The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Title: The Name of the Star

Author: Maureen Johnson

Series? Shades of London

Acquired From: public library

Summary:  The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London, it's the start of a new life at a boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Cover Rating: 3/5

Comments on the Cover:  It's nothing really special. It shows an old-timey guy in a cool top hat and coat looking like a ghost. It fits the purpose, and does describe the book. It's just kinda... predictable. 
Character Comments: The characters were charismatic and lovely. There was a lot of depth to them, and they all made you smile. Some were quirky, some were serious. Some were serious, and others were silly. Maureen Johnson's strong point is definitely strong characters.
Favorite Characters: Jazza, Boo and Rory
Character Rating: 5/5

Plot line rating: 5/5

Plot Line Comments: One thing that hit me was how this book was so different from the others I've read by Maureen Johnson. I've read quite a few, and her writing style seems very... chick-lit-ish. This was different, and the whole story line was unique. Just when I thought I had it... there was a twist. I like a book that proves me wrong.

Likeliness to reread it? 3/5
Overall rating: 4/5
Books like this that I have reviewed: N/A

Best I've Read of 2010 Post 2

Suite Scarlett

Why I Loved it? When this book was released, almost every book blogger was talking about how excited they were to read this, or how awesome it was. I wanted to read it, but I wasn't SO interested that I was going to go buy it. Until... I go to my library's annual booksale during finals (don't try this at home, kiddies). I'm browsing... and lo and behold, Suite Scarlett was in the teen section for a buck. I grabbed it and RAN. I kinda postponed reading it, since I had gotten a slew of other great books, but when I finally read it, I wished that I had read it early. All I knew about the book was that it was about this chick named Scarlett who had a cute haircut (on the cover, at least) and her family owned a hotel in NYC. When I read it, I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and the theater in it. I'm a huge fan of theater, acting and watching. I was really excited by the mentions of it in the book.

Suite Scarlett was a "suite" surprise.

Sorry... couldn't help it...