I grabbed this book because the cover caught my interest. I mean what's another young adult book about some kind of epidemic and trying to fix them. Although, this one was a bit different.
This book is about the love story of Sloane and James. The epidemic in this book is depressions which leads to teen suicide. So all the teens have to act like they have no emotions, all the time. Are you kidding me? These are teens, who by far, show the most emotion of any of us! Anyways, there's a time that all the sudden the suicides of teens increases so they make a Program to fix them. What happens is that if any teen starts to show symptoms of being sick (depressed/sad/mean/unhappy/argumentative/and so on) then they need to be sent to the Program to be fixed. The Program will wipe their memories clean and they wont remember their friends or relationships after they get out. They only remember their families and a little of their lives.Sloane and James are in love and had a common factor, her brother. James and her brother were best friends and that's who they know each other. They hung out all the time just the three of them. Then one day, her brother kills himself. Since they can show any type of serious emotion, they have to keep it in or they will be sent away. So this is where James and Sloane really start to fall for each other. Even though, they were already seeing each other in secret before her brother killed himself.
Without giving away too much of the plot, something happens to their best friend that starts the unraveling of these two. They end up getting sent to the Program, at different times. So then will they remember each other afterwards? Will love conquer all and they know each other? I really liked this book and I can't wait for the next one to come out!
Book Dreams
Friday, October 11, 2013
The Precious Stone Trilogy- Kerstin Gier
Ruby Red
I decided to read this because the summary seemed really interesting. It's definitely a quicker read. I really got into this book right away. It's pretty different than any of the other young adult books I've read lately.
Basically, it's about a girl who grows up in this kind of weird secret family. Her cousin has a sheltered life because she's being trained to be the generations time traveler. Turns out, she's not the one and it's her instead. So she's so unprepared and knows nothing of the world because they make sure to keep her out of it. So she gets thrown into this world and everyone is horrible to her and doesn't trust her at all. Of course, there's a love interest and he's pretty mean to her. At the end of the book though, he suddenly has a change of heart and kisses her. Hmm... yeah. The only thing I didn't like was that the whole entire book takes place in the span of a few days. I really liked this book though! I couldn't wait to get the next book and read it,
Sapphire Blue
This is the second book and it was good but not as good as the first. This book does the same, where it spans over just a short time. This book she is trying to learn more about the world and figure things bout but no one will help her. She is still really mistrusted and has to start figuring things out on her own. She starts to travel back to see her grandpa and see if he can help her figure things out since they are all keeping her out of the loop. I really didn't like the love interest in this book. I didn't like what she did with it. It was so back and forth and for a while I was kind of tired of it. The girl gets annoying at certain points because she's tired of his hot and cold attitude towards her. Although, when she says it has to stop and she is done then it's like out the window once he starts to be affectionate towards her. It's like once he smiles and she's thrown her good judgment out the window. At the end of the book, things come to light that make more sense but I'm still generally confused on what's going on with the rest of the plot. I will definitely be reading the next book when it comes out.
I decided to read this because the summary seemed really interesting. It's definitely a quicker read. I really got into this book right away. It's pretty different than any of the other young adult books I've read lately.
Basically, it's about a girl who grows up in this kind of weird secret family. Her cousin has a sheltered life because she's being trained to be the generations time traveler. Turns out, she's not the one and it's her instead. So she's so unprepared and knows nothing of the world because they make sure to keep her out of it. So she gets thrown into this world and everyone is horrible to her and doesn't trust her at all. Of course, there's a love interest and he's pretty mean to her. At the end of the book though, he suddenly has a change of heart and kisses her. Hmm... yeah. The only thing I didn't like was that the whole entire book takes place in the span of a few days. I really liked this book though! I couldn't wait to get the next book and read it,
Sapphire Blue
This is the second book and it was good but not as good as the first. This book does the same, where it spans over just a short time. This book she is trying to learn more about the world and figure things bout but no one will help her. She is still really mistrusted and has to start figuring things out on her own. She starts to travel back to see her grandpa and see if he can help her figure things out since they are all keeping her out of the loop. I really didn't like the love interest in this book. I didn't like what she did with it. It was so back and forth and for a while I was kind of tired of it. The girl gets annoying at certain points because she's tired of his hot and cold attitude towards her. Although, when she says it has to stop and she is done then it's like out the window once he starts to be affectionate towards her. It's like once he smiles and she's thrown her good judgment out the window. At the end of the book, things come to light that make more sense but I'm still generally confused on what's going on with the rest of the plot. I will definitely be reading the next book when it comes out.
The Longest Ride- Nicholas Sparks
It's been a long time since I've read a Sparks book. Mostly, because I have to be in a certain mood since they are usually heart wrenchingly sad. I got through this in one day though. It was pretty good but by far not my favorite, which is The Last Song.
Although, I haven't read a lot of his latest and greatest because I've been on hiatus from his sad books. I really liked how he had two different stories, Ira & Ruth and Luke & Sophia. It was a love of past and a love that was just staring out. My favorite story was definitely Ira and Ruth's. I just loved how he had so much detail about their life together with the good and the bad. Not only that, you could just feel the love they had for each other. It was just an amazing story that really wasn't a fairy tale type of love. It was real. I wasn't sure how he was going to intertwine the two stories because they were just so different. I had a feeling of what was going to happen in the end but I didn't know how it was going to get there. I loved how he did it. It was completely fitting for the love that Ira & Ruth had. I get it, Ira. I really do. The story of Luke and Sophia wasn't that great. It was pretty predictable at times and sometimes a bit boring. I don't know why. I just wasn't feeling their story as much as I was the other.
Overall, it's not my favorite but it's definitely worth the read. Like most of his books, there will be some sort of tears involved. :-)
Although, I haven't read a lot of his latest and greatest because I've been on hiatus from his sad books. I really liked how he had two different stories, Ira & Ruth and Luke & Sophia. It was a love of past and a love that was just staring out. My favorite story was definitely Ira and Ruth's. I just loved how he had so much detail about their life together with the good and the bad. Not only that, you could just feel the love they had for each other. It was just an amazing story that really wasn't a fairy tale type of love. It was real. I wasn't sure how he was going to intertwine the two stories because they were just so different. I had a feeling of what was going to happen in the end but I didn't know how it was going to get there. I loved how he did it. It was completely fitting for the love that Ira & Ruth had. I get it, Ira. I really do. The story of Luke and Sophia wasn't that great. It was pretty predictable at times and sometimes a bit boring. I don't know why. I just wasn't feeling their story as much as I was the other.
Overall, it's not my favorite but it's definitely worth the read. Like most of his books, there will be some sort of tears involved. :-)
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Night Film- Marisha Pessl
What is it lately with these horrible endings! This book had so much potential! I can't believe I picked this up, I hate horror. This book is a bit scary because there's a lot of witch craft and dark magic talk. Here's the summary from Goodreads:
On a damp October night, beautiful young Ashley Cordova is found dead in an abandoned warehouse in lower Manhattan. Though her death is ruled a suicide, veteran investigative journalist Scott McGrath suspects otherwise. As he probes the strange circumstances surrounding Ashley’s life and death, McGrath comes face-to-face with the legacy of her father: the legendary, reclusive cult-horror-film director Stanislas Cordova—a man who hasn’t been seen in public for more than thirty years.
For McGrath, another death connected to this seemingly cursed family dynasty seems more than just a coincidence. Though much has been written about Cordova’s dark and unsettling films, very little is known about the man himself.
Driven by revenge, curiosity, and a need for the truth, McGrath, with the aid of two strangers, is drawn deeper and deeper into Cordova’s eerie, hypnotic world.
The last time he got close to exposing the director, McGrath lost his marriage and his career. This time he might lose even more.
Doesn't that sound so interesting?! It was.. until the end! I was really caught up in this book and it was kind of freaking me out at the same time. I have to say, I had to wait until my husband was home to read it. It was just so gripping and I couldn't wait to figure out what they were going to uncover next. I had to know what was happening with Ashley and her crazy father. Turns out the reality of what's happened is something I didn't see coming. Actually, it was kind of a bit boring. Then the last like 100 pages, I was completely bored. I kind of felt like I was being thrown all over the place. It felt like the author didn't quite know where she wanted the story to go or how to end it. I was left really unsatisfied for sure. I couldn't believe how well the whole book was until the last 100 pages or so for the ending. Was totally thinking a 5 star book but fell short with only 3 Stars.
On a damp October night, beautiful young Ashley Cordova is found dead in an abandoned warehouse in lower Manhattan. Though her death is ruled a suicide, veteran investigative journalist Scott McGrath suspects otherwise. As he probes the strange circumstances surrounding Ashley’s life and death, McGrath comes face-to-face with the legacy of her father: the legendary, reclusive cult-horror-film director Stanislas Cordova—a man who hasn’t been seen in public for more than thirty years.
For McGrath, another death connected to this seemingly cursed family dynasty seems more than just a coincidence. Though much has been written about Cordova’s dark and unsettling films, very little is known about the man himself.
Driven by revenge, curiosity, and a need for the truth, McGrath, with the aid of two strangers, is drawn deeper and deeper into Cordova’s eerie, hypnotic world.
The last time he got close to exposing the director, McGrath lost his marriage and his career. This time he might lose even more.
Doesn't that sound so interesting?! It was.. until the end! I was really caught up in this book and it was kind of freaking me out at the same time. I have to say, I had to wait until my husband was home to read it. It was just so gripping and I couldn't wait to figure out what they were going to uncover next. I had to know what was happening with Ashley and her crazy father. Turns out the reality of what's happened is something I didn't see coming. Actually, it was kind of a bit boring. Then the last like 100 pages, I was completely bored. I kind of felt like I was being thrown all over the place. It felt like the author didn't quite know where she wanted the story to go or how to end it. I was left really unsatisfied for sure. I couldn't believe how well the whole book was until the last 100 pages or so for the ending. Was totally thinking a 5 star book but fell short with only 3 Stars.
Life After Life- Kate Atkinson
This book was recommended to me by a few patrons at the library and it was just getting raves all over the place. I was definitely intrigued. At first, I was totally immersed in the story and really couldn't stop reading. Then things started to get really repetitive. It was almost like the movie the Butterfly Effect. I will say that how one decision or act could totally change the outcome of life, was amazing to see. This girl just kept dying and coming back to life and having to fix all these decisions that had horrible consequences. The weird part is that she didn't really know she was coming back it all just felt like deja vu and she had "feelings." I think it would have been more interesting if she actually knew what was going on. Anyways, it was interesting to see all the different lives she had and all the decisions she made and had to change in the next life. Somehow though, I feel like there's just so much she could do and things wouldn't really end up happily ever after. There's always one thing that would be averted to have another disaster take place. I think that when you change the way the things are going it can change into a bigger mess. I feel like this book would be something of my worst nightmares. To be stuck living a life over and over again. It just would feel tiring and really annoying. Overall, the concept was interesting but the book wasn't actually that enjoyable to me.
The Heist- Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book and I almost decided not to read it altogether. I have enough on my plate as it is! I really enjoy Janet's Plum series and decided I probably should give this one a shot. From my understanding, I think they are making this into a series.
This book was a really fast read. It's almost like another Stephanie Plum series. It's about an FBI Agent named O'hare and how she is trying to after one of the most wanted thieves, Fox. It's basically a cat and mouse chase throughout the book and how she will cross any line to catch him. What ends up happening is when she's about to catch him, he pulls his greatest con yet. He convinces the FBI that they need to work together and catch another most wanted person. So O'Hare and Fox end up becoming a team and they have to work together.
It's a fun book, kind of like her other series. I will probably read the next one and judge from there. I'm pretty sure I know what's going to happen between the two though, the sexual tension was pretty obvious in this book. I wonder how that will complicate things in the future. Haha
This book was a really fast read. It's almost like another Stephanie Plum series. It's about an FBI Agent named O'hare and how she is trying to after one of the most wanted thieves, Fox. It's basically a cat and mouse chase throughout the book and how she will cross any line to catch him. What ends up happening is when she's about to catch him, he pulls his greatest con yet. He convinces the FBI that they need to work together and catch another most wanted person. So O'Hare and Fox end up becoming a team and they have to work together.
It's a fun book, kind of like her other series. I will probably read the next one and judge from there. I'm pretty sure I know what's going to happen between the two though, the sexual tension was pretty obvious in this book. I wonder how that will complicate things in the future. Haha
The Last Letter From Your Lover- JoJo Moyes
I *think* I'll add this author to my TBR list from now on. It's probably too early to jump the gun since I've only read two of her books. I just really liked both of them. She was a way to just make you feel what these characters are feeling.
This book is about a husband and wife and their failing marriage. They have this perfect life and home to everyone. They throw parties and to everyone else they have "THE life." Like they say, never judge a book by it's cover! On the inside they have a horrible marriage and they pretty much don't get along. He ends up going away for a business trip and she ends up hanging out with a journalist. Of course, you can probably figure out what happens next. Well they plan to leave together but an event happens that prevents it and the rest of the book is about figuring out what really happened. It's a sweet story and also kind of sad in a way. It's a kind of story that makes you want to never give up and always hang on to hope. Whether or not she meant it that way, that's what I took from it.
This book is about a husband and wife and their failing marriage. They have this perfect life and home to everyone. They throw parties and to everyone else they have "THE life." Like they say, never judge a book by it's cover! On the inside they have a horrible marriage and they pretty much don't get along. He ends up going away for a business trip and she ends up hanging out with a journalist. Of course, you can probably figure out what happens next. Well they plan to leave together but an event happens that prevents it and the rest of the book is about figuring out what really happened. It's a sweet story and also kind of sad in a way. It's a kind of story that makes you want to never give up and always hang on to hope. Whether or not she meant it that way, that's what I took from it.
What Really Happened in Peru (novella)- Cassandra Clare
AHHH!!! You have to be kidding me! I LOVE her work. The Mortal Instruments is my favorite series and I am just completely disappointed by this novella! I'm so glad I didn't pay the 3 dollars for it, which is a ridiculous price for a novella!
Magnus Bane is my favorite character from these books. He's the unsung hero and pretty much the snarkiest person you'd ever meet. He's hilarious and so caring but hides it all under this tough, bad-ass persona. So naturally, when I found out she was doing some short stories about him, to learn more about him, I was stoked. Then I read the first one... and I am in no hurry to read anymore. I'm so sad. I feel like at the moment she's fishing! She has an amazing series and pre-quell. She's planning on a post-series, which I'm really afraid of. There's only so much you can write about in this world before it starts to become boring and forced. Her first novella of Bane is exactly what I mean. I just felt like it was really a rushed thing and kind of boring. It was a weird side of Bane that I didn't care too much for. I felt like she was trying to hard. Ughh... To say I'm disappointed is pretty much an understatement. I will probably by it when it all comes out in one book, instead of paying 3 dollars for each little piece. Then hopefully she will have come back with the other stories. I HOPE!
Magnus Bane is my favorite character from these books. He's the unsung hero and pretty much the snarkiest person you'd ever meet. He's hilarious and so caring but hides it all under this tough, bad-ass persona. So naturally, when I found out she was doing some short stories about him, to learn more about him, I was stoked. Then I read the first one... and I am in no hurry to read anymore. I'm so sad. I feel like at the moment she's fishing! She has an amazing series and pre-quell. She's planning on a post-series, which I'm really afraid of. There's only so much you can write about in this world before it starts to become boring and forced. Her first novella of Bane is exactly what I mean. I just felt like it was really a rushed thing and kind of boring. It was a weird side of Bane that I didn't care too much for. I felt like she was trying to hard. Ughh... To say I'm disappointed is pretty much an understatement. I will probably by it when it all comes out in one book, instead of paying 3 dollars for each little piece. Then hopefully she will have come back with the other stories. I HOPE!
Across the Universe, A million Suns, Shades of Earth, As They Slip Away- Beth Revis
I usually write about each book but for this series, I'm going to just chunk it all together. Here's a snippet from Goodreads about the first book: Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming
They describe the book really well. I wasn't quite hooked after reading the first book. I was so anxious to learn about who was really the good guy/bad guy and how long they have actually been on this ship. I just wanted to solve the mystery! I think that's basically the reason I really was reading this series and not giving up. I just can't let things be unsolved! Throughout the first and second book it's just about finding the answers and figuring out who is actually telling the truth. In the second book you are really more on a scavenger hunt that was left by one of the characters from the first book. The third book is where it kind of lost me. I think the answers to all your questions are a bit far-fetched. It was like the author just decided to really get crazy with where this story was going. I didn't really care for the ending at all. It seemed too much of a "happily ever after" that really didn't make too much sense to me. It kind of seemed like it was rushed and needed to be finished quickly so it was all just too easily fixed or something. I'm not sure how to describe it. Overall, I'm glad I read it because that book has been sitting on my shelf forever (The first book). I am also glad that I did not purchase the rest of the series. It's a series I will likely forget soon by something better that comes along. There was so much rave about this series and I'm kind of confused on why.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming
They describe the book really well. I wasn't quite hooked after reading the first book. I was so anxious to learn about who was really the good guy/bad guy and how long they have actually been on this ship. I just wanted to solve the mystery! I think that's basically the reason I really was reading this series and not giving up. I just can't let things be unsolved! Throughout the first and second book it's just about finding the answers and figuring out who is actually telling the truth. In the second book you are really more on a scavenger hunt that was left by one of the characters from the first book. The third book is where it kind of lost me. I think the answers to all your questions are a bit far-fetched. It was like the author just decided to really get crazy with where this story was going. I didn't really care for the ending at all. It seemed too much of a "happily ever after" that really didn't make too much sense to me. It kind of seemed like it was rushed and needed to be finished quickly so it was all just too easily fixed or something. I'm not sure how to describe it. Overall, I'm glad I read it because that book has been sitting on my shelf forever (The first book). I am also glad that I did not purchase the rest of the series. It's a series I will likely forget soon by something better that comes along. There was so much rave about this series and I'm kind of confused on why.
Silver Star- Jeanette Walls
I was really excited about this book since I really enjoyed The Glass Castle. I have to say, I was disappointed.
It's about a girl, her sister and pretty much non-existent mother. She's always away leaving them alone for extended periods of time trying to make it big and be the next "Star." She's older and really it's a pipe dream that she just can't let go. So the girls end up alone and once people start to get suspicious they take off to their moms hometown, which she hates. They show up on their Uncle's doorstep and then this is where the story kind of stalls a bit. Up to this point the book moves pretty fast. Then events kind of happen and the rest of the book is about the younger sister being fixated on revenge and getting the bad guy caught. It gets a little weird though.
It started off so well and then it just kind of dropped off into boring and weird. It didn't just stop there because then it just turned into confusing. I feel like the beginning of this book and the ending of this book were to two different stories. During the middle of this story it pretty much drags and gets boring. Even thought the middle is a bit boring, it's still a quick read. It's a smaller book so it shouldn't take long to get through. I read it in one sitting. I will probably give her next book a try and it will decide whether or not I'm going to continue reading her books.
It's about a girl, her sister and pretty much non-existent mother. She's always away leaving them alone for extended periods of time trying to make it big and be the next "Star." She's older and really it's a pipe dream that she just can't let go. So the girls end up alone and once people start to get suspicious they take off to their moms hometown, which she hates. They show up on their Uncle's doorstep and then this is where the story kind of stalls a bit. Up to this point the book moves pretty fast. Then events kind of happen and the rest of the book is about the younger sister being fixated on revenge and getting the bad guy caught. It gets a little weird though.
It started off so well and then it just kind of dropped off into boring and weird. It didn't just stop there because then it just turned into confusing. I feel like the beginning of this book and the ending of this book were to two different stories. During the middle of this story it pretty much drags and gets boring. Even thought the middle is a bit boring, it's still a quick read. It's a smaller book so it shouldn't take long to get through. I read it in one sitting. I will probably give her next book a try and it will decide whether or not I'm going to continue reading her books.
Friday, August 2, 2013
The Glass Castle- Jeanette Wells
I usually don't like memoirs. It's either a miss or hit with me. I just heard so much about this book at work and through friends on goodreads. It was at the library and available so I brought it home. I read it pretty quickly yesterday. I have to say that I can't decide if I like this book or love it. I go back and forth.
Okay, maybe I will still with really liking it. This is a great story for many reasons. It will make you angry for sure. It's the type of book that makes you angry for the fact not everyone should have children. You feel so bad for these kids and there's nothing you can do! To make it worse, it's true. You know this happens all the time, all over the world, but it's one of those things you don't think too much about, until you read this book. The life these parents make their children live is just down right despicable! They were horribly selfish and made every wrong decision in the book. How most of them grew up to have jobs and live a normal life, I'll never know.
It's a great book and it will grip you from the start. You wont be able to put it down because you just have to know there's a light at the end of this horrible road for these kids. This book will make you appreciate and love your parents more than you already do.
Okay, maybe I will still with really liking it. This is a great story for many reasons. It will make you angry for sure. It's the type of book that makes you angry for the fact not everyone should have children. You feel so bad for these kids and there's nothing you can do! To make it worse, it's true. You know this happens all the time, all over the world, but it's one of those things you don't think too much about, until you read this book. The life these parents make their children live is just down right despicable! They were horribly selfish and made every wrong decision in the book. How most of them grew up to have jobs and live a normal life, I'll never know.
It's a great book and it will grip you from the start. You wont be able to put it down because you just have to know there's a light at the end of this horrible road for these kids. This book will make you appreciate and love your parents more than you already do.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Fated, Echo & Mystic- Alyson Noel
Fated
I have to say, I let the book of this cover draw me in. Wait, I also like the author so it's not the only thing! It's been a long time since the Immortal series but I'm pretty sure I liked it. When I saw that she had a new series out and the covers were so awesome, why not?
Well... I've read the first book and even though it's a fast read, it fell short. I'm a little more intrigued with how it ended, so I will be reading the next two books. I own the second book, so I kind of have to. For some reason, I felt like the book just dragged. I think there was too much detail on some things that weren't necessary yet. The first book was basically her finding out who she is and what her bloodline is. That's pretty much most of the book until you get to the last 20 pages. I'm not sure if it's 20 pages but it seemed like the book was almost over before anything happened. There's a few things that happen at the very end that make you wonder what is going on, which is why I will be reading the next book. I'm not that excited about it though. I'm just hoping it's not at all like the first book and there's more of a character development (all of them) and some kind of fascinating plot line.
Echo
Well I'm glad to say that the story got better. The second book was much better than the first, In my opinion. Finally there were things actually happening instead of the lead character just learning about her past and training. You finally get to see more characters come out of their shells and surprise you. I definitely got through this book a lot faster and I'm glad the finally gripped me. It's just such a pretty cover-haha! Anyways, I really like the main girl in this story because I feel like she is what you want in a heroine. She is strong and makes decisions on her own. She doesn't really rely on anyone to help her, even though they do try. I usually don't like when the main character is weak and dumb. For example, like Sookie from the True Blood show. That girl just gets on my nerves and she's the weakest lead character when she even has supernatural power! Anyways, back to the book.. it was much better and I liked where they went with the story. The ending was so crazy, I jumped right into the next book!!
Mystic
I have to say, I wasn't quite sure where the story was going to go when I started reading this. I got a little bit confused and worried it was going to go someplace else. After the first 2 chapters, I could breathe easy again. I definitely thought the author was going to make this girl into another supernatural being, which would have been totally weird. I really enjoyed this book as well. I liked how a few more characters were brought in and it wasn't weird or awkward to the story. I do have to say, some of the things going on throughout this series is a little far-fetched and weird. I'm surprised I actually like it. I do like her previous series over this one though. I mean it's good and I like them but they aren't great. I will be reading the last book that comes out at the end of this year because I have to know how it ends now. So far I have given this series 3/5 stars on goodreads.
I have to say, I let the book of this cover draw me in. Wait, I also like the author so it's not the only thing! It's been a long time since the Immortal series but I'm pretty sure I liked it. When I saw that she had a new series out and the covers were so awesome, why not?
Well... I've read the first book and even though it's a fast read, it fell short. I'm a little more intrigued with how it ended, so I will be reading the next two books. I own the second book, so I kind of have to. For some reason, I felt like the book just dragged. I think there was too much detail on some things that weren't necessary yet. The first book was basically her finding out who she is and what her bloodline is. That's pretty much most of the book until you get to the last 20 pages. I'm not sure if it's 20 pages but it seemed like the book was almost over before anything happened. There's a few things that happen at the very end that make you wonder what is going on, which is why I will be reading the next book. I'm not that excited about it though. I'm just hoping it's not at all like the first book and there's more of a character development (all of them) and some kind of fascinating plot line.
Echo
Well I'm glad to say that the story got better. The second book was much better than the first, In my opinion. Finally there were things actually happening instead of the lead character just learning about her past and training. You finally get to see more characters come out of their shells and surprise you. I definitely got through this book a lot faster and I'm glad the finally gripped me. It's just such a pretty cover-haha! Anyways, I really like the main girl in this story because I feel like she is what you want in a heroine. She is strong and makes decisions on her own. She doesn't really rely on anyone to help her, even though they do try. I usually don't like when the main character is weak and dumb. For example, like Sookie from the True Blood show. That girl just gets on my nerves and she's the weakest lead character when she even has supernatural power! Anyways, back to the book.. it was much better and I liked where they went with the story. The ending was so crazy, I jumped right into the next book!!
Mystic
I have to say, I wasn't quite sure where the story was going to go when I started reading this. I got a little bit confused and worried it was going to go someplace else. After the first 2 chapters, I could breathe easy again. I definitely thought the author was going to make this girl into another supernatural being, which would have been totally weird. I really enjoyed this book as well. I liked how a few more characters were brought in and it wasn't weird or awkward to the story. I do have to say, some of the things going on throughout this series is a little far-fetched and weird. I'm surprised I actually like it. I do like her previous series over this one though. I mean it's good and I like them but they aren't great. I will be reading the last book that comes out at the end of this year because I have to know how it ends now. So far I have given this series 3/5 stars on goodreads.
The Fault in Our Stars- John Green
I tried to stay away from this book because sometimes I'm like that. I don't want to read everything everyone is reading. Yeah, it's weird. I got tired of so many people recommending it me that I finally just gave in. Actually, it was on sale as a nook book for 4 dollars, so I gave in. I have to say, I'm surprised about how much I actually liked it.
I sat down Sunday an hour before dinner while my husband was playing playstation. I got through a lot of it pretty fast and was instantly hooked. I had a hard time putting it down to eat but my husband made me, haha. I ended up finishing it 2 hours after we ate. I think part of the reason I didn't want to read it is because I knew it was going to be sad. I mean it's about cancer and that's always sad. I used to read an author Lurlene Mcdaniels when I was younger and I loved her but ALL of her books are just so sad. Most of them about a terminal disease, a lot with cancer.
Anyways, the main character really had a unusual way to look at her situation. She was pretty funny too. I think that's another things that keep you wanting more is because there's a lot of humor in this book. I caught myself actually laughing out loud a couple times. My husband wanting to know what was so funny. Yeah, like I'm going to explain chapters to you so you can get one little joke! :) This is a love story and it's going to break your heart. You are going to cry but it's so lovely at the same time. Even though these are kids it's really amazing to see how much strength, courage, and love they have. Especially, with all that's going on with them, their days being numbered or filled with such tragedy, they still find a way to live.
Now, it seems that I will be jumping on the bandwagon and recommending this to everyone else. :)
I sat down Sunday an hour before dinner while my husband was playing playstation. I got through a lot of it pretty fast and was instantly hooked. I had a hard time putting it down to eat but my husband made me, haha. I ended up finishing it 2 hours after we ate. I think part of the reason I didn't want to read it is because I knew it was going to be sad. I mean it's about cancer and that's always sad. I used to read an author Lurlene Mcdaniels when I was younger and I loved her but ALL of her books are just so sad. Most of them about a terminal disease, a lot with cancer.
Anyways, the main character really had a unusual way to look at her situation. She was pretty funny too. I think that's another things that keep you wanting more is because there's a lot of humor in this book. I caught myself actually laughing out loud a couple times. My husband wanting to know what was so funny. Yeah, like I'm going to explain chapters to you so you can get one little joke! :) This is a love story and it's going to break your heart. You are going to cry but it's so lovely at the same time. Even though these are kids it's really amazing to see how much strength, courage, and love they have. Especially, with all that's going on with them, their days being numbered or filled with such tragedy, they still find a way to live.
Now, it seems that I will be jumping on the bandwagon and recommending this to everyone else. :)
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Cinder & Scarlet - Marissa Meyer
Cinder
I've been wanting to read this book for a long time now. I just didn't get around to it and then someone returned it at work (the library) and I was like okay, it's time. I brought it home and decided to put everything else on hold and read it. I read through this pretty fast and I loved it.
It's kind of a twist on the Cinderella story. It's set in New Beijing and it's a mix of humans and androids. From space, another type of people called lunar. There's also a deadly plague that is killing off the population. Cinder is a well known mechanic and a cyborg. She doesn't really know much about her past since she can't remember anything before the age of 11. She lives with her stepmother (who hates her) and two stepsisters. Unlike the Cinderella story, one of the stepsisters is sweet and her and Cinder love each other. Cinder is living a normal-ish life until the Prince stops at her table at the market to ask for her assistance. She falls for him and then things start to unwind for her as she's finding out more about herself than she ever knew.
That's all I'm going to say. I know some of it sounds weird but it's really good. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, Scarlet. Although, there is a wait at the library. I know there will be two more books in the next year and a half so that's exciting. I just hope she can stick to her writing and deliver on the next 3 books!
Scarlet
This is the second book in this series. I plowed right through it. I just loved it. I just love the way different people spin fairy tales and this series is probably going to be one of my favorites. Scarlet is about "little red riding hood" in a way. It's not exactly the story itself but it's pieces of the fairy tale that have been imbedded in this story. It also ties in with the first book as a continuation but mostly about Scarlet. There's definitely a lot more characters now and I love them all. It's such a strange concept with the cyborgs and all that but it's definitely interesting. It's like a futuristic fairy tale. I'm interested to see where she goes with the next book, which I believe is Rapunzel.
I've been wanting to read this book for a long time now. I just didn't get around to it and then someone returned it at work (the library) and I was like okay, it's time. I brought it home and decided to put everything else on hold and read it. I read through this pretty fast and I loved it.
It's kind of a twist on the Cinderella story. It's set in New Beijing and it's a mix of humans and androids. From space, another type of people called lunar. There's also a deadly plague that is killing off the population. Cinder is a well known mechanic and a cyborg. She doesn't really know much about her past since she can't remember anything before the age of 11. She lives with her stepmother (who hates her) and two stepsisters. Unlike the Cinderella story, one of the stepsisters is sweet and her and Cinder love each other. Cinder is living a normal-ish life until the Prince stops at her table at the market to ask for her assistance. She falls for him and then things start to unwind for her as she's finding out more about herself than she ever knew.
That's all I'm going to say. I know some of it sounds weird but it's really good. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, Scarlet. Although, there is a wait at the library. I know there will be two more books in the next year and a half so that's exciting. I just hope she can stick to her writing and deliver on the next 3 books!
Scarlet
This is the second book in this series. I plowed right through it. I just loved it. I just love the way different people spin fairy tales and this series is probably going to be one of my favorites. Scarlet is about "little red riding hood" in a way. It's not exactly the story itself but it's pieces of the fairy tale that have been imbedded in this story. It also ties in with the first book as a continuation but mostly about Scarlet. There's definitely a lot more characters now and I love them all. It's such a strange concept with the cyborgs and all that but it's definitely interesting. It's like a futuristic fairy tale. I'm interested to see where she goes with the next book, which I believe is Rapunzel.
Partials- Dan Wells
I've had this book checked out several times in print and e-book. Every time I had to return/renew it without reading it. After months of this, I finally decided to take the plunge this week. I mean it was getting some pretty great reviews and it seemed to fly through the library. It is definitely a quick read, most teen books are these days. I am now not surprised why it has sat on my ottoman so long.
It's basically a story about the human race being almost extinct after a war with the Partials, which are engineered to look identical as people. There's only tens of thousands of people left because of an RM virus. No babies are surviving because they die straight out of the womb and if not only hours later. They keep dropping the laws that make women/girls forced to become pregnant and have children. Now they are dropping the age down to 16 and it is mandatory to become pregnant before two months is up. Kira, who is 16 is a medic in training and she's tired of seeing these babies die. She takes it upon her self that she will find the immunity/cure to RM. She then decides that everything has been studied but an actual Partial. So she gets her friends to go on a mission to capture a partial to study it for the cure to RM.
I don't want to give anything away but I have to say it was kind of a boring read. I think it was more with the authors writing style then the actual story. I just didn't really care for it. It was a quick read that kind of felt like it dragged. It just didn't capture me and I decided to return the second book because I wouldn't be reading it. Who knows, maybe it gets better with the second book but I really didn't want to chance it since there are so many other books I can't wait to read.
It's basically a story about the human race being almost extinct after a war with the Partials, which are engineered to look identical as people. There's only tens of thousands of people left because of an RM virus. No babies are surviving because they die straight out of the womb and if not only hours later. They keep dropping the laws that make women/girls forced to become pregnant and have children. Now they are dropping the age down to 16 and it is mandatory to become pregnant before two months is up. Kira, who is 16 is a medic in training and she's tired of seeing these babies die. She takes it upon her self that she will find the immunity/cure to RM. She then decides that everything has been studied but an actual Partial. So she gets her friends to go on a mission to capture a partial to study it for the cure to RM.
I don't want to give anything away but I have to say it was kind of a boring read. I think it was more with the authors writing style then the actual story. I just didn't really care for it. It was a quick read that kind of felt like it dragged. It just didn't capture me and I decided to return the second book because I wouldn't be reading it. Who knows, maybe it gets better with the second book but I really didn't want to chance it since there are so many other books I can't wait to read.
Reconstructing Amelia-Kimberly McCreight
I loved this book! This was another recommendation from my Entertainment Weekly summer reads. I wasn't quite sure what it was going to be about and I just plunged in without reading about it. I'm glad to say I was not disappointed.
Throughout the book the chapters alternate between mother and daughter (Amelia). It starts off the first day of her death and then throughout the book when the mom is trying to find out what happened, the alternating story of Amelia is actually telling you what happened. You don't find out until the end what really happened from both sides. It's like once the mom figures something out then it goes on to having the actual story told by Amelia.
This is a great book to have teens read, I think. A lot of this had to do with gossip and bullying. Everything that happens to Amelia has something to do with all of those things. It also shines a light on how sometimes teachers, who you are supposed to trust, can be another person in reality. I flew through this book because I just couldn't wait to see what happened. I think it's important for teenagers to understand how things can be blown out of proportion and things are never really as bad as they seem. It's so funny to think back to when I was a teenager and thinking something was the end of the world. Now looking back, you just have to laugh and think how silly you were. Bullying is a huge part of society now and it's completely awful and there need to be steps in school systems to take actions before something awful happens. Maybe the school systems need to read this book too! LOL. Sometimes it's not just the students who are playing a part in gossip and bullying.
Matched- Crossed- Reached by Ally Condie
Matched
I really liked this book. I bought it because the cover was pretty and ended up liking the story itself. I felt like the series had great potential. I mean who can't resist a triangle love story? This book is about a girl who goes to her "matching" banquet so they can reveal who her match is going to be. When they end up showing her the match, it skips out for a second and it flashes the face of someone else. Now she's all confused and over the course of the book she ends up falling in love with him. The catch is that he's not a part of the "real" society and more like an outcast. He ends up getting taken away and then she goes on a mission to find him. That's where this book ends. Overall, I really liked this first book and was excited to see where the author went with the series.
Crossed
I remember checking this out from the library at one point and then becoming stuck in the story. I just wasn't too excited about it. Well over the last month I decided it was time to finish up this series. Well I was really confused at first and this book just didn't go in the direction I thought it could go. It really fell flat for me. I don't know if it's because of the writing or the story in general. I just feel like the whole book is one long search party and it kind of takes on a whole new theme. It's probably just me but I really didn't care for this book much. Like really, you can pretty much read this book out of order and you wouldn't be lost. I just felt like it was a completely different story. Then we get to the next book..
Reached
Now I was already two books into this series and I didn't care for the second. So why, do you ask, would I read the last one?? Well to finish off the loose end. I mean, I already invested enough time, I might as well have seen if she redeemed herself in the last book. NOPE. I felt like this book was completely a whole different world and theme than the other two. This book alone was all about a PLAGUE. The whole entire book was about trying to find a cure to this plague and I just felt like she was reaching for straws to get three books out of this series. Lets just say the interest and excitement for the first book totally wore off. I'm a little annoyed that I read this whole series. I just feel like the story did not flow from one book to the other. I mean they are like three stand alone books, really. Besides the fact that some of the "love story" continues throughout, I just didn't these books being in one series. I know they are very popular and I'm wondering why. I just didn't like them.
I'm so glad I only ended up purchasing the first book! I almost caved because I didn't want to wait for the library wait list for these books and almost spent a lot of money. So grateful I didn't now! Ugh. Oh well, this is just another case of quantity before quality.
I really liked this book. I bought it because the cover was pretty and ended up liking the story itself. I felt like the series had great potential. I mean who can't resist a triangle love story? This book is about a girl who goes to her "matching" banquet so they can reveal who her match is going to be. When they end up showing her the match, it skips out for a second and it flashes the face of someone else. Now she's all confused and over the course of the book she ends up falling in love with him. The catch is that he's not a part of the "real" society and more like an outcast. He ends up getting taken away and then she goes on a mission to find him. That's where this book ends. Overall, I really liked this first book and was excited to see where the author went with the series.
Crossed
I remember checking this out from the library at one point and then becoming stuck in the story. I just wasn't too excited about it. Well over the last month I decided it was time to finish up this series. Well I was really confused at first and this book just didn't go in the direction I thought it could go. It really fell flat for me. I don't know if it's because of the writing or the story in general. I just feel like the whole book is one long search party and it kind of takes on a whole new theme. It's probably just me but I really didn't care for this book much. Like really, you can pretty much read this book out of order and you wouldn't be lost. I just felt like it was a completely different story. Then we get to the next book..
Reached
Now I was already two books into this series and I didn't care for the second. So why, do you ask, would I read the last one?? Well to finish off the loose end. I mean, I already invested enough time, I might as well have seen if she redeemed herself in the last book. NOPE. I felt like this book was completely a whole different world and theme than the other two. This book alone was all about a PLAGUE. The whole entire book was about trying to find a cure to this plague and I just felt like she was reaching for straws to get three books out of this series. Lets just say the interest and excitement for the first book totally wore off. I'm a little annoyed that I read this whole series. I just feel like the story did not flow from one book to the other. I mean they are like three stand alone books, really. Besides the fact that some of the "love story" continues throughout, I just didn't these books being in one series. I know they are very popular and I'm wondering why. I just didn't like them.
I'm so glad I only ended up purchasing the first book! I almost caved because I didn't want to wait for the library wait list for these books and almost spent a lot of money. So grateful I didn't now! Ugh. Oh well, this is just another case of quantity before quality.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sisterland- Curtis Sittenfeld
This was another recommendation from my Entertainment Weekly. This was an interesting, funny book! There's of course plenty of drama to go along with it. I have to say, I was not expecting for this book to take the turn it did.
For the most part this book is about two twin sisters. They both were born with the "sense" and can kind of see parts of the future. One of the twins doesn't like it and does everything she can to get rid of it, while the other practices it and makes it her career as a medium. They both have issues with each other, like most siblings, but always have each others backs. In this book it alternates chapters between the present and flashbacks of their past. It tells the story of how they grow up and face challenges and what happens to make them who they are today. The past were the parts I enjoyed the best. The present is where one twin senses that a bad earthquake is coming and the second twin then gets a sense of a horrible day. She then thinks it's the date of the earthquake and her sister goes on Live TV to predict it. This is how the rest of the book unfolds, leading up to the events of this date. What they both don't know is that the sense of the date being horrible was for a reason either one of them expected.
I have to say I will be recommending this one at the library! I liked it and even though it took me a bit to get through, I didn't really mind it.
For the most part this book is about two twin sisters. They both were born with the "sense" and can kind of see parts of the future. One of the twins doesn't like it and does everything she can to get rid of it, while the other practices it and makes it her career as a medium. They both have issues with each other, like most siblings, but always have each others backs. In this book it alternates chapters between the present and flashbacks of their past. It tells the story of how they grow up and face challenges and what happens to make them who they are today. The past were the parts I enjoyed the best. The present is where one twin senses that a bad earthquake is coming and the second twin then gets a sense of a horrible day. She then thinks it's the date of the earthquake and her sister goes on Live TV to predict it. This is how the rest of the book unfolds, leading up to the events of this date. What they both don't know is that the sense of the date being horrible was for a reason either one of them expected.
I have to say I will be recommending this one at the library! I liked it and even though it took me a bit to get through, I didn't really mind it.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
The Engagements- J. Courtney Sullivan
For some reason this book was a little tough for me to get through. I feel like there was too much going on maybe. I was really excited about this book because it sounded so interesting but I didn't love it. It was just an okay book for me.
Basically, it's the story of the lady who wrote for an AD agency, about diamonds and how "A diamond is forever" came about. Along with her story, it entwines 4 other stories along with it. These different stories start out at different points in time from the past to present. They all are at different points in life and somehow all these stories end up entwined with one diamond ring. There are five different parts to the book, each picking the story where the last part left off. Some of the detail became a bit too much. Some of the things I really didn't need to know about and made the book seem like it dragged on for a bit.
All in all, the idea of the book had a lot of potential. It just ended up falling a bit short for me. I don't know if it was the writing style or just the actual plot. It was definitely interesting and some of the stories were a lot better than others. Some of the stories were just a bit boring. It's most likely the boring parts that made it hard for me to get through this book quickly.
Basically, it's the story of the lady who wrote for an AD agency, about diamonds and how "A diamond is forever" came about. Along with her story, it entwines 4 other stories along with it. These different stories start out at different points in time from the past to present. They all are at different points in life and somehow all these stories end up entwined with one diamond ring. There are five different parts to the book, each picking the story where the last part left off. Some of the detail became a bit too much. Some of the things I really didn't need to know about and made the book seem like it dragged on for a bit.
All in all, the idea of the book had a lot of potential. It just ended up falling a bit short for me. I don't know if it was the writing style or just the actual plot. It was definitely interesting and some of the stories were a lot better than others. Some of the stories were just a bit boring. It's most likely the boring parts that made it hard for me to get through this book quickly.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
He's Gone- Deb Caletti
I grabbed this book from the shelf at the library because I saw it was new and the cover intrigued me. I read what it was about and was like, sure I'll go for it. Well, I'm glad I did. I've recommended it to a few people since and they have liked it as well.
It's about a married couple who are having a few problems. They get into an argument one night and she ends up drinking a little too much and combining it with a pill. When she wakes up in the morning she has mud on her feet and her husband is nowhere in sight. She's still angry with him so she ends up doing some chores and waiting for him to come home because she thinks he's out blowing off steam. Well Sunday night comes and nothing. He wont answer his phone and she can't find him anywhere but his car is still parked in it's spot. Monday morning she decides to go report him missing and that's when all chaos starts to happen. Throughout the book they can't figure out what's going on and she starts to wonder if maybe she had a hand in his disappearance. You start to wonder yourself if she did or not... I'm not going to say more because I don't want to give it away but I really enjoyed this book. So have the others that I recommended it too.
Me Before You- JoJo Moyes
I absolutely loved this book! I read this so fast because I just couldn't put it down. I was literally holding it in one and hand and cooking with the other because I just had to know what was going to happen next.
It's about a girl (Lou) who gets laid off because her boss is moving back to his home country. She didn't go to college and she doesn't really care where her life is headed. She is in a relationship, that is just horrible. He is obsessed with his body and working out. Well he is a trainer but still, he is quite annoying. She then has no option but to take on a job of being an at home healthcare "nurse". She hates the idea of taking care of someone because all you think about is an old person who can't wipe their butt, right? Well that's all she thinks about. To her surprise he's actually young and he had a huge name for himself before he got hit by a car and became a quadriplegic. He is having a horrible time getting on with his life because he used to go all over the world and be very active. It's been two years and his mom hires her to help him with his depression. She thinks that Lou will be able to change his mind about something he's decided to do. Well they hate each other at first but fall in love over time. What happens at the end really did surprise me. It actually makes perfect sense for it to have ended the way it did though.
It's about a girl (Lou) who gets laid off because her boss is moving back to his home country. She didn't go to college and she doesn't really care where her life is headed. She is in a relationship, that is just horrible. He is obsessed with his body and working out. Well he is a trainer but still, he is quite annoying. She then has no option but to take on a job of being an at home healthcare "nurse". She hates the idea of taking care of someone because all you think about is an old person who can't wipe their butt, right? Well that's all she thinks about. To her surprise he's actually young and he had a huge name for himself before he got hit by a car and became a quadriplegic. He is having a horrible time getting on with his life because he used to go all over the world and be very active. It's been two years and his mom hires her to help him with his depression. She thinks that Lou will be able to change his mind about something he's decided to do. Well they hate each other at first but fall in love over time. What happens at the end really did surprise me. It actually makes perfect sense for it to have ended the way it did though.
Between Shades of Gray- Ruta Sepetys
This is a book that was in a magazine that "all ages should read." I tend to read whatever I want, even if it's a young adult or teen book. This book was fantastic.
It's about a fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941 and her story. How she, her mother and younger brother get uprooted from their home and sent to a "camp". It's such a heartbreaking story and it's pretty much about faith, love, and hope. Even though, they go through some pretty unbearable times, they always have hope and never give up. This story is so powerful and can really move you. It really makes you think of what all we take for granted on a daily basis. Now because this is toward a younger audience it was a very quick read. I got through this book in no time. Also, you just can't stand to put it down. It grips you and just doesn't let you go.
It's about a fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941 and her story. How she, her mother and younger brother get uprooted from their home and sent to a "camp". It's such a heartbreaking story and it's pretty much about faith, love, and hope. Even though, they go through some pretty unbearable times, they always have hope and never give up. This story is so powerful and can really move you. It really makes you think of what all we take for granted on a daily basis. Now because this is toward a younger audience it was a very quick read. I got through this book in no time. Also, you just can't stand to put it down. It grips you and just doesn't let you go.
The Hobbit- J.R.R. Tolkien
My husband. + Legalos. That's it.
I really do owe a lot of amazing books to him. He tried to get me to read The Hunger Games way before it's blow up and I denied him. After they decided to make a movie, it was on a cover of Entertainment Weekly and decided to read them. Loved them. I heard a told you so. The Mortal Instruments is by far my favorite series Ever. He also, tried to get me to read them and I said no. I was at a Barnes and Noble holiday sale and they had the first 4 books for 5 bucks each. I thought I'd give them a go and I absolutely loved them. Yet again, another I told you so.
Now my husband loves the Hobbit and the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy. He's tried to get me to read them and there was no way. My father loved the LOTR trilogy and I spent countless times getting up and leaving the living room when they were on TV. I never got it, except seeing Orlando Bloom as Legalos. I loved him from afar and never thought to watch the movies to get more Legalos time. I even had a poster and thought the blonde was just so him. Well... fast forward to June 2013. My husband didn't see the Hobbit in December because there were a lot of mixed reviews. I brought it home from the library and that's when he watched it, while I was at work. Then I was on IMDB and they had a new trailer for the new Hobbit that comes out Dec. 13. My husband was like, "Wait, I want to see that!" So we watched it and what do you know... there is Legalos! So THEN I was like okay, I'll give this a try. So I read the Hobbit and really enjoyed it! What a surprise! haha. So then I brought home The Hobbit and watched it with my husband and that weekend we spent 9 hours watching the LOTR trilogy! I can't believe what I was missing! It only took a little over a decade haha. Even though, I should give the credit to my husband... I feel that it really goes to Legalos. He's what really got me to finally jump in!
Anyways, about the book. I have to say, it was a very fast read. It was also very enjoyable. There's a lot of different things to happen to Bilbo on this adventure. I loved all the different types of characters. I do have to say that the book is better than the movie, who knew?! LOL I have to agree with my husband about The Hobbit feels like it's toward a younger audience while the LOTR is to a more mature audience. The Hobbit feels at times like it's tended for a younger audience in the style of writing. It's a lot "lighter" than the LOTR, which feels a lot "darker," if that makes any sense. All in all, I enjoyed it and I'm glad that I finally gave it a chance! I now can't wait for the next movie, even know I know it will not be as good as the book. How they made such a small book into 3 movies, I'll never know!!
I really do owe a lot of amazing books to him. He tried to get me to read The Hunger Games way before it's blow up and I denied him. After they decided to make a movie, it was on a cover of Entertainment Weekly and decided to read them. Loved them. I heard a told you so. The Mortal Instruments is by far my favorite series Ever. He also, tried to get me to read them and I said no. I was at a Barnes and Noble holiday sale and they had the first 4 books for 5 bucks each. I thought I'd give them a go and I absolutely loved them. Yet again, another I told you so.
Now my husband loves the Hobbit and the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy. He's tried to get me to read them and there was no way. My father loved the LOTR trilogy and I spent countless times getting up and leaving the living room when they were on TV. I never got it, except seeing Orlando Bloom as Legalos. I loved him from afar and never thought to watch the movies to get more Legalos time. I even had a poster and thought the blonde was just so him. Well... fast forward to June 2013. My husband didn't see the Hobbit in December because there were a lot of mixed reviews. I brought it home from the library and that's when he watched it, while I was at work. Then I was on IMDB and they had a new trailer for the new Hobbit that comes out Dec. 13. My husband was like, "Wait, I want to see that!" So we watched it and what do you know... there is Legalos! So THEN I was like okay, I'll give this a try. So I read the Hobbit and really enjoyed it! What a surprise! haha. So then I brought home The Hobbit and watched it with my husband and that weekend we spent 9 hours watching the LOTR trilogy! I can't believe what I was missing! It only took a little over a decade haha. Even though, I should give the credit to my husband... I feel that it really goes to Legalos. He's what really got me to finally jump in!
Anyways, about the book. I have to say, it was a very fast read. It was also very enjoyable. There's a lot of different things to happen to Bilbo on this adventure. I loved all the different types of characters. I do have to say that the book is better than the movie, who knew?! LOL I have to agree with my husband about The Hobbit feels like it's toward a younger audience while the LOTR is to a more mature audience. The Hobbit feels at times like it's tended for a younger audience in the style of writing. It's a lot "lighter" than the LOTR, which feels a lot "darker," if that makes any sense. All in all, I enjoyed it and I'm glad that I finally gave it a chance! I now can't wait for the next movie, even know I know it will not be as good as the book. How they made such a small book into 3 movies, I'll never know!!
Goal is 175
This year my goal is 175 books. Last year it was 100 and I made it to 102. I'm at 110 so far. I have no doubt I'll be able to hit my goal. I think the reason was the first 4 months I didn't have a job and I just read all the time because I'm in a new city with no friends. HAH.
Anyways, I now have a job at a library and I think it's made it more difficult because I just want to read so many more books. I have tons of books going in and out every time I work and most of the time I take home more than I take back that day! I have this pile on my ottoman and it's just growing at an insane speed. It's okay though, I have found many more authors and book that I just love than I would have otherwise.
I'm so glad I found Goodreads.com last year. It's just an amazing website and I love how easy it keeps track of what I'm reading an how I can update the pages I'm on. I have been reading A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin since like November last year and it's been a work in progress. I have the book for 14 day intervals because I have to be on a hold list for the ebook from the library. I refuse to pay for the hardcover and it's difficult for me to read the hardcover because it's so big. So I will have to keep at the holds list for the ebook until the paperback comes out in October! All the while, goodreads has kept up with the pages I've stopped on between each time I've had the book. I also love the recommendations that I find on there. I also love how it keeps track of the books I want to read and the ones I'm own and so on. This kind of sounds like I'm being paid to promote them, which I'm definitely not. lol
Anyways, I now have a job at a library and I think it's made it more difficult because I just want to read so many more books. I have tons of books going in and out every time I work and most of the time I take home more than I take back that day! I have this pile on my ottoman and it's just growing at an insane speed. It's okay though, I have found many more authors and book that I just love than I would have otherwise.
I'm so glad I found Goodreads.com last year. It's just an amazing website and I love how easy it keeps track of what I'm reading an how I can update the pages I'm on. I have been reading A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin since like November last year and it's been a work in progress. I have the book for 14 day intervals because I have to be on a hold list for the ebook from the library. I refuse to pay for the hardcover and it's difficult for me to read the hardcover because it's so big. So I will have to keep at the holds list for the ebook until the paperback comes out in October! All the while, goodreads has kept up with the pages I've stopped on between each time I've had the book. I also love the recommendations that I find on there. I also love how it keeps track of the books I want to read and the ones I'm own and so on. This kind of sounds like I'm being paid to promote them, which I'm definitely not. lol
Where'd You Go. Bernadette? - Maria Semple
I work at a library- yes, shocker! This was the book of the month in June. I decided to give it a try. It was a quick read and I really enjoyed it. I'm always intrigued when a story has a little mystery in it.
This is the story of a crazy mother. HAH. It's kind of a different writing style than most books. It's the story with the evidence written in along the way. It's told by the daughter and at the end she receives all these letters and emails that show what is going on, on the other side at the time. Her mom is a little all over the place and her daughter is embarrassed of her most of the time. Her dad is this computer genius and kind of a workaholic. The daughter goes to this rich private school and a lot of the book is a feud between her mother and the other women, one of them being a neighbor. The daughter wants to go on this huge trip to Alaska. They decide to go and the mom is just freaking out and has all this anxiety about traveling. When her husband is sure that she is going crazy, he finds a doctor to intervene. This is where the story gets interesting because she goes to the bathroom during her intervention and then suddenly disappears without a trace. The last half of the story is about the daughter trying to find her mom. I wont ruin in the end. Actually, this is the most I've probably written about the actual book. I don't like to give away the details.. Anyways, it's a really good book!
This is the story of a crazy mother. HAH. It's kind of a different writing style than most books. It's the story with the evidence written in along the way. It's told by the daughter and at the end she receives all these letters and emails that show what is going on, on the other side at the time. Her mom is a little all over the place and her daughter is embarrassed of her most of the time. Her dad is this computer genius and kind of a workaholic. The daughter goes to this rich private school and a lot of the book is a feud between her mother and the other women, one of them being a neighbor. The daughter wants to go on this huge trip to Alaska. They decide to go and the mom is just freaking out and has all this anxiety about traveling. When her husband is sure that she is going crazy, he finds a doctor to intervene. This is where the story gets interesting because she goes to the bathroom during her intervention and then suddenly disappears without a trace. The last half of the story is about the daughter trying to find her mom. I wont ruin in the end. Actually, this is the most I've probably written about the actual book. I don't like to give away the details.. Anyways, it's a really good book!
Man Up! Tales of my Delusional Self- Confidence- Ross Mathews
I'm not sure about these kinds of books anymore. I usually get so excited to read books written by people who I find just so funny! For example: Ellen DeGeneres, Tina Fey, Chelsea Handler, Mindy Kaling.. So far it hasn't been working for me. I have been disappointed more than anything.
I love Ross Mathews. He's hilarious and I just love how he owns himself and doesn't care what other people think. I was excited for this book because I figured he was going to knock it out of the park! Well... It fell flat for me. I did laugh at some points but I thought it he kind of was all over the place. He had A LOT more detail to a story than needed. It was like he would think of other stories while he was talking about one story and be like, I want to add that too. It just didn't relate to the current story and it became too much. This trend happened a lot. I'd be reading about something happening to him during lunch and then he would add another two stories into this one tale. It just became a little unorganized and a lot of the times I felt like he was trying way to hard to be funny. I think I'm going to stay away from these types of books from now on...
I love Ross Mathews. He's hilarious and I just love how he owns himself and doesn't care what other people think. I was excited for this book because I figured he was going to knock it out of the park! Well... It fell flat for me. I did laugh at some points but I thought it he kind of was all over the place. He had A LOT more detail to a story than needed. It was like he would think of other stories while he was talking about one story and be like, I want to add that too. It just didn't relate to the current story and it became too much. This trend happened a lot. I'd be reading about something happening to him during lunch and then he would add another two stories into this one tale. It just became a little unorganized and a lot of the times I felt like he was trying way to hard to be funny. I think I'm going to stay away from these types of books from now on...
While We Were Watching Downton Abbey- Wendy Wax
Time to read: 5 hours (three days)
I was browsing at Barnes and Noble when I saw this and decided I wanted to read it because I love Downton Abbey! Once I received it from the library, I was so excited! Well I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would.
It's about 3 women who live in the same building and they are all at different stages in life. One is a writer who is taking a year off from working to write. Another who is a mom of two girls and recently divorced. The last is married but they are really rich. It is about how they all end up becoming friends through a weekly showing of Downton Abbey in the lobby of their apartment complex. Then they all end up helping each other out with certain difficulties going on in their lives. It's a sweet story and in a way too sweet. Sometimes when books end up with every single thing happening the perfect way and they all get their perfect happy ever after, I think BS. It started to get to the point that it was too much perfect. I don't know if that makes sense. Anyways, it was an okay book but not something I'd want to own because I'd never read it again.
I was browsing at Barnes and Noble when I saw this and decided I wanted to read it because I love Downton Abbey! Once I received it from the library, I was so excited! Well I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would.
It's about 3 women who live in the same building and they are all at different stages in life. One is a writer who is taking a year off from working to write. Another who is a mom of two girls and recently divorced. The last is married but they are really rich. It is about how they all end up becoming friends through a weekly showing of Downton Abbey in the lobby of their apartment complex. Then they all end up helping each other out with certain difficulties going on in their lives. It's a sweet story and in a way too sweet. Sometimes when books end up with every single thing happening the perfect way and they all get their perfect happy ever after, I think BS. It started to get to the point that it was too much perfect. I don't know if that makes sense. Anyways, it was an okay book but not something I'd want to own because I'd never read it again.
Crazy Rich Asians- Kevin Kwan
Time to read: 6 hours (over two days)
This is another book that was recommended from my Entertainment Weekly magazine. I loved this book! It's really funny and intriguing. I thought this book was just going to be another one of those books where the rich guy meets the girl, they fall in love, family hates girl, they overcome it and live happily ever after. Well that kind of happens.. but with so much more!
This book really takes you into a whole other culture. It shows you what their customs and traditions are and how much they are similar/differ from other rich people. This book really takes you on the journey of so many other characters besides the main two. It's basically about his family and all their drama and how they react to a girl that is not from a "proper rich background." They go to Singapore for his best friends wedding and that's when it all just goes crazy. Every reason they can find to hate this poor girl, they do. Most of it has to do with her status and her background. She's from "mainland China" which apparently is a no-no. She ends up finding things out about her own life that her mother lied to her about. Basically, they have to go through all these events and try to stay together, which is a pretty hard thing to do. I was just so fascinated with this book.
This is another book that was recommended from my Entertainment Weekly magazine. I loved this book! It's really funny and intriguing. I thought this book was just going to be another one of those books where the rich guy meets the girl, they fall in love, family hates girl, they overcome it and live happily ever after. Well that kind of happens.. but with so much more!
This book really takes you into a whole other culture. It shows you what their customs and traditions are and how much they are similar/differ from other rich people. This book really takes you on the journey of so many other characters besides the main two. It's basically about his family and all their drama and how they react to a girl that is not from a "proper rich background." They go to Singapore for his best friends wedding and that's when it all just goes crazy. Every reason they can find to hate this poor girl, they do. Most of it has to do with her status and her background. She's from "mainland China" which apparently is a no-no. She ends up finding things out about her own life that her mother lied to her about. Basically, they have to go through all these events and try to stay together, which is a pretty hard thing to do. I was just so fascinated with this book.
The Lane at the End of the Ocean- Neil Gaiman
Time to read: 2 1/2 hours
This is a really short book. I was surprised when I received it, how small it was! I ended up getting this recommended to me in my Entertainment Weekly magazine. I have to say, they have done pretty well with their recommendations. So far I'm 2/2.
Anyways, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book. I kind of just plunged into it without reading much about it. Since it was such a small book I figured it wouldn't take long and no big loss if I didn't like it. Well, the story kind of surprised me. It's about a man who goes back to his hometown and then remembers some events that happened when he was a little boy. It's a fantasy type story that becomes quite dark. I am impressed on how detailed the story is and how he kept it so short. I like that. There's nothing worse than an author who goes into too much depth to make a book that's 400+ pages long. All in all, I really liked this book. I gave it 4/5 stars on Goodreads.
This is a really short book. I was surprised when I received it, how small it was! I ended up getting this recommended to me in my Entertainment Weekly magazine. I have to say, they have done pretty well with their recommendations. So far I'm 2/2.
Anyways, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book. I kind of just plunged into it without reading much about it. Since it was such a small book I figured it wouldn't take long and no big loss if I didn't like it. Well, the story kind of surprised me. It's about a man who goes back to his hometown and then remembers some events that happened when he was a little boy. It's a fantasy type story that becomes quite dark. I am impressed on how detailed the story is and how he kept it so short. I like that. There's nothing worse than an author who goes into too much depth to make a book that's 400+ pages long. All in all, I really liked this book. I gave it 4/5 stars on Goodreads.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Gameboard of the Gods- Richelle Mead
I was really excited when I found out she was making and adult series. I really liked her previous works: Vampire Academy series & Bloodlines series. I wasn't quite sure what to expect because reading the synopsis on the book told me it was going to be A LOT different than her previous work. Boy, was I right! Although, it's different, I really enjoyed it. I have to say it was a meaty book. There was a lot to it that's for sure. This is a book based mainly on religion. The lack thereof, the belief of or lack of, in supernatural beings/instances. There is so much to this book that I'm not really going to get into it right now. I just know that this is going to be an either "i hate it" or "i love it" type of thing. Because so much of her fan base is on her earlier work and this is a lot different.
Too Far Series- Abbi Glines
Fallen Too Far, Never Too Far, & Forever Too Far
I've read a lot of her books in the last few months, including another series (Existence Trilogy) and I seem to really like her. Now, I'm not a HUGE romance person. It tend to be scared of reading something really cheesy. I have to say, she does a pretty good job of being sweet but not too sweet. I was hooked with this story as soon as I started to first book.
This about a girl who has had a rough life and lost her mother and twin sister. She goes to stay with her (really rich) dad and he ends up leading her to his step-sons place. He is a jerk, womanizer and the works and basically treats her like garbage. He finds himself being attracted to her and wanting to help her. Well they end up falling in love and the next three books are about their relationship. She ends up pregnant in the beginning of the second book and tries to keep it from him, which never works. Then the third book, which i read today, continues throughout her pregnancy and them battling with his crazy family issues.
It's a pretty quick read. She is also making a couple spin-off books from this series with other characters, which I'm really excited about. Some of them are going to be pretty interesting because of the background information from these books. I can't wait!
I've read a lot of her books in the last few months, including another series (Existence Trilogy) and I seem to really like her. Now, I'm not a HUGE romance person. It tend to be scared of reading something really cheesy. I have to say, she does a pretty good job of being sweet but not too sweet. I was hooked with this story as soon as I started to first book.
This about a girl who has had a rough life and lost her mother and twin sister. She goes to stay with her (really rich) dad and he ends up leading her to his step-sons place. He is a jerk, womanizer and the works and basically treats her like garbage. He finds himself being attracted to her and wanting to help her. Well they end up falling in love and the next three books are about their relationship. She ends up pregnant in the beginning of the second book and tries to keep it from him, which never works. Then the third book, which i read today, continues throughout her pregnancy and them battling with his crazy family issues.
It's a pretty quick read. She is also making a couple spin-off books from this series with other characters, which I'm really excited about. Some of them are going to be pretty interesting because of the background information from these books. I can't wait!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Update! Update!!
WOW- It's been a long time!!!
Life has been a little bit CRAZY the last 7-8 months! With relocating and both my husband and I getting new jobs. I have found plenty of time to read though! :-)
I've absolutely have read more books this year so far than I did half the year last year. There are so many that I've read but here are a few that I highly recommend:
Slammed, Point of Retreat, This Girl, Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
- She may be my new favorite author
Sharp Objects- Gillian Flynn
Infernal Devices (3 books)- Cassandra Clare
Coincidenc of Callie & Kayden- Jessica Sorensen
Easy- Tammara Weber
Beautiful Disaster & Walking Disaster- Jamie Mcguire
Bloodlines Series (3 books out and 1 to go) -Richelle Mead
The Promise of Stardust- Priscille Sibley
Fallen too far & Never too far -Abbi Glines
The Book of Tomorrow- Cecilia Ahern
Pillars of the Earth Series- Ken Follet
The Light Between Oceans- M.L. Stedman
These are some books that I think are excellent! The Series books, I haven't read them all this year. Some of them I read from the beginning that they were released.
Life has been a little bit CRAZY the last 7-8 months! With relocating and both my husband and I getting new jobs. I have found plenty of time to read though! :-)
I've absolutely have read more books this year so far than I did half the year last year. There are so many that I've read but here are a few that I highly recommend:
Slammed, Point of Retreat, This Girl, Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
- She may be my new favorite author
Sharp Objects- Gillian Flynn
Infernal Devices (3 books)- Cassandra Clare
Coincidenc of Callie & Kayden- Jessica Sorensen
Easy- Tammara Weber
Beautiful Disaster & Walking Disaster- Jamie Mcguire
Bloodlines Series (3 books out and 1 to go) -Richelle Mead
The Promise of Stardust- Priscille Sibley
Fallen too far & Never too far -Abbi Glines
The Book of Tomorrow- Cecilia Ahern
Pillars of the Earth Series- Ken Follet
The Light Between Oceans- M.L. Stedman
These are some books that I think are excellent! The Series books, I haven't read them all this year. Some of them I read from the beginning that they were released.
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