Reviews & reactions to Bad Girls Don’t Die

  • Publishers Weekly “Fans of classic young adult ghost stories should welcome this solid offering.”
  • Horn Book “The spooky story has all the right elements to keep pages turning and lights switched on.”
  • Kirkus “Strong characterization will draw readers in…both primary and secondary characters are unique and satisfyingly complex.”
  • The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books “The book begins with promising spooky menace, and ghost-story aficionados will recognize the delicious classic tropes of the vengeful dead and old tragedies revenged upon descendents…this may suffice to give haunt fans an enjoyable frisson.”
  • Booklist “With just enough violence, suspense, and romance to keep readers turning the pages, this is a promising debut for a new young author and will be a popular addition to any YA collection.”

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Book bloggers’ online reviews (with my favorite bits and author commentary!):

Finding Wonderland – 11/30/09
Tanita says: “This is a sister story, a friendship story, a story about not making assumptions about people based on their clique in high school, and most of all a story about surviving the things that go down in a family.”
I say: The focus of this blog entry is book covers, and Tanita is shrewd enough to point out that my book cover does not actually reflect any events from the book. Then she adds her mini-review, which I love.

Amity Middle School-Bethany Book Blog – 11/30/09
Mrs. Miller says: “This is a terrific, well-written book – pick it up and see for yourself!”
I say: There is nothing so wondrous to an author as when a librarian or teacher spotlights your book!

Castle Rock Teens – 11/27/09
TIC says: “You can almost feel the heat of the vicious fire when you read the book.”
I say: I’ve never seen that mentioned in a review before, and I thought it was neat.

Well-Read Reviews – 11/10/09
Allison says: “It ended up creeping me out enough as I was reading at night that I was temporarily scared of turning out the light.”
I say: I should sell night lights on my website, ha!

The Electrical Book Cafe – 11/9/09
Wdebo says: “Carter is seriously so wonderfully adorable…I love him!! He is just so sweet and cute…except a bit slow, if I do say so myself.”
I say: Bwahaha! Is it wrong that I’m laughing at that? Poor old Carter!

The Infinite Shelf – 11/6/09
Kay says: “I know a thing or two about photography, and Alender clearly knows a thing or two about it, too. I really, really enjoyed how close to reality its description was.”
I say: First of all, how much do I love the name Kay? It was my grandmother’s name. Second of all, yes, I do have a background in photography and it’s gratifying that somebody noticed. ;-) !

Roundtable Reviews for Kids – 11/3/09
Tracy says: “After pushing aside any thoughts of Sunday housework, laundry and the likes, I sat down and let Alexis’s story sweep me away.”
I say: I am a born procrastinator, and I am all about helping others perfect the fine art of doing the housework later and enjoying a book in the present!

Red House Books – 10/28/09
WilowRaven says: “Be warned though – if you do have a little sister…you might be looking at her in a whole new way after reading this book.”
I say: LOL! What have I done to little sisters?

YA Books and More – 10/27/09
Naomi says: “From enemies to romance, possession to a dysfunctional family, from revenge to love, Alender weaves a great tale that encompasses it all without bogging down the plot.”
I say: Yay! It was hard work, weaving everything together, and I’m glad it worked.

Laina Has Too Much Spare Time – 10/20/09
Laina says: “I seriously started reading, looked up and was on page 186. By page 206, my notes became ‘Why must it end???’”
I say: Laina’s entire review is so adorable and fun that it was tough to pick just one excerpt. But this bit conveys the fun and energy that land this in my “read on a blue day” review pile.

On My Bookshelf – 10/17/09
Holly says: “I would have LOVED this book as a teenager.”
I say: That’s the goal, all right!

Diane’s Reading List – 10/15/09
Diane says: “It had a ‘Twilight’ flavor to it and I think would appeal to that reader.”
I say: If only everyone who liked “Twilight” would just go buy a copy of my book, things would be perfect! I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I mean, that would be awesome.

museamused: Book Log – 10/9/09
museamused says: “First and foremost, this book succeeds as a genuinely creepy, really scary ghost story.”
I say: I am still amazed that I wrote a scary book. I’ll never get tired of hearing other people say it. (Har har har.)

BookLover – 9/30/09
Liz says: “Im rating this book a… 4.5. Why? Because it was FREAKING AMAZING”
I say: This is a review that must be seen to be appreciated. It is so funny and creative. Plus, Liz loves dogs, which immediately puts her in the inner circle.

CGHS Library – 9/29/09
K. says: “I would try and guess ahead of time what was going to happen, and I was wrong EVERY time!”
I say: Surprising people is so much fun. And I’m fascinated by other people’s ideas about what’s happening in the book.

Forever Young Adult – 9/22/09
Meghan says: “gimme some make-outs! um, i mean, wow, look at them establish a friendship first before jumping into boyfriend-girlfriend stuff. they sure are mature.”
I say: I had to choose this line because I found it utterly hilarious. I also really like Meghan’s casting idea of Julia Stiles as Alexis? of course, Julia Stiles is like 10 years too old, but it’s still a very good call!

Books Make Great Lovers – 9/21/09
Stargirlreads says: “It was not the typical girl falls for vampire/werewolf/ghost type of romance.”
I say: I was definitely aiming a little off of that target, so in a way, I’m happy that the book is appreciated for what it’s NOT as much as what it IS. Does that make sense?

Taste Life Twice – 9/19/09
Tashi says: “[Carter is] the character you’re hoping will pop up in every scene and spout lovey-dovey brilliance, as he often does.”
I say: I know what it’s like to read a book hoping a character will show up more. And poor old Carter needs some love, after somebody else called him “slow.” (Which I’m still laughing about, btw.)

Books & other thoughts – 8/30/09
Daria says: “I very much enjoyed this spooky ghost story and its strong, engaging heroine.”
I say: There were about five separate lines I could have quoted from this review, but at the end of the day, I love it when people appreciate Alexis’s strength.

Philpot’s Faves – 8/30/09
Meghan says: “Special note: although the book’s protagonist is female, male readers shouldn’t shy away from this one! It is in no way girly, I promise!”
I say: Considering the number of male co-workers, friends, and relatives I have guilted into–re, talked into–reading my book, I am happy to hear that it has cross-gender appeal!

Teen Read-Views – 8/27/09
Ashlyn says: “<3<3<3<3<3 One of the best books of 2009!"
I say: Emoticon hearts? As a fervent supporter and user of emoticons, I was understandably pleased to get five of them!

Book Nerds – 8/23/09
Anna says: “There isn’t one thing I would have changed about this book, not one single word.”
I say: Okay, this review is written with such energy and momentum that even if it weren’t about MY book, I would be quivering with excitement at the end and would have to race out to the bookstore to buy whatever Anna was reviewing. The fact that it’s my book is just the icing on the cake, let me tell you.

Confessions of a Book Nerd – 8/20/09
Colleen says: “It’s a great read for a gloomy, rainy afternoon.”
I say: Ooh, that is the absolute BEST kind of day to curl up under a bunch of blankets (no Snuggies allowed) with a good book!

A Passion for Books – 8/11/09
Casey says: “I remember reading a scene while I was on my front porch — it was daylight out — and a bird fluttered its wings. It scared me and I ended up jumping three feet off the ground.”
I say: It’s so cool to hear about people being so wrapped up in my book! I just love it.

Frenetic Reader – 8/4/09
Khy says: “[Alexis] also has an entertaining, snarky voice that makes the novel that much more enjoyable.”
I say: Thank you! My characters’ voices are very important to me, as an author.

The Epic Rat – 8/1/09
Cecilia says: “Bad Girls Don’t Die was a totally amazing book! I honestly could not put it down, though I wanted to when things got a little too creepy!”
I say: This is a terrific review and very well-written–plus Cecilia includes excerpts of some of my favorite lines. Great minds think alike.

The Hiding Spot – 7/31/09
Sara says: “Total: 48/50 (A) – Overall, I felt like this was a really enjoyable novel and a very strong debut from Alender.”
I say: 48/50? I’ll take it!

Harmony Book Reviews – 7/27/09
Harmony says: “Bad Girls Don’t Die was pretty much everything I wasn’t expecting. It’s quirky, it’s haunting, and it’s mysterious.”
I say: Harmony is like me–not so much into the scary stuff–and I’m so glad she made an exception for BGDD (and ended up enjoying it!).

The Eclectic Book Lover – 7/24/09
Jacqueline says: “[Alexis's] defensiveness is excellently balanced by her insecurities and loneliness, making her a relatable and realistic teenage protagonist.”
I say: I love it when readers see the humanity behind Alexis’s acting out and snarkiness. In a way, the reader is entrusted with a side of Alexis that no one else gets to see, and it’s cool when people understand her!

The Book Obsession – 7/22/09
Lizzie says: “I highly recommend it to everyone because we all need to be spooked once in a while.”
I say: So true! Except me. I don’t like being scared. I’m a fraidy cat!

Shooting Stars Mag – 7/14/09
Alicia says: “I liked that Alexis was passionate about something that was actually useful to her in the book. Her photography definitely came in handy for her.”
I say: I liked that, too. I’m all about girl power and resourcefulness. I think so many problems can be solved by really digging in and using your skills, so I wanted that to be a part of who Alexis is.

bean bag books – 7/14/09
Maggie says: “I was also pleased to note that this debut novel swiftly avoided YA book stereotypes and stood easily on its own.”
I say: I’m happy to know that Alexis and the other characters broke out of the mold a little, in Maggie’s opinion!

Another Page Is Used – 7/13/09
Lexi says: “I think that most of the characters were really well defined. I could see myself connecting with them.”
I say: Some of my favorite “people” are characters from books, so it’s very cool to me that readers feel a connection with my characters.

The Not So Closet Geeks – 7/1/09
Viola says: “Katie Alender named her book, Bad Girls Don’t Die, well. No matter how many times you try, they just don’t die.”
I say: This whole review cracks me up!

A Patchwork of Books – 6/29/09
Amanda says: “As you turn the pages, I can almost bet you are going to be saying “what in the WORLD is going on?!” And it’s a good thing.”
I say: Amanda is a children’s librarian by day, so I was so pleased that she took time out of her schedule to review my book. I loved how her review emphasized the unpredictability she found in the mystery.

CasterVlog – 6/23/09
Castergirl 13 says: [many hilarious things that had my husband and me rolling with laughter--this is a "vlog" or "video blog" review]
I say: I found this totally funny and charming, and I was thrilled to be able to meet the girl who created this at the launch party for Beautiful Creatures. Plus, how awesome are authors Kami Garcia and Margie Stohl for hosting a site for teens to talk about and review books?

The Novel World – 6/18/09
rantsandreads says: “(I seriously read as I brushed my teeth, I could not part with this book for more than 1 minute)”
I say: What author wouldn’t love to read that? So cute.

Reverie Book Reviews – 6/17/09
Reverie says: “The writing is sarcastic, witty and never a dull moment.”
I say: I am so happy to have written a book that people find entertaining. It’s a privilege to be granted several hours of someone else’s time, and I’m so happy that I didn’t bore everybody to death!

Get Booked – 6/15/09
Ama says: “I. Loved. This. Book. Seriously. Could not put it down.”
I say: I have a strange love for using periods as dramatic pauses, so this sequence of tiny sentences was a true thrill on many levels.

Reading Junky’s Reading Roost – 6/14/09
RJ says: “Looking for a good old-fashioned possessed-by-an-evil-ghost story, then go out and grab a copy of BAD GIRLS DON’T DIE.”
I say: You heard the woman! Better go put your shopping shoes on. (Plus she’s an 8th-grade teacher and I love that she reviews books online. Talk about being an inspiration to your students!)

Fantastic Book Review – 6/12/09
FBR says: “This book is perfectly written and I found myself believing every minute of it.”
I say: That is the kind of compliment you can’t shake a stick at! Plus, she tells a funny story about a moment that scared the pants off her, which is totally the kind of thing that authors love to read about.

B is for Books – 6/10/09
Breanna says: “Holy crap this book almost scared the pants off of me!”
I say: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again–my goal is to scare off those pants! So, please, be sure to wear two pairs of pants when you read this book. ;-)

Liyanaland! – 6/9/09
Liyana says: “I thought this was the perfect YA thriller/creepy novel. I loved everything about it.”
I say: First of all, Liyana is scared of dolls, so let’s all applaud her for even reading this book! Second of all, it was a very nice review. Third of all, I think “Liyanaland!” is an adorable name for a blog. Sing it, sister!

Cupcake Witch – 6/8/09
Cupcake Witch says: “I would suggest it to anyone looking for a horror novel (but hides their eyes during SAW movies and doesn?t want to deal with blood & guts).”
I say: I won’t even try to watch those movies! I’m happy there are other squeamish people out there who are benefitting from my squeamishness.

Dolce Bellezza – 6/2/09
Bellezza says: “When the publicity contact for Disney-Hyperion asked me to review this book I initially thought, ?Disney does books, too?? I somehow have them trapped into my mind as films, or amusement parks, and I can see this book fitting beautifully into either one.”
I say: I just love the style of this review! So unique.

Silvia_pi’s YA Books 6/2/09
Silvia says: “I really liked the way it was written and the fact that no matter what would happen, Alexis didn?t lose that point of humour in her thoughts.”
I say: First of all, Silvia is Spanish, which means she is not only reading but also reviewing books in a second language, which I find incredible. And her review is super cute and she invents the fantastic word “horripilating,” which I think we can all find plenty of uses for in our everyday lives.

S. Krishna’s Books – 6/1/09
S. Krishna says: “She is quick to judge those around her, but I loved that she was willing to second guess those judgments when circumstances called them into question.”
I say: This is one of my favorite things about Alexis–and a lot of teens, actually. They’re not yet locked into that adult mindset of being unable to admit (to themselves, at least) that they were wrong about something. Teens are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating the world around them, which fascinates me.

Read This Book – 6/1/09
Kate says: “It is important for everything to fit perfectly in a story like this, we don?t want anything left unanswered. Katie Alender has accomplished that.”
I say: That is so rewarding to hear!

The Zen Leaf – 5/30/09
Amanda says: “I allowed myself to go back to those childhood years where ghost stories can get you so jumpy that going down into your grandparents’ basement can nearly cause a heart attack. I had fun.”
I say: Amanda has a lot of great and very honest reviews, and even though she gave Bad Girls three out of five stars, I forgave her as soon as I saw that she had also given Emma, by Jane Austen, three stars. ;-) No, seriously. Reviewers have every right to be as honest as they want, but it’s really nice when they remember that there’s an author out there Google-Alerting him or herself whose very self esteem could be crushed by over snarkiness. Okay, off my soapbox now!

Debbie’s World of Books – 5/28/09
Debbie says: “It was great although it does remind me why I despise dolls.”
I say: Ha ha ha ha ha! I find this line very funny.

[Insert Book Title Here] – 5/27/09
IBTH says: “I would definitely re-read Bad Girls Don’t Die.”
I say: I know how precious reading time is! To be on the re-read list is a great honor.

Bookshelves of Doom – 5/27/09
Leila says: “Yay for spooky ghost stories and yay for Bad Girls Don’t Die. I really liked this one. I even read it in the car.”
I say: I was really happy to see, even in a review that pointed out a couple of things the reader wasn’t 100% a fan of, that the overall reading experience was a good one! And reading in the car–that is brave. I turn green if I even look down at my phone!

Sarah’s Random Musings – 5/23/09
Sarah says: “I loved the characters. Alexis was funny, fresh, and not the normal anti-social.”
I say: It’s always nice to hear that people find your characters fresh and original (my word, not Sarah’s–ha!). As a writer, that is a big part of what I try to do–really get into the head of my narrator and speak her voice.

Bookluver Carol – 5/21/09
Carol says: “You throw in an “unlikely” friendship with Megan, the popular girl, and falling for the popular guy, and bam! you have a cliched character. But the author’s characterization and the character’s voice canceled it out.”
I say: As I read this, I was like, “Oh, no!” and then I got to the second bit and was like, “Oh, yay!”

Devourer of Books – 5/19/09
Devourer says: “Oh my gosh, was this ever a creepy book!”
I say: Always happy to scare someone during a thunderstorm! Also, she and I had a great email exchange about the question she raises in the review (spoilers, though!).

Talk About My Favorite Authors – 5/16/09
Phoebe says: “This novel took me in from the very first chapter and it didn’t let me go.”
I say: I love how Phoebe’s review incorporates information from a podcast interview I did. We are living in the future, people! Also, Phoebe deserves extra credit for calling for a sequel before it was even a twinkle in my eye.

The Compulsive Reader – 5/6/09
TCR says: “Though the haunted house and possession stories have been done many times before, Alender’s fresh slant on the topic will enthrall readers and leave them just a bit creeped out.”
I say: It’s true–ghost stories have been around pretty much as long as stories have been around. I was really pleased that my book came across as fresh and new!

Bloggin’ Bout Books – 5/6/09
Susan says: “It’s the good, old-fashioned kind of scary – the kind that has you running from stuffed animals one night, and laughing at yourself the next.”
I say: After one very scary episode of X-Files, I once threw a phone across the room because I thought the evil creature could come through the phone and get me. So I love this reference. (Side note: I came across Susan’s site a while ago by accident and was completely impressed by her thoughtful reviews. So I was thrilled that she chose to review Bad Girls.)

Book Kids Blog (for Book People Bookstore) – 5/5/09
Emily says: “This intensely creepy, highly insightful book goes beyond the typical haunted house story.”
I say: First of all, Emily is a bookseller, which means she can choose from a billion books to read–just that she grabbed mine is fantastic! And what a concise, marvelous little blurb she gave me. Plus, Emily may be the first person I talked to online about the zombie apocalypse.

Get Lit(erature) – 4/30/09
Libraryem says: “Kids are always, ALWAYS asking me “where can I find a scary book” … I will be glad to hand over Katie Alender’s brand spanking new novel, Bad Girls Don’t Die.”
I say: I love to hear that I have a built-in readership, LOL.

The Book Blogger – 4/29/09
Danielle says: “There’s an eerie feeling that you get when reading the suspenseful parts, like someone is right behind you.”
I say: I get that feeling sometimes! Such as, er… sitting alone in my office at night updating my website! Deliciously creepy.

Book Chic Club – 4/26/09
James says: “It was fun seeing Alexis and Carter banter as well as connect emotionally.”
I say: I’m so glad the banter plays well. I really wanted to catch the chemistry between two very different (but both very smart) people. I’m especially proud that Alexis doesn’t go easy on Carter just because he’s a cutie.

Violet Crush – 4/24/09
Violet says: “It’s a page turner for sure. Read it. It’s good.”
I say: As an author, to see someone unequivocally recommend something I wrote is just super flattering. (And super-duper surreal… have I mentioned that lately?)

Ms. Yingling Reads – 4/24/09
Ms. Yingling says: “Bad Girls Don’t Die had me laughing and shivering.”
I say: Ms. Yingling also pointed out that no self-respecting librarian would sit around reading a romance novel and not helping a student who was actively trying to do research. Which I believe and agree with. If there’s a sequel, that librarian is SO fired!

Hope’s Bookshelf – 4/23/09
Hope says: “I actually was really wow-ed with this. I had high expectations for it, and the book met and exceeded it.”
I say: This is very flattering… we all know how high expectations can sometimes mean the reality is a letdown. And I love Hope’s “hearts” system… maybe because I got five hearts! (Hmm.. hope that’s five out of five. ;-) )

Rima’s Book Journal – 4/20/09
Rima says: “It is one of the best not-too scary books ever!”
I say: What’s funny about this is that some people find it very scary, some people find it medium scary, and some people, like Rima, find it not-too-scary. I suspect it has something to do with the reader’s history of dealing with creepy dolls.

Steph Su Reads – 4/18/09
Steph says: “Imagine the movie The Sixth Sense in novel form, and you can get an idea of what this book was like.”
I say: Who wouldn’t love to be compared to that movie?

Lucid Conspiracy – 4/17/09
Deltay says: “Now, Bad Girls Don’t Die – ghost story, right? Wrong. It’s that, but it’s also so much more.”
I say: Swoon! Snappy writing AND a great review! Plus, I love that Deltay totally called Alexis out on her lack of love for digital pics. Way to stand up for your art!

PhotobucketLauren’s Crammed Bookshelf – 4/14/09
Lauren says: “Grade: A+”
I say: Now come on, it doesn’t get any better than that! And Lauren thanked me and Hyperion for getting her the ARC, which is totally maximum sweetness, but I hope all of you book bloggers know that WE are the ones who are very grateful to YOU!

Katie’s Book Blog – 4/12/09
Katie (no, not ME, a different Katie!) says: “I was amazed at how well written and detailed this book was, especially for a debut novel.”
I say: It’s always nice to amaze somebody!

Presenting Lenore – 4/9/09
Lenore says: “I have to give this novel serious props for pulling off a tone that is hilariously snarky and yet still so tantalizingly creepy.”
I say: That sentence just gives me the serious happies.

Thoughts on YA Literature – 4/4/09
Lianne says: “I thought that I knew what was going to happen but, then I was totally surprised at the ending!”
I say: This made me so curious I had to beg Lianne to email me and tell me what she thought was going to happen at the end!

Sharon Loves Books and Cats – video review! – 4/3/09 by Sharon
I say: My favorite thing about this is Sharon herself. The cutest human being ever to walk the planet. And her representation of the scary doll made me totally LOL.

For the Love of Books Blog – 4/2/09 (Review and interview!)
Taylor says: “Unlike most supernatural stories that have a romantic tie-in, Alexis never once played the damsel in distress… I love seeing the girl as the 100% hero for once, rather than relying on a boy to help them.”
I say: Yay! Yayayayay!

Just Blinded Book Reviews – 4/1/09
Kelsey says: “Alexis? younger sister Kasey?s obsession with dolls was just the icing on her crazy cake.”
I say: I totally love that turn of phrase!

Poisoned Rationality – 3/30/09
Lexie says: “The progression of Kasey’s behavior is steady and believable. Especially with their mother constantly working to earn a promotion and their father’s inability to relate to them anymore, the fact that Kasey begins to act out to gain attention is perfectly understandable–right?”
I say: There’s a lot of focus on Alexis, so I loved reading this bit about Kasey’s side of things.

Reading is Bliss – 3/29/09
Jill says: “Katie Alender obviously spent a lot of time planning the flow of this book. Every action had a reaction though you didn’t necessarily figure it out until the end.”
I say: This made me extra happy, because one of the toughest things about writing this book was keeping everything tied together. I’m glad it worked!

Look at That Book – 3/12/09
Lisa May says: “Well worth a read if you’re looking for something a bit different then your average teen book.”
I say: I love a lot of teen books, but it’s nice to stand out from the pack. :-)

Books By Their Cover – 3/5/09
Yan says: “So here I was, just anticipating something horrific about to happen, and bam, there goes a funny little surprise.”
I say: It was very important to me that Alexis not lose her personality, even when everything is going crazy around her. So I love that Yan found the humor in the book. She also singled out one of Alexis’s dreams and made me look at it in a new way!

TeensReadToo.com
Amber says: “Alexis might not be perfectly well-adjusted to high school life, but she finds her niche as an outspoken pink-haired smart-aleck quite satisfying, thank you very much.”
I say: What a great opening line!

yayThe Slant – 10/18/08
Alexis says: “Bad Girls Don’t Die not only had a strong mystery/action theme but also a twist of comedy and romance.”
I say: Just what I was hoping for! And the reviewer’s name is Alexis! What more could I ask for?

Karin’s Book Nook – 9/28/08
Karin says: “There are several layers to the mystery and the author generates a completely creepy feeling throughout the entire book.”
I say: This was one of the first reviews I found online, so reading it was like, somebody actually read it! And liked it! OMGOMGOMG!