AS: OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy and Freebie!

"What Jewish girl goes to a Christian camp?"

My rank: 8/10

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Publication: 05.11.2011

ISBN: 978-0-8027-2177-8

Page Count: 256 Pages

Age Range: Young Adult

Source: Publisher

The Freebie:

An ARC of OyMG, signed bookplate (attached to the ARC) and bookmarks OR a magnetic poetry of OyMG and bookmarks are available for grabs! Continue reading and you'll find out how to get it! Fill out this FORM!

Ellie Taylor loves to argue. She loves her debate team and was thrilled when she had her chance to go Christian Society Speech and Performing Arts Camp (CSSPA; one of the best summer camps for incoming freshmen to compete on speech and debate teams). There is one chance to fulfill her dreams, and that's by winning the CSSPA scholarship to go to Benedict's.

Zeydeh ("grandfather" in Jewish) lives and breathes Jewish. To Ellie's Zeydeh, it's not just a religion. So when Ellie tells the family she's going for the scholarship, of course Zeydeh protests. But since this is for Ellie's dream, he has to support it whether he like it or not.

Then Ellie met Devon. Devon Yeats--the grandson of Doris Yeats (the one who sponsors the scholarship for Benedict's) and had a sizzle even before Ellie knows his last name. Ellie has to prove herself worthy for the scholarship--but apparently Doris Yeats isn't fond of Jews. Hence, Ellie put "Christian" as her religion.

How will Ellie deal with Zeydeh, Doris Yeats and Devon?

The story is fresh and original. When I first heard about this book, I had my doubts (Religion, after all, is kind of a touchy topic no matter who you are). But I was hooked to read it from the very first page. Dominy's voice kept me going. Quick and witty at times, with a spark of drama that we deal with everyday (even if we don't realize it or not).

Author Spotlight:

1. Ever since you were younger, did you always want to be a
writer? How old were you when you started writing?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing something. But
the first time I thought about it seriously was when my dad
suggested I submit a story I’d written to American Girl Magazine.
I sent it in when I was thirteen years old—and American Girl
Magazine sent me my first rejection letter. (I still have it!)

2. What inspired you to write OyMG!?
I think most of us grow up feeling different in one way or
another. For me, I was one of the only Jewish kids in my school.
I was proud of my faith, but at times (especially Christmas!) it
was just plain hard. I wanted to be like everyone else.
Then something happened to me when I was Ellie’s age. I
got fired from a babysitting job when the family found out I was
Jewish. Of course that’s stayed with me over the years. It’s hard
to understand hate like that—at any age. The question is how
do we handle it? How far will we go to conform and fit in? What
part of ourselves are we willing to hide? From that question, Ellie
Taylor and OyMG came to life.

3. Does religion matter? How much?
Religion has been an important part of my life and it’s definitely
helped define who I am. But I think religion is only as good as
the people who practice it. For me, it’s more important to focus
on being a good person, on trying to accept and understand
people and repair the world in any way possible. It doesn’t
require religion to do those things.

4. What do you want to convey when you wrote OyMG!?
It’s really a story about a girl trying to figure out who she is and
learning to accept herself, differences and all. I hope teens who
read the book will realize that our differences are what make us
special—that it’s okay to speak up and speak out. And hopefully,
to be more aware of how they might judge others.

5. I love speech team! Was this something you did back when
you were in high school, or did you need to research for this
specific novel? Please tell me your experience with speech!
I can understand why you love speech team! I only participated
in one tournament in high school—but it was a dramatic event
because theater was my first love. So when I started this book,
I contacted a speech coach at a local high school and followed his
team to a tournament. After that, I was hooked! Impromptu and
oratory were two of the events I watched the most—and maybe
that’s why I featured them in the story. (And now I’m kicking
myself that I didn’t do speech in high school—so much fun!)

6. I checked your website and know that your second book is on
the way! Would you be willing to give some info about this??? :D
Thanks for asking—I’m so excited for this one! Audition and
Subtraction will be out fall 2012, again from Walker & Company.
It’s about fourteen-year-old Tatum who could lose her spot
in District Honor Band—and her best friend—when a new guy
transfers to her school. Friendships shift and romance sparks in
unexpected places.

7. What do we need to do in order to get the freebie?
An OyMG magnetic poetry is up for grabs. Just leave a
comment…and if you can include a Yiddish word you’ll get a
double entry!

P.S: Don't forget to fill this form!

8. Thank you very much for your time! Is there anything else you
would like to say to OyMG! readers?
Just that I hope you like the book! If you have any thoughts or
comments, I’d love to hear from you at amy@amydominy.com

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love

"Them. I can't name Them. Not out loud."

-Maggie Stiefvater's The Hounds of Ulster

My Rating: 8/10

Publisher: Running Press Teen
Publication: August 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7624-3949-2
Page Count: 416 pages
Age Range: Young Adult

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love is a compilation of 13 short stories from Sarah Rees Brennan, Becca Fitzpatrick, Caitlin Kittredge, Karen Mahoney, Daniel Marks, Justine Musk, Diana Peterfreund, Michelle Rowen, Carrie Ryan, Maggie Stiefvater, Rachel Vincent, Daniel Waters and Michelle Zink.

The Assassin's Apprentice by Michelle Zink
The first story was one of my favorite stories from the whole book. It's about a girl named Rose who lost her whole family because of a devil named Bael--the devil murdered them all. Rose wanted revenge and that's when Asher came by to assist her.

Simple and sweet, I would love to read a whole book about this story. 10/10 <3 style="font-style: italic;">

Errant by Diana Peterfreund
This story is about Elise, a royal princess who will soon marry. There is a unicorn hunt that's necessary for her since her parents are long gone. Gitta, a unicorn hunter, met Elise because Gitta is paid to hunt for Elise. Gitta helps Elise discover that Elise doesn't need to be controlled by Elise's elite society and her to-be-husband (who's a cheater, by the way).

This story was okay...I like the meaning but not how the story was told. I just feel like some details weren't important, and some were missing. 6/10.

The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney
This is another one of my favorites! Moth is a vampire who's assigned to retrieve an Arabic book by her master. Adam, a Djinn (or, genie), also was after the same book. Adam needs it to put his dead girlfriend's soul to peace, after his girlfriend was killed by a psycho-magician. Together, Adam and Moth (after some arguments of who gets the book) fights Bilal (the magician) so that Moth can bring the book to Theo--Moth's master--after putting Adam's girlfriend's soul to peace.

The Spirit Jar was fast paced and lovely, and Moth's story was originally from The Eternal Kiss. 10/10 :D

Lost by Justine Musk
Lost is also one of my favorite story. Sasha was always good at finding things--she just can picture everything that needs to be found. Sasha thinks she never met Haiden, the mysterious guy who seemed to know her well and somehow Haiden teaches Sasha mystical things. Sasha was blindfolded and was told to find an X mark on the ground of the house she never stepped into before. Haiden was teaching Sasha to find lost souls. Sasha was special, and Haiden wants her to be by his side. Who was Haiden, and why did Haiden stopped her to eat the apple?

I think this story was very well written and sweet. I really don't want to spoil it for everyone, so I'll just say this is 10/10. :)

The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan
In the beginning, the story was very confusing--there's a lot of events in history that are mixed around (and that part is very interesting) and Brennan took Peter Pan into another level. Peter Pan is actually a spy for everyone who will pay, a thief and a kid. Ashley, whose ancestor was Wendy, was dragged along Peter Pan's adventure.

I love this story from the middle to the end, not from the beginning; good idea but in the beginning...it was just a bit random. 7/10

Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge
This is another one of my favorites! Kittregde wrote a ghost story--about a girl named Jo who's different and doesn't have a lot of friends. Her best friend, Ani, spends a lot of time making out with her girlfriend Deirdre and sometimes leaves Jo alone. There's a creepy house where everyone's told that there were millions of people died in the house, and Deirdre challenged Jo. Jo took the dare, and went in. There, she saw Nicholas who was very kind to her. Jo likes Nicholas--her like grows into need and what she thinks is love. Nicholas, though, was just using her. Nicholas isn't who he seemed to be, and Jo is in a big trouble.

This is one of the rare story that took a turn in a direction that I was not expecting. This happens very rarely, and for surprising me, I love this story. 10/10 XD

Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan
Hare Moon is a forbidden love story about Tabitha and Patrick; two individuals who lived in a different community (one gated and clean, the other forests and wildlife). Tabitha is the kind of girl no one would marry because there are better girls, but Patrick seemed to take an interest of her. Tabitha meets Patrick on the gate every day, praying Patrick will ask Tabitha to leave and explore the beautiful forests with him. But one day, Patrick stopped coming and Tabitha gave up wanting to marry, so Tabitha becomes a nun. Tabitha discovered a letter from Patrick (which Patrick used to tell Tabitha that he loves her) and wistfully yearn for him. Then one day Patrick came back, telling Tabitha that his family died from an unknown virus except him and his little brother. Patrick asks for medicine, and Tabitha took the risk to hide Patrick in the church. Tabitha betrays her community for love--and it will bring everyone misery...

I liked it very much and I'd love to read The Forest of Hands and Teeth (which was included--bits of it--in this short story). 8/10

Familiar by Michelle Rowen
This is another one of my favorites (maybe I have too many..but oh well!). Brenda's mom is a successful witch and wants Brenda to follow the tradition. Brenda doesn't really care...Brenda was told to pick a familiar--a pet which supposed to enhance witch's magic--and she picked Owen, a kitten that looked "half dead". Owen was a shifter--he wasn't supposed to be there. He was a guy, who needed his bracelet--which Brenda took--back to reclaim his place in his family. Even though they're not boss and familiar, there's a connection between them that wouldn't let each other get hurt, no matter how little Owen shows his care or how Brenda acts stupid.

This story was simple and focused, I enjoyed it very much! 10/10

Fearless by Rachel Vincent
Sabine is a mara, a girl who feeds when people dream of their fears. Sabine broke some rules and was sent to a similar place to a juvenile detention center. There's something wrong in that place--Sabine can sense it because the place is fearless. Something--something like Sabine--is sucking everyone's fear, making them abnormal (whereas a mara makes them think of the fears and make them normal). Nash, a bean sidhe (or banshee), Sabine's boyfriend helps Sabine to figure out what's happening and how to get Sabine out of trouble...

It was okay...7/10

Vermillion by Daniel Marks
Ghosts have missions--Velvet and Nick are assigned to team up with Amie to catch a soul that messes up with the living. Velvet and Nick are a couple, but Amie's trying to get in the way. There's something off about Amie, and Velvet wants to stop her without losing Nick. This story is about love, trust and whether someone can choose their paths well or not.

I love this story! 9/10

The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater
The story is about Bryant (not a real name of the main character) who lost a friend named Sullivan. Throughout the story, Bryant gives mystery about losing Sullivan. This story is more philosophical than any of the other story in the book. It defines true friendship and how one cope to losing it, being rebellious and wishful thoughts of wanting things to stay the same.

I like this story because it's more mysterious than the others--it's less romantic, less bloody or ghostly, and Stiefvater never mentioned what "they" are throughout the story, but when readers read this, I'm sure they'll want a follow up novel by Stiefvater. ;) 10/10

Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters
This is the last one of my favorites! The story is being told from Cal's perspective, who is the father of one of the girls that died. There was a car crash and Mandy (Cal's daughter) was in it. Before Mandy's trip, Mandy told Cal that Mandy thinks she's in love with Jake--her boyfriend. Then Mandy died. Every other teenager in the crash had seemed to wake up with a miracle. Some parents are happy that their children are safe and sound. Some, like Jake's parents, wants to leave the dead plain dead; it's strange to have your son die one day and alive but different another day. Jake's parents think he's a freak. Time passed and Mandy still hasn't woke up. The story is about Cal, waiting for his daughter to come home.

I love this story! Original and sweet! 10/10

Becca Fitzpatrick
In the ARC I received, Becca's story was TBA (to be announced) so...I didn't get to read it. :(

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

“Why is it so important that you're perceived as a bad boy, huh? Tell me."

My Rating: 10/10

Simone Elkeles has written one of the best book of star-crossed lovers story around. In Perfect Chemistry, it all begins in Chemistry class at Flatiron High.

At the beginning of their senior year, Brittany Ellis, the captain of the pom-pom squad is going to meet her boyfriend who hasn't been with her all summer. Her life is perfect, from the clothes, the matching boyfriend, the kind-of clique she belongs to and her amazing house.

Alejandro Fuentes, is the total opposite. He's in the Latino Blood gang, he's a player and doesn't want to admit that he has goals rather than be a gang-banger.

Lucky, Alex's friend, made a bet that Alex wouldn't be able to sleep with Brittany. Alex loves challenges and he doesn't go down on any bet.

The thing is, though, when Alex is with Brittany, he feels everything else differently than what he felt with other girls. Slowly but surely, they're both falling for each other.

That's when Alex has to choose between saving his family by being in Latino Blood (LB, the gang he's in) or, be with Brittany Ellis.

What I like about the book: Alex's ego and Simone Elkeles' writing style! (For some reason I like people with sarcasm and ego...they're interesting that way!!!)

What I dislike about the book: If there's anything I dislike?? Was that I didn't pay attention in my brief quarter of Spanish in 8th grade that could have made laugh even more while reading the book!!!!

Thank you Bloomsbury USA/Walker Young Readers!!!

Perfect Chemistry Official Website
Simone Elkeles' official website

AS: Emma Michaels' The Thirteenth Chime

Emma Michaels' The Thirteenth Chime is coming to stores Friday the 13th in August 2010!

Emma Michaels' Official Website
Emma Michaels' Blogspot

No one knew of its existence until it was removed from the attic upstairs.

In a beautiful house that overlooks the sea, an antique clock has the power to change the course of their lives.

The power the clock resonates will not only force Destiny and ex-boyfriend David on a journey into the depths of one man's mind long dead, but into the mind of a man filled with hatred and bent on revenge.

With the only clues to the nature of the clock having disappeared into the sea, Destiny and David must retrace the steps the man had taken into the darkness, before they fall prey to the trap he had set in motion over half a century ago.

Hatred never dies.

+ + +

1. What was the biggest obstacle writing The Thirteenth Chime?

A: Rejections. I think deep down, I was really afraid that I would never get published. I've always been told I'm a great writer by many people, but to actually be faced with knowing that a story I have given life to would be sent out into the world? It was a daunting experience, but I am so glad I stuck with it!

2. I've only read the summaries, but the one thing that really caught my attention was this antique clock. Do you have a special connection with something similar? If not, where did the “clock” idea came from?

A: I live on an island out in Washington State that occasionally loses power during bad storms. One night, I was at a neighbors and we lost the power. It was late in the evening when this happened and after we had retrieved a few candles and lit them, the storm was going full force outside. Then the grandfather clock in the house began to chime. It made me jump, it was so eerie the way the sound echoed through the house and made my heart beat faster. It was as if the clock came alive during the storm.

3. Where did the inspiration for writing The Thirteenth Chime come from?

A: Lots of places. Everything here in the area I live in is full of inspiration for me. I sometimes feel like every time I get up in the morning, a new book, filled with promises of a new story, opens before me. I just wish my hands could keep up with the way my mind races with ideas!

4. Did you always want to be a writer? If not, how did you change and become one?

A: I think I first realized I wanted to become a writer when I was reading a book and thought about the ending. I imagined what the book would be like if it continued - what would happen? Within no time, I was creating characters and giving them a life of their own, letting them weave a story as they came alive.

5. What is(are) your favorite book(s)?

A: Tamora Pierce's "In The Hand of the Goddess"

6. Did you listen to music while writing The Thirteenth Chime? Can I get a list of the playlist???

A: (I'll have to put together a playlist for everyone)

7. As a writer, I feel like putting personality to the characters and not putting myself as the character is a challenge. Who is the most difficult character to write in The Thirteenth Chime?

A: For me, I feel like most of my characters come alive in my writing. I really don't think I give them personality, so much as they develop their own personalities as they make their journey through the book, just like people in real life. I think when writers allow it to happen, they become like readers - they meet the characters for the first time and they never know what is going to happen next. Life is such a beautiful thing. It is filled with so many possibilities and interesting twists and turns that we can never truly expect!

Thank you so much for your interview and to everyone who reads it! I am so blessed to have so many people supporting me!

Heist Society by Ally Carter

"Why are you doing this, Hale?...You could do anything, why are you doing this?"

My Rating: 9/10

Heist Society appears to be the typical Ally Carter's novel; spies and everything else mysterious. This time in Heist Society, she's going for the professional thieves!

Katarina Bishop just wants to be normal and to achieve that, she walked out of The Life.

But since it runs in the family...she has to do this one; her father's in trouble.

All she had to do was steal 5 paintings...it's easy for her, really. She was used to doing it. But who really stole the paintings that her father was accused of?

All clues gives credit to Visily Romani. Thing is, this guy was a legend. A code name, an alias between the best of thieves. So how did the 5 antiques got stolen first place???

Katarina doesn't know the answer, no matter how many good connections she has. Also, her uncle, Eddie, wouldn't really help her in this.

Apparently, Uncle Eddie thinks that Visily Romani couldn't be brought down by a high school girl.

Katarina is confused, along with Hale (her friend/partner) and Gabrielle (her cousin). Katarina clearly doesn't know what to do. But she was sure of one thing; all things that are stolen, can be stolen back. ;)

What I like: The suspense and the puzzling events, I was really thinking hard here and there!!!

What I dislike: I didn't dislike anything!! XD YAY!

Ally Carter's Heist Society Page

Ally Carter is also the author of "I'd Tell You I Love You but then I'd have to Kill You." Check that series out too, it's awesome!

I finished this book yesterday!! (in 6 hours, cause I actually looked up all the word I didn't know..and tried to pronounce the German phrases that were there...LOL)

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

"Vitamins had ruined my life."

My Rating: 8/10

Kate Brown's only best friend, Anna turned pretty over the summer. Before, they were both unpopular and knew how to have fun with just the two of them. That was before.
After the summer that Anna escaped her unpopularity, Kate became the single wallflower who's pretty much clueless.

What's worse is that Kate's father who had a decent job to be able to support the family, had just quit the job. He just came to his office one day and everything on his desk cracked, except a bottle of Perfect You vitamins. Hence started the man's career to sell vitamins.

Seriously.

There's Will (who's not helping either) who always flirts with Kate. Kate's sure that she's just his latest conquest, though. The guy flirts with everyone and although Kate acts like she doesn't care, she actually fantasizes kissing Will.

Ha. So much for acting uninterested...

Best friend gone, helping vitamins-maniac dad and boy problem. Hmm...


Elizabeth Scott's description:

"Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and acts like Kate's invisible.

And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, who Kate pretends she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. And when Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him even though she knows she's just his latest conquest.

Kate figures the only way things will ever stop hurting is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen--but only if she lets them."

Elizabeth Scott's website and her book listings.