Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

5/5
I liked that the culture was exhibited throughout the book, and that each chapter was told from a new point of view.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

5/5
Sarah Dessen's Along for the Ride is about a girl who just graduated from high school. She moves to live with her dad and new stepmother for her summer to get a fresh perspective and break out of her routine. She uses night time as her time to go out and clear her mind of her family troubles. She meets a boy to endure her night time adventures with. He ends up helping her in many ways. The books goes through her struggles with family, friends, and herself. Sarah Dessen fans won't be disappointed! It is a fast read and easy to get lost in. I definitely recommend it.
-Kristen

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

5/5
My copy of Ella Enchanted has a peeling spine and dog-eared pages from all the times I've re-read it. You'd think that a retelling of such a popular fairytale would have gotten old after...oh, the 19th or so rereading. But Ella Enchanted told the Cinderella story in such an innovative way that I couldn't help but be drawn to the book again and again. Levine truly makes the characters come alive. I found myself rooting for Ella page after page as she struggled with Dame Olga and her daughters Hattie and Olive. Every character had a personality - even the usually faceless prince. The addition of creatures like ogres and elves just served to add to the magic of the story. If you enjoy a story with twists and turns, a story full of wonderful descriptions and witty repartee, then I heartily urge you to pick up a copy of Ella Enchanted today!

-Lucia