Video Book Review: Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink

Author: Stephanie Kate Strohm

Publication Date: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

A story of crushes, corsets, and conspiracy

Libby Kelting had always felt herself born out of time. No wonder the historical romance-reading, Jane Austen-adaptation-watching, all-around history nerd jumped at the chance to intern at Camden Harbor, Maine’s Oldest Living History Museum. But at Camden Harbor Libby’s just plain out of place, no matter how cute she looks in a corset. Her cat-loving coworker wants her dead, the too-smart-for-his-own-good local reporter keeps pushing her buttons, her gorgeous sailor may be more shipwreck than dreamboat — plus Camden Harbor’s haunted. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Libby learns that boys, like ghosts, aren’t always what they seem.

Anything with the words “Pilgrims” and “Pink” is sure to catch my eye because I am a History major, and have you seen my blog? :) I thought the book might be a little young for my taste, but I was wrong. I wanted to give it a shot and I am so glad that I was able to review this for the author and I only wish now that I could meet her in person!

This book definitely fits the category of Charming!! From the minute I opened it until I flipped over the very last page I was constantly laughing. Stephanie Strohm has such an eye for humor and really knows how to appeal to the appropriate age group within her writing. She is witty and her characters have these amazing punch lines that come in right at the exact moments to provide unstoppable laugh out loud reading!

The main character, Libby Kelting, was one that I immediately was drawn to. I know a lot of people are probably going to say that she was materialistic, had an attitude, and way too many shoes, but that is why I love her. She was her own unique person and just because she was around people who did not always like her, this never affected her and she stayed true to herself. I, for one, can admire that. She might have been flighty at times but she was overall an amazing lead character. Any teenage girl would and will appreciate Libby’s outspoken manners and her confidence.

The next piece of this story that I thoroughly enjoyed was the setting, which was a History Camp located in Camden Harbor, Maine. Stephanie Strohm took the most odd of scenarios and made it absolutely awesome! At first you are like, “Why would anyone want to prance around in Pilgrim gear all day in the swelling, hot sun?” Then as you read on you begin to completely get into the whole love for History and, as for me, I really started to picture Libby’s clothes and how she was beginning to fit in. I became comfortable with the camp and started to imagine it and really wanted to jump in on all the adventure with Libby!

If you love girly girls and are ready for a little drama and a slight drama queen then I would highly suggest that you pick up a copy of Stephanie’s newest book! It was such a fun and hilarious read that took me no time at all to finish. Get lost in Libby’s chaotic teenage world for a little while and let your inner Pilgrim come out! I love this author; she is going on my favorites list!

This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Waiting on Wednesday (5)

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly book meme that lets readers just like you guys know what to be expecting and waiting anxiously for. It is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. Want to participate? Grab the logo on her page, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link on her blog!

Author: Roxanne St. Clair

Publication Date: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

When plain and unpopular Annie Nutter gets zapped by one of her dad's whacked-out inventions, she lands in a parallel universe where her life becomes picture-perfect. Now she's Ayla Monroe, daughter of the same mother but a different father—and she's the gorgeous, rich queen bee of her high school.

In this universe, Ayla lives in glitzy Miami instead of dreary Pittsburgh and has beaucoup bucks, courtesy of her billionaire—if usually absent—father. Her friends hit the clubs, party backstage at concerts, and take risks that are exhilirating . . . and illegal. Here she's got a date to lose her V-card with the hottest guy she's ever seen.

But on the inside, Ayla is still Annie.

So when she's offered the chance to leave the dream life and head home to Pittsburgh, will she take it?

The choice isn't as simple as you think.

I am going to be completely honest in saying that the first thing that drew me closer to this book was the huge pink sunglasses!! I immediately wanted to read more. I also love books where the main character gets to experience an alternate side of who they are who could have been in another life. I think this book will be an easy, light summer read! And I am looking for lots of those this summer!

Teaser Tuesdays (3)

My teaser this week comes from Sweetly by Jackson Pearce. I only just started this book last night, but I have already been drawn in by the magical aspects that I have noticed so far. I think this is going to be an awesome read! I have read Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce recently, so if that book is any indication of how good this book is going to turn out then I cannot wait.

Book Review: While He Was Away

Author: Karen Schreck

Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

"This is just something I have to do, okay?" I hear David say. "The right thing."

He cradles my face in his hands. He kisses me hard. Then he lets go of me. His eyes dart from me to whatever's next.

All she wants is for him to stay. She's been doing pretty well, pretending he doesn't have to go. But one day, after one last night to remember, she wakes up and there's no denying it anymore. He's gone.

When Penna Weaver's boyfriend goes off to Iraq, she's left facing life without him. As summer sets in, Penna tries to distract herself with work and her art, but the not knowing is slowly driving her crazy. Especially when David stops writing.

She knows in her heart he will come home. But will he be the same boy she fell in love with?

This book cover took me back to high school. We all had a guy or girl that we remember hugging and kissing that way. It felt like such a rush to show affection in public too! This cover has the perfect shades of pink and tan to compliment the two characters on the front. I loved the guy’s rough exterior look with his tan skin and holes in his jeans. I knew he may be a little bit of a rebel when I saw the bike. The girl actually reminded me of myself. She looks to be so in love with him and that is a great start to any book!

I was not able to do a video review for this book (I have so much to do today), which makes me sad because I did have a lot to say about it, starting with the two main characters, David and Penna. I immediately connected with David because that is my boyfriend’s name. I was pleased when Penna started using expressions like, “My David!” I also connected with that longing feeling that Penna expressed after David left. Many girls, like Penna and myself, have experienced those relationships where you are not quite as mature and ready to handle a long distance and very serious relationship as you think you are. I think that many young girls could connect to this book for that simple reason.

However, I was not pleased with the character depth in this book. I did enjoy the book, but I cannot say that it would be something that I would pick up again. Penna lacked so much depth and expression. I really wanted her to develop as a character. She never really did. I did like the fact that she did not let David’s deployment define her, but I just wish she was more courageous and outgoing. I wanted her to change and become more of a strong woman after David left. I wanted her to try new things and have new experiences. Now do not get me wrong, to a certain extent she did branch out a little more, but I just wanted her to be more positive about David and a safe return for him, I guess. When I first read the title of the book I thought that there would be an amazing conflict concerning something extraordinary she had done while David was away.

I was disappointed in the story line, or what was happening while David was in Iraq. Penna goes on a quest for her grandmother, Justine and while that was intriguing I wish there had been a little more mystery to it. It all just felt so cut and dry. However, I did appreciate the relationship that she developed among her friends during the book. I think that was probably my favorite part to read about. I believe that everyone needs a few good friends to help them through life’s ups and downs.

The last thing that did upset me about the book was Penna’s love for art. In the same aspect that I was talking about earlier, I just wish she would have channeled some of her emotions for David into her art. From what I read she was an amazing artist, but after David left she almost completely gave up on her passion for it. I wanted her to pursue things that made her feel happiness and passion while he was away, but instead she turned away from those things.

Lastly, I would recommend the book to anyone who has experienced an adolescent “love” or at least know the feelings that come with it. The butterflies and the jitters every time your cell phone lights up because you want it so badly to be your love calling. I do suggest that you read it; you all may see something completely different within its pages than I did. Happy Monday! Talk to you all soon :)