On The Bright Side Review

TITLE: On The Bright Side

AUTHOR: S.R. Johannes

PUBLISHER: Coleman & Stott

PUBLICATION DATE: 12/31/2012

PAGES: 285

MY RATING:

SUMMARY (From Goodreads): As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, SkyFones and InnerNets are all the rage. At her first Bright ceremony, G.O.D., the automated assignment system, spits out Angela Black, Gabby’s arch nemesis and longtime fencing rival. As a Bright, Gabby has to protect Angela, her assigned mortal, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven.

Back on earth, Angela starts hitting on Michael, Gabby’s crush and should-have-been boyfriend. Gabby’s pranks to quell the love are harmless at first until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, Celestial Sky Agent, Lawrence, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, steps into reveal that Angela has big problems, and what she really needs is Gabby’s help.

Determined to right her wrong and ease her mother’s grief, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to earth for just one day. But if Gabby’s not careful, her well-meaning mission just might shift the very foundation of Heaven, Earth, and every place in between, causing the danger of the dark side to roam free.

MEMORABLE QUOTE: "The only physical sensation we have comes through the pain of our loved ones. At least until our transfer is complete." (p. 9)

OVERALL IMPRESSION: This is an all around good, cute, fun book. I really enjoyed reading it. I was very amused by the play on words that Johannes uses throughout this book. Just a few examples of some are the Amen Marcus, SKYber safety and SKYbrid. I kept waiting to see what other words she came up with. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a cute, light, quick read.

I ran into just a couple of grammer mistakes, but they were very minor and did not affect the story in any way.

CHARACTERS: The main character Gabby is very relateable. She seems like your typical teenager - just trying to survive high school (and later, the afterlife); there's the best friend (Jessica), the crush (Michael) and the archenemy (Angela). Jessica is my favorite character. She is fun, clumsy and is always willing to help out Gabby.

COVER: The cover is adorable. The girl on the cover (who I am assuming is Gabby) looks like your regular every day kid. I love how she is floating above the ground and I love the tie in of the pink converse she is wearing.

*I received a copy of this book from the author for review.