The Duff (Designed Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

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Publisher: Poppy
Publication: September 7, 2010
Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-0316084239, Hardcover
Reviewer Source: Advance Reader Copy

Synopsis of book from Amazon:Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.
Personal thoughts on book:
What a great debut book from Kody Keplinger. Honesty when I saw the title, The Duff, I did not put much thought into what it might mean. Then I read the cover and then I saw it said Designed Ugly Fat Friend and I thought this is going to be an interesting book.

Bianca "The Duff" is a cynical, aggressive and I thought she was a lovable character.  I would not want to mess with her.  She speaks her mind and does not always care what other people think or if she upsets them. I remember how it sometimes sucked being a teenager. Wesley sounded like a jerk at first but underneath you start to believe that maybe there is more to him than just having girls chase him.

Even when she realizes that she is the "Duff" she does not try to make major changes herself. I can of think sometimes how I have felt like the "Duff" and I think a lot of girls will realize that anyone even a beautiful person can be a "Duff".

Overall I think this is going to be a hit with the YA population. It was easy to read and very insightful from a young author. It's not the typical girl swooning over guy YA fiction. This is a lot edgier.

Sexual content: Lots of sex...I am not used to reading a book with so much sex. :) 
Violence/Disturbing images: Brief violent scene
Drugs and Language: Like many people Bianca swears. Alcohol is consumed a little too much by one of the characters and it's not a pretty picture.

Dark Song by Gail Giles



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Publisher: Little, Brown
Publication: September 7, 2010
Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN: 978-0316068864, Hardcover
Reviewer Source:Advance Readers Copy

Synopsis of book from Amazon:
Ames is not the person she was a few months ago. Her father lost his job, and her family is crumbling apart. Now, all she has is Marc. Marc, who loves her more than anything. Marc, who owns a gun collection. And he'll stop at nothing--even using his guns--to get what he wants. Ames feels her parents have betrayed her with their lies and self-absorption, but is she prepared to make the ultimate betrayal against them?

Personal thoughts on book:
When I read the back cover of Dark Song, I knew it would be a dark story and I was not displeased. I might have wanted the story to be a little bit darker.
 
As I was reading the book, I did not find many of the characters likable. At first, I could see how Ames the narrator, was upset since everyone was lying to her at home but then she started acting like a princess and I did not feel sorry for her. Her mother and father were horrid and I felt sorry for Ames' little sister Chrissy. Chrissy seemed to be the only one in the family who was thinking reasonable and she was six.

The story was believable and I wanted to know what would happen next. So many families today are losing their picture perfect lives due to living beyond their means. Even though the narrator was a young teenage girl, I believe that teenage boys will find an interest in this book. If you are looking for a page turner, then this is your book.

Sexual content: sex with an older man but it is not graphic.
Violence/Disturbing images: guns, bursts of violent behavior from many different characters in book
Drugs and language: pot smoking, drinking, and light swearing

Stuck on Earth by David Klass



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Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date: March 2010
Age Group: Young Adult
Reviewer Source: Library

Synopsis of book from Amazon:
Ketchvar III’s mission is simple: travel to Planet Earth, inhabit the body of an average teenager, and determine if the human race should be annihilated. And so Ketchvar—who, to human eyes, looks just like a common snail—crawls into the brain of one Tom Filber and attempts to do his analysis. At first glance, Tom appears to be the perfect specimen—fourteen years old, good health, above average intelligence. But it soon becomes apparent that Tom Filber may be a little too average—gawky, awkward, and utterly abhorred by his peers. An alien within an alien’s skin, Ketchvar quickly finds himself wrapped up in the daily drama of teenage life—infuriating family members, raging bullies, and undeniably beautiful next-door neighbors. And the more entangled Ketchvar becomes, the harder it is to answer the question he was sent to Earth to resolve: Should the Sandovinians release the Gagnerian Death Ray and erase the human species for good? Or is it possible that Homo sapiens really are worth saving?

Personal thoughts on book:
I found many parts of this book hilarious. I could not help but laugh out loud. Ketchvar, the alien who invades Tom's body is surprised to find out that he is inhabiting a body of a boy who's nickname is "Alien"! Just Ketchvar's luck. Ketchvar tries to blend in but with his formal language people start to wonder why Tom is acting like an alien. Everyday Ketchvar reports to his mothership but when this reports are sent to the entire student body, Ketchvar questions if he is really an alien or is it in his imagination?

This book was a refreshing change from the typical alien invasion story. Teens starting high school will be able to relate to the trials of fitting in at school and having a crush on the girl next door. There is even an environmental message on preserving the planet that fits nicely in the story.

Overall I thought this book was good and would interest both boys and girls.

Violence/Disturbing images: Some bullying in and outside of school

Confessions of a Blabbermouth by writing team Mike & Louise Carey Illustrated by Aaron Alexovich



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Publisher: Minx
Publication Date: 2007
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel
Reviewer Source: Library


Synopsis of book from Amazon:
If blabbing were an Olympic event, Tasha Flanigan would blab for her country. When Tasha's mom brings home a creepy boyfriend and his deadpan daughter, this dysfunctional family is headed for a complete mental meltdown. It becomes not only a battle of the blogs, but a battle to the bitter end to get the school yearbook finished in one piece -- and keep a modern family out of prison -- compliments of Tasha's blabbermouth blog.

Personal thoughts on book:
I enjoyed reading this book. The dialogue is funny and realistic. You can relate to Tash's and Chloe's dilemmas in both the dialogue and illustrations. The illustrations are powerful and show the emotions a young person can feel.


Violence/Disturbing images: Bullying in school.

Welcome to YA Books Galore and why I started this blog

You may ask yourself why another YA book blog and I say why not!! As I have researched YA blogs, I have noticed how many of the book reviews give a play by play of the book. If you already know what is going to happen in the book, why would you even want to read the book?  I decided I want to write a blog that does not give away the whole story.
This blog is targeted for anyone who has an interest in YA books. I enjoy reading and I hope my reviews will help you in the selection of what to read next.