Review: Sucks to Be Me

Sucks To Be Me
by Kimberly Pauley


Blurb: Mina Hamilton's parents want her dead. (Or undead to be precise.) They're vampires, and like it or not, Mina must decide whether to become a vampire herself. But Mina's more interested in hanging out with best friend Serena and trying to catch the eye of the too-hot-for-high-school Nathan Able than in the vampire training classes she's being forced to take. How's a girl supposed to find the perfect prom date and pass third-year French when her mom and dad are breathing down her neck--literally?

Review:
In a word I'd have to say that Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley was terrific. Absolutely loved it. I've read that the sequel is now out in hardback. I can't wait to 'sink my teeth' into it. Okay I know, bad vampire joke.

The book is cute without being cutsey. (Cutesy? Is it a word?) If you're into the whole vampire genre you'll enjoy it too because it shows the lighthearted side of being a vampire--and I love to laugh. Reading it reminds me of why I really didn't care for Twilight. Ms. Pauley's writing is sharp, fun, active. a great read!

This book is a great example of why I love YA fiction. There are some great lines in the book. Here is an example. At the beginning of each chapter a vampire myth is given and the main character's take on the reality of the statement. I found these to all be really great but this one made me laugh until I couldn't catch my breath.

Myth: a stake through the heart will kill a vampire.
Truth: well duh, it would kill anyone.

I don't know why that hit me as being so funny. It must be the profound simplicity of it. This is just a sample of the humor in this book.


The one thing I would have to complain about  is that the author compares the eyes of a hot guy in the book with Tom Welling's except green. Um, hello Tom's eyes are green! Sorry no disrespect, Ms. Pauley. Loved the book, but I've loved Tom's eyes longer. ;)

Mrs. Pauley's rendition of vampirism is much more controlled and organized. Vampires don't just rip into their prey willy-nilly and you can't turn someone to the other side at whim. There are rules, procedures, a bureaucracy, etc. She makes them less scary. They aren't as animalistic like they are going to attack you at any moment. For me, it was a good version and perfect for the YA reader. I give it an A.