Envy by Anna Godberesen

Envy by Anna Godberesen

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publish Date: January 2009
ISBN: 0061345725
Page #: 416pp
Reading Level: Young Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: The Luxe Series
The Luxe (2008)
Rumors (2008)
Envy (2009)

Subjects: Family, Friendship, High Society, Love, Manhattan, New York City, Romance, Sisters, Socialites

Annotation:

You haven't seen scandal and secrets until you've glimpsed Manhattan, early 1900's. The sisters, Elizabeth and Diana are back home, all appears good accept they are not as happy and carefree as it would appear. They are filled with tragedy, blackmail, secrets and lies that must never be revealed.

Summary:

The third book of the The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen continues the heart pounding events beginning just a couple of months after the disastrous conclusion Rumors left off. Both sister’s, Elizabeth and Diana, are back home and like usual, appear to have all their hearts desires. But things are not as they appear as Elizabeth Holland is still mourning her husband Will, whom was killed by police officers who were supposedly “protecting” her. She is now forced back into the life of parties, money and marriage. Though her marriage to Will was a secret it is fear that it might get out, for soon Elizabeth is carrying his child and she only has two choices to keep her and Will a secret. Meanwhile Penelope has captured Henry and blackmailed him to marry her. This has Diana pondering the reason why he would do so. She is determined to win him back, if she can escape the traps of Penelope. This story continues the drama and romance, and leaves you with a cliff hanger for the next book.

Megan says:

The third installment to The Luxe series was much needed and much appreciated. Envy continues the scandalous adventures of Penelope, Diana, Elizabeth, Carolina, Henry, and the rest of New York society. I find the entire series to be delightfully addicting. Teens who fancy historical fiction and Gossip Girl will love this!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★

The Luxe Official Website
The Luxe Characters, Elizabeth and Diana

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Smith

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Smith

Publisher: Quirk Publishing

Publish Date: March 2009

ISBN: 1594743347

Page #: 320pp

Reading Level: Adult

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Classic/Horror

Subjects: 19th Century, British, Cannibalism, Heartbreak, Plaque, Relationships, Romance, Sisters, War, Zombies

Annotation:

Seth Grahme-Smith has been noted for stating he once took a class in English literature. "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." And the story begins. . .

Summary:

The clever zombification of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice expands the beloved story of Elizabeth Bennett and the proud Mr. Darcy. The classic story prevails with sprinkles of crunching zombies, as there has been a mysterious plaque that has fallen upon the English village of Meryton. The ever so spirited Elizabeth is determined to stop the zombie mayhem but the arrival of Mr. Darcy provides a distraction for her. The equally hatred feeling between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy broils throughout the story and just as Elizabeth is about to kill Mr. Darcy, he surprises her. The complex relationships throughout the novel provide comedy, romance, and utter horror.

Megan says:

This is the most amazing book! Wow! I have been waiting to read this (for what feels like a century) and was over joyed when I found out they released it early, in which I ran to the bookstore to get my copy. I finished this novel in two days. Not only is Seth Grahame-Smith a GENIUS he also is HILARIOUS! I was never a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice but when I saw zombies attached to the title I was instantly sold. Seth brilliantly tweaks Jane Austen's written words, making the story much more entertaining, along with beautiful and again hilarious artwork. MUST READ for all!

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Movie
Zombie Austen author moves on to Abraham Lincoln, vampire hunter

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

By: Jeffrey Eugendes
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publish Date: February 2000
ISBN: 0446670251
Page #: 256pp
Reading Level: Adult
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Real Life/Drama

Subjects: Adolescence, Mystery, Religion, Sexuality, Sisters, Suburbia, Suicide

Annotation:

There is something different and intriguing about the Lisbon sisters; sequin journals, daisies and long flowing hair, crushes on boys, homecoming dances, and suicide. Ah, the beauty of being a teenager.

Summary:

Set in the cookie cutter, yet haunting suburbs of Michigan in the 1970’s, Jeffrey Eugenides The Virgin Suicides follows the Lisbon sisters as they lose one of their sisters to a suicide. The Lisbon family is headed by an out to lunch father and a religious and over-protective mother. The sisters turn to one another and begin living a bit of a fantasy world. They are prisoners in their own home. They have been taken out of school and begin viewing the world and the boys in the neighborhood as outsiders. Evocative and beautifully disturbing, The Virgin Suicides touches on issues of teen angst, isolation, blossoming sexuality and captures both an era and a time in adolescence.

Megan says:

This is Jeffrey Eugende's first novel and personally one of my FAVORITES! Though, not written for young adults, I believe they will enjoy this beautifully gruesome coming of age story dealing with adolescence curiosity into the lives of these five Lisbons sisters as it is brimming with the awkwardness and uncertainty of adolescence that rings very true.

Stars: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Virgin Suicides Trailer
IMDB: Virgin Suicides