Freestyle Friday: Book Review Bad Girls Don't Die

I was hoping to be able to post my interview with one of my favorite authors today, but, as authors tend to be, she's been busy and hasn't had a chance to answer the questions yet, but I should have them for the next time I'm up for Freestyle Friday.  So, instead, I'll post the review I did of her book, Bad Girls Don't Die.

Bad Girls Don’t Die by Katie Alender
Publisher: Hyperion (June 22, 2010)
Paperback: 346 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Purchased

When Alexis’s little sister Kasey becomes obsessed with an antique doll, Alexis thinks nothing of it. Kasey is a weird kid. Period. Alexis is considered weird, too, by the kids in her high school, by her parents, even by her own Goth friends. Things get weirder, though, when the old house they live in starts changing. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in. Kasey is changing, too. Her blue eyes go green and she speaks in old-fashioned language, then forgets chunks of time.
Most disturbing of all is the dangerous new chip on Kasey’s shoulder. The formerly gentle, doll-loving child is gone, and the new Kasey is angry. Alexis is the only one who can stop her sister — but what if that green-eyed girl isn’t even Kasey anymore?

REVIEW: I have to admit I bought this book simply because I’m shallow. ☺ A friend of mine picked up this book and showed it to me. It was completely creepy—which apparently I’m into lately—and so I flipped to the back cover to see what it was all about it. And I didn’t read any further than the first sentence. It was about DOLLS! Probably a creepy doll. So, I bought it, set it in my TBR pile and promised myself it would be the first book I read when I finished first round edits on my dystopian.

Which I did!

I started the book the day after Thanksgiving, while I drove around waiting for my husband to do some of his shopping and, to be completely honest, I wasn’t really all that impressed. To me it started off slow, but it quickly picked up pace –within that first chapter—and I couldn’t put it down.

I had really only one expectation going into it and that was it needed to be creepy. I was not disappointed. Almost from the beginning we’re treated to a scene where the heroine—Alexis, or Lexi as she’s sometimes called--is outside her house in the middle of the night and taking pictures of her house, when a strange light appears out of nowhere. She takes a few photographs of it, then walks into her house, so as not to spook her kid sister. The light follows and ends up finding her room by “sitting” outside her window in a tree.
Then is a bit of a boring part, but it really couldn’t be helped and really helped develop Alexis to the reader. We’re shown that she’s a loner and that she hates the cheerleaders, especially a girl named Pepper (but really who wouldn’t hate a girl named Pepper. LOL. Except Pepper Pots from Iron Man, that is. Can’t hate her. :D) who was instrumental in forcing her best friend to leave the state because she was teased so much because of her weight.

We’re also introduced to the “hero,” Carter when he smacks Lexi in the head with a door—accidentally, of course.

After all the introductions to the secondary characters (Pepper, Kasey, Carter, and another cheerleader named Megan) and some whining about her parents, the story really takes off and it was almost impossible to put down.

From creepy dreams, to doors that open for themselves, and even a possession or two it was perfectly hair-raising and sinister. And for the most part kept me on the edge of my seat asking, “What the heck is going on here?!”

Even the ending—which I will NOT spoil for you here—was superb. I usually find myself slightly disappointed with how an author chooses to end a book, but this time I was only disappointed it was over!

Characters: Alexis is the perfect teenage girl. Riddled with angst, but not in a way that makes you groan because it’s clichéd. She has a love/hate relationship with her parents and sister, as is normal for girls that age, and something any teenager—or young in heart—can relate to. She’s tough and doesn’t let anyone boss her around, and while she’s a rule breaker, she does so on her own terms. Not to fit in. In fact, she could care less about fitting in. She just wants to be left alone by everybody. Carter on the other hand, is practically perfect in every way, and completely the opposite of Alexis. It makes for some great conflict. And while this book wasn’t a romance, the romantic elements were awesome because of the chemistry between these two characters. Kasey is also really well developed. I found myself vacillating between feeling sorry and worried for her and angry at her. Not a comfortable spot to be in, considering, but one of the elements that really drove this story forward.

Cover: As I mentioned before this was the main reason I purchased this book. It was exceptionally creepy, yet beautiful at the same time. Honestly I’d love to have the picture blown up and framed, so I can place this in my home, I love it that much.

If you’re looking for a creepy thriller that will make you sleep with the lights on and the covers over your head, this is the book for you. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next two books.

Find Katie Alender

Katie Alender   /   Blog   /   Twitter  /  Facebook

Purchase Bad Girls Don't Die

Amazon    /   Barnes & Noble   /   The Book Depository

Writing a Book Review

You're a writer.
You have a blog.
You have an outside life, paying job and other's who depend on you.

All eat up chucks of your time.

You want to hone your writing skills, be a better storyteller.

So you read. Lots. In your genre and even spread your wings to gnaw on other works outside your writing realm. But that takes up time, too.

Combine the two: Write a Book Review. But how?

There's no right or wrong way, no tell-all process for writing a good book review. But there are areas one should stay true to and probably avoid.

Now, I'm no expert but I've been reviewing books for about six months. My main purpose for getting into reviewing was simple. Condense my actions with my limited time, equaling productivity. I did, however, decide on my goals for reviewing: to give my readers a view into a book they may have not read, yet, to offer my well-educated opinion, and remain as unbiased as possible.

That can work both ways. When you love a genre, sometimes it's hard to read with unclouded judgment, and when you're not as fond of a genre, it's easier to find flaws.

Stay neutral. 


1. When you begin to read the book have note cards available. I usually insert a few between the pages, so I can jot down elements of the book that jump out at me.

2. I pay attention to word choice, flow and pace, character development, structure of scenes, plot and sub-plot plausibility, and overall storytelling. These are what I note on my note cards.

3. Find a sentence that moves you or gives the overall feel of the book. I highlight that as my favorite line.

4. Set yourself in the story, either as a character or simply yourself. Does the story stimulate you? How? I'm always sensitive to how a story/character moves me internally, makes me look at myself. You can ask yourself a million questions. (I'll fiddle with those in another post.) 

Writing Up the Official Review
(Like I said, these are not set in stone. Just the way I do it.)


~ Include the book cover/artwork. I list title, author name, genre, publisher & date released, and number of pages. Some folks include the ISBN, too. I don't.

~ State official description of the story. I use the blurb on the back cover.

~ Give your HONEST opinion. That can include positives and negatives. Be fair, but kind. Some reviewers include spoilers. I don't. But if you do, please make your readers aware in advance of the review.

I always try to offer a helpful opinion. Meaning, I don't go into great detail but explain why I enjoyed the read or why I didn't. I list strong points and what I felt was weak.

REMEMBER YOUR PURPOSE. You're giving your readers another book to ponder, another book they may choose or pass on reading.

Lastly, I usually offer links where to purchase the book. If I was asked to review by an author or publisher, sometimes I can offer a book giveaway as well.

I could go into greater detail, but I think I've made this post long enough. So instead, let me ask you: Do you review books? Can you add insight into this discussion? Love to hear it.

Happy Weekend, Everyone!!

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

This week I'm writing a review on Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. There was a lot of good buzz surrounding this book, and I devoured it in a couple days! It was a fresh break from all the paranormal YA I read in 2010 (and, no, I'm not knocking paranormal. It's what I write too!)


Goodreads Description:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

My Review:

What's not to love?!? The book is a sweet coming-of-age story that takes place in Paris with a love interest who has an adorable accent. I really need to get the audio version of this book!

Anna is the girl you've always wanted to be - funny, talented, witty, and she has a crush on amazing guy. It just so happens that the object of her affections already has a girlfriend. And her new best friend also has hots for the guy. How's that for immediate tension?

The book has amazing pacing as we follow Anna while she struggles with learning a new language, making new friends, and exploring the city of Love. The characters are well-developed, each with their own quirks and character flaws.

And the best part? The swoon-factor. I remember reading Twilight for the first time ... the reason I couldn't put it down was because it actually made me feel like I was falling in love for the first time (again). Anna and the French Kiss does the same thing! It's all about catching those glances, feeling someone's leg against yours in the movie theater ... all the wondering about what the other person is thinking.

For all these reasons, I give Anna and the French Kiss 5 Palm Trees.

Have you read the book? What are your thoughts?

BOOK REVIEW: The Samantha Granger Experiment: FUSED

When one reads Oasis for YA one suspects we discuss young adult literature and all that it encompasses. And that would be correct - mostly. We decided to mix it up a bit, seeing how it is Freestyle Friday, and offer you a middle grade book review.

And my twelve-year-old daughter Katelynn is going to give you her review. (Caution, there are a few spoilers.)

Title: The Samantha Granger Experiment: FUSED
Author: Kari Lee Townsend
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Pages: 208
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, released November 1, 2010

This book was provided for review by Sourcebooks.

Description: When you make a face or cross your eyes, do you parents tease that if you're not careful, your face might stay that way forever? Well, my parents said that if I'm not careful, I'll turn into one of my gadgets.

I thought they were joking, people!

But - somehow, someway - I have become a living, breathing, walking piece of technology. Apparently my head now has a built-in GPS and my palm is equipped with talking and texting capabilities - just like my cell phone!

Now I'm a techno-superhero with powers that seem to have a mind of their own. And, in my case, keeping a secret identity is harder than it sounds. I short-circuit every time Trevor Hamilton looks my way.

Like being a teenager isn't stressful enough.

PALM TREES 5 +

Katelynn's thoughts: Samantha is a 13-year-old girl who just moved into the Adirondack Mountains area. Not happy that her parents recently got divorced. She has a friend, Melody who plays soccer with Sam. Also she's in love with Trevor Hamilton, football star. Sam liked him ever since Melody made her go to a summer camp with her. This crystal Sam touched is getting in her way.

Sam's not 'high tech', but her mom got her a confusing cellphone. She got lost in the woods coming back from Melody's house. She found a GPS in her phone and used that to help her back home. She found a hole that had a big crystal in it.Well, Samantha isn't the smartest kid so she touched it and got zapped twenty-feet across the woods. She lost her new phone--her whole life. Her mom was going to kill her.

The next morning Sam heard her phone and looked everywhere for it but knew she'd lost it yesterday. Her hand was ringing. Her veins spelled the word Melody, her best friend--like caller ID. She new something was up, so she asked Simon the smart kid for help. They went to Blue Lake University where the crystal was stored.

The plot thickens as Sam uses her new abilities to help others. Then Sam gets kidnapped and almost shot. She gets away using her abilities and tells the police everything. Trevor is there and kisses her, but only because he's happy she's safe. They are good friends. Sam is all over the news because she is being called a superhero. Her mom and dad talked a lot now. But there's a twist: Sam gets a letter in the mail, basically saying 'We know who you are Samantha Granger and we want you to be out superhero.' Samantha says, Why do they want me to be there superhero? Dah, dah, da...a sequel!

My connection is I play soccer. My favorite character would be Sam because the author makes her so funny and when I read the book it seems like it's real life and she's one of my friends. I love it. It make me want to read the next book...if they are making another one. I loved everything about the book it is now my favorite book. I have never had a book that I would like to read but this book is just so awesome.

Thank you for ready, Kate!

Book Review: The Mockingbirds

This week I'm writing a review on The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney. I met Daisy during the SCBWI LA Conference this past summer and she's an amazing person - friendly and supportive - and so I'm not surprised that the book is amazing as well!


Goodreads Description:

Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it.

My Review:

Daisy has been very open about this topic, revealing that she experienced a similar experience. In all honesty, I don't think the book could have been written this well if she hadn't ... maybe if she was a friend or a guidance counselor ... but I'm still not sure! Daisy nails the emotions that the character experiences after the date rape - the grief, the terror, the doubts, and the guilt.

And yet, Daisy explores the topic in such a way that there's a continuous thread of hope. The novel could have easily turned dark and depressing, but Alex continues to persevere and stay strong. There's also a sweet male character that you easily fall in love with!

I think this novel is an important read (and gift for teens) for several reasons. This kind of date rape (or friend rape, or acquaintance rape) is more prevalent than we can ever know. The Mockingbirds is a way to help those girls who have been the victim of a date rape - and also to educate those who have not, so they can avoid such a situation.

I applaud Daisy for writing such a real and vivid portrayal of such a touchy topic - and give The Mockingbirds 5 Palm Trees.

And definitely check out The Mockingbirds Book Trailer:

Book Review: Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent

Since I don’t have an interview for today I decided I’d do a book review.  Today’s book is called My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent.   I was given this book last year at my RWA’s chapter annual Holiday book signing and I was very excited to start reading it. 

It’s a Young Adult Paranormal published by Harlequin Teen and is part of a series.  So far there are 3 books out in the series. Plus a short story prequel that’s available free as an e-book.

This is a 5 palm tree rating from me.   It’s got everything I love in a book.  A little romance, a lot of tension, and a character I can relate to.  Not to mention some truly kick butt paranormal creatures that haven’t been done to death.

The first line of the back cover reads. “Something is wrong with Kaylee Cavanaugh…”  How can you not read a book with that line? 

Here’s the rest of the cover blurb for those that would like to read it:

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH KAYLEE CAVANAUGH

She doesn't see dead people, but...

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about the need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next...

It’s about a girl who’s mother died when she was a baby and whose father abandoned her to live with her Aunt and Uncle, who while they aren’t exactly picturesque of Harry Potter, they are somewhat similar on how they treat Kaylee, including a spoiled rotten cousin who can’t stand the sight of her.

It starts off with the heronine, Kaylee, sneaking into a local bar with what is presumably her best friend.  She runs into one of the popular boys from school, Nash, who—for reasons she can’t understand—actually wants to hang out with her, but things quickly go wrong.

She sees a girl and, for some reason, there’s a shadow over her and has to fight this uncontrollable urge to scream her lungs out.  Something that apparently has happened before and placed her in a mental hospital.

Then there’s Nash who seems to not only realize why she needs to scream, but is able to calm her down, by mumbling to her. 

Then it just keeps getting stranger, the girl is found dead—for no apparent reason—in the girls’ bathroom, and shortly after, other girls from her school start dying, as well.

I won’t give away anymore, but this was an awesome read.  I couldn’t put it down.  It’s most definitely not anything close to anything you’ve ever read and best of all, it’s a paranormal that has nothing to do with werewolves or vampires.  I've also read the rest of the available books in the series and I can only say that it just keeps getting better.  You won't be disappointed.

This is a must have for any teenager, or teenager-at-heart, on your Holiday list.

BOOK REVIEW: Eighth Grade Bites, The Chronicles of Vlad Todd

Title: Eighth Grade Bites, The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

Author: Heather Brewer

Genre: young adult

Release Date: 03/13/2008

Pages: 182

My favorite line combo:

Henry wrinkled his nose. "Dude, what smells like cat pee?"

"You mean besides your breath?"

"Don't make me get the holy water, Vlad." (excerpt: page 24.)

Description: Vlad has to keep his vampire urges under control while dealing with the pressures of middle school.

Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod really hates junior high. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: He's being hunted by a vampire killer.

RECOMMENDED + 1

My Oasis Thoughts: Eighth Grade Bites is the first tale in a five-book series of Vladimir Tod, an eighth grader living in the horror of his last year of middle school all while hiding his true identity. It's a fun read, lighter than a lot of other vampire stories I've read. 

From the opening scene, I was hooked. Heather Brewer does a great job of conveying the 'normalcy' Vlad craves. She places him in every day, normal settings any eighth grader would have to butt up against. He has the best friend, crushes on the cute girl in school, and has Aunt Nelly--the responsible guardian. Of course as the story progresses, he finds himself in a few unusual situations which is expected of any paranormal story. 

Vlad is an articulate kid with a thirst for blood. Although his thirst is quenched through blood bags brought to him by his aunt, he does desire blood. Real human blood. He's not bound by some animal or vegetarian diet. This is a sweet coming-of-age story, despite Vlad's genetics being half human/ half vampire. Sweet...yup, I said that. I think Vlad is sweet. He grows stronger, smarter, and more courageous and in the end must face a few tough choices. He grows between the pages. 

Although this book is considered young adult, I would recommend it to a selective middle grade audience. Those kids who are avid readers and relish in the paranormal. There is nothing vulgar or sexual about any scene or word. It's tastefully, and yes, sweetly done. Bravo, Ms. Brewer.

I look forward to reading the next installment: Ninth Grade Slays.

You can purchase all the stories about Vlad HERE or HERE, or visit Heather Brewer's Blog and Website. 

Have you read any in this series??