Sunday, April 26, 2009

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Lia wakes up one morning to terrible news. Her best friend until 6 months ago was found dead in a hotel alone. She died as a direct result of her eating disorder.

Both girls have had eating disorders. Lia has been hospitalized twice, but all that did was teach her how to better hide her problem. But when she gets to 90 pounds, it's hard to hide that she isn't eating. Cassie ate too much, then purged to get rid of it. The girls encouraged each other to stay thin, even to the point of competing to see who could be the skinniest.

Now Lia's being haunted by her demons and Cassie's. Cassie called Lia the night she died and was ignored. And it seems that Cassie is more than ready to let Lia follow her to the grave.

This book is written in a way to pull you into Lia's world. However, this book is not for the faint of heart, as it talks about how Lia starves and cuts herself. The story is very powerful, moving, and emotional.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Isabel and her younger sister Ruth were suppose to be freed when their mistress and owner passed away. But the old woman's will can't be found, and Isabel and Ruth are sold the very same day.

The Lockwoods take the sisters to New York City. It's 1776, and the Revolutionary War is just warming up. The Lockwoods are Loyalists and are anxiously awaiting news of British forces. Isabel, believing the Patriots can free her and her sister, begin to spy for the Patriots. She has no idea of the fate awaiting her with this decision.

This novel is told from Isabel's point of view. Isabel's life is not easy, and this story definitely shows that. A great story and well written.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Eternal by Cynthia Leigh Smith

Miranda was suppose to die. Zachary knew that. But he couldn't help himself--he saved her. Which threw them both off the map.

Zachary is Miranda's guardian angel. He's watched out for her her entire life. But when he sees a chance to alter her destiny, he takes it. He saves her, in time for her to forfeit her soul. Because of his intervention, she's turned into a vampire. And now they're both in trouble.

Told in alternating voices, and taking place in the same world as Tantalize, Eternal is a fantastic story of two lost souls unsure of where they belong.