Most of the time, when I write a review, I try to pen
my own little blurb for the story. But The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill already has such a tremendous blurb,
I couldn’t possibly do any better than to post it here:
Ellie Sweet is a lot of things—good girl, novelist,
silent adorer of the new boy at school, Palmer. But when “outcast” gets added
to the list, she decides it’s time to take reality into her own hands … and
tweak it as needed.
In the pages of her book, she’s Lady Gabrielle, favorite of the medieval
Italian court. Her once-friends are reduced to catty ladies-in-waiting, and the
too-charming Palmer—who in real life never spares her a second word—gets to be
nothing more than a rake wracked by unrequited love for her. She even has a
perfect real-life villain in the brooding Chase, who hails from the wrong side
of town.
But just when she’s getting along great in her fictional world, the real one
throws her a few curves. With Chase pursuing her, Palmer wanting to date
her—but in secret—and the details of her manuscript going public, Ellie
suddenly receives more attention than she ever really wanted. And when her
former-friends discover what she’s been writing, they’re determined to teach
Ellie a lesson about the severe consequences of using her pen as her sword.
the tag line: Don’t just get even. Write
a novel. Brilliant, right? And once I started reading, I didn’t
want to set it down.
quite witty, but unmistakably human. A very real character with real struggles,
feelings, and mistakes. By the end of the first chapter, she had wormed her way
into my heart, and I felt like I’d known her for a long time.
through the writing, querying, and publishing process. This book will
especially appeal to the many teen writers out there, but you certainly don’t
have to be a teen or a writer to love it.
of a tremendous YA contemporary novel and is one I know I’ll be reading again …
and again. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a great
summer read with a dash of wit, heart, and truth.
from My Journal • Rachelle Rea • The Ramblings of a Young
Author • Shadow
Writer World • Who YA Reading? • The Writings of Rosie • Worthy2Read
Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean
teen fiction. Check out other posts about The Revised Life of Ellie
Sweet by Stephanie Morrill by clicking on the links above, and click here for more information about Team
Novel Teen.
Cynthia Marcano says
I also really enjoyed this read. I hardly ever reread books unless I truly enjoy them and I will definitely read this one again.
Cynthia
who YA reading?
Rosie says
I could hardly set it down as well, Gillian! The fact Ellie is a teen writer is such an enjoyable part of the story, especially for me, as a teen writer myself. Glad you enjoyed it! :) Great review.
Charley Robson says
You are really too good at coaxing me into buying genres I ususally don't like – YA contemporary ususally topping it. But oh, blast me if I don't want to read this one!
Gillian Adams says
(Forgive me an evil chuckle!) You should read it! It was really good.
Hannah says
So normally I don't read YA contemporary, mostly because I don't have a lot in common with the main character. But you've got me interested in this one!
Gillian Adams says
I don't normally read YA contemporary, either–or at least, it's not my favorite genre–but I really liked this book. :)
Jill Williamson says
Read it in a day! Loved it. Especially the writer's conference part. That made me cry. Great review, Gillian!
worthy2read says
Loved it — can't wait to get a print copy to share with some of my younger friends! Good review!
Meagan says
Definitely a reread in my opinion! Enjoyed the review.
Lexi Snow says
Cool review! Sounds like a great book! :D
Captain Travis says
Sounds very interesting!
Ysa Rivas says
Just found your blog, and think it's awesome. :o ) This sounds like an interesting book! You did a too-good job on this review…. though certain of my friends will tell you that I'm constantly repeating that, it's true!
Jack says
I've seen this book alot but never stopped to find out what it was about, now I regret that I haven't. It sounds like it is a lot of fun and I'm going to have to hunt it down. (Now that I want it I probably won't be able to find it.)