Ahhhh!!! I loved this book, but first - thank you to the publicist for providing me with a copy for review!
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: Matthew Turner doesn't have faith in anything. Not in family - his is in shambles after his younger brother was bullied into suicide. Not in so-called friends who turn their backs when things get tough. Not in some all-powerful creator who lets too much bad stuff happen. And certainly not in some "It Gets Better" psychobabble. No matter what his girlfriend, Hayden, says about faith and forgiveness, there's no way Matt's forgiving all those he blames. He's decided to "live large and go out with a huge bang," and whatever happens happens. But when a horrific event plunges Matt into a dark, silent place, he hears a rumble - a rumble that wakes him up, calling everything he's ever disbelieved into question.
My Thoughts: This book was excellent. I am a huge Ellen Hopkins fan and was super excited when I heard she was releasing Rumble. I loved this book. At first I wasn't sure if I was into it, and then I realized I'd read 100 pages in 15 minutes! This book had awesome characters and definitely made me tear up a few times. Read it!!
Final Rating: 10/10 stars!
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
ARC Review: This Is How It Ends by Jen Nadol
*I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.*
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: This is how it begins...Five friends partying in the woods. A discovery that shows a disturbing vision to each. For Riley, seeing himself in bed with his long-time crush is a tantalizing reminder of all he can't have. Because Sarah is dating his best friend, and Riley's not about to betray his trust. Then, one of the visions comes true...and one of Riley's friends becomes the prime suspect in a gruesome murder. The others are determined to prove the police wrong, but Riley can't shake the hope that the visions were more than hallucinations. And that despite the cost, maybe he's seen how it ends.
My Thoughts: OMG. This book took me forever to finish. I'm not sure why because it was a decent book. It's a really weird concept but for the most part it works. The book was pretty slow but picked up at the ending. It wouldn't be something I would normally pick up to read but I'm glad I read it. It's always important to read books of genres you don't normally read in order to expand. You could realize you had been missing out on your love for Austrian science-fiction this whole time! Anyway...this book was good. I liked reading it and I do recommend it. So grab it at your local bookstore or book rental warehouse (library) on October 7!
Final Rating: 8/10!
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: This is how it begins...Five friends partying in the woods. A discovery that shows a disturbing vision to each. For Riley, seeing himself in bed with his long-time crush is a tantalizing reminder of all he can't have. Because Sarah is dating his best friend, and Riley's not about to betray his trust. Then, one of the visions comes true...and one of Riley's friends becomes the prime suspect in a gruesome murder. The others are determined to prove the police wrong, but Riley can't shake the hope that the visions were more than hallucinations. And that despite the cost, maybe he's seen how it ends.
My Thoughts: OMG. This book took me forever to finish. I'm not sure why because it was a decent book. It's a really weird concept but for the most part it works. The book was pretty slow but picked up at the ending. It wouldn't be something I would normally pick up to read but I'm glad I read it. It's always important to read books of genres you don't normally read in order to expand. You could realize you had been missing out on your love for Austrian science-fiction this whole time! Anyway...this book was good. I liked reading it and I do recommend it. So grab it at your local bookstore or book rental warehouse (library) on October 7!
Final Rating: 8/10!
Sunday, August 31, 2014
ARC Review: Ignite by Lily Paradis
*I received a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review*
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: After her father’s untimely demise in a mining accident and her mother’s abandonment, Lauren Lindsay is no stranger to loss. She’s used to living life for one person: herself. That is, until another family tragedy thrusts three children into her care and uproots her life in ways she could never imagine. Lauren's first instinct is to run, until she meets their striking, mysterious neighbor Dean Powell. Their immediate chemistry and his connection with her late father just might be enough to keep her in town long enough to uncover pieces of her past that she never had answers to. Dean’s shady past and her reluctance to trust him could cost her the life she's always been searching for, but will she run back to her old life? Or will she choose to stay and live the life her father always imagined for her?
My Thoughts: So at first I thought this book was going to be New Adult, which is definitely not my style. I was about to email the publicist and say "no thanks" when I got an email saying it was young adult just with slightly older characters. I'm glad I read it! This book was good. I'm not a massive fan of romance, so it got to be too much at some points, but otherwise it was a good book. I found it to be a pleasant read. If you're interested, check it out now!
Final Rating: 8/10 stars!
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: After her father’s untimely demise in a mining accident and her mother’s abandonment, Lauren Lindsay is no stranger to loss. She’s used to living life for one person: herself. That is, until another family tragedy thrusts three children into her care and uproots her life in ways she could never imagine. Lauren's first instinct is to run, until she meets their striking, mysterious neighbor Dean Powell. Their immediate chemistry and his connection with her late father just might be enough to keep her in town long enough to uncover pieces of her past that she never had answers to. Dean’s shady past and her reluctance to trust him could cost her the life she's always been searching for, but will she run back to her old life? Or will she choose to stay and live the life her father always imagined for her?
My Thoughts: So at first I thought this book was going to be New Adult, which is definitely not my style. I was about to email the publicist and say "no thanks" when I got an email saying it was young adult just with slightly older characters. I'm glad I read it! This book was good. I'm not a massive fan of romance, so it got to be too much at some points, but otherwise it was a good book. I found it to be a pleasant read. If you're interested, check it out now!
Final Rating: 8/10 stars!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Review: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
I have to admit, this was an impulse buy. I was alone in the airport and trying to kill time so I grabbed this. Mind you, I had seen it at my local indie before, but I wasn't sure if I was interested. I'm still not sure if I'm interested and I've read the book. This isn't YA, but I read mostly adult fiction and like to share my reviews of some of those books.
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: Don Tillman, genetics professor, is getting married. Or he will be, when his sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey yields a candidate (see: the Wife Project). Designed to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the vegans, the late arrivers, Don's questionnaire is, for the socially challenged academic, the most logical method to find the perfect partner. Enter Rosie Jarman. Don quickly disqualifies her as a potential wife but is drawn into Rosie's quest to find her biological father (see: the Father Project). When something like a friendship develops, Don must confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie and the decidedly unscientific conclusion that sometimes you don't find love, it finds you.
My Thoughts: I feel like I've read a lot of Australian books lately. I'm not sure if that's true. Anyway, this book was okay. It was pretty slow and didn't beg me to read it. I even left the book at my mom's house for a few days and felt nothing. Normally I'd be dying to get back to whatever book I'd started. It was just not an extraordinary book. I think I'll read the sequel though, because everything's more interesting with a baby. If you're interested in reading this I would suggest borrowing it from the library, because if you read it you probably won't again.
Final Rating: 6/10!
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: Don Tillman, genetics professor, is getting married. Or he will be, when his sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey yields a candidate (see: the Wife Project). Designed to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the vegans, the late arrivers, Don's questionnaire is, for the socially challenged academic, the most logical method to find the perfect partner. Enter Rosie Jarman. Don quickly disqualifies her as a potential wife but is drawn into Rosie's quest to find her biological father (see: the Father Project). When something like a friendship develops, Don must confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie and the decidedly unscientific conclusion that sometimes you don't find love, it finds you.
My Thoughts: I feel like I've read a lot of Australian books lately. I'm not sure if that's true. Anyway, this book was okay. It was pretty slow and didn't beg me to read it. I even left the book at my mom's house for a few days and felt nothing. Normally I'd be dying to get back to whatever book I'd started. It was just not an extraordinary book. I think I'll read the sequel though, because everything's more interesting with a baby. If you're interested in reading this I would suggest borrowing it from the library, because if you read it you probably won't again.
Final Rating: 6/10!
Review: Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira
I found out about this book a few months ago, but was apprehensive to buy it because I rarely purchase hardcovers. Luckily, I discovered Book Depository a couple weeks ago. I promptly ordered six books and Love Letters to the Dead was one of them.
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: Sometimes the best letters go unanswered. It begins as an assignment for English class: write a letter to a dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain -- he died young, and so did Laurel's sister May -- so maybe he'll understand what Laurel is going through. Soon Laurel is writing letters to lots of dead people -- Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, Amelia Earhart, Amy Winehouse...It's like she can't stop. She writes about her new high school, her new friends, her first love -- and her shattered life. But the ghosts of Laurel's past can't be contained between the lines of a page forever. She must face up to them -- before they consume her.
My Thoughts: This book made me feel so many things. I felt heartbroken about Laurel and May. At some points the story was a tad hard to follow. I do wish more was said about how Laurel was before May's death, because it focused mostly on May's personality. It was hard to tell if Laurel had always been edgy, like May, or more of a goody-two-shoes. Either way, I enjoyed this book. It wasn't extraordinary, but it was a quick and easy read. I love when books make me feel sad, excited, or any other emotions. All in all, if you're looking for something that will tug at your heart, go for this. If you are looking for something that will really make you think, then this is probably not the book for you.
Final Rating: 7/10 stars!
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: Sometimes the best letters go unanswered. It begins as an assignment for English class: write a letter to a dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain -- he died young, and so did Laurel's sister May -- so maybe he'll understand what Laurel is going through. Soon Laurel is writing letters to lots of dead people -- Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, Amelia Earhart, Amy Winehouse...It's like she can't stop. She writes about her new high school, her new friends, her first love -- and her shattered life. But the ghosts of Laurel's past can't be contained between the lines of a page forever. She must face up to them -- before they consume her.
My Thoughts: This book made me feel so many things. I felt heartbroken about Laurel and May. At some points the story was a tad hard to follow. I do wish more was said about how Laurel was before May's death, because it focused mostly on May's personality. It was hard to tell if Laurel had always been edgy, like May, or more of a goody-two-shoes. Either way, I enjoyed this book. It wasn't extraordinary, but it was a quick and easy read. I love when books make me feel sad, excited, or any other emotions. All in all, if you're looking for something that will tug at your heart, go for this. If you are looking for something that will really make you think, then this is probably not the book for you.
Final Rating: 7/10 stars!
ARC Review: Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer
**Thank you to Penguin for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.**
I should begin this review by saying Meg Wolitzer is one of my favorite authors. I read The Interestings at the beginning of the summer and loved it. I can honestly say there were tears streaming down my face by the end. I was so so so excited when I heard she was writing a young adult book!
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: If life were fair, Jam Gallahue would still be at home in New Jersey with her sweet British boyfriend, Reeve Maxfield. She'd be watching old comedy sketches with him. She'd be kissing him in the library stacks. She certainly wouldn't be at The Wooden Barn, a therapeutic boarding school in rural Vermont, living with a weird roommate, and signed up for an exclusive, supposedly life-changing class called Special Topics in English. But life isn't fair, and Reeve Maxfield is dead. When a journal-writing assignment leads Jam into a mysterious otherworld she and her classmates call Belzhar, she discovers a realm where the untainted past is restored, and she can feel Reeve's arms around her once again. But, as the pages of her journal begin to fill up, Jam must confront hidden truths and ultimately decide what she's willing to sacrifice to reclaim her loss.
My Thoughts: As Sylvia Plath is a huge part of this novel, I decided to read The Bell Jar after finishing Belzhar. I definitely think Belzhar helped me think more deeply about The Bell Jar. Belzhar was an excellent read. It was stunningly original, which is a quality that is often missing from young adult books. I was certainly not expecting the ending. The ending was amazing, as was the rest of the book. I have nothing but good things to say about this book. The characters were lovely and had tremendous growth throughout the novel. I highly recommend you hit up your local indie on September 30!
Final Rating: 9.5/10 stars!
I should begin this review by saying Meg Wolitzer is one of my favorite authors. I read The Interestings at the beginning of the summer and loved it. I can honestly say there were tears streaming down my face by the end. I was so so so excited when I heard she was writing a young adult book!
Back-of-the-Book Blurb: If life were fair, Jam Gallahue would still be at home in New Jersey with her sweet British boyfriend, Reeve Maxfield. She'd be watching old comedy sketches with him. She'd be kissing him in the library stacks. She certainly wouldn't be at The Wooden Barn, a therapeutic boarding school in rural Vermont, living with a weird roommate, and signed up for an exclusive, supposedly life-changing class called Special Topics in English. But life isn't fair, and Reeve Maxfield is dead. When a journal-writing assignment leads Jam into a mysterious otherworld she and her classmates call Belzhar, she discovers a realm where the untainted past is restored, and she can feel Reeve's arms around her once again. But, as the pages of her journal begin to fill up, Jam must confront hidden truths and ultimately decide what she's willing to sacrifice to reclaim her loss.
My Thoughts: As Sylvia Plath is a huge part of this novel, I decided to read The Bell Jar after finishing Belzhar. I definitely think Belzhar helped me think more deeply about The Bell Jar. Belzhar was an excellent read. It was stunningly original, which is a quality that is often missing from young adult books. I was certainly not expecting the ending. The ending was amazing, as was the rest of the book. I have nothing but good things to say about this book. The characters were lovely and had tremendous growth throughout the novel. I highly recommend you hit up your local indie on September 30!
Final Rating: 9.5/10 stars!
Sunday, August 10, 2014
ARC Review: Random by Tom Leveen
This book comes out August 12, so be sure to pick it up!
My Thoughts: I could not put this down! It was a quick read for me - I picked it up after finishing my homework and set it down right before dinner. I was really not expecting the ending which is certainly a nice change! These days so many books are predictable and that makes reading them a much less enjoyable experience. Anyway, this book was great. The story really shocked me and certainly kept me interested until the very last page. In fact, I wish it was a longer book! I would definitely recommend this book to any YA fan. There isn't much I can compare it to, but as long as you like young adult fiction, you'll like this book. Tom Leveen keeps it packed with electric bursts of emotion and it's packed with amazing characters. Leveen's character development in this story is extraordinary. I really loved this book.
Final Rating: 9/10 stars!!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Review: Burn for Burn and Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
I have to admit, I didn't think I was going to like this series. However, I have enjoyed books by both Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian before so I figured I'd give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised.
Burn for Burn (Book 1)
Back-of-Book Blurb: Lillia, Kat, and Mary are not friends. In fact, they barely know one another. But a chance encounter in the girls' room proves they have something big in common. The girls have all been hurt--by a bully, an ex-friend, an almost boyfriend--and now they want payback. They hatch a scheme to work in secret, to help each other right the wrongs. Forget waiting for karma. They're taking matters into their own hands.
My Thoughts: This book was really good! I didn't think I would continue with the series when I began the book but now I've read the second, Fire with Fire, and I'm dying to read the third, Ashes to Ashes, which comes out September 16! The Jar Island atmosphere added to the story. It's a story about revenge, but it isn't the typical story. It's new and fresh and unique.
Final Rating: 9/10 stars!
Fire with Fire (Book 2)
Back-of-Book Blurb: I'm not giving a blurb for this one because it'll spoil the first book!
My Thoughts: OMG OMG OMG. This book is amazing. I could not put it down. It's almost 200 pages longer than the first book, which I loved because I love long books. This book was so awesome and the ending just killed me. I'm dying to read Ashes to Ashes because I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends. I would definitely say this is my favorite trilogy! I love Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian and I hope they do more collaborations in the future.
Final Rating: 10/10 stars!
I'm not sure if I can wait a whole month to read the last book! I'm going to do some serious hunting for an ARC!!
Burn for Burn (Book 1)
Back-of-Book Blurb: Lillia, Kat, and Mary are not friends. In fact, they barely know one another. But a chance encounter in the girls' room proves they have something big in common. The girls have all been hurt--by a bully, an ex-friend, an almost boyfriend--and now they want payback. They hatch a scheme to work in secret, to help each other right the wrongs. Forget waiting for karma. They're taking matters into their own hands.
My Thoughts: This book was really good! I didn't think I would continue with the series when I began the book but now I've read the second, Fire with Fire, and I'm dying to read the third, Ashes to Ashes, which comes out September 16! The Jar Island atmosphere added to the story. It's a story about revenge, but it isn't the typical story. It's new and fresh and unique.
Final Rating: 9/10 stars!
Fire with Fire (Book 2)
My Thoughts: OMG OMG OMG. This book is amazing. I could not put it down. It's almost 200 pages longer than the first book, which I loved because I love long books. This book was so awesome and the ending just killed me. I'm dying to read Ashes to Ashes because I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends. I would definitely say this is my favorite trilogy! I love Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian and I hope they do more collaborations in the future.
Final Rating: 10/10 stars!
I'm not sure if I can wait a whole month to read the last book! I'm going to do some serious hunting for an ARC!!
Friday, August 1, 2014
Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Wow. This book is really something. If all parents were as amazing as Dante's and Ari's respective parents I think the world would truly be a better place.
Back-of-Book Blurb: Dante can swim. Ari can't. Dante is articulate and self-assured. Ari has a hard time with words and suffers from self-doubt. Dante gets lost in poetry and art. Ari gets lost in thoughts of his older brother who is in prison. Dante is fair skinned. Ari's feathers are much darker. It seems that a boy like Dante, with his open and unique perspective on life, would be the last person to break down the walls that Ari has built around himself. But against all odds, when Ari and Dante meet, they develop a special bond that will teach them the most important truths of their lives, and help define the people they want to be. But there are big hurdles in their way, and only by believing in each other - and the power of their friendship - can Ari and Dante emerge stronger on the other side.
My Thoughts: This book was great. I really enjoyed it. It is one of few very diverse young adult books. I think it will one day be praised as a very important book for young LGBTQ people. The writing by Sáenz was excellent.
Final Rating: 8/10 stars!
Back-of-Book Blurb: Dante can swim. Ari can't. Dante is articulate and self-assured. Ari has a hard time with words and suffers from self-doubt. Dante gets lost in poetry and art. Ari gets lost in thoughts of his older brother who is in prison. Dante is fair skinned. Ari's feathers are much darker. It seems that a boy like Dante, with his open and unique perspective on life, would be the last person to break down the walls that Ari has built around himself. But against all odds, when Ari and Dante meet, they develop a special bond that will teach them the most important truths of their lives, and help define the people they want to be. But there are big hurdles in their way, and only by believing in each other - and the power of their friendship - can Ari and Dante emerge stronger on the other side.
My Thoughts: This book was great. I really enjoyed it. It is one of few very diverse young adult books. I think it will one day be praised as a very important book for young LGBTQ people. The writing by Sáenz was excellent.
Final Rating: 8/10 stars!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Review: I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
I love Markus Zusak's young adult books. I fell in love with The Book Thief a while back and decided to purchase I Am the Messenger a couple weeks ago. It's not quite as good as The Book Thief but it definitely has Zusak's flair to it.
Synopsis: Ed is a rather lame nineteen year old cab driver with not much going for him. Until he begins to receive aces in the mail and becomes the messenger.
My Thoughts: This book was great. It was hard to get into at first, but once I did I could not stop reading. Zusak is a truly magical author and his books are sheer gold. The writing style of this book is good and the sentences are well-formed. This book is great for fans of The Book Thief and young adult books in general.
Final Rating: 8/10 stars!
Synopsis: Ed is a rather lame nineteen year old cab driver with not much going for him. Until he begins to receive aces in the mail and becomes the messenger.
My Thoughts: This book was great. It was hard to get into at first, but once I did I could not stop reading. Zusak is a truly magical author and his books are sheer gold. The writing style of this book is good and the sentences are well-formed. This book is great for fans of The Book Thief and young adult books in general.
Final Rating: 8/10 stars!
Monday, July 28, 2014
Review: Winger by Andrew Smith
OMG!! I borrowed this from the library but I really wish I owned it. I'll definitely be buying it when it comes out in paperback in September.
Synopsis: Ryan Dean West is a fourteen year old junior at rich kid boarding school. He's left wing for the varsity rugby team. And he's in love with his best friend, Annie Altman.
My Thoughts: When I first began this book I thought it would be much better suited for boys. However, I continued and fell in love. This book is so well-written and it broke my heart. I stayed up for hours reading it because I couldn't put it down and when I tried to sleep I couldn't until I finished this book. Read this book now!!!!
Final Rating: 10/10 stars!
Synopsis: Ryan Dean West is a fourteen year old junior at rich kid boarding school. He's left wing for the varsity rugby team. And he's in love with his best friend, Annie Altman.
My Thoughts: When I first began this book I thought it would be much better suited for boys. However, I continued and fell in love. This book is so well-written and it broke my heart. I stayed up for hours reading it because I couldn't put it down and when I tried to sleep I couldn't until I finished this book. Read this book now!!!!
Final Rating: 10/10 stars!
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
I stayed up really late last night reading this! Definitely recommend it.
Synopsis: Lara Jean wrote a letter to every boy she ever loved and kept them in a hatbox her mother gave her. They weren't supposed to be sent, but when they are, her whole life changes.
My Thoughts: I got this book from the library because I am not supposed to be buying books but when it comes out in paperback I will definitely get it! This is a great book. I really enjoyed the story and the writing style. I will certainly be on the hunt for more Jenny Han books! If you're looking for a fun, interesting read pick this up at the bookstore or library!
Final Rating: 9.7/10 stars!
Synopsis: Lara Jean wrote a letter to every boy she ever loved and kept them in a hatbox her mother gave her. They weren't supposed to be sent, but when they are, her whole life changes.
My Thoughts: I got this book from the library because I am not supposed to be buying books but when it comes out in paperback I will definitely get it! This is a great book. I really enjoyed the story and the writing style. I will certainly be on the hunt for more Jenny Han books! If you're looking for a fun, interesting read pick this up at the bookstore or library!
Final Rating: 9.7/10 stars!
ARC Review: Can't Look Away by Donna Cooner
Hi!! I'm writing this from the past: July 14. Not really though, you're just seeing something I wrote a week and a half ago for the first time. That's because it's a review for an ARC! Can't Look Away comes out August 26, and I highly suggest you read it.
Synopsis: Can't Look Away is about Torrey, a YouTube beauty guru whose life is stricken with tragedy when her sister is hit and killed by a drunk driver.
My Thoughts: Donna Cooner did a wonderful job of showing the impact this terrible event had on Torrey and her family. You are able to see the transformation Torrey goes through as a result. The writing quality was very good as well. At some points the story was slow, and I didn't really appreciate some of the characters. I really enjoyed the Dia de los Muertos incorporation and felt it added some extra culture to what could be a bland story.
Final Rating: 7.5/10 stars!
My Thoughts: Donna Cooner did a wonderful job of showing the impact this terrible event had on Torrey and her family. You are able to see the transformation Torrey goes through as a result. The writing quality was very good as well. At some points the story was slow, and I didn't really appreciate some of the characters. I really enjoyed the Dia de los Muertos incorporation and felt it added some extra culture to what could be a bland story.
Final Rating: 7.5/10 stars!
Friday, July 25, 2014
Review: Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
This book made me cry. It was so amazing.
Synopsis: Taylor Markham was abandoned by her mother when she was eleven and taken to a boarding school by Hannah. Six years later, Hannah's gone missing and Taylor feels like it's her job to find her.
My Thoughts: This book was hell to find. No bookstores carry it, at least not where I live (Arizona, where we have nothing but cactus), so I had my local indie, Changing Hands order it. If I lived closer to the bookstore that would've been no issue, but I'm about thirty minutes from it. So by the time I finally picked up the book I was dying to read it. I'd heard about it on some website that had recommendations for young adults. In the beginning I was a little confused because the schools in Australia are clearly very different from ours here. I adjusted and it became a very lovely read. It was so sad and when I finished it I felt exhausted, as if I had gone through the whole ordeal myself. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. Good luck finding it!
Final Rating: 10/10 stars!
Synopsis: Taylor Markham was abandoned by her mother when she was eleven and taken to a boarding school by Hannah. Six years later, Hannah's gone missing and Taylor feels like it's her job to find her.
My Thoughts: This book was hell to find. No bookstores carry it, at least not where I live (Arizona, where we have nothing but cactus), so I had my local indie, Changing Hands order it. If I lived closer to the bookstore that would've been no issue, but I'm about thirty minutes from it. So by the time I finally picked up the book I was dying to read it. I'd heard about it on some website that had recommendations for young adults. In the beginning I was a little confused because the schools in Australia are clearly very different from ours here. I adjusted and it became a very lovely read. It was so sad and when I finished it I felt exhausted, as if I had gone through the whole ordeal myself. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. Good luck finding it!
Final Rating: 10/10 stars!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
ARC Review: Starry Night by Isabel Gillies
Synopsis: Wren, an aspiring artist, and her best friends planned on attending her father's Met party. Wren didn't plan on falling in love with Nolan.
My Thoughts: I'm sorry but this book made me want to slam my head against a wall. Wren just made dumb decision after dumb decision. But, it did have some art elements I enjoyed.
Final Rating: 7.5/10 stars!
My Thoughts: I'm sorry but this book made me want to slam my head against a wall. Wren just made dumb decision after dumb decision. But, it did have some art elements I enjoyed.
Final Rating: 7.5/10 stars!
Review: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Synopsis: Greg is an average high school senior who befriends Rachel, a fellow senior with leukemia.
My Thoughts: Even though this is a YA book, I didn't feel like it was intended for girls to read, in fact it did its best to drive me away. It was extremely vulgar at parts, which I did not enjoy. I'm not going to give it a final rating because I didn't like it. Normally I would still rate a book I didn't like but it seems unfair to rate this one. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book unless you're okay with quite offensive language.
My Thoughts: Even though this is a YA book, I didn't feel like it was intended for girls to read, in fact it did its best to drive me away. It was extremely vulgar at parts, which I did not enjoy. I'm not going to give it a final rating because I didn't like it. Normally I would still rate a book I didn't like but it seems unfair to rate this one. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book unless you're okay with quite offensive language.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Review: Just Like Fate by Suzanne Young and Cat Patrick
I read this book for free on pulseit.com! It's a great website so check it out! Right now the two free books are sci-fi which I'm not a fan of but usually they have some really great picks!
Synopsis: Caroline's grandmother is sick, probably dying. She's been by her side since her stroke and is looking for an escape, a way to escape her gram's illness and all the stress of everything. So when her BFF offers her a night out at a party she has to choose whether to stay or go. Suddenly, her life is split into two paths with different fates.
My Thoughts: Okay so this book is like totally Sliding Doors, am I right? Maybe I'm the only one that's seen that 1998 Gwyneth Paltrow film. It was a good book. Definitely interesting to see how one choice can define your life. The writing was not terrific, but that may be because there were two authors and sometimes co-authored books can get styles all mixed up. This was an okay book and I don't regret reading it, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Final Rating: 6.5/10 stars!
Synopsis: Caroline's grandmother is sick, probably dying. She's been by her side since her stroke and is looking for an escape, a way to escape her gram's illness and all the stress of everything. So when her BFF offers her a night out at a party she has to choose whether to stay or go. Suddenly, her life is split into two paths with different fates.
My Thoughts: Okay so this book is like totally Sliding Doors, am I right? Maybe I'm the only one that's seen that 1998 Gwyneth Paltrow film. It was a good book. Definitely interesting to see how one choice can define your life. The writing was not terrific, but that may be because there were two authors and sometimes co-authored books can get styles all mixed up. This was an okay book and I don't regret reading it, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Final Rating: 6.5/10 stars!
Friday, July 18, 2014
Review: The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
Goodreads Synopsis: For the past five years, Hayley Kincain and her father, Andy, have been on the road, never staying long in one place as he struggles to escape the demons that have tortured him since his return from Iraq. Now they are back in the town where he grew up so Hayley can attend school. Perhaps, for the first time, Hayley can have a normal life, put aside her own painful memories, even have a relationship with Finn, the hot guy who obviously likes her but is hiding secrets of his own.
My Thoughts: I wanted to like this book so much. It was good. It was not great. I didn't really feel any emotions about it, not even at the end. The character of Grace would have added depth if her story line had been resolved.
Final Rating: 7/10 stars!
My Thoughts: I wanted to like this book so much. It was good. It was not great. I didn't really feel any emotions about it, not even at the end. The character of Grace would have added depth if her story line had been resolved.
Final Rating: 7/10 stars!
Review: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Can you tell I love E. Lockhart? I do!!!!
Synopsis: Frankie Landau-Banks used to be quiet and geeky. Until she became a force to be reckoned with. This is the story of her transformation.
My Thoughts: This book started out slow, but it was worth it. It turned out to be a very enjoyable read. Just because Frankie doesn't have a sob story or big problem she needs to overcome, doesn't make this book any less great. She picked something and challenged it. I think this book can really help boost a girl's self esteem if she ever feels like there's something she can't do.
This book can be hard to find at bookstores so I would recommend ordering it or reading it on an e-reader.
Final Rating: 8/10 stars!
Synopsis: Frankie Landau-Banks used to be quiet and geeky. Until she became a force to be reckoned with. This is the story of her transformation.
My Thoughts: This book started out slow, but it was worth it. It turned out to be a very enjoyable read. Just because Frankie doesn't have a sob story or big problem she needs to overcome, doesn't make this book any less great. She picked something and challenged it. I think this book can really help boost a girl's self esteem if she ever feels like there's something she can't do.
This book can be hard to find at bookstores so I would recommend ordering it or reading it on an e-reader.
Final Rating: 8/10 stars!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
ARC Review: The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone by Adele Griffin
Okay, you have to admit, this is the weirdest concept of the book ever! A fictional celebrity biography? It's crazy, but Adele Griffin manages to pull it off. In fact, she pulls it off very well.
Synopsis: Addison Stone was an up and coming artist, before she died suspiciously at 18 years old. This fictional biography follows her troubled life through interviews with loved ones and photographs of Addison and her art.
My Thoughts: This book was awesome. The photos added so much. It really helped you picture Addison's life. Adele Griffin did an amazing job of writing in so many different voices depending on who was speaking in the book. If I didn't know better I would think this was a real biography. It reads like a novel but with all sorts of added goodies. Loved it! Be sure to grab it when it comes out August 12, 2014.
Final Rating: 8.5/10 stars!
Synopsis: Addison Stone was an up and coming artist, before she died suspiciously at 18 years old. This fictional biography follows her troubled life through interviews with loved ones and photographs of Addison and her art.
My Thoughts: This book was awesome. The photos added so much. It really helped you picture Addison's life. Adele Griffin did an amazing job of writing in so many different voices depending on who was speaking in the book. If I didn't know better I would think this was a real biography. It reads like a novel but with all sorts of added goodies. Loved it! Be sure to grab it when it comes out August 12, 2014.
Final Rating: 8.5/10 stars!
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