Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

Title: Sing Me to Sleep
Author: Angela Morrison
Published: March 2010 by Razorbill

My Rating: 4.5 stars
Tags: YA | Romance
Includes: Brief Profanity

First Lines: Crap. There's a naked freshman chained to my locker. No. Not naked. Briefs. Not a good look, kid. Spindly white legs, wimpy chest, shaking arms. Black socks.

Beth has always been "The Beast". With her frizzy hair, thick glasses, awkward height, and acne scars, the only person that will be her friend is Scott. But when Beth becomes the soloist in her girls' choir, she receives the ultimate makeover - a total transformation. Suddenly she's beautiful. The choir takes a trip to Switzerland to compete in the Choral Olympics competition; and it's there that Beth meets Derek. Mysterious, handsome, and secretive Derek. They quickly fall in love but it's obvious that he's keeping a secret from her. He becomes distant at times and avoids her questions. Then when he finally opens up to her, he risks ruining their entire relationship.

This was such a sweet and emotional book. I loved Beth's honest character and watching her change throughout the story. Beth's cruel bullying at school felt so real, even if it was over-the-top; I could practically feel her pain.

From page 36
He shoves something cold and rubbery at me. A green witch mask with hairy warts and cracked lips lies at my feet. I run toward the girls' restroom - crash into a wall of people watching. Laughter. A hand grabs my butt. I rip the mask off, grab my glasses, and let it fall. Head down, arms wrapped around myself as if that will keep me from falling apart, I scuttle down the hall.

The author's writing style was so raw and original, I could visualize what was going on in the story so well. She transported me to another world. Angela Morrison was also spectacular at writing song lyrics. She includes them in each chapter, since Beth writes lyrics in her spare time. They were beautiful and portrayed what Beth was going through.

Oh man, the romance was just gushing out of this book. Beth is torn between choosing bestfriend Scott, who has stuck by her side through all the teasing and tormenting - he loves her for exactly who she is, ugly or beautiful. Or Derek: the heart-melting, tall, dark, and mysterious Canadian choir boy. I have to admit, I liked both guys. They each had separate personalities and special things that I liked about them. I didn't really have a preference for which one she chose in the end.

The end? Ahhhh such a tear-jerker. If you choose to read this book (which I highly recommend you do), come prepared with a box of tissues. I wasn't expecting those final chapters when Derek finally revealed his secret. Overall, this book was an emotional journey for Beth to find her true identity and her true love.

Book Supplied by: Publisher for review.

Cover Look-alike (1)

What I Wore To Save the World by Maryrose Wood
or
Taurus Eyes by Bonnie Hill?

Same exact model, but I like the first cover better. I like how they incorporated illustration with photography - and the effects are awesome. However, now that I'm aware that her hand is not really her own hand, I realize how awkward it looks on the cover. It's not even the same shade of her skin tone! But I still like the first cover more since it's colorful and fun.

Opinions, anyone?

On My Bookshelf (15)

(Originally by The Story Siren, as "In My Mailbox.") On My Bookshelf is used to share what books I bought, won, traded, received for review, or got from the library this week. It's to let you know what to expect for me to read/review next. (:

BOUGHT FROM BOOKSTORES:

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters: All over the country, a strange phenomenon is occurring. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. But when they come back to life, they are no longer the same. Feared and misunderstood, they are doing their best to blend into a society that doesn't want them. The administration at Oakvale High attempts to be more welcoming of the "differently biotic." But the students don't want to take classes or eat in the cafeteria next to someone who isn't breathing. And there are no laws that exist to protect the "living impaired" from the people who want them to disappear--for good. When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids, no one can believe it; not her best friend, Margi, and especially not her neighbor, Adam, the star of the football team. Adam has feelings for Phoebe that run much deeper than just friendship; he would do anything for her. But what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy?

On Writing by Stephen King: Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported near-fatal accident in 1999 -- and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it -- fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.

WON FROM CONTESTS:

The Dresskeeper by Mary Naylus: When 13-year-old Picky's Mum forces her to look after Gran, who has dementia, she is accidentally locked in Gran's dusty old attic. There she finds a chest full of old clothes, and tomboy Picky is forced to don what appears to be a ball-gown when the freezing night temperatures hit. As soon as the dress is pinned together, Picky is transported back to the year 1700, where a man who appears to know her as Amelia is trying to kill her. Managing to get the dress off just in time, Picky returns to the present with the dress covered in blood. Did the man kill the girl called Amelia? Will wearing the other dresses in the chest take her back in time too? And will she be in danger again should she try it?

Dream Life by Lauren Mechling: Claire Voyante's first semester at Henry Hudson High School was eventful, to say the least. As she heads into her second semester, things are calming down a bit. But Claire has a few secrets that are getting harder to keep. Her biggest secret of all? The onyx and ivory cameo necklace her grandmother gave her for her 15th birthday. Ever since she started wearing it, her dreams have been coming to her in black and white and turning out to be oddly prophetic. Becca’s been hanging out with her old prep school friends and never seems to have time for Claire anymore. And soon, Claire discovers why—there’s a secret group of society girls with a mysterious identity. And, turns out, a mysterious enemy who’s out to get them. The second she sniffs out trouble, Claire jumps on the case. But is it someone close to Claire who’s in danger again—or could it be Claire herself whose life is at stake?

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan: Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

RECEIVED FOR REVIEW:

Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien: In the Enclave, your scars set you apart, and the newly born will change the future. Sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone and her mother faithfully deliver their quota of three infants every month. But when Gaia’s mother is brutally taken away by the very people she serves, Gaia must question whether the Enclave deserves such loyalty. A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish.

Bad news...

Alright so I've had my site for almost a year now, and it's been so much fun. I've learned a lot and found out about so many books that I had never known before. But unfortunately, I think it's time to stop the site. :/ I've just been really busy lately and never have time to get on anymore. Blogging takes up so much free time and so I'm going to stop with Books Obsession. It's been a fun ride and I want to thank all of you who were dedicated followers and readers! Oh and one other thing..April Fool's. ;)