45 Pounds (more or less)

Details

Title: 45 Pounds (more or less)

Author: K.A. Barson

Publisher: The Penguin Group
Publication Year: 2013

Language: English

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Rating: 10/10

Continuation: No continuation yet.

Pages: 264

Review

Ann Galardi is on a mission. She is 16 and a size 17. Her mother is a perfect size 6. Her aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid. Ann makes up her mind to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in two and a half months.

Here's a novel set in the world of infomercial diet pans, endless wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann's ever seen and some surprises about her perfect (yet not-so perfect) mother. No matter how you add it up - the last part of the equation is all about feeling comfortable in your own skin.

All I could say when I finished with this novel was "Wow!" Barson has written an enjoyable novel with a great cast and a sense of self-confidence and joy settles upon the reader when he/she snaps the book shut. 

I feel that empathizing with this novel will come easily to teenagers. I feel that the Ann's character was created perfectly. She was insecure with several flaws, but had plenty of room to grow. The way Barson handles Galardi in this book is truly amazing. Ann doesn't give up on weight loss and sit on her haunches pretending it doesn't bother her. Neither does she end up continually starving herself to reach her target. This very moral is the inspring aspect of this novel. The protagonist ends up feeling comfortable in her own skin and finds support where she thought she had none. 

What I loved about the book was the new friend Ann made. Barson introduced an incredible supporting cast and my favorite was Raynee. She was supportive, interesting and unique. The plot line didn't follow a generic teen novel's. Instead, it took something old and put a fresh twist on it. I found this aspect quite interesting. 

Weight issues are usually very poorly handles in novels. Either the protagonists and perfect and skinny or they accept their flaw and remain insecure about it. This novel approaches the topic with a fresh perspective and a non-shaming tone. It introduces a character - Ann's mom - who is seemingly perfect but struggles with issues of our own. Every teen has a person in his/her life - or several - who are so perfect, they cannot be measured up to. This novel helps teens shatter their perception of perfection and come closer to achieving a healthy balance of happiness. 

A minor sub-plot in the book is Ann's romance with a cute guy who shows interest in her. I find this aspect of the story handles very well. The boy's interest in Ann contributes to her success in finding herself, but definitely doesnt overshadow the importance of other aspects. Barson doesn't let the romantic plot line take over the essence of the story - which I find commendable.

This novel is heartwarming and full of courage and strength. I will recommend it to all young adults. Novels like these need to be read at some point as a teenager to make us feel better. It's like a self-help book without any of cheesy drama and uncomfortable questions. Instead, it's a simple, humorous and very relatable story of a girl just like us. I will definitely recommend it. 

Audrey, Wait!

Details

Title: Audrey, Wait!

Author: Robin Benway

Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Year: 2008

Language: English

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Music, Humor

Rating: 10/10

Continuation: No continuation yet.

Pages: 320

Review

Audrey, a normal California high school student, breaks up with her narcissistic boyfriend, Evan, the lead singer of a a band called the Do-Gooders. He writes a song about her the very next day called "Audrey, Wait!". The song becomes so popular, it rockets to the top of the Billboards Top 20.

Suddenly, Audrey is famous. She has rabid fans hounding her, the hunky lead singer of the famous Lolitas wants her as his muse and the Internet is following her every move. She can't even hang out with her best friend or new crush without getting spotted and followed by the paparazzi. The novel follows Audrey as she has amazing amounts of fun, confronts her ex on MTV and showing the world who she really is.

This novel was exquisite. It is a perfect example of contemporary writing. I enjoyed this book immensely for a variety of reasons. The story line was wonderfully realistic and modern. Every section of the novel displays a taste of present day, from slang used appropriately to mention of well-known media outlets such as MTV and People Magazine.

The style of writing was quite wonderful too. I found that Benway has a knack for making the writing upbeat and interesting. The novel has several strategically placed quips, exclamations and jokes, making the overall reading experience quite quirky. It is also downright hilarious and the reader will be finding it a challenge to keep their laughter in check.

 A romantic relationship develops between James and Audrey, which is frankly too cute. They have their fair share of arguments and problems, but they are very understanding of each other and their affection for each other shines through. Their romance is a major sub-plot in the novel.

The book is also based on music. References are made to the song in question, songs from other genres and other bands/singers. This elements, while not major, can prove to be quite interesting and though-provoking for music junkies. 

This book has been recommended a lot and just reading its blurb got me excited. The troubles I went through to find and read it.... I will most certainly recommend it for both male and female readers, because this book barely edges into chick lit.

Bad Taste in Boys

Details

Title: Bad Taste in Boys

Author: Carrie Harris

Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Year: 2011

Language: English

Genre: Horror, Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Humor, Adventure

Rating: 7/10

Continuation: It is the first book in the "Katie Grable" series.

Pages: 201

Review

Katie, a high-school students finds out that the football coach has been pumping his students with steroids. Worse, the steroids contain an unexpected virus, which is turning the players into mindless, flesh-eating zombies. Kate's on a mission to find an antidote before the zombies turn the whole population of the high school with their bites. Everyone she knows is in danger - including her brother, Jonah and her crush, Aaron. Kate helps solve the zombie problem with the help of Aaron and her best girlfriend, Rocky.

This novel had an exciting plot, full of mayhem and adventure. I find the fact that they add a scientific spin to the paranormal element of zombies quite interesting. Harris makes the transformation and outbreak seem quite rational and logical, while most zombie books give absolutely no explanation, as to the reason behind the creation or transformation of zombies.

The book is quite riveting and definitely a page-turner. I can easily say it is one of the best zombie books I've read. It avoids the general zombie stereotypes and Harris is very creative with her description and behavior of the zombies and their transformation.

The book also contains an element of humor, though it is not very major. There are small quips and jokes throughout the book, preventing it from becoming too heavy or depressing. There is also a prominent element of romance, which I suppose will appeal to most female readers.Personally, I find the romance between Aaron and Kate quite cute. Harris manages to make the romance a major part of the book, without letting it take-over the main plot or over-doing the romantic action.

This book also has a negative aspect. When the book ends, there are several loose ends and unanswered questions, which I, quite honestly, find exasperating and frustrating. While I expect the author will explain further in the sequel of the book, I find such writing quite annoying.

This book was an adventure and if you, as the reader, are willing to commit to the series, I will definitely recommend it. 

Twenties Girl

Details

Title: Twenties Girl

Author: Sophie Kinsella

Publisher: The Dial Press
Publication Year: 2009

Language: English

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Humor, Fantasy

Rating: 9/10

Continuation: No continuation yet.

Pages: 435

Review

Lara Lington's great Aunt Sadie - a young, feisty girl with strong ideas about love, fashion and dancing - appears to her in spirit, she has a request to make: Lara must find her aunt's drangonfly necklace, as she cannot rest without it. 

Lara and Sadie make an interesting duo and their mission to find the missing necklace brings Lara love and intrigue. At first they seem to have nothing in common, but their adventure brings them to learn surprising truths about each other.

Twenties Girl is an outstanding novel. The whole story was narrated by Lara and when Sadie comes into the picture, the novel truly hits the funny bone. Lara is left wondering whether she has gone completely mental, while dealing with Sadie, who is upbeat and prone to teenage strops. The book starts off like a dull ghost story, but soon transforms into a heartfelt and humorous story about the friendship of Lara and Sadie.

The paranormal element at first seems obnoxious and hard to believe, but I soon find myself wanting Sadie as a companion. Her role in Lara and Ed's relationship make her seem like an interesting voice to have. Sadie's character is ditzy, but not so much to the point of annoying, and she makes the novel implausible and interesting at the same time, leaving the reader questioning his own sanity!

While Lara struggles with her relationship and career to portray the helpless heroine, Sadie saves the book from transforming into a tragedy and instead spins it into a tale of inspiration. The romance between Lara and Ed was very cute and engaging. I found Ed Harrison quite likable as a male character. 

The elements of humor, fantasy and romance, combined with the elements of 1920s, such as the Charleston and flapper dresses, makes this book a far-fetched, but enjoyable light summer read. I will recommend it, mainly for female readers.

The Time of My Life

Details

Title: The Time of My Life

Author: Cecilia Ahern

Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Year: 2011

Language: English

Genre: Young Adults, Chick Lit, Magical Realism

Rating: 10/10

Continuation: No continuation yet.

Pages: 392

Review

Lucy Silchester comes home one day to find a cream and gold envelope lying on her carpet. She finds out that she has appointment with life. It seems that she has been ignoring it and it needs to meet her face to face.

Lucy is too busy hating her job, avoiding her family and ditching her friends to make it. But Lucy's choices and stories aren't exactly what they seem like. As soon as she meets the shabby man who calls himself her Life, all her lies and half truths are going to be revealed, unless Lucy starts telling herself the truth. 

This novel is one of my favorite books. The pages are stuffed to the brim with humor and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. The narrative was witty and interesting, and after finishing the book, it felt like I had lost a best friend. The narrative's language was such that it made it quite easy for the reader to relate to the protagonist. The author made it easy to understand what the protagonist was going through, and I found this element of the novel commendable.

The novel is quirky without being ridiculous and romantic without being to mushy. The novel is realistic and downright hilarious, especially when her life turns out to be a greasy, scruffy excuse of a man. The book was both heart-warming and uplifting. There was no trace of over-sentimentality to compensate for the great amount of humor. 

The novel is certainly a memorable one, with the perfect mix of drama, humor, romance and quirk. I will recommend this mainly to female readers, to enjoy as a light read. Cecilia Ahern is a wonderful author and her other books are also quite amazing. I would suggest that you pick some up and try her out. If you like one book, you'll like 'em all!