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The Butterfly Chronicles #1
Becoming a Butterfly
Sixteen year old Lacey was never the center of attention, unless she was tripping, stammering, or being deposited into a pool by the local popular kids. All she wanted was to fit in, until one night when everything changed.
Jade and Tasha, her two best friends, helped her create an online personality that was everything she wanted to be– and it was only the beginning. In doing so, she attracted the attention of Henry, her lifelong crush and next door neighbor. Unfortunately, it was Farrah, her online personality and not herself, he was interested in.
She also attracted Chase, the brooding, quiet, anti-social new kid of Brownsburg High School, who easily figured out her secret and blackmailed her. They forged a friendship that was both unique and complicated.
Lacey must decide if revealing herself to Henry and her entire school as the cool, charming, and funny Farrah is worth possibly losing him forever. She finds herself needing to make an even harder decision than she ever thought possible. When did the lines between truth and lies get so blurred?
Becoming a Butterfly is a story about coming of age and finding yourself when you never knew you were lost.
**This is a MATURE YA FICTION SERIES.**
Jade and Tasha, her two best friends, helped her create an online personality that was everything she wanted to be– and it was only the beginning. In doing so, she attracted the attention of Henry, her lifelong crush and next door neighbor. Unfortunately, it was Farrah, her online personality and not herself, he was interested in.
She also attracted Chase, the brooding, quiet, anti-social new kid of Brownsburg High School, who easily figured out her secret and blackmailed her. They forged a friendship that was both unique and complicated.
Lacey must decide if revealing herself to Henry and her entire school as the cool, charming, and funny Farrah is worth possibly losing him forever. She finds herself needing to make an even harder decision than she ever thought possible. When did the lines between truth and lies get so blurred?
Becoming a Butterfly is a story about coming of age and finding yourself when you never knew you were lost.
**This is a MATURE YA FICTION SERIES.**
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Mia Castile
13 books136 followersThis is a story about a girl, named Mia. She grew up in suburb of medium sized city. There were cold winters, and hot sticky summers. Mia’s favorite seasons were spring and fall. She enjoyed the mild seasons, but also loved the vibrant colors each possessed.
Mia loved music. She didn’t just love it, she sat on the floor in front of her Casio stereo for hours at a time, recording songs off the radio. Then she would cue them up and make sure she only got the music as she recorded them on a second tape, without the DJ’s voices on them, just the music. Then she would listen to those songs absorbing the words as she sat in her room and wrote her poetry.
She wrote her first Poem when she was thirteen. It was called Sands of Time. When she was sixteen and again when she was eighteen she won two state competitions for her poetry. Her Poetry was stories of roses, starry nights, love, loss, and the scars left behind. She found recourse in those private moments filling notebooks of her writings. As she grew so did her inspirations, and when ever it hit her the rest of the world melted away until her verses were written, alive in the world.
Even today as Mia writes mostly YA fiction, poetry still holds a special place in her heart. Her love for all things words propels her forward in her pursuit of the next great story. Her Debut Novel The Ocean will be released this spring.
Mia loved music. She didn’t just love it, she sat on the floor in front of her Casio stereo for hours at a time, recording songs off the radio. Then she would cue them up and make sure she only got the music as she recorded them on a second tape, without the DJ’s voices on them, just the music. Then she would listen to those songs absorbing the words as she sat in her room and wrote her poetry.
She wrote her first Poem when she was thirteen. It was called Sands of Time. When she was sixteen and again when she was eighteen she won two state competitions for her poetry. Her Poetry was stories of roses, starry nights, love, loss, and the scars left behind. She found recourse in those private moments filling notebooks of her writings. As she grew so did her inspirations, and when ever it hit her the rest of the world melted away until her verses were written, alive in the world.
Even today as Mia writes mostly YA fiction, poetry still holds a special place in her heart. Her love for all things words propels her forward in her pursuit of the next great story. Her Debut Novel The Ocean will be released this spring.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 11, 2012
4.5 Stars
"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." ~ Anonymous
What an engaging read this was for me! Especially, when I have been struggling to get into books, lately.
Elizabeth, I saw you add this book and the title caught my attention. Thank you for drawing my attention to it!
Butterflies have been an important symbol of hope and change, for me, since my struggle with anorexia and depression, which I developed when I was 11 years old. So, it's kind of interesting that I finished this on the 11th day of the 11th month. While this isn't a story about eating disorders, Becoming a Butterfly is a story about growing into ourselves, and seeing ourselves in a beautiful light. It is a story about bullying, deception (the lies we tell ourselves and others), the consequences of those lies, the test of true friendships, family, social media and more.
There is so much I want to say about this book and will do so, soon.
I should say that I have quite a bit of a crush on Chase, at the moment. :-)
Full review to come...
"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." ~ Anonymous
What an engaging read this was for me! Especially, when I have been struggling to get into books, lately.
Elizabeth, I saw you add this book and the title caught my attention. Thank you for drawing my attention to it!
Butterflies have been an important symbol of hope and change, for me, since my struggle with anorexia and depression, which I developed when I was 11 years old. So, it's kind of interesting that I finished this on the 11th day of the 11th month. While this isn't a story about eating disorders, Becoming a Butterfly is a story about growing into ourselves, and seeing ourselves in a beautiful light. It is a story about bullying, deception (the lies we tell ourselves and others), the consequences of those lies, the test of true friendships, family, social media and more.
There is so much I want to say about this book and will do so, soon.
I should say that I have quite a bit of a crush on Chase, at the moment. :-)
Full review to come...
May 17, 2012
Becoming a Butterfly discusses a topic that I'm sure many would have jumped at the chance if they could've gotten away with it. We learn that Lacey has been nothing shy of an outcast, with her braces, bad acne, glasses, and all that UN-jazz. She definitely received her fair share of getting picked on and teased. In fact, it was a yearly tradition for her to get thrown into a pool.
Lacey's mother has always taken great care of her and her sister, buying them the best of the best. It's when the braces come off and the skin starts to clear, not to mention no more glasses, that she just so happens to start getting noticed for other reasons. When a small, spur of the moment idea that her friends concocted was acted out, it landed Lacey in a tough position. Lacey now had an all new identity. Going by the name of Farrah, and dressing up in a wig, Lacey realized that people liked her so much more. She could talk to everyone online and they wouldn't know the difference. Getting caught up in her own scheme of things, Lacey doesn't notice when her sister starts struggling with issues of her own. Lacey's identity could backfire at any moment, while her sister is screaming for help, yet nobody is listening. Lacey doesn't realize how many lives she is effecting. They are all about to come crashing down. Just what will become of it? In Becoming a Butterfly, you will learn how things effect people differently and how things can blossom from unexpected places.
Lacey's mother has always taken great care of her and her sister, buying them the best of the best. It's when the braces come off and the skin starts to clear, not to mention no more glasses, that she just so happens to start getting noticed for other reasons. When a small, spur of the moment idea that her friends concocted was acted out, it landed Lacey in a tough position. Lacey now had an all new identity. Going by the name of Farrah, and dressing up in a wig, Lacey realized that people liked her so much more. She could talk to everyone online and they wouldn't know the difference. Getting caught up in her own scheme of things, Lacey doesn't notice when her sister starts struggling with issues of her own. Lacey's identity could backfire at any moment, while her sister is screaming for help, yet nobody is listening. Lacey doesn't realize how many lives she is effecting. They are all about to come crashing down. Just what will become of it? In Becoming a Butterfly, you will learn how things effect people differently and how things can blossom from unexpected places.
April 10, 2012
Mia has done it AGAIN! There are a few authors I love because they tell a story that needs to be told and they are not afraid to say what needs to be said and Mia is one of them. I had the privilege of receiving the ARC of Becoming a Butterfly this weekend and I read it in six hours because I could not put it down. Man oh man Mia had me hooked from the first sentence. "Splash! The water engulfs me as, humiliated, I sink heavily to the bottom of the pool. By sinking, I hope to avoid the fate awaiting me at the surface of the water where my wig floats."
This story is about love, lies and secrets. See some lies can lead you down a road where you don't want to go and at the end of the road you have to make decisions that will make you or break you. Love is funny because you think you are in love with someone only to find out that maybe your just infatuated with them. Secrets they are the worst. Some secrets should never be kept especially if someone is hurting themselves.
Lacey is your average teen who has loves, lies, and secrets. She must come face to face with her biggest fear and when she does she will have to decide what to do. She can either chose road A or road B either way she has some tough decisions to make. With her best friends and a new friend Lacey will face some things and learn what it means to become a butterfly. Once she spreads her wings she will fly and when she lands she will have to pick up the pieces.
This is a must read book for all teens and anyone who loves a great book about overcoming the odds. I was listening to some music while writing this review and the song Invisible by Skylar Grey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVVrT_... wraps this book up best!
Mia thank you for your honesty and openness to write such a gripping story.
This story is about love, lies and secrets. See some lies can lead you down a road where you don't want to go and at the end of the road you have to make decisions that will make you or break you. Love is funny because you think you are in love with someone only to find out that maybe your just infatuated with them. Secrets they are the worst. Some secrets should never be kept especially if someone is hurting themselves.
Lacey is your average teen who has loves, lies, and secrets. She must come face to face with her biggest fear and when she does she will have to decide what to do. She can either chose road A or road B either way she has some tough decisions to make. With her best friends and a new friend Lacey will face some things and learn what it means to become a butterfly. Once she spreads her wings she will fly and when she lands she will have to pick up the pieces.
This is a must read book for all teens and anyone who loves a great book about overcoming the odds. I was listening to some music while writing this review and the song Invisible by Skylar Grey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVVrT_... wraps this book up best!
Mia thank you for your honesty and openness to write such a gripping story.
March 15, 2013
Wow!! This book really hit home. I remember growing up feeling like I wasn't good enough and had to be someone else. This book deals with a lot real and controversial issues such as bullying, and suicide. It was well written and for those of us who know what bullying and low self-esteem feel like this was both an amazing and a hard book to read.
Plot: This book is about a girl named Lacey who is bullied at school and has a crush on her next door neighbor Henry. Because she is being bullied her self-esteem is low and she feels like Henry will never like her as herself. One night while her and her friends are having a sleepover they dress up and for fun they take pictures and create a profile of Lacey's made up girl and call her Farrah. Farrah becomes an online sensation overnight and Henry seems to really like her. While this is happening Chase a boy from school has found out the truth that Lacey is Farrah and threatens to tell everyone unless Lacey helps him with his band by song mixing and making their website. Now Henry likes Farrah and Chase likes the real Lacey who should she pick?
Lacey both bugged me and made me relate to her. She bugged me because I have low self-esteem and I didn't want to face that maybe I'm the same. As the book progressed though I realized this was a great book for me to read because it's about a girl who uses another personality to figure out who she is inside. Now I wouldn't take it to that extreme but maybe I can find my own niche that will help me find myself and help realize I am cool just how I am. It may take a while but thanks to this book I'm going to try. Lacey ends up with best friends and someone who loves her for her and she realizes in the end she never needed Farrah to be herself, all she needed was a little confidence in herself. I love how she blooms and transforms through the book.
Plot: This book is about a girl named Lacey who is bullied at school and has a crush on her next door neighbor Henry. Because she is being bullied her self-esteem is low and she feels like Henry will never like her as herself. One night while her and her friends are having a sleepover they dress up and for fun they take pictures and create a profile of Lacey's made up girl and call her Farrah. Farrah becomes an online sensation overnight and Henry seems to really like her. While this is happening Chase a boy from school has found out the truth that Lacey is Farrah and threatens to tell everyone unless Lacey helps him with his band by song mixing and making their website. Now Henry likes Farrah and Chase likes the real Lacey who should she pick?
Lacey both bugged me and made me relate to her. She bugged me because I have low self-esteem and I didn't want to face that maybe I'm the same. As the book progressed though I realized this was a great book for me to read because it's about a girl who uses another personality to figure out who she is inside. Now I wouldn't take it to that extreme but maybe I can find my own niche that will help me find myself and help realize I am cool just how I am. It may take a while but thanks to this book I'm going to try. Lacey ends up with best friends and someone who loves her for her and she realizes in the end she never needed Farrah to be herself, all she needed was a little confidence in herself. I love how she blooms and transforms through the book.
May 22, 2012
Right from the beginning pages of this book I was completely hooked. I was extremely invested in the character, and because there were so many unexpected twists and turns, I simply COULDN'T put this book down. I read the story in only a couple sittings and my only complaint is that I wasn't aware it was a series when I started the book and because of that I expected closure and didn't get any. It left me wanting more and dying to know what happened with Lacey and her situation amoungst Chase and Henry, and her best friends.
Now onto the characters, I adored Lacey I felt for her every step of the way because not fitting in and being bullied is one of the hardest things you have to deal with as a young girl/boy growing up, and both her and her younger sister Lana dealt with a tremendous amount of bullying. I loved Chase he was completely sexy and I loved his bad boy persona that covered his caring, heart of gold on the inside. I even had a pretty soft spot for Henry and couldn't even decide throughout the book who I wanted Lacey to end up with in the end, simply because I was as confused as she was.
This book is completely fast-paced, and enthralling and I cannot wait for the second book. If your a fan of YA contemporary you need to get your hands on a copy of this book, even though its self-published it's one of the best written young adult contemporaries I have ever read, (and I've read quite a few).
Mia Castle left me wanting more, and I can't wait to see where this story goes. Her writing was captivating in a way that most people that have ever felt inadequate or that they don't quite fit in can relate too. Bravo Mia Castile, and I can't wait to see where you take this story!!
Now onto the characters, I adored Lacey I felt for her every step of the way because not fitting in and being bullied is one of the hardest things you have to deal with as a young girl/boy growing up, and both her and her younger sister Lana dealt with a tremendous amount of bullying. I loved Chase he was completely sexy and I loved his bad boy persona that covered his caring, heart of gold on the inside. I even had a pretty soft spot for Henry and couldn't even decide throughout the book who I wanted Lacey to end up with in the end, simply because I was as confused as she was.
This book is completely fast-paced, and enthralling and I cannot wait for the second book. If your a fan of YA contemporary you need to get your hands on a copy of this book, even though its self-published it's one of the best written young adult contemporaries I have ever read, (and I've read quite a few).
Mia Castle left me wanting more, and I can't wait to see where this story goes. Her writing was captivating in a way that most people that have ever felt inadequate or that they don't quite fit in can relate too. Bravo Mia Castile, and I can't wait to see where you take this story!!
August 6, 2012
I was honored enough to be able to read and review Becoming A Butterfly by Mia Castle - the first book of The Butterfly Chronicles.
The first book opens with Lacey being bullied by children at her school, but all she wanted was just to fit in. Of course, she has a crush on her next-door neighbor Henry, her childhood friend turned stranger whom she has a crush ever since they were kids. It all started when Lacey's friends, Tasha and Jade, created a new social network profile in order for her to at least fit in with the school crowd. But everything seems to fall apart when they can't get hold over the popularity of the girl they created. Her crush has a huge likeness on said girl and aside from that, somebody figured out the person behind the false identity. Now, all Lacey was to do everything for her not to be exposed and be the total loser everybody thinks she was.
The story deals with adolescent-related themes, and bullying was the highlight and essential part of the book. Unfortunately, I find the topic not thoroughly opened and discussed. I was slightly disappointed because I really wanted to love this book and Lacey's character, but she fails to be a better person IMO. I thought the only reasonable character was Chase. He was developed and pictures the typical outcast, bad-boy type.
The good thing about all this was it's a series and I want to know more of the character progression of the story. I know this book will be potentially good and talks more on subjects that's a major construction on the story.
Mia is such a kind and generous author, and she totally knows how to push boundaries.
xx
April 8, 2012
I was Given an eARC of this book to review.This is not the First book I've read by Mia Castle and certainly will not be the last. When I first started this book the name of the facebook type group for their high school reminded me of a movie I had seen on ABC family months ago.You meet Lacey,Lana,Her friends,Chase, Henry and others and realize she doesn't quite fit in with the other kids at school..especially the boy Henry that she has liked since Kindergarten.Henry...Well Henry and I dont get along...Im joking but honestly I just couldn't stand him.I loved Chase..He's a stand up guy.
In this book you will see Lacey find herself.I think we have all felt like Lacey in high school..wanting to pretend we are something we are not.She is an amazing Young Adult she doesn't see herself as such but she is.This book does contain some mature subject matters but I was warned and honestly..I really dont feel it needed a warning as the book was well written and the events were well played out in the story.Its a wonderful to story that unfolds....I found putting the kindle down was not an option.Im am very much looking forward to book 2,Butterfly Kisses.I hope to read more about all of the characters.Last but not least..Trapper Keepers are awesome!
This is book worth reading and worth waiting for.Mia Castile Definitely wrote another winner and I hope you enjoy is as much as I did.
In this book you will see Lacey find herself.I think we have all felt like Lacey in high school..wanting to pretend we are something we are not.She is an amazing Young Adult she doesn't see herself as such but she is.This book does contain some mature subject matters but I was warned and honestly..I really dont feel it needed a warning as the book was well written and the events were well played out in the story.Its a wonderful to story that unfolds....I found putting the kindle down was not an option.Im am very much looking forward to book 2,Butterfly Kisses.I hope to read more about all of the characters.Last but not least..Trapper Keepers are awesome!
This is book worth reading and worth waiting for.Mia Castile Definitely wrote another winner and I hope you enjoy is as much as I did.
May 26, 2012
How far would you go to feel accepted and part of the in-crowd? What started out as a joke, progressed into a farce that can only provide one outcome…disaster.
In Becoming A Butterfly, we follow the life of main character, Lacey. One night, Lacey, and her two best friends, Tasha and Jade decide to make a false profile on a social networking site, where Lacey takes on a whole different persona, which eventually has Lacey hoping to finally capturing the attention and heart of her long time crush, Henry.
Not only has Lacey finally gotten what she wanted, even if it’s under her faux personality Farrah, she also manages to snag the attention of sexy, bad boy Chase (whom I will admit, I ended up crushing after…big time). Once chase finds out that Lacey is also the infamous Farrah, he blackmails her into doing different tasks for him and his band in order to keep her deep dark secret. Due to this threat, Lacey and Chase find themselves working side by side, and start to develop feelings for each other. Now, Lacey/Farrah are caught between lies and deceit, and must decide what is more important, a love built on lies, or a love built on truth and honesty.
Author, Mia Castile, has brought to the light the dangers of bullying and just how traumatic it can be to those it is directed to and how it affects the people surrounding them. Castile has also brought the attention of how dangerous social networking can be. Unless you actually know the person in real life, you never know who lurks behind a computer screen name.
In Becoming A Butterfly, we see bullying, not only in the eyes of our main character, Lacey, but also through the eyes of her younger sister, Lana. Though Lacey has built her walls to just power through the school year and deal with the bullying she encounters, her sister, Lana, is new to the bullying game, and takes matters into her own hands, but at a serious price.
The writing style of Mia Castile is so addictive and so honest and raw. I was completely engrossed in this story and in the lives of Lacey, her friends and family. Like an after school special, there is an honest and great message found within the pages of this story that will open the eyes of readers everywhere, and hopefully help in getting the message out about the dangers of bullying and how we all need to do our part in stopping it. I only wish that there was more in the end…see what becomes of Lacey, Chase, Henry, etc., or even to see what happens in the days following Lacey’s epiphany.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading coming of age stories. Anyone who reads this book will walk away with something that will hopefully remain in their hearts.
In Becoming A Butterfly, we follow the life of main character, Lacey. One night, Lacey, and her two best friends, Tasha and Jade decide to make a false profile on a social networking site, where Lacey takes on a whole different persona, which eventually has Lacey hoping to finally capturing the attention and heart of her long time crush, Henry.
Not only has Lacey finally gotten what she wanted, even if it’s under her faux personality Farrah, she also manages to snag the attention of sexy, bad boy Chase (whom I will admit, I ended up crushing after…big time). Once chase finds out that Lacey is also the infamous Farrah, he blackmails her into doing different tasks for him and his band in order to keep her deep dark secret. Due to this threat, Lacey and Chase find themselves working side by side, and start to develop feelings for each other. Now, Lacey/Farrah are caught between lies and deceit, and must decide what is more important, a love built on lies, or a love built on truth and honesty.
Author, Mia Castile, has brought to the light the dangers of bullying and just how traumatic it can be to those it is directed to and how it affects the people surrounding them. Castile has also brought the attention of how dangerous social networking can be. Unless you actually know the person in real life, you never know who lurks behind a computer screen name.
In Becoming A Butterfly, we see bullying, not only in the eyes of our main character, Lacey, but also through the eyes of her younger sister, Lana. Though Lacey has built her walls to just power through the school year and deal with the bullying she encounters, her sister, Lana, is new to the bullying game, and takes matters into her own hands, but at a serious price.
The writing style of Mia Castile is so addictive and so honest and raw. I was completely engrossed in this story and in the lives of Lacey, her friends and family. Like an after school special, there is an honest and great message found within the pages of this story that will open the eyes of readers everywhere, and hopefully help in getting the message out about the dangers of bullying and how we all need to do our part in stopping it. I only wish that there was more in the end…see what becomes of Lacey, Chase, Henry, etc., or even to see what happens in the days following Lacey’s epiphany.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading coming of age stories. Anyone who reads this book will walk away with something that will hopefully remain in their hearts.
June 9, 2012
You can read all of my reviews at Alluring Reads.
Becoming A Butterfly was an awesome surprise to me. I literally devoured this book, I ate it up in one sitting and it left a stupid grin splayed across my face. This book, right off the bat, touched me because I felt as if it was written about me. When I was 13 I had an embarrassing occurrence that this book mirrors quite well. I won't go into it, but once you read the book I'm sure you will be able to deduce the hairy details. It's so easy to go online, and become someone your not. You don't think about the repercussions on those around you, and it feels good to finally be who you want to be.
Lacey was such a wreck, she was clumsy and dare I say, dorky. The embarrassing things that happened to her were just so heartbreaking and I totally felt for her. What I admired most about her were her ways of handling it. She got up, dusted herself off and moved on. Even when people were shouting things at her in the hallways she would come up with a witty retort and she had me laughing out loud. Her strong relationship with Tasha and Jade was awesome, we saw it go through the peaks and valleys and it felt like a real group of friends. Yes, they loved each other dearly but they had their disagreements and handled them well.
The love story in Becoming A Butterfly created butterflies in me! I loved Chase, sure he was blackmailing her (in a very light way) but there was always that sexy mystery about him. His life was something I was so interested in delving into, he had all this money in his family but seeing him on the street or working in his fathers auto shop, you would never know. Of course there is a love triangle (it's not often these days in YA fiction that there isn't, thanks a lot Twilight!) and this one drove me mad. I hated Henry, he was a user and a fake. I really had no need for him and I wanted to smack Lacey every time she even thought his name. But, in the end that's what kept me reading, my intense longing for the moment that light bulb would go on above her head and she would ride off in the distance with chase on his Honda.
There are some heavy issues touched upon in this novel and I think Mia handled them wonderfully. I don't want to go into the details as I want it to be as new to you as it was to me reading the novel. But just know that you are going to be reading some tough scenes and this book will break your heart.
Becoming A Butterfly was a great read and I can't wait to read more in the series. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for an Alluring Read.
Becoming A Butterfly was an awesome surprise to me. I literally devoured this book, I ate it up in one sitting and it left a stupid grin splayed across my face. This book, right off the bat, touched me because I felt as if it was written about me. When I was 13 I had an embarrassing occurrence that this book mirrors quite well. I won't go into it, but once you read the book I'm sure you will be able to deduce the hairy details. It's so easy to go online, and become someone your not. You don't think about the repercussions on those around you, and it feels good to finally be who you want to be.
Lacey was such a wreck, she was clumsy and dare I say, dorky. The embarrassing things that happened to her were just so heartbreaking and I totally felt for her. What I admired most about her were her ways of handling it. She got up, dusted herself off and moved on. Even when people were shouting things at her in the hallways she would come up with a witty retort and she had me laughing out loud. Her strong relationship with Tasha and Jade was awesome, we saw it go through the peaks and valleys and it felt like a real group of friends. Yes, they loved each other dearly but they had their disagreements and handled them well.
The love story in Becoming A Butterfly created butterflies in me! I loved Chase, sure he was blackmailing her (in a very light way) but there was always that sexy mystery about him. His life was something I was so interested in delving into, he had all this money in his family but seeing him on the street or working in his fathers auto shop, you would never know. Of course there is a love triangle (it's not often these days in YA fiction that there isn't, thanks a lot Twilight!) and this one drove me mad. I hated Henry, he was a user and a fake. I really had no need for him and I wanted to smack Lacey every time she even thought his name. But, in the end that's what kept me reading, my intense longing for the moment that light bulb would go on above her head and she would ride off in the distance with chase on his Honda.
There are some heavy issues touched upon in this novel and I think Mia handled them wonderfully. I don't want to go into the details as I want it to be as new to you as it was to me reading the novel. But just know that you are going to be reading some tough scenes and this book will break your heart.
Becoming A Butterfly was a great read and I can't wait to read more in the series. I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for an Alluring Read.
April 26, 2012
Becoming A Butterfly Review on K-Books
"I feel safe with Chase, like he sees me for who I really am, and who I want to be."
Mia has done it again. She has come out with another novel that I fell head over heels for. This book was so good and when I started it I meant to read a few chapters and then study for a bit. A few hours later no studying has been done but the book has been finished. It completely drew me it and I really loved reading this.
Lacey has always wanted to fit in but she stands out. She is the 'loser' girl and all she wants is to be liked. One night of fun and an online joke suddenly changes Lacey's life forever. In pretending to be her new online persona she attracts the attention of her next door neighbour Henry, a.k.a the guy she;s crushed over forever! But suddenly the joke is going on and Lacey wants Henry to like her for her, not some pretend personality online. But one lie leads to another and she finds herself in a web she cannot untangle. To complicate matters she has caught the attention of Chase, the new guy at school who sees through her lies and they start a new and strangely complicated relationship. Will Lacey be able to get out of her tangle of lies and how can she be certain it is worth it when what she's been waiting for may be standing right in front of her.
I really enjoyed this book. After reading Mia's other novels I couldn't wait to read this so when she sent me it for review I so did a happy dance and couldn't wait to start. I was expecting and amazing romance like her other book 'The Ocean' but I was very surprised. Sure it has romance in it but this book is about so much more than that. It's main storyline is being happy with who you are and self-discovery. I loved that the book was Lacey's journey of self-discovery and I couldn't put it down as I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen.
I really sympathised with Lacey. I can definitely relate, she was the loser at school who got ridiculed but all she wanted was to fit in. I think anyone can relate with that and it makes it very easy for you to sympathise with her. I definitely did. Half of the time I just wanted to give her a hug the other half I wanted to shake her and say "Open your eyes and see what's in front of you." I really enjoyed this book but I would have like to see a bit more romance between Lacey and Chase at the end.
All in all I thought it was great.
"You never needed that wig. You're perfect as you."
"I feel safe with Chase, like he sees me for who I really am, and who I want to be."
Mia has done it again. She has come out with another novel that I fell head over heels for. This book was so good and when I started it I meant to read a few chapters and then study for a bit. A few hours later no studying has been done but the book has been finished. It completely drew me it and I really loved reading this.
Lacey has always wanted to fit in but she stands out. She is the 'loser' girl and all she wants is to be liked. One night of fun and an online joke suddenly changes Lacey's life forever. In pretending to be her new online persona she attracts the attention of her next door neighbour Henry, a.k.a the guy she;s crushed over forever! But suddenly the joke is going on and Lacey wants Henry to like her for her, not some pretend personality online. But one lie leads to another and she finds herself in a web she cannot untangle. To complicate matters she has caught the attention of Chase, the new guy at school who sees through her lies and they start a new and strangely complicated relationship. Will Lacey be able to get out of her tangle of lies and how can she be certain it is worth it when what she's been waiting for may be standing right in front of her.
I really enjoyed this book. After reading Mia's other novels I couldn't wait to read this so when she sent me it for review I so did a happy dance and couldn't wait to start. I was expecting and amazing romance like her other book 'The Ocean' but I was very surprised. Sure it has romance in it but this book is about so much more than that. It's main storyline is being happy with who you are and self-discovery. I loved that the book was Lacey's journey of self-discovery and I couldn't put it down as I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen.
I really sympathised with Lacey. I can definitely relate, she was the loser at school who got ridiculed but all she wanted was to fit in. I think anyone can relate with that and it makes it very easy for you to sympathise with her. I definitely did. Half of the time I just wanted to give her a hug the other half I wanted to shake her and say "Open your eyes and see what's in front of you." I really enjoyed this book but I would have like to see a bit more romance between Lacey and Chase at the end.
All in all I thought it was great.
"You never needed that wig. You're perfect as you."
May 28, 2012
I was thrilled to join the blog tour for this novel because I knew it to be an "issue book" -- one that is realistic and would make you think about life. I jumped in head first, as always, not exactly knowing what I was getting into when I started reading. I found myself enthralled. Mia Castile has written something that most teens, more than we know, actually go through.
Imagine high school and being the odd one out. Feeling like you would do or be anything to be noticed. Lacey is a typical teen girl with a great family, two best friends and nothing would be better if her long time crush would just notice her and have the same feelings. The thing is...he is best friends with the two that continue to bully and make fun of Lacey. As soon as Lacey and her friends concoct and act on a complete off the wall spontaneous idea to boost her popularity everything slowly starts spiraling out of control. After awhile she drifts apart from her best friends, spends less and less time at home and becomes someone she doesn't even know. She's been so blinded and consumed with this new invented world she has created she doesn't even notice the signs of a terrifying, yet all too real problem that is happening right in front of her eyes. Will Lacey snap back to reality and do what's right before it's too late?
I was very impressed to see how Mia took the story and turned into something that so many kids/teens/people can relate to. There are so many who have the same problems or issues and just don't speak up. Initially I thought this was a stand alone novel and when I finished I was surprised to find that it is actually book one in a series. I am very anxious to continue the journey with these kids and see where they take things from here. I definitely recommend Becoming A Butterfly for a realistic fiction read.
Imagine high school and being the odd one out. Feeling like you would do or be anything to be noticed. Lacey is a typical teen girl with a great family, two best friends and nothing would be better if her long time crush would just notice her and have the same feelings. The thing is...he is best friends with the two that continue to bully and make fun of Lacey. As soon as Lacey and her friends concoct and act on a complete off the wall spontaneous idea to boost her popularity everything slowly starts spiraling out of control. After awhile she drifts apart from her best friends, spends less and less time at home and becomes someone she doesn't even know. She's been so blinded and consumed with this new invented world she has created she doesn't even notice the signs of a terrifying, yet all too real problem that is happening right in front of her eyes. Will Lacey snap back to reality and do what's right before it's too late?
I was very impressed to see how Mia took the story and turned into something that so many kids/teens/people can relate to. There are so many who have the same problems or issues and just don't speak up. Initially I thought this was a stand alone novel and when I finished I was surprised to find that it is actually book one in a series. I am very anxious to continue the journey with these kids and see where they take things from here. I definitely recommend Becoming A Butterfly for a realistic fiction read.
May 26, 2012
What happens when you are called ‘Lacey-Bracey-Four-Eyed-Facey'? Well you invent an alter ego named Farrah of course. And things are going great for Lacey as she finds herself getting closer to her long time crush, Henry, until someone learns her secret. In order to keep Chase from telling everyone who the real Farrah is, she has to help his band out. But when she actually starts enjoying her time with Chase, Lacey has to decide if the whole charade is worth it.
Oh gosh, I do not miss my teenage years for nothing. Well I take that back. I had fun partying and hanging out with my friends. And thankfully none of the people I knew in high school were as cruel as some of the characters in the book. But gosh, being a teen is hard. And those of us that haven’t been teens for some time now are reminded of just how hard it can be.
I loved this book so much. It really reminded me of ‘1O Things I Hate About You’, ‘Drive Me Crazy’, and ‘She’s All That’ all jumbled together. Yes, it’s a 1999 movie flashback rolled into a book. Becoming a Butterfly is a book that had me sucked in; reading from start to finish within a few hours. A book that had me gaga over the characters…each and every one of them. And yes, I may have thought of Heath Ledger’s part in '10 Things I Hate About You' when I pictured Chase. (It’s a good thing I have netflix, because Becoming a Butterfly helped me remember some good movies).
I was so happy to see that there will be another book making this a series. When I got to the end and saw Butterfly Kisses and the first chapter I was so glad that the story would continue on. I mean with an ending like that it just had to. What will become of Lacey, Henry, and Chase? Becoming a Butterfly is definitely not your average love triangle…it was fun, flirty, and sometimes out of control. Go grab your copy of Becoming a Butterfly and prepare for the goodness.
Oh gosh, I do not miss my teenage years for nothing. Well I take that back. I had fun partying and hanging out with my friends. And thankfully none of the people I knew in high school were as cruel as some of the characters in the book. But gosh, being a teen is hard. And those of us that haven’t been teens for some time now are reminded of just how hard it can be.
I loved this book so much. It really reminded me of ‘1O Things I Hate About You’, ‘Drive Me Crazy’, and ‘She’s All That’ all jumbled together. Yes, it’s a 1999 movie flashback rolled into a book. Becoming a Butterfly is a book that had me sucked in; reading from start to finish within a few hours. A book that had me gaga over the characters…each and every one of them. And yes, I may have thought of Heath Ledger’s part in '10 Things I Hate About You' when I pictured Chase. (It’s a good thing I have netflix, because Becoming a Butterfly helped me remember some good movies).
I was so happy to see that there will be another book making this a series. When I got to the end and saw Butterfly Kisses and the first chapter I was so glad that the story would continue on. I mean with an ending like that it just had to. What will become of Lacey, Henry, and Chase? Becoming a Butterfly is definitely not your average love triangle…it was fun, flirty, and sometimes out of control. Go grab your copy of Becoming a Butterfly and prepare for the goodness.
August 16, 2012
I was thrilled to join the blog tour for this novel because I knew it to be an "issue book" -- one that is realistic and would make you think about life. I jumped in head first, as always, not exactly knowing what I was getting into when I started reading. I found myself enthralled. Mia Castile has written something that most teens, more than we know, actually go through.
Imagine high school and being the odd one out. Feeling like you would do or be anything to be noticed. Lacey is a typical teen girl with a great family, two best friends and nothing would be better if her long time crush would just notice her and have the same feelings. The thing is...he is best friends with the two that continue to bully and make fun of Lacey. As soon as Lacey and her friends concoct and act on a complete off the wall spontaneous idea to boost her popularity everything slowly starts spiraling out of control. After awhile she drifts apart from her best friends, spends less and less time at home and becomes someone she doesn't even know. She's been so blinded and consumed with this new invented world she has created she doesn't even notice the signs of a terrifying, yet all too real problem that is happening right in front of her eyes. Will Lacey snap back to reality and do what's right before it's too late?
I was very impressed to see how Mia took the story and turned into something that so many kids/teens/people can relate to. There are so many who have the same problems or issues and just don't speak up. Initially I thought this was a stand alone novel and when I finished I was surprised to find that it is actually book one in a series. I am very anxious to continue the journey with these kids and see where they take things from here. I definitely recommend Becoming A Butterfly for a realistic fiction read.
Imagine high school and being the odd one out. Feeling like you would do or be anything to be noticed. Lacey is a typical teen girl with a great family, two best friends and nothing would be better if her long time crush would just notice her and have the same feelings. The thing is...he is best friends with the two that continue to bully and make fun of Lacey. As soon as Lacey and her friends concoct and act on a complete off the wall spontaneous idea to boost her popularity everything slowly starts spiraling out of control. After awhile she drifts apart from her best friends, spends less and less time at home and becomes someone she doesn't even know. She's been so blinded and consumed with this new invented world she has created she doesn't even notice the signs of a terrifying, yet all too real problem that is happening right in front of her eyes. Will Lacey snap back to reality and do what's right before it's too late?
I was very impressed to see how Mia took the story and turned into something that so many kids/teens/people can relate to. There are so many who have the same problems or issues and just don't speak up. Initially I thought this was a stand alone novel and when I finished I was surprised to find that it is actually book one in a series. I am very anxious to continue the journey with these kids and see where they take things from here. I definitely recommend Becoming A Butterfly for a realistic fiction read.
December 27, 2012
We love it when we see our authors grow. Mia Castiles new BUTTERFLY series is proof that practice makes perfect. Becoming A Butterfly is book one in this contemporary series. It follows a plane Jane named Lacy and her obsession with the next-door neighbor.
Lacy is beautiful. She has light grey eyes and super straight hair, but like every other girl she doesn’t think she’s pretty. Lacy has her younger sister Lana, a popular cheerleader, reminding her of what beauty really is everyday.
Lacy’s best friends get dressed up during one of their weekly sleepovers, take pictures, and post them on their highschools social network, Status Quo. As a result Farrah was created.
Farrah becomes Lacy’s online Alter ego. She starts getting all the attention she’s always dreamed of from her neighbor, Henry. But soon the new kid in school, Chase, who figures the whole thing out and starts blackmailing her, brings it all into perspective.
A story about right and wrong, family, and true friendship, this book will relate to many teens these days. Mia Castile builds a world so close to reality you would think its really happening at your school.
How many can remember how they met their best friends, or the weird circumstances that caused you to find a true best friend?
Mia Castile tells Lacy’s story of how she met her true best friend in Becoming A Butterfly.
Hebah Abdelqader
Lacy is beautiful. She has light grey eyes and super straight hair, but like every other girl she doesn’t think she’s pretty. Lacy has her younger sister Lana, a popular cheerleader, reminding her of what beauty really is everyday.
Lacy’s best friends get dressed up during one of their weekly sleepovers, take pictures, and post them on their highschools social network, Status Quo. As a result Farrah was created.
Farrah becomes Lacy’s online Alter ego. She starts getting all the attention she’s always dreamed of from her neighbor, Henry. But soon the new kid in school, Chase, who figures the whole thing out and starts blackmailing her, brings it all into perspective.
A story about right and wrong, family, and true friendship, this book will relate to many teens these days. Mia Castile builds a world so close to reality you would think its really happening at your school.
How many can remember how they met their best friends, or the weird circumstances that caused you to find a true best friend?
Mia Castile tells Lacy’s story of how she met her true best friend in Becoming A Butterfly.
Hebah Abdelqader
September 30, 2015
{my thoughts} - This book is based on finding yourself and learning who you really are. Lacey is this awkward girl that doesn’t really know who she is or what she wants out of life. She has two best friends Jade and Tasha and they push her into making a fake online profile. That profile becomes very popular and soon she is talking as her alter ego to Henry the boy next door who has always had a crush on her.
Throughout the book she makes loads of poor choices, she keeps many secrets and she makes many people not like her. The biggest secret she keeps almost costs her the loss of one of the most important people in her life. The book is full of twists and turns, but even when her best friends walk away she has her new friend Chase to help pick up the pieces.
High school is one of the more difficult parts of most individuals lives, this book cover bullying, self humiliation, suicidal tendencies, puppy love, love, betrayal, and many other things. It’s a good book to read and very enjoyable. I can’t wait to begin reading the second book in the series.
{reason for reading} - I was given a copy of the book from Entwined Publishing in return for an honest review.
Throughout the book she makes loads of poor choices, she keeps many secrets and she makes many people not like her. The biggest secret she keeps almost costs her the loss of one of the most important people in her life. The book is full of twists and turns, but even when her best friends walk away she has her new friend Chase to help pick up the pieces.
High school is one of the more difficult parts of most individuals lives, this book cover bullying, self humiliation, suicidal tendencies, puppy love, love, betrayal, and many other things. It’s a good book to read and very enjoyable. I can’t wait to begin reading the second book in the series.
{reason for reading} - I was given a copy of the book from Entwined Publishing in return for an honest review.
October 21, 2012
This book was generously donated to me by the author in return for a fair and honest review.
October is Stop Bullying month, so this book was kind of perfect. Lacey is the loser in school. She’s shy and awkward and wants nothing more than the chance to fit in. After a night of fun with her friends, Lacey creates her alterego: Farrah, a fun and outgoing girl with everything to look forward to in the future. But with this new identity, comes a tangled mess of lies. Oh how these lies seem to grow with every passing page. If that wasn’t bad enough, she catches the attention of her next door neighbor and heartthrob, Henry… and the new kid, gorgeous Chase.
A good portion of the book I was torn between smacking Lacey upside the head and hugging her. She was just so beaten and so desperate… and so lonely. It was heartbreaking at times.
Nevertheless, I loved this book. I would have liked to see more loves between Chase and Lacey, but I’m hoping it’ll happen in book two. *fingers crossed*
All in all, fantastic read. I look forward to more soon.
October is Stop Bullying month, so this book was kind of perfect. Lacey is the loser in school. She’s shy and awkward and wants nothing more than the chance to fit in. After a night of fun with her friends, Lacey creates her alterego: Farrah, a fun and outgoing girl with everything to look forward to in the future. But with this new identity, comes a tangled mess of lies. Oh how these lies seem to grow with every passing page. If that wasn’t bad enough, she catches the attention of her next door neighbor and heartthrob, Henry… and the new kid, gorgeous Chase.
A good portion of the book I was torn between smacking Lacey upside the head and hugging her. She was just so beaten and so desperate… and so lonely. It was heartbreaking at times.
Nevertheless, I loved this book. I would have liked to see more loves between Chase and Lacey, but I’m hoping it’ll happen in book two. *fingers crossed*
All in all, fantastic read. I look forward to more soon.
December 30, 2014
Given for an honest review from Entwined Publishing.
I was in a reading rut. I decided to give Becoming a Butterfly a chance. To my surprise I was hooked into the plot. I felt like I was Lacey. She comes off as an insecure girl who is constantly bullied in school by her peers. I could relate to that part of the story. I understood the appeal of her pretending to be Farrah, she was popular and everyone wanted to be her friend.
I didn't see all the chaos that was brought into the storyline. Really loved the characters and the storyline. I am very grateful to have been given an opportunity to review this.
Looking forward to reading more in this series and from Mia.
5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
I was in a reading rut. I decided to give Becoming a Butterfly a chance. To my surprise I was hooked into the plot. I felt like I was Lacey. She comes off as an insecure girl who is constantly bullied in school by her peers. I could relate to that part of the story. I understood the appeal of her pretending to be Farrah, she was popular and everyone wanted to be her friend.
I didn't see all the chaos that was brought into the storyline. Really loved the characters and the storyline. I am very grateful to have been given an opportunity to review this.
Looking forward to reading more in this series and from Mia.
5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
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Want to read
April 10, 2012I only see good reviews for it, and even though it is a mature YA reading I'll decide to put my hate for that kinda stuff aside. I mean I read HON didn't I? Well I didn't know they would have that kinda stuff but oh well. I don't know, I feel a classic coming on, and it's something that I probably really need right now to escape the real world, because at least when I come back i'll be used to the realistic issues, as opposed to getting lost in a fantasy book.
June 12, 2016
Lacey is a little snot and not very bright socially but she is also a teenager so I'll cut her some slack. After creating fake profile on a social network, her long time crush Henry messages the fake her and they become better friends then the real Lacey and Henry. She becomes and lying selfish person while not really appreciating what she has right in front of her. This book has its moments and although it is not the best story I have ever read I am going to give the second book and chance.
July 24, 2012
Loved it!!!!!!
August 3, 2012
The story for this book deserved a 4 but there were many grammatical/spelling/context errors that pulled me out of the story and made the book a 3. I am going to read the next one though.
January 3, 2013
Loved loved loved it. Great characters
July 22, 2013
Loved!
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