Book Review: "The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball" by Risa Green

When Erin Channing’s favorite aunt dies, Erin is bequeathed a pink crystal ball and a set of weird instructions. Granted, Aunt Kiki (aka Aunt Kooky) always lived “outside the box.” But now Erin and her two best friends are convinced that the pink crystal ball holds the key to their future—or at least the key to getting dates…

Ever wish that your life was more exciting? Think that nothing exciting ever happens to you? That's what is going on in Erin's life. She's interested in a study abroad trip to Italy but in her application she's required to write an essay about her life. She feels that she can't write an essay that will make her application stand out because there's nothing that goes on her in her life. Then the news comes that her favorite but eccentric aunt has died. Erin is left with a pink crystal ball. The ball seems normal, like a Magic 8 ball. However, this isn't just a toy to play with. This is something else that changes Erin's life forever.

This story was a fun twist on the genie in a bottle giving three wishes story. The old adage be careful what you wish for really comes true here. Erin's friends seem to take the pink crystal ball more seriously than Erin does. And because of that, their wishes not only backfire on them, but they come back to haunt them in a worse way. Erin is more worried about what is happening in her real life and pondering why her aunt didn't tell her about this gift that was left to her. The friends all have good chemistry together and Erin's rationalism keeps the trio from going off into craziness.

What I really enjoy about this book is that even with the "magic" that's in the book, most teen girls will be able to relate to the story. Erin and her friends are realistic and fun to hang around yet they share the same insecurities and worries that the average teen girl goes through. There's also a good bit about the importance of family weaved throughout the story. Erin is close to her parents and was also close to her aunt. Overall, this was a fun read and I had a blast reading it. I don't think this book is set up to be a series but if there are additional books featuring the girls or the Pink Crystal Ball, I'd love to read them. A fun YA book that girls everywhere will enjoy.

The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green is published by Sourcebooks Fire (2010)

This ARC was provided by the publisher