5 comments about Motorcycles, Sushi & One Strange Book.

1. Jessie was fifteen and living with her mother, her mother's mood swings, and her own medication when, out of the blue, the father she'd thought was dead turned up. Perhaps her father's arrival was the catalyst, but Jessie's mom attempted suicide. No holds barred when this redhead was shuttled down to Florida - Jessie isn't one to hold in things - to live with this father she barely knew.
   
   In the airport, a book found its way to Jessie.
   
   Jessie was thrilled to learn that her father owned a Harley Davidson and a sushi restaurant. Less thrilling was learning that her father was a very pious man who prayed regularly.
   
   The book that found Jessie was a contemporary story of Jesus, modernized and simplified so that it was more than palatable to a teenager. The lessons in the book mirrored Jessie's experiences, down to and including the nasty surprise of a little step-sister added to the mix.
   
   While I was disappointed that the book wasn't all Motorcycles and Sushi because I really wasn't in the mood to read a religious book when I picked this up, I found that I did, indeed, like the writing and that I liked Jessie. The religion in Motorcycles, Sushi& One Strange Book is as gentle to the reader as it is in Jessie's "Real Life" book. I can see a teenager who enjoys this book picking up, in a few years, a copy of God on a Harley.



2. Main character Jessie Hatcher is an ADHD teen who lives with her bipolar mother. Her father, whom she had never met and didn't even know was still alive, shows up just before her mother has a breakdown and is hospitalized. She goes to stay with him for a while, during which time she comes to deal with her ADHD, partly through the help of a special book she finds.
   
   I found this to be a heartwarming and well-written story. I'm not often impressed with Christian fiction, as the plots and characters are sometimes a bit dull as compared to secular fiction. But I thought this was a very remarkable exception to that rule.



3. It was a great, well written book. I wouldn't change anything at all. I knew it even before I read it though because Nancy Rue is the best author ever! I loved the characters and the ending. I can't wait until the next one comes out.



4. From the cover of this book, this looks like it will be your normal, fluffy, Chick-lit YA story. Well as the old saying goes, don't judge a book by it's cover. The cover may be light but the story is heavy and deep. As soon as you start reading, Jessie's situation hits you from the get go. She's only 15 but she's experienced a lifetime of hardships that some adults will never have to face. It made me sad to think that she's had to deal with her mother who is bipolar all by herself and with no one else to help her out at all. It's caused her to have to lie about it to her friends her entire life and there's no one to turn to when she's in desperate need of help. Then out of the blue, she gets a phone call from a man who says he's her biological dad who she thought was dead all these years. Jessie's life begins to change starting on that day.
   
   It's easy for a while to get annoyed with Jessie's behavior. Her mother mentions several times that she has the maturity of an 8 year old in a 15 year old body. And it's true, that there are times when I don't understand why she acts so immaturely sometimes and want to get frustrated with her behavior. However then it's explained about her ADHD and all the problems she's had to deal with living with a mother who is bipolar and it all makes sense. I'm not excusing her behavior but it's good to see that this book does NOT condemn the use of medication or psychiatrists.
   
   This book does feature passages from the Bible but they are portrayed in the form of the mysterious book that Jessie finds. She discovers that it speaks directly to her and helps her in times of need. I really liked how the version of the Bible used is The Message as that is one of my favorite versions because I feel that it really speaks to people who normally avoid reading the Bible because they think they cannot understand it. Jessie's usage of the book is sprinkled throughout the story and is not overtly preachy. Instead it helps and guides her instead of dominating over her life.
   
   Topics such as ADHD, mental illness, alcoholism which are normally avoided in most Christian fiction is brought to full attention here. There are even multi cultural characters to help develop the story more. There isn't a happy ending and there is no miraculous event where everyone gets well and lives happily ever after as a family. I wish more adult Christian fiction authors would take note of this as they tend to avoid almost all those elements in their books. Why is it that teens are more open to understand that life is not all roses and sunshine but adults want to avoid reality?
   
   Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I think it's a great start to the series. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books and discovering how the RL Book will affect all those who come across it. Again, don't dismiss this book as fluff. Be prepared to be affected while you read.



5. I would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to Nancy Rue and her publisher for sending me a copy of "Motorcycles, Sushi & One Strange Book" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me.
   
   After my daughter read and enjoyed Nancy Rue's "Boyfriends, Burritos and an Ocean of Trouble", I had to get her a copy of Nancy's other extremely witty title for teens: "Motorcycles, Sushi and One Strange Book". Jessie Hatcher's life is anything but "normal". When she's uprooted from her mother's home to live with her father, her life is completely shaken up. And not just because she thought her father was dead!
   
   This novel is an incredibly engaging read for teens. Nancy Rue has a knack for identifying with young women, which is evidenced by this book and her other writings. Jessie's story enlightens young girls to circumstances of which they may not be aware. It is also an incredible adventure that teens will recognize with on many levels.

5 comments about Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1).

1. Clare's Mortal Instruments is my favorite of all the various urban fantasy series I have read (both YA and adult). I started Clockwork Angel today with great anticipation. I'm now half way through and am taking a break to write this to comment that while this is well worth a read for anyone who loves the world Clare has created, this prequel is not nearly as powerful as the first three Mortal Instruments books. There is much less action, little suspense, not much utilization of the magical elements of this world, and most importantly, the characters are less compelling. Perhaps things will pick up and deserve four stars, and even if they don't it is still a good read, but don't expect a story as compelling as her earlier work. I certainly hope her future work returns to her previos quality. She's still - for now - my faviorite author in this genera.



2. I actually thought this book was very good. I like how she has kept in touch with the characters from the Mortal Instruments trilogy while still developing a whole new world. I really enjoyed how she set up her characters this time around. It's interesting watching the love triangle she is obviously building. I think this will be just as good as her other series once she gets going. As usual this is a bit gritty for a teen novel, but enough so both teens and some of the older crowd can enjoy it. Like City of Bones, this is slower moving in the beginning due to her establishing her characters and their relationships. All in all it was a fast paced read and I can't wait for the other two. I hope she writes them quickly.



3. When this first arrived in the mail, I have to admit I squealed and jumped up and down for at least a minute. But seriously what Mortal Instruments fan wouldn't? This is the PREQUEL were talking about. And at first it was amazing, just the thing I was hoping for, but then it took a turn for the worst, becoming boring and just a little bit too much like MI for my tastes. Thankfully, it did get a LOT better by the end, but still, I was disappointed big time overall.
   
   Clockwork Angel takes you back to a time before Jace, Clary, and Simon, back before some major damage in the Shadowhunter world occurred; the late 1800s in rainy London to be specific. In this addition, the story's new focus is Tessa, an orphan who's on the way to meet her beloved older brother in London so that she can start a new and better life than the one she had in America. Though waiting for in London isn't her brother but too scary sisters who call themselves the "Dark Sisters", and without any hesitation she goes of with them, not giving it a second thought. But as she is soon to learn this was a bad decision, one that might change everything she ever knew, and before she knows it she's thrown into the world of the Shadowhunters, which include two very dreamy but unattainable boys, with a talent she couldn't even begun to imagine she would have.
   
   I think Tessa is basically supposed to be the polar opposite of Clary. Because she's tall (Clary's short), she's an orphan (Clary's not), and so on. This bugged me to no end, especially when you added in the fact that Tessa lacked the spunk and charm I love about Clary's character. And while the main boys, Will and James, in this were swoon-worthy and adorable, they were just like Simon and Jace but with British accents and slightly different characteristics that lead them to being fragile (James/Simon) and brooding (Will/Jace), and lacking in this was the connection I always felt between Clary and James and Clary and Simon, as well as heart Though, with saying that I did love most of the secondary characters such as Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, and the always lovely Magnus Bane. But I will say that each of the main characters I had a hard time liking for most of the book, were starting to grow on me by the end, so hopefully by the second book I'll end adoring them just as much as I do the MI characters.
   
   The plot of this was decent and interesting enough but until the end it didn't have enough action to keep me interested fully. Instead it had back story and world building and lots of it.
   
   In all, Clockwork Angel was decent but nearly as great as Cassandra's prior books but by the end I did see promise, so hopefully the next one will be something I simply love and adore to the max.
   
   Grade: B-



4. The concept is rather stale, as if the author is going through the motions of her first series which is probably one of the best I have read! I was highly anticipating this release and perhapts I am just disappointed at how it all turned out. Maybe in time I will feel differently about the book, but it is a first book in a new series, it should have me drooling for more, not regretting the time I spent counting down the days till its release. When you think a start of a series, it needs to be more. The Hunger Games was Brilliant in its brutal in your face excitement; Peever's The Jumper Chronicles: The Quest for Merlin's Map (first book of a new series) is so reminiscent of Harry Potter you know it will take off! In fact The Jumper Chronicles was one of the best books I read all year, even better than Mocking Jay (considering that I was not a fan of the Ending of MokingJay!) Atemis Foul and Percy Jackson also had strong first novels, I guess what I am saying is there are a lot of books out there that are better than this one, that you should read before you spend money on this one! Here is a list.
   1) The Hunger Games The Hunger Games: Training Days Strategy Game(three book series-complete)
   2) The Jumper Chronicles The Jumper Chronicles: The Quest for Merlin's Map(7 books are planned, the first one is out, and it is the best book of the year, despite a few Editorial misses!)
   3) Artemis Foul Artemis Fowl Boxed Set(Seen books are out, The author is prolific expect more---the last one just came out and I have not read it yet, however it is on my shelf!)
   4) The Inheritance cycle Inheritance Cycle Omnibus: Eragon and Eldest (The Inheritance Cycle) (Eragorn, Brisinger, Elderest) The author has one more book planned in the cycle, where he had originally only planned three.
   5) Dark is Rising The Dark Is Rising (Boxed Set): The Dark Is Rising, Greenwitch, Over Sea, Under Stone, Silver on the Tree, The Grey King(this is a classic four book series, and totally worth visiting the library to read, it should be there as books like Harry Potter, Jumper Chronicles, and Hunger Games get most of the press these days)
   6) Harry Potter Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)(Should be close to the top! But everyone who loves to read has read them.
   7) Percy Jackson The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 5)(Brilliant---when I say Percy Jackson I mean anything written by Rick Riordan.
   8) The Mortal Instruments City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)(done my this author, and one more book is in the works -book 4--She is a good writer, I just hope that book 4 adds something rather than money in her pocket! Then she should move on!



5. Unlike seemingly everyone else, I was dissappointed with this book. It just didn't come up to par with The Mortal Instruments for me. And that's not just because I miss Jace ;)
   
   So, I think the book had a promising start with the prologue, but I can't say I liked the first part with Tess trapped in that horrible place with the Dark Sisters. I just don't think having the main character in the custody of the enemy is a good start for a book. I mean, it worked for the whole plot of course, but it just isn't something I prefer. I was so thankful when she finally got the heck out of there, because it was so creepy--and not in a good way. It was as if Clare wanted to break Tessa before she'd even really begun her journey.
   
   A few things that bothered me about the writing: too many long, boring conversations from characters I did not care about. And when people are given dialgue, explaining things that happened to them in the past, they talk as if they're writing a book, which I find rather jarring. A character says this at one point: "I can barely describe my sense of shock as I stared around me--creatures of indescribable grotesqueness filled the room. The Dark Sisters were there, leering at me from behind their whist cards, their nails like talons." And then "I was drawn to the gaming table like a moth to light," and "I emerged in the dawn" etc etc.. I doubt many people talk in similies, or as if they are writing a novel.
   
   The plot of the book, with the automatons and everything just isn't my cup of tea, but I won't take any stars away for this, because it's just my personal opinion, and I believe it was done/written well and decribed as accurately as something like this can be. I could always clearly picture every single scene as though I were looking down on the characters from above, and I suppose that almost made up for the book not being to my taste. The villian wasn't precisely obvious from the beginning, but I had a pretty good idea who it was early on.
   
   Clare did a good job painting nineteenth century London. I felt like she knew what she was talking about, and I really liked how in a time where women were considered unequal to men, the shadow hunters were different. Charlotte, a woman, is in charge of the institute, and works very hard to get there and stay there. I liked that shadow hunter women were still allowed to fight. It was funny to see Tessa's surprise at this. What did seem a tad fake or forced, was Tessa's beliefs about women and servents. It seemed as though Clare merely had Tessa think some of the things she does to prove that she knows how things were in the nineteenth century, yet without actually having them be a part of the book and the world the shadow hunters live in. For example, Tessa is shocked at how the servent, Sophie (I'll talk about how much I loathe her later), talks to her "masters," yelling at and insulting them. Tessa is also shocked that female shadow hunters fight, because she believes females don't have "blood lust." So Tessa was sort of a device to fit in the nature of the 1800's without the book actually having that feel, and without the characters actually acting accordingly.
   
   So, the characters. I'll start with Tessa. I have to say, I don't hate her, but I don't like her either. I much prefer Clary. But about Tessa...I found her to be inconceivably idiotic. Stupid. She witnesses a character hacking up blood on two occasions and still does not realize that said person is ill or that anything is wrong with them. She just brushes it off as if its a common occurance with no meaning, as if the person simply sneezed or something. Stu-pid. She was also a little bit rude, and said so many hurtful things to people. On top of that, she apparently knew that a certain character was evil all along, yet she said nothing and convinced herself said person was not evil. Stu-pid. She's brave though, which is good, even if I do find her a little bit icy and self-pitying. At one point she tells a character that he doesn't have the "luxury" to blame himself for something--she actually gets quite angry with him--then proceeds to whine about how it was all her fault. Hypocrite much?
   
   As for Will... Well, I'm getting bored of the whole "guy thinks he isn't good enough, and every other character in the book thinks he isn't good enough, for the girl, so he is mean to her to push her away." It's getting old. And boring. And stale. Still, I found Will to be an intriguing character, because I don't fully understand him. I love not understanding a character. It's just so fun. I'm anxious to learn more about him and, despite what many of the characters think, he obviously does have feelings and care about people other than himself. People who have no feelings don't mourn, don't weep over those they think dead. They just don't.
   
   Now...I honsetly didn't find Will to be that rude until the end of the book--at least to Tessa. I think Jace is meaner to Clary in the beginning than Will is to Tessa...but then, in the end, he has to do the whole "I will push you away to save you from my evil self" thing which was not a good note to close with. I loved that when he found that one of his human servents/friends had died, he said the thing shadow hunters always say when one of their own dies even though the guy was only a "mundane." It was beautiful, because shadow hunters are supposed to be so superior and arrogant, and yet Will was willing to say this for a human because he believed the man deserved it and he was right.
   
   Jem...I like him a lot. I don't think I really understand him, either. We learn a chunk of his past, yet I still don't feel like I know him and I can't predict what he might say or do next, which is always fun. I like that he and Will are so close, because he's apparaently the only one who realizes that Will is not completely evil, except for Charlotte and Henry (though they believe most of the lies that come out of his mouth throughout the book). Basically...he seems like someone I'd want to be friends with--someone good to talk to/confide in.
   
   Charlotte was wonderful. She's so strong and caring and yet vulnerable at the same time. Henry...he's adorable and quirky and serves to lighten the mood a little. And boy does this book need lightening, because it is dark. Way darker than TMI.
   
   About Sophie. I hate her guts. She's the type of person to blame others for a wrongdoing committed by someone else, simply because she assumes, with no evidence, that both people are exactly alike. I found it so annoying that she claims to know for sure that Will cares for absolutely no one but himself. Really? How would she know that? And anyway, it's obvious that that is not true. If she's gonna hate him, hate him for something that's actually true, something she actually knows. Hate him because he's rude--fine. But don't make up false evil qualities that he does not actually have because you assume he's like some random jerk from your past when in reality you don't actually know as single thing about him. Also, Sophie thinks she's God. She tells Tessa that Will does not deserve to be loved. Uh-huh. And what exactly gives her the right to make this absurd proclimation? She also says that beautiful people are bad, because snakes who have pretty bright colors are the most dangerous. Well, I hate to break it to you, Sophie, but human beings are not snakes and you should not judge them on their appearances. Also, you were once considered beautiful before your face got scarred. Does that make you evil, too?
   
   And question: Why does no one say Jessamine is evil and selfish? She's a lot ruder than Will is throughout the entire book. Every word out her mouth is an insult. She also leaves a character on his own to die (which he does) simply because she thinks ladies should not fight--and she is a shadow hunter for goodness sake! It's her job to protect people! Yet she does nothing but run and hide and then shows absolutely no remorse when the poor guy dies. She casually metions his death as if he's a flea or something. Ugh. I get that she doesn't want to be a shadow hunter and just wants to be a lady, but really. I hate her. She's the one who cares about no one but herself, not Will. Fact. I wanted to give her a good beating. All she cares about is clothing and looking good. At one point, Tessa even acknowledges the fact that Jessamine enjoyed going to a funeral because she looks good in white, the shadow hunter mouring color.
   
   A little side note on Magnus. He's so different in the past! He's so much nicer! I actually liked him more in this book than in TMI, but I liked him there too--just not as much. He's much greedier in the present.
   
   Okay, moving forward. I think my main problem with the book is that it depressed me. Will has funny lines for about the first half, then he stops being funny altogether and the book becomes all gloom and doom and death and destruction and betrayal and sadness and tears. A few of the characters have pointless deaths that made me sad. This is why the four stars. Truthfully, it would have gotten three stars save for one thing: the characters. I love how each of the characters has their own past and motivations and dreams. They all feel very real, and this is amazing for a YA novel. Many YA novels make the mistake of having every character's life revolve around the main character and none of them actually have lives or concerns of their own. That's what makes this book so great. ALL the characters are so distinct and different and all have different wants and needs. They don't live strictly for Tessa. They have lives. And I love them for it.
   
   Now, about the ending...it had a really annoying cliffhanger. I want to know what happens, even though I can't say I loved the book. I still don't want to wait. Time machine, anyone?

5 comments about Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga Book 4).

1. This book was everything that I expected and more. There were a couple of plot twists that bothered me. This was the only book where I didn't hate Bella as much for the decisions that she made. In this book she became the hero and I really love the love story with Edward. I only wish that they would have casted a better person to portray Edward. Robert Pattinson doesn't do it for me, but I am 39. The Edward in my mind is handsome and warm. I gave it 5 stars despite my dislike of the crazy story line twists. It resolves eventually letting me accept those twists in the end. This series was my favorite romance of all time. I loved it. I usually don't read vampire books or such easy reads or even romance novels, but this one was very different and I'm thankful that my friend recommend this series.



2. I'm an Austin and Shakespear fan. The characters have me hooked!!! The plot of the love story is as good as Austins. But I think they have the mark of a first time author and could have had more editing. But I would still buy more. I see the author maturing in her writing of "The Host". I will follow Stephenie Meyer as long as she publishes. Good read for the young and young at heart.



3. Stephene Myers is great and I can't wait for more books to come out. I wish they would make a tv show out of it. There is nothing wrong with happy endings and I never knew what was going to happen she kept me wanting more. I loved the book and now I am having a hard time wanting to read anything else. Someone always has to ruin something good.



4. This is the worst book I have ever read in my life.
   I couldn't wait to read the 4th Twilight book.
   When I opened this book, my smile turned into a frown.
   This book is pointless,and I think that the book has no purpose.
   Most people just read this book because they want to say that they've read it,but I feel bad for anyone who has read it.
   I don't understand how Stephenie Meyer has a career,and how anyone would even compare her to J.K Rowling.
   FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, DON'T READ ANY OF STEPHENIE MEYER'S BOOKS!



5. I too, have read all the books (twice) and have jumped on the "Twilight" bandwagon late - I read the final book and was totally dissappointed as well....total let down! Let us all pray that the last 2 movies are better then the book... WOW ~ When has anybody hoped for that??

5 comments about Pretty Little Liars Box Set: Books 1 to 4.

1. I bought this boxed set for my 11 year-old daughter just before we drove from Minnesota to Florida. After a few hours into the trip, she started reading - and didn't stop until we got to Florida 31 hours later. Her Lexile score is around 1000, and I think these books range from 660L to 770L. They must be entertaining, because she absolutely could not put them down. I had to keep looking in the back seat to make sure I hadn't left her at the last rest stop.
   
   At $[...] for the boxed set, I saved $18.42 over buying the books individually. I knew if I bought the first book, I'd be looking for a store along the way to buy the second, third and fourth books - so I took a chance and bought the set. Each book is about 300 pages, so the set runs around 1200 pages giving your daughter (or son - probably not) a sense of accomplishment. Most parents would agree that they love to see their children engrossed in a book rather than playing video games or watching movies (both of which I also enjoy!). Buy this set, and I guarantee you won't see your beloved one until she comes asking for books five through eight.



2. I am 16 and I never read books. After seeing the pretty little liars show I became obsessed and wanted to read the books. I just finished the fourth book and I bought them a month ago. They are so addicting. By far the best books I have ever read! I cant wait to get the rest in the series!!



3. I was very satisfied with the service I received. I got my order in a timely manner and was in great condition. My Granddaughter was so happy to get this bookset.



4. Purchased the set for my teen age daughter who became interested in reading the books once the series came on tv. Have since purchased the next 4 books too!



5. i loved these books it is a nice relief from all the paranormal books crowding the shelf not that I do not love them I do but it is refreshing to have a different book every now and the this series is soo awesome it keeps you guessing lots of different stories mingle together wonderfully the characters are very different and written wonderfully I already ordered the next books in the series

5 comments about Percy Jackson and the Olympians Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3).

1. This seires is wonderful! I purchased this set for my 10 year old son as a birthday gift. I read them with him and wound up liking them myself. This is great reading for anyone who enjoys mythic books.



2. I really like the Percy Jackson set of books!! I enjoyed the Greek mythology, gods, goddesses and monsters with a modern twist. I found that I couldn't put them down, and was constantly wanting to find out what happened next. I know they are supposedly written for young adults/pre teens, but I am 40 and enjoyed them just as much! I also ordered books 4 and 5 and am pleased with those as well. My daughter will be reading them next. I will definitely be looking for more books to read by Rick Riordan!



3. I am an 11-year-old girl who absolutely hated reading. I could never find a book I liked. If I actually found a good book, I would end up getting bored with it and not finishing it. Then, I happened to stumble upon "Percy." I opened up this book, and I never put it down. I read all day long, while eating dinner, while brushing my teeth, and even read it by flashlight in bed. I finished the series in less than two weeks. I cried so hard when I was finished with the last book. I was literally sick to my stomach and had a headache. I was bedstricken, okay???!! Then, I found out Rick Riordan would be writing a new "Percy" series, featuring some of the old characters. I have no reason to live until "The Lost Hero" comes out. (October 12th.) This is coming from a girl who, 2 weeks before "Percy", wouldn't even read a picture book. Rick Riordan, you are amazing. This author knows what his mythology-loving audience wants to read. And I will be reading Rick's work as long as I can possibly stand it!!!!!!!



4. The title is just meant to be sarcastic, I know there's a movie and I saw it, but when reading the book it felt as if the movie wasn't even based on it. The movie hacked up the book and dumbed it down to be a totally kid friendly movie. While the book is full of non-stop action and twisted and scary villains that weren't even included in the movie!
   
   The Madusa scene in the movie is too much like Clash of the Titans, her part is a little longer in the book and I found it funny that she ran her own lunch in where she cooks for people and then turns them into stone. That wasn't in the movie, in the movie she just chases Percy and his friends as soon as they get to her place pretty much. The movie is okay, but it made the book look bad, when it's actually an excellent book that could have made a great movie. Even if you saw the movie, I recommend reading the book. I saw the movie first and I'm glad I read the book because it's an excellent read and blows the movie away!



5. These books are really good reads. They arrived on time and in great condition. I loved reading these books.

5 comments about The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens.

1. I was first drawn to this curious little book by its extremely unsettling title. Are the teenagers now expected to be "highly effective"? Effective in what? I mean, they are kids, why even use such a strange language to describe them?
   
   After I opened this miniature book, I realized that its main goal was to convince teenagers that they are never too young to start transforming themselves into efficient little robots whose goal is to be "successful" at all costs. Having fun, hanging out with friends, playing, flirting, enjoying your existence - all these activities should be expelled from a teenager's life since they cannot be construed as either "effective" or "productive."
   
   Here is a sample of wisdom that this book offers to poor teenagers: All successful people have the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either. But this dislike is subordinated to the strength of their purpose.
   
   Obviously, the purpose of this "successful" individual does not include being happy or enjoying life. The quote makes a lot more sense if we substitute the word "neurotic" for successful. It's also curious how a person who refuses to do things s/he doesn't enjoy is necessarily seen as a "failure." In this masochistic worldview, the only permissible lifestyle is the one that includes constant self-repression and suffering.
   
   Other pieces of advice the book offers include making weekly lists of the goals you need to achieve and looking at yourself in a mirror in order to find in yourself qualities that need to be eradicated. I can't express how much I pity the poor teenagers who buy into this silliness and engage in these weird activities.



2. This book was given to me because I was told I would enjoy it. It was a wonderful gift, indeed! I was a bit skeptical when I first saw it. I began reading it and I was immediately hooked. I laughed at every page and couldn't wait to finish the book. On top of being hilarious it was indeed very helpful. By applying the advice the book gave my life became easier and better. I may sound like a commercial right now, but everything I say is nothing but the truth. I highly recommend this book to all teenagers and adults!



3. The product already came a part when I opened it. So, the condition was misleading. Pretty fast shipping however.



4. I wanted to like this book and I actually feel bad about rating it so low considering there is a LOT of great information in it but the truth was that I was disappointed with this book and will think seriously about whether or not I will ever give it to my children to read. It simply had too many negatives dragging it down in my opinion.
   
   I also read Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations and recommend that book over this one if you want to encourage your youth to set goals and work hard towards achieving them. (It does have a Christian message but if you are not opposed to that then it can be very encouraging and motivational.)
   
   I think the problem with this book is Sean Covey did not have a clear enough target audience in mind. At times he seems to be speaking to highschool students and at other times to college age students. Sometimes he seems to be speaking to kids who are struggling with things like broken homes and drug use and other times to an average middle-class teen who just needs a prod in the right direction.
   
   Things I did not like in this book are...
   
   1. THE STATED AND UN-STATED FOCUS ON THE OUTER APPEARANCE:
   
   p134 "..I had a hot date that Saturday afternoon."
   p101 "At the end of the year, weighing 180 pounds and bench-pressing 255 pounds, I was awarded 'Best Body' by the senior girls of the high school, the award that I loved most of all."
   p169 "Jessica is much better looking than Katherine".
   p118 "In high school I had a crush on a beautiful girl named Sherry...."
   
   
   
   2. THE BAD ATTITUDES SOMETIMES DISPLAYED TOWARDS PARENTS:
   
   p23 "Finally I struck out on my own and had a falling out with my folks, but it made them see me for who I was."
   p170 "This is the when-I-was-your-age speech you often get from your elders"
   p220 "My family is composed of a bunch of technical incompetents. I blame the bad gene on my dad. Several times I've seen him in technically challenging situations like when....he attempts to change a light bulb."
   
   
   
   3. I DON'T AGREE WITH THE ADVICE ON:
   
   A) Dating lots of people...
   p20 "Have as many boyfriends and girlfriends as you like just don't get obsessed with or centered on them..."
   
   B) or his marriage advice that could influence youth to not forge a committed and close relationship with their future spouse...
   p20 "When I began dating my wife, one of the things that attracted me most was that she didn't center her life on me."
   
   C) nor his advice encouraging youth to simply listen and never offer possible solutions to friends in need...
   p165 "A handful of loyal friends really stuck it out with me and tried to help, but I tuned out their preachy lectures about my weight..."
   p166 "They didn't treat me like a person with a problem. There were no lectures..."
   p166 "Contrast that with what might have happened had her roommates turned preachy on her."
   p167 "You can show you care by simply taking time to listen without judging and without giving advice".
   
   
   
   4) THERE WERE LOTS OF WRONG-SIDE-OF-THE-TRACKS STORIES:
   
   Stories of sexual abuse p58, p59; Drug use p77, P214; Parent smoking marijuana with her 12 year old daughter p61; Abusive relationships p158; Bulemia p158; Anorexia 165; Alcoholic and abusive parents p227; References to sexual activity p78 p229; Suicide p232; pornography p240
   
   p238 An experience shared by a teen..."I used to argue with my ex-boyfriend about watching BET and MTV, because the majority of the videos consisted of not-even-half-naked girls wiggling and jiggling like a bowl of Jell-O...it hurt me to see my ex-boyfriend in a daze with his eyes moving up and down..."
   
   
   
   In all fairness, when looking at the broad picture, Sean Covey is encouraging teens to be responsible, value education and work on their family relationships. Most of the unsavoury stories are being used to illustrate not-what-to-do.
   
   However I couldn't help but feel that in some instances, the stories and attitudes could plant thoughts into our teens minds or reinforce ideas such as 'Boys only like the beautiful girl' or 'Parents are difficult to get along with'.
   
   The reason I prefer Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations is because it encourages youth to do better without adding all these issues in.
   
   On the other hand, if your teen is struggling with drug use etc - and you can even get him/her to read this book - then this book may actually be beneficial in helping them see the light.
   
   I think that in general, if a teen is motivated enough to read a self-help book like this then they may as well read Sean Covey's father's books such as The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People and leave all the teenage baggage well and truly behind.



5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens' is an extraordinary book. The author Sean Covey, talks about the teens and their perspectives of life. He brings to us a bigger view of teens lives and gives us answers, advice, reasons, causes, possibilities, hope, and good perspective guidance. I've taken in a lot of advice and guidance while reading the book, and followed through with it. I now feel a little better about who I am, and how I will be in the future.
   
   I chose to read this book because I wanted to better myself, and get advice from someone other then the adults when I don't really look up to, and who lack the experiences of being a role model. One of the reviews that influenced me if from the US Olympic figure skater gold medalist which stated, "An intensive training program for youth to grow and become winners in the competition of life." The author talks in a style as if he is talking to me (the teenage reader).
   
   Sean Covey also speaks with an understanding demeanor with accuracy. In example he states, "Proactive people focus their efforts on their circle of influence. They work on things they can do something about: health, children, and problems at work. Reactive people focus their efforts in the circle of concern--things over which they have little or no control: the national debt, terrorism, and the weather. Gaining an awareness of the areas in which we expend our energies is a giant step in becoming proactive."
   
   Covey uses the influential methods of bias, association, and over generalizing: "Besides having paradigms about ourselves and others, we also have paradigms about the world in general." The author is over generalizing about people having paradigms about the world (a way of looking at something with his/her own perspectives.) But in actuality not everyone cares to have a paradigm of the world itself, unless it was asked for.
   
   To sum everything up, I have really enjoyed reading this book; it has truly made an impact on my life, and has to other people who I've recommended this book to. I recommend this book to teenagers the age of 12 to 18, and hopefully it will make an impact on the readers of these ages.
   
   Jane Phan, TJHS student

5 comments about Forgotten: Seventeen and Homeless.

1. If you decide to read the book, "Forgotten: Seventeen and Homeless", you probably won't be disappointed. It was written very simplisticly, with the young adult audience in mind. On a spiritual level, we all can relate to the main character "Adele" in one way or another. No, most of us have never been homeless, parentless, and not know where our next meal came from, but we all are human and have spiritual needs. "Adele" can teach us all a lesson or two, in Faith, Love, Mercy, Hope, and even Forgiveness.
   
   I enjoyed this young adult reader very much, and feel that it is a wonderful read for both adults and teens! It touches on many points that are many times overlooked, and even taken for granted in our daily lives. I did wonder what happened to "Adele's" mom, and was hoping for more at the end of the story. The story also seemed very similar to other ones already out there, though this was the first one that I had read, that was a Christian themed one. With that in mind, I appreciated the fact that this book was a very "clean" read, and as a parent, I wouldn't have to worry about my teens reading this book. I would give this book a four out of five stars!
   
   Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising



2. I was very impressed with how realistic the plot in the book was. It demonstrated beautifully how many people really are just one step away from homelessness. A series of bad luck, starting with a mentally ill mother, lands this teenager, in a new town, abandoned with no money, job or home. She is determined to survive on her own, without resorting to crime or getting involved in bad elements. The reverse: she attempts to do it all while keeping her status as well off and popular. In Forgotten, we are reminded about what is really important and what real friends are.



3. it's a nice book, the story flows really easily. i liked it from the beginning till the end except for a certain part when the author gets a bit too religious, but it's worth reading, very pleasant



4. This book is a heartbreaking story that is probably more realistic than any of us would like to admit. Teens will have much to think about as they read about Adele's efforts to cope with her mother's desertion while at the same time holding onto her new (so-called) friends. While there was much to like about this book, the ending was rushed; the faith element was not clearly explained and loose ends were not resolved. When Adele is at the end of her resources and seeks help from a pastor she met at the local shelter, I wasn't sure whether and when she turned her life over to God. While it gave me the sense that Melody Carlson reached her word count limit and abruptly ended it, the overall story was good. Melody Carlson has her finger on the pulse of today's teens and the challenges so many of them face. As with so many of her books, I'm passing this one on to my teenage daughter.
   
   Thanks to NavPress for providing a copy of this book for me to review.



5. I read this book in one sitting - however, much like other reviewers have posted, it felt like the book came to a screeching halt right at the end.
   
   The story was so captivating at the beginning, I felt like I could not put the book down and was a little disappointed at such an abrupt conclusion.
   
   Having said that, I do think that Melody addresses a very poignant topic with this book - homelessness is something that everyone knows about. This story opens the reader's eyes to the day in the life of a homeless teen and just how quickly someone can go from a "normal" life, to being out on the street. The main character Adele, becomes homeless through no fault of her own - a good reminder that but for the grace and mercy of God, this is something any of us could face.
   
   As I read, I found myself wondering just how long Adele could go on hiding her secret while trying to hold down a job and finish high school. This story proves that many times we have no idea just how bad someone's situation is though we may encounter that person on a daily basis. This book made me stop and evaluate myself.
   
   Am I a compassionate person?
   
   Am I sensitive to the needs and struggles of others?
   
   Or do I go about my day and miss the little cues that a friend or a neighbor could use some help and encouragement?
   
   This is definitely a thought provoking read!

5 comments about Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1).

1. A whiny little girl falls in love with someone who sparkles and is tortured by his "vampire" existence. Although he has never eaten anyone nor done anything vampire-like. Forget the fact that he is a total creeper. She then proceeds to set women's rights back 70 years while existing only to love a "man"( aka whiny little b*tch) and have him save her. If you want to see a real vampire romance, watch this Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Collector's Set (40 discs)



2. I really enjoyed reading this book. It reaches teens and adults too.
   
   Thanks.



3. I could not finish reading this first book. If I finished it I would have lost too much. I would have ended up loving a vampire and looking at him in a strange way. Nah, couldn't do it. However, this author is nothing compared to J.K. Rowling. Stephanie doesn't have the element of surprise and sense that J.K. Rowling have in her books. Meyer only knows about disturbing irrational love. I know twilight fans will hate me after this, but I really don't care. I got Harry Potter fans having my back. And they are a lot more.



4. This is a sad attempt at literature and basically nothing more then lame Young Adult abstinence porn. I have read Harlequin romance novels with better character development, plot, and overall writing style. Bella MarySue! is boring, does not develop as a character, and whines constantly throughout the entire series. She relies on men to save her and defines herself based on the value that CreepyStalker! Edward places on her.
   Oh, and girls, as a side note...any man that sneaks into your house to watch you sleep is not a romantic guy. Just imagine waking up to see a set of strange eyes grazing over your body. Yikes.



5. I bought the Series for my Daughter, She loves the books and is a avid reader. I my self have not read the books or seen the movies. I am more a Navy Fiction. reader.

5 comments about Mixed Bags.

1. this book was interesting, until the very end. The protaganist DJ, was conflicted about a number of issues, and the issues were built up until the very end and......nothing. No ending, she became a Christian. Pllllease. What a let down. I will not be reading any more from this series. What a waste of time!!!



2. When I bought Mixed Bags, I paid absolutely nothing for it. Seeing that it was free for a limited time, I quickly welcomed it into my collection, not even bothering to read the book's description (Mostly because I felt that the offer would vanish right before my eyes, and I didn't want to waste any time reading said description. Did I mention it was FREE?!) Anywho, my feelings for this book are mixed. Sure, it was a good, quick read (And by "quick," I mean that you could finish it within a few hours.), but it wasn't exactly one to stand out either. To me, it was just an "okay" book, not very different from any other teen chick-lit book out there, with non-popular DJ battling popular mean-girl Taylor for the love of supposedly "cute" Conner. I guess the main thing about the book that irked me was that Conner told DJ early in the book that he liked her just the way she was, but then she IGNORED him anyway, changing her looks and interests to fit in better with her "prettier" roomates. And then she wondered why Conner was no longer interested in her. However, even though the main character aggravates me, I do think that the book holds a good message. It's definately one of those books that makes you wonder whether you're being the person you want to be, or the person others want you be. When I bought the book, I had no idea that it had a Christian theme to it. In fact, I didn't know that there was a Christian theme to it until the end of the book (Personally, I thought that the whole scene where DJ gave herself to God came out of nowhere, but I loved it just the same and thought that it was the perfect way to end the book. To make a not-so-long-story even shorter, I was pleasantly surprised with the ending.). I loved the message though. It really got me thinking about my own relationship with God. All in all, I thought Mixed Bags was a good book though, had it not been free, I probably wouldn't have bought it, being that it was so short (I just don't see a point in paying around $7.00 for something that I'll finish within a day.). But if you're looking for a short read with a good message, then this is the book for you. This is Kindle Obsession, signing off.



3. I think I got this book from Amazon while it was doing a "free for a limited time" promotion. I had not noticed that this was a Christian book at first. If I had known, I probably would not have downloaded it. I do not have anything against the religion, but Christian books used to give me an impression that its "= boring".
   
   This book was a nice surprise. It doesn't force you into believing, its interesting enough to make me keep wanting to read it / to know what happens next. But, I was a little disappointed to find out that this is only the first book of a series of 8.



4. The book is a bit immature and a bit unbelievable. It would probably do well for the tween set, but there may be some content that is too risque for them. Overall, it's not horrible, but it definitely leaves a lot to be said.



5. I'm a fan of teen fiction, but from the beginning I was a bit skeptical about this book. I like the main character, and the clash of personalities between her and the other girls in the house. Having a few of her old friends, now changed, added some color to the girls, considering the rich snobby girls were a bit boring. Just as the plot started gaining momentum, the ending was rushed and fell completely flat. Nothing was resolved, and DJ's switch to Christianity was so sudden it just felt out of place. I've got nothing against Christian lit, but that scene felt like a complete curveball. I'm definitely not interested in continuing this series. I would have liked to seen a better ending with some sort of resolution.

5 comments about The Kissing Hand.

1. As a kindergarten teacher, I use this book every year on the first day of school. With Audrey Penn you can't go wrong! She does a great job of putting children's fears at rest for that big step of starting school. It's a fabulous book.



2. Many friends had told me to buy this book before our son went out to preschool and he loves it!



3. This is a good book if your child is nervous about school. Mine is not so he really wasn't into it. He did think it was interesting that the animal was nocturnal and went to school at night. It is my understanding that lots of schools read this to the younger students the first day of class. My nephew was in kindergarten last year and my sister is a first grade teacher and both classes did read this, so if your school does this it might be a good idea to read it to your child as something familiar that first day of class.



4. I am using the Kissing Hand thematic unit which is very helpful for small children understanding transitions concerning leaving mom for a learning experience. I teach children or rather they teach me and it has been a very good social story type book for children who might not understand why they are going to school.



5. This is a wonderful story to help young children overcome seperation anxiety, especially for kids going to school or day care for the first time. We used the "kissing hand" with our daughter for the first few weeks at her daycare and it helped limit the trauma and drama of morning drop offs. The best part was when she offered to give us a "kissing hand" of our own!
   Now that you're wondering what a "kissing hand" is, go read the book!