"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

"Tell Me a Secret" by Holly Cupala

This book surprised me in more ways than one.  I am horribly guilty of picking up books (or not picking them up) soley based on the cover.  I guess the cover of Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala caught my attraction.  And I am glad it did.


Rand's sister died five years ago and her family has yet to fully heal from the trauma.  Rand continuously finds herself in Xanda's shadow.  It is clear that Rand's mother is desperately trying to avoid making the same mistakes with her younger daughter but by doing so, she is pushing Rand further and further away.  When Rand finally takes a pregnancy test and her worst fears are confirmed, the relationship with her mother worsens- it is now or never, she must make decisions that will change her life forever.


I have read multiple books involving teenage pregnancy (The Lit Report by Sarah N. Harvey and Dancing Naked by Shelley Hrdlitschka are both highly recommended by me) and they usually follow a similar storyline.  Girl finds out she's pregnant, girl makes decision to have the baby (usually), and then figures out if she will keep the baby or give it up for adoption.  Tell Me a Secret has those same elements, but with a drastic twist.  I don't want to reveal the twist, but it will likely shock readers and have them desperately wanting to know what happens next.  This is yet another book that will stick with the reader for quite some time even after they have finished reading it.  


Find Holly on: Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, YouTube, HarperTeen, and MySpace





Happy Reading!
-Melly