Jenny Green's Killer Junior Year by Amy Belasen and Jacob Osborn

The bare bones: Jenny Green, an annoying git, kills her boyfriends. Because she likes it like that. (Oo, kinky?)
Just kidding.
But it really does summarize the gist of this entire book (and I don't mean it in a bad way).

Okay. So you want something a bit more in depth?

Real Summary: Pampered American (this is important to our review. We'll explain this later) Jenny Green decided to go to a bording school in Canada. In Montreal, to be precise [RR1: Parlez-vous francais?] Anyways, Jenny decides to use this opprotunity to get a fresh start, new friends and of course, new BOYfriends.

Except that her boyfriends don't turn out to be Prince Charmings. And so she decides that dumping them just doesn't cut it. Literally. [RR2: She's gotta get out those knives. Sharpen them up. RR1: ...I was GETTING TO THAT]

And so Jenny Green's Killer Junior Year begins..

Now, it's not blood-and-guts creepy. In fact, there is almost no description of the murder or bodies because Jenny dislikes blood (strange, coming from a killer, though).

It's more of a psychological thriller. As in: I can't believe someone would actually think like that. *shivers*

Jenny is an immensely shallow character-which kind of got on my nerves at first. She's pretty much a spoiled brat. And, she knows it. So, I admit that from the beginning I just wanted to get down to the...murders.

And, oh, the murders that happened. Jenny's not just offing people at random urges-which is what I thought the novel was going to be like, at first. She has reasons-although, personally, I think murdering the people is taking it a bit extreme.
Now, Jenny Green's Killer Junior Year, is the kind of novel that keeps you reading until late at night. I,being as smart as I am (hear that sarcasm) started the novel late at night. And, finished it-well, later at night. Because, I could not, would not, put it down. And, when I was done I *shivers* couldn't help but feel very, very scared. Of Jenny. And, of possible murderers lurking in my room. (Weird, I know, but it was 3:00. In the morning. IT WAS THE HOUR OF THE DEVIL).

Now, admittedly, the entirety of the novel is from Jenny's thoughts. And, for some reason, we never really got to know enough about all the other characters. They could have been better fleshed out and they could not have all been hippies.
The novel reminded me a bit of Daniel Handler's The Basic Eight-a novel which I loved. Because I prefer Daniel Handler's style of writing and despite Flannery's psychotic behavior I still liked her better as a character, I'd recommend the Basic Eight over this book. But, if you're looking for a faster read, then definitely pick up this novel.

Anyway, I found it interesting that it was set in Montreal-which is something I actually liked because most books that I read are set in the United States. The only thing is-the Canadians in the book didn't seem realistic to me. They were either  hippies who lacked hair removal devices. Or they were perverts. I mean, come on, all Canadians aren't hippies [or horny pervs...]in fact, most of us aren't. Anyways, I just think it was a poor generalization to make in the book as it may not get a favorable view in the eyes of Canadian readers. 

However, I don't want to put you off reading this novel as it was fairly good and it was a book that you can't put down because you want to know who JENNY WANTS TO KILL NEXT [RR1: I BET IT'S ME!]. If there is a sequel, rest assured. I will get my hands on it [RR2: Just to make sure RR1 isn't the next victim...]

In conclusion, if this book sounds interesting to you, it'll probably be interesting. But don't expect it to blow you away like I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone did. (REVIEW COMING UP).

Rating:
Originality: 7/10
Readability: 6/10
Characterization: 3/10
Overall: 6/10

Happy Reading,

Reader Rabbit (1&2)

Don't you just LOVE ordering books?

I know I do!

Soon to be arriving chez-moi are:
At Face Value by Emily Franklin (for a good friend but I get to read it first!)
Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz
Storm Born by Richelle Mead
Sleepless by Terri Clark.

Whee. I=excited.

So, have you read any of these/do you want to ? =P Are there any books that you guys are planning on ordering sometime soon?

Chicken Soup Teen Talk Giveaway and Excerpt!

Hey guys!

Remember Chicken Soup (not the food but the books)? Well, lately, they've been releasing a new series called Teens Talk and Preteens talk. And, today we have the pleasure of giving away four of those books, Teens Talk: Toug

h Times, Teens Talk: Relationships, Teens Talk: Growing Up and Preteens Talk which tell meaningful stories about growing up and the

conflicts faced by teenagers.

To win a copy, post a comment telling us your favourite Chicken Soup book or, if you haven't read one, then tell us why you want to read this one. The contest will end on Nov. 10th. You can get an extra entry by posting about this contest on your blog/myspace and leaving us a link in the comments.

Below is an excerpt from Teens Talk: Tough Times.

Excerpt from Teens Talk: Tough Times:Already Perfect

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds
sang except those that sang best.
~ Henry van Dyke
Everyone can identify with the need to fit in. Each one of us
struggles with self-esteem and self-worth to some degree. I spent
much of my time striving to achieve perfection in every aspect of my
life. What I did not realize was that in my desperate need to be
perfect, I sacrificed

the very body and mind that allowed me to live.

I was a happy kid with lots of friends and a supportive family. But
growing up was really hard and even scary sometimes.

During my childhood, I was constantly involved in something that
included an audience viewing my achievements or my failures. I was
into acting by age seven, and progressed to training for and competing
in gymnastics, horseback riding and dance - - all of which required
major commitment, discipline and strength. My personality thrived on
the high energy required to keep up. I wanted everyone’s praise and
acceptance, but I was my own toughest critic.

After I graduated from high school and moved out on my own, my
struggles with self-esteem and happiness increased. I began to put
pressure on myself to succeed in the adult world. Meanwhile, I was
feeling very inadequate and unsuccessful. I started to believe that my
difficulties and what I perceived to be my “failures” in life were
caused by my weight. I had always been a thin-to-average sized
person. Suddenly, I was convinced that I was overweight. In my
mind, I was FAT!

Slowly, my inability to be “thin” began to torture me. I found myself
involved in competition again. But this time, I was competing against
myself. I began to control my food by trying to diet, but nothing
seemed to work. My mind became obsessed with beating my body at
this game. I slowly cut back on what I ate each day. With every
portion I didn’t finish or meal I skipped, I told myself that I was
succeeding, and in turn, I felt good about myself.

Thus began a downward spiral of my becoming what is known as
anorexic. The dictionary defines it as “suppressing or causing loss of
appetite, resulting in a state of anorexia.” When taken to an extreme,
anorexia can cause malnutrition and deprive the body of the important
vitamins and minerals that it needs to be healthy.

In the beginning, I felt great - - attractive, strong, successful, almost
superhuman. I could do something others couldn’t: I could go without
food. It made me feel special, and that I was better than everyone else.
What I didn’t see was that I was slowly killing myself.

People around me began to notice my weight loss. At first they
weren’t alarmed; maybe some were even envious. But then the
comments held a tone of concern. “You’re losing too much weight.”
“Elisa, you’re so thin.” “You look sick.” “You’ll die if you keep this
up.” All their words only reassured me that I was on the right path,
getting closer to “perfection.”

Sadly, I made my physical appearance the top priority in my life,
believing that it was the way to become successful and accepted. As
an actress, I am constantly being judged by my appearance. The
camera automatically makes people appear heavier than they are. So I
was getting mixed messages like, “Elisa, you are so skinny, but you
look great on camera.”
I cut back on my food more and more, until a typical day consisted of
half a teaspoon of nonfat yogurt and coffee in the morning, and a cup
of grapes at night. If I ate even a bite more than my allotted “crumbs”
for the day, I hated myself and took laxatives to rid my body of
whatever I had eaten.

It got to the point where I no longer went out with my friends. I
couldn’t - - if I went to dinner, what would I eat? I avoided their
phone calls. If they wanted to go to the movies or just hang out at
home, I couldn’t be there - - what if food was around? I had to be
home alone to eat my little cup of grapes. Otherwise, I thought I was
failing. Everything revolved around my strict schedule of eating. I
was embarrassed to eat in front of anyone, believing that they would
think I was gluttonous and ugly.

My poor nutrition began to cause me to lose sleep. I found it hard to
concentrate on my work or to focus on anything for any length of
time. I was pushing myself harder and harder at the gym, struggling to
burn the calories that I hadn’t even eaten. My friends tried to help me
but I denied that I had a problem. None of my clothes fit, and it was
hard to buy any, since I had shrunk to smaller than a size zero!

Then one night, like so many nights before, I couldn’t sleep, and my
heart felt as though it might beat its way out of my chest. I tried to
relax, but I couldn’t.

The beating became so rapid and so strong that I could no longer
breathe. The combination of starving myself and taking pills to get rid
of anything that I did eat caused me to nearly have a heart attack. I
stood up, and immediately fell down. I was really scared, and I knew I
needed help. My roommate rushed me to the hospital, beginning the
long road to my recovery. It took doctors, nurses, nutritionists,
therapists, medications, food supplements... and most important, a
new sense of what was really true about myself to get back on track
with reality.

Recovering from what I did to my body and reprogramming the way I
think about myself has been a very slow and extremely painful
process. I still struggle with the effects of anorexia every day.
Although it has been a couple of years since that hospital visit, it is by
no means over for me. I must be honest with myself and stay
committed to being healthy.

I had used my anorexia as a means of expression and control. I used it
as my gauge for self-esteem and self-worth. It was my identity. Now I
realize that the way to success lies in my heart, mind and soul, rather
than in my physical appearance.

I now use my intelligence, my talents and acts of kindness to express
myself. This is true beauty, and it has nothing to do with the size of
my body. With my experience of trying to be “perfect” on the outside,
I had sacrificed who I was on the inside. What I know now is, we are
- - each and every one of us - - already perfect.

~ Elisa Donovan

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead MAJOR SPOILERS!!

warning: MAJOR SPOILERS

The second book in the Vampire Academy Series left us hanging leaving off with a horrid Strigoi attack which left Rose's friend, Mason, dead. The much-awaited third book picks up soon after the second book ends.

In order to test the soon-to-be guardians abilties, a trial period is held where each of the guardian students is assigned to guard a Moroi from the "Strigoi" (aka the teachers). Except things don't go always go as planned...Rose knows she's going to be Lisa's guardian as soon as she graduates. So why do they assign her to guard Christian, Lisa's boyfriend, especially considering how she can barely stand him.

On top of all that, after her first Strigoi kills Rose has also been...seeing things. Or more like, seeing Mason's ghost and she knows she can't tell anyone, not even Dmitri, or they'll think she's insane.

But when the Academy is attacked by Strigoi's, Rose is forced to make some serious decisions. Decisions which could force her to lose the person that means the most to her...


*MORESPOILERS* STOP NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SPOIL ANYTHING ELSE

When I got a copy of Shadow Kiss I did a little Happy Dance. I loved Vampire Academy and I loved Frostbite. And I loved Shadow Kiss as well.

Reading it was easy, smooth and I just sat down and read the entire thing in one sitting. There were no points in this book where I felt like I could stop and finish it later.

All of the main cast of Frostbite appears again in Shadow Kiss. Adrian, one of my favorite secondary characters, plays a pretty vital role in this book as well. Hopefully he shows up in the fourth VA book. Now that certain people have died *lala you dont need to know who* maybe he can play a bigger role in the story.

Rose and Dmitri. Dang it. I really liked this couple. Whywhywhywhywhy did Shadow Kiss have to end the way it did? My sadness calls for an emoticon =[

But anyways, despite my horror at the ending, their relationship really develops in this book (which really makes the ending oh that much worse but...) In anycase, Rose really grows up in this book and Dmitri finally stops attempting to suppress his feelings towards her. *oohhlala*

Lisa and Christian. There's no major drama going on there. *hohum* But that was fine with me.

Oh, and also, more and more things are being discovered about the bond that Rose and Lisa share. Not going to say much on that aspect but it's a pretty integral part of the book and while I saw it coming it was nice to have it fully revealed to Rose.

I don't think I should say much more. I've already spoiled enough as it is.

But yeah.

This book is currently my favorite of 2008. Or at least on par with Paper Towns. I cannnooott wait till the next one. [And thanks JL =)]

Finally, if you haven't read the Vampire Academy series, please do so. And if you have, make sure you pick Shadow Kiss up as soon as it comes out on November 13th.

Rating:
Originality 9/10
Readability 10/10
Characters: 10/10
HowmuchIlovedit: 15/10 <3

Happy Reading,

Reader Rabbit

Guest Blog: Ben Furman

Today we have the pleasure of hosting Ben Furman, the author of the Sam's Quest series for our very first guest blog. His blog totally made me laugh and hopefully it will make you laugh, too..

But, I mean, I  really didn't think we were that scary. So, we're a bit rabid but it's not THAT scary, right, guys? RIGHT? ;)

"OMGYG2BK! You want me to do a guest article for Rabbit Reader? That’s dangerous territory, buddy. Those little darlings can go instant rabid rabbit and thump me to death if they don’t like what I say.”

My Internet blog tour leader was unfazed. “Listen big boy. Just take a valium with a slug of vodka and start writing. Need it soon.”

Retired spinster teacher! She didn’t have kids and didn’t understand my reluctance to enter Rabbit Land. I had weathered the ying and yang of my daughters’ tween and teenworlds, so I knew whereof I spoke! “Let me take a look at the site and I’ll get back to you,” I said with feigned enthusiasm. A double root canal seemed preferable.

My hope was to find previous guest postings on the site to get an idea of the general brush strokes of the previous writers, and perhaps steal bits-and-pieces if I became desperate. None, nadda, zippo! I’d be the first sacrificial lamb! Then a glimmer of an idea. I could use one of those nom deplume things. That way I couldn’t be found if things went wacky. Stupid! They’d already know who I am and how to find me. Maybe witness protection?

Okay, okay, what to write about? I could have Sam tell about how it feels to be the Seeker described in the Awokian legend or, how it feels to control the awesome power of the Crimson Crystal. How about when she goes on dangerous missions with the cute Prince Buznor? Throw in the close-cropped blond hair, piercing blue eyes, perfect teeth, short tunic and shiny armor thing. Nah, too gushy. The readers wouldn’t like all that girl-guy stuff.

I don’t know. Maybe it would be neat to know how Sam feels when she keeps her identity as the savior of the Originators from her friends in New York. New York? That’s not good. Nothing to do there but go to the newest plays on Broadway, especially the musicals, dine in the world’s finest restaurants, eat hot dogs at Yankee Stadium, and shop ‘til you drop. No interest I’m sure.

There has to be something. Sam could tell how she bested the scary Zog leader Drogon when all seemed lost. Then again, maybe something about how she was able to escape death from the black caped assassins. Way too intense!

How about deep? Sam could delve into her inner feelings, fears and uncertainties. No good. School’s just started and the readers have already experienced all the fear and trepidation they can stand.

Whew! I’ve been at this a while. I’m a little sleepy. Close my eyes while I think of something…..

Savvy Girl by Lynn Messina

Chrissy Gibbons has landed herself an exciting internship at the popular Savvy magazine. But then her summer doesn't go as planned...

Instead of writing hard-hitting articles for the magazine, Chrissy is forced to complete the mundane tasks that her soon to be married superior, Adele, should be doing.

Then comes Chrissy's chance. The editor of the magazine sets up a competition between all of the summer interns. The one who wins will be the writer for the new monthly column called Savvy Girl. And Chrissy wants to win. Bad.

Except (of course), things don't go as planned. Suddenly Chrissy's time seems to be in high demand. The fashion editor, Jessica, keeps on inviting Chrissy to glamorous parties, and Chrissy finds herself being sucked in by Jessica's glitzy world.

Chrissy begins to neglect her best friend who has family troubles, comes home drunk and doesn't even start her entry for Savvy Girl...which leads her to question what she's becoming and who she wants to be.

Savvy Girl sort of reminds me of the Devil Wears Prada (but for teens). Chrissy is a fairly relatable character; she's likeable and not overdone. While the plot of the novel isn't typical, the outcome is predictable.

The characters in Savvy Girl are pretty normal. There's nothing really standoutty about any of them. I do wish that they had been developed a bit more (such as in the case of Chrissy's final love interest) and even Chrissy herself.

There's not much to critique for this book...what you expect is what you get. Messina's writing style delivers this story easily. (Reading it went by really quickly for me and I wasn't bored at all)

All in all though, Savvy Girl is a quick and fun read! If you're looking for a light read Savvy Girl is the book for you!

Originality: 8/10
Plot: 6/10
Character: 7/10
Overall: 7

Happy Reading,

Reader Rabbit

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga

Fanboy has:

one friend

his own personal bully (ies)

one hell of a bruise (courtesy of the aforementioned bully)

a love of comics.

He also has The List-a collection of all the people who have pissed him off throughout high school. These are the people that'll he'll remember when he's older, stronger and famous. These are the people that make Fanboy sympathizes the Columbine massacrers. But, he says, clearing things up, "none of these people are worth dying for."

What keeps Fanboy going is his love of comics. And a secret-he's been working on his own comic book. Soon, there's going to be a comic book convention and he'll get to show his comic book to David Bendis, one of his idols.

But, then Kyra (Goth Girl) walks into his life, bringing with her an anti-rules attitude and her very own set of problems.

Fanboy's definitely not your typical main character. He's not particularly likeable. At least, not at first. He seems angry. Resentful. Lonely. And, maybe, a little depressed. But, it later reveals, he's also smart and wonderful with comics-stuff that most people don't necessarily see as such a good thing. 

Which is where Kyra comes in. Kyra first "meets" Fanboy when she watches him get punched by someone else.  Struck by how he stands there, unflinching and not letting the bully know how much it hurt, Kyra calls him "an Indian warrior". And, soon, Fanboy and Kyra become friends, brought together by mutual hatred of some people at their school and later, a love of comics.

Now, you might think that a book like this might get depressing. But, the author brings out some humour as well.

"Smoke?"

"No thanks."

"Goody- two shoes." She lights up and makes the pack disappear.

"Nothing goody twoshoes about it. I just happen to have an allergic reaction to cancer. Gives me tumours." 

Besides Fanboy and Kyra, the other characters are well developed and realistic.I was worried that his stepfather wasn't really going to be fleshed out-but Barry Lyga managed to show us his character as well.

And, of course, you can't review this book without mentioning comic books. Fanboy loves them. Kyra loves them. And, I'm guessing Barry Lyga loves them. But, YOU don't need to like them to read this novel-I  can count the number of comic books I've read on the fingers of one hand and still have, uh..all/most of them left over.

All in all, The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, was well-done and I desperately want to read the author's other books.

Characters: 10/10

Plot: 8/10

Readability: 9/10

Overall: 9/10

Happy Reading, 

RR2

Revealers by Amanda Marrone

These witches are unlike many in literature. Jules and her friends use their powers to kill monsters which threaten humans. Werewolves, ghosts, vampires...you name it and they've dealt with it. Jules and her friends are pretty content with their lives. Jules begins a romantic tryst with the coven leader's son, Connor while the other girls' navigate their own paths.

Except then the girls' initation begins to approach. One by one, as they reach their 18th birthday, the girls' are initiated. And after their initation, none of the girls are the same again. Jules, the youngest, can't make any of her friends tell her anything. But Jules knows that she has to do something-anything- to save her friends, her mother and herself.

I wish the book was longer. Seriously, if only it had been. It had alot of promise but there wasn't enough space in the short 288 pages to develop the plot and characters as much as I'd have liked. The concept of the book was interesting. Not completely original but it did have it's own points.

Jules and Connor's relationship should have been developed better. Not to mention that I found Connor himself to be...kind of...boring. And,Connor's friend, Michael could have played a much larger role, instead of sitting around and waiting for a sentence or two.

I liked reading about the relationship between Jules and her fellow coven members. Their relationships were realistic. There was no perfect, ideal BFF FOREVER! friendship going on, which I liked. Lots of friendships portrayed in books are a bit too unrealistic.

Finally, I loved the plot twist, I just wished it had been delved into more. I won't say anything else about it though because it'll spoil it for you. Anyways, if you ever see this lying around at the library or in a bargain books section, pick it up!
Rating:
Originality: 5/10
Characters: 7/10
Plot: 8/10

Happy Reading,
Reader Rabbit

LOVELOVELOVELOVEEEE

Darla D., Becky, Virginie and The Chick Manifesto nominated our blog for this award. *happy dance* I had no clue that all of them read this blog so..WOW! Anyway, we get to nominate seven people. (We tried not to double-nominate people but...it may have happened anyway).

Someone's Read It Already: Steph is AH-mazing. Her reviews are detailed and always right-on. 

YA New York: brina's reviews and interviews are always excellent (she's convinced me to read quite a few books!).

The Page Flipper: Chelsea's blog is just plain ol' awesome. Also, just so you all know, Chelsea's switched back to blogger since her website been giving her some trouble. Welcome back to Blogger!

Reviewer X- Her reviews are always honest and her discussion posts are always interesting.

Bookwyrm Chrysalis- She always gives great, detailed reviews of YA fantasy novels. 

nineseveneight

Eli and Rae used to blog over at 3 Evil Cousins but now they blog there-and their reviews are as awesome as ever!

Miss Erin-Erin's reviews are short and...completely convincing. It's thanks to her that I read Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt-one of my favourite books. Ever.

And to all you other book bloggers out there, you all rock!

<3333333

-The Rabbits