Stranger and Stranger (Emily the Strange series #2), by Rob Reger

This is the second book in the Emily the Strange series and I never reviewed the first one, because I read it before I started this blog (it's hard to believe, but I've only been blogging for a little over a month), but there isn't much to say about the first one that isn't applicable to the second one as well, so don't worry my dear readers!  You won't be left in the dark if you just read this review alone.  I was first drawn to this series, because of the interesting covers and the first book is a little more gothic and a little more black, but other than that, it's very similar, so you get the idea.  These books are epistolaries as well and I love a unique format or concept to switch up my reading options.  Emily the Strange is very strange, but she is also relatable as well.  I can relate to many of her primary characteristics to a point at least, Emily just takes it to the next step.  I share a love of all things cuddly, but Emily is specifically a cat-fan and has anywhere from 3-5 cats as pets at any given time.  I share a love of science and experiments, but Emily can build almost anything using science as a sort of magic (and it's especially magical with the help of a magic liquid black rock Emily has a small supply of).  I always enjoy a good prank or booby trap, but Emily is constantly coming up with the next elaborate plan (she reminds me a lot of Data from The Goonies for any lovers of that classic movie).  I love black clothes, but Emily only wears black.  I'm glad I stumbled upon this series and started reading, because there are a ton of laughs, interesting illustrations and great characters to love.  I would recommend this to any fans of interesting formats, humor, anyone who has ever been (or has ever known) a goth, any science-lovers or any cat-lovers. 

Favorite things:  the journal-style entries, the sharp wit of Rob Reger that provided me with so many laughs, the striking red and black covers, the illustrations that look so good on my NookColor, the short length that allowed me to have a quick read between some of my more lengthy options and the interesting and lovable characters.

Criticisms:  the book takes awhile to get going and didn't pull me in as much as I would've liked and the length was a positive thing, but it was also a negative thing so I will list it here, because with so few pages, it's hard to have enough substance.

Overall:  4 out of 5 stars.  I think this series is unique and definitely worth reading, but a little more finesse is needed to take these books to the next level.