The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Published by: Harlequin Teen

Reviewed by: Honarary Sis Beth

Sister says: Enchanting, Endearing, Enjoyable

Summary by goodreads.com

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.
I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?
Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.
Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.
Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....

Theater lovers and drama majors, look out! This book will warm your heart. I'm not even an actress and it made me fall in love with acting....and, of course, the leading man. Shakespeare fans....what can I say? You all will definitely appreciate this book and Douglas Rees' ingenious way of incorporating quotes and theories from many of Shakespeare's works.

As far as the book itself, I felt like it was cute....sweet. I went in with little expectations, so the fact that I enjoyed the book very much exceeded my expectations. The main character, Miranda was a typical high school girl; although I liked her, I did not relate to her and felt her character lacked depth.

Edmund, on the other hand, was an 18th century sweetie who struggled with living in his brother's shadow and finding his role in society. My favorite part of this book was Douglas Rees' descriptions of Edmund seeing modern day conveniences. The first time he rode in a car made me laugh very hard. If you like the movie Kate and Leopold, then you will appreciate this book

The relationship between the two characters was a bit confusing. At times, I could not differentiate whether they liked each other or each other's acting skills. But, I did find the story enchanting and entertaining. It kept my attention and I wanted to know how it was going to end.

All in all, I felt like it was an endearing, easy read; although it lacked some depth, it was refreshing to sit down and read a sweet story, especially one with lots of Shakespeare quotes in it.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This weeks book that we are anxiously awaiting is:

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

Release Date: September 27th, 2011

Summary by goodreads.com

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.
I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?
Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.
Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.
Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....

Don't y'all just love this cover?!?! That is so me...running around in a fancy dress and pink sneakers. If only she were playing in a fountain, then I would definitely think someone stole my prom pictures from me! Please comment and let us know what books you are waiting to come out. Also, be looking in the next week for my review of The Juliet Spell. Here's a little teaser from the book to "wet your appetite":

Edmund scratched his beard and looked up. "For me," he began, "acting is queen, mother and mistress all in one. And more than a bit of a bitch. But I love her as I love no other thing. But, no. That does not speak to what acting is. Acting is-is finding the truth in the most artificial thing there is. For theater is a metaphor for all of life and all that is truest in it. Acting an endless race through a hall of mirrors seeking the one that shows, not yourself, but the truth of the character you're playing. The truth in the shadow. An then reflects it, not to yourself, but to the audience at your feet. And when it works, there is nothing finer." (pages 56-57)