Ghostgirl looks amazing, what was your reaction when you first saw it?
TH: My editor Nancy Conescu and the designer Alison Impey did a fabulous job! They took my web art to the next level, no doubt. I actually cried when I saw it. It was unbelievable. I still can't believe it's real. They are a very talented bunch over there. My team at Little, Brown and Company are definitely the rockstars of publishing.

TP: The characters Scarlet and Damen are big music fans, are you a big music fan? If so, what music do you listen to?
TH: Oh, my, YES. I love music. I love all kinds of music. I was in a punk band in high school and I studied music in college. I was a music publicist when I first moved to New York - most of the bands used in the book were clients and have remained friends of mine. Music is a big part of my life.

TP: Ghostgirl had a hard time in High School, how was your High School experience?
TH: I think everyone has a hard time in high school. I was pretty popular, in the popular crowd and I got so fed up with it that I came to school one day - at the age of 15 - with purple hair. It was a shock to everyone because back then, no one colored their hair, especially in my small town. I had enough and I never looked back. I think coloring my hair and changing the way I dressed made me even more popular, so it back fired a little. It was always inside of me, I just started living it.

TP: You've done scripts for T.V shows, so let's say Ghostgirl was being turned into a T.V show, who would you cast to play your characters?
TH: I used to dream about Zooey Deschanel playing the role, but time has passed since then. I would love for her to read the audio book, if there is one! I guess I'd want an unknown. I think that would be fitting.

TP: What can we expect next from you?
TH: The second ghostgirl book comes out next July! I really love the second book and it's equally beautiful.

TP: Who is your favorite author and what strikes you about their work?
TH: I love lots of authors. I love fantasy, but right now I am on a satire kick. I love David Sedaris. He really cracks me up. I think I am most influenced by Edward Gorey. He is a real hero of mine.

TP: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
TH: Learn to take rejection and move on. Don't let it stop you and try not to internalize it. Stay true to your story because if you don't believe in it, no one else will.

TP: What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
TH: I bird watch.
I would like to thank Tonya Hurley for allowing me to interview her.

Be sure to fulfill your Ghostgirl needs by visiting Ghostgirl's website: http://ghostgirl.com/, where you can play Ghostgirl games, print Ghostgirl bookmarks and even write a message on the bathroom walls. So go and live it up on ghostgirl.com.

Review: Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

Despite all the dark elements, Ghostgirl can't help but shine!

>Charlotte Usher saw her new year as a new beginning. This was the year she going to finally get noticed. Things seemed to be going her way when she gets the attention of the most popular guy in school, Damen and gets assigned to be his lab partner. Sadly for Charlotte her plan goes completely wrong when she chokes on a gummy bear and dies. Charlotte now has more than her popularity to worry about.

>I absolutely love the book design of Ghostgirl. It really stands out among other books. It’s taller and more narrow than most books and it’s interior features flowers on the top and bottom borders of each page. This book looks amazing but I am not just judging the book by it’s cover here, once you get past the cover, you find out the contents of the book is what truly makes it stand out.

>Ghostgirl is unlike any book I’ve ever read. Looking through the eyes of Charlotte as a dead teen was refreshingly different. Scarlett and Charlotte are both witty and relatable and you can’t help but enjoy the antics of the Dead ED class. With an unpredictable plot and characters so full of character, Ghostgirl is a great read and I am just dying to read more.

Review: The Day I Killed James by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Hyde delivers a heartfelt tale of love and heartbreak that truly captures your heart!

>Theresa invites her next door neighbor James on a one time party date to make her boyfriend jealous. While Theresa’s plan worked in making the boyfriend jealous, it backfired in hurting James in the process. Theresa becomes guilty when she finds out how bad she hurt James. She flees her old life by changing her name, shaving her head and moving where no one knows her. Reality soon sets in with meeting a young girl similar to herself and she realizes that she can’t runaway any longer.

>The Day I Killed James is a powerful story that from cover to cover is amazing. It will take you through a world wind of emotions. Catherine Ryan Hyde is an exceptional writer, from the intense plot to the insightful journal entries, The Day I Killed James is a story once read will not soon be forgotten.

Q & A with Jennifer Banash!

I am very excited to get to interview the author of The Elite. Jennifer Banash is truly talented and not to mention super busy. From working on In too Deep, the sequel to The Elite, having plans for another book called Bitten and being the co founder and co publisher of Impetus Press, an independent publishing house. It makes me wonder, how does she find time to smell her dogs paws…..well you’ll get what I mean later on in the interview.



TP: How did you get the idea to write The Elite?
JB: The impetus to write THE ELITE was largely based on my own experiences going to a private school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I knew I wanted to write about that world, but that I also didn't want it to be just an escapist fantasy--I wanted to temper that glamorous lifestyle with real issues.

TP: Do you have a favorite character from The Elite? If so, who is it and why?
JB: My favorite character changes all the time! Usually it's Drew because I love walking around in a guy's head ad figuring out what makes them so, well, difficult, lol! But lately, because I'm so cranky and tired, it' Madison--there's something really liberating about writing in her voice, and just getting to be as bitchy as I want with no repercussions (well, at least not in MY life!).

TP: What character do you most relate to?
JB: Casey. I always feel like everything I do is either wrong, or that I could've done a better job. I'm definitely harder on myself than anyone else could ever be. I also relate to Casey the most because she can really laugh at herself, no matter how bad things get, and that's a quality I'm desperately trying to cultivate!

TP: In reading The Elite, I noticed that it has laugh out loud moments but makes a point of tackling serious issues, how hard was it to have a balance of both?
JB: It was really important to me. I think it's irresponsible to write a series with no real issues or problems for its characters. That's not the way life was for me when I was a teenager, and it's certainly not the way it is now for many teens growing up. I gave the characters real problems because it reflects the world that young adults grow up in today. It's funny, because my editor really tried to get them to take out the plot line about Sophie being a cutter, and I fought to keep it in. After all the appreciative emails I've gotten about that particular story line from readers, I'm very glad I did.

TP: How many books are planned for The Elite series and what can readers expect next in In Too Deep?
JB: There are three books scheduled so far. The next installment, IN TOO DEEP drops in January. The third book will be out sometime next June. All I can tell you about IN TOO DEEP is that it involves reality TV and a fabulous sweet sixteen bash! You wouldn't want me to ruin the surprise now, would you? I think not.

TP: What is the best part about being an author?
JB: The best part about being an author is fame and money, the circling photographers that stake out my house daily, getting the best tables in restaurants, not worrying about my cell phone bill . . .

Oh wait. That's Britney Spears . . .

The best part about being an author is getting to feel like I'm contributing something to the world--no matter how small.

TP: Who is your favorite author and what is it that strikes you about their work?
JB: My favorite author overall is Virginia Woolf. I love her sentences, how she wasn't afraid to take risks in her work, her tenacity. Reading her books is like stepping in to a beautiful dream. I could spend hours lost in the pages of her writing. In terms of YA, I love Melissa Walker, RA Nelson, Barry Lyga, Alexa Young, Anna Godberson, and I'm dying to read SISTERS OF MISERY by Megan Kelley Hall.

TP: What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
JB: Umm . . . I smell my dogs paws a lot? He usually smells like corn chips, but lately since we have been going to the beach so often, he smells kinda salty . . .

TP: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
JB: Just keep writing-and don't let anyone's negativity discourage you. Actually, I"m still trying to take my own advice on that one . . .

I would just like to thank Jennifer for allowing me to interview her and for giving me a glimpse into her Elite world!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week!

My Friend Amy is holding this and I think it is really cool. Make sure you register so you can be apart of this exciting week!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week September 15-19


Book Bloggers: You work hard. You read books, you write reviews, you maintain relationships with your readers, publicists, and authors. You are constantly running to the post office to mail your giveaways and participating in carnivals to help boost traffic. You sometimes want to faint when you see the size of your TBR pile, but faithfully you read. And you do it because you love it. Book blogging is for most a hobby. But it's a hobby that takes a lot of work and time. It's a labor of love.


I've been blogging for three years but only really got into book blogging in the last year. I have found, without a doubt, that book bloggers are the kindest, most open minded, and supportive group of bloggers on the internet. With book blogging, it's about community and a love for the written word.

The Readers: We love you! You don't have a blog, but you read our reviews and share your thoughts with us. You enter our giveaways and click on our Amazon associates link. We do this for you and appreciate your readership. We hope you'll join in the fun and festivities of BBAW! (we'll have a special contest just for you!)

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Acknowledging the hard work of book bloggers and their growing impact on book marketing and their essential contribution to book buzz in general, I am excited to announce the first Book Blogger Appreciation Week. Think of it as a retreat for book bloggers and a chance for us to totally nerd out over books together. And of course, shower each other with love and appreciation.

Register: In order to experience the maximum impact of the week, I invite you to register your participation (just like a retreat)!
To register, just send an email to bookbloggerappreciationweekATgmailDOTcom with your blog url and what you consider your niche...i.e, general book blog, classics blog, personal blog with a healthy dose of books, YA books blog, etc. Then, add one of the two buttons at the top of this post to your sidebar. If you are a reader (no blog) just send an email announcing your plans to follow along.
Why bother? If you register, you will be added to a book blog directory which will exist long after this week is over. Additionally, you will receive one raffle entry into the daily giveaways during BBAW here at My Friend Amy.

Awards: Oh yes, there will be awards. The Oscars of Book Blogging. :) Nominations start next week.

Spread the Word: If you are excited about this idea like I am and the other book bloggers who are helping, please consider writing a post on your blog announcing this event and inviting other book bloggers and readers to join.

Help Wanted: If you have a talent for designing buttons (like those below) and would like to donate some of your time and skill to me, please email me personally at mypalamyATgmailDOTcom

Review: The Elite by Jennifer Banash

Casey's move from Normal
to New York is top rank!

Casey McCloy left the Midwest to move to New York City. She is going to live with her grandmother and attend the prestigious Meadowlark Academy. At her new home, The Bramford, she meets some of her Meadowlark classmates, Sophie, Phoebe and most of all Madison. With Madison’s popularity being iconic, Casey tries to make friends with her. But staying on Madison’s good side is harder than she thought and things quickly go sour when Madison’s ex Drew is thrown into the mix. This Normal, Illinois native finds out her life in NY will be no where near Normal.

The Elite is well written and a great read. I love how each chapter was from the point of view of a different character. It really helps you get a better understanding of each of them. I enjoyed the plot and the relatable characters. Banash has truly created a book that leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait for the sequel, In Too Deep, out in the fall.

Review: Jet Set by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman

Living the fabulous life in a not so fabulous story!

Jet Set is about an American girl named Lucy Peterson who earns herself a scholarship to Switzerland’s most elite Van Pelt Academy. With Van Pelt’s caviar at every meal, white-tie affairs and royals everywhere, hopefully she can stay focus on her academics and tennis goals. Sadly for Lucy, Van Pelt has distractions around every corner, she has no clue what she has gotten herself into.

This books plot was truly a great idea but I feel it was poorly delivered. The story was all over the place, as soon as I would get into something it would jump to something else and it would be a while before it got back to what I had gotten interested in. I wish the characters weren’t so dull and that the author’s were more descriptive of the characters. Jet Set was a big disappointment to me, all the glitz and glam surrounding this story couldn’t save this jet from it’s nose-dive. So if you want you can check out Jet Set when it is released in August from Harperteen.

Review: Gossip Girl: The Carlyles by Cecily von Ziegesar

Gossip Girl is back with a new cast to gossip about!

The Carlyles is about sixteen year old triplets, moving from Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Upper East Side. They are not just moving anywhere in the Upper East Side but are moving in the Waldorf’s old apartment. The triplets consists of Owen, Avery and Baby. Owen wants that perfect girl, Avery wants to fit in and Baby wants to go back to Nantucket until she meets J.P. With all of this going on, you know the Gossip Girl will have a lot to gossip about.

At first it was hard for me to get use to the idea of a new cast because I really loved the old gang, (Serena, Blair, etc) but the Carlyles really bring a fresh flare to the series and still gives you what you love about Gossip Girl books, scandals, enemies and all the gossip you could want. I must say I enjoyed the book and will continue reading the series. I do hope that the Gossip Girl series will go back to Serena and the others in future books. I would love to know what happens to them in college and I am sure Gossip Girl is curious too.

Review: Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman

This Betty’s tell all, has it all!

Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty is told through the journal entries of a skater girl named Geena Sloane. Geena had her summer all planned out, work at Triple Shot Betty and bond with her fellow Betty’s, newly arrived cousin Hero and outspoken friend Amber. As soon as Hero arrives, Amber’s claws come out. The situation worsens when John Jamieson, Amber’s ex, falls for Hero. Hero is not interested in John, her eyes are set on Claudio, a guy from Italy who is interning at her father’s winery. With all of these summer events, the Betty’s find out they have a lot more brewing than just coffee.

Triple Shot Betty is truly a triple shot, it hits you with humor, romance and the real smell of coffee, thanks to the cool scratch-n-sniff cover. I love the fact that it is written in journal form, it gives the story a more personal feel. The main characters are very relatable, anyone could be a Betty and the coffee shop guests are great, you always wonder who’s going to show up next and what’s going to happen next. This book has all the right ingredients and makes it fun to wake up and smell the coffee!

Review: In Your Room by Jordanna Fraiberg

Can perfect strangers be perfect soul mates?

In Your Room is a story of a summer house swap between two families. This swap had the greatest effect on two teenagers.

One being, Molly Hill from LA, who’s mother re-marries and wants her to come along for the honeymoon in Boulder, Colorado. And the other is Charlie Richards from Colorado, who is surprised to hear that his two mothers have them moving to LA for the summer.

Both not being thrilled about their summer plans, Charlie loving mountain trails more than city streets and Molly feeling that Boulder is lacking what she needs to be creative and create designs. They both go in thinking this is going to be a long boring summer and come out thinking something totally different.

In Your Room truly takes you along for Molly and Charlie’s summer swap. Through e-mails, IM’s, adventures and events, you can’t help but find this story cute and delightful. Molly and Charlie are characters that are both relatable and likeable. This book has the perfect twists in its plot to avoid predictability and proves that you can always make the impossible possible.

Be sure to pick you up a copy of In Your Room when it is released in October!

Review: Chill by Deborah Reber

If stress is getting the best of you, the only way to deal is to CHILL!

Chill is a self help book that was designed to help you create order out of complete disorder. To reduce stress in your everyday life. Whether your stress is coming from school, home, friendships or maybe even the hectic schedule you keep, Chill has some sort of a solution for you.

Chill is like no other self help book I have read. Most self help books are written for adults, and teens cannot relate to them. But Chill was written with teens in mind from the cool pictures throughout, fun quizzes and creative topics for your journal.

I am currently using a lot of the techniques discussed in Chill like the Time Management chapter under Managing Out Your Work, the Apply to Colleges chart helps me ease the stress of worrying about what I’ve done and more importantly what I need to do. The Organization chapter made me organize and delete a lot of the items I had in my computer.

Chill could not have came at a better time in my life, with the stress of applying to colleges, managing time and just the stress that comes with being a teen. After reading Chill, I did feel a sense of balance and peace but most of all I felt the need to sit back, relax and CHILL!

Review: The Temptress Four by Gaby Triana

Four Friends Unforgettable Trip
On
The Temptress

The Temptress Four is about Fiona and her three friends setting sail for their graduation cruise to the Caribbean. But the night before the cruise, at the senior fair, they all agree to have their fortunes read by Madame Fortuna. Little did they know that Fortuna would predict strife and storms. Then would turn over the DEATH card and state "One of you will not come home." Now with that in the back of the four girls minds, they set sail for a true adventure of a lifetime.

The Temptress Four was outstanding. Gaby Triana really created four great characters. I liked how distinct each characters traits were and how with every day on the trip and with every plot twist they each evolved in some way. Reading this book made me wish I could have taken a trip with my friends after our graduation, the only thing it would not have been as eventful.

In addition: I loved the name of the ship (The Temptress), So closely related to my name!

Review: She's So Money by Cherry Cheva

Maya's Money Making Solution

I loved reading She's So Money by Cherry Cheva! It was about a girl named Maya who was a very smart girl so she was a tutor at her school. She balances working at her parents Thai restaurant and tutoring. But when her parents leave her in charge of the Thai restaurant she gets a $10,000 fine from the Health Department, she has to pay this fine off but has no clue how to get the cash. So Camden ( a boy she is tutoring in school) gives her the idea to use her smarts to get the money.

I enjoyed Maya's witty sense of humor and the chemistry between her and Camden was just amazing. They truly were like a comedy team, they matched each other’s wisecracks perfectly. I admired Maya’s determination to rectify the fine over her parents restaurant, even though her method of doing so was wrong, she going to make things right the best way she could. From the first day I began reading She's So Money, I couldn’t put it down, with Maya’s wit and the ever evolving plot, you never know what is going to happen next, and that is what is so wonderful about this captivating book.

Contests Online!

http://www.elizabethwrites.com/blog/

weekly contests on her blog and MySpace.

http://lindagerber.blogspot.com/
Linda has Freebie Fridays

http://www.melissacwalker.com/blog/
Win-It Wednesday, check back there for prizes.
Current contest: check website for details!

http://www.thepageflipper.com/
Chelsea has contests every Monday.
Current contest: check website for details!

http://reviewerx.blogspot.com/2008/09/ya-connection-week-of-september-21st.html
Reviewer X's YA Connection is giving away three ARCS of Paper Towns by John Green!

more to come.......