Book Review: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen

Title: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare
Author: Melissa Jensen
Series: None
Publisher: Speak
Released: February 16, 2012
Website: http://www.melissajensen.com/

Book Summary:

Pretty in Pink meets Anna and the French Kiss in this charming romantic comedy.

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl?

I loved the way this book was written, it was quite witty. It starts off with Ella sharing her undying love for Edward Willing. The only problem with this is that he died...long ago, as in years before Ella was even born. Through the course of the book she has many an interesting conversations with her idol Edward. If only she could find someone alive who could live up to Edward. Of course there is always her crush Alex Bainbridge, but he's a "Philitte" who will likely never notice her.

Ella and her friends Sadie & Frankie attended Willing School where they are at the bottom of the social ladder. Sadie has money but has a less than perfect body, Frankie is gay and Ella is a scholarship student with a scarred body. This leaves the three of them nearly invisible among the many elite students (Philittes) who attend Willing. At least they have each other and their close friendship with many a game of Truth or Dare.

When Alex is assigned to be Ella's French tutor Ella finally has a chance to be noticed by Alex.

I loved the first couple chapters but then found it really slow going for a while. It picked up again by mid book and I enjoyed the story.  I ended up really liking many of the characters: Sadie, Ella & especially Alex.  I liked Frankie too but I just don't enjoy reading about same-sex relationships and was a little turned off by how often his relationships were mentioned.

Full of many great quotes and laughs I'm sure this will be a hit with those who enjoy contemporary young adult literature.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: a little language include 1 use of the f word, one of the main characters is gay so there many conversations about who he was dating/liked, one of the characters makes crude comments to and about Ella, a scene where a shirt is removed but done to show a scar, etc.

Source: ARC Tours set up by The Teen Book Scene

Also by Melissa Jensen:

Book Review: Independence Rock by Debra Terry Hulet

Title: Independence Rock
Author: Debra Terry Hulet
Series: None
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Author's Website: http://debraterryhulet.com/


Book Summary:

Katie McBride seems locked into a life of failure. First her father abandons her, and then she is abused by her alcoholic mother. Katie’s path begins to look very much like that of her parents, and she sees no way out – until she is sentenced by a juvenile court judge to a difficult, two-week handcart trek.

Over one hundred and fifty years earlier, Katie’s pioneer ancestor Katherine faces great hardships as she travels West with a wagon train. A young, widowed mother, she keeps a journal along the trail, and Katie reads it as she completes her sentencing.

At Independence Rock, Katie’s and Katherine’s paths and divine intervention meet. Katie is discouraged, though, and decides that it is too late for her to change. She must be willing to believe in herself if she is wants to stop the downward generational spiral that has plagued her family.

Independence Rock is two stories in one. The chapters jump from a present day pioneer trek reenactment back to the real Trek from the 1800s. The stories are link through a journal that was kept by Katherine McBride as she journeyed west. Her descendant Katie McBride is part of the reenactment and is unknowingly traveling the same road as her ancestor. Through the journey both work to overcome the challenges their lives have brought them.

This was a good read that was worth my time. Recommended to those who enjoy LDS young adult fiction or stories of pioneers.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher from Review

Book Review: Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal

When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York--and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future.


When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?

Lorraine Zago Rosenthal's debut Other Words for Love had me completely engrossed in the story and I stayed up to finish it.

The summary makes this seem like it's all about Ari & Blake's relationship but they don't even meet until nearly the middle of the book.  There are so many relationships explored in this book, relationships between parents, friends, and siblings in addition to the expected relationship with a first boyfriend.  This book tackled an unbelievable number of subjects in a short amount of time: parental expectations, depression, teen pregnancy, first love, death, loss, teen sex, STDs, friendship... all surprisingly well fleshed out.

There was a large cast of supporting characters who were all well developed.  Ari's parents, sister, brother in law and friend Summer as well as Blake's cousin, brother & father were all characters who I loved or loathed. 

This book was set in the 80s and it made me laugh to see it on someones historical fiction challenge list - was the 80s really that long ago?  Other than a few references to some cultural aspects of the 80s it could have just as easily been set today.

I would hesitate to recommend this book to "young" adults.  I freely admit to being conservative and believing in no sexual relations outside of marriage. I have a hard time suggesting teenagers read books that portray teen sex as ok.  At least in this one there was talk of concern over the consequences: pregnancy, STDS, etc.  Even as an adult reader there was a scene in this book that made me blush, although I admit it doesn't take much to make me blush. That said this was very well written and I'll read Lorraine's next book.



Content: This is not a clean read and there is quite a bit of content that parents and conservative readers should be aware of including strong language and sex.  Rather than go into detail here please check out the Parental Book Reviews websiter for a through detailing of content. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Blog Tour: Book Review: Jazz in Love by Neesha Meminger

Jasbir, otherwise known as Jazz, has always been a stellar student and obedient, albeit wise-cracking, daughter. Everything has gone along just fine--she has good friends in the "genius" program she's been in since kindergarten, her teachers and principal adore her, and her parents dote on her. But now, in her junior year of high school, her mother hears that Jazz was seen hugging a boy on the street, and goes ballistic. Mom immediately implements the Guided Dating Plan, which includes setting up blind dates with "suitable," pre-screened Indian candidates. There's only one problem: the new boy at school, the very UNsuitable hottie, is the one who gets Jazz's blood boiling. When Jazz makes a few out-of-the-ordinary decisions, everything explodes, and she realizes she'll need a lot more than her genius education to get out of the huge mess she's created. Can Jazz find a way to follow her own heart, and still stay in the good graces of her parents?

Thanks to the Teen Book Scene for allowing me to be part of this tour. Stop by their site to find all the tour stops for Jazz in Love.

Reminder to myself - write up book reviews right after finishing a book, not a month later when it's time to post it as part of a tour.  It's much easier when the book is fresh in my mind!

I enjoyed reading Jazz in Love.  This well written book had me caring about the characters and wanting them to find resolution and happiness.  A great mix of culture, humor, and romance made for an easy to read book.

The cultural pressures Jazz felt were portrayed very realistically.  I'm fairly conservative and found myself able to relate to both Jazz and her parents.  I understood Jazz's desire to follow her heart and fit in. I could also see her parent's logic behind their ultra strict views and desire to remain true to their heritage.  There was no middle ground to meet on for Jazz or her parents which lead to conflict.  I think this would be a good book for ultra strict parents to read to try to understand the feelings and pressures of living with strict rules.

I enjoyed the supporting characters in this book nearly as much as the main ones. 

As seems to be the case with nearly every YA book I've read recently there was some language.  Also a character who comes out which I freely admit is not my favorite subject to read about.   This book works as a stand alone but could very easily have a sequel.




Content: Some language

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Book Tour via The Teen Book Scene

Blog Tour: Book Review: Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley:

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems....

In this sparkling debut that flawlessly balances romance and humor, readers will grow to love sharp and sassy Corrinne as she goes on her totally reluctant but completely irresistible journey of self-discovery.

I really enjoyed reading Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley.  Charming characters and a believable storyline made this a well done contemporary young adult book.

As the book begins we are introduced to Corrine who is shallow, self-centered and spoiled rotten.  Life suddenly changes when her dad's investments go bad and he loses his job.  Shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas with her younger brother, Corrine must attend Public School *gasp*.  Adjusting to country life does not come easy.

I loved Corrine's down to earth grandparents.  This book has a great message about priorities, the importance of family and true friends.

I was hoping for a different ending then the one we got but was still happy with the book.  This is a stand alone but I'd love to see a sequel.  If you are looking for a light, fun read give this one a try.

Where I Belong will be released on February 8, 2011:


Content: Some language

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Teen Scene Book Tour

Book Review: Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John

THE CHALLENGE: Piper has one month to get a paying gig for Dumb—the hottest new rock band in school.


THE DEAL: If she does it, she'll become manager of the band and get her share of the profits, which she desperately needs since her parents raided her college fund.


THE CATCH: Managing one egomaniacal pretty boy, one talentless piece of eye candy, one crush, one silent rocker, and one angry girl who is ready to beat her up. And doing it all when she's deaf. With growing self-confidence, an unexpected romance, and a new understanding of her family's decision to buy a cochlear implant for her deaf baby sister, Piper just may discover her own inner rock star.

I honestly didn't expect to like this book. I only signed up for the Five Flavors of Dumb ARC tour because I took Sign Language in college so a story about a deaf manager of a rock band sounding intriguing.

Since this was an ARC tour book I only had one week to read it and it's been a busy week. I didn't even have a chance to open the book until 6 of my 7 reading days had passed. I was waiting for my daughter to get out of dance class last night and by the time she was in the car I was hooked on this book.  There was no way I was going to send it on unfinished.

Antony John created a well written story with quirky, likable characters. A good mix of humor, romance, family drama, music and friendship make this an enjoyable read.

Although I originally thought the book title was a little strange after reading this book I decided it is the perfect title.

Content: Some language including 1 F Bomb

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Miss Holly's ARC Tour

Down River by Will Hobbs

No adults, no permit, no river map. 15-year-old Jessie and her six companions from Discovery Unlimited, an outdoor ed program she's been sent to by her father, "borrow" the company's rafting gear and take off down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon on their own. Floating beneath sheer red walls, camping on white sand beaches, exploring caves and waterfalls, Jessie and the others are at first having the time of their lives. Pursued by helicopters, they boldly push on into the black-walled inner gorge, the heart of the Grand Canyon, only to encounter huge rapids, bone-chilling rain, injuries, and conflict within the group. What will be the consequences of their reckless adventure?

This is a book I never would have picked up on my own. Downriver by Will Hobbs is on the required reading list for my son's sophomore language arts class. In all honesty the first half of the book I kept thinking - You've got to be kidding me, of all the books that could be chosen this is the book that was picked? It took me nearly a month to make it half way through the book. I was then hooked and finished the book in one day. Upon completing this book I realize it is a good fit for the unit that was being taught in the class: Life from the perspective of the young & old. The other book in the unit is Tuesday's With Morrie.

Downriver won many awards and I do admit this is a well written coming of age story. Although not a favorite it was worth reading and I would recommend it.

Content: A clean read.

Rating: I'm going with 4 stars due to the writing although if based just on how well I liked it I would give it 3.5 stars.