Shepard, Sara - Pretty Little Liars - Informal Buddy Read; Start: January 7, 2015

[Samantha]

I have read this series awhile back (some years ago) and I completed it. I thought it was pretty good. (I really dislike starting something and not finishing). I have never seen the show and can't imagine it being the same or remotely close. now that I'm a bit older I'll give it another go and read it again to see if it still holds the magic :)

[♦Ashley♦]

Just started this last night. I've seen the show and the story line is pretty similar. I have a hard time imagining the characters as described in the book because the some of the actors in the show look different than the book's description. The book describes Emily as a freckled redhead and on the show she has black hair and brown skin.

[Greta]

I've never seen the show but might check it out.

[Marla]

My daughters watch the show, but I've never been a fan. I wanted to read the book, just so I would know what was going on...but I knew this would be a stretch for me.

I actually like Gossip Girl more, but that isn't saying much. Gossip Girl always felt like a train wreck to me...you are embarrassed to watch, but you can't help yourself. :D

[Greta]

Oh, just saw it's on Netflix!

[Samantha]

That's another thing. like to read the books and watch shows/movies and it be completely different is depressing sometimes. especially if it's a huge difference!

[Cynthia]

Jennifer wrote: "Shinjini- I also thought that, [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I was shocked, too! All along I thought that Alison was alive and was tormenting the girls. Could someone have kidnapped her, kept her long enough to get information from her, and is now stalking/tormenting the girls? (Who are pretty nasty people anyway) (hide spoiler)]

[Blakely]

Up to chapter 13 now.
(view spoiler)[The satisfaction of Spencer stealing that barn from her sister with her PSAT scores may have been the highlight of my day so far. I get way too into books...

I want to have some sort of sympathy for Hanna, but so far she just frustrates me.

Poor repressed Emily just wants to kiss on Maya. So innocent and cute. I really hope she finds her way.

Aria is probably my favorite so far. Or at least the most intriguing. I kind of hope she gets to keep hooking up with her teacher.

I don't think A is Ali, but I'm dying to know where this spy is lurking around and who it is... (hide spoiler)]

This book is flying! At this rate I'm gonna have to acquire copies of the next 3 to appease my craving for more YA drama ASAP!

[Shilpa]

So excited to read this! will start tomorrow! :)

[Cynthia]

Blakely wrote: "Up to chapter 13 now. ..."

You're right on all counts. I said earlier (view spoiler)[ that I didn't like any of the girls, but I do think Emily is very sympathetic. I feel for her. (hide spoiler)]

[Blakely]

Cynthia wrote: "Blakely wrote: "Up to chapter 13 now. ..."

You're right on all counts. I said earlier [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Exactly. Emily seems to be less rotten and selfish than the other poor little rich girls. Maybe the others will win me over a bit more later on. (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

I just started.. Chap 2 now..

The story began with an interesting start..(view spoiler)[ Wonder where Ali is..!! (hide spoiler)]

[Blakely]

About to start Chapter 26 and just had a thought: (view spoiler)[Why aren't any of these girls even considering responding to the emails/texts/IMs from "A"? You would think at least one of them would be tempted to engage this creeper. (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Chap 3: (view spoiler)[ Did they just steal from a jewellery store? Hard to believe that there were no cameras or any security measures in the store.. This felt really stupid..

They are the rich kids.. why did they steal anyway? :O (hide spoiler)]

chap 4-8: (view spoiler)[ Is Ali back? This is getting interesting but I am not really liking any character much till now.. Emily n Maya are still ok but not the others..

So finally Hannah got arrested but they left her just like that??!! :/
Is shop-lifting jewelleries some kind of a joke? The cops just took her mother's word for it? Didn't even ask for the receipt! :O
This thing is getting even more stupid now! (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Rebecca NJ wrote: "I started a little early. Chapters 1 -7

I have been curious about the tv show for awhile and recently saw a preview for an upcoming episode which unfortunately had a spoiler. I feel it's a cros..."

(view spoiler)[ Duh! The characters are super shallow! (hide spoiler)]

[Blakely]

Done! (view spoiler)[Ali's body brought the group back together it seems. Yes, I already have #2 on hold at the library. :) (hide spoiler)]

[Rebecca NJ]

@Shipla - that's very true!

[Shilpa]

Done till chap 8: (view spoiler)[ Is Ali back? This is getting interesting but I am not really liking any character much till now.. Emily n Maya are still ok but not the others.. (hide spoiler)]

Chap 16: (view spoiler)[ Hadn't Mrs.Marin said that tgey bought thise items and had the receipt? Then why did they have to return those? This thing doesn't make sense..

I still don't like this book much.. may be it is because of the characters.. (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Finished Ch 30- (view spoiler)[ Ali is dead? :O
finally something interesting happened and want to continue.. till now I wanted to close the book so many times.. though I really wanna know the mysteries some characters irritated the hell out of me.. Spencer!! Wren!! and Hannah! :| (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Finished the book!

(view spoiler)[ So the mystery was not revealed in this book! :P
Nice way to compel readers to go to the next book! :P

I liked the ending..how all the friends come together again.. :)

(hide spoiler)]

Final thoughts
(view spoiler)[ The book overall was an ok read. I liked the first few pages and then the book started going downhill for me..all because of the irritating characters.. Though the suspense was good, a lot of things bugged me.. The ending was good though..and the characters felt much better there..
The mystery is carried forward in the next book and it was more like creating a platform for the subsequent books more than a story in itself..
The ending gives me hope that the series is gonna get better! :) (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Blakely wrote: "Done! [spoilers removed]"

So..it seems! :)

[Shinjini]

Shilpa, (view spoiler)[ I was sure that the identity of A will not be revealed in this book itself. There are so many books in the series so I'm almost sure that the identity is not revealed in the latest book either! It is a good tactic to keep the readers guessing though and I love the buildup of the suspense so I am surely going to get in on the next book once I can use it for some challenge. (lol)

I liked the ending as well. I still have hope for these girls and am waiting to see what is to become of them. And what are these nasty secrets these girls are trying to hide? And what is with The Jenna Thing? Too many questions here! (hide spoiler)]

[Shinjini]

Blakely wrote: "Cynthia wrote: "Blakely wrote: "Up to chapter 13 now. ..."

You're right on all counts. I said earlier [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Agreed! The characters are really shallow and kind of obnoxious at times. I liked Emily because she seems better than the others. I really hope that the others can win me over as well. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Shilpa]

Shinjini wrote: "Shilpa, I was sure that..."

(view spoiler)[ I know that it is not revealed till a long time.. a friend of mine has read about 60-70% of the series and she still doesn't know!
Guess we have to wait.. A lott! :P (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Started reading last night...through chapter 9. These girls are just horrible. Not sure I was anything like this at their age (at least I sure hope I wasn't!).

Spoiled beyond belief....who does that stuff?

(view spoiler)[Who flirts their sister's boyfriend? Messes around with a guy who turns out to be your teacher? Steals from the mall when you can afford it? These girls have too much privilege and take advantage of it because no one stops them.

(hide spoiler)]
I wasn't sure if it's enjoy this or not, but it's a quick read and I'm anxious to see (view spoiler)[who is sending the notes and what it all means? What really happened to Ali?? (hide spoiler)]

[♦Ashley♦]

Tara Jo wrote: "Started reading last night...through chapter 9. These girls are just horrible. Not sure I was anything like this at their age (at least I sure hope I wasn't!).

Spoiled beyond belief....who does ..."

I agree Tara. They are spoiled brats, but that usually makes for the best drama;)
Out of all the girls, I could see the situation with Aria happening. She didn't know he was going to be her teacher, and they are probably only about 5 years apart in age.

[Joi]

Tara Jo wrote: "Started reading last night...through chapter 9. These girls are just horrible. Not sure I was anything like this at their age (at least I sure hope I wasn't!).

Spoiled beyond belief....who does ..."

They are really really spoiled. It makes me wonder if there are really kids like this. Spoiled kids always get in the most trouble though.

[♦Ashley♦]

Finished ♥♥♥
I thought I would enjoy this book more, but I was a little bored since I already knew what was going to happen. I may try a few more in the series since they're easy reads.

[Joi]

I really identify with Aria when she's talking about (view spoiler)[how she had to try out so many different personalities in order to find herself. Everyone wants to be an individual, yet be accepted into society. And her society is so much harder to get accepted into because of it being "rich" girls. (hide spoiler)]

[Joi]

I'm having a terrible time keeping all the girls straight. And ummm...this story isn't interesting in the least. Also, Hannah is sex crazed. I think this plays into the stereotype of girls not having a father and ... looking for love in all of the wrong places.

[Tara]

I'm at about 75% and really want to find out (view spoiler)[what happened to Ali??? Most of these girls are so bratty and spoiled that I want them to get what they have coming to them! (hide spoiler)]

Another thing I found interesting, and maybe it's a regional thing, are the various sports they played. Field hockey, lacrosse,water polo, swimming...these were not sports in my HS. It was all about football, baseball,and basketball. Is it regional? Is it private school? Both?

[Tara]

Joi wrote: "I'm having a terrible time keeping all the girls straight. And ummm...this story isn't interesting in the least. Also, Hannah is sex crazed. I think this plays into the stereotype of girls not havi..."

Okay glad it's not just me!! I think with each chapter going back and forth with each character and so many different characters I've list track of who is who! It takes minute into each chapter to remember who has what problem!

[♦Ashley♦]

@ Joi - You just got Looking For Love sick in my head. Thanks:p

[♦Ashley♦]

*stuck

[Joi]

Tara Jo wrote: "I'm at about 75% and really want to find out [spoilers removed]

Another thing I found interesting, and maybe it's a regional thing, are the various sports they played. Field hockey, lacrosse,wate..."

No, I didn't have those sports in my HS either. I don't know if it's regional or private school. It seems like SO MUCH.!

[Eni]

Rebecca NJ wrote: "Has anyone watched the tv show?"

I've watched all seasons except this last one. I've only started the book. On chapter 7 atm. I keep noting the little differences. How the girls are so physically different than in the show (everyone seems to have blonde hair. Emily doesn't really have curves, just slender muscle and somewhat bleached hair ends due to swimming so much and so on). But so far it's surprising to see the show didn't go that far from the book. Which means i already know what's going to happen =p but it's good to remember it anyway =D

I've been hooked on this show since day 1. So i think i'm definitely continuing with the books.

I like the writing style so far and i agree that it's fast and easy enough to read. And (view spoiler)[of course the characters are spoiled rich kids, who end up doing stupid things. Take a look at the kids from Cruel Intentions or other similar movies. The rich kids are always the worst.

But in their defense, they get better. At least in the show they do. That and i really like the actresses that play them *whistles* (hide spoiler)]

[Tara]

Finished....REALLY.?? Ughhhh...

(view spoiler)[ hate huge cliffhangers like that!! Why did I not guess that we wouldn't find out who A is?? And what's the Jenna thing? I have no clue who is doing this...Jenna or Toby? And who killed Ali? One of her cousins involved?.

I had already planned to continue the series since my library has them all...but now I have to!

(hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Shilpa wrote: "Shinjini wrote: "Shilpa, I was sure that..."

I know that it is not revealed till a long time.. a friend of mine has read about 60-70% of the series and she still doesn't know!
Guess we have to ..."

Wow, Shilpa- (view spoiler)[I didn't think it would take THAT long to find out!! (hide spoiler)]

[Greta]

Tara Jo wrote: "I'm at about 75% and really want to find out [spoilers removed]

Another thing I found interesting, and maybe it's a regional thing, are the various sports they played. Field hockey, lacrosse,wate..."

We had swimming and Lacrosse is big in the metro area in MN, but not the other sports. I think field hockey is a East Coast thing...

[Greta]

Eni wrote: "Rebecca NJ wrote: "Has anyone watched the tv show?"

I've watched all seasons except this last one. I've only started the book. On chapter 7 atm. I keep noting the little differences. How the girls..."

I stopped watching the show in second episode because I didn't want to ruin the books!

[Eni]

Greta wrote: "Eni wrote: "Rebecca NJ wrote: "Has anyone watched the tv show?"

I've watched all seasons except this last one. I've only started the book. On chapter 7 atm. I keep noting the little differences. H..."

At the time i wasn't planing to read the books xD

[Rebecca NJ]

Tara Jo wrote: "Another thing I found interesting, and maybe it's a regional thing, are the various sports they played. Field hockey, lacrosse,water polo, swimming...these were not sports in my HS. It was all about football, baseball,and basketball. Is it regional? Is it private school? Both? ."

Those are definitely things that students here on the east coast to participate in and I know it is both private and public schools. Water polo and swimming were based on what facilities you had available. My public high school joined up with a local college so we were able to have water polo and swimming.

[Rebecca NJ]

I want to continue with the story (view spoiler)[only because there is that cliffhanger that doesn't seem to come to light any time soon (hide spoiler)] but I haven't decided if I want to do the books or the show.

[Tara]

Rebecca NJ wrote: "I want to continue with the story [spoilers removed] but I haven't decided if I want to do the books or the show."

Same here....I don't think my hubby can deal with another YA TV Show though! I already got him hooked on Vampire Diaries...not sure he'd go for this one! That means I HAVE to read the books now to see where this goes!!!

[Rebecca NJ]

My husband actually watched the first episode with me. It was one he realized they were in high school that he determined he wasn't going to want to watch anymore. If they would have been in college, I think I might have gotten away with it, lol!

[Eni]

So i've been really enjoying the book, but having a bit of difficulty commenting on it, since i know most of what's going on, and what's going to happen, and most of the secrets and whatnot... but this i was not expecting considering in the show Emily (view spoiler)[isn't exactly white. Also she doesn't have a sister. Anyway.. Emily's mom is racist? O_O (hide spoiler)]

[Eni]

oh my.. did (view spoiler)[Aria just bit Ezra? O_O why on earth? O_O (hide spoiler)]

I just finished the book. Overall i liked it. Wasn't one of the best books I've read, but it was fun and fast to read. I really like the mystery behind who is A and all the little secrets. (I guess i'm a sucker for gossips and i never knew about it o_o) Definitely carrying on with the series!

[Shilpa]

Greta wrote: "Shilpa wrote: "Shinjini wrote: "Shilpa, I was sure that..."

I know that it is not revealed till a long time.. a friend of mine has read about 60-70% of the series and she still doesn't know!
Gu..."

Sadly enough..it does! :(
But that gives us a great excuse to read all of the books asap! :D ;)

[Monica]

I am currently reading this book. I will join in too.

[Marla]

I just can't get into this...I'm about half way through. (view spoiler)[Very unbelievable that A just happens to be in the right place at the exact time that she knows the other girls' secrets. I did like the new teacher being the guy she hooked up with at the bar. Whoops. (hide spoiler)] I don't like the show either, so I don't know why I thought I had to read this book...I guess my girls like the show so much, I wanted to see what it was about.