Back again!

I haven't posted in a little while, mostly because of the shortage of time, what with other extracurricular activities. :) That's why I've decided that back with my re-entrance for about the billionth time, I am going to start bvlogs (book video blogs or Bethany's video blogs) I'm going to post my first one pretty soon on  Populazzi by Elise Allen. Watch for it!


Bethany Huang

Aboutmeme- What I like to do and more about me

So, more about me...I really like to shop with my friends at stores like Icing by Claire's, Forever 21 and Delia's. My favorite bookstore is obviously Barnes & Noble-what other main bookstores are there besides that and Borders? My favorite animals are wolves (Artic wolves, etc.), foxes, all felines except lions and little dwarf bunnies (they're so cute!). I think that "the true gems" are pretty, but I prefer tiger's eye and falcon's eye. Not exactly precious stones, but pretty all the same. I'd love to say what my favorite book is, but right now I'm not so sure. Maybe How to be Popular by Meg Cabot, which I am currently reading. 

I also like to read, write, swim, bike (except I somehow forget how during the winter), play flute, piano, hang out with friends, etc. I also love to design clothing-I hope I'll be a famous fashion designer someday. I also want to be able to look back on my bookshelf at the age of 35 and see a whole entire shelf full of books I've wrote. Well, that's all about me for now!

Gadgettes for girls-Nook by Barnes & Noble

I normally don't write reviews on Ereaders, but I thought that since I have a nook, it would be a good idea just to let all the people know out there who are planning on buying this. I'm also starting another new meme called Gadgettes for GIRLS where I will occasionally review a gadget.

I bought my nook last year, during the end of the summer when the nook just came out. It's amazing how everyone is so excited about Ereaders even if they don't like reading. I really liked my nook, until one day my nook just shut down when I was reading-and it was completely charged. Afterwards, I put my nook away for a while and didn't use it for months later.

The nook is very touch sensitive, and sometimes when you want to read a particular book, the nook ends up bringing you somewhere else. I can't say that I particularly like the nook, though.

The nook does have good design, however, and many people do like the nook even though it does have certain glitches from time to time. What do you like better? Kindle or nook?

Cinderella: Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan

Name of Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books


Published: 4/1/11


Age group:10-13


Series:Twisted Tales


Number of Pages:320


 Summary
In this fast-paced story full of adventure and romance, Cinderella is more than just a servant girl waiting for her prince--she's a tough, fearless girl who is capable of taking charge of a dangerous situation. 


Seeking to escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, Cinderella perfects her ninja skills and magic talents in secret, waiting for the day when she can break free and live happily ever after. In a special twist, readers have the opportunity to make key decisions for Cinderella and decide where she goes next--but no matter the choice; the result is a story unlike any fairy tale you've ever read!


Review
Special Thank You's to: Netgalley for sending me this book.


When I first saw the title of this book, I immediately wanted to read it, hoping for something different other than the normal retelling of Cinderella that I've read before. And I was not disappointed. 


What I thought made this book really stand out was the fact that it let you choose where the character would go. It was a really nice way to let the reader interact, since half of the time they don't get to do that. 


From what I chose to read in this book, I thought the plot was very well developed and thorough, as well as easy to understand. It wasn't more than skin deep, though-I felt as if I didn't know the character as well as I'd like to. 


Otherwise, this book was very delightful to read, and I enjoyed it very much-it was such a nice book that I finished it in a day straight! I would definitely recommend this to someone, and I'm hoping to read more books in the Twisted Tales series by Maureen McGowan sometime.


Rating
A-

Aboutmeme-The importance of family

If you're thinking right now, Wow, her family must be perfect if she actually wants to blog about them. (or something like that) then you're wrong. We're not perfect. Yes, both me and my brother will fight from time to time, and yes, we are like every other average family. 


But lately I've realized that family means more than it ever seems it does. My family helped me to write my debut novel, The Eiffel Tower's Daughter (which can be bought at Amazon.com & Barnesandnoble.com). In my book, I write about a family that has been destroyed and is completely discorded. But, eventually, they become one..together, and finally learn what the true meaning of family is.


Family means everything. We all fight with our parents one time or another, or our siblings, or whoever else. No one's perfect. But family means  your whole world. Think about it...without your siblings and parents, what would you be like. (and if you say, I'd love to lose my sibling, then the sibling part doesn't apply to you. :) )

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Name of Publisher: Harlequin TEEN 


Published: 4/26/11


Series: The Goddess Test #1

Age group:14-16


Number of Pages:297


 Summary




EVERY GIRL who has taken the test has DIED.


Now it's KATE'S TURN.


It’s always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate’s going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won’t live past the fall.


Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he’ll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.


Kate is sure he’s crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she’ll become Henry’s future bride, and a goddess.


If she fails...


Review

From the first page on, I couldn't seem to be able to stop reading. First, I just LOVED the cover. It was mysterious yet simple, but all the same, it looked amazing-like something I'd definitely pick up and buy at a bookstore. And after seeing such an amazing cover, I expected even more from the author. And this book did not disappoint me.

Spellbinding and intriguing, this book is full of unexpected twists and turns that even you won't be able to predict. Kate's mother is dying, and her last wish is to move back to Eden, her childhood home. But suddenly, mysterious things happen, and a girl nearly dies-but lives. Henry, who we later find out is Hades, saves her in exchange for a deal with Kate-that she will take part in a test that can either kill her-or save her and turn her into a goddess-and Henry's Queen.

But the problem is, all of the other girls have been poisoned-or killed. And no one knows who it is and can't identify the person. And beyond all that, will Kate ever compare to Persephone (Henry's deceased wife) in Henry's mind? Or will Henry never learn to love her...ever?

Rating
A+

In My Mailbox (7)

Monster High by Lisi Harrison

Name of Publisher:Poppy

Published:September 2010

Age group:12-14

Number of Pages: 255

Summary

From Lisi Harrison, the New York Times bestselling author of The Clique and Alphas, comes a new series with a fresh twist on high school, romance, and the horrors of trying to fit in.

They prefer to call themselves RAD (Regular Attribute Dodgers), but some call them monsters. So far, the "monster" community has kept a low profile in Salem, but this year two new girls enroll at Master High School, and the town will never be the same.

Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and cheerleading. But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters who might be stalking the halls, Frankie finds that life in the "normi" world can be rough for a chic freak like her.

She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver--but can a normi be trusted with her big secret?

Review

Of course Lisi Harrison astounds me again-but not quite as much. I love the way that she twists the basic classic of Frankenstein into a teenage drama. The only bit that I thought was a bit cliched was the characters, who were somewhat like mini-imitations of Massie and her Pretty Committee. Cleo was a little bit too much like Massie,etc.

Frankie Stein is a 15 day old girl who looks fifteen years old. She has lime-green skin and has to wear make-up concealer to hide it. But Frankie hates it and finally finds a way to fit in with a super tight clique of girls. Soon after, she finds out that they're monsters, too-or RADs. Everything's great...until certain things that could mean disaster happen.

Melody Carver is the "newbie" in the school, and becomes friends with Bekka, a girl who so strict on the rule "friend's first" that she even has Melody sign a contract. But before Melody knows it, she's caught up in a problem that she'll wish she'd never been in-one where her boyfriend's double personality is caught in between loyalty-and love.

Amazing and magical, this book is one to-read.

Rating

A-

My Book's Inspiration-Aboutmeme

So many people have asked me where I've gotten the inspiration for my debut novel, The Eiffel Tower's Daughter, that I've decided to write a aboutmeme post about it.

Everything started off when I began fourth grade with my teacher, Mr.Hill. Within that year, I realized that I loved to write-poetry, that is. I had attempted to write short stories, but with no avail. They all turned into stories about fairies with severe allergic reactions to micah, and lands that no one had ever heard of with supremely odd names. Eventually, I gave up and wrote poetry about every subject possible. I tried almost every single type of way to write poetry-limericks, free-verse, rhyming, etc. But Mr. Hill continued to suggest that I should try writing an actual short story. And I am somewhat embarassed to admit that I did not listen very well. :) I knew I was horrible at it, so I continued to write my poetry and ignore his suggestions.

But in the summer of '09, I decided to actually try my hand at short stories after my mother bought me a book called the most fascinating places on earth by Donna E. Hicks from Barnes & Noble. I immediately flipped through the places, spellbound. But the Eiffel Tower particularly entranced me. I grabbed an index card and began writing a simple plot idea. Before I knew it, I had a few pages filled on my notebook, and I was finally on my way to my first story...ever.

I'm sure you probably didn't imagine my story to be this way. Maybe you thought my ideas came from a dream, where most authors gest their ideas. But I'm glad to share my story of success with you-and I wish all of you the best.

Bethany Huang

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Name of Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Published: 2006

Series: Last Survivors (#1)

Age group: 12-14

Number of Pages: 337

Summary

Miranda’s disbelief turns to fear in a split second when a meteor knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sunroom, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove.



Told in journal entries, this is the heart-pounding story of Miranda’s struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all--hope--in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world.

Review

First of all, I love the cover. It's entrancing and somewhat mysterious, which made me pick up this book and read it. At first, once you open the book, I thought this would just be a normal book about teenage troubles, and nearly put the book down-but I reached the conflict just in time and was shocked by the result.

I love how Miranda, the main character and her family start to realize how much family mean. They find so much happiness in little tiny gifts that they would never have appreciated so much before. So much had changed within a few months, and Miranda's family was surviving, and was better off than most families.

They were...until they started running out of food and Miranda's brothers and Mother all fell deathly ill. Suddenly Miranda's not sure if they're going to make it-and she's afraid she'll be the last one standing. Will Miranda be able to saver her family? Or will she be all alone...forever?

Rating

B+

Aboutmeme-My best trip ever

If anyone asked me directly on the spot to tell them what my best vacation was, I'd say, "Newport Mansions," without hesitation. Newport Mansions is an exquisite place in Rhode Island where you can see several amazing mansions-for example, The Breakers, Rosecliff, The Elms and The Marble House.

What makes Newport Mansions so amazing? At Newport Mansions, I got so much inspiration. It was like taking a look through the window of the past and finding every single little detail of it, then writing it. I just thought that everything there was so intricate and amazingly breathtaking.

What did I do there? My family and I visited several of the most important mansions and dined out at several places, including the exclusive on-ground cafes. We had so much fun touring around in Newport, and my family and I are hoping that, next year, we'll be able to go during Christmas and see Newport decorated in Christmas lights.

Luv,
Bethany Huang <3

Aboutmeme

I've decided to actually start my own meme called Aboutmeme. My meme will be about me, which is why I called it Aboutme with an added me at the end to make it about me and show that it's a meme, too! I hope you'll enjoy learning about a bit more about me. I'd love to know more about all of you, too! If you have anything to share, feel free to comment-I'll definitely reply!

Best Friends for Never by Lisi Harrison

Name of Publisher:Poppy

Published:2004

Age group:12-14

Number of Pages:197

Series: The Clique (Book #2)

Summary

The Clique is back ...

Massie Block - Still gorgeous. Still trendsetting. Still ruling the social scene at school… she hopes. To keep her spot at the top, Massie decides to throw the school’s first boy/girl Halloween party. But her parents are making her invite the entire grade AND share the party with Claire. She’s not sure which is scarier…


Dylan Marvil - Lost the weight. Kept the attitude. Plans to use her new look to snag a cute guy.


Kristen Gregory - Clothes are for sharing. Guys aren’t. Likes the same guy Dylan does. Will do whatever it takes to get him.


Alicia Rivera - With the Clique unravelling faster than last season’s Burberry sweater, is it time for Alicia to stage her takeover?


Claire Lyons: Still out. Wants in. Seriously needs to lose those Keds.

Review
As much as I love "The Clique" series, I have to say that this book was not one of the best. Once you pass the first chapter and go onto the second one, it makes you realize that the time passed by too quickly. It was like this wasn't the second book-more like the fifth.

In this book, I felt like we knew too little about Massie and her clique to feel any ties with them. Also, Lisi Harrison added in and said things that hadn't happened before, which added more confusion to this book. If only those mishaps were gone, this book would be ehma-amazing! (Massie-style)

The plot of this book is ah-mazing! Alicia overhears some girls doubting Massie's power of the Pretty Committee, and they decide to host the first Halloween party of the year. Massie is furious and decides to host her own boy/girl Halloween party...first. But while that happens, Massie makes a bet with Claire...that she can go at least a month without shopping.

But Massie is literally dying without buying new clothing every week. And in a desperate act, Massie and her group wear their dirty devils costume that they are going to wear to Massie's Halloween party that night. The only problem is that Claire tattles them out, and the Pretty Committee is suddenly walking around school in their less than dazzling t-shirts and stained pants. Pretty Committee? Not likely.

Massie's party is a hit until Alicia starts hanging out with Olivia, a LBR and a girl that is in Alicia's dance class- and when Alicia leaves the party early without saying anything. But that's not it. Because the PC violated the school's dress code, they decided to host a contest for the best school uniform, and Massie and the rest of the PC (and Claire) except Alicia, who is teamed up with Olivia, win the contest hands down.

And how do we know that? Because Massie painted her thimble purple and put it in their box. But somehow it ends up in Alicia's...and Massie knows they cheated. Will Massie and Alicia still be friends? Or will they be EFL? (Enemies for life)

Rating
B-

Luv,
Beth

The Clique By Lisi Harrison

Name of Publisher: Poppy

Published: 2004

Age group: 12-14

Number of Pages: 220

Series: The Clique (#1)


Summary

Meet The Clique…

Massie Block: With her glossy brunette bob and laser-whitened smile, Massie is the uncontested ruler of The Clique and the rest of the social scene at Octavian Country Day School, an exclusive private girls’ school in Westchester County, New York. Massie knows you’d give anything to be just like her.

Dylan Marvil: Massie's second in command who divides her time between sucking up to Massie and sucking down Atkins Diet shakes.

Alicia Rivera: As sneaky as she is beautiful, Alicia floats easily under adult radar because she seems so "sweet." Would love to take Massie's throne one day. Just might do it.

Kristen Gregory: She's smart, hardworking, and will insult you to tears faster than you can say "my haircut isn't ugly!"

Enter Claire Lyons, the new girl from Florida in Keds and two-year-old Gap overalls, who is clearly not Clique material. Unfortunately, for her, Claire's family is staying in the guesthouse on Massie's family's huge estate while they look for a new home. Claire's future looks worse than a bad Prada knockoff. But with a little luck and a lot of scheming, Claire might just come up smelling like Chanel No. 19....

The Clique... the only thing harder than getting in is staying in.

Review
I've heard alot about Lisi Harrison's #1 New York Bestselling series The Clique before. I've even seen some of my fellow classmates carrying the books and reading them. Every single girl who has read it has said that they loved it. And I am inclined to agree. First of all, the cover is somewhat vague, but it gives the book a mysterious touch. The small rectangular picture with plaid print surrounding it makes it sort of stylish, or Ah-dorable, as Massie would say.

But even better...is the book. The moment you open the cover, you're sucked out of time and space and into this book. Most reviews I've seen says that, quote, "Massie Block is a girl you'll love to hate," quote end quote. But honestly, I don't think any of us will hate her...I think we'll wish we're her...with her undivided Clique of exclusive girls. A new school year starts off, and Massie just can't wait to kick it off with a day of beauty with her BFFLS. But the only thing that can mess it up is one of her Dad's oldest friends, who is called Jay Lyons.

Massie's mother refuses to let her go because Massie has a duty...as her parent's daughter, she has to be there at the welcoming brunch. As much as Massie begs, she can't. Then Claire Lyons, Jay's daughter, meets Massie. Massie's furious when Claire starts following around and rumors start ciriclinga round Massie-that she's accepted someone new. Massie, Kristen, Alicia and Dylan scheme viciously to get Claire off their tail. And they almost do...until the bidding event that Massie hosts every single year on her family's massive estate.

But Claire and Massie have a truce for a temporary moment...where Massie finally admits the truth about her actions and they become semi-friends. The Clique...the only thing harder then getting in...is staying in. :)

Rating
A

Au revoir,
Bethany

Welcome back, everyone!

I haven't been posting lately on bookablog since I've been taking a break from book blogging since I'm already so booked with my first debut novel, THE EIFFEL TOWER'S DAUGHTER. If you'd like to buy my book, you can go on bethanyhuang.com and find out where you can buy my book from YOUR local bookstore. I'm definitely going to be back on book blogging, so I hope you'll enjoy reading my posts!

Bethany Huang