Lovely Complex

Information: This is the anime version of the manga. Some great reviews for the manga can be found by Wdebo and Diana! Its also known as Love Complex, and Love Com.

Summary:

Characters:

Risa Koizumi: Tallest girl in her class. She is determined to find a boyfriend who is taller than her. She is confident and can be really stubborn at times!

Atsushi Ootani: The shortest guy in class. He hopes to find a girl who will accept him as he is. He is pretty funny, sarcastic and overall has a cheery disposition.

They both start helping each other out when Ootani admits to liking Koizumi's friend and Koizumi falls for Ootani's friend. After a while, they see that their plans aren't working out, but they are still determined to find someone for them. At the end of the first episode, both characters challenge each other to find a boyfriend or girlfriend faster than the other. Sounds pretty exciting don't you think?


Lovely Complex: Episode 1 (english subbed)

Roots and Wings

Author: Many Ly

Ages: YA

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Summary: Grace is a Cambodian-American living with her mother and grandmother. Chandra Hok, her mother, got pregnant when she was 18. A disgrace like that was unforgivable by the Cambodian Community in St. Petersburg, Florida so they took off. Chandra became perfect in every other aspect and is seen as so by her daughter even though infuriating, Grace longs for her mother's approval and understanding. Grace is always plagued by all the unanswered questions of her past. Her grandmother won't talk about Cambodia and her mother won't speak of Grace's father. When her grandmother dies, she asks for a proper Cambodian funeral which leaves Grace and Chandra no choice, but to return to St. Petersburg. Grace is thrilled for the opportunity to discover her father, but is brought to reality. Cambodian traditions die hard and the fact that Chandra is husbandless and her grandmother was as well, creates a slight hatred in Chandra's heart for the city of her childhood and its inhabitants. Grace will have to deal with their prejudices even though some accept her readily.


Review: The overall plot of the book is great. All the details and the descriptions of emotions and the flashbacks really make you feel the story. The only, and big, problem is that it is extremely confusing. Each chapter starts with the present, but then in the middle it goes to a flashback of Grace's childhood. i think it would have been better if talked in the past tense. Then, the memories are confusing because Grace's age becomes unclear or blurred into the story.


Another thing was Grace's character. I could not relate to her at all in most of the story even though most people have gone through the same situation. She was completely random in parts; it wasn't that she was unpredictable, but just random. She definately had issues dealing with her emotions. Her mom, Chandra, was much more comprehendable and I felt bad for her because of Grace's merciless accusations and her grandmother's constant fights with her over the pettiest of details.

I think that its worth reading if you think you'll identify with a story of an immigrant's child. If you are looking for an amazing book, please look at others because this one is not it.


Rating: Can I give a 2.5? Roots and Wings gets a 2.5/5

Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead

Ages 13+

Summary: Rose is Lissa's guardian. Lissa, as a Moroi princess, has to be watched at all times by Rose in order to keep her safe from the Strigoi. The Strigoi are dangerous vampires; those are the ones that don't die. The Moroi are weak against them since they are the mortal Vamps. Luckily for them, the Dhampirs' blood is a mixture of human and Moroi and they pledge themselves to be guardians of the helpless Moroi. It helps that Rose and Lissa are inseperable and joined by a strange bond. A forbidden romance, and the other a disgrace, threaten to endanger lives.

Review: This was an okay book. I couldn't really seem to get into it. I didn't connect with Rose's invincible character or Lissa's nicer-but-strange attitude. I am glad that there is a sequel because I would like to see the characters developed even more although they are understandable in this one. Well, a sequel also seems kind of strange because this book ended with a pretty definite conclusion instead of opening up the possibility of another conflict to come. To me its like all the problems were solved and the end, but I'll read the sequel just to check! I like the minor characters a lot. I would have to say that my favorite is Christian. (^.^) I liked the introduction because it started at an actiony-type point in the story.

Rating: 3/5

TV/TV

Genre: Punk/Rock/Pop

Info:

Visit them on PUREVOLUME!!!!

The band consists of three members. Josh Ocean (vocals), Joe Esposito (guitar and vocals), Francois (bassist). They are an underground band and they are okay musicians. Check out their music to see if you like them. Myspace site.

Perfect Chemistry

Author: Simone Elkeles

Summary: (from Simone Elkeles site) A modern tale of star-crossed lovers with a fresh urban twist. At Fairfield High School, on the outskirts of Chicago , everyone knows that south-siders mixing with north-siders can be explosive. So when Brittany Ellis and Alejandro “Alex” Fuentes are forced to be lab partners in chemistry class, this human experiment leads to unexpected revelations – that Brittany ’s flawless reputation is a cover for her troubled home life, that Alex’s bad-boy persona hides his desire to break free from gang ties, and that when they’re together, life somehow makes more sense. Breaking through the stereotypes and expectations that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart, Perfect Chemistry takes readers to both sides of the tracks in a passionate love story about looking beneath the surface.

Review: I love this story. I guess part of it is that I can identify with some of the things that go on in real life. It alternates between Alex's point of view and Brittany's so the characters are well-developed. I suggest that no one under 13 read this 'cause it has a lot of really strong language and also some sexual content. I did have one complaint though; Alex's side of the story sounds like its coming from a girl in some parts, but I guess that's because Simone Elkeles is a girl. Anyway, it was pretty predictable and the ending was a little cliche, but the way the author wrote it made it one of the my favorite books ever!


Rating: 5/5

My intro

Whenever I try to write a story, I end up writing it for like two days and then I lose interest. I have written like 10 potential stories, but I've never gotten past page 4! Yeah, you could say I'm not really committed, but maybe this time it'll be different. My friend's begun her own story so some of it is inspired by her. Tell me what you honestly think. Keep in mind that I'm not a really good writer (I got mostly 3's on my state test) My intro starts out pretty cliche. . . and my attempt at humor is a lil odd. . . ^.^

It wasn't that easy. I couldn't just walk right up and tell her. That would be similar to smacking gangbanger Stan with my badminton racket and hoping to recieve a prize. She hates me because she thinks my friendship with Marc is something more. If I tell her that Marc doesn't want to go with her to the club, she'll have me off the team and headless in a heart beat.

Why did I have to be his appointed BFF anyway? If it hadn't been for our parents, we wouldn't even know each other. Maybe then, I wouldn't be the one sent to reject all of his fans' rosy love confessions! I should go back now and tell him to find someone else to do his dirtywork, because I for one want to keep my head. Marc was gonna have to reject Nelly himself! Just as I'd reached my decision and moved to leave, Nelly herself comes storming over.

"Do you need something?" she says while her neon blue sneaker taps impatiently on the shiny gym floor.

"Uh. . .no. I was actually just leaving." my response comes out muffled.

"Well, if Marc sent you to remind me about our date tomorrow, don't worry about it 'cause I didn't forget." As she speaks. her sharp, green eyes stare me down and her lightly-bronzed hands wave in the air. Her white tee, with the light-blue Nike logo, hugs her model-perfect body. I let out a sigh of despair.

"Actually, Marc kinda said he might be busy and that maybe you should call to confirm if he can still go?" While I'm trying to deliver Marc's message, I'm not letting him off easy this time. Especially when Nelly's face is contorted with hate.

Her glossy lips purse and her black-lined eyes narrow, as she crosses her arms. Even her chocolate-colored ponytail radiates hostility. It doesn't help that she towers over two inches above me.

"Well, I need to go." I say turning away.

"You do need to leave," her cold voice cutting through the gym, "'cause you really don't belong."

I don't reply and I don't turn around to face her. I walk away and I walk quickly. Its what I'm best at; leaving situations which make me feel awkward. A while back, I admit that I had thought that there was a remote possibility that there might've been something more between me and Marc, but since I wasn't gonna confront the situation and Marc was oblivious to my feelings, nothing even came close to happening. Lucky for me, I got over it.

Chain Mail: Addicted To You

Author: Hiroshi Ishizaki (209 pgs.) TOKYOPOP published.

Summary: (back cover) Four disillusioned Tokyo teenagers who have never met are suddenly drawn together by a mysterious chain mail message sent to their cell phones. In the tradition of classical Japanese tanka poetry, each teen takes on a role in the intriguing and absorbing narrative: the schoolgirl stalked by an older boy; her mysterious stalker; the schoolgirl's boyfriend; and the female detective. Written from each character's point of view, Chain Mail carries you on a suspenseful adventure juxtaposing teenage angst against a colorful Tokyo backdrop in an unforgettable tale that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Review: The part of role-playing really drew me in since I had previously thought about participating in such activity. I liked that each chapter is from a different point of view because it allows you to get to now some of the other characters deeper. I honestly did not expect the ending at ALL. The beginning was a little rough and kind of hard to really get into, but by the second chapter everything was rollin'. It was pretty suspenseful just like it says and it weaved a lot of Tokyo's culture into the story. I was a little bothered by the inconsistency of point of view, but I know that it would have defeated the purpose of the story if it had been more routine. I really liked this story and I hope I've slightly convinced you to read it as well!

Rating: 4/5

How To Ruin A Summer Vacation

Author: Simon Elkeles

Summary: (back cover)

"Moshav? What’s a moshav? Is it “shopping mall” in Hebrew? I mean, from what Jessica was telling me, Israeli stores have the latest fashions from Europe. That black dress Jessica has is really awesome. I know I’d be selling out if I go with the Sperm Donor to a mall, but I keep thinking about all the great stuff I could bring back home. "

Unfortunately for 16-year-old Amy Nelson, “moshav” is not Hebrew for “shopping mall.” Not even close. Think goats, not Gucci. Going to Israel with her estranged Israeli father is the last thing Amy wants to do this summer. She’s got a serious grudge against her dad, a.k.a. “Sperm Donor,” for showing up so rarely in her life. Now he’s dragging her to a war zone to meet a family she’s never known, where she’ll probably be drafted into the army. At the very least, she’ll be stuck in a house with no AC and only one bathroom for seven people all summer—no best friend, no boyfriend, no shopping, no cell phone…
Goodbye pride—hello Israel.

Review: This book drips with sarcasm and Amy can be a real brat in some parts, but this book was really good. I doubled over laughing at the nicknames of some of the characters. I really liked the little mutt she befriends. Its hardly believing she'd end up dating one of the characters she swore to have hated! (is that a spoiler? I don't think so) The book was fast-paced and, even from the very beginning, it was hard to put down. The imagery in this story, really made you feel like you were next to Amy in Israel experiencing the things she experienced.

Rating: 4/5

Wo Ai Ni

Info: This song is also by S.H.E but its different than the Super Star song. This is a re-make of another song and I believe that S.H.E did an excellent job interpreting it. Thats one of the reasons I really like this band; there are three members with very different voices! I'm not sure when it was released but it was a while back. I don't know what its sayin but I really like the feeling of it.

Rating: 5/5

Super Star

Info: This song is by S.H.E and, in my opinion, its a tad bit different from what they usually sing and I think that its an amazing song. Ella looks totally great in this one! It's a pretty old song, but I only heard it recently and I totally love it! The album is title Super Star which was released in 2003 and it was their 5th album.

Rating: 5/5

The Patron Saint of Butterflies

Author: Cecilia Galante (292 pgs)

Summary: (inside cover) Agnes and Honey have always been different, but the older they get, the more they are growing apart. Born into Mount Blessing, a religious commune with stringent rules and guarded secrets, the girls are complete opposites of each other. While Agnes had made it her life's purpose to become a saint, Honey wants to get as far away from the commune as possible. While Agne's grandmother Nana Pete unexpectedly visits, she discovers one of the commune's most sinister secrets. Fearing for their safety, Nana Pete takes the girls and flees Mount Blessing.

During their journey from the commune toward what Honey hopes will be a normal life, the girls test the bonds of their lifelong friendship, and Agnes struggles to hang on to the life she had. Only when the biggest--and most dangerous--lie is finally unearthed does Agnes realize she must find the courage to make her own future.

Review: The book was really good in the way of how the characters were developed and also in how the story was laid out. It was really easy to follow even though each chapter changes point of view (its either Honey or Agnes). * I don't know if its just me, but i didn't like either character. They were good characters, but they were not the lovable kind so I didn't have much empathy for either one. The story was not terribly horrific, which was good because horrific is sad, but it was still interesting!

Rating: 3/5

Specials

Author: Scott Westerfeld (372 pgs.)

Summary: (back cover) Tally thought they were a rumor, but now she's one of them. A Special. A super-amped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid. But maybe being perfectly programmed with strength and focus isn't better than anything she's ever known. Tally still has memories of something else. But it's easy for her to tune that out-until she's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same.

Review: Well, its another amazing book. Tally Youngblood is a very interesting person as a Special. Thats what I really like about these books; seeing Tally's mentality change from and Ugly to a Pretty and now a Special is really fun! Scott Westerfeld really nows how to pack a lot of action, romance and buoyance into an emotionally changing story so read the rest of the series please!! The only thing I can criticize about the book was that the ending was kinda random for me and the book concentrated estremely on Tally so none of the other characters really seemed alive or anything. It was still a good read though.

Rating: 4/5

Pearl Pink Vol. 1

Author: Meca Tanaka (186 pgs)

Summary: Tamako Momono is 13 when she is finally reunited with her mom and also her 10 year crush, Kanji Inui. Unfortunately, her mom's new job as an Idol is based on Innocence and Purity. Having had Tamako when she was a teen, her whole career could tumble if exposed so Tamako goes to live with her mom's boss which also happens to be Kanji's dad! Tamako is a strong girl because of Kanji and a promise he had made her 10 years before. Will Kanji remember and keep his word? Will Tamako's insistence convince Kanji to be with her? PLEASE read Pearl Pink to find out, and I promise that you will fall in love with this super great manga!

Review: My friend had been telling me to read this since forever, but I didn't really know if I would like it since I've only read a couple other Manga. Trust me when I say that this story is REALLY cute!! I absolutely love Tamako's strong but girlish character as well as Kanji's calm disposition. Its a classic case of crazy parents when it comes to Kanji's dad and Tamako's mom which makes all the better! The cover is also really pretty and I love her tiny pet! The only thing weird about it was that Kanji seemed too calm for a guy whose being confessed to by a girl he doesn't even really know. Anyway, its really a great book!

Rating: 5/5