Deb Caletti. STAY

This is only the second book I've read by Deb Caletti, and I already love her! I just looked over my review of THE FORTUNES OF INDIGO SKYE and I wasn't surprised to see that I had used quotes from the book, because I'm going to do that again here. Deb Caletti's writing is so spectacular that it's difficult to write the review without sharing some gems with you.

 "I realized that fear and guilt were both cheap and easy emotions, ready and always available, the salt and pepper to the more exotic herbs that took more effort to gather, like courage or determination or regret."

The funny thing is - that quote sums up the book better than I could. After reading the book, go back and read it. You'll see.

Clara knew when she met Christian that it was going to be a turning point in her life. He was "the one." They instantly had a powerful attraction to each other. The fact that he was so impressed with her gave Clara a powerful feeling. So, when things start going downhill, she begins to feel responsible. He begins getting jealous at the drop of a hat, possessive and controlling about where she goes and how she spends her time. Clara rationalizes his behavior and even begins to start believing some things she says about her. She finally decides to break up with him. But Christian will have none of that. He refuses to let her go. Clara and her father move out of town for the summer to get away from him. Will he finally leave her alone? Will she be able to find herself again and heal?

"Empathy took the edge off, and the truth is, we need our edge. Our edge is trying to speak to us, and we are too, too good at shutting it up."

The novel is told in two time periods that meet up together near the end. If that sounds strange, it is. And not too many authors could've pulled it off so smoothly. As we live through Clara meeting Christian and developing their relationship, we are also living through Clara's new life and wondering how the relationship ended. To make the plot even more layered, Clara's father is hiding something from her. Interestingly enough, they are able to help each other in the end.

You will love this! It's deep, moving, complex, suspenseful and brilliantly written! I can't wait to read more from her! For more about Deb Caletti, check her out here. 

By the way, this is one of those books that I think all teenage girls should read, so they know the difference between someone who is good for you and someone who is BAD for you.

Gitty Daneshvari. SCHOOL OF FEAR: CLASS IS NOT DISMISSED!

This sequel to SCHOOL OF FEAR is just as wonderful as the first book. Mrs. Wellington requests the presence of Madeline, Theo, Lulu and Garrison for another summer at School of Fear. She discovered that each of them has secretly regressed and need a follow up session.

The students are disappointed to learn that a fifth student will be joining them. The young girl's name is Hyacinth, and she brings her pet ferret, Celery, with her to the mansion. Hyacinth's fear is being alone, which causes her to be very clingy. Once she grabs someone's hand, she does not let go. Plus, she creates annoying nicknames for everyone and professes that they are all Bff's or "besties."

But that really is a minor challenge to some of the other fun times that ensue at Summerstone for the second session of School of Fear. Without giving too much of the plot away and spoiling the fun, I will just say that this summer the big challenge is saving the school or their phobias will never be cured!

This was just as hilarious as the first one, maybe more in some ways. I'm in total awe of Gitty Daneshvari's writing. She does witty humor better than anyone! (She's right up there with Adam Selzer in my book - and he's downright hysterical!). I cannot count how many times I woke up my husband laughing out loud through this book.

I will be first in line to buy her next book.
Check her out here

Gitty Daneshvari. SCHOOL OF FEAR

SCHOOL OF FEAR is bizarre, witty and so much fun! Four kids with irrational fears are sent to this highly secretive school that professes to be able to cure kids of their phobias. Madeline is so terrified of bugs that she wears a veil and carries bug spray everywhere. Theo is so afraid of dying that he can spout off random safety statistics. Lulu is afraid of confined spaces, while Garrison is great at all sports, except water sports, because he's deathly afraid of bodies of water.

The four kids arrive at school of fear to discover that they are the only four kids enrolled. They expected it to be more like summer camp, with lots of kids. They also didn't expect a former beauty queen has-been to be their "teacher."
Lulu questions Mrs. Wellington by asking her about her credentials. Mrs. Wellington goes on and on about her resume that includes various titles to all types of beauty pageants.

    So Lulu interrupts and says, "I meant your credentials to teach us!"
    "Oh, you silly girl! Teachers don't need credentials. That's an old wives' tale."
    "So you have absolutely no credentials to teach us about fears?" Madeline says in shock.
And here is where the kids begin to get a glimpse into who they are dealing with when Mrs. Wellington replies
    "I assure you that one doesn't need credentials for fears when one has a Fearnasium."

The kids' anxiety grows when they learn about the school's library, which doesn't contain books at all. But of course, it's a Library of Smelly Foods! The school and their teacher grow more and more bizarre, and the kids really begin to question the validity of the whole experience. They wonder how this teacher can cure them when half the time she doesn't even make sense.They wonder why she continues to call them "contestants," why learning good posture has anything to do with fears and finally, why does their food taste so bad!

Two additional characters add to the mystery. Schmidty serves as Mrs. Wellington's butler and an English bulldog named Macaroni is treated very much like a person and gets to eat at the dinner table with everyone else.

The ending is unexpected and enjoyable. Really, you must enroll in the School of Fear! You won't be disappointed!