Tag Archives: Stephanie S. ’17

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Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler (review by Stephanie S. ’17)

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BittersweetBittersweet by Sarah Ockler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sarah Ockler’s Bittersweet opens with a flashback of Hudson Avery when she was still a figure-skating superstar, before everything got screwed up. Since then, she has been working at the family diner, baking and creating extraordinary cupcakes. Then, she gets a letter in the mail inviting her to a competition that could restart her ice skating career. Her mother would break down if she found out, since ice skating is such a big reminder of Hudson’s father, so Hudson must practice in secret. One day, a boy from the hockey team runs into her and things start getting even more complicated. Now she must balance the diner, her friends, and her family, without letting anyone get hurt. This novel may not please everyone, as some may see it as a stereotypical story but it does have a few unexpected turns. Overall, I would recommend the story to anyone who enjoys a book with a bit of romance along with a tad of drama. – Stephanie S. ‘17

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When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle (review by Stephanie S. ’17)

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When You Were MineWhen You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When You Were Mine, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, opens with Rosaline Caplet and her two best friends hoping for the perfect senior year. Rose has had eyes for her neighbor and best friend, Rob Monteg, for years and hopes he’ll finally return her feelings. At the beginning of the summer, before Rob left for camp, Rosaline thought their relationship was evolving into something more. She is thrilled when school starts and their flirting continues. When Rob kisses her on their first date, Rose believes that everything is falling into place. Soon afterwards, however, Rosaline’s cousin Juliet moves to town. In less than two days Juliet has claimed Rob as hers, and he seems to have forgotten all about Rose. Rosaline’s friends tell her to ignore them, but she cannot. Soon rumors start circulating about Juliet’s mental instability, endangering Rob and his future. Will Rob make the right decision and leave Juliet, or will she take him down with her? This book may not be for everyone but I enjoyed this story and found it to be unique take on Shakespeare’s original, with a couple unexpected twists.

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Specials by Scott Westerfeld (review by Stephanie S. ’17)

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Specials (Uglies, #3)Specials by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Specials is the third book in the Uglies series and fails to disappoint. Tally has recently been turned into a Special. Special Circumstances is the frighteningly beautiful authority of the region. Even though Tally has had many encounters with the Specials, she never dreamed of being one. As a Special, she feels almost nothing: No pain, no emotion. Everything is unnaturally clear. Everyone in the authority can detect a lie in a matter of seconds. Although Tally thinks she is content with her newest lifestyle and group, the Cutters, she often feels a pang inside of her, missing and remembering her rebel days. Later, the Specials find the New Smoke – a place where the Uglies hide. Orders are given for the Cutters to destroy this sanctuary. Tally again needs to choose between listening to the small voice inside of her or ignore it and carry out orders. Tally’s decision is unexpected and makes this a superb sci-fi read. – Stephanie S. ‘17

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Pretties by Scott Westerfeld (review by Stephanie S. ’17)

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Pretties (Uglies, #2)Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Scott Westerfeld’s Pretties, Tally’s dream has finally come true, and she is now a stunning Pretty. All of her imperfections have been fixed and she has rejoined her old friends in New Pretty Town. Tally has a loyal boyfriend, an exciting group of friends, and an invitation to all the hottest parties — everything she ever hoped of having. Her fun suddenly stops when she receives a letter from herself, which was written back when she was an Ugly. She slowly starts to remember why she had doubts about life as a Pretty, and is forced to decide: Dismiss the truth, or fight the city’s authorities. Her choice could possibly be deadly. Pretties is must-read. – Stephanie S. ‘17

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Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (review by Stephanie S. ’17)

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Uglies (Uglies, #1)Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Uglies opens with Tally Youngblood waiting for her sixteenth birthday. She is waiting for her operation to take place, which will make her a pretty. Tally is the youngest of her friends and is alone in Uglyville, since all of them have moved to New Pretty Town. She is ecstatic to move and rejoin her clique. Once every child reaches the age of sixteen, a surgery is performed to make them look absolutely perfect, but Tally soon finds out physical enhancement is not all that happens. Her new friend, Shay wants Tally to run away with her and stay ugly. Shay ends up running away, but Tally decides against it. The city authority, Special Circumstances, force her to to make one of the hardest decisions of her life: Rat out her best friend and find the runaway Uglies, or never have the operation and stay ugly for eternity. I would recommend this futuristic story to a reader of any age. – Stephanie S. ’17

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