Being a Teen Books - Page 5

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

Judy Blume

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 345 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

If anyone tried to determine the most common rite of passage for preteen girls in North America, a girl's first reading of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret would rank near the top of the list. Judy Blume and her character Margaret Simon were the first to say out loud (and in a book even) that it is normal for girls to wonder when they are ever going to fill out their training bras. Puberty is a curious and annoying time. Girls' bodies begin to do freakish things--or, as in Margaret's case, they don't do freakish things nearly as fast as girls wish they would. Adolescents are often so relieved to discover that someone understands their body-angst that they miss one of the book's deeper explorations: a young person's relationship with God. Margaret has a very private relationship with God, and it's only after she moves to New Jersey and hangs out with a new friend that she discovers that it might be weird to talk to God without a priest or a rabbi to mediate. Margaret just wants to fit in! Who is God, and where is He when she needs Him? She begins to look into the cups of her training bra for answers ...

Suite Dreams

Rachel Hawthorne

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Get This Book! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Rachel Hawthorne is one of my favorite authors. I have all of her books and couldn't wait for this one to come out, I got it as soon as it came out and read it it one day. If you like Rachel Hawthorne's other books then you're sure to love this one! Great read if you're looking for a light romance to read for the holidays.

Editorial Review:

Hello, mate!
(Practicing my Australian.* How am I doing?)

I'm so glad the timing worked out for this couch exchange. I'll be crashing on yours by the time you get to mine.** If you run into any problems, just find Alyssa. She'll help you out with whatever you need.***

Your couch-swapping mate,
Rick

*That's cute. Go have fun in Australia and leave ME—your girlfriend for an entire semester—to waste away on campus, alone.

**Um, think again. Your couch is already taken.

***Great. Now I've got to find a place for the (unbelievably hot, it turns out) Aussie to crash. But there's only one couch available: the one in my dorm room. . . .

Slam

Nick Hornby

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 40 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

a masterpiece that captures the voice of adolescence 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Sam is sixteen years old and is about to become a dad. What follows is Sam telling his story, from falling in and out of teenage love with Alicia, to attempting to run away from home, to facing his responsibilities, dealing with Alicia's snobby parents and his mother (who had him when she was sixteen), confiding in his poster of Tony Hawk (who sends him into the future), and eventually becoming a dad to his son, Roof. Hornby masterfully tells the story with the true voice and feeling of a sixteen-year-old boy (I've never read a book that so closely captures the voice of an adolescent), a child suddenly stuck with the horrible responsibility of being a parent and how he eventually comes to deal with it and survive. Typical of Hornby, this is a deeply realistic story of true characters and real, complicated situations. But it is that voice that tells this story that makes this a masterpiece. Grade: A+

Editorial Review:

The #1 New York Times bestseller now in paperback.

For 16-year-old Sam, life is about to get extremely complicated. He and his girlfriend—make that ex-girlfriend— Alicia have gotten themselves into a bit of trouble. Sam is suddenly forced to grow up and struggle with the familiar fears and inclinations that haunt us all.

Nick Hornby’s poignant and witty novel shows a rare and impressive understanding of human relationships and what it really means to be a man.

My Bonny Light Horseman: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, in Love and War (Bloody Jack Adventures)

Louis A. Meyer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Boggled 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

As with some other reviewers, I was also baffled at some parts of the book.

*SPOILERS:Do Not Read Unless You Have Finished the Book*

For example, the part when she went off and made friends with her superior Baronet (I don't think it's spelt right), and then as their friendship progressed he became her protector and great friend. What confused me a lot was why the title of the book was dedicated to him. He was her Bonny Light Horseman. I suppose in a way it could be used interchangeably for her as she is also light and bonny and a horseman in this series. However it was clear that the title was meant for him, so was this book in dedication for this departed friend? It would be odd as Jacky has had a lot of adventures and has lost a lot of dear friends.
Another thing that just boggled my mind...her love affair with Jean Paul. She had so many other little flings here and there...the one with Randall (which was pretty dam steamy if I do say so myself) and alll those other ones too. I just sat there, four hours after reading the book and, still now, wondering why out of all the men she has ever met and kissed, did she finally lose her emotional faithfulness to Jaimy over to Jean Paul? I mean Jaimy has always always been The One for Jacky, despite whatever happened. You read about her kissing him and that, but this is really and truly the first time her emotions have ever been swayed by any other guy.
And then I realized maybe it was because Jean Paul was the only other man who was able to see Jaimy at a very vulnerable time and fully commit to her and love her for it. I suppose being tied to a chair and being tortured can also be incredibly vulnerable (if you don't remember that's where she and Randall have that steamy scene). Randall seemed to have respected and envied Jacky a lot, but I don't think he was ready to love her. He was more of an admirer. Oh and I just remembered...Jared was also there to hold her as she laid in a dark, wasteland of a prison...screaming out from nightmares. So what gives? If I were Jacky, I would've picked Jared pfft. :T. I guess Jared was more of a big brother and friend? They had too much past history? That one miffs me.
There also aren't a lot of things that can knock Jacky down. Threatening her life is one thing, threatening her family, friends, and everything else she holds important...that is a completely different story. So there she was as a threatened spy and sort of hooker and there this french dude was. Young love with Jaimy versus new and mature love with Oolala Jean Paul.
And if Jacky was like any other girl, after having learning her boyfriend Jaimy has given himself to another girl...I think that's enough to sway a little of her own feelings for him. I suppose this is just the point where their relationship is developing/maturing.

In the end, she never doubted that Jaimy was still The One for her. She also never doubted that she also now shared a piece of herself with Jean Paul. Oh yeah and when Jean Paul thanked her for letting him love her and that marriage for him was possible because he now knew what love was, and when even though they were to part, he would remember those days spent in the Paris cafe...that good bye just broke my own heart.

There were a lot of things I didn't understand in this book, but maybe it's because I need to read it twice or maybe even three times. I like to think that it's because as Jacky and the characters are maturing, so is the book. But no matter what happens, I will be the loyal reader that I am and follow the series to the end , because I'm very sure the author is capable enough :D. Thank you L.A. Meyer!

Editorial Review:

The infamous pirate, riverboat seductress, master of disguise, and street-urchin-turned-sailor Jacky Faber has been captured by the French and beheaded in full view of her friends and crew.

Inconceivable? Yes! The truth is she’s secretly forced to pose as an American dancer behind enemy lines in Paris, where she entices a French general into revealing military secrets—all to save her dear friends. Then, in intrepid Jacky Faber style, she dons male clothing and worms her way into a post as galloper with the French army, ultimately leading a team of men to fight alongside the great Napoleon.

In this sixth installment of the Bloody Jack Adventures series, love and war collide as the irrepressible Jacky Faber sets off on a daring adventure she vowed she’d never take.

Pretty Little Liars #3: Perfect

Sara Shepard

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

GARBAGE--not fit for minors 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 6 people found this review helpful.

In the first chapter, two 15/16 YO girls smoke marijuana. In the next chapter, a girl the same age goes to a bar, gets drunk, then has sex with an adult stranger in the bar's restroom. This book is nothing but garbage bordering on narrative child pornography. Shame on the book industry for marketing this trash to children. Parents, just because a book is in the teen section of the store or website doesn't mean it is actually suitable or appropriate for children--even teenagers.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

PERFECT starts out with a flashback to a time when Ali was still alive and part of the group. Ali receives a phone call but doesn't share with Spencer, Hanna, Aria, or Emily. But that's kind of how it's always been. Ali was always the leader. Playing the girls off each other and keeping secrets on each of them.

Now, Ali is supposedly dead and the girls have all gone their own way.

Spencer has been nominated for the Golden Orchid. It's only the most prestigious essay contest in the country. The only glitch...no one knows that it's an essay that Spencer stole off her sister's computer one night when she didn't complete an assignment.

Aria is still secretly crushing on Ezra, her teacher. When they first met, Aria didn't know Ezra was going to be a new teacher at Rosewood. There was an instant connection, but so far they've been good about not acting on those feelings.

Hanna has had a major falling out with her now best friend, Mona. This has caused Hanna to resort to overindulging with food again.

And Emily. Well, she doesn't want to be on the swim team anymore. And she does want to date her friend Maya, but knows how violently her family would react to that news.

All four girls are still getting cryptic messages from the unknown "A." Who can possibly know all of their secrets, the ones that only Ali knew? As the messages keep coming, each girl gets tangled up in a web of her own creation.

A cliffhanger involving the remaining girls leaves the reader ready for the next installment of the PRETTY LITTLE LIARS series, Pretty Little Liars #4: Unbelievable (Pretty Little Liars), due out in May 2008. I picked up the first book in the series on a whim the fall of 2007. I kept being drawn to the cover. I sat down and quickly devoured the first story. From there, I was hooked.

The twisted lives of these girls at Rosewood are enough to keep anyone coming back for more!

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

Editorial Review:

In Rosewood, Pennsylvania, four perfect-looking girls aren't nearly as perfect as they seem.

Aria can't resist her forbidden ex. Hanna is on the verge of losing her BFF. Emily is freaking out over a simple kiss. And Spencer can't keep her hands off anything that belongs to her sister.

Lucky me. I know these pretty little liars better than they know themselves. But it's hard keeping all of their secrets to myself. They better do as I say . . . or else!

Stop in the Name of Pants! (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson)

Louise Rennison

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

This is a new book? 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Sure didn't seem like it was new.
Same old same old except for the incident with Angus.
I just want something to happen in this series already.
I'm mad that I ran out and spent nearly 20$ for this book and I could have just reread one of the other ones for Pete's sake!

Editorial Review:

Time to gird the loins and pucker up.

Blimey O'Reilly's trousers! Three maybe-boyfriends is a lot for any girl to handle—red-bottomed or not. What with Robbie the Sex God back from Kiwi-a-gogo land wanting to "get coffee" and whatsit, Masimo the Luuurve God saying things like "Ciao, Georgia, see you later" (the good see-you-later or the bad see-you-later??), and her mate Dave the Laugh snogging her in a pond, it's enough to make any girl mad.

Good thing she has the ace gang to keep her sane. Ish.

But now that she has tearfully eschewed Robbie the Sex God with a firm hand, Georgia is left with two potential snoggees to choose from, and it's high time she left the cakeshop of love for good. This time with a gorgey Italian cakey. Or a nip-libbling Dave the Tart. But certainly not both. Maybe.

Gossip Girl: The Second Collection

Cecily von Ziegesar

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Keeps my teenager reading... 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

My daughter is a senior in high school and we bought her the first series when she turned 16. She's now almost finished with the second set and is excited that she's almost to the third set. She likes the story line and it keeps her busy reading for fun which I like to encourage! I want all of my kids to find things they like to read.

'Gossip Girl' is on the loose! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

It used to be that the Upper East Side was dominated by overpaid nannies pushing baby carriages, the Wall Street set gabbing on cell phones, and the trophy wives making their way up and down Fifth Avenue, shopping to their hearts content. But GOSSIP GIRL has proved that the Upper East Side is quickly being invaded by a group of privileged teens who know how to sparkle and shine, even in the dead of night. So watch your back.

Book 4: BECAUSE I'M WORTH IT - Contrary to what many believe, money certainly can't buy you happiness, and no one knows that better than the privileged members of New York society, and residents of the Upper East Side - namely Blair Waldorf.

Blair Waldorf has it all. The looks, the clothes, but she's missing two very important things - her hotter than hot ex-boyfriend Nate Archibald, and a spot at the prestigious Yale - a place of higher learning which she has had her sights set on since she could walk. But after a botched interview, Blair is seriously contemplating enrolling in community college - after all, in her opinion, that's probably where she belongs. Instead, she hacks off her hair during an Audrey Hepburn moment, then snags a re-do interview for her college of choice. But with her aggravating new stepbrother, Aaron, lurking around, she still can't find a moment of peace.

Blair's best frienemy, Serena van der Woodsen, doesn't mind Aaron's presence, however. In fact, she can't seem to get enough of it. In her opinion, for the first time in her life, she is madly, deeply in love with the dreadlocked, bohemian style that Aaron embodies. But maybe, just maybe, Aaron is beginning to feel suffocated by his girlfriend's presence, and the fact that she expects him to spend his spare time accompanying her to the various fashion week shows coming up - one of which she may be playing a role in.

And of course we can't forget Nate. His good looks may draw you in, but his constant dependence on marijuana can certainly work to deter you from taking a second glance. When he gets busted, it's finally time for him to turn over a new leaf in his life. Hopefully it won't be a marijuana leaf.

Jenny Humphrey and her brother, Dan, along with his girlfriend, Vanessa, of course, are still up to their old tricks; only slightly different. Jenny has picked up a new best friend who seems to think about nothing but romance - perhaps because Valentine's Day is right around the corner. And Dan has let the popularity of his first ever published poem go to his head, leaving Vanessa out in the cold. Never mind, she may just have someone else who can keep her warm - and appreciate her talent for what it truly is; even if it's slightly weird. 5 stars.

Book 5: I LIKE IT LIKE THAT - It seems as if Valentine's Day just passed, and already Spring Break is here, sending everyone into a tizzy - once again. Of course, when you're a part of the privileged set, Spring Break doesn't mean sitting around the house, watching daytime TV and pigging out on popcorn and chocolate. Quite the opposite, in fact. It's a time when you jet halfway around the world for a chance to ski or sunbathe, and, if you're lucky, create a little scandal.

Blair Waldorf wishes that she was one of the people talking about the scandal surrounding her; but, alas, as the daughter of a middle-aged woman who has just remarried, and is pregnant, she has been cast into the scandalous spotlight - much to her chagrin. No matter, with Spring Break looming, she may be able to break free from the current mess that is her life. When her mother announces that they'll be spending the vacation in sunny Hawaii, however, Blair couldn't be angrier. Luckily, her frienemy, Serena van der Woodsen, is there to bail her out.

Serena would do anything for Blair, so inviting her to spend Spring Break in Sun Valley with her parents and older brother, Erik? So not the drama. Besides, it'll be fun to have her BFF by her side on the slopes. But when Blair starts batting her big eyes at Erik, and flirting with him to the maximum extreme, it takes everything inside of Serena to make it through the week without strangling her supposed gal pal.

Nate Archibald has always had his head in the clouds thanks to his constant dependency on marijuana. But he's finally clean, and looking to have a little fun - sober, that is. Unfortunately, his new girlfriend, Georgie, has something different planned. She'd rather party it up with a little help from her friends - alcohol, prescription drugs, and anything else she can get her hands on. Too bad Natie's getting a little fed up with her non-stop inebriated state.

Jenny Humphrey has finally snagged a hot boyfriend in the form of Leo. His pale blonde hair is mesmerizing, and his passion for art is just what the doctor ordered. The only problem is his evasiveness. Jenny can't seem to get Leo to talk about himself, or his family; which is making her a little curious - and a lot more interested. Her older brother, Dan, however, is like a different person completely. With a published poem under his belt, and an internship at RED LETTER, he's acting like he's all that - his used-to-be girlfriend, filmmaker Vanessa Abrams simply thinks he's a rotten jerk. But maybe the two of them will be able to patch up their...relationship with one another before they both end up completely friendless. Maybe not. 5 stars.

Book 6: YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT - Spring Break is over, and while some are hitting the books, the Upper East Side set is spending more time showing off their glowing tans, or nursing hangovers from a weeks worth of partying. But not everything is fun and games for the glamorous. Acceptance letters are on their way out from college admissions, and the time has come to find out where everyone will be spending the next four years. Hopefully it doesn't stress anyone out too much.

Blair Waldorf breathes, eats, and sleeps Yale. Since she was old enough to toddle around, she has known that Yale was in her future. It was her destiny. And now that college acceptance letters are in the mail, Blair can't think about anything other than holding that welcome letter in her hand. After all, she has spent her life working on accomplishing this goal. And, in her mind, once she's accepted, the world will be at her fingertips. As if it's not already.

Serena van der Woodsen has never had to work for anything in her life. When you're so effortlessly drop dead gorgeous, of course, it's no surprise. All Serena wants is to hang out, have fun, and make-out with cute boys. And as for college? Of course she applied to all of the Ivies. But when she takes her tours of the colleges, she'll be checking out one thing, and one thing only...how good looking her student tour guides are.

After a stint in rehab and a brief relationship/fling with a pill popping, whisky guzzling heiress, Nate has decided that it's time to buckle down, and start thinking about his future. But that doesn't mean that he can't indulge in a little debauchery - in the form of a joint - from time to time. When his college acceptance letters make it to his stale-pizza-smelling floor, however, he realizes that he holds in his hands something that could both jeopardize his relationship with Blair forever, and set him up for life. Now he has to make a decision once and for all; which seems unlikely thanks to the jumbled musings floating through his pot-addled mind.

Unlike everyone else, Vanessa Abrams isn't stressing about college acceptance letters because - surprise surprise - the little filmmaker of the hour already received her acceptance letter from NYU all those months ago. That doesn't mean that she won't exploit those who are in the midst of a sweat-inducing tizzy over the prospect of where they got in, however, via a documentary that will make you want to hide your head in a paper bag. But she has to do something to keep her mind off of her current hatred for her ex-boyfriend, Dan Humphrey. But Dan has enough problems of his own, now that he's attempting to fend off his classmates, who all seem to know a little too much about his younger sister, Jenny, and her ever-burgeoning chest. 5 stars.

Cecily von Ziegesar managed to drag readers in when she introduced us to Blair, Serena, Nate, and the rest of the Upper East Side set in books one through three. Now, our favorite scandal-creators, and troublemakers are back for another set of fun. But this time, everyone's a little more mature, and, quite possibly, a bit more paranoid than before. Lock your doors, shield your children - GOSSIP GIRL is on the loose!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Would I Lie to You (Gossip Girl, No. 10)

Cecily von Ziegesar

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Forget diamonds; Cecily von Ziegesar is a girl's best friend! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Manhattan may be the most glamorous place in the world, filled with shopping, sights, and the finest dining you'll ever experience. But when the summer rolls around, it's nothing more than a sticky, sweltering nightmare that leaves you glistening under an unattractive sheen of sweat, and wearing as little as legally possible. So it's no surprise that when you want to beat the heat, the best place to head is the Hamptons, where the beaches are filled with babes, hot bodies, and bikinis. After all, there's nothing as seductive as a little fun in the sun - rich folk style!

Blair Waldorf is finally in a state of bliss. The debacle involving Lord Marcus is nothing more than a thing of the past. She finally has her frenemy Serena van der Woodsen on her side. And she's snagged a job working as fashion designer Bailey Winter's muse for the summer - alongside Serena - which basically consists of looking fabulous, and lounging around the petite man's sprawling Georgica Pond estate. Sounds simple, but when you're pining over the green-eyed love of your life - Nate Archibald - and trying to contend with a wannabe-Blair Eastern waif named Ibiza, who just do happens to be living under the same roof as you, you can't help but feel angered 24/7. Looks like someone needs to take a chill pill, or spend a little one-on-one time with her American Express card.

Nate Archibald is having the worst summer of his life. After pilfering some of Coach Michaels' forbidden pills, N has been forced to dive headfirst into the unglamorous world of manual labor. Sure, it was fun at first, with a brief flirtation with a Long Island native named Tawny. But now things have gone straight downhill. Nate has finally come to his senses, and knows that Blair is the true love of his life, but has no idea how to win her heart - again. And attempting to escape the uncomfortable advances of Coach Michaels' wife, Babs, is becoming a full-time job of its own, leaving N in a perpetual state of agitation and discomfort. Maybe if you laid off the weed, things would look a little clearer.

Serena van der Woodsen has just wrapped filming on her big screen debut, Breakfast At Fred's, and is looking to finally start her summer. And what better way to party hardy than by tossing on a Missoni swimsuit, and grabbing your best friend - or enemy, depending on what day it is - and heading to the Hamptons. As the blonde-haired muse of Bailey Winter, Serena is confident that this will be the summer of a lifetime. But after a few obnoxious moments with her European clone, Svetlana; and a handful of longing looks in Nate's direction, Serena can't help but feel envious and depressed. I guess that's what happens when you're the birthday girl, and everyone seems to have forgotten that your big day has arrived.

While New York party girl, Jenny Humphrey, is off gallivanting around Prague, sketchbook in tow, Vanessa Abrams has made herself quite comfortable in little J's bedroom. But when her job as a nanny gives her the opportunity to flee the stuffy confines of the city - and Dan Humphrey's cheating heart - Vanessa is convinced that this is her chance to try something new. Too bad she's expected to spend her time chasing around two spoiled mongrels, as opposed to hanging out in the sun. But maybe she'll gain a little insight into the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and create a documentary that will make everyone's jaws drop. Maybe not. Dan, on the other hand, is finally settling into life as a worker at the Strand. But when a new co-worker steps into the picture, as well as the creation of a literary salon, Dan's sexuality is tested, and all bets are off.

As the summer comes to a head, it's obvious that Cecily von Ziegesar is working on winding down the GOSSIP GIRL series, and begin to create a little closure into the lives of some of our favorite characters. Unfortunately, each time we think we're finally satisfied with how things are working out, a new revelation comes about and turns everything upside down. Case in point, Blair's sudden infatuation with Nate. Serena's transformation from happy-go-lucky to depressed all the time. Dan's new thoughts regarding relationships. Vanessa's determination to reconnect with Blair and Serena before each of them heads off to their respective new institutions for higher learning. And Nate's new, mature outlook on...everything. With one more book to go, it looks like we'll all be in for a surprise. Forget diamonds; Cecily von Ziegesar is a girl's best friend!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Editorial Review:

Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side where my friends and I live, and go to school, and play, and sleep - sometimes with each other. We all live in huge apartments with our own bedrooms and bathrooms and phone lines. We're smart, we've inherited classic good looks, we have fantastic clothes, and we know how to party... Continuing the #1 New York Times bestselling series about the provocative lives of New York City's most prestigious private school young adults. Sharp wit, intriguing characters, and high stakes melodrama drive the action of this addictive series that have made Gossip Girl the lit world's coveted "it" girl.

Savvy

Ingrid Law

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Courtesy of Mother Daughter Book Club.com 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Mississippi Beaumont can't wait for her 13th birthday, only days away, because that's when she'll officially get her savvy. All the Beaumont's, except Poppa, have a savvy that is uniquely their own. Mama is perfect, Grandpa Bomba makes new land, Rocket controls electricity and Fish can create storms and move water. Trouble is, the savvy is hard to control when it first comes in, and Mississippi, better known as Mibs, is nervous about what will happen at her party.

When her dad ends up in a coma in the hospital after a car accident and her mother leaves the family to be with him, the preacher's wife organizes a birthday party for Mibs, making all the Beaumonts nervous about what will happen on the big day. But the fun really starts when Mibs decides to stow away on a broken down Bible-delivery bus, hoping to reach Salina, Kansas, where she believes she can wake Poppa up. Along for the ride at her older brother Fish, her younger brother Samson, and the preacher's children, Bobbi and Will Junior.

Mibs has a great, down-to-earth voice, and readers will happily follow her as she explores issues of family, friendship, budding romance, and finding the things that are special inside each of us. You may just find yourself looking for your own special savvy. You can also look for games and a discussion guide at the publisher's Web site, [...].

Editorial Review:

A vibrant new voice . . . a modern classic.

For generations, the Beaumont family has harbored a magical secret. They each possess a “savvy”—a special supernatural power that strikes when they turn thirteen. Grandpa Bomba moves mountains, her older brothers create hurricanes and spark electricity . . . and now it’s the eve of Mibs’s big day.

As if waiting weren’t hard enough, the family gets scary news two days before Mibs’s birthday: Poppa has been in a terrible accident. Mibs develops the singular mission to get to the hospital and prove that her new power can save her dad. So she sneaks onto a salesman’s bus . . . only to find the bus heading in the opposite direction. Suddenly Mibs finds herself on an unforgettable odyssey that will force her to make sense of growing up—and of other people, who might also have a few secrets hidden just beneath the skin.

Pretty Little Liars #4: Unbelievable

Sara Shepard

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The end... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This review will be as spoiler-free as I can make it, also I'm writing about the series as a whole, not just book 4.

Okay guys, I'm not gonna lie, I LOVED the first three books:
Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars #2: Flawless (Pretty Little Liars)
Pretty Little Liars #3: Perfect (Pretty Little Liars)
you MUST read each of these books in order or the story wont make any sense. The first three books set up a murder/stalker mystery that gets solved at the end of this 4th book.

There are 4 main characters/storylines that are interconnected with each other and unlike other teen series where there is one star and several back-up dancers, in this book Sara Shepard makes sure that all 4 of her main characters get equal time and interesting storylines. Each of the 4 girls could have held her own in her own book just with the backstory, auxillary characters and the plot that Sara gave her. Sara gives her characters real depth and flaws so that you can't really love them or hate them but you still wanna know what they're gonna do next.

I'll be honest, even though I'm giving this final book 5 stars, I was a bit disappointed at the ending. I suppose I was expecting something spectacular and way over the top (OMG ALISON COMES BACK FROM THE DEAD! LOL j/k) the payoff just wasn't where I personally wanted it to be, but then again I was literally speed-reading to get to the ending so, I think I will change my mind once I sit down and read all 4 books again in a row.

I've been with this series since PLL#1 came out in 2006 and it was an unbearable wait between books. I always had to pre-order them to make sure I got them the moment they came out and I have them all in hard cover. They are very colorful and pretty, if it means anything, they look nice on your bookshelf.

Usually I'm very blabbly and spoilery in my reviews so I'm sorry that I'm not being like that in this one, I just don't wanna ruin the ending for you guys! I wouldn't write a review at all but I gotta give this series 5 stars and give Sara Shepard her props, it's kept me interested and excited since 2006 and that's pretty tough!

I hope Sara keeps writing and comes out with an even better series soon and I hope this review was at least a little bit helpful for you.

Editorial Review:

Four pretty little liars' charmed lives have turned into living nightmares.

Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her überconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars—because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much.

If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one.