Review: "The Six Rules of Maybe" by Deb Caletti

Title: The Six Rules of Maybe

Author: Deb Caletti

Genre: YA Fiction

Synopsis: Scarlet spends most of her time worrying about other people. Some are her friends, others are practically strangers and the then there are the ones that no one else even notices. Trying to fix their lives comes naturally to her. And pushing her own needs to the side is part of the deal. So when her older sister comes home unexpectedly married and pregnant, Scarlet has a new person to worry about. But all her good intentions are shattered when the unthinkable happens: She falls for her sister's husband. For the first time in a long time, Scarlet's not fixing a problem she is at the center of one. And ignoring her feelings doesn't seem to be an option. . . .


Overall Review: GOOD NOT BAD BAD UGLY

As you can see I have added to my rating system. Sometimes it is hard to classify a book as GOOD when it was not as good as the book I had previously rated GOOD. The Six Rules of Maybe wasn't a bad book at all, it just wasn't one of my favorites. Especially by this author. Caletti's writing is very similar to that of Sarah Dessen and Elizabeth Scott. One of my favorite books is the The Nature of Jade by Caletti. Her writing is raw and resonates with teens today. In The Six Rules... the protagonist, Scarlet is the nice girl who never wants to hurt any one's feelings. She tries to take care of her friends, neighbors and family. The one person she doesn't take care of is: Scarlet. Until she falls for Hayden Renfrew, the cute boy living in her house. The only problem is that Hayden is married to Juliet, Scarlet's pregnant sister. (Any girl who has had a crush on a boy who was already taken, will feel Scarlet's pain. Especially, when we see how poorly Hayden is treated by Juliet.) For the first time, Scarlet is starting to think about herself and what she wants. As she and Hayden become better friends, Scarlet is convinced that Hayden deserves better than the selfish Juliet who is still chasing after a an old flame who no longer wants her. One night everything changes for Scarlet. She makes one of the biggest mistakes of her life, her sister takes off, her mom is late coming home and Hayden's beloved dog Zeus runs away. Scarlet realizes that trying to take care of everyone else and their problems is not her place. She also realizes that when you try so hard to be nice and not say what you really mean, you are lying. As Scarlet begins to take care of herself and speak the the truth, her eyes are opened to things about herself that she didn't know existed. She also opens up herself to a more appropriate boy to love. Fan's of Sarah Dessen will enjoy this book. I recommend it for older teens due to language and sexual content.

"Hex Hall" by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Hex Hall

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Synopsis: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father-an elusive European warlock-only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts to much human attention for a prom night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries shapeshifters. By the end of her first day, Sophie has angered three powerful witches who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag a long ghost and a roommate who is a vampire and the most hated person on campus. As a series for blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge. Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially, her.

Overall Review: GOOD BAD UGLY

This book was really good. I didn't have high expectations of it since I am always skeptical about stories about witches, but I was happy to be pleasantly surprised. Hawkins has created a creepy setting for Hex Hall. Although there isn't much that can be done with boarding school, the characters compliment the setting enough to keep the interest of the reader. Sophie, our protagonist, is hilarious, sarcastic, and someone to whom readers can relate. I love her. Probably because I feel like I can relate to her, in that I am always saying the wrong thing and getting into trouble. Her kindness towards her outcast roommate gives us full 360 view of her. Sophie is not just sarcastic and funny she is sensitive and caring. Ah, and the romance.....who loves the whole unrequited love thing??? ME! ME! ME! Archer, resident hottie and object of Sophie's (and every other girl's)affection. Of course, starts out being cruel to her, making her want him all the more. But then circumstances throw them into a setting where they get to know each other and the sparks fly. The budding romance is nipped by a terrible secret held by one them. Several mysteries unfold, like who is killing of the witches of the school? Sophie, being a witch herself is determined to find out the answer before she suffers the same fate. With one captivating twist after another, readers will be addicted to Sophie and her adventures. I recommend this book for more mature teens due to some content, and assure any adult lovers of YA fiction/fantasy that his should be on your reading list.