Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Auden comes from a broken family. Her recently divorced parents won't speak to each other, and when they do its more yelling than actual conversation. Auden's tired of her tension-filled life. So when her father's new wife extends an invitation to stay at her father's new home, Auden jumps on the opportunity. A job at her stepmother's boutique throws her into an uncomfortable situation though: being a teenager. With her perfectionist mother and parent's constant fighting all her life, Auden's missed out on life. So this summer she'll get a crash course on girl talk,friendship, and crushes. Crushes such as aloof loner Eli. A fellow insomniac, together the two embark on night-filled adventures. Adventures full of laundry, pie, and the intense world of stunt biking. But these nights will also expose them both: secrets will be revealed and trust put to the test.

Well boys and girls Sarah Dessen does it again. "Along for the Ride" captures the complete essence of teenage life. Auden's story is something that all teens can relate to. The plot deals with so many real life situations: divorce, remarriage, step-siblings, family, friendship, hook-ups, guilt, death, and of course finding true love. I loved Auden mainly because she was a novice to all things teenager. It was hilarious reading her take on "being a teenager". Dessen does an amazing job of making all the side characters unforgettable with their unique personalities. Although the book gives off a light and fluffy look, there are serious underlying issues that Dessen address perfectly. The cover may throw potential readers off, but I can vouch for "Along for the Ride" and assure skeptics it is far from frivolous writing. So five cheers for the writing style, character dynamics, and story line, and as much as I love Sarah Dessen I have to give half a boo for Auden's whiny nature at times. Result? A book that will easily become a favorite you will want to reread over and over again.

Cheers:5
Boos: .5
Result: Amazing

The Devouring by Simon Holt

"Your body is here, but not your soul..."

Henry's right to be afraid. Reggie Halloway, loving older sister of Henry Halloway, owns a horror book which was oddly written in the form of a diary. It's contents vividly describe demonic creatures called Vours, known to possess the bodies of humans over winter solstice, or Sorry Night. Little does Reggie know, this "scary story" she read to a timid Henry before bedtime becomes a frightful reality, taking over none other than Henry himself. Now Reggie must face the fears within herself, the Vours feeding off her very terror, and lead an adventure along with her best friend Aaron Cole into saving her brother. The question is, will the sickening illusions she's enveloped in chill her to the core, or will Reggie find the strength to overcome her demons?

Before anything else, I'll say that this book is basically your average horror movie in written form. That's not to be taken in a bad way, though, because the events are vivid and creepy, and it takes you further into a world of terror than any movie could. That being said, if you have an aversion to gore-y details, or have a weak tummy, I don't recommend reading this.
My first thoughts, starting with the prologue, were positive. It begins with some insight into the story Reggie reads about the Vours, with a dysfunctional family living on a farm somewhere in nowhere. It's very creative, and I was impressed with the fact that it's not "little kid terror". It deals with real gore, and real fears (including clowns and hospitals). Some parts of this book I actually got goosebumps, so a couple cheers are in order for that. Also, another two cheers are added because the story is actually well-written, and most of the scenes are detailed enough that you could be living them yourself. That is something I appreciate when reading.
Focusing on the parts I didn't much care for...the fact that during the story, the protagonist is doubted. There's always a frustrating part to a story, which is the entire conflict, and this is it. There's not much else I can boo, seeing as I can't give away too much, but aside from a few trivial things, and some cliche twists, I really enjoyed reading this book.

Summarizing this painfully long review, I recommend this if you're into reading on chilly nights next to a few lit candles.

Cheers: 4
Boos: 2
Result: Recommended

The Awakening by Marley Gibson

Kendall Moorehead never wanted to move to Raddison, Georgia aka Middle of Nowhere. Miles from her hometown Chicago, she struggles with a new town,new school, and making new friends. Just when things are looking up, Kendall starts to hear voices and have vivid dreams of strangers. Through a series of events Kendall learns she's experiencing a physic awakening, and with the help of her friends begins a ghost hunting team. Thus the Ghost Huntresses are born and the girls soon become the talk of the town. Fortunately most of its positive feedback with the occasional negative comments like from Kendall's mother and the hunky golden boy Jason Tillson. However when the town hall ,and most importantly Kendall's dad, are in danger of a violent ghost only the Ghost Huntresses can solve the case.

Okay...my review of "The Awakening" is of mixed feelings. Three cheers for the paranormal action and budding romance. Two boos for the word style and drawn-out pace. Fellow book addicts? If you enjoy the paranormal and a less professional word style "The Awakening" is for you. Kendall is an amusing character with interesting insight, however I felt the word style left more to be desired. Upon reading the first paragraph I can assure you that you'll be sucked in. As you read more though you'll notice, at least I felt, the book becomes more drawn-out and lengthy in terms of getting from situation A to situation B. All in all "The Awakening" is fun read for the summer that'll keep you lol'ing.

Cheers:3
Boos:2
Result:Good read