Review: Summer on The Short Bus by Bethany Crandell

Title: Summer On The Short Bus

Author: Bethany Crandell

Publication: April 1st, 2014, Running Press Teens

Format: Paperback, 256 pages

Source: A Christmas Gift from Bethany Crandell! (Thank you Manager!)

Buy it on: Amazon | Barnesand Noble | iBooks | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Bookstore / Fully Booked (PH)

Synopsis: 

Cricket Montgomery has been thrown under the short bus. Shipped off to a summer camp by her father, Cricket is forced to play babysitter to a bunch of whiny kids—or so she thinks. When she realizes this camp is actually for teens with special needs, Cricket doubts she has what it takes to endure twenty-four hours, let alone two weeks. Thanks to her dangerously cute co-counselor, Quinn, there may be a slim chance for survival. However, between the campers’ unpredictability and disregard for personal space, Cricket’s limits get pushed. She will have to decide if suffering through her own handicapped hell is worth a summer romance—and losing her sanity.

Misfit Review:

Trying to change for the better seems to be a challenge for most people because they think it might break a ritual, a sense of self or a characteristic they hold. For the protagonist of Bethany Crandell's Summer On The Short Bus, Cricket, it holds very true.

The Misfit Interviews with Bethany Crandell

So, one of my newest author favorites, and my band manager for The Flail Hesitations, Bethany Crandell, joins us in another episode of The Misfit Interviews! Enjoy this one, coz it's a HOOT!

• How many books are in your bookshelf as of 2014?

I just glanced across the room to said bookshelf, and I’d say there are about 50 books on it, however some of those are my kiddos’ books that have migrated into my bedroom. (Much like the Goldfish cracker crumbs under said bookshelf) I’d say 35 are mine. 

• If you had a chance to name a pizza, what would it be?

It would be called, ALL MINE!

And it would have grilled chicken breast, roasted red peppers, provolone cheese, pine nuts and a pretzel crust. This pizza actually does exist. You can find it at The Idyllwild Pizza Co. (Idyllwild, CA) and when we get it…it is, ALL MINE!

•  I guess this is a quintessential, what is your favorite color?

Dusty lilac

•  Writing rituals?

Spearmint Orbit gum. Fire Jolly Ranchers. Quiet.

• If you could be an author for a day, who would you like to be?

I’d like to be me, just without any housework. 

AUTHOR STUFF

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Top Ten Books That Should Be In Your Beach Bag

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where, each week, a Top Ten list is posted based on a particular topic.

Now for someone like me who lives at the other side of the world, summer is almost officially over and it sorta sucks but I've made the most out of it in my book. Anyway, since there are some of you who will still go out to the beach since you are on "that" side of the world, I'll give you some recommendations on what should be on your beach bag this summer. Or for those who just finished their summer, something to still read so that you can prepare... I really dunno if I made any sense but here's the Top 10!

1. What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick

I haven't read this book yet but I have been seeing a lot of good reviews lately so kudos! Anyway, why should you have it in your beach bag? It's a story about a girl who works with her family as fishers and housecleaners that make the people in the island they live in, happy. Then everything turns around when she doesn't want to do all that stuff anymore and goes into a summertime adventure. I think that it also involves surfers...

2. Divergent by Veronica Roth

If you like dystopian novels and  would love to see some real action going on to spice up the summer, then bring a copy of Divergent along with you. Coz even at the beach, BOOKWORMS CANNOT BE CONTROLLED! Hahaha! See what I did there?

3. The Catcher in The Rye by J. D. Salinger

A short read that would have you thinking for hours what the heck is going on in Holden Caulfield's head. Plus he's unusually sexy. So, if you want to stay out from the crowd, just put on some sunblock, lay down and chill with this book.

4. It's Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

I am still mourning his death. Please. Anyway, this book is a "REVEAL THINGS TO ME" kind of book. It packs a punch, saying that you are not the only person who is better at something. Humility works and while on summer break, at the beach, read this book and you might consider changing a few things about yourself or maybe appreciate others around you more.

5. Every Day by David Levithan

Love is a powerful thing, yeah? Well, A is a wonderful character and sensitive and just. I suggest you bring this to the beach so you'd be asking to be carried around after because you cannot get over the beach. Way to extend laziness by making people do things for you during the summer.

6. Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

The title itself suggests enough but what sets it apart is that it brings a feeling of appreciation for the people around you and that life is not just built upon hate or friendships that can never be mended. A totally awesome read to cry upon while dilly-dallying in the beach.

7. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

I keep on suggesting somehow sad books to you for the summer huh? Well, E&P is sorta no different but what's wonderful with this novel is that through pain, you have someone who you can always lean on for support and that no matter how big your difference is towards each other, friendships can always be built upon a bond, so never be afraid. Maybe while you roam around the beach, you can make friends with random people. What an awesome time.

8. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Still, a very suggestive title, this book focuses on Belly and how her summer changed with her recent visit at Cousins Beach. The book sorta takes you into this place where chances are, someone will always take notice of you and that love is a sneaky little thing. Find a beach that can bring you either a Jeremiah or Conrad :)

9. Summer at The Short Bus by Bethany Crandell

Again, a suggestive title for the summer, this book teaches us that the most unusual of friendships are the strongest that you'd ever have. I haven't read the book yet, but I will have Miss Bethany Crandell on my interview list, so watch out for that!

10. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Controversy during the summer? This is a must-read. If you like gripping, intriguing and pretentious stories, then go for something out of the ordinary rather than just the sweet romance-y stuff. It's about a forbidden love between siblings and it's one of the most dysfunctional things I might have grasped over. I have a copy of it but have yet to read it. It's gonna get rainy here on our place, so I guess the mood is much more fitting, but at the beach, it is also too perfect!

And there you have it! I hope that you have enjoyed this week's topic! Leave comments below and tell me what you think of this list or what books you'll have on your summer bag! I'll see you on Tuesday!