Not That Kind of Girl - Siobhan Vivian

Natalie Sterling is not the kind of girl to be worry about boys in high school. After spending four years at Ross Academy, she knows that boys are up to no good and cannot be trusted. Her prime example is her best friend Autumn, who was completely ruined by a boy. In fact, Natalie has better things to worry about, like being elected Student Council President, doing well on the SAT, and getting into the college of her dreams.

Then, the irresistible Connor Hughes steps into the picture, and the image Natalie Sterling has created of herself ruins as she transforms into that kind of girl...

I read Siobhan Vivian's debut novel, A Little Friendly Advice, two years ago, and I absolutely loved it. Naturally, I had high expectations for this novel. While I did not enjoy this novel quite as much, it certainly did not disappoint. On the surface, Not That Kind of Girl seems like a typical YA chick lit novel, and to an extent it is: boy likes girl, girl falls for him, and the rest is pretty obvious. However, Vivian adds more depth to the novel, by addressing the society's quick-to-judge nature. By doing this, Vivian incorporated aspects of feminism, creating an unique reading experience.

The main flaw in this novel involved Natalie's relationship with Connor. Vivian spent little time developing the relationship outside of physical intimacy. I felt that sex played too large of a role in the relationship. I have no problem in sex in YA novels, as it makes the novel more realistic. However, at times, I felt the relationship was based solely on sex. A little development would have gone a long way.

Overall, Not That Kind of Girl is a good book for someone looking for an unconventional teen romance novel.

Related Links
Siobhan Vivian's Site
Amazon
Indie Bound

I received this book as a part of the Amazon Vine Program.

Recommendations

One of the things I miss most about actively reading book blogs and regularly updating mine is knowing about upcoming books and new authors.

So, I have a question for you (if you are still out there)! What are some recent or upcoming releases that you really enjoyed, and what debut authors have impressed you?

Who knows, this might even be a surprise giveaway. ;)

Promise Not to Tell - Jennifer McMahon

One potato, two potato, three potato, four...

In 1971, a murder shook the the small Vermont town of New Canaan. Del Griswold, known as Potato Girl to her classmates, was a carefree farm girl. While most of the school wanted nothing to do with her, Kate Cypher befriended her. However, any friend of Del's was sure to be ridicules, so Kate kept the friendship a secret.

Three decades later, Kate returns to New Canaan to care for her mother, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. On her first day back, a young girl is murdered, reminiscent of Del's murder. Kate soon meets with Del's older brother, who is convinced that Del is back and seeking revenge. At first, Kate is unconvinced, but what else could explain the mysterious events that have occurred, such as Kate's mother speaking in a voice that unmistakably belongs to Del?

Jennifer McMahon's Promise Not to Tell is a novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. McMahon did an excellent job depicting the eerie occurrences of New Canaan. I would start reading this book at night around midnight, and I literally could not put the book down, for fear that Del's ghost would attack me (okay, so not so much attack me, but the novel did creep me out). As a result, I stayed up until 3 a.m. just so I could finish it and lay Del's ghost to rest (sorry for the bad pun, but I couldn't resist!).

Anyway, the novel alternates from 1971 to 2002. In the 1971 sections, McMahon reveals Kate's childhood friendship with Del. Del and Kate shared an unique bond as outsiders. Del was the farm girl that all the kids made fun of, while Kate was part of a hippie communion. However, each girl kept secrets from the other. In the 2002 sections, Kate reflects on the mistakes she made as a child. The novel also delves into Kate's relationship with her mother and other members of the communion.

I personally thought that the killer was relatively easy to guess. This, however, did not make the novel any less enjoyable. My main complaint about the book was that the ending was rushed and left me desiring more. Not necessarily more closure, but more detail about the closure.

Overall, Promise Not to Tell is a good pick for anyone looking for a ghost story.

Related Links
Jennifer McMahon's Site
Amazon
Indie Bound

I purchased this book.

Back from Hiatus

I'm sure you've guessed it, without me mentioning it, but I went on a hiatus. The beginning of college was insane, and I didn't even have time to read, much less maintain a blog. Seriously, the only time I read now is on my breaks. Last week was my spring break, and I received an invitation to join Amazon Vine. The invitation made me realize just how much I missed blogging.

While I won't be able to post as often as I'd like, I would like to post reviews every once in a while so keep watch!