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amyvhat's review against another edition
2.0
It took me like five years (exaggeration) to get through this book because I kept hating it, then being slightly interesting in what would happen so I picked it back up. Then hated it again for being stupid, then picked it back up because I hate not finishing books.
In a nutshell, this was the story: Alex gets kicked off the good ole California pot farm to go live with her grandmother after her mother dies. She desperately wants to go back to being a hippie and having a disgusting boyfriend, but alas! It can not be so. The hippies do not want her back (she finds out later), and her Grandmother is quite insistent that she stay in Savannah, GA. But why? Well, turns out Grammy is in a secret society of wealthy women and their daughters and granddaughters. These women constantly look perfect, even the old people look like they’re 30. Well, with her dreadlocks, dislike of showers, and desperate love for nasty clothes, Alex DOES NOT WANT this life. But she gets it anyways. They basically kidnap her. Turns out, they’re using hoodoo magic to keep themselves young and wealthy, but is there something else going on, a secret Alex doesn’t know? (OBVIOUSLY.)
That was my sarcastic rendition of The Magnolia League. And it was pretty accurate.
First on my dislike list, I have… ALEX. Because let’s face it, this character is not consistent. She makes the weirdest decisions, and does the strangest, seemingly out-of-character things, that I was never sure exactly what she thought/who she was/what she wanted. So confusing.
This whole “league” thingy. It was so clichéd. I’m sorry, but a group of wealthy white Southern women using hoodoo magic from their black neighbors to keep themselves young and rich? PREDICTABLE. Maybe not used too many times, but very predictable.
Hayes and Madison are two granddaughters of some Magnolia Leaguers and it’s their job to get Alex “ready” by shopping with her and generally trying to get her not to be a hippie. They are also insanely two-faced (everyone in this book is) and always seemed to have another agenda.
The Buzzard family confused me. Why didn’t they just make up their mind about life? Which of them actually were nice? Who wasn’t? I honestly don’t know.
The hoodoo performed by the Buzzard family was strange. I think it was difficult for the author to write out the initiation scene, because that was a blur of randomness. Also, they made Alex all pretty by using magic on her. Isn’t that a little cheap? I mean, no effort whatsoever. Even for her to lose weight she just had some spell connecting her to a bird. It worked by making her ravenous and then the bird consumed the calories or something. Ugh. Talk about a character transformation requiring zero effort on the part of the character.
Hayes’ brother Thaddeus was the worst character, and all the plot revolving around him was the worst as well. He’s this super “movie-star hot” guy who’s also a snob, but he does talk to Alex a little. However, let me point out that he NEVER seemed like he’d be her romantic other. And I mean NEVER. I might have guessed because there was no one else possible and it seemed like it might go that way, but character-wise, there was seriously nothing that seemed to make them a good couple. But, obviously, as soon as she’s not dreadlocked and fat, he kisses her and they have a few make-out sessions and are “a couple”. He claimed to like her before she was transformed, and I think he might have, but it’s a little shallow of him to only approach her afterward. Now here is where we find drama. It looks as though Madison put a love spell on Thaddeus a while ago for about a week and he went crazy in love with her. Once it was off and he figured out what happened, he swore never to date a Magnolia again. Until, lo and behold, he falls for Alex (who knows why, she’s so … lame.). So randomly, completely out-of-the-blue, Alex gets really jealous of Madison, who has said many times that it’s over and that Thaddeus likes Alex now, and Alex tries to remedy the situation. (can’t say more without spoiling)
The pacing is super slow, until the end when it’s all “BAMBAMBAM – end” and you’re left wondering what just happened. Alex is basically stupid the whole book until one of the last scenes, in which I actually respected her personality, and then again at the VERY end, I disliked her again.
Let’s see if I can say anything good. . .
The setting was really lovely. I’ve never been to Savannah, but I’ve heard that it’s gorgeous, and this really showed that.
I also liked Alex’s friend Dexter. Alex’s mom seems like she was really cool too, but she died before the book started.
I got nothing else.
My last word: I would not recommend this book to anyone, but if it seems like you would like it, go read it! Maybe from your perspective it would be a glorious novel.
Content Warnings: LOTS OF LANGUAGE. Like. Seriously. Lots of it and strong, too. Descriptive making-out.
In a nutshell, this was the story: Alex gets kicked off the good ole California pot farm to go live with her grandmother after her mother dies. She desperately wants to go back to being a hippie and having a disgusting boyfriend, but alas! It can not be so. The hippies do not want her back (she finds out later), and her Grandmother is quite insistent that she stay in Savannah, GA. But why? Well, turns out Grammy is in a secret society of wealthy women and their daughters and granddaughters. These women constantly look perfect, even the old people look like they’re 30. Well, with her dreadlocks, dislike of showers, and desperate love for nasty clothes, Alex DOES NOT WANT this life. But she gets it anyways. They basically kidnap her. Turns out, they’re using hoodoo magic to keep themselves young and wealthy, but is there something else going on, a secret Alex doesn’t know? (OBVIOUSLY.)
That was my sarcastic rendition of The Magnolia League. And it was pretty accurate.
First on my dislike list, I have… ALEX. Because let’s face it, this character is not consistent. She makes the weirdest decisions, and does the strangest, seemingly out-of-character things, that I was never sure exactly what she thought/who she was/what she wanted. So confusing.
This whole “league” thingy. It was so clichéd. I’m sorry, but a group of wealthy white Southern women using hoodoo magic from their black neighbors to keep themselves young and rich? PREDICTABLE. Maybe not used too many times, but very predictable.
Hayes and Madison are two granddaughters of some Magnolia Leaguers and it’s their job to get Alex “ready” by shopping with her and generally trying to get her not to be a hippie. They are also insanely two-faced (everyone in this book is) and always seemed to have another agenda.
The Buzzard family confused me. Why didn’t they just make up their mind about life? Which of them actually were nice? Who wasn’t? I honestly don’t know.
The hoodoo performed by the Buzzard family was strange. I think it was difficult for the author to write out the initiation scene, because that was a blur of randomness. Also, they made Alex all pretty by using magic on her. Isn’t that a little cheap? I mean, no effort whatsoever. Even for her to lose weight she just had some spell connecting her to a bird. It worked by making her ravenous and then the bird consumed the calories or something. Ugh. Talk about a character transformation requiring zero effort on the part of the character.
Hayes’ brother Thaddeus was the worst character, and all the plot revolving around him was the worst as well. He’s this super “movie-star hot” guy who’s also a snob, but he does talk to Alex a little. However, let me point out that he NEVER seemed like he’d be her romantic other. And I mean NEVER. I might have guessed because there was no one else possible and it seemed like it might go that way, but character-wise, there was seriously nothing that seemed to make them a good couple. But, obviously, as soon as she’s not dreadlocked and fat, he kisses her and they have a few make-out sessions and are “a couple”. He claimed to like her before she was transformed, and I think he might have, but it’s a little shallow of him to only approach her afterward. Now here is where we find drama. It looks as though Madison put a love spell on Thaddeus a while ago for about a week and he went crazy in love with her. Once it was off and he figured out what happened, he swore never to date a Magnolia again. Until, lo and behold, he falls for Alex (who knows why, she’s so … lame.). So randomly, completely out-of-the-blue, Alex gets really jealous of Madison, who has said many times that it’s over and that Thaddeus likes Alex now, and Alex tries to remedy the situation. (can’t say more without spoiling)
The pacing is super slow, until the end when it’s all “BAMBAMBAM – end” and you’re left wondering what just happened. Alex is basically stupid the whole book until one of the last scenes, in which I actually respected her personality, and then again at the VERY end, I disliked her again.
Let’s see if I can say anything good. . .
The setting was really lovely. I’ve never been to Savannah, but I’ve heard that it’s gorgeous, and this really showed that.
I also liked Alex’s friend Dexter. Alex’s mom seems like she was really cool too, but she died before the book started.
I got nothing else.
My last word: I would not recommend this book to anyone, but if it seems like you would like it, go read it! Maybe from your perspective it would be a glorious novel.
Content Warnings: LOTS OF LANGUAGE. Like. Seriously. Lots of it and strong, too. Descriptive making-out.
shutterz's review against another edition
3.5
The beginning was humorous and witty and then the book took a weird turn. Will read the sequel to see how things turn out.
snakeysjolie's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
shubba_the_emoreader's review against another edition
3.0
Original post: http://lovefantasyscifinovels.blogspot.com/2011/05/magnolia-league-magnolia-league-1-by.html
The Magonlia League was one of those books that had so much potiental to be different and exciting. It starts out very interesting with a fantastic and different main character. However, as I was reading it I began to not like it. And just left me disappointed.
The story starts out with Alex moving to her Grandmothers to life after a tragic accident that killed her mother. Alex hates Georgia and her Granmother (Miss Lee) lifestyle. Alex missed her old hippie lifestyle but she is forced to befriend Hayes and pretty soon Alex discovers that things in Savannah Georgia aren't all as they appear in The Magnolia League.
Alex starts out at such a fun read. She was totally different from most teenagers in novels. She doesn't care how she looks, she isn't skinny or perfect and she is a great sense of humor. However, as the story continues and she discovers The Magnolia's secret she starts acting like any other girl in a YA novel. Her appearance changes dramatically from Hippie girl to Debutante. Her personality changes as well but the end of the book I found her selfish and just pathetic. I didn't like Miss Lee or any of The Magnolia League. I don't think any of them of any redeeming qualities. However, I did like the Buzzards, the local Hoodoo Family. I would loved to have had more of an insight into there lifes. They interesting and mysterious hopefully in the next book we will get to read more about them.
I really struggled to decide on my rating for this book. It was going to be a 2 rating because well by the end I didn't really like it because of how Alex as a character changed too much. And how the author would jump from First person narative to third person. I found this very confusing and just didn't make the story flow easily. The story itself starts out good but its very predictable you knew actually want was going to happen before it happen. There was no suspence and honestly the ending was just terrible. All the build up to the main point in the story and it just falls flat. Sorry. However, I didn't to go with the 3 rating because as I have mention I did enjoy the start of story. It was fun and different. I will no doubt read the second book just to see if we get to learn more about the Buzzards.
If you like your paranormal stories that are a quick light read then please go grab your copy. It filled with magic and Hoodoo and with some interesting characters.
The Magonlia League was one of those books that had so much potiental to be different and exciting. It starts out very interesting with a fantastic and different main character. However, as I was reading it I began to not like it. And just left me disappointed.
The story starts out with Alex moving to her Grandmothers to life after a tragic accident that killed her mother. Alex hates Georgia and her Granmother (Miss Lee) lifestyle. Alex missed her old hippie lifestyle but she is forced to befriend Hayes and pretty soon Alex discovers that things in Savannah Georgia aren't all as they appear in The Magnolia League.
Alex starts out at such a fun read. She was totally different from most teenagers in novels. She doesn't care how she looks, she isn't skinny or perfect and she is a great sense of humor. However, as the story continues and she discovers The Magnolia's secret she starts acting like any other girl in a YA novel. Her appearance changes dramatically from Hippie girl to Debutante. Her personality changes as well but the end of the book I found her selfish and just pathetic. I didn't like Miss Lee or any of The Magnolia League. I don't think any of them of any redeeming qualities. However, I did like the Buzzards, the local Hoodoo Family. I would loved to have had more of an insight into there lifes. They interesting and mysterious hopefully in the next book we will get to read more about them.
I really struggled to decide on my rating for this book. It was going to be a 2 rating because well by the end I didn't really like it because of how Alex as a character changed too much. And how the author would jump from First person narative to third person. I found this very confusing and just didn't make the story flow easily. The story itself starts out good but its very predictable you knew actually want was going to happen before it happen. There was no suspence and honestly the ending was just terrible. All the build up to the main point in the story and it just falls flat. Sorry. However, I didn't to go with the 3 rating because as I have mention I did enjoy the start of story. It was fun and different. I will no doubt read the second book just to see if we get to learn more about the Buzzards.
If you like your paranormal stories that are a quick light read then please go grab your copy. It filled with magic and Hoodoo and with some interesting characters.
quinnster's review against another edition
2.0
Alexandria is close to one of the most annoying characters I have had the displeasure of reading. As I type this I’m about halfway through the book so I don’t have high hopes for her changing any time soon.
**Finished the books, and no, she doesn't get any better.
At least twice in every chapter she says something like ‘At the RC we did…’ or ‘they never did this at the RC’ or something along those lines. And she’s so forced granola crunchy it’s painful. Sure I care about being socially conscience, but she takes it to the extreme and does not shut up about it. She reminds me of Zara from the Need trilogy by Carrie Jones with her letters Amnesty International letters. Well, Zara on steroids is more accurate. Zara was never this zealous or obnoxious about her causes. Alex doesn’t have a cause, she just wants to bitch about everything that isn’t the RC.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Katie Crouch’s foray into YA fiction is so one dimensional and frustrating. Girls in Trucks was one of my least favorite books and while this is a completely different genre it still has the same dry tone.
Even after reading the book in the library about Hoodoo and how it’s different than Voodoo when all is revealed to her she goes on and on about how they aren’t ‘African’ and Voodoo is crazy talk. Whenever anyone tells her something about magic or Hoodoo that doesn't fit into her idea of okay she dismisses it as untrue or impossible. Ummm, really?
I will say that The Magnolia League was a little more interesting than Girls in Trucks. Mostly, because it had a plot, but I'm not sure I'll be continuing with the series.
**Finished the books, and no, she doesn't get any better.
At least twice in every chapter she says something like ‘At the RC we did…’ or ‘they never did this at the RC’ or something along those lines. And she’s so forced granola crunchy it’s painful. Sure I care about being socially conscience, but she takes it to the extreme and does not shut up about it. She reminds me of Zara from the Need trilogy by Carrie Jones with her letters Amnesty International letters. Well, Zara on steroids is more accurate. Zara was never this zealous or obnoxious about her causes. Alex doesn’t have a cause, she just wants to bitch about everything that isn’t the RC.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Katie Crouch’s foray into YA fiction is so one dimensional and frustrating. Girls in Trucks was one of my least favorite books and while this is a completely different genre it still has the same dry tone.
Even after reading the book in the library about Hoodoo and how it’s different than Voodoo when all is revealed to her she goes on and on about how they aren’t ‘African’ and Voodoo is crazy talk. Whenever anyone tells her something about magic or Hoodoo that doesn't fit into her idea of okay she dismisses it as untrue or impossible. Ummm, really?
I will say that The Magnolia League was a little more interesting than Girls in Trucks. Mostly, because it had a plot, but I'm not sure I'll be continuing with the series.
steviaplath's review against another edition
1.0
In theory, this is a great story line. I actually stuck with it for quite awhile. But I just couldn't make myself finish it. The dialogue was strained, like it was trying way too hard to sound like a teenager. You know, cheesy insults and stupid lines usually coming from Hayes or Madison. And I just plain didn't like Alex. She was too busy trying so hard to be different from everyone else. This book fell a little flat for me.
The thing that bothered me was Alex's whining about the environment. She didn't seem to understand the concept of keeping her bratty little hippie opinions to herself. From the minute Hayes pulls up in her Hummer, Alex has to snap at her about it. Did she ask what you thought of her car? No. I can't stand when people provide their opinion when it isn't necessary. She was the worst kind of annoying to me. If she were a student at my school, I would do my best to avoid talking to her. She automatically assumes that Hayes and Madison are bad people because of the society they grew up in and that they're somehow below her because they weren't raised on a commune. I didn't realize smoking and dreading your hair made you better than everyone else. Also, her constant need to point out her weight drove me up the wall. I hate when girls are constantly whinging about their weight and how fat they are. Basically, she contained every quality I cannot stand in a high school girl. She's probably the least likable main character of any story I've ever read.
It also seemed rushed in the important parts and dragged on and on in the parts that were insignificant. The dialogue was strained, using words like 'rad'. It was trying too hard to sound like a group of kids to the point where it was like reading a bunch of adults pretending to be teens.
Basically, every character in this book irritated me except for the adults. It could theoretically be good if it were only written about the older women in the society. Too bad it was focused on the teenagers, who talk like they're straight out of Valley Girl. I could tell anyone who asked all about the plot before I'd even read it. I called the entire drama with Reggie the minute they brought him into the story.
This book had a good start and I was honestly excited to read it but turns out it wasn't even worth finishing. Maybe it'll improve with the sequel, but I definitely will not be reading it.
The thing that bothered me was Alex's whining about the environment. She didn't seem to understand the concept of keeping her bratty little hippie opinions to herself. From the minute Hayes pulls up in her Hummer, Alex has to snap at her about it. Did she ask what you thought of her car? No. I can't stand when people provide their opinion when it isn't necessary. She was the worst kind of annoying to me. If she were a student at my school, I would do my best to avoid talking to her. She automatically assumes that Hayes and Madison are bad people because of the society they grew up in and that they're somehow below her because they weren't raised on a commune. I didn't realize smoking and dreading your hair made you better than everyone else. Also, her constant need to point out her weight drove me up the wall. I hate when girls are constantly whinging about their weight and how fat they are. Basically, she contained every quality I cannot stand in a high school girl. She's probably the least likable main character of any story I've ever read.
It also seemed rushed in the important parts and dragged on and on in the parts that were insignificant. The dialogue was strained, using words like 'rad'. It was trying too hard to sound like a group of kids to the point where it was like reading a bunch of adults pretending to be teens.
Basically, every character in this book irritated me except for the adults. It could theoretically be good if it were only written about the older women in the society. Too bad it was focused on the teenagers, who talk like they're straight out of Valley Girl. I could tell anyone who asked all about the plot before I'd even read it. I called the entire drama with Reggie the minute they brought him into the story.
This book had a good start and I was honestly excited to read it but turns out it wasn't even worth finishing. Maybe it'll improve with the sequel, but I definitely will not be reading it.
shanella's review against another edition
3.0
Take a few debutantes, some magic and add a bit of mystery and you’ve got yourself The Magnolia League.
Katie Crouch pens the story of three girls - Alex, Hayes and Madison - who are the newest debutantes and who seem to have all the luck in their corner. Alex grew up with her mother in a communal farm in California, where she helped her take care of the herb gardens. After a car accident left her parent-less (she doesn’t know who or where her father is) she is forced to live with her Grandmother - a young-looking and powerful woman - in Savannah. Upon arriving, she discovers that things are a bit different in Savannah and the Magnolia Leaguers seem to be harboring strange secrets and her mother’s death seems to be more than just an accident.
The idea itself has a lot of potential. Alex grows up in a completely different environment than Hayes and Madison and she is different than them in many ways - she’s doesn’t want to be a part of the Magnolia League, she’s chubby and has dreadlocks while they are slender with glamorous hair, she cares about the environment and the economy, while they live in a bubble of wealth. When she arrives to Savannah, she’s headstrong and has a mind of her own.
The way it fell short of its potential was Alex’s ultimate behavioral transformation. In the beginning, she’s different, and she loved her difference and always tried to stay true to herself. However, the moment being pretty and rich was dangled in front of her, Alex’s character changed. Hayes and Madison were more consistent characters, and it disappointed me the way Alex turned out to be shallow.
Then there is strange and sudden romance between her and Haye’s brother - Thaddeus. He claims that he liked Alex because she’s different, but only makes the confession when she starts confirming to the Magnolia League and looking pretty. He didn’t care much about the chubby girl with dreads; there was a point in the book (no spoilers) where he was talking to her but checking out skinny women. There wasn’t much of a development in their relationship, it just sorta happened and felt very shallow.
I don’t think the book sends a good message; Alex only becomes the true heroine and only gets the guy when she slims down and becomes a beauty. It was a pity that she decided to confirm instead of being different. I think that might have made the story a bit more interesting!
Overall, while somewhat shallow (characters and plot) The Magnolia League is a relatively quick and fluffy read with a bit of mystery on the side and I’m sure it will make a good light and entertaining summer read.
Katie Crouch pens the story of three girls - Alex, Hayes and Madison - who are the newest debutantes and who seem to have all the luck in their corner. Alex grew up with her mother in a communal farm in California, where she helped her take care of the herb gardens. After a car accident left her parent-less (she doesn’t know who or where her father is) she is forced to live with her Grandmother - a young-looking and powerful woman - in Savannah. Upon arriving, she discovers that things are a bit different in Savannah and the Magnolia Leaguers seem to be harboring strange secrets and her mother’s death seems to be more than just an accident.
The idea itself has a lot of potential. Alex grows up in a completely different environment than Hayes and Madison and she is different than them in many ways - she’s doesn’t want to be a part of the Magnolia League, she’s chubby and has dreadlocks while they are slender with glamorous hair, she cares about the environment and the economy, while they live in a bubble of wealth. When she arrives to Savannah, she’s headstrong and has a mind of her own.
The way it fell short of its potential was Alex’s ultimate behavioral transformation. In the beginning, she’s different, and she loved her difference and always tried to stay true to herself. However, the moment being pretty and rich was dangled in front of her, Alex’s character changed. Hayes and Madison were more consistent characters, and it disappointed me the way Alex turned out to be shallow.
Then there is strange and sudden romance between her and Haye’s brother - Thaddeus. He claims that he liked Alex because she’s different, but only makes the confession when she starts confirming to the Magnolia League and looking pretty. He didn’t care much about the chubby girl with dreads; there was a point in the book (no spoilers) where he was talking to her but checking out skinny women. There wasn’t much of a development in their relationship, it just sorta happened and felt very shallow.
I don’t think the book sends a good message; Alex only becomes the true heroine and only gets the guy when she slims down and becomes a beauty. It was a pity that she decided to confirm instead of being different. I think that might have made the story a bit more interesting!
Overall, while somewhat shallow (characters and plot) The Magnolia League is a relatively quick and fluffy read with a bit of mystery on the side and I’m sure it will make a good light and entertaining summer read.
notajapanesecarcompany's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the premise. It was an awesome idea with a fabulous setting. I was not a big fan of some of the characters, they were just those characters that you can't help but hate, no matter what they do. I felt that way of the main character, Alex. Besides that, I loved the book and can't wait for the sequel.
starklissa's review against another edition
3.0
This book was refreshing and I love the spin it took. I can't wait to see what happens to Alexis in the second book. You never know what might happen in this book, just so many spins and takes! The book isn't hard to get into and it will leave you wanting more :p
novelgoddess's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't think this story was anything unique or exciting. I felt like I was reading a revamped Lois Duncan book from the 80's