The Hundred Oaks series continues...

As you know, I am a big fan of Catching Jordan, and Breathe, Annie, Breathe  is one of my favorite teen novels ever.  I just can't get enough of this series...until now.  For those of you who have read the series, you must read this book.  Jordan and Sam reappear briefly, and I am still waiting for their next book (yes, they deserve it after playing minor roles in all these books).  For those of you who haven't, don't start with this book (they can be read in any order, but I encourage you to read Catching Jordan first).  

I won't complain about why I didn't love it. Please read the book yourself, and let me know what you think.

Shuffle, Repeat

Besides the fact that I love the name Oliver, this book is sweet.  Not too girly sweet that you want to puke afterwards, just goodhearted happiness.  We can all identify: your parents get you into situations that you really aren't too eager to take part in; however, it doesn't always result in torture either.  It's senior year, Oliver and June had better ideas on how to spend it, but their moms managed to win the battle. It might be a little predictable, but it is the perfect Sunday afternoon read.

Are you a fill in Bradley?

I am pretty sure that I started this book ten times before I finally finished it...in one sitting.  Oh boy!  I do admit that I actually really liked it once I got 40 pages into the book. It was cute, predictable with a few life lessons intertwined.  A great Sunday afternoon or beach read - you won't be disappointed, but you will easily forget it. 

What I Thought was True

This book sat on my shelf way too long. Until the Sunday before the last week of school, the sun was shining, and I decided to go to the pool and read.  Well, maybe it wasn't such a good idea as I stayed there a little too long, granted, it was peaceful, but there were other things to be done.

I enjoyed this easy, summer read although I thought the end was a little bit lame. I didn't love it, but I liked it. I probably won't even remember what it is about in six months, but it was worth the few hours of reading for the moment.  

When Water Burns

I can't express my love for this book: the second book in the Telesa series. I found myself completely in love with Daniel, Leila, and the ability to control nature.  From the first sentence, I was fully encompassed in the story, the reality, the mythology, and the hope.  If you doubt me, watch this book trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LDY7ic0Ll4

I promise you will love every moment of this book.  

Telesa

Loved is an understatement for how much I liked this book. This book became a part of me; it still is a part of me even months later.  Actually, I am pretty sure this book with be a part of me forever.  Now, it is widely known that I love everything about the Pacific Islands, so it is not a shocker that I would love this story.

I don't even know how to explain this story...maybe I will attempt in phrases"

half-Samoan, half- haole

visits Samoa to find her long lost family

realizes her mother is still alive

finds out she is a Fire Goddess

falls in love with a guy (so did I)

fights with her mom

can she control her powers?

jealousy, rage, happiness, the unknown

who is she? 

Just read it...I promise you will love it!

China Rich Girlfriend

Those of you who follow my blog know that Crazy Rich Asians was one of my favorite books.  I was ecstatic to find out that there is a sequel.  Christmas break was the perfect opportunity to indulge in this funny, chaotic, sarcastic novel.  I loved it just as much as I love the first one.  It's a great beach read (or in my case avoiding the cold weather read).

Not Defending Taylor

Every one knows that I love a good Hundred Oaks books, so I was delighted to find out that there is one more (and going to be one more).  Breathe, Annie, Breathe is one of my favorite teen novels of all time; however, Defending Taylor left me in total dismay.

I am pretty sure that every cliche ever made in the teen novel world make its way into this book.  The daughter of a politician, goes to private school, gets kicked out for defending her boyfriend from the wrong side of the tracks, goes to public school to find herself, blah...blah...blah...  Oh, and not mention that she refers to her "lady parts" more times than anyone wants to hear.

For those who love this series you have two options:  don't waste your time on the book or be curious and see for yourself.  I will let you choose.