Sunday, March 22, 2009

review: what was I thinking?! by annie earley

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Occasionally I come across a book that makes me wonder how it ever got published. This is one of those books. For someone who has a master’s in education, Earley is a poor writer; it’s slightly horrifying to know she once taught America’s youth. In addition to the poor writing, Earley is incredibly superficial and judgmental throughout the book. She finds no flaws with herself as she lambasts every man she dates. With each scathing comment, she congratulates herself for not having let the man know what she really feels. The only redeeming quality to this book is its length. This book just may be the worst book ever.
0/5
Review copy provided by LibraryThing.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

review: sophomore switch by abby mcdonald

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This is a fun "beach-read." Two college students (one British, one American) do an atypical semester abroad. It's atypical in that the two do a swap requiring them to take each other's classes rather than stick with their own programs. I doubt that this would ever actually happen, but the girls have to be forced into each other’s classes in order for the plot to work. While the girls initially don't contact each other, they eventually find themselves in need of advice as well as contact with someone who understands the situation.

I found it a little jarring that the girls get in touch over instant messaging when there had previously been no mention of either girl using the program to contact family or friends. However, the instant messaging style of each girl is consistent with her character. I also felt that some of the language used was too sarcastic to be coming from the girls. The book is written in the first person, so I assumed each description came from the narrator. It seemed quite out of character for Emily to be making fun of her schedule (as the sarcastic tone of the language implied) before she decides to make an effort to relax more.
3/5
ARC review
Review copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewers.