Reviewing... [27] Boys For Beginners

Messing with quotes (in bold) because they were too good:
“...you’re... you’re the gingerest person in the world!” (pg 193)
That wouldn't hurt, he knows he is... Wait, no he's not! I am.
Yes, I'm proud of it...
Kimba's response (pg. 101) “Does lack of dress sense count as a disability?” I can tell that’s Kimba being mean.
It doesn't hurt... "It's not dress sense! I didn't dress up as a ginger, I was born like it. Your hair colour however? That was out of a bottle." BURN.

Reviewing... [27] Source: Library. Author: Lil' Chase Recommended for: Girls who aren't proper girly (but probably younger YA/pre-teen)

Once again, Lil' Chase has written a humorous book with a serious side. The serious side wasn't as big but it was there alright allowing Boys For Beginners to become one of those worthy, quotable contemporaries (as you can see above).

I may not have been as interested in the idea of emphasis being put on a football fanatic who is friends with tons of boys, and girls...? To her, they're crazy. Yes, her. I didn't know if I'd like the fact she was so obviously not girly yet but would be transform into much more of a "GIRL". 

It was done well, and she was told she was "acting like a muppet" (pg 123). Her response?

“I’m just acting like your precious girlfriend Jenny Gregson. You don’t say this stuff to her.”

“Because you’re different to her.”

Hallelujah! Yes, we're not all popular mean girls who need make-up like others need water. Some of us are girly (I might even confess to this on some days- not today, I'm wearing no make-up now) & perhaps sort of popular. What type of more girly girl will Gwynnie learn to be? Can we trust her to stop playing with footballs?... Is she being someone she's not?

That's the moral of the story & it's not being preached at all. This is a light-hearted tale & I hate to say it but it won't appeal to everyone. Luckily it appealed to me just like others by this author but it won't speak to everyone & I cannot guarantee it's the easiest to cotton on to. It's either understandable or it really seems like a load of gibberish. What will it be for you readers?

I'm asking you something! *raises eyebrows* Read it?

I couldn't really hate Gwynnie, she's one of those main character's who wasn't made to be likeable. It's quite thought-provoking thinking about other characters & their flaws in comparison. Are we seeing too many Mary-Sue's? If you think you are, and they are one of your pet peeves (like they are mine) then read this. You will pleasantly be surprised to see that there are girls who can make such a ton of effort and yet still doesn't have tons of boys falling at her feet over anything other than her football skills. She definitely has them & Gywnnie may not be the quiet, bookish type but she somehow manages to be A-MAZING!

Both 'Boys For Beginners' and the characters are real. Start to finish I was captivated so once again, I recommend this. If nothing else at least borrow it from the library so if you don't like it... Well, you know!

I think any of Lil' Chase's novels are worth the read, I'll be looking out for more. Will you?

Amy Bookworm (@Amy_Bookworm) rated Boys For Beginners

Other novels by Lil' Chase:
Secrets, Lies & Locker 62 (my review)
Coming 2014 - THE BOYS’ SCHOOL GIRLS (Books 1 & 2)

Reviewing... [25] Secrets, Lies & Locker 62

What would be your response if I said my locker was number 62?... Well, not the only one. There's like 5 Locker 62's at our school probably... They have letters before them, that ruins it a bit.
The reason I'm telling you is because I'm thinking how awesome it'd be if I'd found it in my locker. So maybe oprene of the other "Locker 62's" would like me to hack their locker & put this in. But probably not... And I like this book too much. ((I'm going to just call this book 'Locker 62' in this review)).

Reviewing... [25] Author: Lil' Chase  Source: Bought.Recommended for: YA contemporary fans (:

This book is just so much more than other "school stories". It's not even set in a boarding school, but this book is sensational. Or should be in more than one way. There's just the teeny weeny matter that it only has less than 50 ratings (Goodreads). It's on a few piles to be read... And if you ask me it should be one of the top ones.
Why? Technically I should've started Boys For Beginners first... However, this one sounded more serious, interesting & more what I was in the mood for. So I ignored, and am still not paying much attention to, the due date for Boys For Beginners, and proceeded to shove this in my school bag.
It would not stay there. Far too addictive, Locker 62 is definitely in my Top 5 for the books I've read this year. This book isn't a light read but it is an easy read & is dotted with humour.
For example, a quote I loved:
"Oh, and let's make him a Sagittarius- they are so sexy!" ...Sure.

I found it so easy to get into Maya's head. She's not the most likeable and seems to attract mixed opinions from the other characters. If I was getting such mixed messages all the time & dealt with it all very well. She walked on the fence between "cool" and "uncool". I personally adored how it wasn't as clear as she thought. The lines started to blur and the figuration of her thoughts and promises to herself started to shift. I understand her difficulty at school and I understand the majority of the characters.
I think secrets & labels are siblings... There are the things which aren't your character, they are public & they can be devastating. Labels. Beyond your reputation but tied so effectively in are secrets. The scrawled words pouring out from the heart.

Some people want to get an upper hand...

Maya has so much power & I hadn't predicted it but she doesn't revel in this power at all. Very few know she has this power & she would rather not "sell secrets" in anyway. She's definitely herionesque in that way...  It's all in her hands, or is it?
Although there is a lot of diversity in the book and to some point in the secrets if you read between the lines everybody relates to each other. I relate, it's so honest & to the point even though there is a lot of mystery. If you're into fast-paced books this is for you! The only critism really is the fact that it ended less polished. It was a good ending but it could've been less succinct.
It's definitely worth a read! So. Brilliant.

Amy Bookworm (@Amy_Bookworm) rated Secrets, Lies & Locker 62