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THEBW #1
Magic 8 - Ein Sommer voller Wünsche
The crystal ball will give you answers about love and life... but at what price?
Smart and sexy-"smexy," as termed in the novel-Risa Green's fabulously original, warm, and funny teen debut follows a trio of best friends as they navigate love, lies, school, and family-with some unlikely supernatural help. Erin inherits a plastic crystal ball and a set of cryptic instructions from her free-spirited aunt. Erin and her two best friends laughingly give it a try and discover that this particular crystal ball has an uncanny knack for being accurate-but as with all magic, it comes with limits and a price.
Risa Green brings to vivid life friendships and romance-with the perfect supernatural twist.
Praise for Notes from the Underbelly:
"...uproariously tart..." -Entertainment Weekly
"Debut fiction that's a cut above the usual chick-lit fare."-Kirkus
349 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2010
7 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Risa Green
12 books61 followersYou would think that writing a bio would be an easy thing for a writer to do, but there’s not much that’s harder than trying to convey a sense of who you are in three lines or less. I’ve always admired those writers who are able to come up with hilarious little vignettes about their pets or their strange obsession with Cheetos, and yet, hard as I try, I just can’t find a way to make myself sound that off-beat and quirky. Because I suppose when it comes down to it, I’m not. At the same time, though, I hate those “official” bios that just list where I grew up and where I went to school, and where I live now, because really, what does that tell anyone about me? Nothing. So because I have the space for it, I’ll just tell my story, which, if you’re interested in knowing anything about me all, will probably fulfill all of your curiosity and then some.
I lived my entire life before college in the same house in a suburb of Philadelphia called Ambler. I loved to read, and whenever I found a book that really spoke to me I would read it over and over and over again, and somehow, I never got tired of it. Most of Judy Blume’s books fell into this category for me (particularly Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret), as did Bridge to Terabithia, a book called The Girl With the Silver Eyes, and my all time favorite YA book, The Westing Game. I was a good student, though better at English and writing than I was at math, and although I like to think of myself as athletic, the truth is that I am not particularly coordinated or fast, and I don’t have what my husband likes to call “heart” when it comes to sports. So after dabbling in field hockey and lacrosse in middle school (more because I thought the uniforms looked cool than because I was good at either of them, which I wasn’t), I became a cheerleader. It was very 1980’s. I also was president of my class for three years, which I enjoyed at the time but I now kind of regret, because twenty years later, it turns out that I am the one responsible for planning our class reunion, which is something I distinctly do not recall being told when I was seventeen.
Until I was ten, I used to spend every summer “down the shore” with my family in Atlantic City (I am dating myself here, but I still remember when the first casino in AC had it’s grand opening), and after that I went to sleep away camp, which, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am rabidly passionate about. When I got older, I had part-time jobs during the school year at Baskin-Robbins and at a Hallmark store, and I spent a lot of time hanging around in the parking lot of McDonald’s with my friends, because there wasn’t a whole lot else to do in Ambler. I couldn’t wait to get out of there, and I always imaged that I would go to college somewhere far away and experience a different part of the country, but I fell in love with the University of Pennsylvania, which was just forty minutes from my house. When I decided to go there, I made my parents swear that they would treat me like I was in California; no visiting, and I would only come home on official school breaks. Which lasted for about six months, until I discovered that it was actually quite convenient to go home and do my laundry, rather than wait all day for a dryer to open up in my dorm.
At Penn, I double-majored in English with a concentration on 20th century literature, and American Civilization, which is sort of like American History but from a social and cultural perspective. I always enjoyed writing and much preferred research papers to tests, but I never did take a creative writing course during college, probably because I never really imagined that I would ever become a writer. During my senior year at Penn, I met a guy from Los Angeles who eventually became my husband, and after I graduated I went to law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
I moved to Los Angeles and got marrie
I lived my entire life before college in the same house in a suburb of Philadelphia called Ambler. I loved to read, and whenever I found a book that really spoke to me I would read it over and over and over again, and somehow, I never got tired of it. Most of Judy Blume’s books fell into this category for me (particularly Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret), as did Bridge to Terabithia, a book called The Girl With the Silver Eyes, and my all time favorite YA book, The Westing Game. I was a good student, though better at English and writing than I was at math, and although I like to think of myself as athletic, the truth is that I am not particularly coordinated or fast, and I don’t have what my husband likes to call “heart” when it comes to sports. So after dabbling in field hockey and lacrosse in middle school (more because I thought the uniforms looked cool than because I was good at either of them, which I wasn’t), I became a cheerleader. It was very 1980’s. I also was president of my class for three years, which I enjoyed at the time but I now kind of regret, because twenty years later, it turns out that I am the one responsible for planning our class reunion, which is something I distinctly do not recall being told when I was seventeen.
Until I was ten, I used to spend every summer “down the shore” with my family in Atlantic City (I am dating myself here, but I still remember when the first casino in AC had it’s grand opening), and after that I went to sleep away camp, which, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am rabidly passionate about. When I got older, I had part-time jobs during the school year at Baskin-Robbins and at a Hallmark store, and I spent a lot of time hanging around in the parking lot of McDonald’s with my friends, because there wasn’t a whole lot else to do in Ambler. I couldn’t wait to get out of there, and I always imaged that I would go to college somewhere far away and experience a different part of the country, but I fell in love with the University of Pennsylvania, which was just forty minutes from my house. When I decided to go there, I made my parents swear that they would treat me like I was in California; no visiting, and I would only come home on official school breaks. Which lasted for about six months, until I discovered that it was actually quite convenient to go home and do my laundry, rather than wait all day for a dryer to open up in my dorm.
At Penn, I double-majored in English with a concentration on 20th century literature, and American Civilization, which is sort of like American History but from a social and cultural perspective. I always enjoyed writing and much preferred research papers to tests, but I never did take a creative writing course during college, probably because I never really imagined that I would ever become a writer. During my senior year at Penn, I met a guy from Los Angeles who eventually became my husband, and after I graduated I went to law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
I moved to Los Angeles and got marrie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 18, 2011
This is just as bubble-gummy as the cover alludes. It was cute, sweet, charming. Good for late middle school-early high-school girls. I enjoyed it, but felt it could have been much more than what it was. The story had more to it than I figured it would, but it just touched on some of the more deeper topics. It almost made them feel like they weren’t as important as say a BOY (gasp, would could have imagined that?!?!?).
Upon Erin Channing’s Aunt Kiki/Kooky’s death she receives a pink-crystal ball. She goes into it with skepticism and does not believe in it’s magic. It doesn’t take long for her and her friends to figure out it actually works… only her Aunt left her with a set of clues about the Ball. She feels confused and wonders what all this means. Why did her Aunt not talk to her a year and leave her with this powerful thing?!?! What do the list of clues mean?
Of course there is a Boy. Jesse. He has almost as big of a part as the actual Crystal Ball. He was likeable enough and he brought some fun in Erin’s ‘boring’ life. I think he was my favorite character in the book. He was exciting and smart, a good combo.
Erin also has 2 best friends, Lindsey and Samantha. One of which is obsessing over the wrong guy and the other is the target of a mean girl. You know what this means right??!? Yep, she’s using her crystal ball to “help” them. But, as the end draws near she learns there are consequences for using the ball with other people. It’s only hers.
“Absolute knowledge is not unlimited; let the planets be your guide to the number.
There are 16 ways to die, but 4 of them you’ll never see.
The future belongs to you alone. Other voices will be disappointed.
One rotation is as far as you can see. Only uncertainty lies beyond
You will know all when no more is known; then it is time to choose another.”
All in all, it was a decent, kind of obvious book. It’s short and sweet. It was better than I expected. Should you read it?!? I don’t know, it depends drastically on your taste, if you like girly, fluffy reads then yes.
Meka Leka High Meka Highney Hooo
Upon Erin Channing’s Aunt Kiki/Kooky’s death she receives a pink-crystal ball. She goes into it with skepticism and does not believe in it’s magic. It doesn’t take long for her and her friends to figure out it actually works… only her Aunt left her with a set of clues about the Ball. She feels confused and wonders what all this means. Why did her Aunt not talk to her a year and leave her with this powerful thing?!?! What do the list of clues mean?
Of course there is a Boy. Jesse. He has almost as big of a part as the actual Crystal Ball. He was likeable enough and he brought some fun in Erin’s ‘boring’ life. I think he was my favorite character in the book. He was exciting and smart, a good combo.
Erin also has 2 best friends, Lindsey and Samantha. One of which is obsessing over the wrong guy and the other is the target of a mean girl. You know what this means right??!? Yep, she’s using her crystal ball to “help” them. But, as the end draws near she learns there are consequences for using the ball with other people. It’s only hers.
“Absolute knowledge is not unlimited; let the planets be your guide to the number.
There are 16 ways to die, but 4 of them you’ll never see.
The future belongs to you alone. Other voices will be disappointed.
One rotation is as far as you can see. Only uncertainty lies beyond
You will know all when no more is known; then it is time to choose another.”
All in all, it was a decent, kind of obvious book. It’s short and sweet. It was better than I expected. Should you read it?!? I don’t know, it depends drastically on your taste, if you like girly, fluffy reads then yes.
Meka Leka High Meka Highney Hooo
May 12, 2021
“Warum kannst du nicht einfach akzeptieren, dass es auf dieser Welt Dinge gibt, die man nicht beweisen kann?”
3,5⭐️
Das Buch ist wirklich süß und magisch und amüsant. Die Mädels in der Story sind 16 und trotzdem fühlt es sich eher an, als würden sie zwischen 12 und 15 hin und her wechseln. Da ist schon noch ganz viel „junges Denken“ und Naivität dabei. Das macht es dann natürlich irgendwo wieder realitätsnah, im Gegensatz zu den sonstigen Teenagern, die sich in Büchern oft wie über 20 benehmen. Es passt total zur Geschichte, ist ab einem gewissen Alter vielleicht nur nicht mehr so lesenswert. Ich greife zu sowas Unbeschwertem aber hin und wieder gern mal und es konnte mich oft zum Lachen bringen. Außerdem mag ich die Originalität der Story und die Idee mit der Magic 8 Kugel, die tatsächlich die Zukunft voraussagt bzw. das erfüllt was man fragt 🔮
3,5⭐️
Das Buch ist wirklich süß und magisch und amüsant. Die Mädels in der Story sind 16 und trotzdem fühlt es sich eher an, als würden sie zwischen 12 und 15 hin und her wechseln. Da ist schon noch ganz viel „junges Denken“ und Naivität dabei. Das macht es dann natürlich irgendwo wieder realitätsnah, im Gegensatz zu den sonstigen Teenagern, die sich in Büchern oft wie über 20 benehmen. Es passt total zur Geschichte, ist ab einem gewissen Alter vielleicht nur nicht mehr so lesenswert. Ich greife zu sowas Unbeschwertem aber hin und wieder gern mal und es konnte mich oft zum Lachen bringen. Außerdem mag ich die Originalität der Story und die Idee mit der Magic 8 Kugel, die tatsächlich die Zukunft voraussagt bzw. das erfüllt was man fragt 🔮
November 7, 2010
Ever since I first heard about this book, I've been dying to read it because I love any book that involves a crystal ball, epically when it's pink. Luckily enough, The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball is one of the sweetest and most entertaining books I've read this year!
Erin Channing’s life has always been boring and normal, which is making it that much harder to write an easy for why she should be picked out everyone to go on her school's AP Art History Trip to Italy. Though, everything changes when her favorite aunt dies living her a pink crystal ball with a cryptic set of directions left for Erin to decipher for herself. At first Erin doesn't think anything of the pink crystal ball since her aunt has always been a bit eccentric to say the least, but when her friends urge her to use it, she does and surprisingly enough, it works! So what is one girl to do when she suddenly has the ability to ask for anything? Will it help her or screw everything up? And what about her old friend Jesse- is there more to him then meets the eye? Well, it seems like Erin is soon to find out!
Erin is a girl much like most teen girls today. She makes mistakes but learns from them. She's a great friend and will be there in an instant if needed. She's funny, sweet, and honest. And as I'm sure you can image, I loved reading about her. Especially when the scenes also included her funny friends Lindsay and Samantha or the swoon-worthy Jesse, who while always seemed like to be a bit stereotypical, still managed to grab my heart by the end.
The plot of this was sweet and fast-paced, and while it never went really deep, it made for a great weekend read, because of it's enchanting plot lines dealing with the pink crystal ball to the mystery around Erin's aunt's death to Erin and Jesse's romance. Besides the fact that this book could be a pit predictable at times, I truly didn't dislike anything about it.
Risa's writing was also decent, and she never failed to make herself sound like a true teen through Erin's voice. It's a given to say, in my opinion, that she'll definitely be given a warm welcome into romance-y/fun teen-lit crowd.
In all, The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball is a sparkly and fun read about the mysteries and surprises that come with a pink crystal ball.
Grade: B+
Erin Channing’s life has always been boring and normal, which is making it that much harder to write an easy for why she should be picked out everyone to go on her school's AP Art History Trip to Italy. Though, everything changes when her favorite aunt dies living her a pink crystal ball with a cryptic set of directions left for Erin to decipher for herself. At first Erin doesn't think anything of the pink crystal ball since her aunt has always been a bit eccentric to say the least, but when her friends urge her to use it, she does and surprisingly enough, it works! So what is one girl to do when she suddenly has the ability to ask for anything? Will it help her or screw everything up? And what about her old friend Jesse- is there more to him then meets the eye? Well, it seems like Erin is soon to find out!
Erin is a girl much like most teen girls today. She makes mistakes but learns from them. She's a great friend and will be there in an instant if needed. She's funny, sweet, and honest. And as I'm sure you can image, I loved reading about her. Especially when the scenes also included her funny friends Lindsay and Samantha or the swoon-worthy Jesse, who while always seemed like to be a bit stereotypical, still managed to grab my heart by the end.
The plot of this was sweet and fast-paced, and while it never went really deep, it made for a great weekend read, because of it's enchanting plot lines dealing with the pink crystal ball to the mystery around Erin's aunt's death to Erin and Jesse's romance. Besides the fact that this book could be a pit predictable at times, I truly didn't dislike anything about it.
Risa's writing was also decent, and she never failed to make herself sound like a true teen through Erin's voice. It's a given to say, in my opinion, that she'll definitely be given a warm welcome into romance-y/fun teen-lit crowd.
In all, The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball is a sparkly and fun read about the mysteries and surprises that come with a pink crystal ball.
Grade: B+
April 28, 2013
Een link naar de volledige recensie: http://www.fantasywereld.nl/recensies...
THEBW, of Toen Het Echt Bizar Werd, vertelt het verhaal van de zestienjarige Erin. Ze is een doodnormaal meisje dat eigenlijk nauwelijks wat meemaakt, totdat haar tante Kiki overlijdt en ze een roze kristallen bol van haar erft. In eerste instantie doen Erin en haar twee vriendinnen Lindsay en Samantha een beetje lacherig over die bol – hij lijkt immers regelrecht uit de speelgoedwinkel te komen – maar het duurt niet lang voor de eerste vreemde dingen gebeuren. Erin kan haar ogen niet geloven als ze merkt dat de kristallen bol echt wensen in vervulling laat gaan. Maar algauw is ze over de eerste verbazing heen en grijpt ze de kans om haar leven een stuk interessanter te maken. Zo zou ze best wat grotere borsten willen hebben en zou het ook wel handig zijn als de bol ervoor zorgt dat ze mee mag op een schooltrip naar Italië. O, en een keertje uitgaan met hunk Jesse zou natuurlijk ook niet verkeerd zijn…
Er blijkt echter ook een keerzijde aan de bol te zitten. Niet alles loopt zoals Erin gehoopt had en sommige dingen pakken zelfs wel heel slecht uit. Wat is er mis met de bol? Of zouden die vreemde, mysterieuze regeltjes van tante Kiki er iets mee te maken hebben? Eén ding is in elk geval zeker: Erin en haar vriendinnen moeten zo snel mogelijk leren de roze kristallen bol te begrijpen, want anders dreigen hun levens in één grote puinhoop te veranderen!
Origineel en grappig
Met de komst van de roze kristallen bol wordt Erins leven compleet op zijn kop gezet, wat het grootste gedeelte van het boek zorgt voor een glimlach op je gezicht. Het verhaal zelf is soms een tikkeltje voorspelbaar, maar vooral ook erg origineel doordat de kristallen bol, die we tot nu toe vooral kenden van waarzeggers en helderzienden, terecht komt bij drie tienermeiden die er maar al te graag gebruik van maken. Zo wordt er een compleet andere draai aan dit bekende onderwerp gegeven en Risa Green weet dit om te zetten naar een echt feelgood-verhaal, dat op een hilarische wijze vertelt hoe Erins leven van saai naar ongelooflijk bizar verandert.
Meer lezen? Klik dan op bovenstaande link.
THEBW, of Toen Het Echt Bizar Werd, vertelt het verhaal van de zestienjarige Erin. Ze is een doodnormaal meisje dat eigenlijk nauwelijks wat meemaakt, totdat haar tante Kiki overlijdt en ze een roze kristallen bol van haar erft. In eerste instantie doen Erin en haar twee vriendinnen Lindsay en Samantha een beetje lacherig over die bol – hij lijkt immers regelrecht uit de speelgoedwinkel te komen – maar het duurt niet lang voor de eerste vreemde dingen gebeuren. Erin kan haar ogen niet geloven als ze merkt dat de kristallen bol echt wensen in vervulling laat gaan. Maar algauw is ze over de eerste verbazing heen en grijpt ze de kans om haar leven een stuk interessanter te maken. Zo zou ze best wat grotere borsten willen hebben en zou het ook wel handig zijn als de bol ervoor zorgt dat ze mee mag op een schooltrip naar Italië. O, en een keertje uitgaan met hunk Jesse zou natuurlijk ook niet verkeerd zijn…
Er blijkt echter ook een keerzijde aan de bol te zitten. Niet alles loopt zoals Erin gehoopt had en sommige dingen pakken zelfs wel heel slecht uit. Wat is er mis met de bol? Of zouden die vreemde, mysterieuze regeltjes van tante Kiki er iets mee te maken hebben? Eén ding is in elk geval zeker: Erin en haar vriendinnen moeten zo snel mogelijk leren de roze kristallen bol te begrijpen, want anders dreigen hun levens in één grote puinhoop te veranderen!
Origineel en grappig
Met de komst van de roze kristallen bol wordt Erins leven compleet op zijn kop gezet, wat het grootste gedeelte van het boek zorgt voor een glimlach op je gezicht. Het verhaal zelf is soms een tikkeltje voorspelbaar, maar vooral ook erg origineel doordat de kristallen bol, die we tot nu toe vooral kenden van waarzeggers en helderzienden, terecht komt bij drie tienermeiden die er maar al te graag gebruik van maken. Zo wordt er een compleet andere draai aan dit bekende onderwerp gegeven en Risa Green weet dit om te zetten naar een echt feelgood-verhaal, dat op een hilarische wijze vertelt hoe Erins leven van saai naar ongelooflijk bizar verandert.
Meer lezen? Klik dan op bovenstaande link.
November 11, 2011
The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.
In a world where nothing is certain, a little magic couldn't hurt...right?
When Erin Channing's favorite aunt dies, Erin is bequeathed a pink crystal ball and a set of weird instructions. Granted, Aunt Kiki (aka Aunt Kooky) always lived "outside the box." But now Erin and her two best friends are convinced that the pink crystal ball holds the key to their future-or at least the key to getting dates...
Consider Your Fate to Be Sealed . . . Absolute knowledge is not unlimited; let the planets be your guide to the number. There are sixteen ways to die, but four of them you will never see. The future belongs to you alone. Other voices will be disappointed.One rotation is as far as you can see. Only uncertainty lies beyond. (Synopsis provided by goodreads)
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, lighthearted and cute. I thought that Erin was a very believable character and her struggles felt genuine. Her friends were also likable, Samantha was a little irritating at times but still she was a fun character.
I liked the relationship between Jesse and Erin, it developed slowly and the issues that they faced were issues that could have been any high school love.
Lindsay, was a typical high school girl who has a problem with being bullied and she makes a mess of things but is able to see the error of her ways.
All of the characters were real and true characters they were fun and an over all delight to escape with. The way the book ended left it open to a sequel and I really hope Green writes one for it.
If you are looking for a fun fast lighthearted read give this a try.
* Reading level: Ages 13 and up
* Paperback: 320 pages
* Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire; 1 edition (September 1, 2010)
* ISBN-10: 1402241062
* Author: Risa Green
* Cover Art: Cute.
* Overall rating: **** out of 5 stars
* Obtained: My personal book shelf.
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.
In a world where nothing is certain, a little magic couldn't hurt...right?
When Erin Channing's favorite aunt dies, Erin is bequeathed a pink crystal ball and a set of weird instructions. Granted, Aunt Kiki (aka Aunt Kooky) always lived "outside the box." But now Erin and her two best friends are convinced that the pink crystal ball holds the key to their future-or at least the key to getting dates...
Consider Your Fate to Be Sealed . . . Absolute knowledge is not unlimited; let the planets be your guide to the number. There are sixteen ways to die, but four of them you will never see. The future belongs to you alone. Other voices will be disappointed.One rotation is as far as you can see. Only uncertainty lies beyond. (Synopsis provided by goodreads)
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, lighthearted and cute. I thought that Erin was a very believable character and her struggles felt genuine. Her friends were also likable, Samantha was a little irritating at times but still she was a fun character.
I liked the relationship between Jesse and Erin, it developed slowly and the issues that they faced were issues that could have been any high school love.
Lindsay, was a typical high school girl who has a problem with being bullied and she makes a mess of things but is able to see the error of her ways.
All of the characters were real and true characters they were fun and an over all delight to escape with. The way the book ended left it open to a sequel and I really hope Green writes one for it.
If you are looking for a fun fast lighthearted read give this a try.
* Reading level: Ages 13 and up
* Paperback: 320 pages
* Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire; 1 edition (September 1, 2010)
* ISBN-10: 1402241062
* Author: Risa Green
* Cover Art: Cute.
* Overall rating: **** out of 5 stars
* Obtained: My personal book shelf.
October 27, 2010
Erin's aunt dies mysteriously and leaves her an even more mysterious present. A pink crystal ball, with a cryptic set of instructions on how to use it. Erin is a very logic-based person, whereas her two best friends tend to be on the more faith side of things. When the ball manages to predict a few incidences though, Erin may just have to start believing in the power of the ball and what it can do for her and her friends.
This was a fun and enjoyable read about an interesting subject. Fortune telling or predicting the future usually seems more darkly foreboding in stories and this novel presented it in a serious but really fun way. I loved trying to figure out the clues alongside Erin and it was interesting when the answers were revealed. I really appreciated how this magic pink crystal ball worked. Plus I really loved Jesse, he is definitely the kind of guy I would go for. I do have to complain about the ending though. I can get over the fact that we will never find out what happened with the trip Erin wants to go on, I can handle that. I hated the how this book ended with one of the girls asking if she would be discovered by a Hollywood Director. It was ridiculous and just didn't seem to really go with the rest of the story. I mean yeah, they are teenage girls and have weird, aloof dreams, but really Hollywood? Maybe it's just me, but i didn't like that one bit. Also if that had to be the end, she definitely shouldn't have revealed the answer. She should have left it shrouded in mystery. Anyways, this was a really fun and quirky read and all the characters were outrageously outrageous in their own ways. If you have a chance, I would definitely try this book on for size.
First Line:
"Things About Me That Might, in Some Alternative Universe, Be Interesting Enough for the Committee of Tenth Grade Teachers to Pick Me for the AP Art History Trip to Italy"
Favorite Line:
"'You started one a long time ago, Soggy Bottoms.'"
This was a fun and enjoyable read about an interesting subject. Fortune telling or predicting the future usually seems more darkly foreboding in stories and this novel presented it in a serious but really fun way. I loved trying to figure out the clues alongside Erin and it was interesting when the answers were revealed. I really appreciated how this magic pink crystal ball worked. Plus I really loved Jesse, he is definitely the kind of guy I would go for. I do have to complain about the ending though. I can get over the fact that we will never find out what happened with the trip Erin wants to go on, I can handle that. I hated the how this book ended with one of the girls asking if she would be discovered by a Hollywood Director. It was ridiculous and just didn't seem to really go with the rest of the story. I mean yeah, they are teenage girls and have weird, aloof dreams, but really Hollywood? Maybe it's just me, but i didn't like that one bit. Also if that had to be the end, she definitely shouldn't have revealed the answer. She should have left it shrouded in mystery. Anyways, this was a really fun and quirky read and all the characters were outrageously outrageous in their own ways. If you have a chance, I would definitely try this book on for size.
First Line:
"Things About Me That Might, in Some Alternative Universe, Be Interesting Enough for the Committee of Tenth Grade Teachers to Pick Me for the AP Art History Trip to Italy"
Favorite Line:
"'You started one a long time ago, Soggy Bottoms.'"
October 8, 2010
The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball was adorable, adorable, adorable. It is a quintessential middle grade novel that deals with friends, nemeses, and cute boys that never really ventures down from the surface level. As a side plot Erin deals with her favorite aunt’s death and what she left behind: A group of friends that Erin is slightly afraid of and a disorientated sister who wants her sister’s ashes. But the most important of all is the pink crystal ball that may have the ability to alter the future.
Erin calls herself boring, but the magic ball will definitely spice up her life especially when she’s partnered with Jesse in her AP Art project. Erin is definitely the voice of reason in the story, but I feel like she’s trying to grasp those last few strings that tie her friends together by going along with their plan. As the reader we obviously know that nothing good will come out of the ball so all I think of when reading the novel was “NO!—no, don’t listen to them! No don’t ask for that!” Sadly Erin does and the story starts to spiral as nothing goes right. But like any fun, flirty book Erin manages to pull her life together piece by piece. She starts to loosen up from the structured life that she’s so used to. She listens to advice, takes it, molds it and takes action. The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball was a progression of a girl living her life to the fullest.
The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball was a well-paced, simple book that will take readers’ less than a day to finish. It’s such a sweet little book because of the romance with Jesse. It wasn’t the high level of adrenaline and OMG, he’s soooo hawt and we must kiss and we’re so perfect for each other *sparkle, sparkle, glitter, fireworks*. This was a much simpler, hand holding that makes the day with a chaste kiss.
Erin calls herself boring, but the magic ball will definitely spice up her life especially when she’s partnered with Jesse in her AP Art project. Erin is definitely the voice of reason in the story, but I feel like she’s trying to grasp those last few strings that tie her friends together by going along with their plan. As the reader we obviously know that nothing good will come out of the ball so all I think of when reading the novel was “NO!—no, don’t listen to them! No don’t ask for that!” Sadly Erin does and the story starts to spiral as nothing goes right. But like any fun, flirty book Erin manages to pull her life together piece by piece. She starts to loosen up from the structured life that she’s so used to. She listens to advice, takes it, molds it and takes action. The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball was a progression of a girl living her life to the fullest.
The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball was a well-paced, simple book that will take readers’ less than a day to finish. It’s such a sweet little book because of the romance with Jesse. It wasn’t the high level of adrenaline and OMG, he’s soooo hawt and we must kiss and we’re so perfect for each other *sparkle, sparkle, glitter, fireworks*. This was a much simpler, hand holding that makes the day with a chaste kiss.
March 9, 2011
REVIEW
I wish I had a pink crystal ball that granted wishes for me. Let’s see. I would wish for an endless supply of time to read books and I would like to stay a tween forever.
Snap! Back to reality.
This book is the cutest! I love stories like this that have some fantasy to them, but they are also told in a realistic way with relatable characters. Erin is a fantastic main character – she is smart, a good friend, and a typical teen. Her life is so normal that she considers it boring. See, I told you it is relatable. Isn't everyone's life boring sometimes? She has a great relationship with her BFF’s, Lindsay and Samantha. I would love to be a part of their group.
There's a little romance served up on the side as Erin and Jesse realize they may be more than just friends. These two are a sweet pair and I liked reading about their innocent flirting. Sometimes the romance moves way too fast in books, but in Erin and Jesee's case, it moves at just the right speed.
The story itself is unique and funny. The girls ask the pink crystal ball questions and the outcome is never what they expect. Some of the results are hilarious! I loved the crazy “rules” that came with the pink crystal ball and what they actually meant. They were sort of like fortune cookies where the meaning is hidden.
Looking for a holiday gift for a girlie girl who loves sweet and funny tween-feel books? If you are, then THIS book should be on your holiday shopping list.
RATING
4 Plot
5 Characters
4 Attention Grabbing
5 Girlie Meter
4 Ending
22 TOTAL
5 STARS
September 28, 2010
This one was fun and cute, the cover delivered what it should have.
Erin the girl with the highest GPA in her the 10th grade, and some might see her as a bit boring. But she had her 2 best friends and she is happy, sort of. Because she really wants to go to Italy but she has to write this essay and nothing has ever happened to her. Until her aunt dies and leaves her a magical crystal ball, suddenly things start happening.
Of course these are teenage girls so what to they ask for. Bigger boobs, to be kissed, to get a date, to ace that exam, things like that. Of course at first they do not know what to think but then things start happening. Is it magic or not?
The book also has its mean girl who is harassing Lindsay, Erin's bff. And things get serious there too. Bullying going to far. And then there is Samantha, Erin's other friend who is more or less stalking this guy because she really wants to be with him. But perhaps the perfect guy is not the guy you should be with. And do not forget tension as magic starts spiralling out of control.
I shall not forget the romance, Erin notices that the unlikely guy perhaps is the guy. I think they would be really sweet together.
The fun with this book is that the magic had logical explanations too, so magic or not, that is the question. But at least it brought the friends closer together, and they all went on with their lives. Leaving things behind and discovering new things.
A fun, and cute book. Magic gone wrong can be amusing. I liked this one, and it was such an easy read.
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Adorable
Final thoughts: A lighter paranormal with romance and friendship.
Erin the girl with the highest GPA in her the 10th grade, and some might see her as a bit boring. But she had her 2 best friends and she is happy, sort of. Because she really wants to go to Italy but she has to write this essay and nothing has ever happened to her. Until her aunt dies and leaves her a magical crystal ball, suddenly things start happening.
Of course these are teenage girls so what to they ask for. Bigger boobs, to be kissed, to get a date, to ace that exam, things like that. Of course at first they do not know what to think but then things start happening. Is it magic or not?
The book also has its mean girl who is harassing Lindsay, Erin's bff. And things get serious there too. Bullying going to far. And then there is Samantha, Erin's other friend who is more or less stalking this guy because she really wants to be with him. But perhaps the perfect guy is not the guy you should be with. And do not forget tension as magic starts spiralling out of control.
I shall not forget the romance, Erin notices that the unlikely guy perhaps is the guy. I think they would be really sweet together.
The fun with this book is that the magic had logical explanations too, so magic or not, that is the question. But at least it brought the friends closer together, and they all went on with their lives. Leaving things behind and discovering new things.
A fun, and cute book. Magic gone wrong can be amusing. I liked this one, and it was such an easy read.
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Adorable
Final thoughts: A lighter paranormal with romance and friendship.
October 11, 2010
I was happy to discover this book wasn't as shallow as I initially feared. 3 teenagers and the power to make even their silliest dream come true can make for a pretty frivolous story. But, they learn the hard way that things aren't always what they seem, and some things are better left that way they are.
I actually really liked Erin. She seems the most level headed of her friends, but gives into the pressure (which I almost would have be more disappointed if she hadn't). She's dealing with the death of aunt who walked out of her life for unknown reasons. A mother who is dealing with her sister's death the only way she knows how. Plus, that mysterious pink crystal ball that she doesn't believe can do what her friends think it can (at first). It's fun watching what the ball can do and how it can twist around what Erin asks for. Erin learns what she thinks should happen isn't always how it plays out. I also liked how she was able to learn about her aunt and help her mom deal with her death.
I think the book touches on many different issues in a teens world without making any of them the sole subject of the book. It deals with death, peer pressure, family issues, appearances, bullying, and first loves. I thought it was all very well done.
The books has the potential to turn into a series. I'm hoping the next owner of the ball learns some lessons just as Erin did.
I actually really liked Erin. She seems the most level headed of her friends, but gives into the pressure (which I almost would have be more disappointed if she hadn't). She's dealing with the death of aunt who walked out of her life for unknown reasons. A mother who is dealing with her sister's death the only way she knows how. Plus, that mysterious pink crystal ball that she doesn't believe can do what her friends think it can (at first). It's fun watching what the ball can do and how it can twist around what Erin asks for. Erin learns what she thinks should happen isn't always how it plays out. I also liked how she was able to learn about her aunt and help her mom deal with her death.
I think the book touches on many different issues in a teens world without making any of them the sole subject of the book. It deals with death, peer pressure, family issues, appearances, bullying, and first loves. I thought it was all very well done.
The books has the potential to turn into a series. I'm hoping the next owner of the ball learns some lessons just as Erin did.
November 15, 2010
Erin is a good girl who follows the rules, lives inside her good-girl box and gets good grades. She’s actually kind of boring, or so she starts to think when she has to explain in an essay why she should be chosen to go on an Art History trip to Italy. But when her eccentric aunt dies and leaves her a pink crystal ball, everything changes and Erin finally steps out of the box. But is it really the ball, or does that just give them the push they need to start new things?
Of course the cute pink cover drew me into this book and the thought of magic always catches my attention. But there’s not much more to the book than the short, above description.
I really liked the moral of this story. We have all played with the Magic 8 Balls before and probably some of us have believed they knew what they were talking about and gave us confidence to go through with what the ball told us would be a sure shot. That’s what happens to Erin and her friends. The ball may have magic in it, but everything that happens after asking a question can easily be a proven coincidence.
I give The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball 2 bookmarks. I think this is a little too young adult for my taste.
Of course the cute pink cover drew me into this book and the thought of magic always catches my attention. But there’s not much more to the book than the short, above description.
I really liked the moral of this story. We have all played with the Magic 8 Balls before and probably some of us have believed they knew what they were talking about and gave us confidence to go through with what the ball told us would be a sure shot. That’s what happens to Erin and her friends. The ball may have magic in it, but everything that happens after asking a question can easily be a proven coincidence.
I give The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball 2 bookmarks. I think this is a little too young adult for my taste.
September 8, 2010
I enjoyed reading about Erin's perfectly boring life going up in smokes. She was a great character - a studious and good student, has the highest GPA in her class, she has two BFF's that she is extremely tight with (Samantha and Lindsay), she doesn't have any drama going on in her life - so when the opportunity arises for five students to take a trip to Italy with their professor, she worries that her boring life will not inspire one of the winning essays that will win her her passage to Italy.
Then her favorite aunt Kiki passes away leaving her a pink crystal ball and Erin and her friends find themselves wishing on it. Mayhem ensues as their wishes become true with unexpected consequences.
While Erin and her BFF's deal with all sorts of issues from grades, teen romance, parents and even school bullies they find themselves in some crazy fun scenarios. Chuckle inducing and a very feel good read - this is a super cute story to be enjoyed by teens and tweens alike. There is no cussing and only some PG-rated kissing. A very sweet story of friendship and living life to the fullest. A treat to read.
Then her favorite aunt Kiki passes away leaving her a pink crystal ball and Erin and her friends find themselves wishing on it. Mayhem ensues as their wishes become true with unexpected consequences.
While Erin and her BFF's deal with all sorts of issues from grades, teen romance, parents and even school bullies they find themselves in some crazy fun scenarios. Chuckle inducing and a very feel good read - this is a super cute story to be enjoyed by teens and tweens alike. There is no cussing and only some PG-rated kissing. A very sweet story of friendship and living life to the fullest. A treat to read.
June 21, 2013
Ik heb dit boek echt in no time uitgelezen. Ik heb me er erg mee vermaakt. Risa Green heeft met dit boek een erg origineel verhaal op de markt uitgebracht wat ik met liefde en plezier heb gelezen. Er zaten veel grappige stukjes in maar ik vond het ook een mix van vele populaire clichés. Het meisje dat een jonge wil waarvan ze denkt dat ze hem niet kan krijgen maar hem uiteindelijk toch krijgt. Een groepje populaire meiden die het leven van één iemand anders zwart maken. En dan is daar die bol... die mysterieuze, roze, kristallen bol die het allemaal veranderd. Die voor de meest rare, bizarre en lachwekkende situaties zorgt. Maar die er bovenal voor zorgt dat dit boek een echte aanrader is om te lezen!
July 21, 2017
Review kan spoilers bevatten.
Saai is het leven van Erin. Ze wil graag mee naar Europa maar dan overlijd haar bizare tante en is ze vreselijk verdrietig. Maar de verschrikkelijke roze bol die ze van haar erft met die gekke aanwijzingen leidde haar en haar vriendinnen wel wat af. In eerste instantie geloven ze niet in de magische krachten van de roze bol maar uiteindelijk wel. Maar is dat wel zo enorm fijn als dat ze dachten? En hoe zit het met Jesse en Erin?
Het eerste deel van het boek vond ik een stuk minder interessant als het tweede deel. Ineens krijgt het vaart en begrijp je dat wat de bol doet. Het maakt het leven van Erin in ieder geval minder saai. Leuk boek voor jonge meiden tussen de 13 en 15 jaar.
Op het briefje van tante:
Absolute kennis is niet grenzeloos laat de planeten je naar het getal leiden.
Er zijn zestien bestemmingen, maar vier daarvan zul je nooit te zien krijgen.
De toekomst behoort alleen jou toe.
Andere stemmen zullen worden teleurgesteld.
Enkele fragmenten uit het boek:
- Maar het ging haar er niet om te oordelen. Het ging blijkbaar om iets anders.-
- "Oké", zegt ze. "Bedankt". Ik hoor de kiestoon als de vriendin van mijn tante ophangt, gevolgd door een harde dreun.-
-Wanneer heeft hij besloten om zich zo aan dit uiterlijk vast te klampen?-
- Jesses gezicht licht op als een hemel vol vuurwerk. "Ik heb nog nooit iets zo graag gewild." antwoorde hij. -
-"Gelukkig maar. Ik bedoel, niet dat je er slecht uitziet of zo." zegt hij, en hij loopt rood aan. "Alleen, eh........ dat andere staat je beter."-
- Ik kan me alleen nog flarden herinneren. Twee gigantische wandelende Picasso achtige tieten.. Chris Bollmer die met een paraplu door de straat rent.... -
- en nu op eens ben toegelaten tot de ik-ben-cool-genoeg om- bevriend-te-zijn-met-Jesse cooper club-
- "En trouwens, als ik je geen make-over mag geven, vertel ik jesse dat je een Barry Manilow t-shirt slaapt."
Saai is het leven van Erin. Ze wil graag mee naar Europa maar dan overlijd haar bizare tante en is ze vreselijk verdrietig. Maar de verschrikkelijke roze bol die ze van haar erft met die gekke aanwijzingen leidde haar en haar vriendinnen wel wat af. In eerste instantie geloven ze niet in de magische krachten van de roze bol maar uiteindelijk wel. Maar is dat wel zo enorm fijn als dat ze dachten? En hoe zit het met Jesse en Erin?
Het eerste deel van het boek vond ik een stuk minder interessant als het tweede deel. Ineens krijgt het vaart en begrijp je dat wat de bol doet. Het maakt het leven van Erin in ieder geval minder saai. Leuk boek voor jonge meiden tussen de 13 en 15 jaar.
Op het briefje van tante:
Absolute kennis is niet grenzeloos laat de planeten je naar het getal leiden.
Er zijn zestien bestemmingen, maar vier daarvan zul je nooit te zien krijgen.
De toekomst behoort alleen jou toe.
Andere stemmen zullen worden teleurgesteld.
Enkele fragmenten uit het boek:
- Maar het ging haar er niet om te oordelen. Het ging blijkbaar om iets anders.-
- "Oké", zegt ze. "Bedankt". Ik hoor de kiestoon als de vriendin van mijn tante ophangt, gevolgd door een harde dreun.-
-Wanneer heeft hij besloten om zich zo aan dit uiterlijk vast te klampen?-
- Jesses gezicht licht op als een hemel vol vuurwerk. "Ik heb nog nooit iets zo graag gewild." antwoorde hij. -
-"Gelukkig maar. Ik bedoel, niet dat je er slecht uitziet of zo." zegt hij, en hij loopt rood aan. "Alleen, eh........ dat andere staat je beter."-
- Ik kan me alleen nog flarden herinneren. Twee gigantische wandelende Picasso achtige tieten.. Chris Bollmer die met een paraplu door de straat rent.... -
- en nu op eens ben toegelaten tot de ik-ben-cool-genoeg om- bevriend-te-zijn-met-Jesse cooper club-
- "En trouwens, als ik je geen make-over mag geven, vertel ik jesse dat je een Barry Manilow t-shirt slaapt."
April 28, 2019
O livro envolve uma gama de gêneros... Tem romance, comédia, chick-lit e um pouco de fantasia.
Apesar de a história não ser muito profunda (queria mais), lhe faz vivenciar várias emoções com as aventuras de Erin. A adolescente dentro de mim ficou muito empolgada com a história. A adulta dentro de mim ficou refletindo sobre o seu próprio destino, e como nós somos responsáveis por ele.
Apesar de a história não ser muito profunda (queria mais), lhe faz vivenciar várias emoções com as aventuras de Erin. A adolescente dentro de mim ficou muito empolgada com a história. A adulta dentro de mim ficou refletindo sobre o seu próprio destino, e como nós somos responsáveis por ele.
August 2, 2019
I decided to look up this book again because I saw a post on Instagram talking about how you never forget the first book you truly fell in love with. Just looking at the cover brings back so many memories for me. This is the book that helped me learn to love reading and that it could be joyful and not some boring thing you only did at school. So all I have to say is thank you Risa Green.
August 9, 2021
Cute book. I enjoyed the rules of what the Pink Crystal Ball will and won't do for a person. Also the main character is realistic in her awkwardness and flaws. It's good to find a heroine who embodies those traits.
October 13, 2017
One of my friends recommended this to me, and it's an adorable, fun read. I wasn't super hooked, but I didn't hate it or anything. Definitely an cute book if you're in the mood for something light.
July 28, 2018
One of the first Books I fully read and loved it!
July 1, 2019
This book had many surprises and kept u gripped throughout. I loved it.
August 17, 2020
This book was a light read, well written, and full of lots of surprising twists! I took off a star because there were a lot of typos.
August 29, 2021
Can't wait to read part 2!!
March 12, 2025
Loved it as a pre-teen
June 30, 2017
I really like this book. It was cute, it had a good story line and it was funny.
December 11, 2010
Erin Channing is tired of her boring life. She has the highest GPA in the tenth grade but besides that, she doesn't have any other interesting facts about herself to write an essay for her Art History class, to be picked for an Italy trip. Then one day, her Aunt Kiki (or Aunt Kooky) suddenly dies in a very odd way, and wants Erin to inherit her pink crystal ball with a set of coded directions attached. Erin's two best friends, Samantha and Lindsay, immediately know that the ball has magical powers, but logical Erin doesn't think so. However, once the questions she asks it begin coming true, she starts to rethink her situation after all.
This was a very cute, light, and romantic comedy read. I was hooked from the very first page with the author's sarcastic and funny tone. Erin was a very down-to-earth girl; I could definitely relate to her character well. She considers herself boring, dull, and plain especially compared to her two best friends. Samantha is the sexy one, who can make any guy's jaw drop when she walks by. Lindsay is the "Nicest Girl Ever", who has a computer geek stalker and an insecure bully who nicknamed her "Fart Girl". All three of the girls had their own personalities and identities, and it was interesting to watch how their characters mixed and mingled. They represented true friendship and were always there for each other.
This was a very creative and enjoyable novel with a fun plot. Since the girls are only in tenth grade and still haven't interpreted the rules written in riddles, they ask the pink crystal ball typical girl questions, involving their appearances and boys, without thinking about the consequences. I loved how their wishes would always be twisted around by the magic ball. But when things start coming true for Erin, and she rekindles the connection between her and Jesse Cooper, the first boy she kissed in eighth grade, she begins to believe in the magical ball's powers. Their friendship was fun to watch blossom into something more. Plus, Jesse was just a really sweet guy. Soon, Erin's life is anything but boring.
The book is filled with humor, a tight friendship, and flirty romance. There weren't that many layers to the story, it was pretty straight-forward, but I still really enjoyed it. This is definitely a feel-good chick novel for teens looking for magic and love. I think that the book was set at just the right pace; it never slowed down and lost my attention. The ending felt a little forced and unbelievable but besides that, the rest of it was very realistic - minus the magic ball!
This was a very cute, light, and romantic comedy read. I was hooked from the very first page with the author's sarcastic and funny tone. Erin was a very down-to-earth girl; I could definitely relate to her character well. She considers herself boring, dull, and plain especially compared to her two best friends. Samantha is the sexy one, who can make any guy's jaw drop when she walks by. Lindsay is the "Nicest Girl Ever", who has a computer geek stalker and an insecure bully who nicknamed her "Fart Girl". All three of the girls had their own personalities and identities, and it was interesting to watch how their characters mixed and mingled. They represented true friendship and were always there for each other.
This was a very creative and enjoyable novel with a fun plot. Since the girls are only in tenth grade and still haven't interpreted the rules written in riddles, they ask the pink crystal ball typical girl questions, involving their appearances and boys, without thinking about the consequences. I loved how their wishes would always be twisted around by the magic ball. But when things start coming true for Erin, and she rekindles the connection between her and Jesse Cooper, the first boy she kissed in eighth grade, she begins to believe in the magical ball's powers. Their friendship was fun to watch blossom into something more. Plus, Jesse was just a really sweet guy. Soon, Erin's life is anything but boring.
The book is filled with humor, a tight friendship, and flirty romance. There weren't that many layers to the story, it was pretty straight-forward, but I still really enjoyed it. This is definitely a feel-good chick novel for teens looking for magic and love. I think that the book was set at just the right pace; it never slowed down and lost my attention. The ending felt a little forced and unbelievable but besides that, the rest of it was very realistic - minus the magic ball!
September 24, 2015
Em's Review: Erin Channing is super smart – she is in the running for top GPA in her class – so she should be a shoo-in for the AP Art History trip to Italy. But Erin doesn’t just need good grades to get accepted; she needs personality, character, and outside interests and she worries that she doesn’t have enough in this department to warrant her easy access to the Italy trip. Her life just isn’t that interesting. That is, until her estranged Aunt Kiki passes away, bequeathing her a Pink Crystal Ball (a la Magic 8 Ball) which seems to make things happen when she asks the ball a question. As she and her BFFs, Lindsay and Samantha, try to get the most out of this magical new tool, they realize that the consequences of using the ball are not always what they expected. And Erin realizes that she needs to figure out the mysterious rules of the Pink Crystal Ball to make sure that things don’t go horribly wrong.
This book is extremely pink – more pink than I am used to picking up at the store/library. And yes, I recognize that our blog is also very pink and in reviewing this book, I run the risk of making our site look like a Barbie website, BUT it is worth the risk as this was an incredibly fun book. I was hoping for a light read and expecting to be over-girlied (I believe I just made up a word), but was pleasantly surprised by what a page-turning read this was. There were many opportunities for the story to go Disney Channel on me – and on that note, I can totally picture this book inspiring a popular made-for-TV tween film – but it never crossed that border for me. Erin was a relatable and likable protagonist, her friendships and crush were believable and sweet, and their adventures were exciting and at times quite funny. I’m also a sucker for logic and so Erin’s working out of the rules of the magic ball was of particular interest to me. And most importantly perhaps, I love the message about embracing each other’s differences and uniqueness – I think that’s a topic that we all could take a refresher course in from time to time.
Cover note: I love the in-your-face pinkness of the cover (the back is hot pink too) – it’s not messing around. And I really like how the crystal ball is raised a bit from the rest of the cover design; I actually made people touch it whenever I showed them the book.
This book is extremely pink – more pink than I am used to picking up at the store/library. And yes, I recognize that our blog is also very pink and in reviewing this book, I run the risk of making our site look like a Barbie website, BUT it is worth the risk as this was an incredibly fun book. I was hoping for a light read and expecting to be over-girlied (I believe I just made up a word), but was pleasantly surprised by what a page-turning read this was. There were many opportunities for the story to go Disney Channel on me – and on that note, I can totally picture this book inspiring a popular made-for-TV tween film – but it never crossed that border for me. Erin was a relatable and likable protagonist, her friendships and crush were believable and sweet, and their adventures were exciting and at times quite funny. I’m also a sucker for logic and so Erin’s working out of the rules of the magic ball was of particular interest to me. And most importantly perhaps, I love the message about embracing each other’s differences and uniqueness – I think that’s a topic that we all could take a refresher course in from time to time.
Cover note: I love the in-your-face pinkness of the cover (the back is hot pink too) – it’s not messing around. And I really like how the crystal ball is raised a bit from the rest of the cover design; I actually made people touch it whenever I showed them the book.
July 29, 2011
Als das eher unscheinbare Mädchen Erin die Chance erhält, von der Schule aus nach Italien zu reisen, will sie diese unbedingt nutzen. Leider muss sie dafür zunächst ihre Lehrer von sich überzeugen, denn sie soll angeben, wieso ausgerechnet sie mit auf die Kunstreise soll.
Aber wie soll sie für sich werben, wenn sie außer ihrer Lernbereitschaft und ihrer Leidenschaft zu Kreuzworträtseln kaum etwas vorzuweisen hat?
Als ihre Tante durch einen Blitzschlag stirbt, vermacht sie ihrer Nichte eine Kristallkugel, die ihr alle Wünsche erfüllen soll.
Aber macht dies wirklich glücklich?
Nach „Hilfe, ich platze!“ ist „Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ mein zweiter Roman von Risa Green.
Schon damals ist mir ihr sympathischer und humorvoller Schreibstil aufgefallen, den ich auch zum Glück in „Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ vorfinden konnte. Der Umstieg von Chick-Lit auf Jugendbuch ist in diesem Fall hervorragend gelungen.
Die Geschichte wird flüssig und leicht erzählt, sodass ich nur so durch die Seiten geflogen bin. Zunächst war ich mir jedoch nicht ganz so sicher, ob das Thema Kristallkugel zu einem Mädchen wie Erin passt, aber hier wurde ich vom Gegenteil überzeugt. Die Fantasyelemente wurden gut eingebaut, ohne fehl am Platz oder zu massig zu wirken.
Auch die Charaktere sind der Autorin gelungen. Sie sind sarkastisch und direkt und jede Person ist auf ihre ganze eigene Art und Weise sympathisch.
Die Protagonistin Erin ist mir jedoch am meisten ans Herz gewachsen. Sie ist zielstrebig und lernt erstaunlich viel für die Schule, ist aber ansonsten recht langweilig und eher die graue Maus an ihrer Schule. Allerdings ist sie dennoch was besonderes, denn trotz ihrer eher langweiligen Lebensweise bleibt sie sich treu und verstellt sich für andere nicht.
Die Covergestaltung ist liebevoll gestaltet und für ein Jugendbuch angemessen. Vor allem die vielen Verzierungen sind ein Hingucker und machen das Buch zu einem absoluten Eyecatcher.
Das Original-Cover gefällt mir allerdings sehr gut, da es mit seiner Schlichtheit glänzt, jedoch gewinnt hier ganz klar das deutsche Cover.
Wunderschön ist auch das kleine Herz, dass auf dem Cover angeklebt wurde.
„Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ ist eine ereignisreiche Highschool-Geschichte, die mit tollen Charakteren überzeugt. Lesenswert!
Aber wie soll sie für sich werben, wenn sie außer ihrer Lernbereitschaft und ihrer Leidenschaft zu Kreuzworträtseln kaum etwas vorzuweisen hat?
Als ihre Tante durch einen Blitzschlag stirbt, vermacht sie ihrer Nichte eine Kristallkugel, die ihr alle Wünsche erfüllen soll.
Aber macht dies wirklich glücklich?
Nach „Hilfe, ich platze!“ ist „Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ mein zweiter Roman von Risa Green.
Schon damals ist mir ihr sympathischer und humorvoller Schreibstil aufgefallen, den ich auch zum Glück in „Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ vorfinden konnte. Der Umstieg von Chick-Lit auf Jugendbuch ist in diesem Fall hervorragend gelungen.
Die Geschichte wird flüssig und leicht erzählt, sodass ich nur so durch die Seiten geflogen bin. Zunächst war ich mir jedoch nicht ganz so sicher, ob das Thema Kristallkugel zu einem Mädchen wie Erin passt, aber hier wurde ich vom Gegenteil überzeugt. Die Fantasyelemente wurden gut eingebaut, ohne fehl am Platz oder zu massig zu wirken.
Auch die Charaktere sind der Autorin gelungen. Sie sind sarkastisch und direkt und jede Person ist auf ihre ganze eigene Art und Weise sympathisch.
Die Protagonistin Erin ist mir jedoch am meisten ans Herz gewachsen. Sie ist zielstrebig und lernt erstaunlich viel für die Schule, ist aber ansonsten recht langweilig und eher die graue Maus an ihrer Schule. Allerdings ist sie dennoch was besonderes, denn trotz ihrer eher langweiligen Lebensweise bleibt sie sich treu und verstellt sich für andere nicht.
Die Covergestaltung ist liebevoll gestaltet und für ein Jugendbuch angemessen. Vor allem die vielen Verzierungen sind ein Hingucker und machen das Buch zu einem absoluten Eyecatcher.
Das Original-Cover gefällt mir allerdings sehr gut, da es mit seiner Schlichtheit glänzt, jedoch gewinnt hier ganz klar das deutsche Cover.
Wunderschön ist auch das kleine Herz, dass auf dem Cover angeklebt wurde.
„Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ ist eine ereignisreiche Highschool-Geschichte, die mit tollen Charakteren überzeugt. Lesenswert!
July 29, 2011
Als das eher unscheinbare Mädchen Erin die Chance erhält, von der Schule aus nach Italien zu reisen, will sie diese unbedingt nutzen. Leider muss sie dafür zunächst ihre Lehrer von sich überzeugen, denn sie soll angeben, wieso ausgerechnet sie mit auf die Kunstreise soll.
Aber wie soll sie für sich werben, wenn sie außer ihrer Lernbereitschaft und ihrer Leidenschaft zu Kreuzworträtseln kaum etwas vorzuweisen hat?
Als ihre Tante durch einen Blitzschlag stirbt, vermacht sie ihrer Nichte eine Kristallkugel, die ihr alle Wünsche erfüllen soll.
Aber macht dies wirklich glücklich?
Nach „Hilfe, ich platze!“ ist „Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ mein zweiter Roman von Risa Green.
Schon damals ist mir ihr sympathischer und humorvoller Schreibstil aufgefallen, den ich auch zum Glück in „Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ vorfinden konnte. Der Umstieg von Chick-Lit auf Jugendbuch ist in diesem Fall hervorragend gelungen.
Die Geschichte wird flüssig und leicht erzählt, sodass ich nur so durch die Seiten geflogen bin. Zunächst war ich mir jedoch nicht ganz so sicher, ob das Thema Kristallkugel zu einem Mädchen wie Erin passt, aber hier wurde ich vom Gegenteil überzeugt. Die Fantasyelemente wurden gut eingebaut, ohne fehl am Platz oder zu massig zu wirken.
Auch die Charaktere sind der Autorin gelungen. Sie sind sarkastisch und direkt und jede Person ist auf ihre ganze eigene Art und Weise sympathisch.
Die Protagonistin Erin ist mir jedoch am meisten ans Herz gewachsen. Sie ist zielstrebig und lernt erstaunlich viel für die Schule, ist aber ansonsten recht langweilig und eher die graue Maus an ihrer Schule. Allerdings ist sie dennoch was besonderes, denn trotz ihrer eher langweiligen Lebensweise bleibt sie sich treu und verstellt sich für andere nicht.
Die Covergestaltung ist liebevoll gestaltet und für ein Jugendbuch angemessen. Vor allem die vielen Verzierungen sind ein Hingucker und machen das Buch zu einem absoluten Eyecatcher.
Das Original-Cover gefällt mir allerdings sehr gut, da es mit seiner Schlichtheit glänzt, jedoch gewinnt hier ganz klar das deutsche Cover.
Wunderschön ist auch das kleine Herz, dass auf dem Cover angeklebt wurde.
„Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ ist eine ereignisreiche Highschool-Geschichte, die mit tollen Charakteren überzeugt. Lesenswert!
Aber wie soll sie für sich werben, wenn sie außer ihrer Lernbereitschaft und ihrer Leidenschaft zu Kreuzworträtseln kaum etwas vorzuweisen hat?
Als ihre Tante durch einen Blitzschlag stirbt, vermacht sie ihrer Nichte eine Kristallkugel, die ihr alle Wünsche erfüllen soll.
Aber macht dies wirklich glücklich?
Nach „Hilfe, ich platze!“ ist „Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ mein zweiter Roman von Risa Green.
Schon damals ist mir ihr sympathischer und humorvoller Schreibstil aufgefallen, den ich auch zum Glück in „Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ vorfinden konnte. Der Umstieg von Chick-Lit auf Jugendbuch ist in diesem Fall hervorragend gelungen.
Die Geschichte wird flüssig und leicht erzählt, sodass ich nur so durch die Seiten geflogen bin. Zunächst war ich mir jedoch nicht ganz so sicher, ob das Thema Kristallkugel zu einem Mädchen wie Erin passt, aber hier wurde ich vom Gegenteil überzeugt. Die Fantasyelemente wurden gut eingebaut, ohne fehl am Platz oder zu massig zu wirken.
Auch die Charaktere sind der Autorin gelungen. Sie sind sarkastisch und direkt und jede Person ist auf ihre ganze eigene Art und Weise sympathisch.
Die Protagonistin Erin ist mir jedoch am meisten ans Herz gewachsen. Sie ist zielstrebig und lernt erstaunlich viel für die Schule, ist aber ansonsten recht langweilig und eher die graue Maus an ihrer Schule. Allerdings ist sie dennoch was besonderes, denn trotz ihrer eher langweiligen Lebensweise bleibt sie sich treu und verstellt sich für andere nicht.
Die Covergestaltung ist liebevoll gestaltet und für ein Jugendbuch angemessen. Vor allem die vielen Verzierungen sind ein Hingucker und machen das Buch zu einem absoluten Eyecatcher.
Das Original-Cover gefällt mir allerdings sehr gut, da es mit seiner Schlichtheit glänzt, jedoch gewinnt hier ganz klar das deutsche Cover.
Wunderschön ist auch das kleine Herz, dass auf dem Cover angeklebt wurde.
„Magic 8 – Ein Sommer voller Wünsche“ ist eine ereignisreiche Highschool-Geschichte, die mit tollen Charakteren überzeugt. Lesenswert!
September 1, 2011
As soon as I saw the cover of The Secret Society of The Pink Crystal Ball, I knew this was a book I had to pick up. Although I am not obsessed with the color pink, it has a tendency to make me happy, and I am almost always up for a girly read. Even though I was excited for The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball, I was worried that I might find flat characters and an unrealistic storyline. Thankfully, it far surpassed my expectations. Much to my surprise, I have a feeling I’ll be talking about The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball for months to come, describing it as one of the fastest chick lit stories I’ve read in quite some time.
If one of your first thoughts when looking at this cover was “light read,” like one of mine was, think a little harder. The book starts out with the death of Erin’s Aunt Kiki. Although the premise of this book is very sad, I liked that there were cuter, happier plot points throughout the story, and I thought Green did a great job both with the amount and timing of lighter material.
Erin is a fantastic protagonist. While I love characters that have interests and passions, I think YA needs some characters that find themselves asking, “What is interesting about me?” because I feel that most people ask themselves this question at some point in their lives. I also really enjoyed the snark in Erin’s voice because it reminded me of things I might think to myself.
For me, what held The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball back from being a truly amazing read was a few plot points. While I enjoyed the story surrounding Aunt Kiki, at times it felt too similar to the plot of Maureen Johnson’s 13 Little Blue Envelopes to be entirely fresh. Also, the ending of the novel felt as though everything tied up a bit too neatly. However, the romance in the story was quite sweet.
Sadly, The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball falls just a few steps short of being an outstanding chick lit novel. However, I became so engrossed in for a few short hours that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this one. Risa Green surprised and charmed me, and I found both of these emotions to be very refreshing. If you’re hesitating to pick this one up, go ahead and try it. Maybe you’ll feel the same way I did.
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