Hold Still

SORRY, this was from February!

9/10 stars!

First of all, sorry I have been gone for so long!! A new years resolution of mine is to have at least on review per week! Now on to the review...

Another book I looked at in various stores for sometime, and just before New Year's Eve, my mom and I were at a local bookstore, and she said I could pick a book. I chose "Hold Still." I do not have any regrets with my choice. :) The book is so well written, so nice and fresh. Nina does a brilliant job of a high schoolers voice, Caitlin's  voice is one I can completely relate to.
Though this is a book for teens, it does have illustrations. They are so wonderfully done! Simple, yet so very meaningful!
Hold Still- the title itself has so much possibility for wonder. And the book does not disappoint at all! There was not one point at which I thought of plot changes that would enhance the story. Caitlin loves photography, and I do as well, so that was another way with which I could identify to her.
Just pure wow. I am glad I decided to buy this story. I have, once again fallen in love with the characters. As I said before, they are so very real, I can imagine being friends with some of them!

Thanks Nina, and I hope you write thousands more books.

Beautiful Malice

8.5/10 stars.

This book is one I got as a galley, (pre-published). It has already been released in Australia, and comes to America July 13th, 2010.
I was astonished by this book. The cover (American one) creeped me out a bit, but, as I enjoy creepy novels, I had to read it!
The novel is told during three times. Before, During and After, as I categorized them. It starts with After, saying "I did not attend Alice's funeral..."
This book gripped me.  A book has not done that to me in a long while. When I was reading, I was oblivious to other goings-on around me. Just, wow.
This novel is Rebecca James' first, and I, for one hope it will not be her last. The characters were so real, Alice made me cringe, and Katie/Katherine drew in my sympathies. Usually I do not love books that jump around in their timelines, but for Beautiful Malice it worked perfectly with the story.
Whilst I was reading the novel, my dad asked me what it was about, and I found myself at a complete loss for words. Not because the book was bad, no, it is far from that, but because it is unique, and there were surprises that I did not predict, which is ALWAYS a nice thing. I like surprises in literature. Far too often I come across a novel that I can predict the entire plot. (**Note: This is NOT applicable to any book I've reviewed on here as of now.**) If I could summarize the book in a few words:
Lies. Love. Friendship.
Now, from those words it may sound like a soap opera. It is not, it is deep.

I loved Beautiful Malice, and would recommend it to friends, and anyone who is looking for an interesting read.