Still Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley

Still Sucks to Be Me by Kimberly Pauley

Publication Date/Version: May 2010/Hardcover

Publisher: Mirrorstone

Age Group: Young Adult

Received From: Around The World Tours (Thanks!)

With vampire boyfriend George and best friend Serena by her side, Mina thought she had her whole life—or rather afterlife—ahead of her. But then Mina’s parents drop a bomb. They’re moving. To Louisiana. And not somewhere cool like New Orleans, but some teeny, tiny town where cheerleaders and jocks rule the school. Mina has to fake her death, change her name, and leave everything behind, including George and Serena. Not even the Vampire Council’s shape-shifting classes can cheer her up. Then Serena shows up on Mina’s doorstep with some news that sends Mina reeling. Mina may look a lot better with fangs, but her afterlife isn’t any less complicated!

Now that Mina's a vampire, she's had to leave behind her old life. New name, new identity, a new town. She left behind George, her boyfriend, and Serena, her best friend, having to fake her own death. Mina's previous life, however, is catching up with her quicker than she thought. Between shape-shifting classes and a rather attractive boy, Mina's got plenty to deal with.

Still Sucks to Be Me, the sequel to Sucks to Be Me, continues the story of Mina, teenage vampire extraordinaire. It's similar to the first in style, humor, and layout. Each chapter starts with a vampire myth, and many chapters have lists about all sorts of things. I loved the tongue-in-cheek references to Twilight and other popular vampire media.

Mina's your typical teenager, besides the vampireness. She's funny, albeit a bit dramatic. There's a whole onslaught of characters, but each brings their own characteristic to the story. Raven's insane, George is lovable, Cameron is mysterious, and Serena is the awesome best friend. The characters really make up the story.

There was some interesting background in this installment, though I wish we knew more about it. We were introduced to the Carter Clan and their possible involvement with the Black Talons. I felt, however, that I didn't learn nearly as much about them as I would've liked to. I imagine this is because of another installment in this series' future.

Overall: Quick, light read. A bit forgettable, but a fun weekend read. I would pass over it for something with a bit more substance, but others may enjoy its lightheartedness.

My Advice: Borrow it.

Cover: I don't know why, but that girls hair drives me cray to no end. And her blue eyes look very unnatural. I like the blue of the suitcase, but the rest of the cover seems overdone, I suppose.

*This was read as a part of the 100+ Reading Challenge