"We Are the Goldens" by Dana Reinhardt

I wanted to like this book, I really did, but sadly I did not. Nell and her sister Layla used to be extremely close, but as time goes by they seem to get farther and farther apart. Eventually Nell finds out that Layla has a secret that could ruin her reputation. Nell discovers that Layla has a secret relationship with one of her teachers and Nell is torn on what she should do.

I thought that the premise for this book was very promising. Stories of students getting romantically involved with their teachers are in the news often enough that the idea of a story told from a bystanders perspective seems like it could be a really intriguing novel. That said, Dana Reinhardt's We Are the Goldens just didn't work for me. I think it was a combination of her writing style and that the plot drug and was often times very dry. There was never a time when I really cared about the characters and just as I was beginning to gain hope that the plot was about to (finally) pick up, the novel ended. Honestly, the only real positive with this book is that it gave me an idea for a novel I may potentially write someday.

Usually when I read a book that I didn't like very much, I try to seek out other books by that author so that I can try to give them a fair chance. Several of Reinhardt's books sound interesting, particularly Harmless, so I plan on giving her writing another shot and hope that this book was just fluke and I will like other books she has written. 

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Monkey Business" by Sarah Mlynowski

I really enjoyed Sarah Mlynowski's Monkey Business (I also really love the name Mlynowski- it is just so much fun to say)!  There was just something about the story line that really caught my interest and I just didn't want to put it down.  It is a novel about four first time business school students.  Their lives immediately intertwine.  Each chapter focusing on the point of view of characters; Russ, Kimmy, Jamie, and Layla.  At times I did get a bit confused- Kimmy starts out with Jamie but then gets interested in Russ (who already has a girlfriend).  Layla falls for someone that looks great on paper, but she has never met him.  And Jamie's trying to re-win Kimmy's affection... There was an awful lot going on, but this was still a fun read.

I have not had a real "college experience."  I have only attended community college so I know nothing of dorm life or if it portrayed accurately in the novel.  But it does seem like a realistic portrayal of how people would interact and react when in such situations.  I would say that this is good book for the transition from Young Adult to Adult Fiction.  I remember when I tried to make that initial transition.  It took me awhile to figure out what books outside of the YA world would appeal to me and what I really wanted to read.  I wish I had been aware of this novel at that time.  I love that Mlynowski has books for both teens and adults.  So if you need a fun and light-hearted book, give this one a try!

Happy Reading!
-Melly