A Witch is a Witch, Or is She?

Ok, so my favorite writer for the past two years has been Melissa de la Cruz of the Blue Bloods and the Ashleys series. I have loved almost every book that she has written; there was one that I got less than a chapter into and pitched it. But this book was great!

The Witches of East End is the first in her new series about a pair of sisters and their mother who try to live quiet lives without magic in a simple cottage in the Hamptons. Now, I feel that I must add that this is not a "pretty, rich, white girls with problems they created" type book. In fact not all the problems that come their way are not their fault. The troubles tend to come to them because they are a little generous. You see, they have been banned from using their powers but then one of them does to help a friend who's been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant. Then they all start helping people. THEN they get accused of being witches. So much for laying low. The story is interesting an since it will be a series, I'm anxiously waiting for the next installment.

Speaking of series: if you have read the Blue Bloods series of the same author (which you should in order to be able to laugh at certain jokes) you will recognize character that have cameos. I'm not saying that you should read all of those to be able to understand this book, but I am saying that you should read this between Blue Blood books 7 and 8. Mimi talks about this book, therefore it's crucial for BB fans to read this.

Ok, that's all. I have to keep this short today.

-me

Zhànshén Mars

So, I have to tell you this right off the bat: I do not like all manga nor do I consider myself to be a fangirl.

Alright, now that I've got that out of the way: I LOVE "Mars". I have read and reread this series and I have watched the Taiwanese (in Chinese) mini series that gave the book even more life.

Mars is an incredibe 15 part series by Fuyumi Soryo. The characters that she has created are so dynamic. Kira is a shy girl who has endured abuse from teachers and her stepfather. Rei is an outspoken motorcycle racer whose childhood has left him with big gapping holes in his soul as well.

I like this story for a lot of reasons one being that Soryo talks about things that make people uncomfortable especially when the subjects are teenagers. She illustrates teen suicide, mental illness, the struggle to become sexually free after sexual abuse, girl on girl violence and the idea that broken families exist despite the socioeconomic status. The subject matter allows for the characters to experience some pretty dark moments, but through Soryo's writting and illustration there is always that feeling of hope, that things will get better. Really, I can't ask for anymore than that. This series is absolutely amazing and I share it with everyone.

Now, in case you were wondering if the 21 episode miniseries does the manga justice the answer is yes. Absolutely yes. If you can find it online watch it, if you can't message me and I'll send you the link. Only downside is the music though... thought I should warn you.

Read. Watch. Enjoy!

-me

Whoops : or Ahh!! Real Monsters!

so, I've never been good at keeping a journal, like ever, so keeping this blog... well I kinda forgot about it. I will do better. I promise to try and be concious of it. Also, I've decided not to talk to much about a book's plot if it is in a series so that I won't give anything away. But hey, if it's a stand alone book...

So I started ready the Monster High series by Lisi Harrison, and when I say started I mean that I've read all three and amd anxiously waited for the fourth to come out in the spring. Ms Harrison is the woman who brought us The Clique and Alphas. That being said although I initially loved the idea of famous monster's children (or grandchildren) attending a normal high school while reluctantly "hiding with pride" I was afriad that the story would be well, shallow.

Ms. Harrison's character in her previous stories have tended to be incredibly one dementional. I am glad to announce that this series has been great so far. Heck, she even has a mean girl learn her lesson. I do hope that she doesn't turn it into a Sharpay from HSM where she has to relearn her lesson over and over. Done with the rant. Anyway...

I love her descion to use nearly all of the different characters that Universal Studios expored in the 1930s. The books have everything from swamp monstors to mummies and Hyde to the son of Medusa. All of the characters are very different from each other and even though some of the are popular kids at the school, Lisi harrison does a great job at making sure that they all have different goals and anxieties. Not all of them are popular by the way, some of them are practically inivisble to those around them especially Billy (but he actual is invisible).

There is also a good mix of "normies" or normal kids like Melody and her sister Candace who move to Oregon from Beverly Hills at the beginning of the first book.

I say read the books or buy them for a girl you know. It's a great way to introduce scifi to younger people with being too out there. Another plus is that it's a series and introducing a series to a young reader is the best way to ensure that they continue reading. Simply put: if they love the characters, they will want to know what happens to them.

*Side note: my brother Josh and I will be dressing up andClawd and Clawdeen Wolf, werewolf siblings at the high school. there is also a cartoon for MonsterHigh on youtube, but be aware that it doesn't follow the storyline of the book AT ALL. I still think it's cute though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqo8WiYzkAA&context=C2c762UDOEgsToPDskIyhSw3sY4Bp9D3w8qpOnC9