- Julie Anne Peters
"Seventeen-year-old Alyssa thought she knew who she was. She had her family her best friends and, most important, she had Sarah." -Taken from the book.
The first time I read this book I was a wreck, not necessarily because of its groundbreaking or earth-shattering contents, but because it hit a little too close to home. I opened this book for the first time when I was eighteen years old and had just experienced my first heartbreak. That being said, upon my second encounter with this story, I was able to look past my own emotional baggage, and get lost in Alyssa's.
Alyssa is exactly what you'd expect from your typical seventeen-year-old to be completely honest, she cares about her friends, is a part of a few school committees and, you guessed it, still in the closet.
In all honesty, I found the main character a bit boring, the most interesting thing about her was the circumstances that caused her downward spiral, and even that was a bit far-fetched. Yet, I was still able to find the story pretty enjoyable. Partially due to the people that she has chosen to surround herself with and partly due to the choices that she ends up making throughout the story. However, it really isn't until closer to the end that Alyssa becomes less of an annoying concept and more of an actual character to me.
Basically, if you like to like your protagonists then maybe don't read this book, however, if you're willing to look past that and instead let the story itself unfurl before you, then you might find that this is just as enjoyable a read as any of Peters' other books. In the end, it's your choice, though, so please remember to form your own opinions and keep warm & read.
I would love to hear you thoughts on this one whether you agree or not.
Monday, 27 June 2016
Monday, 6 June 2016
Incarceron
-Catherine Fisher
"This prison is alive"- taken from the cover of the book.
I'm going to be completely honest in saying that this book was 100% originally purchased because of the cover. The metallic detail over the black background drew me in instantly.
This is a futuristic novel with an old-timey twist and the magic of other worlds. It started off a bit slow, and admittedly there were moments in the story where I found myself zoning out. However, I also found myself being held captivated not only by the mystical prison and it's very few inhabitants, but also in this new society that was neither a dystopia nor a paradise.
If you're someone who is not a fan of unnecessary romantic relationships in your action reads (like I am) then this certainly is the book for you. If you're a fan of unexpected betrayal, then this is the book for you. If you're a fan of defiant women, a complex plot, and manly men who are not afraid to show what they're really feeling then I'd say that this is the book for you.
However, if you're not into big reads, and series, then maybe don't pick up this book. If you don't like the idea of reading about slight torture or heavy angst-ridden characters, then this might not be the book/series for you.
Ultimately, if I'm being asked if I would recommend this book for you guys to read, I'd say, yeah, why not. However, I'd also like to make a disclaimer that my sister purchased this book for me back in 2012 and since then I have not re-read this book (though I think about it often and fondly) and I have not bothered to purchase the second book (simply because every time I had the opportunity to I found a book that I was more willing to spend the $20.00 on). That being said, this story is just as satisfying as a stand alone. Bottom line is, form your own opinions, tell me what you think, and remember to keep warm & read.
"This prison is alive"- taken from the cover of the book.
I'm going to be completely honest in saying that this book was 100% originally purchased because of the cover. The metallic detail over the black background drew me in instantly.
This is a futuristic novel with an old-timey twist and the magic of other worlds. It started off a bit slow, and admittedly there were moments in the story where I found myself zoning out. However, I also found myself being held captivated not only by the mystical prison and it's very few inhabitants, but also in this new society that was neither a dystopia nor a paradise.
If you're someone who is not a fan of unnecessary romantic relationships in your action reads (like I am) then this certainly is the book for you. If you're a fan of unexpected betrayal, then this is the book for you. If you're a fan of defiant women, a complex plot, and manly men who are not afraid to show what they're really feeling then I'd say that this is the book for you.
However, if you're not into big reads, and series, then maybe don't pick up this book. If you don't like the idea of reading about slight torture or heavy angst-ridden characters, then this might not be the book/series for you.
Ultimately, if I'm being asked if I would recommend this book for you guys to read, I'd say, yeah, why not. However, I'd also like to make a disclaimer that my sister purchased this book for me back in 2012 and since then I have not re-read this book (though I think about it often and fondly) and I have not bothered to purchase the second book (simply because every time I had the opportunity to I found a book that I was more willing to spend the $20.00 on). That being said, this story is just as satisfying as a stand alone. Bottom line is, form your own opinions, tell me what you think, and remember to keep warm & read.
Monday, 23 May 2016
Send
- Patty Blount
"It's been five years since I clicked send. Four years since I got out of Juvie. Three months since I changed my name. Two minutes since I met Julie. A second to change my life." Taken from the back of the book.
This particular read isn't what I'd normally go for, as there isn't the right amount (or type) of angst in it for me, but it was an enjoyable and impactful story nonetheless.
It's about a young man and his rehabilitation to high school as well as his adjustment to a new state preceding his stay in Juvie. This young man (Daniel) is faced with the manifestation of his guilt over what got him sent away, the disappointment/anger of the people in his life, and a certain young lady (Julie) that for whatever reason cannot stand him. Let's not forget that he has managed to find himself to be the new interest of the school's bully on the first day of school.
Do I recommend this book for others? I can't say, if I'm being completely honest, though the story is an interesting one, the writing itself can be described as subpar in some areas. However, it also seems to make up for that where it matters most. Ultimately, the decision is yours and I do hope that you share your opinion with me if you do pick up this book, and remember to keep warm & read.
"It's been five years since I clicked send. Four years since I got out of Juvie. Three months since I changed my name. Two minutes since I met Julie. A second to change my life." Taken from the back of the book.
This particular read isn't what I'd normally go for, as there isn't the right amount (or type) of angst in it for me, but it was an enjoyable and impactful story nonetheless.
It's about a young man and his rehabilitation to high school as well as his adjustment to a new state preceding his stay in Juvie. This young man (Daniel) is faced with the manifestation of his guilt over what got him sent away, the disappointment/anger of the people in his life, and a certain young lady (Julie) that for whatever reason cannot stand him. Let's not forget that he has managed to find himself to be the new interest of the school's bully on the first day of school.
Do I recommend this book for others? I can't say, if I'm being completely honest, though the story is an interesting one, the writing itself can be described as subpar in some areas. However, it also seems to make up for that where it matters most. Ultimately, the decision is yours and I do hope that you share your opinion with me if you do pick up this book, and remember to keep warm & read.
Monday, 9 May 2016
The Book of Living and Dying
- Natale Ghent
" Her heart pumped in her throat as he reached for her, his mouth swinging open and closed like the loosely hinged gate to a dark deadly garden. She tried to scream when his cold hand encircled her wrist, but could only game helplessly back at him, the darkness spilling from his lips and flooding into her brain. 'Please go away,' she whispered." - Taken from the book.
This is a story that I hold dear to my heart, about grieving and loss, and that has helped me through one of the hardest moments in my life. Natale Ghent is a Canadian author, I'd like to say that I've read more of her books, but if I'm being completely honest, none of her other novels have caught my attention quite like this one has.
Actually, I only really came across this book by chance, my high school library was throwing away old or damaged books, and because I was close to my librarian she gave me free reign over them before they were sent off to wherever books go to die, and out of all of the books that were there, this one with a missing cover and cracked spine was the one that I decided to pick up and take home with me.
At first glance this is a story about a sad girls life, her mother is negligent and depressed, her best friend isn't always the best influence, she's losing weight- fast, and to make matters worse, she's being haunted by a ghost like no other. Yet, somehow, the further in that you get with this read, the more you realize that the story isn't as sad as you originally thought, but instead much more tragic.
Then again, what better way to appreciate life, then to submerge yourself into a world of loss and death? This book came to me during a very emotional time in my life, and I hope that it arrives just in time for one of you. If you can't find it in stores, then you can find it online for purchase, and when you do, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
" Her heart pumped in her throat as he reached for her, his mouth swinging open and closed like the loosely hinged gate to a dark deadly garden. She tried to scream when his cold hand encircled her wrist, but could only game helplessly back at him, the darkness spilling from his lips and flooding into her brain. 'Please go away,' she whispered." - Taken from the book.
This is a story that I hold dear to my heart, about grieving and loss, and that has helped me through one of the hardest moments in my life. Natale Ghent is a Canadian author, I'd like to say that I've read more of her books, but if I'm being completely honest, none of her other novels have caught my attention quite like this one has.
Actually, I only really came across this book by chance, my high school library was throwing away old or damaged books, and because I was close to my librarian she gave me free reign over them before they were sent off to wherever books go to die, and out of all of the books that were there, this one with a missing cover and cracked spine was the one that I decided to pick up and take home with me.
At first glance this is a story about a sad girls life, her mother is negligent and depressed, her best friend isn't always the best influence, she's losing weight- fast, and to make matters worse, she's being haunted by a ghost like no other. Yet, somehow, the further in that you get with this read, the more you realize that the story isn't as sad as you originally thought, but instead much more tragic.
Then again, what better way to appreciate life, then to submerge yourself into a world of loss and death? This book came to me during a very emotional time in my life, and I hope that it arrives just in time for one of you. If you can't find it in stores, then you can find it online for purchase, and when you do, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
Tuesday, 3 May 2016
The Raven Boys
-Maggie Stiefvater
" 'There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve, Blue. Either you're his true love,' Neeve said, 'or you killed him.' " -Taken from the book.
There's a reason why so many are obsessed with The Raven Cycle, and I would be lying if I said that I didn't help to make up the many. However, with a protagonist like Blue Sargent who works so hard to stand out, and when you're granted the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a bunch of teenagers who refuse to back down, there's no wonder why this book sucks so many in.
Right off the bat, the reader is thrust into this world of mystic and wonder; a house full of female psychics, a young girl who has the uncanny ability to make things 'louder', and how easy it was to get sucked in and fall in love with even the most unlovable and unrelatable of characters (Richard Campbell Gansey III) and his band of rich (and not so rich) misfits searching for a sleeping king. As you get the answers to one question, you have to take a breath to ask a couple more.
So, yes, overall this was an enjoyable read that has something in it for everyone, however, I would like to warn you that if you were to currently pick up the book for the first time and have a place (may that be big or small) in the booklr community, you'll be hard-pressed not to come by a few crucial spoilers.
Personally, I tend to make an attempt to stay away from books that have been greatly raved about through the booklr community, simply because a lot of the more popular booklrs seem to like a lot of the same sort of books, that I have very little interest in or have attempted to read and have not enjoyed, (Eleanor and Park, The Captive Prince, Cinder, etc.). However, I took a chance on this series during the most stressful point of my exams, and my only regret is that I didn't have anyone close by who has read the books as well.
As with any post on this blog, this is simply my opinion, and if your opinion differs, let me know, until then, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
" 'There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark's Eve, Blue. Either you're his true love,' Neeve said, 'or you killed him.' " -Taken from the book.
There's a reason why so many are obsessed with The Raven Cycle, and I would be lying if I said that I didn't help to make up the many. However, with a protagonist like Blue Sargent who works so hard to stand out, and when you're granted the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a bunch of teenagers who refuse to back down, there's no wonder why this book sucks so many in.
Right off the bat, the reader is thrust into this world of mystic and wonder; a house full of female psychics, a young girl who has the uncanny ability to make things 'louder', and how easy it was to get sucked in and fall in love with even the most unlovable and unrelatable of characters (Richard Campbell Gansey III) and his band of rich (and not so rich) misfits searching for a sleeping king. As you get the answers to one question, you have to take a breath to ask a couple more.
So, yes, overall this was an enjoyable read that has something in it for everyone, however, I would like to warn you that if you were to currently pick up the book for the first time and have a place (may that be big or small) in the booklr community, you'll be hard-pressed not to come by a few crucial spoilers.
Personally, I tend to make an attempt to stay away from books that have been greatly raved about through the booklr community, simply because a lot of the more popular booklrs seem to like a lot of the same sort of books, that I have very little interest in or have attempted to read and have not enjoyed, (Eleanor and Park, The Captive Prince, Cinder, etc.). However, I took a chance on this series during the most stressful point of my exams, and my only regret is that I didn't have anyone close by who has read the books as well.
As with any post on this blog, this is simply my opinion, and if your opinion differs, let me know, until then, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
Monday, 25 April 2016
The Foxhole Court
-Nora Sakavic
"Neil Josten let his cigarette burn to the filter without taking a drag. He didn't want the nicotine; he wanted the acrid smoke that reminded him of his mother." Taken from the book.
I'm going to be honest and admit that I didn't have high hopes for this book. I heard whispers of it on tumblr, and paid no mind to them. However, the more I saw of Neil and Andrew on my dashboard, the more curious I became, so I looked the book up on my kindle.
The good news? The first one was free, and the second two of the series were under one dollar. The better news? The entire series can now be bought in their physical form as well, (also very reasonably priced).
The book wasn't what I expected, it was so much more. Reading The Foxhole Court was quite the rollercoaster ride. I cheered in excitement, shouted in frustration and even cried for the pain of those in the story. The emotional turmoil that I faced while reading was completely worth it, though. Hardly ever am I willing to lose sleep over anything, and yet I found myself staying awake until the earliest hours of the morning just to figure out what happens next.
Although Neil was the protagonist of this story, he wasn't always the hero which I thought to be humbling. He was a small kid with an attitude problem, who was better at starting fights than finishing them, and I suppose that is something that a lot of readers might be able to relate to, I know that I have.
Neil's story is worth figuring out, but what I enjoyed most was that the other characters weren't simply written off as supporting characters, they weren't placed in the world of TFC just to further Neil's plot (with the exception of Seth imo), they had equally as interesting backstories of their own. More importantly to me, however, was Sakavic's portrayal of her female characters, they weren't type-casted as "one of the boys", nor could they be considered to have been meek or mild, they were whole characters with depth to them. Sakavic's story was such a good one because her characters were human. Don't just take my word for it, read the book yourself, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
"Neil Josten let his cigarette burn to the filter without taking a drag. He didn't want the nicotine; he wanted the acrid smoke that reminded him of his mother." Taken from the book.
I'm going to be honest and admit that I didn't have high hopes for this book. I heard whispers of it on tumblr, and paid no mind to them. However, the more I saw of Neil and Andrew on my dashboard, the more curious I became, so I looked the book up on my kindle.
The good news? The first one was free, and the second two of the series were under one dollar. The better news? The entire series can now be bought in their physical form as well, (also very reasonably priced).
The book wasn't what I expected, it was so much more. Reading The Foxhole Court was quite the rollercoaster ride. I cheered in excitement, shouted in frustration and even cried for the pain of those in the story. The emotional turmoil that I faced while reading was completely worth it, though. Hardly ever am I willing to lose sleep over anything, and yet I found myself staying awake until the earliest hours of the morning just to figure out what happens next.
Although Neil was the protagonist of this story, he wasn't always the hero which I thought to be humbling. He was a small kid with an attitude problem, who was better at starting fights than finishing them, and I suppose that is something that a lot of readers might be able to relate to, I know that I have.
Neil's story is worth figuring out, but what I enjoyed most was that the other characters weren't simply written off as supporting characters, they weren't placed in the world of TFC just to further Neil's plot (with the exception of Seth imo), they had equally as interesting backstories of their own. More importantly to me, however, was Sakavic's portrayal of her female characters, they weren't type-casted as "one of the boys", nor could they be considered to have been meek or mild, they were whole characters with depth to them. Sakavic's story was such a good one because her characters were human. Don't just take my word for it, read the book yourself, grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm & read.
Saturday, 9 April 2016
Eleanor & Park
-Rainbow Rowell.
"But there was no one like Park at her old school. There was no one like Park anywhere..." "Park tried to remember the first time he saw her.... Now, he felt the fight rising up in his throat whenever he thought of people making fun of her." - Taken from the book.
First, let me begin by saying that I really wanted to like this book. I had a friend recommend it to me a few years ago when it was still a fresh and exciting read and, I was more than happy to figure out why someone would think I'd enjoy it, and as soon as I had my funds in order, I cashed out.
Like I said, I really wanted to like this book, but the truth is, I didn't. Was it a nice a book? Yeah, sure it was okay. However, I wouldn't go as far as to call it a good book. Maybe I'll try to read it again in the summer when life is easier and the magic in the air is more tranquil, but right now according to Kobo eBooks I'm only 26% through the book, and I've been reading it since November. If I'm being completely honest, I think the author's stereotypical way of describing/expressing her non-white characters was what really did me in. The other let downs in her novel were simply that, let downs. I was expecting a lot from this book, especially with the way that everyone has fallen in love with it and personally, I feel like it didn't exactly deliver.
That being said, there was a lot about the book that I have enjoyed. I like that even though life has essentially buried Eleanor 6ft under a pile of crap she doesn't let that stop her from being who she is. I mean, sure she's uncertain of herself, and the bullying (both inside and outside of school) is bound to take its toll on her eventually, but at the moment she's powering through. I can more than respect that. I also enjoyed that Park admitted (even if just to himself) that his snap judgements of Elanor were wrong and rude. I can respect the little ways that he stands up to his dad. After all, everyone loves an underdog, right? I just didn't find the book particularly enjoyable, but if you're seriously looking into this as a future read, don't let me discourage you from giving this a try, form your own opinions and tell me what you think. Grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm and read.
"But there was no one like Park at her old school. There was no one like Park anywhere..." "Park tried to remember the first time he saw her.... Now, he felt the fight rising up in his throat whenever he thought of people making fun of her." - Taken from the book.
First, let me begin by saying that I really wanted to like this book. I had a friend recommend it to me a few years ago when it was still a fresh and exciting read and, I was more than happy to figure out why someone would think I'd enjoy it, and as soon as I had my funds in order, I cashed out.
Like I said, I really wanted to like this book, but the truth is, I didn't. Was it a nice a book? Yeah, sure it was okay. However, I wouldn't go as far as to call it a good book. Maybe I'll try to read it again in the summer when life is easier and the magic in the air is more tranquil, but right now according to Kobo eBooks I'm only 26% through the book, and I've been reading it since November. If I'm being completely honest, I think the author's stereotypical way of describing/expressing her non-white characters was what really did me in. The other let downs in her novel were simply that, let downs. I was expecting a lot from this book, especially with the way that everyone has fallen in love with it and personally, I feel like it didn't exactly deliver.
That being said, there was a lot about the book that I have enjoyed. I like that even though life has essentially buried Eleanor 6ft under a pile of crap she doesn't let that stop her from being who she is. I mean, sure she's uncertain of herself, and the bullying (both inside and outside of school) is bound to take its toll on her eventually, but at the moment she's powering through. I can more than respect that. I also enjoyed that Park admitted (even if just to himself) that his snap judgements of Elanor were wrong and rude. I can respect the little ways that he stands up to his dad. After all, everyone loves an underdog, right? I just didn't find the book particularly enjoyable, but if you're seriously looking into this as a future read, don't let me discourage you from giving this a try, form your own opinions and tell me what you think. Grab a blanket, make some tea, and keep warm and read.
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