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Sucks to Be Me #1
Pourquoi Moi ?
Mina s'apprête à fêter son seizième anniversaire quand ses parents lui annoncent la catastrophe du siècle : ils sont tous les deux des vampires. Et, franchement, vampire, c est très surfait. Après tout, ils doivent gagner leur non-vie comme tout le monde et n'ont aucun super pouvoir. Mais il y a pire : Mina doit choisir si elle veut rester humaine et renoncer à tout contact avec sa famille ou si elle veut devenir un vampire et quitter son lycée et sa meilleure amie pour toujours. Cruel dilemme ! Une chose est sûre : boire du sang, quand même... c'est répugnant, non ?
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2008
76 people are currently reading
5577 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Pauley
10 books295 followersKIMBERLY PAULEY is the author of the award-winning Sucks to Be Me, which was honored on the YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers list. The sequel, Still Sucks to Be Me, was listed on the VOYA Best Science Fiction Fantasy List of 2010. Born in California, she has lived everywhere from Florida to Chicago and has now gone international to live in the UK with her husband (a numbers man) and the cutest little boy on any continent (The Max). She wrote Cat Girl’s Day Off because she wanted to share what cats really think with the world. ASK Me, is something different: darker, paranormal YA fantasy. The Accidental Wizard is her first middle grade book and is illustrated by Jason Cockcroft. Visit her online at kimberlypauley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 488 reviews
October 17, 2008
This is a title hot on the heels of the recent vampire/supernatural craze pulsing through bookstores across the country. This is a young adult novel with a different sort of "coming of age" conflict. Mina has to decide whether or not she wants to become a vampire like the rest of her family.
Overall, it's a moderately interesting hook and the presentation is done well. The book is written in a close first person and told almost as a journal entry. There are moments where "notebook pages" or other "handwritten" notes are added with quips and thoughts from Mina. This adds a different level of depth to the storytelling and provides interesting distractions.
And yet, these devices serve only as momentary distractions from what is otherwise a fairly bland book. It felt to me that the author was trying much to hard to present her characters as teenagers, and as a result, they feel a bit distanced and unreal compared to the teenagers I do know and interact with. The conversations felt fairly natural for the most part but the behaviors felt a little "off" to me.
To digress a bit, I'll pick out two points that struck me as especially odd.
1. The use of cell phones is very common among teenagers, true. The author shows a couple of times that Mina does have a cell phone. And yet, when a new friend from her vamp lessons gives Mina her number, Mina loses it. With teens I've seen, passing of numbers involves immediately pulling out the cell and punching it into memory...gone are the days of scribbling down numbers on scraps of paper unless it's the only alternative.
2. Bigger than the number storage, was the lack of cell phone texting. Mina has a cell phone. And yet, all of her "messaging" is done at the computer in her bedroom. My 16 year old sister has friends on Yahoo messenger...but I've even seen her texting via her phone while at the computer rather than chatting on messenger. Texting is a HUGE part of teen life these days. The author instead gives Mina a computer IM account in her bedroom, which struck me as odd.
Back to the book itself, I had a hard time really finding any emotional, psychological or mental attachment to the characters. Mina's dilemma was an interesting one, but the tension wasn't strong enough to pull me into the struggle. Mina kept telling me just how troubled and torn she was over the decision, but it was difficult for me to believe her based on her actions and her behaviors. For the first half+ of the book, I was bored and annoyed by her paralysis to act realistically.
Only towards the very end of the book was I "shocked" into feeling any real anguish with her dilemma. There was finally a struggle introduced that provided a truly difficult variable with more than simply superficial connotations.
A lot of the plot (especially the plot "outside" of the purely vampirical) felt fairly predictable and like something out of a stock fluff teen/high-school novel or sitcom.
**Girl A likes Boy A**Girl A gets assigned to work with Boy A on school project**Girl A goes out with Boy A**Girl A tries to setup Boy B with Girl B (best friend of Girl A)**Boy A falls for Girl B**Boy B falls for Girl A Girl A is confused, torn, angry, betrayed, etc....**Some sort of reconciliation happens**Everybody goes to prom**
The plot has gone around again and again enough that as soon as each character was introduced and some brief context was given, I was already aware of the ending.
I would have much rather seen more tension around the tough choice Mina had to make. I would have loved to have seen some surprising twists or turns with the peripheral characters...there was a lot of interesting potential with the other characters in her vamp class, but their treatment was glossy at best and non-existant at worst.
Overall, the book was a bit of fluff but it was a painfully slow read due to the lack of any real plot driving tension to keep me hooked. I'm going to pass it to my 16- and 15-year old siblings to see if they see it any differently, but with the amount of teen lit I've read lately and the amount of interactions I've had lately, it feels to me that this book doesn't quite nail the teen mindset and it also fails to engage the reader with a substantial plot.
1.5 stars
*
Overall, it's a moderately interesting hook and the presentation is done well. The book is written in a close first person and told almost as a journal entry. There are moments where "notebook pages" or other "handwritten" notes are added with quips and thoughts from Mina. This adds a different level of depth to the storytelling and provides interesting distractions.
And yet, these devices serve only as momentary distractions from what is otherwise a fairly bland book. It felt to me that the author was trying much to hard to present her characters as teenagers, and as a result, they feel a bit distanced and unreal compared to the teenagers I do know and interact with. The conversations felt fairly natural for the most part but the behaviors felt a little "off" to me.
To digress a bit, I'll pick out two points that struck me as especially odd.
1. The use of cell phones is very common among teenagers, true. The author shows a couple of times that Mina does have a cell phone. And yet, when a new friend from her vamp lessons gives Mina her number, Mina loses it. With teens I've seen, passing of numbers involves immediately pulling out the cell and punching it into memory...gone are the days of scribbling down numbers on scraps of paper unless it's the only alternative.
2. Bigger than the number storage, was the lack of cell phone texting. Mina has a cell phone. And yet, all of her "messaging" is done at the computer in her bedroom. My 16 year old sister has friends on Yahoo messenger...but I've even seen her texting via her phone while at the computer rather than chatting on messenger. Texting is a HUGE part of teen life these days. The author instead gives Mina a computer IM account in her bedroom, which struck me as odd.
Back to the book itself, I had a hard time really finding any emotional, psychological or mental attachment to the characters. Mina's dilemma was an interesting one, but the tension wasn't strong enough to pull me into the struggle. Mina kept telling me just how troubled and torn she was over the decision, but it was difficult for me to believe her based on her actions and her behaviors. For the first half+ of the book, I was bored and annoyed by her paralysis to act realistically.
Only towards the very end of the book was I "shocked" into feeling any real anguish with her dilemma. There was finally a struggle introduced that provided a truly difficult variable with more than simply superficial connotations.
A lot of the plot (especially the plot "outside" of the purely vampirical) felt fairly predictable and like something out of a stock fluff teen/high-school novel or sitcom.
**Girl A likes Boy A**Girl A gets assigned to work with Boy A on school project**Girl A goes out with Boy A**Girl A tries to setup Boy B with Girl B (best friend of Girl A)**Boy A falls for Girl B**Boy B falls for Girl A Girl A is confused, torn, angry, betrayed, etc....**Some sort of reconciliation happens**Everybody goes to prom**
The plot has gone around again and again enough that as soon as each character was introduced and some brief context was given, I was already aware of the ending.
I would have much rather seen more tension around the tough choice Mina had to make. I would have loved to have seen some surprising twists or turns with the peripheral characters...there was a lot of interesting potential with the other characters in her vamp class, but their treatment was glossy at best and non-existant at worst.
Overall, the book was a bit of fluff but it was a painfully slow read due to the lack of any real plot driving tension to keep me hooked. I'm going to pass it to my 16- and 15-year old siblings to see if they see it any differently, but with the amount of teen lit I've read lately and the amount of interactions I've had lately, it feels to me that this book doesn't quite nail the teen mindset and it also fails to engage the reader with a substantial plot.
1.5 stars
*
June 24, 2008
Being a high school student is stressful all by itself. Crushes, friendships, homework, the list goes on and on, but for Mina Hamilton life just got a little more complicated. You see, Mina’s parents are vampires. Her dad was accidently turned by her Uncle Mortie and since her mother was pregnant with her at the time, she waited to become a vampire until after Mina was born. The problem?? Mina’s parents never told The Council about having a baby and humans are NEVER supposed to find out about vampires and since Mina is human, she isn’t supposed to know. Once The Council finds out, Mina is told she must make the biggest decision of her life. To become a vampire or not.
Pros
She’d be able to continue seeing her mom and dad.
Cons
She’d lose her best friend Serena
She wouldn’t sleep anymore (and she LOVES a good nap)
She’d never be able to have children
She’d always look sixteen
She’d have to move around every 10 years or so
Mina is forced to take vampire classes for a month prior to making her decision. There she meets other kids her age contemplating the same decision and some information about vampires she never learned from her parents. In the beginning, she doesn’t see much good to becoming a vampire.
Follow Mina’s thought process through her witty narrative and frequent lists she includes in the story. Lists like, “Why It Sucks To Be Me,” and “Why It Really Sucks To Be Me.”
Mina is a strong female character that you can’t help but like. She stands up to the resident “mean girl” at school, she is nice to most everyone, and she is struggling in the romance department like most teenage girls. What more could you ask for in a young adult book?
The author, Kimberly Pauley, is the creator of YA Books Central.
Pros
She’d be able to continue seeing her mom and dad.
Cons
She’d lose her best friend Serena
She wouldn’t sleep anymore (and she LOVES a good nap)
She’d never be able to have children
She’d always look sixteen
She’d have to move around every 10 years or so
Mina is forced to take vampire classes for a month prior to making her decision. There she meets other kids her age contemplating the same decision and some information about vampires she never learned from her parents. In the beginning, she doesn’t see much good to becoming a vampire.
Follow Mina’s thought process through her witty narrative and frequent lists she includes in the story. Lists like, “Why It Sucks To Be Me,” and “Why It Really Sucks To Be Me.”
Mina is a strong female character that you can’t help but like. She stands up to the resident “mean girl” at school, she is nice to most everyone, and she is struggling in the romance department like most teenage girls. What more could you ask for in a young adult book?
The author, Kimberly Pauley, is the creator of YA Books Central.
June 13, 2008
Eh.
Mina was whiny, incompetent, and a bit of a moron - half the plot of the book could have been resolved with two simple conversations and the basic ability to read social cues.
(That is: if Mina and her "do everything together, finish each other's sentences, are totally and completely in sync" best friend had at any point discussed what they were thinking re: the guys in their lives; if Mina had sat down and asked her parents "would you like to see me become a vampire?", especially after talking about how awesome and fun they were, and how well she got along with them, and how much she loved and respected them; if Mina had been capable of doing more than looking at the "totally omg smoking hot" Aubrey, and had listened to him instead, at which point she would have noticed that he showed absolutely no interest in her, and simply wanted to quiz her parents and uncle on what it's like to be a vampire.)
Teenage girls looking for more books on vampires after reading Twilight will probably enjoy this, but it's a disservice to them - there are so many intelligent, witty books out there they could be reading instead of this piece of drivel.
(Fine, fine - the book had a couple good points: Mina had a very mature reaction to the conflict with her best friend that I referred to above, and the idea of people having to go through bureaucracy and classes before they're allowed to turn was funny but not well handled.)
Mina was whiny, incompetent, and a bit of a moron - half the plot of the book could have been resolved with two simple conversations and the basic ability to read social cues.
(That is: if Mina and her "do everything together, finish each other's sentences, are totally and completely in sync" best friend had at any point discussed what they were thinking re: the guys in their lives; if Mina had sat down and asked her parents "would you like to see me become a vampire?", especially after talking about how awesome and fun they were, and how well she got along with them, and how much she loved and respected them; if Mina had been capable of doing more than looking at the "totally omg smoking hot" Aubrey, and had listened to him instead, at which point she would have noticed that he showed absolutely no interest in her, and simply wanted to quiz her parents and uncle on what it's like to be a vampire.)
Teenage girls looking for more books on vampires after reading Twilight will probably enjoy this, but it's a disservice to them - there are so many intelligent, witty books out there they could be reading instead of this piece of drivel.
(Fine, fine - the book had a couple good points: Mina had a very mature reaction to the conflict with her best friend that I referred to above, and the idea of people having to go through bureaucracy and classes before they're allowed to turn was funny but not well handled.)
February 25, 2009
This debut novel by Pauley is a cute and quick read about 16 year old Mina(yup, just like in Dracula) who must decide in 4 weeks whether she wants to become a vampire or not. She's the illegal child of two vampires (Dad got turned right before she was born, Mom joined him shortly after), so it's not like she's not used to the concept. Except now the Vampire Council has found them and is forcing her family to go by the rules, which include pre-turn classes for Mina, complete with career days, and the possibility of breaking their family up. The pop culture references are very current, which means this book is unlikely to have long term appeal, but it's a fun read for someone trying to get the bad taste of Breaking Dawn out of their mouth. Very teenage, there is romance, AND a happy ending. I think Meyer's fans will dig it.
January 5, 2009
Mina is 16 years old and a junior in high school. To make matters even more interesting, her family's unique make-up is really coming to a head. Don't tell anyone, but her parents and her Uncle Mortie are all vampires. It is a long story, but they have been keeping that a secret in order to avoid getting the attention of the Vampire Council because they want to make sure they can lead as normal a life for Mina as possible.
The council has rules that are very important to keep vamp society safe. That means that non-vampires are not allowed to know they really exist, and as such she would not be able to live with her parents ... or even remember that they exist.
Now that the council knows about her existence, it is time for her to make an important decision that will affect the rest of her life ... or is it undeath. Anyway, she is going through some basic training, and when it is done, she will have to decide whether she wants to become a vampire or not.
As all of this is going on, Mina is moving on with her life at school with her friends, and things are really hopping. She and her best friend Serena seem to have been accepted into the alpha crowd, which is led by the superhot Nathan, whom she has had a crush on since the second grade. She also has caught the attention of George, one of the guys she is going to vampire classes with and who is also in her school. He is a great, nice guy, but you know what most girls think about nice. Finally, there is Aubrey, who is also in her vamp class, and he is dreamy ... like out of Hollywood hot.
The story is fun, and it is told in first person by Mina, who is funny and sassy. With that said, I found myself finding her to be a little too perky and trying too hard to be funny. It doesn't ruin the story at all. It is actually really light and breezy in tone, which is not something that you would normally accept from a vampire tale. Fun and fluffy is the best way to describe this one, though it is not up to the standard of The Princess Diaries or the Georgia Nicolson books.
The council has rules that are very important to keep vamp society safe. That means that non-vampires are not allowed to know they really exist, and as such she would not be able to live with her parents ... or even remember that they exist.
Now that the council knows about her existence, it is time for her to make an important decision that will affect the rest of her life ... or is it undeath. Anyway, she is going through some basic training, and when it is done, she will have to decide whether she wants to become a vampire or not.
As all of this is going on, Mina is moving on with her life at school with her friends, and things are really hopping. She and her best friend Serena seem to have been accepted into the alpha crowd, which is led by the superhot Nathan, whom she has had a crush on since the second grade. She also has caught the attention of George, one of the guys she is going to vampire classes with and who is also in her school. He is a great, nice guy, but you know what most girls think about nice. Finally, there is Aubrey, who is also in her vamp class, and he is dreamy ... like out of Hollywood hot.
The story is fun, and it is told in first person by Mina, who is funny and sassy. With that said, I found myself finding her to be a little too perky and trying too hard to be funny. It doesn't ruin the story at all. It is actually really light and breezy in tone, which is not something that you would normally accept from a vampire tale. Fun and fluffy is the best way to describe this one, though it is not up to the standard of The Princess Diaries or the Georgia Nicolson books.
March 18, 2009
Any book that disses Stephenie "Feh" Meyer on the very first page is gonna get extra brownie points from me, even if the rest turns out to be totally lame...
..but it wasn't.
This book is not going to get millions of millions of teenage girls sighing over it. It is not going to be made into a multi million dollar movie. I don't know if there will be a sequel, but if there is, it will not have a midnight opening with balloons and hoopla.
Thank God.
With few exceptions, of late the vampire books have all taken themselves very seriously. Please tell me (if you've been masochistic enough to read them all) of one laugh out loud scene in Ms Meyer's fanfiction? Or any of the others.?
No glamorous, melancholy types here. Instead, there's Mina's seamy Uncle Mortie, the ultimate traveling salesman. There's her parents, who aside from the facts that they don't sleep and don't eat are typical parentish parents. There's "Grandma Wolfington" who teaches a course for teen vampire wannabes.
Mina goes through what just about every teenager does--finding out who she is deciding her life's path. The only difference between her and any other teen in a chicklit novel is that she has to decide whether or not to become a vampire.
This is funny (don't miss when Uncle Mortie takes Mina and another vampire wanna be to visit a vampire novel writer)and a welcome relief from a genre that is rapidly being sucked dry of any allure it ever had.
And it just might inspire some readers to hunt down the book that started it all, Dracula, which figures into the plot.
..but it wasn't.
This book is not going to get millions of millions of teenage girls sighing over it. It is not going to be made into a multi million dollar movie. I don't know if there will be a sequel, but if there is, it will not have a midnight opening with balloons and hoopla.
Thank God.
With few exceptions, of late the vampire books have all taken themselves very seriously. Please tell me (if you've been masochistic enough to read them all) of one laugh out loud scene in Ms Meyer's fanfiction? Or any of the others.?
No glamorous, melancholy types here. Instead, there's Mina's seamy Uncle Mortie, the ultimate traveling salesman. There's her parents, who aside from the facts that they don't sleep and don't eat are typical parentish parents. There's "Grandma Wolfington" who teaches a course for teen vampire wannabes.
Mina goes through what just about every teenager does--finding out who she is deciding her life's path. The only difference between her and any other teen in a chicklit novel is that she has to decide whether or not to become a vampire.
This is funny (don't miss when Uncle Mortie takes Mina and another vampire wanna be to visit a vampire novel writer)and a welcome relief from a genre that is rapidly being sucked dry of any allure it ever had.
And it just might inspire some readers to hunt down the book that started it all, Dracula, which figures into the plot.
June 16, 2011
¿Qué puedo decir de este libro que no hayan dicho ya por la blogosfera?. Aparte de ser la estrella del concurso del blog, porque es uno de los títulos más solicitados, hay que reconocer el mérito a la editorial por haber mimado el producto de tal manera, que ya sólo hojearlo produce una sensación divertida que se acentua conforme lees las notas supuestamente escritas a mano por la protagonista.
El libro es una gozada desde el principio y persigue con exito la intención de hacer pasar un gran rato a todo aquel que abre sus páginas. La trama no es muy original, eso sí. Es como ver cualquier peli de adolescentes, donde aparece la típica pija, la prota, la amiga del alma de la prota y como no, los chicos.. Unos cuantos para elegir. Típica trama de amores quinceañeros, donde aparece el amor por primera vez y todo eso. Sin embargo, Kimberly, la autora, ha jugado con personajes muy dispares, vampiros y humanos, que hacen incluso más amena la lectura y con el detalle de no caer en el chiste fácil o la estupidez (algo que me revienta).
Leo comentarios de gente que no está muy convencida sobre si leerse este libro, y me consta que mi opinión es una más de tantas, pero les aconsejaría que se lo leyeran, pero eso sí, siempre pensando en que es un libro juvenil y por lo tanto tiene sus limitaciones. Si vais en busca de literatura que os llene o con profundidad, olvidaros.. Con este libro lo mejor es coger algo de comer, un refresco, buscar tu rinconcito de lectura y disfrutar sin complejos en compañía de Mina. Por mi parte, este libro sin llegar a la calificación de 5, se queda en un 4 y en puesto de honor tanto de recomendaciones como de mi estantería.
El libro es una gozada desde el principio y persigue con exito la intención de hacer pasar un gran rato a todo aquel que abre sus páginas. La trama no es muy original, eso sí. Es como ver cualquier peli de adolescentes, donde aparece la típica pija, la prota, la amiga del alma de la prota y como no, los chicos.. Unos cuantos para elegir. Típica trama de amores quinceañeros, donde aparece el amor por primera vez y todo eso. Sin embargo, Kimberly, la autora, ha jugado con personajes muy dispares, vampiros y humanos, que hacen incluso más amena la lectura y con el detalle de no caer en el chiste fácil o la estupidez (algo que me revienta).
Leo comentarios de gente que no está muy convencida sobre si leerse este libro, y me consta que mi opinión es una más de tantas, pero les aconsejaría que se lo leyeran, pero eso sí, siempre pensando en que es un libro juvenil y por lo tanto tiene sus limitaciones. Si vais en busca de literatura que os llene o con profundidad, olvidaros.. Con este libro lo mejor es coger algo de comer, un refresco, buscar tu rinconcito de lectura y disfrutar sin complejos en compañía de Mina. Por mi parte, este libro sin llegar a la calificación de 5, se queda en un 4 y en puesto de honor tanto de recomendaciones como de mi estantería.
November 28, 2012
Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com
Mina Hamilton has a major life (or death) decision to make, and only a few weeks in which to decide. Should she, or should she not, become a vampire? It seems like a no-brainer. I mean, Buffy would know in, like, a split second. But, having vampire parents sort of complicates matters.
This highly humorous novel puts a new spin on the teen vampire tale. Mina is a typical high school student whose extra-curricular activities are no more exciting than hanging at the mall or pizza place, until her undead parents break the news that she has to start attending vampire information classes twice a week. Apparently, they never told the Regional Vampire Council that they had a child, and the situation has caused major drama. Now, Mina must make a decision about her future (and exactly how long that future will last) pronto!
This light read is worth five stars just because it literally made me snort lemonade through my nose. Pauley dares to go there again and again, with topical references and jabs at modern-day vampire lore. Her main character is a self-described closet girly-girl who has kick-butt tendencies and an attitude that readers will love.
Totally entertaining, with a top-of-the-line teen voice!
Mina Hamilton has a major life (or death) decision to make, and only a few weeks in which to decide. Should she, or should she not, become a vampire? It seems like a no-brainer. I mean, Buffy would know in, like, a split second. But, having vampire parents sort of complicates matters.
This highly humorous novel puts a new spin on the teen vampire tale. Mina is a typical high school student whose extra-curricular activities are no more exciting than hanging at the mall or pizza place, until her undead parents break the news that she has to start attending vampire information classes twice a week. Apparently, they never told the Regional Vampire Council that they had a child, and the situation has caused major drama. Now, Mina must make a decision about her future (and exactly how long that future will last) pronto!
This light read is worth five stars just because it literally made me snort lemonade through my nose. Pauley dares to go there again and again, with topical references and jabs at modern-day vampire lore. Her main character is a self-described closet girly-girl who has kick-butt tendencies and an attitude that readers will love.
Totally entertaining, with a top-of-the-line teen voice!
October 3, 2011
Nejspíš vás tímhle verdiktem překvapím, ale ačkoliv nejsem cílová věková skupina, myslím si, že jde o povedenou knihu, kterou by si měla přečíst každá dospívající holka, protože je prostě vtipná. Takovým tím lehce ujetým až trapným způsobem.
Kniha si na nic nehraje a i když tam jsou sem tam nelogičnosti jako hrom, kdo to řeší?
Například mě u jedné kapitoly naprosto dostalo:
MÝTUS: Upíra zabije kůl vražený do srdce.
SKUTEČNOST: No jasně. To zabije každého.
:D :D :D :D :D :D
Ještě mi řekněte, že to není vtipné? :D Člověk se u toho parádně odreaguje a o to přesně jde. Nad některými věcmi, které Mina řeší, budete jenom kroutit hlavou a říkat si, že tohle vážně není možné. No a co? Je to pěkně trhlé a po většinu času stejně jenom o dvou věcech - být či nebý upírem... a sakra kterého kluka si vybrat?
Od knihy příliš nečekejte, nebude bořit knižní hranice. Ale mě vážně bavila. Skvělé odreagování.
Kniha si na nic nehraje a i když tam jsou sem tam nelogičnosti jako hrom, kdo to řeší?
Například mě u jedné kapitoly naprosto dostalo:
MÝTUS: Upíra zabije kůl vražený do srdce.
SKUTEČNOST: No jasně. To zabije každého.
:D :D :D :D :D :D
Ještě mi řekněte, že to není vtipné? :D Člověk se u toho parádně odreaguje a o to přesně jde. Nad některými věcmi, které Mina řeší, budete jenom kroutit hlavou a říkat si, že tohle vážně není možné. No a co? Je to pěkně trhlé a po většinu času stejně jenom o dvou věcech - být či nebý upírem... a sakra kterého kluka si vybrat?
Od knihy příliš nečekejte, nebude bořit knižní hranice. Ale mě vážně bavila. Skvělé odreagování.
April 26, 2008
I'm nowhere near the target audience for this book, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. The story is quick and interesting, the writing is vibrant, and the style is brimming with personality.
May 9, 2008
Sucks to be Me - the All-True confessions of Mina Hamilton Teen Vampire (maybe)
There are a LOT of Teen Vampire novels on the market now and I think I've read about 3/4 of them. This one is a worthy addition to the genre. Mina's voice is so clearly just a normal teen girl with loving parents (who happen to be vampires) and a best friend (who she can't confide in regarding the whole vampire thing) and a crush on a boy or two (one of whom is totally into the vampire thing, and one of whom isn't).
Summary:
Mina is a 17-year-old girl who has known since she was 10 that her parents were vampires, but it hasn't really affected her average suburban life. True, they don't exactly love sunbathing, and they don't sleep, and they forget to eat, but Mina has adjusted to all that. But the Vampire Council didn't know that Mina existed, and now that they know, she has to attend Vampire Sessions and her weird Uncle Mortimer is her sponsor.
Worst of all, she has just 4 weeks to decide if she wants to become a vampire or not. She slowly learns all the things about the vampire life that her parents never told her, in order to give her a normal upbringing. On top of all that, there's a trio of cute to gorgeous boys that seem to suddenly be interested in her. This book is Mina's journal, and Mina never met a situation that couldn't use a good pro and con list along with little chapter header stickers of vampires myths and the truth as Mina sees it.
The most difficult thing about book about alternative worlds is getting the "rules of the world" in there without having a big boring chapter about how the world works. This is a clever way of doing that, we learn what the vampire rules are right along with Mina. The chapter headers of myths and truths with little drawings of bats and other pictures that illustrate the myths are really cute. All the characters are fully drawn, but Mina's voice is what really made me love this book. She's so typically a teen, who thinks a lot of this vampire stuff is TOO GROSS FOR WORDS. I laughed out loud at several places because of Mina's observations.
Light and funny - a GREAT beach read for teens and anyone who likes vampires in any guise!
There are a LOT of Teen Vampire novels on the market now and I think I've read about 3/4 of them. This one is a worthy addition to the genre. Mina's voice is so clearly just a normal teen girl with loving parents (who happen to be vampires) and a best friend (who she can't confide in regarding the whole vampire thing) and a crush on a boy or two (one of whom is totally into the vampire thing, and one of whom isn't).
Summary:
Mina is a 17-year-old girl who has known since she was 10 that her parents were vampires, but it hasn't really affected her average suburban life. True, they don't exactly love sunbathing, and they don't sleep, and they forget to eat, but Mina has adjusted to all that. But the Vampire Council didn't know that Mina existed, and now that they know, she has to attend Vampire Sessions and her weird Uncle Mortimer is her sponsor.
Worst of all, she has just 4 weeks to decide if she wants to become a vampire or not. She slowly learns all the things about the vampire life that her parents never told her, in order to give her a normal upbringing. On top of all that, there's a trio of cute to gorgeous boys that seem to suddenly be interested in her. This book is Mina's journal, and Mina never met a situation that couldn't use a good pro and con list along with little chapter header stickers of vampires myths and the truth as Mina sees it.
The most difficult thing about book about alternative worlds is getting the "rules of the world" in there without having a big boring chapter about how the world works. This is a clever way of doing that, we learn what the vampire rules are right along with Mina. The chapter headers of myths and truths with little drawings of bats and other pictures that illustrate the myths are really cute. All the characters are fully drawn, but Mina's voice is what really made me love this book. She's so typically a teen, who thinks a lot of this vampire stuff is TOO GROSS FOR WORDS. I laughed out loud at several places because of Mina's observations.
Light and funny - a GREAT beach read for teens and anyone who likes vampires in any guise!
June 15, 2009
Seventeen-year-old Mina Hamilton has a seemingly normal life with one small exception--her parents are vampires. Mina's known for years, but when the vampire ruling council discovers this, Mina is enrolled in a crash course about everything it means to be a vampire and given a deadline to make one of the biggest decisions of her life--whether or not to join the ranks of the undead.
With the current crazy of teenager vampire books flooding the market, "Sucks To Be Me" stands out from the crowd for several reasons. One of them is the central narrator and our hero, Mina Hamilton. Told from Mina's point of view, the story allows us to see into Mina's thought process which is, at times hilarious, at times self-pitying and always authentic.
Another stand-out point is the novel's creation of its own vampire mythology. While it's not groundbreaking, the novel does feature several points in which Mina debunks or backs up vampire lore. The fact that Mina's English class is reading "Dracula" as the book unfolds only helps things. First-time author Kimberly Pauley has created a fresh, interesting new potential vampire lore in her book and while this story is complete in and of itself, more entries in this universe and involving Mina would be welcome.
Thirdly, the book is populated by an engaging group of characters. The biggest of these is Mina, but there are a wide array of supporting characters to get to know and love over the course of the story. And these characters behavior make for some genuinely laugh out loud funny moments such as Mina's mom explaining vampire sex to her potential date over the family dinner table.
In a perfect world, a novel as fun, refreshing and as fun as "Sucks To Be Me" would do equal or better numbers as the Twilight saga. With teenage vampire romance novels being the current rage in the bookstore, "Sucks To Be Me" stands out from the field with its good sense of humor, engaging characters and well-crafted romantic tension.
With the current crazy of teenager vampire books flooding the market, "Sucks To Be Me" stands out from the crowd for several reasons. One of them is the central narrator and our hero, Mina Hamilton. Told from Mina's point of view, the story allows us to see into Mina's thought process which is, at times hilarious, at times self-pitying and always authentic.
Another stand-out point is the novel's creation of its own vampire mythology. While it's not groundbreaking, the novel does feature several points in which Mina debunks or backs up vampire lore. The fact that Mina's English class is reading "Dracula" as the book unfolds only helps things. First-time author Kimberly Pauley has created a fresh, interesting new potential vampire lore in her book and while this story is complete in and of itself, more entries in this universe and involving Mina would be welcome.
Thirdly, the book is populated by an engaging group of characters. The biggest of these is Mina, but there are a wide array of supporting characters to get to know and love over the course of the story. And these characters behavior make for some genuinely laugh out loud funny moments such as Mina's mom explaining vampire sex to her potential date over the family dinner table.
In a perfect world, a novel as fun, refreshing and as fun as "Sucks To Be Me" would do equal or better numbers as the Twilight saga. With teenage vampire romance novels being the current rage in the bookstore, "Sucks To Be Me" stands out from the field with its good sense of humor, engaging characters and well-crafted romantic tension.
September 7, 2016
Not much to actually say about this particular novel. Light, easy read. A bit of a time waster if you're over the age of 16.
The concept was interesting enough. I didn't hate 'the game' entirely, I hated 'the players'. The protagonist wasn't horrible to listen to, however, all other featured characters we're completely one dimensional. I don't mean to be critical, but I just felt the idea itself had a bit more potential, so it was disappointing. Basically, for some odd reason, I didn't actually expect it to be so simplistic.
That being said, the voice of Mina Hamilton was soulful and creative, she certainly always has a lot to say. I would highly recommend this to younger readers (I plan to get a copy for a cousin of mine). Younger readers will definitely appreciate Kimberly Pauley's easy flow.
To older readers that still want to give it a go. Grab a copy at your local library (similarly to what I did).
~*~ Peachy Sweets xox
(Rarely do I ever give a novel five beautiful golden stars.)
The concept was interesting enough. I didn't hate 'the game' entirely, I hated 'the players'. The protagonist wasn't horrible to listen to, however, all other featured characters we're completely one dimensional. I don't mean to be critical, but I just felt the idea itself had a bit more potential, so it was disappointing. Basically, for some odd reason, I didn't actually expect it to be so simplistic.
That being said, the voice of Mina Hamilton was soulful and creative, she certainly always has a lot to say. I would highly recommend this to younger readers (I plan to get a copy for a cousin of mine). Younger readers will definitely appreciate Kimberly Pauley's easy flow.
To older readers that still want to give it a go. Grab a copy at your local library (similarly to what I did).
~*~ Peachy Sweets xox
(Rarely do I ever give a novel five beautiful golden stars.)
September 11, 2008
Mina Hamilton is your everyday teenager, thinking about the usual things that teenage girls do (i.e. boys & school), and the not so usual (i.e. her vampire parents.) She gets slammed with a life-changing decision and not a lot of time to make it![return][return]I found this book to be funny while dealing with the paranormal and the main character is spunky and a little snarky which made for a fun, light read. The vampires aren t too dark and the teens are full of life and quirkiness. A serious decision is made and we go through it with this extremely likable character.[return][return]I received this book from Library Thing Early Reviewers and it was a fun read. It s a Young Adult Paranormal Romance about vampires. This is Kimberly Pauley s first book and I hope to see some more books from this author because she s got a great sense of humor and a catchy style of writing.
June 11, 2009
Maybe I am just spoiled by all great YA fiction I've recently read, but this book was pretty much a waste of time.
Not going into details of the plot, this story just didn't have any real conflict or drama (not even a "boy" drama!). Everything in it was so goody-goody and simple, I just couldn't enjoy it. That would have been alright if this book was at least funny, but the author failed even at that.
There was an interesting take on vampire mythology, but that couldn't save this book from being a boring uninspired read.
Lastly, what irritated me the most, was the writing style. The author tried very hard to "relate" to teenagers by infusing tons of pop-culture references and modern "slang," but it didn't really work (Kimberly Pauley needs to read some Meg Cabot to see how it's done right). In fact it made the book sound silly and way too light.
Not going into details of the plot, this story just didn't have any real conflict or drama (not even a "boy" drama!). Everything in it was so goody-goody and simple, I just couldn't enjoy it. That would have been alright if this book was at least funny, but the author failed even at that.
There was an interesting take on vampire mythology, but that couldn't save this book from being a boring uninspired read.
Lastly, what irritated me the most, was the writing style. The author tried very hard to "relate" to teenagers by infusing tons of pop-culture references and modern "slang," but it didn't really work (Kimberly Pauley needs to read some Meg Cabot to see how it's done right). In fact it made the book sound silly and way too light.
September 13, 2011
Sucks to Be Me was an amusing and easy read with a definite twist on vampires and coming of age that is original. Mina grew up as just the typical teenager, with the exception of her parents being vampires. Mina always knew she had to keep it a secret, but she never realized that she herself was kept a secret. Her parents never told the Vampire Council about her and know they've been found out. Now Mina has to go to vampire classes and decide whether she wants to be a vampire and if she doesn't, then she will have to have her memory erased. With the addition of love interests and a small heartbreak you can see this book not as a vampire story but more of a coming of age novel.
4 Stars
4 Stars
March 8, 2020
This was a silly vampire book. Basically, a teenage girl finds out that the parents who adopted her are also vampires. Now, she has to decide whether or not she wants to become a vampire or stay human. She ends up going to a therapy group for kids in the same position as her, and it goes from there with the usual teenage drama. I don't want to spoil the end, but it was happy and completely expected.
April 6, 2023
Rychle se to četlo, nebyly tam stereotypy, zajímavý příběh. Chtělo by to ale ubrat řešení vztahů s klukama a přidat upíří kultury
October 19, 2012
Mina vždycky věděla, že její rodiče jsou jiní. Stejně tak její podivínský strýček. Ale teď se po ní chce, aby byla jiná i ona. Má se totiž za šibeniční dobu – jeden měsíc – rozhodnout, jestli se chce stát upírkou.
A ať se vám to může zdát jako jednoznačná a volba, pro Minu to není nic jednoduchého. Navíc musí řešit kromě svého možného upírství i další věci. Ale to ty normální pubertální. Například potenciální přítele. Ve škole je už od šesté třídy zabouchlá do krasavce Nathana a na upířím kurzu potká okouzlujícího a sexy Aubreyho.
Součástí její těžké volby je i kamarádka Serena, kterou bere jako sestru, ale když si zvolí upírství, bude se muset přestěhovat a být pro své někdejší přátele mrtvá. A to jednomu může pořádně zkazit den.
**
MÝTUS: Upíra zabije kůl vražený do srdce.
SKUTEČNOST: No jasně. Tohle zabije každého.
**
Celá knížka je psána velmi vtipně. Mina je navíc taková správná holka, která se s ničím moc nepárá, kromě tedy toho, že ji v přítomnosti pěkných kluků většinou postihne naprostá němota. Já si ji opravdu oblíbila, ale to i další postavy z knížky.
Serena je nenormálně normální potrhlá nejlepší kamarádka, která si prošla několika styly, nebo se dá říct obdobími. Momentálně je z ní gotička, ale když o ní čtete, rozhodně to není nějaká zamlklá holka v koutku.
Nathan je klasický typ kluka, kterého chtějí všechny holky na škole, ale on i přesto není nafoukaný a chová se kamarádsky a mile. Což je možná u kluků neobvyklé. Mina má ale štěstí a tak se kolem ní ochomýtá i milý/roztomilý George, který nechodí pro dobré hlášky nikam daleko a nepokazí žádnou legraci. Samozřejmě je tu i sexy krasavec Aubrey. Ten se ale chová nanejvýš podivně.
**
Georgovi zajiskří oči a já v duchu vzdychnu. Začínám rozeznávat ten pohled. Když jsem ho viděla naposled, přesvědčil Lorelai, že roztleskávačky existovaly už ve starověkém Římě.
**
Tahle knížka není bůhvíjaký trhák. Co víc, některé věci jsou vysvětlené tak, že se mi prostě vymykaly logice. Upíří společnost a její fungování byla ale více méně srozumitelně popsaná, takže jsem se neztrácela jako v někdy v jiných knížkách.
Asi tak jediná věc, co mi ale v knížce lezla na nervy a bila do očí, bylo skloňování Georgova jména, které je tak trošku divné.
Pokud tedy hledáte pobavení a nějakou nenáročnou četbu, určitě sáhněte po téhle knížce. Je určená mladšímu osazenstvu a já se u ní skvěle bavila, chvílemi jsem se smála tak, až se na mě doma dívali jako… řekněme mentálně retardovanou :))
Pokud se mi v knihovně povede ulovit druhý díl, tak si ho určitě přečtu.
Pro tenhle díl 7/10 :))
A ať se vám to může zdát jako jednoznačná a volba, pro Minu to není nic jednoduchého. Navíc musí řešit kromě svého možného upírství i další věci. Ale to ty normální pubertální. Například potenciální přítele. Ve škole je už od šesté třídy zabouchlá do krasavce Nathana a na upířím kurzu potká okouzlujícího a sexy Aubreyho.
Součástí její těžké volby je i kamarádka Serena, kterou bere jako sestru, ale když si zvolí upírství, bude se muset přestěhovat a být pro své někdejší přátele mrtvá. A to jednomu může pořádně zkazit den.
**
MÝTUS: Upíra zabije kůl vražený do srdce.
SKUTEČNOST: No jasně. Tohle zabije každého.
**
Celá knížka je psána velmi vtipně. Mina je navíc taková správná holka, která se s ničím moc nepárá, kromě tedy toho, že ji v přítomnosti pěkných kluků většinou postihne naprostá němota. Já si ji opravdu oblíbila, ale to i další postavy z knížky.
Serena je nenormálně normální potrhlá nejlepší kamarádka, která si prošla několika styly, nebo se dá říct obdobími. Momentálně je z ní gotička, ale když o ní čtete, rozhodně to není nějaká zamlklá holka v koutku.
Nathan je klasický typ kluka, kterého chtějí všechny holky na škole, ale on i přesto není nafoukaný a chová se kamarádsky a mile. Což je možná u kluků neobvyklé. Mina má ale štěstí a tak se kolem ní ochomýtá i milý/roztomilý George, který nechodí pro dobré hlášky nikam daleko a nepokazí žádnou legraci. Samozřejmě je tu i sexy krasavec Aubrey. Ten se ale chová nanejvýš podivně.
**
Georgovi zajiskří oči a já v duchu vzdychnu. Začínám rozeznávat ten pohled. Když jsem ho viděla naposled, přesvědčil Lorelai, že roztleskávačky existovaly už ve starověkém Římě.
**
Tahle knížka není bůhvíjaký trhák. Co víc, některé věci jsou vysvětlené tak, že se mi prostě vymykaly logice. Upíří společnost a její fungování byla ale více méně srozumitelně popsaná, takže jsem se neztrácela jako v někdy v jiných knížkách.
Asi tak jediná věc, co mi ale v knížce lezla na nervy a bila do očí, bylo skloňování Georgova jména, které je tak trošku divné.
Pokud tedy hledáte pobavení a nějakou nenáročnou četbu, určitě sáhněte po téhle knížce. Je určená mladšímu osazenstvu a já se u ní skvěle bavila, chvílemi jsem se smála tak, až se na mě doma dívali jako… řekněme mentálně retardovanou :))
Pokud se mi v knihovně povede ulovit druhý díl, tak si ho určitě přečtu.
Pro tenhle díl 7/10 :))
May 5, 2010
This was a surprising treat. I don't know why I didn't expect much from Sucks To Be Me, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.
Mina is a feisty character, full of humor and intelligence. I loved the sassy voice she maintained throughout. She's a loyal friend and has a good relationship with her parents. Yeah, she gets mad at their lack on info on the vampire thing but they work it out.
Her uncle comes off as a silly nitwit but then even he ends up working with Mina's best interests at heart. Serena is a solid BFF (you know I hate those boy-crazy twits).
I like the way the romance sets up. Sure the dark, mysterious guy is attractive, but lets not ignore the quiet nice fellow that is there when you need him. It all stays very sweet and innocent which I liked. These kids are young and based on their personalities and upbringing, a hot steamy romance would seem out of character.
The vampire training classes are entertaining as is this whole book. Each chapter begins with Vampire Myth that Mina shoots down. The first one is Myth: Vampires Don't Exist. Truth: Dead Wrong. And on it goes.
Sucks To Be Me is a light enjoyable read, and quick. I finished it in a day. But the fast pace helped with that too. I liked the theme of family and friends sticking by each other through good and bad. There's a good little twist/surprise at the end and overall Sucks to be Me is simply fun.
Still Sucks To Be Me comes out May 2010 so if you like this one, the sequel is available too. I recommend checking them both out. It's probably better for younger teens but older teens who aren't looking for a dark, angst filled story will enjoy it too.
The Cover: Don't like it. Probably one of the reasons I didn't expect much from the book. But glad I got past it - the content will keep you smiling.
First Lines: My parents are trying to ruin my life. Oh yeah, I know that every teenager says that, but I really mean it. They want me dead. Or, actually, undead.
Good. Very cute and I love the voice.
Mina is a feisty character, full of humor and intelligence. I loved the sassy voice she maintained throughout. She's a loyal friend and has a good relationship with her parents. Yeah, she gets mad at their lack on info on the vampire thing but they work it out.
Her uncle comes off as a silly nitwit but then even he ends up working with Mina's best interests at heart. Serena is a solid BFF (you know I hate those boy-crazy twits).
I like the way the romance sets up. Sure the dark, mysterious guy is attractive, but lets not ignore the quiet nice fellow that is there when you need him. It all stays very sweet and innocent which I liked. These kids are young and based on their personalities and upbringing, a hot steamy romance would seem out of character.
The vampire training classes are entertaining as is this whole book. Each chapter begins with Vampire Myth that Mina shoots down. The first one is Myth: Vampires Don't Exist. Truth: Dead Wrong. And on it goes.
Sucks To Be Me is a light enjoyable read, and quick. I finished it in a day. But the fast pace helped with that too. I liked the theme of family and friends sticking by each other through good and bad. There's a good little twist/surprise at the end and overall Sucks to be Me is simply fun.
Still Sucks To Be Me comes out May 2010 so if you like this one, the sequel is available too. I recommend checking them both out. It's probably better for younger teens but older teens who aren't looking for a dark, angst filled story will enjoy it too.
The Cover: Don't like it. Probably one of the reasons I didn't expect much from the book. But glad I got past it - the content will keep you smiling.
First Lines: My parents are trying to ruin my life. Oh yeah, I know that every teenager says that, but I really mean it. They want me dead. Or, actually, undead.
Good. Very cute and I love the voice.
May 20, 2008
At the end of Mina Hamilton’s junior year in high school, she is faced with the biggest decision of her life: whether or not to become a vampire. To make it worse, the only guidance she has comes from her slightly crazy uncle Mortie and a vampire class taught by good old Grandma Wolfington (okay, her real name is Ms. Riley) that Mina is forced to take. And just because she is named after a character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula doesn’t make this enormous decision any easier.
This novel opens with an allusion to Stephenie Meyer, queen of all vampire novels, so I knew that Sucks to Be Me would be a fantastic read, which it was. Sucks to Be Me was a truly witty and original debut novel that I completely enjoyed. It was filled with many laugh-out-loud funny moments from the beginning to end and very rarely was repetitive. In a way, Kimberly Pauley’s funny writing reminded me of Shakespeare’s comedies, because they both used comedy to mask important themes. I also really liked how each chapter started out with a myth and fact of vampires, especially because Mina usually inserted a sarcastic comment. Mina’s character is very lovable, and it was fun to read along as Mina dealt with her confusion regarding the vampire and boy issues in her life.
Anyone who is looking for a lighthearted and witty read should definitely check out Sucks to be Me in September when it hits shelves. I was very impressed with Kimberly Pauley’s debut novel, and I hope she plans to turn Sucks to Be Me into a series or at least write another fantastic and witty novel in the near future.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
This novel opens with an allusion to Stephenie Meyer, queen of all vampire novels, so I knew that Sucks to Be Me would be a fantastic read, which it was. Sucks to Be Me was a truly witty and original debut novel that I completely enjoyed. It was filled with many laugh-out-loud funny moments from the beginning to end and very rarely was repetitive. In a way, Kimberly Pauley’s funny writing reminded me of Shakespeare’s comedies, because they both used comedy to mask important themes. I also really liked how each chapter started out with a myth and fact of vampires, especially because Mina usually inserted a sarcastic comment. Mina’s character is very lovable, and it was fun to read along as Mina dealt with her confusion regarding the vampire and boy issues in her life.
Anyone who is looking for a lighthearted and witty read should definitely check out Sucks to be Me in September when it hits shelves. I was very impressed with Kimberly Pauley’s debut novel, and I hope she plans to turn Sucks to Be Me into a series or at least write another fantastic and witty novel in the near future.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
April 25, 2018
Mon avis en Français
My English review
Having read it in English I discover that this novel has also been translated into French. A long time ago, my friend Sullivan McPig offered me the first two novels and I confess that I was intrigued. But then, I finally tried and I confess that I was curious to see how it was going to be. It was a while since I had not read a YA and all the more about vampires.
Mina always knew that her parents and uncle were vampires and this secret weighs on her as she has no right to talk about it. Yet, it seems that her life is about to change. Indeed, the council of the vampires, after discovering her existence, asks her to take courses to decide if she would like to be transformed or not. Mina is going to meet with aspirants, between Aubrey a strange but beautiful boy; George or Lorelai, new friends; Raven, the bitch … in short a whole new little group. Between these important decisions, we also find of course the sentimental meanders of our young heroine.
It was an entertaining and pleasant read even if it will not leave me an unforgettable memory. It’s cute, perhaps more intended for the younger ones. I sometimes did not feel that our heroine was 18 years old, but much less, but it may be a personal feeling. In any case, it is a cute reading and I will read the sequel with curiosity.
My English review
Having read it in English I discover that this novel has also been translated into French. A long time ago, my friend Sullivan McPig offered me the first two novels and I confess that I was intrigued. But then, I finally tried and I confess that I was curious to see how it was going to be. It was a while since I had not read a YA and all the more about vampires.
Mina always knew that her parents and uncle were vampires and this secret weighs on her as she has no right to talk about it. Yet, it seems that her life is about to change. Indeed, the council of the vampires, after discovering her existence, asks her to take courses to decide if she would like to be transformed or not. Mina is going to meet with aspirants, between Aubrey a strange but beautiful boy; George or Lorelai, new friends; Raven, the bitch … in short a whole new little group. Between these important decisions, we also find of course the sentimental meanders of our young heroine.
It was an entertaining and pleasant read even if it will not leave me an unforgettable memory. It’s cute, perhaps more intended for the younger ones. I sometimes did not feel that our heroine was 18 years old, but much less, but it may be a personal feeling. In any case, it is a cute reading and I will read the sequel with curiosity.
August 24, 2008
Mina’s always known that her parents were vampires. What she didn’t know was that The Northwest Regional Vampire Council didn’t know about her until an unexpected visitor reported a non-vampire living in their household. Since the council states that no human is allowed to know that vampires really exist, Mina now only has 5 weeks to decide if she wants to follow in her parent’s footsteps by becoming a vampire or have her entire life’s memory erased.
In order to help Mina with her decision, The Northwest Regional Vampire Council has scheduled Mina for a 5-week introductory course where she will learn all about the vampire lifestyle. Along with Mina we learn about the vampire lifestyle and the truth about some of the more popular vampire myths (yes, vampires can go out in the sun, they just have to slather on the sunscreen and wear really dark glasses). So now not only is Mina faced with the biggest decision of her life she still has to pass French, pick 1 guy out of 3 hunks interested in her, find a prom dress and keep the whole vampire secret from her best friend Serena.
Pauley’s writing is full of humor and wit with a new take on the vampire phenomenon. The writing perfectly captures the teenage voice. She made me feel like I was right back in high school again. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel she’s now writing. Both YA and Adult readers will love this story.
In order to help Mina with her decision, The Northwest Regional Vampire Council has scheduled Mina for a 5-week introductory course where she will learn all about the vampire lifestyle. Along with Mina we learn about the vampire lifestyle and the truth about some of the more popular vampire myths (yes, vampires can go out in the sun, they just have to slather on the sunscreen and wear really dark glasses). So now not only is Mina faced with the biggest decision of her life she still has to pass French, pick 1 guy out of 3 hunks interested in her, find a prom dress and keep the whole vampire secret from her best friend Serena.
Pauley’s writing is full of humor and wit with a new take on the vampire phenomenon. The writing perfectly captures the teenage voice. She made me feel like I was right back in high school again. I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel she’s now writing. Both YA and Adult readers will love this story.
January 17, 2009
Mina Hamilton has a good life. A best friend who she can share her secrets and dreams with…even if she is in a Goth stage right now, and loving parents who would do anything for her. Well, anything except be human. They’re vampires and have been since Mina was a baby, and now that the Vampire Council has found out that they have a human child it is time for her to decide - stay human or become a vampire. What a choice to make when you are only 16.
But, she agrees to at least go to the vampire classes and be sponsored by Uncle Mortie - this is a huge sacrifice already, in her mind. But even though she is creeped out by the teacher of the classes - Vampire Council member Ms. Riley, Aubrey makes it all worthwhile. He’s gorgeous and he seems totally interested in getting to know her better. And she also make a new friend in George, a boy that belongs to her high school and who she comes to see as a true friend…or maybe a little bit more. And there’s always Nathan, a boy she has had a crush on forever and who now seems to be showing an interest in her…or is he?
I really got a kick out of this book and thought it was easy to read and very clever. I loved the pros and cons lists that Mina makes throughout the book and how each chapter starts with a “myth” about vampires and how she feels about it. She is a character that I am hoping I will see again
But, she agrees to at least go to the vampire classes and be sponsored by Uncle Mortie - this is a huge sacrifice already, in her mind. But even though she is creeped out by the teacher of the classes - Vampire Council member Ms. Riley, Aubrey makes it all worthwhile. He’s gorgeous and he seems totally interested in getting to know her better. And she also make a new friend in George, a boy that belongs to her high school and who she comes to see as a true friend…or maybe a little bit more. And there’s always Nathan, a boy she has had a crush on forever and who now seems to be showing an interest in her…or is he?
I really got a kick out of this book and thought it was easy to read and very clever. I loved the pros and cons lists that Mina makes throughout the book and how each chapter starts with a “myth” about vampires and how she feels about it. She is a character that I am hoping I will see again
December 18, 2010
O.M.G! This book was BEYOND adorable, and has been added to my favorite book reads of 2010.
Mina Hamilton is a senior and finds out that her vampire parents may be in trouble for having Mina living them since she is a non-vampire. Now she is required to attend vampire classes over 4 weeks to learn the ways, and make the decision to become a vamp or not. It totally sucks for Mina because she can never tell her best friend Serena, or even her long time crush Nathan about the classes.
In the classes, she meets Aubry, a total hunk who catches her eye, and George, the all too average guy who becomes her best guy friend. Mina is conflicted about turning because she doesnt want to lose her friends or her family. Will she find a way to have both? Will she turn? read it to find out!
Mina is an awesome teen character. This is complete bubblegum coated reading, with nothing too complex. Mina makes little lists throughout the chapters on why it sucks to be her. I love the way she thinks. She also makes little lists consisting of A. B. C. etc etc. I also enjoyed how she and her friend IM each other too. Adds a whole new demetion to the plot being completely modern.
If you enjoy vampires without all the bloodshed, a pinch of romance and tons of laugh out loud moments, you simply MUST read this book!!!
Mina Hamilton is a senior and finds out that her vampire parents may be in trouble for having Mina living them since she is a non-vampire. Now she is required to attend vampire classes over 4 weeks to learn the ways, and make the decision to become a vamp or not. It totally sucks for Mina because she can never tell her best friend Serena, or even her long time crush Nathan about the classes.
In the classes, she meets Aubry, a total hunk who catches her eye, and George, the all too average guy who becomes her best guy friend. Mina is conflicted about turning because she doesnt want to lose her friends or her family. Will she find a way to have both? Will she turn? read it to find out!
Mina is an awesome teen character. This is complete bubblegum coated reading, with nothing too complex. Mina makes little lists throughout the chapters on why it sucks to be her. I love the way she thinks. She also makes little lists consisting of A. B. C. etc etc. I also enjoyed how she and her friend IM each other too. Adds a whole new demetion to the plot being completely modern.
If you enjoy vampires without all the bloodshed, a pinch of romance and tons of laugh out loud moments, you simply MUST read this book!!!
November 8, 2017
This is probably closer to a 2-star "it was ok" but I typically use 2 stars to mean, I didn't really like it that much, which is why it's getting 3 stars from me. Which is not to say it was A GREAT BOOK! it wasn't. It was an ok book but with nothing so wrong with it that I found it annoying.
Perhaps the biggest criticism is for a book where the main character has to choose between becoming a vampire or not, it was super boring. Nothing really happens. She likes 2 different boys, she's got a school project. She's trying to hook up her two best friends. I kept waiting for some kind of conflict, or something that would make me gasp and turn the pages even faster, but there was nothing. The only gasp-worthy thing happened about 15 pages from the end, and it had nothing to do with Mina.
I read this because it was easy, and it fit the parameters of the book challenge I'm doing, but I wouldn't have read it otherwise. I used to read more YA than I do now, which probably explains why it's been in my TBR for so long, but I almost wonder if this isn't more middle-grade than YA. It's pretty chaste, there's essentially no violence. But I can see how an advanced reader might enjoy it. I probably would have if I had been 10 or so.
Perhaps the biggest criticism is for a book where the main character has to choose between becoming a vampire or not, it was super boring. Nothing really happens. She likes 2 different boys, she's got a school project. She's trying to hook up her two best friends. I kept waiting for some kind of conflict, or something that would make me gasp and turn the pages even faster, but there was nothing. The only gasp-worthy thing happened about 15 pages from the end, and it had nothing to do with Mina.
I read this because it was easy, and it fit the parameters of the book challenge I'm doing, but I wouldn't have read it otherwise. I used to read more YA than I do now, which probably explains why it's been in my TBR for so long, but I almost wonder if this isn't more middle-grade than YA. It's pretty chaste, there's essentially no violence. But I can see how an advanced reader might enjoy it. I probably would have if I had been 10 or so.
July 16, 2008
What would happen if you found out your parents really do suck? Uh, like being vampires? Mina Hamilton finds this out and even worse she has to go to Vampire school to help her decide if she wants to change too. Add a crazy uncle, a hottie wannabe vampire, and a friend that she shares everything, well, maybe not everything with. Plus, Mina finds out that her English teacher wants the class to read Dracula. Boy, talk about giving vampires a bad name!
This is hilarious tale shows a teen who must make a choice whether or not to join the ranks of the undead. Mina is a great character. I loved her lists of pros and cons of changing and all the facts vs. myths of being a vampire. Hint, no they don't change into little bats. As if anyone would seriously want to do that!
This is a fun twist on the whole paranormal theme.
Oh, Kimberly Pauly is the same YA goddess at YAbookscentral.com This is sure to be a hit with those looking for a tale that stands out with all the other paranormal books out there.
This is hilarious tale shows a teen who must make a choice whether or not to join the ranks of the undead. Mina is a great character. I loved her lists of pros and cons of changing and all the facts vs. myths of being a vampire. Hint, no they don't change into little bats. As if anyone would seriously want to do that!
This is a fun twist on the whole paranormal theme.
Oh, Kimberly Pauly is the same YA goddess at YAbookscentral.com This is sure to be a hit with those looking for a tale that stands out with all the other paranormal books out there.
March 3, 2010
I really loved this book and feel horribly guilty that I've had it since this summer (from ALA). Kimberly is actually from my home-town in Illinois - crazy world we live in eh? which also makes me feel uber guilty. And NOW that I have read it - I must say it's a fantastic and fun read. I love the little sketches and the lists of why Mina's life sucks at the end of some chapters. The characters are real, but written so well that they come to life in almost a humorous light. Definitely something that girls who like a bit of fluffy romance in their reading will seriously enjoy. There's enough fun plot to keep you interested and I love how Kimberly can make vampires seem so normal.
I'm looking forward to the sequel of this book and hopefully there will be some more romance involved in this next one.
I'm looking forward to the sequel of this book and hopefully there will be some more romance involved in this next one.
February 15, 2012
I was luck enough to get an advanced copy of this book, which my grandma from Chicago sent me. While I'm not a huge fan of a lot of vampire stories, this one actually managed to hold my attention. Mainly because it has more to do with real-life problems then paranormal or fantasical ones. It's laced with comedy and sarcasm as Mina tries to cope with her vampire parents whom are trying to get her to join them in her rightful place as their vampire daughter.
Mina just wants to be normal, and the blood-sucking life style doesn't seem to be for her. But when her uncle comes to be her mentor into her potential future lifestyle, she starts to contemplate the importance of family and how she can balance her high school life on top of her herritage.
Mina just wants to be normal, and the blood-sucking life style doesn't seem to be for her. But when her uncle comes to be her mentor into her potential future lifestyle, she starts to contemplate the importance of family and how she can balance her high school life on top of her herritage.
September 22, 2009
This is definitely the anti-Twilight. There are no brooding characters (other than the usual teen angst, which is expressed in phrases straight out of the 90s), no bizarre love triangles, and the "love" story is not the main theme of the book. As someone who really enjoyed Twilight when I first read it back in 2005, but has had second thoughts ever since, it is really nice to see Pauley's take on teen vampires. Though not a book that changed my life, I look forward to seeing what she does in the second installment.
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