Julie Halpern

A great book. Really. Funny, thoughful, realistic. I felt so many of the same things at the beginning of high school. And even later in life. As someone who is getting ready to marry a so-called nerd (at least he would say he was back in high school), I identify with Jessie on all counts.
Plus, the writer went to my college, shares my profession, and her main character reads some of my favorite contemporary YA lit. What more could you ask for?

I really loved "Into the wild nerd yonder" so I read this book by the same author. Don't Stop Now is a cute, fun story but there isn't a lot of plot. It would have been better if the kidnapping story had been more developed or left off altogether. Its a good read for when you want something upbeat and quick.

Solid 3.5. I do love books with bucket lists. There was a lot going on in this book. I would've been interested in Alex creating her own list. Would've given more insight to her character, maybe make her seem less cold-hearted.


Sidenote: completely forgot this was the author who went off on a reviewer even though the review wasn't that bad. I suppose it's good I forgot or I wouldn't have read the book.

This book is written from the point of girl who gets put in a mental hospital by her parents to help with her depression. The author does a great job to get a serious note across to the readers, yet have a good time with the book by having bits of comedy throughout. This might be great for students to read because maybe some can relate to Anna in the story, although they might not literally be in a "loony bin."