A Few Mini Reviews

So I was sick for a couple days, and while I was in bed I read. Since I was taking some cold medicine and was in and out of sleep I really don't think that I can properly review these books, so I'm going with mini reviews.

Title: The Ex Games

Author: Jennifer Echols

Published: October 2009

Source: Bought 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Brace yourself for the battle of the exes...
Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized breakup. Now the two are "just friends," excluding the occasional flirtation.
When Hayden wins the girls' division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn't have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick's bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden's and the boys on Nick's, making for an all-out battle of the sexes.
This friendly competition is bound to get heated - and they might end up igniting some old flames. 

I'm not usually a fan of the Simon Romantic Comedies, but since Jennifer Echols wrote this I had to get it. I'm really happy that I did. It was a perfect read for being sick: didn't take much brainpower and just predictable enough. I really liked reading about Hayden and Nick's relationship and their snowboarding competition. I was sad when it ended, but it ended perfectly: 4.5/5 stars!

Title: When You Reach Me

Author: Rebecca Stead

Published: July 2009

Source: The Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:

I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.
The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

When You Reach Me was a lot different than I thought it would be. It was...wow. It was a really fast read, didn't take more than a couple hours, but it's stuck with me. It's just so...different. In this case, different is a good thing. In hindsight it wasn't really the best sick bed read, it actually required brain power, but that's okay because I really liked it. 4/5 stars!

Title: Snow

Author: Tracy Lynn

Published: October 2003

Source: The Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"ONCE UPON A TIME"IS TIMELESS
The Duchess Jessica's childhood began with a tragedy: her mother's death. Her father, heartbroken at the loss of his beloved wife, could not bear to raise the child. Largely ignored, Jessica spent the first eleven years of her life running free on the family estate, cared for only by the servants.
Then her father decides to remarry, bringing an end to Jessica's independence. At first her new stepmother just seems overly strict. But as Jessica grows into a beautiful young woman, it becomes clear that her stepmother is also wildly -- and murderously -- jealous of her.
Jessica escapes to London. Going by the name Snow to hide from her family, she falls in love with an odd band of outcasts who accept her into their makeshift family. But when her stepmother appears in the city, repentant and seeking her forgiveness, Jessica will have to decide whom to trust...with her life.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was always my least favorite of the Disney fairytales. I'm not really sure why. This book completely changed my perception of Snow White. It was beautifully written and the characters were multidimensional, and the story was just great, and not too predictable. This is definitely a book that I will read again and again. 5/5 stars!