Between the Pages

   I have a very complicated opinion of Katharine McGee's American Royals series (which consists of two books: American Royals  & Majesty ). As a reviewer, I have to keep my opinions objective and spoiler-free; however, I don't always want to. I have some STRONG statements to make about these books' contents that cannot be expressed without spoiling large plot details. With this in mind, I am doing two posts for American Royals . One, being a spoiler-free review of the great aspects and issues of the books with a fairly detailed summary - just like normal. And two, the spoiler-filled rant on the frustrating parts / potential fixes / rave about relationships I loved.  Without further adieu, the review.     Welcome to episode #1 of the American Royals series on BTP: the review. I'm your host, Hallie. The audience for this "episode" are those that have and HAVE NOT read Katharine McGee's two Royals books .  SUMMARY    The United States ...

This one is really, really good.  SUMMARY After a tragic start to her high school career, Jill Newman is *finally* a senior. Walking into Gold Coast Prep, Jill's friend group since freshman year sits in the front row of each year's opening assembly. For the third year in a row since the death of Jill's dearest friend and most daring Player, Shaila Arnold is honored for her dazzling life before she was murdered by her boyfriend and former Player, Graham Calloway.  At this point, you should probably know what a 'Player' is. A Player is the name for a member of the most elite social group at Gold Coast Prep. Senior Players choose the fittest and coolest freshman candidates for Players every year in the fall. The freshman candidates must prove their worth by performing 'pops' - near impossible challenges issued by the seniors to freshmen. The Players are an elite and tight-knit friend group (which is why the murder of Shaila Arnnold still rings in the group'...

 BOOK CLUB ALERT.  BOOK CLUB ALERT.  BOOK CLUB ALERT.   As some of you may remember, last year and into this year we have been dealing with a pandemic (as if ANYONE could forget). Because of COVID-19, BTP's inaugural book club had to be through ZOOM. While the club was a lot of fun, I am more than thrilled that this year's club will be in person. Now that vaccine roll-out is in full swing and people are starting to feel more safe gathering in groups, the book club will be in person.  I am very pleased to announce that BTP will be sponsoring and running yet another book club this summer. The Well-Read Women (yes, that's the name) is a group of just over 35 women who love to read and talk about WHAT they read. Our first meeting will be in June. I am more than happy with the interest in this club. From freshmen in high school to teachers who have been teaching at my school for over twenty years, the Well-Read Women is an exciting group with a diverse taste in ...

OK cheesy, YA romance lovers - boy, have I got the book for you. Are you perhaps a dancer? Do you speak French? Do you love Paris? What about hot French guys? Yes to one or more of those questions? This one is for you. That's it. Now you can actually read the review.  Sorry - another thing - the book cover matched my smoothie. I was entirely too proud of that.  SUMMARY    Mia Jenrow knows exactly what she wants. Despite her mother's constant dismissal of her dreams, Mia wants to be, no scratch that, will be a professional ballerina. Accepting the chance of a lifetime to study under ballet-master Monsieur Dabrowski, Mia Jenrow is in Paris for the summer. Good things only come with hard work, and in Mia's case, it is very VERY hard work. Eat, sleep, dance, repeat - Mia's days become routine, but get harder and harder.     Soon, Mia meets (you guessed it) a devastatingly handsome and charming French guy that's....whaaaaat...her age! He drives a vespa and ...

Hello all! You know what time of year it is (finally). SUMMER! The prettiest weather, the best activities, the cutest outfits, and (I saved the best for last) the most time for reading. As you all know, summer is the time when BTP gets the most action. I read more, review more, post more, take pictures more, book club more, everything with books - MORE. I thought I would give you all a BTP summer update / plan so (1) you know what to expect, and (2) I can hold myself accountable for posting.  MORE FREQUENT POSTS I plan to post more often (significantly more often) now that school is out, and I don't have homework and you know, I don't have to drive an hour to school every day. Expect more reviews and fun content very soon (I made a spreadsheet with checkboxes and deadlines, so I mean business).  BOOK CLUB Be'Tween' the Pages is organizing another book club this year! If you go to my high school, please email me if you still wish to join. Everyone else, get ready for som...

     I'm back again with another Holly Jackson (LOVE) mystery! Good Girl, Bad Blood is an amazing novel. Often, sequels are worse than the original book; however, Holly Jackson's newest book is JUST as good as her original: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.       Pippa Fitz-Amobi is back suddenly jarred back into the crime-solving world when her friend's brother goes missing. She and her boyfriend, Ravi Singh (brother to the famously framed teenager, Sal Singh, whose name Pippa's discovery in Jackson's first novel cleared), start a podcast with the sole purpose of only having ONE season. One season to cover the Sal Singh. AGGGTM (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder: the podcast) is suddenly back for round two. Unhappy for the new mystery and much to her parents' disapproval, Pip takes the case. Follow Pippa through yet another mystery.      When I tell you that I LOVE Holly Jackson, I mean it. Her books are surprisingly relatable (mystery is not ...