false 128 1043 113 true 5633309 read 2 true 5069679 currently-reading 928 true 5069678 to-read 324 false 5122857 my-personal-library 232 false 5177784 wishlist 175 false 6172664 wishlist-2009-books 135 false 6172643 wishlist-2010-books 97 false 6172678 wishlist-2008-books 74 false 5330925 books-won 24 false 5199421 arc 21 false 5488963 for-review 21 false 5199516 signed 21 false 5546057 favorites 6 false 5215678 my-leather-bound-books 5 false 6300975 wishlist-2011-books 4 false 5485015 getting-from-bookmooch 2 false 6536071 books-recommended 1 false 6939376 getting-from-the-book-depository 1 false 5455882 willing-to-trade <![CDATA[Briana added 'Phantom Island: Wind']]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78693819 Phantom Island: Wind (Paperback) by Krissi Dallas
bookshelves: to-read, wishlist-2009-books
]]> <![CDATA[New Fanship update]]> <![CDATA[Briana added 'Girl on the Other Side']]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/66890403 to: Girl on the Other Side (Paperback) by Deborah Kerbel
bookshelves: favorites, my-personal-library
Original review post here:
http://thebookpixie.blogspot.com/2009/11...

After addressing the issue of cultural differences in Mackenzie, Lost and Found, Deborah Kerbel goes on to tackle the problem of bullying and social differences in Girl on the Other Side, her second novel for young adults. It is the powerful, gripping story of how two vastly different girls' lives collide and change forever.

Tabby and Lora were such utterly realistic and genuinely depicted characters that they could have easily been actual people. They were both very complex with neither of them being at all how they first appeared. I formed an instant connection and understanding with them, especially Lora. However, I was most intrigued by Tabby who surprised me with her slightly resentful feelings towards her own wealth and social status. She was far from the happy, care-free girl I was expecting, instead having her own share of sadness. Tabby and Lora are perfect examples of just how deceiving appearances can be.

And speaking of deceiving appearances, for such a small book in both size and length, Girl on the Other Side sure packs a punch. I found myself surprised by its depth, though I really shouldn't have been after having read Kerbel's first book. Girl on the Other Side was fast paced and even suspenseful, though not in the usual sense of the word. I was given only a taste at a time of what was going to happen next and still left wondering how, compelling me to continue until reaching the end.

Bullying is a swiftly spreading problem in both schools and online. Girl on the Other Side's portrayal of bullying, and the lives of those involved, is so believable in not only dialogue, but in context as well. Kerbel wrote in such a way that I found the emotions and thoughts of the girls instantly familiar to me. It was so insightful to see how differently each girl viewed the same people and situations. Her use of imagery was also a great aspect of this book with everything being so well described that I could instantly form a mental image of it all, particularly the girls. I really couldn't have asked for more.

Girl on the Other Side had a beautiful, though slightly unexpected, ending. Normally when I read a shorter book, by the end I'm still left feeling like there could have been another good 50 or more pages. That was not the case with this one which actually felt longer than what it was. I was surprised by how perfectly everything fit into only 148 pages of actual story. I also felt the poems at the end were a great finishing touch.

Girl on the Other Side is an engaging and insightful story that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Deborah Kerbel definitely has a knack for writing about the real and important issues in life and still making the story an enjoyable one. Though she's only written two book so far, I believe it is safe to say that she is definitely one of my favorite authors now. If you haven't read one of her books then you need to run, not walk, to the nearest book store or library and pick one up.
]]> <![CDATA[Briana added 'The Maze Runner']]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78251718 The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, #1) by James Dashner
bookshelves: to-read, wishlist-2009-books
]]> <![CDATA[Briana added 'Keep Sweet']]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78165606 Keep Sweet (Paperback) by Michele Dominguez Greene
bookshelves: to-read, wishlist-2010-books
]]> <![CDATA[Briana added 'The Princess and the Snowbird']]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78165502 The Princess and the Snowbird (Hardcover) by Mette Ivie Harrison
bookshelves: to-read, wishlist-2010-books
]]> <![CDATA[Briana added 'Take Me There']]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78165461 Take Me There (Paperback) by Carolee Dean
bookshelves: to-read, wishlist-2010-books
]]> <![CDATA[Briana is on page 334 of Beautiful Creatures ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/60295602 Briana is on page 334 of 576 of Beautiful Creatures ]]> <![CDATA[Briana added 'Fire']]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/71749857 Fire (Hardcover) by Kristin Cashore
bookshelves: my-personal-library, to-read
UK cover hardback. ]]> <![CDATA[Briana recommended the book Brave New World to Aimee]]> http://www.goodreads.com/book/recommendation/668409 Briana recommended the book Brave New World to Aimee
]]>