What do you think?
Rate this book
Culture Shock #1
Culture Shock
CULTURE SHOCK is a witty tale of mystery and romance with a large helping of southern hospitality.
Macy Holmes is a seventeen-year-old socially-isolated introvert since her best friend's death a year ago. When her family decides to move from Manhattan to the quaint country town of Bougainvillea, Florida, Macy finds she's in a completely different world. Macy is no longer the outsider hiding behind designer clothes when she is sought out by three strange students, one of whom she is particularly interested in. The more time she spends with Chad the more things don't add up. When his true identity is finally revealed, Macy is pulled into a supernatural society with its saturation of inhabitants residing in Bougainvillea.
You would think she has enough on her plate, but no, then her dreams become infiltrated by an external magical force, Macy and her band of supernatural misfits must find the culprit behind the magic-induced nightmares. They must dodge zombie assassins, shifty shape-shifters and high school bullies in order to stop this perpetrator before Macy, her friends or her parents pay the ultimate price. Especially when Macy has the sneaking suspicion that these dreams are reality...
Macy Holmes is a seventeen-year-old socially-isolated introvert since her best friend's death a year ago. When her family decides to move from Manhattan to the quaint country town of Bougainvillea, Florida, Macy finds she's in a completely different world. Macy is no longer the outsider hiding behind designer clothes when she is sought out by three strange students, one of whom she is particularly interested in. The more time she spends with Chad the more things don't add up. When his true identity is finally revealed, Macy is pulled into a supernatural society with its saturation of inhabitants residing in Bougainvillea.
You would think she has enough on her plate, but no, then her dreams become infiltrated by an external magical force, Macy and her band of supernatural misfits must find the culprit behind the magic-induced nightmares. They must dodge zombie assassins, shifty shape-shifters and high school bullies in order to stop this perpetrator before Macy, her friends or her parents pay the ultimate price. Especially when Macy has the sneaking suspicion that these dreams are reality...
331 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2013
3 people are currently reading
1652 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 26, 2013
To read the full review, visit my blog here: http://teacherwritebookaholicohmy.blo...
I received this book for free in exchange for a review.
Well, this is without a doubt an interesting book. It has a very lovable main character (Macy), an incredible setting, and the southern drawl has me feeling like I'm home.
However, there are quite a few problems for this southern paranormal romance book.
For one, the book was far too long. 676 pages for any book other than a textbook is just too long for my taste. Especially for a paranormal romance. I would highly suggest to the author to cut it up into three complete novels. (Even Twilight was 450 pages for the first book!)
Especially since the villain was so obvious from the beginning.
Of course, what ultimately killed the novel was the exposition dumps and description dumps. There was literally a point where I skipped ten pages of description to get to the dialogue between the characters.
It was simply too much.
In fact, I think if the editor would have insisted on her cutting it, the book would have been 400 pages of solid work. And if the author was in a good slicing mood, 250 pages.
Anyway, let's dissect this book even further.
Characters: I have to say, I liked all of the characters. Macy can get annoying, but overall, I like her personality. She's a NYC gal dropped into the southern part of the US.
Chad and Max were okay to me. I didn't really jive with either one of them. I liked Max better than Chad because of his charming personality and he's such a sweetie pie.
The problem I had with Chad was that he reminded me of the whole Edward Cullen struggle. He's trying to be the "vegetarian" type vampire and not be involved with humans. So he doesn't want to be with Macy. He tells her this point blank. But, of course, he can't help himself but to get jealous and to try to stop her from dating other boys.
Does this sound familiar? All I ask is for originality in the vampire-human romance stuff. I know it's a tall order, but please something different. Couldn't we start with Chad trying to kill her, straight up taking her as a victim, but something about her makes him stop to reconsider not killing her as a monster? Maybe something about her reminds him about his childhood sweetheart . . . Or something.
You know what I mean! Originality, please!
Additionally, I'm so tired of wishy-washy guys.
Like pick what you want (either date Macy and screw the consequences, or firmly decide that you are not dating Macy ever) then stick with it! I know it's part of the struggle of his attraction to her, but it still irks. And it's not like it was a gradual, I don't know if I should let her go sort of thing, it was more one day he's jealous, the next day he's all over her like white on rice. Plot is something I'll get to in a minute, but I wish the author took more time to sort this whole thing out.
One more issue with Chad: His vamp teeth. Really? Needle thin teeth to dig into his victim? Not only is that a weird choice, it just seems like Chad is a wimpy vampire. I'm use to seeing vampires really go into their victims neck with all of this blood oozing from the side.
And they didn't do that with some needle-thin teeth. They did that with strong canine teeth.
Anyway, I absolutely adored Emma. I even love that name. I'm actually going to name my daughter Emily, or some other variation (and no, I won't tell you, because I don't want YOU stealing it! :D). Which is why none of my characters will have that name.
Another concern was that Macy claimed that she never dated before. At 17. But she could get a friend? But she could be social? I get it, she's somehow (with a bubbly personality) an introvert but even introverts have close friends that they have crushes on. Or at least dream crushes that they pursue. And besides, she's gorgeous! How can someone NOT ask her out? OR hit on her?!
I'm sorry. I'm calling bullcrap on that one.
Dialogue: Overall, I have to commend the author on a job well done on depicting the southern drawl almost perfectly. However, I did notice one combination that didn't sit well with me. One character said, "Y'all 'ill."
As in you all will. I've never heard of that combination. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't heard of it.
Another thing that bugged me so much was the romance between Chad and Macy. Like the language was just so corny. The one liners reminded me so much of Twilight and Shiver it wasn't even funny. I couldn't even laugh at the corny lines (unlike Shiver, I had to laugh, they were just terribly corny). I just skipped right over them and sighed.
I wish she would have been more creative with the love lines. That's all I ask for.
Plot: Point blank: It needs a ton of work. For example, the big reveal of the supes and it's like the author decided randomly, "I'm going to put the big reveal (closes her eyes and selects a spot) here!"
Like no. I'm not buying it.
There needs to be a slow progression of what makes these characters so different than everybody else. Sure she managed to show on the outside that they look different. And I will fully admit, meeting them and her description of the characters did make me think that something was different.
But then she stopped right there and got into a different plot avenue.
No reveal of any superpowers? No really weird strength or quickness?
Sure, she jammed it right at the end for Chad and Max, but nothing for Emma. I had no idea what she was other than British. That's the only clue I have to go on?
Not cool.
This is where the author could have seized the opportunity to build on the tension of not knowing who they are and questioning if they could really be friends of Macy.
But nope.
Additionally, the plot was rushed in some places then it was slowed down by description. It was just a hot mess.
Setting: I liked getting to know Florida through a northerners eyes. It was a refreshing take on Southern culture. I liked how she noticed all the landmarks and how far city life is from the country.
All of the quirks of southern living were included and I have to applaud her for getting that distinctly right. As a matter of fact, you can tell this author is well versed with southern life so I'm glad somebody is doing their research.
Word Usage: I have to be nit picky on this. It was driving me bananas.
The word coven does NOT refer to a vampire club or group!!
I don't know why the author used a word that distinctly, even when it was first used, associated with a group of witches but it just irked the crap out of me.
I can somewhat understand, as an author, expanding the definition of a word. But this still irks me. I think the English teacher side of me just hates that a word is being used incorrectly.
That's like using the word Wicca for vampire. It just hits a direct nerve.
Anyway, I had to point it out for that simple reason. It may not irk everyone, but it certainly irked me. It irked me so bad I had to look it up. But if I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me with the link and educate me. I would love to be informed of this new word usage.
Ending: Did I love it?
Hmm, still chewing on it.
To me, she wrote the ending well. It was well paced. I just skipped half of it because I was tired of reading it. I just wasn't invested and connected enough to the characters to care. I knew what was going to happen anyway.
Sorry but I have to be honest.
I did read the last few paragraphs and caught the little twist at the end. Still chewing on it if I believe it or not. If that could seriously happen. It smells like Amy Plum sorta deal and I'll leave it at that.
Don't want to ruin the ending for you. :)
Overall: Would I recommend this book to persnickety people like me?
Absolutely not! Read something you can't dissect through editing eyes!
This book is just not the type of people who are very particular about plot development and length of books. The characters I could stand. The plot, the description dumps, and the telling not showing killed the writer and English teacher in me.
However, it may be for you. I see there are a tons of good reviews for this book (surprised the snot out of me), but they state their reasons for loving it and I can't blame them. I do like the characters a lot.
So overall, I would recommend this book to fans of Shiver. And maybe Twilight. To people who maybe want more description instead of action. Who want predicable villains.
Anyone who is as picky as me, shouldn't read it. Read Dearly, Departed instead (if you're a zombie lover, like yours truly). You will thank me later. :)
I received this book for free in exchange for a review.
Well, this is without a doubt an interesting book. It has a very lovable main character (Macy), an incredible setting, and the southern drawl has me feeling like I'm home.
However, there are quite a few problems for this southern paranormal romance book.
For one, the book was far too long. 676 pages for any book other than a textbook is just too long for my taste. Especially for a paranormal romance. I would highly suggest to the author to cut it up into three complete novels. (Even Twilight was 450 pages for the first book!)
Especially since the villain was so obvious from the beginning.
Of course, what ultimately killed the novel was the exposition dumps and description dumps. There was literally a point where I skipped ten pages of description to get to the dialogue between the characters.
It was simply too much.
In fact, I think if the editor would have insisted on her cutting it, the book would have been 400 pages of solid work. And if the author was in a good slicing mood, 250 pages.
Anyway, let's dissect this book even further.
Characters: I have to say, I liked all of the characters. Macy can get annoying, but overall, I like her personality. She's a NYC gal dropped into the southern part of the US.
Chad and Max were okay to me. I didn't really jive with either one of them. I liked Max better than Chad because of his charming personality and he's such a sweetie pie.
The problem I had with Chad was that he reminded me of the whole Edward Cullen struggle. He's trying to be the "vegetarian" type vampire and not be involved with humans. So he doesn't want to be with Macy. He tells her this point blank. But, of course, he can't help himself but to get jealous and to try to stop her from dating other boys.
Does this sound familiar? All I ask is for originality in the vampire-human romance stuff. I know it's a tall order, but please something different. Couldn't we start with Chad trying to kill her, straight up taking her as a victim, but something about her makes him stop to reconsider not killing her as a monster? Maybe something about her reminds him about his childhood sweetheart . . . Or something.
You know what I mean! Originality, please!
Additionally, I'm so tired of wishy-washy guys.
Like pick what you want (either date Macy and screw the consequences, or firmly decide that you are not dating Macy ever) then stick with it! I know it's part of the struggle of his attraction to her, but it still irks. And it's not like it was a gradual, I don't know if I should let her go sort of thing, it was more one day he's jealous, the next day he's all over her like white on rice. Plot is something I'll get to in a minute, but I wish the author took more time to sort this whole thing out.
One more issue with Chad: His vamp teeth. Really? Needle thin teeth to dig into his victim? Not only is that a weird choice, it just seems like Chad is a wimpy vampire. I'm use to seeing vampires really go into their victims neck with all of this blood oozing from the side.
And they didn't do that with some needle-thin teeth. They did that with strong canine teeth.
Anyway, I absolutely adored Emma. I even love that name. I'm actually going to name my daughter Emily, or some other variation (and no, I won't tell you, because I don't want YOU stealing it! :D). Which is why none of my characters will have that name.
Another concern was that Macy claimed that she never dated before. At 17. But she could get a friend? But she could be social? I get it, she's somehow (with a bubbly personality) an introvert but even introverts have close friends that they have crushes on. Or at least dream crushes that they pursue. And besides, she's gorgeous! How can someone NOT ask her out? OR hit on her?!
I'm sorry. I'm calling bullcrap on that one.
Dialogue: Overall, I have to commend the author on a job well done on depicting the southern drawl almost perfectly. However, I did notice one combination that didn't sit well with me. One character said, "Y'all 'ill."
As in you all will. I've never heard of that combination. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't heard of it.
Another thing that bugged me so much was the romance between Chad and Macy. Like the language was just so corny. The one liners reminded me so much of Twilight and Shiver it wasn't even funny. I couldn't even laugh at the corny lines (unlike Shiver, I had to laugh, they were just terribly corny). I just skipped right over them and sighed.
I wish she would have been more creative with the love lines. That's all I ask for.
Plot: Point blank: It needs a ton of work. For example, the big reveal of the supes and it's like the author decided randomly, "I'm going to put the big reveal (closes her eyes and selects a spot) here!"
Like no. I'm not buying it.
There needs to be a slow progression of what makes these characters so different than everybody else. Sure she managed to show on the outside that they look different. And I will fully admit, meeting them and her description of the characters did make me think that something was different.
But then she stopped right there and got into a different plot avenue.
No reveal of any superpowers? No really weird strength or quickness?
Sure, she jammed it right at the end for Chad and Max, but nothing for Emma. I had no idea what she was other than British. That's the only clue I have to go on?
Not cool.
This is where the author could have seized the opportunity to build on the tension of not knowing who they are and questioning if they could really be friends of Macy.
But nope.
Additionally, the plot was rushed in some places then it was slowed down by description. It was just a hot mess.
Setting: I liked getting to know Florida through a northerners eyes. It was a refreshing take on Southern culture. I liked how she noticed all the landmarks and how far city life is from the country.
All of the quirks of southern living were included and I have to applaud her for getting that distinctly right. As a matter of fact, you can tell this author is well versed with southern life so I'm glad somebody is doing their research.
Word Usage: I have to be nit picky on this. It was driving me bananas.
The word coven does NOT refer to a vampire club or group!!
I don't know why the author used a word that distinctly, even when it was first used, associated with a group of witches but it just irked the crap out of me.
I can somewhat understand, as an author, expanding the definition of a word. But this still irks me. I think the English teacher side of me just hates that a word is being used incorrectly.
That's like using the word Wicca for vampire. It just hits a direct nerve.
Anyway, I had to point it out for that simple reason. It may not irk everyone, but it certainly irked me. It irked me so bad I had to look it up. But if I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me with the link and educate me. I would love to be informed of this new word usage.
Ending: Did I love it?
Hmm, still chewing on it.
To me, she wrote the ending well. It was well paced. I just skipped half of it because I was tired of reading it. I just wasn't invested and connected enough to the characters to care. I knew what was going to happen anyway.
Sorry but I have to be honest.
I did read the last few paragraphs and caught the little twist at the end. Still chewing on it if I believe it or not. If that could seriously happen. It smells like Amy Plum sorta deal and I'll leave it at that.
Don't want to ruin the ending for you. :)
Overall: Would I recommend this book to persnickety people like me?
Absolutely not! Read something you can't dissect through editing eyes!
This book is just not the type of people who are very particular about plot development and length of books. The characters I could stand. The plot, the description dumps, and the telling not showing killed the writer and English teacher in me.
However, it may be for you. I see there are a tons of good reviews for this book (surprised the snot out of me), but they state their reasons for loving it and I can't blame them. I do like the characters a lot.
So overall, I would recommend this book to fans of Shiver. And maybe Twilight. To people who maybe want more description instead of action. Who want predicable villains.
Anyone who is as picky as me, shouldn't read it. Read Dearly, Departed instead (if you're a zombie lover, like yours truly). You will thank me later. :)
January 18, 2014
First I'd like to start off by saying I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I ended up reading this 676 page book all in one sitting. I'm a very fast reader and didn't have a whole lot going on today. ;)
I agree with what a lot of other reviewers have said, this book could have been cut down by about a 150 pages and it would have had the same impact at 676. There was a lot of fluff that didn't really add anything to the book. Had the fluff expanded on the characters a bit more, then it would have been worth it. Also, there were several grammatical errors in the book along with a page that was flipped. Took me a second to figure that out. No biggie, but it definitely messes with readers flow and honestly it's understandable seeing as though you can tell from the cover that it was poorly published. This doesn't diminish the story in any capacity though.
The first 150 pages I found extremely irritating. The name dropping of products was just crap. The author tried to use this as a way to show the difference between a New York girl and a Southern girl. Unfortunately this doesn't work as Southern girls are just as likely to wear Emilio Pucci's and Dolce & Gabbana's as a New Yorker. I'm not much into someone trying to stereotype, especially in my books.
The first part of the book seemed bent on being juvenile. I caught myself thinking of my 16 year old and his girlfriends. In no way do they act like the author had teenagers acting in this book. Luckily, the author seemed to find her rhythm and made the character's likable.
Macy is the new girl in podunk USA. Her words, not mine. Come to find out, Bougainvillaea Florida has some strange residents. Mind you, the reader can tell what all of characters are from the beginning, but that didn't detract from the story much. Macy has never been kissed, never had a boyfriend, only ever had one friend who died. The weird kids take Macy in as a friend and well, Macy kinda decides she should kiss 3 different boy's and string them along while at the same time trying to find out why her parents are acting so strange, why she's having weird nightmares about a man committing suicide and why this girl at school absolutely hates her. Things take a turn for the worse when vampires, witches, werewolves, fairy's and the like all become her reality.
In the end a witch, her daughter, and a shape shifter are all caught for causing Macy's family woes and we are finally left with Macy picking one beau. Finally.
The teen angst is a theme throughout the book. It waxes and wanes at times. Enough so that I was able to soldier through some of the more gag inducing parts. Honestly though I'm glad I did, soldier on that is, because the story kept me intrigued enough. Something about it kept me wanting to read. I did enjoy the characters. I enjoyed the world which the author weaved. It left me willing to read the next book in the series. My hope is that the author is able to step her game and bring the character's back a little more grown up.
3 stars
I ended up reading this 676 page book all in one sitting. I'm a very fast reader and didn't have a whole lot going on today. ;)
I agree with what a lot of other reviewers have said, this book could have been cut down by about a 150 pages and it would have had the same impact at 676. There was a lot of fluff that didn't really add anything to the book. Had the fluff expanded on the characters a bit more, then it would have been worth it. Also, there were several grammatical errors in the book along with a page that was flipped. Took me a second to figure that out. No biggie, but it definitely messes with readers flow and honestly it's understandable seeing as though you can tell from the cover that it was poorly published. This doesn't diminish the story in any capacity though.
The first 150 pages I found extremely irritating. The name dropping of products was just crap. The author tried to use this as a way to show the difference between a New York girl and a Southern girl. Unfortunately this doesn't work as Southern girls are just as likely to wear Emilio Pucci's and Dolce & Gabbana's as a New Yorker. I'm not much into someone trying to stereotype, especially in my books.
The first part of the book seemed bent on being juvenile. I caught myself thinking of my 16 year old and his girlfriends. In no way do they act like the author had teenagers acting in this book. Luckily, the author seemed to find her rhythm and made the character's likable.
Macy is the new girl in podunk USA. Her words, not mine. Come to find out, Bougainvillaea Florida has some strange residents. Mind you, the reader can tell what all of characters are from the beginning, but that didn't detract from the story much. Macy has never been kissed, never had a boyfriend, only ever had one friend who died. The weird kids take Macy in as a friend and well, Macy kinda decides she should kiss 3 different boy's and string them along while at the same time trying to find out why her parents are acting so strange, why she's having weird nightmares about a man committing suicide and why this girl at school absolutely hates her. Things take a turn for the worse when vampires, witches, werewolves, fairy's and the like all become her reality.
In the end a witch, her daughter, and a shape shifter are all caught for causing Macy's family woes and we are finally left with Macy picking one beau. Finally.
The teen angst is a theme throughout the book. It waxes and wanes at times. Enough so that I was able to soldier through some of the more gag inducing parts. Honestly though I'm glad I did, soldier on that is, because the story kept me intrigued enough. Something about it kept me wanting to read. I did enjoy the characters. I enjoyed the world which the author weaved. It left me willing to read the next book in the series. My hope is that the author is able to step her game and bring the character's back a little more grown up.
3 stars
April 28, 2024
Hello to all of you! I hope you are well and looking forward to reading, as I bring you my review of the book "Culture Shock" by Janet Chandler. This book belongs to the genre of fiction and a bit of drama.
This book tells us the story of a Spanish girl called Paloma who has to move to London because her father got a job there. At first, she doesn't like the idea very much because she would have to give up a lot of things and adapt to other things like how she manages in a new country without knowing English, leaving her friends in Spain behind. He also has to deal with family problems among other things that you will have to read the whole book to find out.
In my opinion, this book is very easy to read and it is short and quick to read. Overall, this book is good for people who like a bit of drama and despite being a book that we are given in high school to read short, it has been interesting to read and there have been parts where I have laughed or been moved.
I recommend this book to all of you, I hope you enjoy it and don't forget to post your opinion!
This book tells us the story of a Spanish girl called Paloma who has to move to London because her father got a job there. At first, she doesn't like the idea very much because she would have to give up a lot of things and adapt to other things like how she manages in a new country without knowing English, leaving her friends in Spain behind. He also has to deal with family problems among other things that you will have to read the whole book to find out.
In my opinion, this book is very easy to read and it is short and quick to read. Overall, this book is good for people who like a bit of drama and despite being a book that we are given in high school to read short, it has been interesting to read and there have been parts where I have laughed or been moved.
I recommend this book to all of you, I hope you enjoy it and don't forget to post your opinion!
April 27, 2013
Twists and turns, fangs, claws, and other supernatural goodies.
I had the pleasure of reading this book and was finished with it in no time at all. Characters that are relatable, plots that draw you in, and a little bit of the humor and gore all fans of this genre will love. Culture Shock is a book written by a first time author, but you'd never know it. Jeanette Pekala's ability to draw you in, hook you and get you rooting for the unconventional albeit proverbial good side will have you wondering how you have never heard her name before. Our main character, Macy, has been thrust into a world she only ever read about in books. Lacking social ingenuity, she took to an unorthodox crowd rather easily. Unknowingly opening herself up to a whole new world that would, undoubtedly, put an end to her charming naivety. I love a great book that I can't put down and Jeanette Pekala's Culture Shock obliged my imaginations appetite with a multifarious, satiating and positively marvelous read. I will be awaiting the next book in the serious on pins and needles.
I had the pleasure of reading this book and was finished with it in no time at all. Characters that are relatable, plots that draw you in, and a little bit of the humor and gore all fans of this genre will love. Culture Shock is a book written by a first time author, but you'd never know it. Jeanette Pekala's ability to draw you in, hook you and get you rooting for the unconventional albeit proverbial good side will have you wondering how you have never heard her name before. Our main character, Macy, has been thrust into a world she only ever read about in books. Lacking social ingenuity, she took to an unorthodox crowd rather easily. Unknowingly opening herself up to a whole new world that would, undoubtedly, put an end to her charming naivety. I love a great book that I can't put down and Jeanette Pekala's Culture Shock obliged my imaginations appetite with a multifarious, satiating and positively marvelous read. I will be awaiting the next book in the serious on pins and needles.
June 20, 2013
Culture Shock by Janette Pekala
This book was really a good read. It left enough questions to keep you turning the pages for more answers. There are twists and turns and surprises along the way.
Macy is from New York and used to being able to blend into the back ground. Her dad gets a promotion and the family moves to Florida where her mother has always wanted to live. Macy’s life goes from boring to full of excitement. She has caught the eye of three admirers and finds herself living in a world that she never thought existed except in fairy tales. For the first time in her life she has a nemesis and Macy and her friends struggle to get to the bottom of how she could have become the target of revenge so dark that someone wants her dead. This book offers mystery, paranormal activity, supernatural beings and a bit of a love story.
This book was really a good read. It left enough questions to keep you turning the pages for more answers. There are twists and turns and surprises along the way.
Macy is from New York and used to being able to blend into the back ground. Her dad gets a promotion and the family moves to Florida where her mother has always wanted to live. Macy’s life goes from boring to full of excitement. She has caught the eye of three admirers and finds herself living in a world that she never thought existed except in fairy tales. For the first time in her life she has a nemesis and Macy and her friends struggle to get to the bottom of how she could have become the target of revenge so dark that someone wants her dead. This book offers mystery, paranormal activity, supernatural beings and a bit of a love story.
April 15, 2013
It's a really fun novel. There's mystery, laughs, romance all wrapped up into one supernatural-packed bundle.
September 13, 2016
Review to Come
April 28, 2024
Hi to everybody, recently I've got to read this book called "Culture Shock" by Janet Chandler. The genre of this book it's like a gossip with drama, it's interesting but not my tipe of reads.
In this book we can read part of the life of our main character called Paloma, she is the middle sister of three, here we can read that her father gets a job in USA and they have to move from Spain to America, Paloma gets sad because of her bad english but thats not a problem because she will gets very good friends and realise of many bad things that she was living, also it tell us an history of overcoming family issues.
It's a very good book to read it's easy it has a normal english level it is entretaining because of the gossip but out of that it's not that much
In this book we can read part of the life of our main character called Paloma, she is the middle sister of three, here we can read that her father gets a job in USA and they have to move from Spain to America, Paloma gets sad because of her bad english but thats not a problem because she will gets very good friends and realise of many bad things that she was living, also it tell us an history of overcoming family issues.
It's a very good book to read it's easy it has a normal english level it is entretaining because of the gossip but out of that it's not that much
April 30, 2024
I found this book quite interesting even though at first it seems boring, but as soon as you start reading it it is worth it and you get hooked. It's about a girl who has to leave Spain because her father has had changes at work, so she has to go with him to London, and clearly she couldn't stay alone in Spain so she had to go with him, and from there he It took a lot to accept that he was going to leave all his past life and friends behind. But of course when she gets there she starts another totally different life with new loves and new friends. The author is Janet Chandler and I would say it is a drama book. I have felt quite identified since I am also afraid to leave the country, but I would love to visit other places and meet new people.
July 22, 2013
This review and more at my blog, Into the Worm's Hole
Rating: 3.75 of 5 stars
Series book: Yes
Will I read the Next: Yes
Well then. Never in all my history of reading has that ending happened. Like ever. Culture Shock was, for the most part, a pretty good book. There were a few things that annoyed me quite a bit, but also a few redeeming qualities that kept me reading.
The writing style was my biggest problem with this book. Yes, I know. The writing is the whole book. But I feel like if there were a few adjustments it would be way better and easier to read. One thing that really isn't the authors fault, but was still super annoying anyway, was the editing. There are a few words i could use to describe it, but because this book put me in my good old country mood, im gonna use some we use often where im from. It was just plain old awful. Other than that there's something that is completely the authors fault. The change in style. At first it was kind of like a diary and that took a little getting used to. But halfway through the book, just when i did get used to it, it changed. It became like a personal narrative and it kind of sounded like Macy was telling someone else a story. Like reading a kid to sleep. Why? Why change the style just as i get used to it. That annoyed the hell out of me. Then, my final problem with the writing, there was how some statements that should have ended with periods ended with question marks? So i ended up reading everything with an upward infliction? Which was kind of annoying? Because we don't usually talk like that? Sigh.
Up until the last plot twist, Culture shock was nothing if not predictable. I mean, come on. Chad with his sun allergy and no appetite. Max with his huge body and large appetite. No spoilers but hey. Do the math. The only one I was truly surprised about was Emma because there were no obvious hints. I would just like to ask the author to please not insult my intelligence. The plot was equally slow as it was predictable. It pick up only at the end.
Well Macy was...different. She had this whole "old me," "new me" thing going on which was basically just a mild case of multiple personality disorder. Her thoughts between her old self and her new self were so radically different. One minute she thinks that both boys must be pining for her attention. The next she's thinking how she's nothing without her deceased BFF. Also? She acted really innocent but had some seriously dirty thoughts. The other characters, namely Chad and Max, seemed to be taken straight out of some other stories. In short they were unoriginal. And the perfect family? Totally unrealistic.
Ah, the romance. She went from having three boys to two to one to two and finally one. Im surprised Macy didn't get mono from all the kissing she was doing. I was a little annoyed throughout the whole thing because while it wasn't official with anyone, it still seemed like cheating.
SUMMARY OF REVIEW(In case you don't actually feel like reading the review):
Writing: 3.5 out of 5
Plot: 3.5 out of 5
characters: 4 out of 5
Romance: 3.5 out of 5
Overall: 3.75 out of 5
PG-13 Macy and her dirty, dirty thoughts, some suggestive comments, violence
Rating: 3.75 of 5 stars
Series book: Yes
Will I read the Next: Yes
Well then. Never in all my history of reading has that ending happened. Like ever. Culture Shock was, for the most part, a pretty good book. There were a few things that annoyed me quite a bit, but also a few redeeming qualities that kept me reading.
The writing style was my biggest problem with this book. Yes, I know. The writing is the whole book. But I feel like if there were a few adjustments it would be way better and easier to read. One thing that really isn't the authors fault, but was still super annoying anyway, was the editing. There are a few words i could use to describe it, but because this book put me in my good old country mood, im gonna use some we use often where im from. It was just plain old awful. Other than that there's something that is completely the authors fault. The change in style. At first it was kind of like a diary and that took a little getting used to. But halfway through the book, just when i did get used to it, it changed. It became like a personal narrative and it kind of sounded like Macy was telling someone else a story. Like reading a kid to sleep. Why? Why change the style just as i get used to it. That annoyed the hell out of me. Then, my final problem with the writing, there was how some statements that should have ended with periods ended with question marks? So i ended up reading everything with an upward infliction? Which was kind of annoying? Because we don't usually talk like that? Sigh.
Up until the last plot twist, Culture shock was nothing if not predictable. I mean, come on. Chad with his sun allergy and no appetite. Max with his huge body and large appetite. No spoilers but hey. Do the math. The only one I was truly surprised about was Emma because there were no obvious hints. I would just like to ask the author to please not insult my intelligence. The plot was equally slow as it was predictable. It pick up only at the end.
Well Macy was...different. She had this whole "old me," "new me" thing going on which was basically just a mild case of multiple personality disorder. Her thoughts between her old self and her new self were so radically different. One minute she thinks that both boys must be pining for her attention. The next she's thinking how she's nothing without her deceased BFF. Also? She acted really innocent but had some seriously dirty thoughts. The other characters, namely Chad and Max, seemed to be taken straight out of some other stories. In short they were unoriginal. And the perfect family? Totally unrealistic.
Ah, the romance. She went from having three boys to two to one to two and finally one. Im surprised Macy didn't get mono from all the kissing she was doing. I was a little annoyed throughout the whole thing because while it wasn't official with anyone, it still seemed like cheating.
SUMMARY OF REVIEW(In case you don't actually feel like reading the review):
Writing: 3.5 out of 5
Plot: 3.5 out of 5
characters: 4 out of 5
Romance: 3.5 out of 5
Overall: 3.75 out of 5
PG-13 Macy and her dirty, dirty thoughts, some suggestive comments, violence
May 31, 2013
Originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading Culture Shock. It’s a fairly large book – it was 676 pages in my reader – especially considering it’s target audience. The word count could’ve been cut down, and the book would be just as strong, if not stronger, with about 100 pages less text. There were some grammar and other errors scattered throughout the text, but they didn’t annoy me too much. They did stop my reading flow every now and then, but I could live with that because the story, the plot and the characters hooked me.
Macy, our main character, has been an introvert ever since her best friend died about a year ago. Her family decides to move away from the big city, partially to give Macy a new, fresh start. They move to a quaint country town named Bougainvillea, where Marcy finds herself in a completely different world than the one she’s used to. She begins hanging out with a strange crowd of people, who seem to be hiding more secrets than Macy cares for. One of these is Chad, a guy Macy could’ve liked, if it weren’t for how strange things seem to happen everywhere he’s at. Macy is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery of what’s going on in her new home town, never grasping that it may have something to do with an underground supernatural society in the middle of Bougainvillea.
This book has it all, from zmbie assassins to shape-shifters to vampires, and I loved the creative mix of ‘big baddies’ all thrown into this one story. Macy made for an intriguing main character, especially because she started out introverted, and gradually opened up toward others as the story progressed. She also seemed like your typical teenager. I find that often, in young adult books, the way teenagers act is either like adults stuck in a teenage body (so, too mature) or like little kids stuck in a teenage body (too immature). Of course, not all teenagers are the same, and some are more (im)mature than others, but Macy’s personality actually fit in with what your average teenager is like, and she reminded me of my cousins (who are now in their early teens).
The setting was vibrant and lively, filled with elements that seemed fitting for the south, and Bougainvillea was a town with a fascinating history and look, even though I had trouble getting used to the name at first. The supernatural society Jeanette Pekala creates in the middle of this quaint country town works fascinatingly well, it is some sort of sub-society with its own set of rules, vaguely reminding me of the Caster-society in the “Caster Chronicles” series by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia. Just like the Caster society, the supernatural society in Bougainvillea just works. It’s well-developed and thought through.
I liked the secondary characters as well, particularly Chad. He was the right mix of mysterious and caring, and I loved most, if not all, of his scenes.
Overall, Culture Shock provides a detailed, imaginative world where normal and supernatural live together in a quaint, small town, a main character thrust in the middle of all this, and a dark magical force threatening to overwhelm her.
I didn’t know what to expect when I began reading Culture Shock. It’s a fairly large book – it was 676 pages in my reader – especially considering it’s target audience. The word count could’ve been cut down, and the book would be just as strong, if not stronger, with about 100 pages less text. There were some grammar and other errors scattered throughout the text, but they didn’t annoy me too much. They did stop my reading flow every now and then, but I could live with that because the story, the plot and the characters hooked me.
Macy, our main character, has been an introvert ever since her best friend died about a year ago. Her family decides to move away from the big city, partially to give Macy a new, fresh start. They move to a quaint country town named Bougainvillea, where Marcy finds herself in a completely different world than the one she’s used to. She begins hanging out with a strange crowd of people, who seem to be hiding more secrets than Macy cares for. One of these is Chad, a guy Macy could’ve liked, if it weren’t for how strange things seem to happen everywhere he’s at. Macy is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery of what’s going on in her new home town, never grasping that it may have something to do with an underground supernatural society in the middle of Bougainvillea.
This book has it all, from zmbie assassins to shape-shifters to vampires, and I loved the creative mix of ‘big baddies’ all thrown into this one story. Macy made for an intriguing main character, especially because she started out introverted, and gradually opened up toward others as the story progressed. She also seemed like your typical teenager. I find that often, in young adult books, the way teenagers act is either like adults stuck in a teenage body (so, too mature) or like little kids stuck in a teenage body (too immature). Of course, not all teenagers are the same, and some are more (im)mature than others, but Macy’s personality actually fit in with what your average teenager is like, and she reminded me of my cousins (who are now in their early teens).
The setting was vibrant and lively, filled with elements that seemed fitting for the south, and Bougainvillea was a town with a fascinating history and look, even though I had trouble getting used to the name at first. The supernatural society Jeanette Pekala creates in the middle of this quaint country town works fascinatingly well, it is some sort of sub-society with its own set of rules, vaguely reminding me of the Caster-society in the “Caster Chronicles” series by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia. Just like the Caster society, the supernatural society in Bougainvillea just works. It’s well-developed and thought through.
I liked the secondary characters as well, particularly Chad. He was the right mix of mysterious and caring, and I loved most, if not all, of his scenes.
Overall, Culture Shock provides a detailed, imaginative world where normal and supernatural live together in a quaint, small town, a main character thrust in the middle of all this, and a dark magical force threatening to overwhelm her.
May 17, 2013
I received this book free as a Goodreads First Read. I entered this contest knowing that this was not a genre I normally would read. However, I was looking for a new book and wanted to discover something new.
Over all, I enjoyed the story created by Jeanette Pekala. It was, at times, slightly predictable but in the end she did surprise me with a twist. The characters that she created were as believable as supernatural characters can be. My only real issue with the book was not it's story or characters but the editing. There are many instances throughout the book where it appears Ms. Pekala started writing something and then most likely came back later and changed what she had written. In the process parts of what was written previously was not completely deleted. So I had to read it more than once to make sense of what she intended. There were also quite a few grammatical errors that were noted throughout such as "mostly likely". That being said, the book was still a fun and quick read.
As far as recommending this book: I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and quick read. I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories with supernatural characters and/or twilight type novels.
Ms. Pekala shows great potential and I look forward to the release of Shock Wave.
Over all, I enjoyed the story created by Jeanette Pekala. It was, at times, slightly predictable but in the end she did surprise me with a twist. The characters that she created were as believable as supernatural characters can be. My only real issue with the book was not it's story or characters but the editing. There are many instances throughout the book where it appears Ms. Pekala started writing something and then most likely came back later and changed what she had written. In the process parts of what was written previously was not completely deleted. So I had to read it more than once to make sense of what she intended. There were also quite a few grammatical errors that were noted throughout such as "mostly likely". That being said, the book was still a fun and quick read.
As far as recommending this book: I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and quick read. I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories with supernatural characters and/or twilight type novels.
Ms. Pekala shows great potential and I look forward to the release of Shock Wave.
February 2, 2014
Culture Shock is about a 17 year old girl, Macy and her family moving from NY to Florida. The move in itself is enough of a culture shock, but the move is the least of Macy's concerns. Macy becomes friends with people who have secrets of their own... they are supes. Macy comes from a well to do family, but she has numerous insecurities. The characters have tons of sass and attitude which I totally love. Macy has her own story to tell, however several times I felt like I was reading Twilight or True Blood. I would have truly loved to read ONLY Macy's story. The prologue and chapter 1 did not connect at all, it felt like two different stories, there was not a direct connection between the prologue and the actual story until chapter 16. The spacing and format of the book, made it feel choppy. I am interested to see what happens in the life and world of Macy, but before I would ever purchase this book or the second book in the series some of the major formatting errors would have to be corrected. I am not completely sold if I like this book or not. Would I recommend it to others who read fiction? Yes, I already have. I wanted to be able to discuss the book with other avid readers and get their take on the book.
July 25, 2013
I won this book on good reads.
I loved it and would have read it straight through if I didn't have to go to work. It's a light, fun read. Shy Macy Holmes moves with her family from NYC to small town Florida where she discovers supernatural creatures really do exist. She not only has her first boyfriend, but had three boys vying for her, and someone/something is out to get her and her family. Lot's of plot twists.
I loved it and would have read it straight through if I didn't have to go to work. It's a light, fun read. Shy Macy Holmes moves with her family from NYC to small town Florida where she discovers supernatural creatures really do exist. She not only has her first boyfriend, but had three boys vying for her, and someone/something is out to get her and her family. Lot's of plot twists.
May 28, 2013
This book was packed full of everything I love. Supernaturals and not only one romance story but three with, I just about fell in love! I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to each and every one of you because it is truly amazing. Well written, it keeps you waiting to see what will happen next. A definite must read!
May 28, 2013
well you can tell its a rainy day in the UK because Ive just done reading a big book lol. hmmm well when i was reading i was praying it won't have vampires in it and yes it does (twilight poop). also near the end you kind of new what was going to happen. 4 stars but don't think i will want to read the second one.
February 1, 2015
Better than I thought
This was a cute story. The plot twist weren't shocking, you could see a mile away. It was a little to long and at times seamed to drag. But all in all a cute quirky book.
This was a cute story. The plot twist weren't shocking, you could see a mile away. It was a little to long and at times seamed to drag. But all in all a cute quirky book.
January 5, 2014
*I won Culture Shock in a GR giveaway
This was a strong, suspenseful novel that kept me at the edge of my seat! I was very surprised at the twists; it was well written.
5/5 stars!
This was a strong, suspenseful novel that kept me at the edge of my seat! I was very surprised at the twists; it was well written.
5/5 stars!
July 20, 2013
I received this book as part of goodreads first reads giveaways. Full review to follow!
October 8, 2013
So blessed to actually know this author and absolutely amazed at the awesome story she wrote. So excited to read the next one. Great Read!!!
September 4, 2016
This was a cute story. The characters are sweet and the story had a lot of interesting twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews