Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire

Don't You Wish

Roxanne St. Claire
Genre: YA

Expected Publication: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0-385-74156-9

Description:

When plain and unpopular Annie Nutter gets zapped by one of her dad's whacked-out inventions, she lands in a parallel universe where her life becomes picture-perfect. Now she's Ayla Monroe, daughter of the same mother but a different father—and she's the gorgeous, rich queen bee of her high school.  

In this universe, Ayla lives in glitzy Miami instead of dreary Pittsburgh and has beaucoup bucks, courtesy of her billionaire—if usually absent—father. Her friends hit the clubs, party backstage at concerts, and take risks that are exhilirating . . . and illegal. Here she's got a date to lose her V-card with the hottest guy she's ever seen.

But on the inside, Ayla is still Annie.

So when she's offered the chance to leave the dream life and head home to Pittsburgh, will she take it?

The choice isn't as simple as you think.

Review:

Rating:

“Don't You Wish” took me back to high-school and reminded me why I hated school in the first place. Annie, a socially awkward self proclaimed "invisible” would like nothing more than to be popular. But, with a hoarder for a dad, an annoying younger brother and a mom at the end of her rope, Annie's life is less than exciting. But when an accident knocks Annie into an alternate universe she discovers that it's not always greener on the other side.

Annie reminds me of a lot of young girls, and I hope by reading this story they will see that being popular isn’t the most important thing in life. With popularity often come fake friends, endless drama, and constant feelings of self doubt. I feel this book was an ok read but definitely for the young adult crowd. Honestly I don’t think anyone over the age of 20 would enjoy this book. I’m 22 and it was rather difficult to get through the book without becoming frustrated with the main characters and their melodrama. 

*The Book Blogging Beauties received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley & Random House. All opinions are that of the reviewer. We are dedicated to providing our HONEST opinion about books etc. We were not compensated for this review.

Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto by Gianni Rodari

Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto

Gianni Rodari

Published: December 6, 2011

Publisher: Melville House

ISBN:1935554611

Description:

A modern fable for children and adults: a story of one man's quest for eternal life and how finds it in the most extraordinary of ways—in the grand tradition of Saint-Exúpery's The Little Prince.

When we first meet 93-year-old millionaire Baron Lamberto, he has been diagnosed with 24 life-threatening ailments—one for each of the 24 banks he owns! But when he takes the advice of an Egyptian mystic and hires servants to chant his name over and over again, he seems to not only get better, but younger.

Except then a terrorist group lays siege to his island villa, his team of bank managers has to be bussed in to help with the ransom negotiations, and a media spectacle breaks out . . .

A hilarious and strangely moving tale that seems ripped from the headlines—although actually written during the time the Red Brigades were terrorizing Italy—Gianni Rodari’s Lamberto, Lamberto, Lambertohas become one of Italy’s most beloved fables. Never before translated into English, it’s a reminder, as Rodari writes, that “there are things that only happen in fairytales.”

Review:

Rating:

Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto by Gianni Rodari is an Italian children’s fable first published in 1978. At the beginning of the book we are introduced to Lamberto, a 93 year old Millionaire with over 24 life threatening ailments, and his loyal butler Mr. Anselmo. I enjoyed the connection these two characters had. You could tell from reading that Lamberto is a bit eccentric and that Anselmo is more straight lace and in a sense keeps Lambertoon his toes. 

As we go further into our reading we learn that after meeting with an Egyptian mystic Lamberto hires servants to recite his name nonstop, as he was told this would cure his illnesses. At first this work seems to be in vain, but as the story progresses we see Lamberto actually recovering from his illnesses. And before long Lamberto is up and moving as if he were never ill. Everything seems to be going well for Lamberto until his greedy nephew arrives and seems to bring a slew of trouble to his ailing uncle. 

I have to admit I enjoyed reading this story. It was hilarious and at times you find yourself actually identifying with Mr. Lamberto. If only having our names recited nonstop could cure illnesses, I believe every human being would hire over a hundred workers to say their name. Even though I loved Lamberto, my favorite character in this book has to be Mr. Anselmo. I love that he is so loyal to Mr. Lamberto and that he has his best interest in mind. We should all be so lucky to find a friend like Mr. Anselmo. Overall, this book was a joy to read and if you ever have time to sit back and enjoy a good read, I would definitely recommend this book.

*The Book Blogging Beauties received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley & Melville House. All opinions are that of the reviewer. We are dedicated to providing our HONEST opinion about books etc. We were not compensated for this review.