Mini-Reviews #2

The following mini-reviews are for books and ARCs I've read. I didn't write full reviews for these for different reasons, but I hope I managed to get my feelings across in each of these mini-reviews.

Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert / Released: July 1, 2009
Man, it's just effed up. I cried like twice. I've had a copy of this book for almost a year now, and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. I've never done drugs and I don't drink; however, I'm surprised how I felt like I could relate to some of these characters in a way. And I think that there is something that everyone can relate to in these characters. Stephanie Kuehnert did such a great job on them and their stories. Ballads of Suburbia is filled with friendships, anger, sadness, love, heartbreak and self-destruction. And in the end, even though it isn't a happily ever after story, there's still a bit of hope. It's the most real and rawest story I've probably ever read. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins / Release: Sept. 29

Cricket. ♥ St. Clair. ♥ AHHH!! Stephanie Perkins owns. I loved Anna and the French Kiss, but I loved this one even more! It was so freaking good and perfect! One of my favorite books this year! Probably my favorite so far. Lola and Cricket were amazing, and the appearances from Anna and St. Clair were awesome. Just like with Anna, I couldn't stop laughing and fangirling, and I couldn't put this book down. I love when a book makes me smile and forces me to finish reading it in one day. (My expectations for Isla and the Happily Ever After are pretty high now!) I don't think I can write a proper review for Lola. It's one of those books I adored so much that I can't seem to find the right words to express how I feel. All I can say is... JUST READ THIS BOOK! Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler / Release: Nov. 21

I'm really surprised at how much I loved this book! Looking at other reviews and ratings on here and LibraryThing made me a bit wary, but I'm so glad I gave this book a chance! The book alternated between the POVs of Emma and Josh, who have been best friends since they were little kids. I really liked them both! Emma was a caring and good person, but she did come off as a little selfish and seemed unsure of what she wanted at times. But I can't fault her for that because who wouldn't be after finding out about their future? As for Josh, he was such a sweet and nice guy. I just wanted to hug him! Both of them grew throughout the novel. While it probably won't be a mind-blowing, life-altering story for readers (who probably already have expectations because of the authors' other novels), I still enjoyed it very much. It was funny and cute and hard to put down! I pretty much had a grin on my face the whole time I was reading, and I was extremely pleased with the ending. It's a fast-paced novel about two people who ultimately have to figure out what they want in the future for themselves and from each other. A light and really fun read. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars