Keeping the Moon

Summary ( from Amazon.com)

Colie (short for Nicole) has a famous mother, who showed women around the country that can be determined to get fit. Now Colie has lost weight just like her mother, but she still doesn't seem to fit in with other people. Now her mother is touring in Europe, and Colie has to stay in North Carolina with her Aunt Mira.

Then, out of the blue, she ends up with a job at the "Last Chance Bar and Grill". Colie still lacks confidence, especially after running into some classmates who still tease her and spread hurtful rumors. But with the help of fellow waitresses Isabel and Morgan, she finds a part of her she can really love and appreciate. She has true friends here, not to mention a boy who she never expected to be with.

Genre: Young Adult

Rating :

Enjoyment - 10/10

Character Development - 10/10

Plot line - 8/10

Ending - 2/10

Recommendation - 8/10

Overall grade - A plus

Age Appropriate Rating:

Cursing - 4/10

Sexual Content - 2/10

Drugs, alcohol,etc - 9/10

Violence disturbing Images - 0/10

Review

 This was an easy read for me,I felt like there was no rush in the storyline. Sarah Dessen's writing style is what I love about reading : the Simplicity.She makes here books so enjoyable. The characters seemed to grown on you, their personalities were so real. This is the type of book that you read and it reminds you of teenage love. When Colie found out that she loved Norman, I felt that! The subtle change between Norman her next door neighbor/weird in a good way art freak to Norman the unbelievably sweet and caring friend. Also, Isabel and Morgan remind me so much of me and my best friend. We are constantly fighting but having a great time also. There friendship is so complex and full of dimensions. For example, when Morgan finally realized what Isabel had been trying to tell her the whole time (Mark is an absolute meanie!) she was hurt and upset but Isabel put her pride aside to comfort her grieving friend which just proves that friends are forever faithful.

This book received **** 1/2 stars

Go to this link to watch a Keeping the Moon video! 

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjNC95xDQ6c&feature=relatedt 

 

Saving Maddie

Summary (from Amazon.com )

Joshua Wynn is a preacher’s son and a “good boy” who always does the right thing. Until Maddie comes back to town. Maddie is the daughter of the former associate pastor of Joshua’s church, and his childhood crush. Now Maddie is all grown up, gorgeous—and troubled. She wears provocative clothes to church, cusses, drinks, and fools around with older men. Joshua’s ears burn just listening to the things she did to get kicked out of boarding school, and her own home.

As time goes on, Josh goes against his parents and his own better instincts to keep Maddie from completely capsizing. Along the way, he begins to question his own rigid understanding of God and whether, as his mother says, a girl like Maddie is beyond redemption. Maddie leads Josh further astray than any girl ever has . . . but is there a way to reconcile his love for her and his love for his life in the church?

Genre : Young Adult

Rating :

Enjoyment - 10/10

Character Development - 10/10

Plot line - 10/10

Ending - 10/10

Recommendation - 7/10

Overall grade - A plus

Age Appropriate Rating:

Cursing - 6/10

Sexual Content - 10/10

Drugs, alcohol,etc - 9/10

Violence disturbing Images - 0/10

Review

I wanted to try something different and this it. I enjoyed how the author would keep specific symbols throughout the novel. The balance between the church and sexual content made it practical. In he beginning of the novel I was not really sure what to expect but as it progresses I felt the development of the protagonists. Joshua in some ways reminds me of myself - always trying to please others and losing himself in the process. When Joshua's mother did something extremely wrong ( called Maddie's father, and saying awful things about her) that was the first time he ever cursed or went against his parents words. In the end I cried because it showed what genuine love truly is. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read an unconventional love story. - <3 -

This book received **** 1/2 stars