Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Hyperion Book CH (2009), Edition: 1St Edition, Hardcover, 352 pages
Description
When fifteen-year-old Lexi's younger sister Kasey begins behaving strangely and their old Victorian house seems to take on a life of its own, Lexi investigates and discovers some frightening facts about previous occupants of the house, leading her to believe that many lives are in danger.
User reviews
LibraryThing member lenoreva
Alexis’ life has always been pretty dysfunctional. She has no real friends, gets in trouble at school, keeps her parents at arm’s reach, and has a younger sister with a very unhealthy doll obsession. When strange things start happening at home, it doesn’t take long for Alexis to suspect that
I have to give this novel series props for pulling off a tone that is hilariously snarky and yet still so tantalizingly creepy. I didn’t have to turn my nightlight on to sleep or anything, but I did have goose bumps on several occasions.
Alexis starts out as just another of these tough, sarcastic, independent minded teens that have pervaded pop culture in recent years, but she develops so much through the narrative that I really had no idea what she would do next. It’s the same with most of the supporting characters – they are introduced as stereotypes and then defy all expectations.
This is such a fun, wild ride that I was able to forgive the slightly cheesy ending.
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her house is haunted and her sister is possessed.I have to give this novel series props for pulling off a tone that is hilariously snarky and yet still so tantalizingly creepy. I didn’t have to turn my nightlight on to sleep or anything, but I did have goose bumps on several occasions.
Alexis starts out as just another of these tough, sarcastic, independent minded teens that have pervaded pop culture in recent years, but she develops so much through the narrative that I really had no idea what she would do next. It’s the same with most of the supporting characters – they are introduced as stereotypes and then defy all expectations.
This is such a fun, wild ride that I was able to forgive the slightly cheesy ending.
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LibraryThing member Dawna06
The novel Bad Girls Dont Die, encompasses how one girl would risk her life to save her family and friends. In the beginning she struggles with school and realtionship drama with a boy she likes. Throughout the middle things get more serious and she perserveres through her sister toying with
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paranormal beings. By the end she has learned paranormal things can be extremely dangerous,and she would do anything to save her friends and family. (1pg/346pg) Show Less
LibraryThing member lisamay
I'd been wanting to read Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender for a while, there was something about the title and the creepy cover image that really made me want to find out what the story would be like.
Bad Girls Don't Die is about pink-haired Alexis, a social outcast living with her dysfunctional
'I stared at the dolls, which were lined up on the built-in shelves like a sinister chorus.'
Alexis was a very independent character, she has few friends at school and doesn't fit in. Throughout the novel she changes and challenges her preconceptions about people and for all those who enjoy a bit of romance, she gets a love-interest in blond-haired, sparkly eyed Carter.
One big thing that I was wondering about this book was whether it would actually be creepy/scary or would it fall short of actually creating a chilling atmosphere. In answer to my own question, it turned out that it actually had a pretty good mix. There were definitely a few moments when Alexis' younger sister was possessed that were very convincing and genuinely creepy but there were plenty of light-hearted moments to keep the balance too :)
"Whatever I felt in there," Megan said, "it's totally evil. Like bad evil, Alexis."
There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing and the ending worked well. I was really drawn into the book and pretty much read the whole thing in one sitting. It had all the elements you'd expect form a young adult novel, there was some romance, and I felt that Alexis' actions and motivations in the impossible situation of having your a possessed sister seemed believable. Well worth a read if you're looking for something a bit different then you're average teen book.
Bad Girls Don't Die is the debut young adult book of Katie Alender (katiealender.com). I give it 4/5 Stars :) (It's out on April 21)
Bad Girls Don't Die is about pink-haired Alexis, a social outcast living with her dysfunctional
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family in an big old house full of secrets. Her life gets turned upside down when all these bizarre things start happening - the air conditioner breaks and turns the whole house freezing cold, someone tampers with the brakes on her Dad's car - and Alexis doesn't know if she's going crazy or if her doll-crazed younger sister is actually responsible.'I stared at the dolls, which were lined up on the built-in shelves like a sinister chorus.'
Alexis was a very independent character, she has few friends at school and doesn't fit in. Throughout the novel she changes and challenges her preconceptions about people and for all those who enjoy a bit of romance, she gets a love-interest in blond-haired, sparkly eyed Carter.
One big thing that I was wondering about this book was whether it would actually be creepy/scary or would it fall short of actually creating a chilling atmosphere. In answer to my own question, it turned out that it actually had a pretty good mix. There were definitely a few moments when Alexis' younger sister was possessed that were very convincing and genuinely creepy but there were plenty of light-hearted moments to keep the balance too :)
"Whatever I felt in there," Megan said, "it's totally evil. Like bad evil, Alexis."
There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot that kept me guessing and the ending worked well. I was really drawn into the book and pretty much read the whole thing in one sitting. It had all the elements you'd expect form a young adult novel, there was some romance, and I felt that Alexis' actions and motivations in the impossible situation of having your a possessed sister seemed believable. Well worth a read if you're looking for something a bit different then you're average teen book.
Bad Girls Don't Die is the debut young adult book of Katie Alender (katiealender.com). I give it 4/5 Stars :) (It's out on April 21)
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LibraryThing member EKAnderson
Alexis Warren is part of your average dysfunctional family. Her sister is an obnoxious princess, her parents who just don’t get it. She may be the pink-haired artsy type, but even her photography hobby can’t distract her from her sister’s latest weirdness. Kasey has always collected dolls,
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but ever since she found a certain specimen she’s been acting crazy – maybe even possessed. As Alexis finds herself deeper and deeper in the history of her home and her town, she finds she might have to enlist the help of her least-likely co-conspirator: a cheerleader. This intensely creepy, highly insightful book goes beyond the typical haunted house story. Bad Girls Don’t Die is a novel about class, status, and consequences. Still, you don’t want to read it alone in the dark! Show Less
LibraryThing member dasuzuki
This book was certainly a wild ride. I really should be in bed right now but I couldn’t put this book down. And boy did it scare the pants off of me. Ok, admittedly I am a scaredy pants. I hate horror movies and I hate dolls so I really don’t know what possessed me (haha…bad pun if you have
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read the book) to read this except it got such good reviews. As a story it was great, there were a few twists that kept you off balance and unsure what exactly was going on. Alexis was a great character who for all her thoughts that the people around her tried to hard to be something they were not I felt she also was behaving the same way. I think she accidentally ended up being the “bad girl” and then felt like she had to live up to that reputation. That made it even sweeter the way she tried to protect her little sister. It was nice that the cheer leader, Megan, was able to break out of the stereotypical superficial, airhead mold and tried to help Alexis with the possession of her sister. I’m sure those of you who are braver than I will love this book. It was great although it does remind me why I despise dolls. Show Less
LibraryThing member voracious
This book was pretty spooky for a teen novel. I admit I had a nightmare about this one! It was creepy and evil and pretty interesting. The ending seemed a bit rushed and hard to follow but in general, this was a quick, fun read. A warning to all not to "come play" with mysterious spirits that live
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in your old house. Show Less
LibraryThing member DevourerOfBooks
Strange things are happening at Lexi’s house. Her 13-year old sister Kasey is completely obsessed with dolls and when Kasey’s friend Mimi breaks her arm at their house, rumor is that it wasn’t an accident but that Kasey broke Mimi’s arm for messing with the dolls. Of course, Lexi doesn’t
Suddenly, things begin to change. Kasey is acting stranger and stranger, talking about a decision that needs to be made by midnight, losing periods of time, obsessing over the family trees of students at her school, and - oddly enough - her blue eyes seem to be flashing green. On top of all this, Lexi is having visions of strange things happening in the past. When her father is injured in a car accident where it appears that his breaks were cut, Lexi starts to become very worried.
Oh my gosh, was this ever a creepy book! I don’t tend to get too unnerved by scary books, but “Bad Girls Don’t Die” really freaked me out; it probably didn’t help that I read it during a thunder storm, either. I think that part of the reason it was so creepy is that Lexi felt very real and relateable. She was not a one-dimensional stereotype, but a real, complicated teenager who could be confused about what was happening with the guy who likes her at the same time she’s worried about the well-being of her family.
I read almost this entire book before going to bed, after getting home at 9 pm. Of course, this was only partly because it was so engaging, it was also partly because if I’m reading/watching something freaky late at night and don’t get closure on it before going to sleep I’m setting myself up for bad dreams.
I only have one real qualm about the book and be careful reading it, because it might be sort of a spoiler. I really wasn’t clear on the possessing spirit. Was she actually a witch or something similar in life as the little girls claimed she was, or did she simply die wishing her life had been different and wanting to take revenge on the little girls who basically murdered her?
Other than that one thing I was shaky on - which may have been purposefully left up for interpretation, not simply made unclear - this was an enjoyable young adult novel. You may want to read it in the daytime, thhough.
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believe this rumor. Sure, Kasey’s a bit crazy about her dolls, but she’s not violent, right?Suddenly, things begin to change. Kasey is acting stranger and stranger, talking about a decision that needs to be made by midnight, losing periods of time, obsessing over the family trees of students at her school, and - oddly enough - her blue eyes seem to be flashing green. On top of all this, Lexi is having visions of strange things happening in the past. When her father is injured in a car accident where it appears that his breaks were cut, Lexi starts to become very worried.
Oh my gosh, was this ever a creepy book! I don’t tend to get too unnerved by scary books, but “Bad Girls Don’t Die” really freaked me out; it probably didn’t help that I read it during a thunder storm, either. I think that part of the reason it was so creepy is that Lexi felt very real and relateable. She was not a one-dimensional stereotype, but a real, complicated teenager who could be confused about what was happening with the guy who likes her at the same time she’s worried about the well-being of her family.
I read almost this entire book before going to bed, after getting home at 9 pm. Of course, this was only partly because it was so engaging, it was also partly because if I’m reading/watching something freaky late at night and don’t get closure on it before going to sleep I’m setting myself up for bad dreams.
I only have one real qualm about the book and be careful reading it, because it might be sort of a spoiler. I really wasn’t clear on the possessing spirit. Was she actually a witch or something similar in life as the little girls claimed she was, or did she simply die wishing her life had been different and wanting to take revenge on the little girls who basically murdered her?
Other than that one thing I was shaky on - which may have been purposefully left up for interpretation, not simply made unclear - this was an enjoyable young adult novel. You may want to read it in the daytime, thhough.
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LibraryThing member BookWhisperer
The very first book published by Katie Alender. I had this book read beginning to end in less than 24 hours. This is a fast paced and terrifying ride in the world of possession. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Alexis comes from a family that dysfunction is becoming their
Alexis comes from a family that dysfunction is becoming their
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norm. With a child that is struggling mentally, a mother that is too busy, and a father that is dealing by not being involved; Alexis is struggling to keep the family a whole. When mysterious things start happening, Alexis find herself in a world of trouble when she begins exploring. Now she must unravel the story before someone is hurt or possibly killed. Show Less
LibraryThing member elizardkwik
The book started out excellently, with an authentic main character and a hint of mystery, but soon turned into a full-out supernatural story, (which isn't all that surprising from the title). Despite my aversion to horror stories of any time, I still liked this one. It was fast-paced and involved
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library research - bonus! ;) Show Less
LibraryThing member midnighttwilight101
Alexis is living the normal high school life, parents who are never home, a crazy sister who's in love with dolls, and she has no real friends. But things get even crazier when her sister starts to change, her blue eyes turn green, she speaks in old fashioned language, and she looses large chunks
I really liked this book! This is one of those rare books that captivates you in the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. One thing about this book is you could tell this was the author's first book, there are quite a few cliches and the ending was wrapped up a little too cleanly for my taste (i like to be able to imagine a little bit about what will happen at the end of the books i read). But all in all this was a great read and i'd recomend it to anyone!
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of time. But Kasey isn't the only one acting weird, strange things start happening to their house too. Like doors opening and shutting on their own, water starting to boil on an unlit stove, and an unplugged air conditioner turning the house freezing cold. But can Alexis figure out what's going on before someone gets hurt, or even killed?I really liked this book! This is one of those rare books that captivates you in the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. One thing about this book is you could tell this was the author's first book, there are quite a few cliches and the ending was wrapped up a little too cleanly for my taste (i like to be able to imagine a little bit about what will happen at the end of the books i read). But all in all this was a great read and i'd recomend it to anyone!
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LibraryThing member theepicrat
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! An excellent ghost story that will be sure to raise some goosebumps! I would suggest that this be read during daylight hours if you are the sort of person who
I really enjoyed Alexis's personality! It reminded me a little of Poe from Brutal in that they both tried to fight the system, but haven't quite mastered the social charms to pull it off. Yet their arch-nemesis manages to do so with ease and turns out to be a lot nicer than expected. Again, I had fun reading about how Alexis tried to motivate change but failing.
The supporting characters were also phenomenol, and they countered Alexis's lone-wolf personality quite nicely. It was great to see Alexis decide to ignore clique boundaries and become friends with the class president Carter and head cheerleader Megan, both whom "got" her as things got weird with Kacey.
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gets really paranoid after watching movies like The Exorcism Of Emily Rose or Poltergeist. Otherwise, you may not sleep and stare suspiciously at your younger siblings for signs of possession.I really enjoyed Alexis's personality! It reminded me a little of Poe from Brutal in that they both tried to fight the system, but haven't quite mastered the social charms to pull it off. Yet their arch-nemesis manages to do so with ease and turns out to be a lot nicer than expected. Again, I had fun reading about how Alexis tried to motivate change but failing.
The supporting characters were also phenomenol, and they countered Alexis's lone-wolf personality quite nicely. It was great to see Alexis decide to ignore clique boundaries and become friends with the class president Carter and head cheerleader Megan, both whom "got" her as things got weird with Kacey.
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LibraryThing member edspicer
It has a lot of mystery and tension. Myster was the most compelling aspect. It had a good ending and I felt that she tied loose ends well. :D AHS/EV
It's a fun, slightly chillin tale of possesion. I really enjoyed the plot twists. I had no previous expectations. AHS/JN
If you have any interest in the
It's a fun, slightly chillin tale of possesion. I really enjoyed the plot twists. I had no previous expectations. AHS/JN
If you have any interest in the
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paranormal it is a great book! :) It is compelling when she finally agrees to go to prom and her and Carter start to go out. It was very well written. AHS/KS Show Less
LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
Alexis has enough trouble without her sister acting up. But when acting up turns dangerous, Alexis realises that it might not be her sister who's doing the acting. This was wonderfully creepy, the atmosphere was think enough to chill me on a sunny day. The story was a little weak, the mystery adn
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the secrets were obvious, and anyone who has ever seen a horror movie would have been able tot ell what was happening within the first few pages.Other than Alexis and her sister, the characters were a bit flat. But still, I'd recommend this for the creepy factor to people looking for gentle horror or atmospheric ghost stories. Show Less
LibraryThing member ylin.0621
Bad Girls Don't Die was a chilling read that had an odd twist of humor. There were moments where my arms were covered in goose bumps and all of a sudden, it wasn't what you had not expected. It was actually somewhat funny, the scenes. However, it comes out more of an awkward—I’m not
“I dreamed I was standing on an island in a swamp full of alligators…I saw Kelsey swimming towards me, blissfully unaware of the predators…I pulled out a rifle, and I shot any alligator that got close to her. Then Kelsey was with me on the island, braiding my hair and singing me Christmas carols. And a battered doll in a ripped petticoat came out of the water and walked over to us, but Kelsey couldn’t see her. And the doll pointed at Kelsey and looked at me and said Your sister is crazy.”
What I loved most about this quote was the randomness of it. Seriously, I love random stuff but when you include it with some not so random information, only to you of course, then it makes it only so much more fun. A little giggle to yourself looking crazed to the world through their eyes makes it so much more sweeter.
Aside from that, outside of its original content, this passage may not seem so frightening, but it left me in chills…well until the part about your sister is crazy. The main fear is the dolls, the true demonic force behind it all. Even in real life dolls are creepy to me. I’m talking about the classic porcelain ones, the ones that are so lifelike you just can’t stare them in the eye. So here I was, just anticipating something horrific about to happen, and bam, there goes a funny little surprise. So an awkward, half hilarious, half scared, laugh is elicited.
Almost all the characters are so well done. The secondary characters are of course in the background, but also giving more depth to the main character. But that doesn’t just stop there, some of them even have a bit more life in them. Carter, the male protagonist as well as being a secondary character, gave Alexis more of a girly flare that doesn’t show anywhere else. But he also has a dark past that gave him more depth. Alexis was the older sister, the person who cared for her, as well as the one who’s more than what she appears.
The action was predictable in some areas, but not so in others. The mystery aspect and the road to uncovering it was wonderfully done and left no real questions behind.
Overall: A great book to pick if you’re in the mood for creepy little dolls. Okay so it’s much more than that. Just read this book if it sounds interesting to you, trust me, it’ll be better than you expected. I took it for granted and now I’m in contentment after reading it
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crazy—laugh. Extraordinary in that sense of way. “I dreamed I was standing on an island in a swamp full of alligators…I saw Kelsey swimming towards me, blissfully unaware of the predators…I pulled out a rifle, and I shot any alligator that got close to her. Then Kelsey was with me on the island, braiding my hair and singing me Christmas carols. And a battered doll in a ripped petticoat came out of the water and walked over to us, but Kelsey couldn’t see her. And the doll pointed at Kelsey and looked at me and said Your sister is crazy.”
What I loved most about this quote was the randomness of it. Seriously, I love random stuff but when you include it with some not so random information, only to you of course, then it makes it only so much more fun. A little giggle to yourself looking crazed to the world through their eyes makes it so much more sweeter.
Aside from that, outside of its original content, this passage may not seem so frightening, but it left me in chills…well until the part about your sister is crazy. The main fear is the dolls, the true demonic force behind it all. Even in real life dolls are creepy to me. I’m talking about the classic porcelain ones, the ones that are so lifelike you just can’t stare them in the eye. So here I was, just anticipating something horrific about to happen, and bam, there goes a funny little surprise. So an awkward, half hilarious, half scared, laugh is elicited.
Almost all the characters are so well done. The secondary characters are of course in the background, but also giving more depth to the main character. But that doesn’t just stop there, some of them even have a bit more life in them. Carter, the male protagonist as well as being a secondary character, gave Alexis more of a girly flare that doesn’t show anywhere else. But he also has a dark past that gave him more depth. Alexis was the older sister, the person who cared for her, as well as the one who’s more than what she appears.
The action was predictable in some areas, but not so in others. The mystery aspect and the road to uncovering it was wonderfully done and left no real questions behind.
Overall: A great book to pick if you’re in the mood for creepy little dolls. Okay so it’s much more than that. Just read this book if it sounds interesting to you, trust me, it’ll be better than you expected. I took it for granted and now I’m in contentment after reading it
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LibraryThing member meganne13
i am reading this book right now and i would have to say it is the best book i have read so far. it is full of paranormal spirits and i would NOT reccomend it for young readers!!!!
LibraryThing member mountie9
The Good Stuff
•Fast paced and spooky
•Likeable heroine who reacts quite realistically
•Darkly funny
•Just one of those fun ghost stories that will keep you glued to the pages - & probably leave you sleeping with the lights on
•Love story is cute and fun - the dialogue between the two is
•Will be picking up the other two books in the series tomorrow
•Fabulous opening chapter, really sets you in that spooky mind frame - I was hooked right away
•Liked the bits about her photography, found it interesting and added some depth to her character
•Usually not a fan of creepy doll stories -- because well -- dolls creep me out (hmm hence the first night after reading, I didn't sleep well) but I still couldn't put it down
The Not So Good Stuff
•parents are sorta caricatures - not useless like in many YA books, but they still do not really have any personality or place in the story
•A wee bit confusing at times
•Librarian was a bit of a stereotype at first - but she redeemed herself - not really for this section but just want to get across that library staff are usually really cool people - so stop with the stereotypical rule obsessed librarian caricatures
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"I didn't know. If only there had been a poster in the clinic: HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SIBLING IS POSSESSED BY THE DEVIL OR JUST COMPLETELY MENTAL."
"The official diagnosis was psychotic schzizophrenia, and we all went along with it because the insurance company won't pay for "made friends with the wrong ghost."
"The corner of Mrs Ame's mouth twisted up into an almost-smile, and she cleared her throat. This was promising - this was "My day hasn't takene a nosedive yet, so this is kind of amusing," not "I've had it up to here." When you spend as much time around the principle as I do, you get to know her idiosyncrasies."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
•Perfect for ghost story lovers of all age
•A good one for younger YA readers as it is scary without being gory and there is nothing inappropriate for younger readers
4 Dewey's
I picked up a copy of this at the Chapters Shawnessy
•Fast paced and spooky
•Likeable heroine who reacts quite realistically
•Darkly funny
•Just one of those fun ghost stories that will keep you glued to the pages - & probably leave you sleeping with the lights on
•Love story is cute and fun - the dialogue between the two is
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hilarious•Will be picking up the other two books in the series tomorrow
•Fabulous opening chapter, really sets you in that spooky mind frame - I was hooked right away
•Liked the bits about her photography, found it interesting and added some depth to her character
•Usually not a fan of creepy doll stories -- because well -- dolls creep me out (hmm hence the first night after reading, I didn't sleep well) but I still couldn't put it down
The Not So Good Stuff
•parents are sorta caricatures - not useless like in many YA books, but they still do not really have any personality or place in the story
•A wee bit confusing at times
•Librarian was a bit of a stereotype at first - but she redeemed herself - not really for this section but just want to get across that library staff are usually really cool people - so stop with the stereotypical rule obsessed librarian caricatures
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"I didn't know. If only there had been a poster in the clinic: HOW TO TELL IF YOUR SIBLING IS POSSESSED BY THE DEVIL OR JUST COMPLETELY MENTAL."
"The official diagnosis was psychotic schzizophrenia, and we all went along with it because the insurance company won't pay for "made friends with the wrong ghost."
"The corner of Mrs Ame's mouth twisted up into an almost-smile, and she cleared her throat. This was promising - this was "My day hasn't takene a nosedive yet, so this is kind of amusing," not "I've had it up to here." When you spend as much time around the principle as I do, you get to know her idiosyncrasies."
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
•Perfect for ghost story lovers of all age
•A good one for younger YA readers as it is scary without being gory and there is nothing inappropriate for younger readers
4 Dewey's
I picked up a copy of this at the Chapters Shawnessy
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LibraryThing member stephxsu
Photography-lover Alexis Warren lives in an enormous, rambling, slightly creepy house with her dysfunctional parents and younger sister, Kasey. Alexis may dye her hair pink and disdain most of the people at school, but her Kasey seems to be REALLY crazy: she has an unhealthy doll-collecting
Alex is further convinced that something’s not right with Kasey when strange things start occurring in the house: doors open and close on their own, appliances turn on all by themselves. With the help of unlikely new friends—Megan Wiley, the head cheerleader at Surrey High, and Carter Blume, the popular new kid whom Alexis might like more than she should—Alexis is going to find out what the evil spirit that seems to be haunting Kasey and inflicting harm wants.
If she can manage to do this without be killed.
Be forewarned: don’t read BAD GIRLS DON’T DIE at night, or you will feel the goosebumps on the back of your neck long after you reluctantly put the book down! Katie Alender’s debut YA novel is deliciously creepy; imagine the movie The Sixth Sense in novel form, and you can get an idea of what this book was like.
Alexis kicked butt as a protagonist; if Jessica Darling had a young sister who turns the popular crowd upside-down and unfortunately finds herself in a ghost story, you’d get Alexis. The majority of the story centers around the evil ghost’s mystery, which occasionally leaves the characters slightly incomplete, at least in my opinion. I would have no problem reading a hundred extra pages in order to better understand important characters such as Carter, Megan, Kasey, Alexis’ parents, and the ghost’s history and motivation.
Despite the sometimes overwhelmingly fast pace of the novel, however, BAD GIRLS DON’T DIE is truly a remarkable read, destined to send shivers down your spine.
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obsession, and has recently been acting weird, alternately crying tearfully and acting unlike herself. Almost as if she were…possessed.Alex is further convinced that something’s not right with Kasey when strange things start occurring in the house: doors open and close on their own, appliances turn on all by themselves. With the help of unlikely new friends—Megan Wiley, the head cheerleader at Surrey High, and Carter Blume, the popular new kid whom Alexis might like more than she should—Alexis is going to find out what the evil spirit that seems to be haunting Kasey and inflicting harm wants.
If she can manage to do this without be killed.
Be forewarned: don’t read BAD GIRLS DON’T DIE at night, or you will feel the goosebumps on the back of your neck long after you reluctantly put the book down! Katie Alender’s debut YA novel is deliciously creepy; imagine the movie The Sixth Sense in novel form, and you can get an idea of what this book was like.
Alexis kicked butt as a protagonist; if Jessica Darling had a young sister who turns the popular crowd upside-down and unfortunately finds herself in a ghost story, you’d get Alexis. The majority of the story centers around the evil ghost’s mystery, which occasionally leaves the characters slightly incomplete, at least in my opinion. I would have no problem reading a hundred extra pages in order to better understand important characters such as Carter, Megan, Kasey, Alexis’ parents, and the ghost’s history and motivation.
Despite the sometimes overwhelmingly fast pace of the novel, however, BAD GIRLS DON’T DIE is truly a remarkable read, destined to send shivers down your spine.
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LibraryThing member silenceiseverything
This book SO would've scored a four if the main character hadn't been so damn hypocritical and annoying. She was a complete and total cliche. You know, one of those "I don't care what you think of me" chicks that end up doing stupid things that just prove "Yeah you do care what people think, you
Bad Girls Don't Die had some seriously creepy moments. Like "chill up your spine while goosebumps are all over your body" creepy. Very effective. Sure, the whole the doll possessing thing has been done a little to death, but it was done particularly well here (not like in Dismantled: A Novel where I was rolling my eyes at the implausibility of the plot). I could actually see it happening. Dolls are just utterly creepy. It doesn't really matter how cute they are. They're evil, man. So, definitely good on the creepy (but not too creepy for all you semi-scaredy cats out there).
I loved Kasey. I just thought she was so adorable. I wanted more of her and her relationship with Alexis. The relationship should've been expanded on. In fact, the only time I was finding Alexis even mildly likeable was when she was with Kasey. Kasey definitely has main character potential. As it is the norm now for authors to release a book with the same plot and characters, but have a complete OTHER character narrate the exact same story, Alender should totally do this with Kasey. I would love to read this through her eyes. It'd be even more bizarre.
The romance between Alexis and Carter was completely and totally useless. I usually find romance useless in young-adult books anyway (unless your Sarah Dessen, that is or an actual romance book), but this was like really useless. Carter served absolutely no purpose in the plot. He was just there so that there could be a romance because every young-adult book needs romance, right? Wrong. It just came out stilted and forced.
Anyway, so as a whole, Bad Girls Don't Die was a pretty good book. I stand by what I said before. Had Alexis been a little more likeable, I would've overlooked the flaws and given this book a high four (or even a five), but her blatant unlikeability killed it for me (well not really but it did cause some major eye rolling by yours truly). Bad Girls Don't Die was truly creepy and an all around solid Halloweenish read. It did have some awkward and clunky moments (little discrepancies), but it is a debut novel, so that's to be expected. While it wasn't my fave, I am sort of looking forward to the next installment of this series. But seriously, does EVERYTHING have to be a series? This was a solid one book only novel. Why not start fresh with a new idea? How on Earth will a sequel work when there's no route to one? I'm not a big fan of the "Man, this book was an unexpected success! Let me see if I can milk it a little more!" type of spur of the moment series. Still, I'll read it. Um, yeah Bad Girls Don't Die? Recommended.
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flaming hypocrite!"? Well, Alexis was that in a nutshell. She was just SO cool with her pink hair and her anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude. No, seriously, it's like they tried too hard to make her seem "hip" and "edgy" while being effortlessly cool. "A rebel without a cause." No. Just a bitch. One line in particular that just killed me. "Just say something real. Everyone tries so hard, and it all comes out the same. I just want someone to say something real." Seriously? Because the only REAL person in high school is you, Alexis. Everyone else is just fake, fake, fake. I like Kasey (yes, psycho/schizo, demon-possessed Kasey) more than I liked Alexis. Arrgh! She was so infuriating. Sigh. Now that I got that off my chest... Bad Girls Don't Die had some seriously creepy moments. Like "chill up your spine while goosebumps are all over your body" creepy. Very effective. Sure, the whole the doll possessing thing has been done a little to death, but it was done particularly well here (not like in Dismantled: A Novel where I was rolling my eyes at the implausibility of the plot). I could actually see it happening. Dolls are just utterly creepy. It doesn't really matter how cute they are. They're evil, man. So, definitely good on the creepy (but not too creepy for all you semi-scaredy cats out there).
I loved Kasey. I just thought she was so adorable. I wanted more of her and her relationship with Alexis. The relationship should've been expanded on. In fact, the only time I was finding Alexis even mildly likeable was when she was with Kasey. Kasey definitely has main character potential. As it is the norm now for authors to release a book with the same plot and characters, but have a complete OTHER character narrate the exact same story, Alender should totally do this with Kasey. I would love to read this through her eyes. It'd be even more bizarre.
The romance between Alexis and Carter was completely and totally useless. I usually find romance useless in young-adult books anyway (unless your Sarah Dessen, that is or an actual romance book), but this was like really useless. Carter served absolutely no purpose in the plot. He was just there so that there could be a romance because every young-adult book needs romance, right? Wrong. It just came out stilted and forced.
Anyway, so as a whole, Bad Girls Don't Die was a pretty good book. I stand by what I said before. Had Alexis been a little more likeable, I would've overlooked the flaws and given this book a high four (or even a five), but her blatant unlikeability killed it for me (well not really but it did cause some major eye rolling by yours truly). Bad Girls Don't Die was truly creepy and an all around solid Halloweenish read. It did have some awkward and clunky moments (little discrepancies), but it is a debut novel, so that's to be expected. While it wasn't my fave, I am sort of looking forward to the next installment of this series. But seriously, does EVERYTHING have to be a series? This was a solid one book only novel. Why not start fresh with a new idea? How on Earth will a sequel work when there's no route to one? I'm not a big fan of the "Man, this book was an unexpected success! Let me see if I can milk it a little more!" type of spur of the moment series. Still, I'll read it. Um, yeah Bad Girls Don't Die? Recommended.
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LibraryThing member beckers
Alexis warren was anti-social and didnt care about alot of things. she loved to take pictures of weird and not everyday things. her parents marrige was disfunctional. alexis soon relized that her life was in danger. her thirteen year old sister kasey was acting different. her blue eyes had gone
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green sometimes and she used old fashion language. kasey would touch alexis and make her bleed by just touching her. they're old house was also changing. doors would open by themselves and their house gets so cold that they can see their breath. alexis thought this was all in her head but kasey's actions were becoming life threatening to alexis her close friend carter and her family. kasey had put they're father in the hospital by cutting wires in his car. alexis knew she was the only one to stop kasey. but she knew it wasnt kasey anymore Show Less
LibraryThing member alab1127
Overall okay book but definitely not one of my favorites. It was a little short. Maybe I'm just not into scary books but I wasn't a big fan of this book.
LibraryThing member SaSh0110
this is the best book ive ever read!. the irony fraws you in!.
LibraryThing member SusanA48
I read this book last spring while working with a team of 7th graders. This book was being passed around by all the girls--quite popular at the book fair! Parts of it are spooky but not over the top frightening. Some mature conversations between high school students.
LibraryThing member karma212
There once lived a little girl,a beautiful little girl who wore fancy dresses, and had the most exotic green eyes that one may have ever seen.She came from the richest family and lived in the biggest house that was ever built in her small county. She lived in the country away from the townspeople
When she turned ten she received the most beautiful doll ever made for her birthday.She took it everywhere with her and even talked to the doll like it was human. Jealousy stirred amongst her friends because they never had anything as nice.
Jealousy is never a good thing. It made the other children do awful things to the little girl with the vivid green eyes.
Present day-15 year old Alexis Warren with her pink hair and outcast status has a sister named Kasey who is overly obsessed with creepy looking dolls.
Weird things start to happen in their home. Things that just can't be explained. And when Kasey starts to act even more strange then her usual weird self Alexis starts to think her sister is going mental.
Now enters Megan Wiley the nemesis to Alexis. She is popular,a cheerleader and undeniably beautiful who also gets to experience Alexis Warren's sisters behavior firsthand. Megan's theory is altogether different and it's not so much a theory if Megan also has a gift to sense "things".Kasey being crazy is the least of Alexis' problems.
I don't read to much horror but I did enjoy reading Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender.It was a mystery and horror combined in one and it kept me on the edge the whole time.There is just something about creepy antique doll ghost stories that gets under my skin and Bad Girls Don't Die had no problems creeping me out. I highly recommend this book, it was a fast read thanks to the interesting plot.
I'm also glad to say that there is a second book coming out called "From Bad to Cursed" in June 2011.
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but everyone loved the little blonde girl that they all came by to play with her everyday.When she turned ten she received the most beautiful doll ever made for her birthday.She took it everywhere with her and even talked to the doll like it was human. Jealousy stirred amongst her friends because they never had anything as nice.
Jealousy is never a good thing. It made the other children do awful things to the little girl with the vivid green eyes.
Present day-15 year old Alexis Warren with her pink hair and outcast status has a sister named Kasey who is overly obsessed with creepy looking dolls.
Weird things start to happen in their home. Things that just can't be explained. And when Kasey starts to act even more strange then her usual weird self Alexis starts to think her sister is going mental.
Now enters Megan Wiley the nemesis to Alexis. She is popular,a cheerleader and undeniably beautiful who also gets to experience Alexis Warren's sisters behavior firsthand. Megan's theory is altogether different and it's not so much a theory if Megan also has a gift to sense "things".Kasey being crazy is the least of Alexis' problems.
I don't read to much horror but I did enjoy reading Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender.It was a mystery and horror combined in one and it kept me on the edge the whole time.There is just something about creepy antique doll ghost stories that gets under my skin and Bad Girls Don't Die had no problems creeping me out. I highly recommend this book, it was a fast read thanks to the interesting plot.
I'm also glad to say that there is a second book coming out called "From Bad to Cursed" in June 2011.
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LibraryThing member LisMB
My star count may be a little down to what the appropriate audience may score this book. This is a perfect book for an 11 - 16 year old female reader.
Not exactly my cup of tea, but I did save it for my daughter. I think she will enjoy this book and maybe even get a little scared.
Not exactly my cup of tea, but I did save it for my daughter. I think she will enjoy this book and maybe even get a little scared.
LibraryThing member krystal_osmond
Bad Girls Don't Die has this totally creepy cover, I love it! From the first time I saw it, I was intruiged then I was send the second (From Bad to Cursed) novel in the series and knew I need to read BGDD.
I think I had high expectation for this book. I wanted it to be creepy and super scary. I
I do love the idea of a girl who collects dolls, then gets possesed by one - it's neat and has potential to be great but unfortunately it wasn't executed well in Bad Girls Don't Die, in my opinion. I think the first few chapters were the best, but then the author seemed like she wanted to add a love interest to the story then almost forgot to take it anywhere, but the thought kept popping into the story. I found it a little all over the place to be honest. The writing was alright, I didn't have enough to paint the story or see the characters (or dolls) come to life in my head.
Overall, the foundation of Bad Girls Don't Die is there, but I think it needed to be built up a little more. I will be reading From Bad to Cursed to see where Katie Alender takes us next though.
I think I had high expectation for this book. I wanted it to be creepy and super scary. I
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mean, antique dolls? - I was expecting doll heads twisting around, dolls walking and talking but I didn't get any of that. I didn't even get the creepy feeling I look forward to when reading these books. It could be that I read most of this book while laying at the beach, not the ideal place to read this type of book - I know. But even the occasional nights I did read some, I wasn't freaked out or all that convinced that I was reading a "scary" book.I do love the idea of a girl who collects dolls, then gets possesed by one - it's neat and has potential to be great but unfortunately it wasn't executed well in Bad Girls Don't Die, in my opinion. I think the first few chapters were the best, but then the author seemed like she wanted to add a love interest to the story then almost forgot to take it anywhere, but the thought kept popping into the story. I found it a little all over the place to be honest. The writing was alright, I didn't have enough to paint the story or see the characters (or dolls) come to life in my head.
Overall, the foundation of Bad Girls Don't Die is there, but I think it needed to be built up a little more. I will be reading From Bad to Cursed to see where Katie Alender takes us next though.
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Awards
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (2nd Place — 2013)
Original publication date
2009-04-21
Physical description
352 p.; 8.04 inches
ISBN
1423108760 / 9781423108764
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