Empress of the World

What do you do when you think you're attracted to boys, but then develop a crush on a girl? Nicola Lancaster spends the summer at the Siegel Summer Institute for Gifted Youth to decide whether or not she wants to be an archaeologist. There she finds out more about herself then she ever thought she would. Sara Ryan has some how made archaeology interesting and finding not only ones self, but real friends just as important. On the first day she meets Katrina, the excentric computer science geek, Kevin the spaced out music theory composer and Isaac the Jewish boy whos parents want him to be a doctor, so he decides to take Political Science. The thing that changes the most in Nics live is when she falls in love with Battle. Nic being there for archaeology, needs to have things in categories, while Battle thinks that "words fail". Things turn sour and both try to figure out their lives.

The title is a bit confussing for the book, until you read the two pivital points in both Battle and Nicolas lives. Although it was kind of obvious that she would end up with the "perfect" girl, by the synopsis on the back, it was nonetheless a good read. I'm itching to read the sequel The Rules For Hearts, as the ending was a bit open ended. For picking this book up on a whim after hearing Ryan speak, it's a great debut book for somebody whos just as funny in person as she is on paper. Ryan has somehow taken the struggles of girls who are trying to find themselves, and does so in a not a sterotypical way. I say if you are a fan of a good coming of age book, you'll love Empress of the World. So Check It Out.

-Chrissy

Rock My World by Liza Conrad

Livy James didn't have your typical childhood. With a rock star father who acts more like a child than she does, an ex-groupie mother, and a body guard- nannie combo, Livy is quite familiar with the rock and roll life style. 

She knows the good, the bad, and the ugly. She also knows that the bad and ugly can far out way the good-- Especially when it comes to the Babydolls, her Dad's band. There's a reason she has the 'no musicians rule' when it comes to dating, after all. But apparently no one told Nick Hoffman, member of the Wolves, the Babydolls tour companions.

 Just when Livy is trying to introduce some stability in her life- a writing intership for Rock on, good scores of the SATS, and college plans-- things are just starting to shake up. Truths are revealed and contradicted. Blow outs and make-out sessions to be had. 

Livy's insight, self- growth, and just her general voice create an aimable protagonist. It took me a long time to get my hands on this one (freaking library) but I'm glad I did, and was sad to put it down. Sure to be loved by fans of the Love Burkowski series (Emily Franklin) and Beige (Cecil Castellucci), this book definately deserves a place on your bookself. I wish I could write more, but it's 2 A.M. and I'm exhausted. And yes, I did just stay up this late so I could finish it. So go and get this as soon as you can (hopefully without all the trouble I had to go through to get it) and prepared to be sucked in to Conrad's prose, through which she seals the chaotic, gentle hum of rock and roll.

-Tina

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

Welcome to the Hopewell Hotel. 

I cannot imagine a better book to write our first review about. Meet Scarlett, aka the blond on the cover. Trust me, after you read the book, she grows on you, and frankly, I'm just glad she has eyes (See Johnson's previous book covers if confused). Scarlett has hair that won't do what she wants it to do, an older brother Spencer, with whom she shares a uniquely hilarious, sweet, open and... dramatic relationship (get it? Cause he's an actor? *crickets*), an older sister, Lola, who has a wealthy socialite boyfriend, a little sister, Marlene, who is just generally miserable towards anyone but Lola, and understaffed hotel for a home......and when it's finally summer, and she turns fifteen... she gets even more on her plate.

 It all begins with the Scarlett's 15th birthday, Empire Suite, and it's new occupant, Mrs. Amberson. Spending time running errands for Mrs. Amberson is NOT how Scarlett expected to spend her summer, but then again, nothing involving Mrs. Amberson is ever what is to be expected. As Scarlett tries balance dealing with the eccentric Mrs. Amberson, saving Spencer's acting career, Lola's recent odd behavior, the guy she's crushing on, who just happens to be a stage partner to Spencer, Scarlett's got her hands full, not to mention her summer booked. There are near- arrests. There is tuna fish. And gross, but healthy, plums. Hamlet. Performed on Unicycles. Cute Actor boys. Fist fights (Both fake and real). Cancer survival patients. Tourist attractions. Lies. A black Dior dress. Unique, characters, each one with a backround, though not always fully revealed. Somehow Johnson manages to tie all these things into a neat little package that not only works, but surpasses my expectations, and trust me, I had high expectations for this book. 

This book is way better than any mint you'd find on your pillow. Run--don't walk-- to check it out... and check in to Suite Scarlett.

-Tina-