Book Review: Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Synopsis from Goodreads
Title: Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Publication Date: August 21st, 2007
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

If Naomi had picked tails, she would have won the coin toss. She wouldn't have had to go back for the yearbook camera, and she wouldn't have hit her head on the steps. She wouldn't have woken up in an ambulance with amnesia. She certainly would have remembered her boyfriend, Ace. She might even have remembered why she fell in love with him in the first place. She would understand why her best friend, Will, keeps calling her "Chief." She'd know about her mom's new family. She'd know about her dad's fiancée. She never would have met James, the boy with the questionable past and the even fuzzier future, who tells her he once wanted to kiss her. She wouldn't have wanted to kiss him back. But Naomi picked heads.
 After her remarkable debut, Gabrielle Zevin has crafted an imaginative second novel all about love and second chances

My Review

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I've had high expectations for it, but I was disappointed on how bland it was for my taste.

I've expected to read about the hardships of being an amnesiac; it was sad how little of that I got to read.

It is true that there were some struggles on Naomi's part as she tries to cope with her memory loss, but the storyline lacked emotional substance. The story just jumped from one part to another.

Even with the love interests, there was absolutely no chemistry between the characters; it all seemed superficial to me.

Probably I've set very high expectations on this book, which actually lead to my disappointment from head start. If I did not have such high hopes, I migh have liked it.

Overall, it was ok, as there were parts that made me smile.

1.5/ 5 stars

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy (Skulduggery Pleasant #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Skulduggery Pleasant

Author: Derek Landy

Publication Date: March 2007

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's books

Meet Skulduggery Pleasant, Ace Detective Snappy Dresser Razor–tongued Wit Crackerjack Sorcerer and Walking, Talking, Fire-throwing Skeleton—as well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgley, a very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old. These two alone must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil. The end of the world?

Over his dead body.

My Review

I did not know what to expect when I started reading this book. I thought it would be very cartoonish and childish.. well.. I based that on the cover of the book anyways. However, it was totally the opposite; it held more content than anyone could imagine.

Stephanie was a girl who is not satisfied with her boring normal life. She believed that it would be that way forever. Unexpectedly, to her surprise, Stephanie's normal life wasn't so normal afterall, especially after she meets the mysterious Skulduggery Pleasent; a man who covers his face with large sunglasses, a scarf and a  hat; well..let's not forget, he's also a detective, a magician, and most weirdly a LIVE skeleton! She was introduced to a world where not even  normal human beings are aware of. It got a lot interesting when everything changes for Stephanie! It had a lot of graphical action and adventure.

As for the characters, Skulduggery was quite a narcissistic and funny person. His witty comments and remarks actually made me laugh out loud. I loved reading about him a lot. Also, Stephanie was quite a strong girl for a twelve year old where you actually felt she was much older than that while reading. She was, in fact relatable, in which I really felt for her when she wanted more to her dull life. Not to forget, even the evil characters were awesome! You can really see the battle between the good and bad... such a great combination. Derek Landy can really write an adventurous book.

Everyone wishes to have something more going on in their lives; I can say that my life is quite normal and boring -.-. How I wish I could have a life like Stephanie's filled with action and adventure. Skulduggery Pleasant was a very fun read where you really get sucked in with the comedy and the storyline.
Overall, a very recommended read!.. you have to buy a copy of his book. I know there are more books in the Skulduggery series; I've got only three, and I will make sure to devour them all.

4/5

XoXo Meera

Book Review: The Awakening by Kelely Armstrong (Darkest Powers Trilogy #2)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: The Awakening

Author: Kelly Armstrong

Publication Date: March 2010

Publisher: HaprerTeen

Chloe Saunders used to be a normal teenage girl - or so she thought. Then she learned the shocking truth - she is a walking science experiment. Genetically altered at birth by a sinister group of scientists known as the Edison Group, Chloe is an aberration - a powerful necromancer who can see ghosts and even raise the dead, often with terrifying consequences. Even worse, her growing powers have made her a threat to the surviving members of the Edison Group, who have decided it's time to end their experiment - permanently . . .Now Chloe is running for her life with three other supernatural teenagers - a charming sorcerer, a troubled werewolf and a temperamental young witch. Together they have a chance for freedom - but can Chloe trust her new friends?

My Review

Yet another book full of adventures and actions. Chloe Saunders is on the run to find her friends and reunite to get to safety. However, there are many obstacles ahead and things kept getting in their way. This book really made me tired and anxious, I felt like I was along on the run with them; I honestly wanted them to have a good long break and rest, but NO!! trouble is always there hiding around the corners just waiting for the appropriate moment to creep up at them . Chloe and Derek really need to cool off each other, which sometimes they did, and it was sweet. Tori was such a brat, but she does crack me up sometimes along the story. As for Simon, he is soO sweet to the point it made me want to choke him (when I think about it, he is only sweet to Chloe, but it’s like I wanted him to back off cuz I wanted Chloe to end up with Derek).

This second book is interesting because u get to read about their powers, and are actually used quite often. It is recommended.

5/5 :D

Xoxo Meera