Book Review: Someday, Someday, Maybe

Title: Someday, Someday, Maybe

Author: Lauren Graham

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: April 30, 2013

Source: Purchased

From Lauren Graham, the beloved star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood, comes a witty, charming, and hilariously relatable debut novel about a struggling young actress trying to get ahead―and keep it together―in New York City.

It’s January 1995, and Franny Banks has just six months left of the three-year deadline she set for herself when she came to New York, dreaming of Broadway and doing “important” work. But all she has to show for her efforts so far is a part in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters, and a gig waiting tables at a comedy club. Her roommates―her best friend Jane, and Dan, an aspiring sci-fi writer―are supportive, yet Franny knows a two-person fan club doesn’t exactly count as success. Everyone tells her she needs a backup plan, and though she can almost picture moving back home and settling down with her perfectly nice ex-boyfriend, she’s not ready to give up on her goal of having a career like her idols Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. Not just yet. But while she dreams of filling their shoes, in the meantime, she’d happily settle for a speaking part in almost anything—and finding a hair product combination that works.

Everything is riding on the upcoming showcase for her acting class, where she’ll finally have a chance to perform for people who could actually hire her. And she can’t let herself be distracted by James Franklin, a notorious flirt and the most successful actor in her class, even though he’s suddenly started paying attention. Meanwhile, her bank account is rapidly dwindling, her father wants her to come home, and her agent doesn’t return her calls. But for some reason, she keeps believing that she just might get what she came for.

Someday, Someday, Maybe is a story about hopes and dreams, being young in a city, and wanting something deeply, madly, desperately. It’s about finding love, finding yourself, and perhaps most difficult of all in New York City, finding an acting job. 

Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale

Title: The Handmaid's Tale

Edition: First American Edition

Author: Margaret Atwood

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company

Publication Date: January 1, 1986

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now...

DNF Review: Good in Bed

Title: Good in Bed (Fifteen Anniversary Edition)

Series: Cannie Shapiro

Author: Jennifer Weiner

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Date: April 2, 2002 (first published in 2001)

Source: Atria Books via NetGalley for Review

#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner brings to life an irresistibly funny and relatable heroine in the novel The Boston Globe called “funny, fanciful, extremely poignant, and rich with insight.”

For twenty-eight years, things have been tripping along nicely for Cannie Shapiro. Sure, her mother has come charging out of the closet, and her father has long since dropped out of her world. But she loves her friends, her rat terrier, Nifkin, and her job as pop culture reporter for The Philadelphia Examiner. She’s even made a tenuous peace with her plus-size body.

But the day she opens up a national women’s magazine and sees the words “Loving a Larger Woman” above her ex-boyfriend’s byline, Cannie is plunged into misery…and the most amazing year of her life. From Philadelphia to Hollywood and back home again, she charts a new course for herself: mourning her losses, facing her past, and figuring out who she is and who she can become.

Waiting on Wednesday (77)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly, bookish meme created and hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The meme helps book bloggers and readers shine a spotlight on some of the many upcoming releases that we are all patiently (but most likely impatiently) waiting on. Get it? You can find out more information on the meme on her blog, Breaking the Spine.

So you're interested in sharing some of the books you're waiting on with your readers!? That's great! To participate in Jill's meme, all you need to do is:

• Create your own Waiting on Wednesday post that features an upcoming title (or titles)
• Be sure to credit Jill in your post
• Link up to the Linky on Jill's blog

Waiting on Wednesday (59)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly, bookish meme created and hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. You can find out more information on the meme on her blog, Breaking the Spine.

The meme helps book bloggers and readers shine a spotlight om some of the many upcoming releases that we are all patiently (but most likely impatiently) waiting on. Get it?

So you want to participate in Waiting on Wednesday? Awesome! All you need to do is:

• Create your own Waiting on Wednesday post that features an upcoming title (or titles)
• Be sure to credit Jill in your post
• Link up to the Linky on Jill's blog

Top Ten Tuesday (16)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created and hosted by the bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. The meme was created because they love making and sharing bookish lists with their readers. That's good news for me because I also love making lists as a way to organize things going on my life and the books that I've read or am dying to read!

Every week, there is a new topic for Top Ten Tuesday, and all you have to do is create your top ten list (or somewhere around ten) based on it. Oh, and be sure to link back to The Broke and the Bookish! Then you can add your name to the link up tool that they include in their post!

Top Ten 2014 Releases I Meant To Read But Didn't Get To

I own a few of the books in the above picture, and I'm going to read those ones first (The Kiss of Deception and What I thought Was True). Some of them are books are ones that I wanted to buy but never did because of book buying ban. I'll definitely be reading and reviewing in most of these in 2015, especially because there are some sequels coming out this year.

So what are the top ten 2014 books that you wanted to read but didn't get to? As always, feel free to let me know in the comments. Happy reading!

The Hardcover Lover's Year in Review

Wow! I cannot fathom that 2014 is already over! I know it seems like a cliche, but it really seems like 2014 only started yesterday. Well maybe not yesterday, but it doesn't really feel like a year has already gone by.

This year was a really great reading year for me, and I read all sorts of different books!

When I worked at the preschool, I read a lot of children's books to the kiddos, and that was a blast just to see their faces light up because they enjoy a story so much. Also... I'm pretty awesome at doing voices for them. I also had a lot of time on weekends and over the summer to just relax and read. I read a bunch of different and new-to-me authors this year, giving me more variety to my reading tastes and establishing a new favorite genre.

I know my blog hasn't been around for a while, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't reading and reviewing books before I created it. In 2014, I read over 130 books! Before I start things for the new year, I thought I'd share my favorite 2014 releases and other books that I read this year.

Favorite 2014 Releases

• Zodiac by Romina Russell*  
• Damsel Distressed by Kelsy Macke*
• Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins*
• Cress by Marissa Meyer *
• Panic by Lauren Oliver
• My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins
• We Were Liars by E. Lockhart*
• The One by Kiera Cass (May 2014)
• The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen*
• Landline by Rainbow Rowell* 
• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han*
• Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira*
  
  *Denotes a new-to-me author this year.

My Favorite Book of 2014

So... it all comes down to this. I have to pick one favorite for the year, and for me, there is really no questioning my choice because my favorite book of the year is a stunning debut.

My favorite book of the year definitely has to be Zodiac by Romina Russell. It was released on December 9. 

I was lucky enough to be chosen as a Goodreads giveaway winner for this book, and I absolutely loved it. I loved the concept of space travel in a galaxy based on the signs of the Zodiac, and the world building was spectacular.

Seriously... if you haven't read this book yet, I urge you to go to your local bookstore and grab a copy! It's amazing! You can check out my full review here.

Favorite Back Listed Books I Read This Year

• Cinder by Marissa Meyer
• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
• Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivan
• The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
• Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
• The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
• How to Love by Katie Cutugno
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Book Review: One Day by David Nicholls

Title: One Day

Author: David Nicholls

Format: Paperback (Movie Tie-In Edition)

Publisher: Vintage

Publication Date: May 24, 2011 (Originally Published on June 11, 2009)

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis:
It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.

My Review: 

As I was reading One Day by David Nicholls, I was surprised by how realistic Nicholls writes the love story in this book. I was really expecting something extremely cheesy, but I did not feel that way at all when I finished the book.

The main characters, Emma and Dexter, were extremely real. Their story is told through events that happen on one day every year, and that day always happens to be July 15. As I was reading, I felt like I was observing a real life couple over the course of twenty years instead of a fictional one. Nothing in the book seems too out of the ordinary, fake, or unrealistic, and that is something to really admire and appreciate.

I'll admit that it did take me a little bit longer to finish this book than I expected, but mostly because I was trying to read it one summer when I was working almost every day. At the time, the only romance books that I read were books by Nicholas Sparks, but I really wanted to try some new things. I had also just finished a British literature course, and I found myself wanting to explore some contemporary British authors.

I am very glad that I took the time to read this wonderful book. Not only was I thoroughly entertained, but I was educated in matters of the heart that I tend to avoid. I learned many beautiful lessons from One Day. This will be one of those books that I know I'll long to re-read again and again because it's astonishing and beautiful.

I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary novels, but I would also recommend it to readers who dislike stereotypical romance novels because this is anything but a stereotypical romance.

Book Review: The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger

Title: The Divorce Papers

Author: Susan Rieger

Publisher: Broadway Books

Publication Date: October 28, 2014

Format: Paperback

Genre: Contemporary, Women's Fiction

Synopsis:
Witty and wonderful, sparkling and sophisticated, this debut romantic comedy brilliantly tells the story of one very messy, very high-profile divorce, and the endearingly cynical young lawyer dragooned into handling it. 

Twenty-nine-year-old Sophie Diehl is happy toiling away as a criminal law associate at an old line New England firm where she very much appreciates that most of her clients are behind bars. Everyone at Traynor, Hand knows she abhors face-to-face contact, but one weekend, with all the big partners away, Sophie must handle the intake interview for the daughter of the firm's most important client. After eighteen years of marriage, Mayflower descendant Mia Meiklejohn Durkheim has just been served divorce papers in a humiliating scene at the popular local restaurant, Golightly's. She is locked and loaded to fight her eminent and ambitious husband, Dr. Daniel Durkheim, Chief of the Department of Pediatric Oncology, for custody of their ten-year-old daughter Jane--and she also burns to take him down a peg. Sophie warns Mia that she's never handled a divorce case before, but Mia can't be put off. As she so disarmingly puts it: It's her first divorce, too.

Debut novelist Susan Rieger doesn't leave a word out of place in this hilarious and expertly crafted debut that shines with the power and pleasure of storytelling. Told through personal correspondence, office memos, emails, articles, and legal papers, this playful reinvention of the epistolary form races along with humor and heartache, exploring the complicated family dynamic that results when marriage fails. For Sophie, the whole affair sparks a hard look at her own relationships--not only with her parents, but with colleagues, friends, lovers, and most importantly, herself. Much like "Where'd You Go, Bernadette," "The Divorce Papers "will have you laughing aloud and thanking the literature gods for this incredible, fresh new voice in fiction.

My Review: 

In accordance to FTC guidelines, I must state that I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. 

My God. This has got to be one of the most frustrating books I've attempted to read all year. It's literally that bad, so please, do not listen to the reviews done by professionals and other authors. Only read this book if you like reading a bunch of letters and emails about law and family court cases.

When I first saw the synopsis for The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger, I thought that it looked like it would a a great book. I quickly discovered that reading it was utterly agonizing.

If you're a lawyer, you'll probably love this book. Don't get me wrong... I used to want to be a lawyer because it seemed interesting. I even wanted to deal with family law.  The way that Rieger structures this novel just makes it so hard to read and understand. She also introduces a slew of characters within the first few pages of the novel that I had to make a chart just to keep track of all of them.

Also, I know the book is called The Divorce Papers, but there is just way too much focus on the actual divorce papers that I couldn't even stand to read it. The plot was truly interesting. I liked that it's about a high-profile divorce in a small town, but I just wanted to read about it in a different way. I felt like I was snooping instead of actually reading a book. I would have liked this book if it were written like a traditional novel. It would have been a lot better that way, especially if letters and emails were included to expand the story.

I was able to finish the first section of the book, which is all about the intake of a very important client, Mia, but I could not get more than a few pages into the second section of the book.

Stacking the Shelves (5)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews. The meme is normally posted on Saturdays, but I post mine whenever I get the chance. Mine are also kind of sporadic because I try not to buy books until I've finished quite a few. The meme is all about sharing the books you've added to your shelves throughout the week. The books you're adding to your shelves can be either physical or digital.

Like I said earlier, I've been trying really, really hard not to buy anymore books until I read a few more, but I've been finding so many books that I want to read. And there are so many great winter releases this year! Of course that means I'm buying some books. Oops.

But... I've been cleaning my shelves too. That sadly means that I'm getting rid of books that I know I'll never read again. I'm also trying clear my shelves of duplicates. It's not that I don't love my books; I just don't have the room for them anymore. And why keep a book when I know that I'll never read it again? I'd rather them end up in the hands of someone else who will read and love them.

• The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger*
• Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
• Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
• Ashes to Ashes by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
• Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver**
• The List by Siobhan Vivian
• Winger by Andrew Smith
• The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
• Just One Day by Gayle Forman
• Just One Year by Gayle Forman  
• Zodiac by Romina Russell

  

* This book is from Blogging for Books. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
** I already owned a paperback, but I found a hardcover that was in really good condition. I'll probably sell the paperback to Half Price Books, but who knows... There could be a giveaway.

• Coral & Bone by Tiffany Daune***  
• The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
• Into the Light by Rebecca R. Cohen 

*** I received Coral & Bone from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Even though I don't have an e-reader, I take advantage of any free Kindle books that interest me. I do use the Kindle for Mac app, so I have access to the books. I'm really hoping to save up enough money for an e-reader or an iPad so I can start reading some awesome e-books.


So what did you add to your shelves this weekend? As always, feel free to let me know in the comments. Oh, and feel free to let me know if you've read any of these books. I'd love to know what you thought of them. (Just no spoilers please!)

Review: The Silver Linings Playbook

Title: The Silver Linings Playbook

Author: Matthew Quick

Format: Paperback (Movie Tie-In Edition)

Genre: General Fiction, Adult

Publication Date: October 16, 2012

Original Publication Date: September 2, 2008

Source: Purchased

Add it to Goodreads

Meet Pat. Pat has a theory: his life is a movie produced by God. And his God-given mission is to become physically fit and emotionally literate, whereupon God will ensure a happy ending for him -- the return of his estranged wife Nikki. (It might not come as a surprise to learn that Pat has spent time in a mental health facility.) The problem is, Pat's now home, and everything feels off. No one will talk to him about Nikki; his beloved Philadelphia Eagles keep losing; he's being pursued by the deeply odd Tiffany; his new therapist seems to recommend adultery as a form of therapy. Plus, he's being haunted by Kenny G!

In this enchanting novel, Matthew Quick takes us inside Pat's mind, showing us the world from his distorted yet endearing perspective. As the award-winning novelist Justin Cronin put it: "Tender, soulful, hilarious, and true, The Silver Linings Playbook is a wonderful debut."

Top Ten Tuesday (9)

Top Ten Tuesday (TTT) is an original meme hosted The Broke and Bookish. This feature was created because they are fond of lists and list making. It's perfect for me because I also love making lists. Each week, there is a new topic, and you get to create a Top Ten list based on it!

Ten Places Books Have Made Me Want To Visit:

1. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - I'm pretty sure that every person who's read the Harry Potter books would love to visit Hogwarts. I can't wait until I can take a trip to Universal Studios to see the theme park. It almost makes it feel real.
2. Santorini, Greece - I've been wanting to see this place since I read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It seems like a beautiful place to unwind.
3. Paris, France - I really had no intention of visiting Paris until I read Anna and the French Kiss. I'd been told that it was a filthy city and that many people don't enjoy their time there. Well... Stephanie Perkins changed my mind. I'm hoping to get to Europe soon, and Paris will definitely be a stop.
4. Dystopian Chicago - Okay... I know it seems kind of strange to want to visit a world like this, but I think it would be interesting to see what has happened to Chicago. I would have so much fun walking around and viewing the dried up lake and destroyed buildings.
5. Panem - You're probably thinking that I'm really crazy now, but I'd really want to see what America looks like in ruins. Plus the Capitol would be such a site to see.
6. Luna - Ever since I've read Cinder, I've been thinking about how cool it would be to live on the moon. I would probably stare at the Earth all day, but can you imagine how beautiful all the stars would look like from the moon?
7. New York, New York - Young Carrie Bradshaw makes the city seem magical and cruel in Summer and the City. I'm still pretty young, so I think I'd experience some  of the same things. Plus, it's New York. I think every American should see the New York skyline at least once in their life.
8. Zanzibar Bay - I loved Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler, and she made the west coast seem like it's the place to be. Oh, and I love collecting beach glass, so I know how I'd spend most of my time there.
9. Neverland - There's a child in me who wishes that I never grew up. I'd love to explore Neverland and see Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Tinker Bell.
10. London, England - I've kind of always had this place on my list, but reading Bridget Jones's Diary really made me want to visit London.

A Book Farewell

I'm sure that it's happened to all of us. We're told by friends and fellow book bloggers to read a book. They say that it's stellar and that they think you'll enjoy it. So you buy it. Why not add another beautiful book to your collection, right?

Wrong.

I haven't really fallen for the book trap many times, but I have. You buy a book (or an entire series) because people assure you that it'll be the next book you'll fall in love with. Then you read it, and you're upset because you feel like you could have spent that money on something else.

Today, I will tell you the tale of my latest adventure in book selling. I'm sure many of you have thought about it or have even done it. It is sad to let go of something you purchased, but when it's all done, you have a few extra bucks.

Me... I'm not really one to list my own books up for sale on Ebay or the Amazon Marketplace. It's just not for me. I feel like it would be too much of a hassle to make a few dollars. Instead, I usually donate or sell my used books to Half Price Books.

There have been times when I have been offered very, very little, so I take the books back home and wait for another day. But yesterday, I needed to clear some space from my shelves. I took a few failed recommendations and some books that I've had sitting around since some college classes.

Alright... so the books I just had to get rid of that made me upset:

The whole Matched trilogy was a bust. I'm really not sure how anyone liked them because nothing happened. I was even unfriended on Goodreads by the person who recommended them to me! You can see my review of the whole series here. I couldn't have them wasting space in my house any longer.

I'm just glad to be rid of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. This was a thrift store find from my grandma, and she let me borrow it after she read and hated it. I tried to read it, and was disgusted, so I put it down. I felt guilty about it, so I finally read and finished it. It read like a really bad Lifetime movie. I finally called my grandma to see if she needed it back, and she said no, so I sold it.

 

The last of the books that I really just needed to get rid of is Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins. I didn't like the narrator at all, so I hated the book. I felt like way too much was being pushed on me and I was more confused by her lack of explanation of things in the book.

 

After unloading all of my books, I only made $11.25, but in the end, it was worth it. I was never going to read the books again, and now I have some money that I can put towards new books that I hope I'll enjoy. 

I've had one really successful offer from Half Price Books, but that was when I sold the whole Mortal Instruments series back to them for more than I paid. Yeah.

What about you? Do any of you take advantage of selling books you disliked? Do you donate them or let them sit on your shelves? Let me know in the comments.

Book Tag: Most Owned Authors on my Auto-Buy List

Yay! It's time for another book tag! These things can be so much fun, but I was kind of scared when I was tagged to do this one. Rachel over at A Perfection Called Books tagged me to participate in this one, and it's all about the number of books I own from authors on my auto-buy list.

Now some of you might be wondering why this book tag scared me. Well... the answer is kind of simple. I really don't have many auto-buy authors. I'm a taste test kind of reader. I read whatever looks interesting to me at the moment. If you ever see a picture of my shelves, you'll probably notice it.

I'll try my best to complete this tag, but it might seem a bit odd to you. Just hang in there. This should really be called Auto-Acquire Authors for me because a lot of these books were given to me. Oh well. I hope it makes sense.

• J.K. Rowling (12 books) - Okay. This one might be a bit of a stretch because my grandma bought all my Harry Potter books for me when I finally decided to read them. Now I can say that I have bought a few of her books with my own money. I own all seven Harry Potter books and the Hogwarts library box set. I even own an extra copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard because I bought it for myself before finally deciding that I wanted the pretty box set. I also own The Casual Vacancy, and when I find her other books for a cheap enough price, they will have a spot on my shelves. 
• Lauren Oliver (6 books) - Lauren Oliver is an author that I wouldn't have heard about if it weren't for winning a Goodreads giveaway. I was lucky enough to win Before I Fall, and then I quickly purchased the first two books in her Delirium trilogy. Her new adult book is coming out soon, and I'm going to get it. I'm also impatiently waiting for her new YA book, Vanishing Girls.
• Rainbow Rowell (4 books) - The first Rainbow Rowell book I read was Eleanor & Park, and I quickly bought Fangirl and Attachments. I waited patiently to get Landline, so now I have one copy of all of her books. I know I'll be buying anything she releases in the future.
• Veronica Roth (4 books) - I was a little late to hop on the Divergent train, but after I bought it, I ordered both Insurgent and Allegiant and binge read them. I pre-ordered an autographed copy of Four, and I really can't wait to see what she writes next. It'll be on my shelves.
• Sarah Ockler (3 books) - Twenty Boy Summer started it all for me, but I don't even own a copy of it. Don't worry... I'm looking for a decent looking hardcover. Sarah writes beautiful YA books, and I really wish more people would read her books. I still haven't gotten my hands on #scandal, but only because I haven't seen it anywhere. Her new book, The Summer of Chasing Mermaids is one I am going to run out the door for on release day.
• Kiera Cass (4 books) - I own all the books in her Selection trilogy plus the paperback companion short stories. I probably won't buy The Siren, but I'm sure I'll give her next book a chance.
• Nicholas Sparks (19+ books) I own at least one hardcover of every book he's released, and quite a few dupes because my grandma buys them every time she goes to a thrift store. I swear that I could start my own bookstore and just sell his books.  I haven't really liked many of his newer releases, so I don't know if he is still an auto-buy author for me. 
• Marissa Meyer (3 books) - I only just recently read Cinder for a Goodreads read-a-long, but I bought all three books in The Lunar Chronicles series. I can't wait to get a copy of Fairest in my hands, and I really want to get Winter.

So now I get to tag some people! Okay, I'm going to go with my two co-mods at All About YA, Angie and Robin.

Top Ten Tuesday (3)

Top Ten Tuesday (TTT) is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies over at The Broke and Bookish. Each week, there is a different topic, and it's answered in the form of a top ten list because they love compiling lists. Who doesn't, right?

This week, the top ten list is all about books you aren't sure you want to read. Me, I have plenty of them. I've heard good and bad about some. I've heard good about some but hated other books by the author, so I'm on the fence about quite a few books. It's a pretty easy thing for me to do, and a lot of my books on my "To Read" Goodreads shelf are books I'm not quite sure about.

1. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin - I'd been undecided about this one for a while because I wasn't so sure I would like the fantasy aspect of it. Then the TV show came out and, it was super popular. I can't go a day without hearing about it or seeing something about it on the Internet. I'm kind of lucky because I don't get HBO so I don't know of anything that has happened or will happen, but I'm still undecided because I'm afraid it'll be too much fantasy for me. I'm also afraid that people will think I'm only reading it now because of the TV show. But really... the only fantasy I've ever really read is Harry Potter and The Queen of the Tearling.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - My grandma sent this series up to my house years ago because she thought I'd like them. She loves them and raves about them all the time. I'm not really a big fan of crime books, but I'm afraid that my grandma will be upset if I read them and don't like them. She asks me like every month if I've started them, and I tell her no. I just feel really bad about disappointing my grandma.
3. Looking for Alaska by John Green - I've been told to try this one by a few people, and it seems like everyone and their mother has read it. I see it everywhere from bookstores to places like Marshall's and TJMaxx. My only problem is that I hated pretty much everything about The Fault in Our Stars from the writing style to the plot to the characters. I'm afraid that if I try to read Green again, the same thing will happen.
4. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen - I've never read anything by Sarah Dessen, but my sister has and has loved every single book of hers. This probably comes from my time when I wasn't reading YA, but the fear has stuck around since then. She even came to my hometown not too long ago, and I told my sister about it but it was too late to sign up to see her. I'm sure if I give her books a chance, I'll like them. I'm just afraid that I waited too long.
5. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - I've seen how popular the Percy Jackson books have become, but I just don't know how I feel about them. I felt this way about the Harry Potter books for thirteen years before eventually reading them, so I feel like I might love the Percy Jackson books. I just feel like it's too late now to read them now.
6. Say What You Will by Carrie McGovern - Okay, so I know eventually I'll read this book because I own it, but I can't get past the comparison to The Fault in Our Stars. That is what makes me think I'll hate this book, but it sits on my shelves and waits for the day that I will open it.
7. Hungry by H.A. Swain - When I first saw this book on a book website, I thought it seemed interesting. Then I saw way too many negative reviews for my own liking, so I decided against it. Something about it just makes me want to prove the negative reviews wrong.
8. The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith - Again, I thought the book seemed sweet but I saw a lot of negative reviews. This might be a book I read if and only if I borrow it from a library or get a copy of it from someone.
9. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson - I was challenged to read this book this month for a PIFM challenge because someone went to the wrong shelf on Goodreads when the moderator didn't post my PIFM shelf. I've had it on my shelves on the website since my YA literature professor mentioned it, but I never really wanted to read it after reading Speak.
10. This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl by Esther Grace Earl - Please don't take this as me being a horrible person because I'm on the fence about this book. It is not because I hated The Fault in Our Stars. I'm afraid to see what this courageous young woman went through because I can develop thyroid cancer at any time with my already defunct thyroid. I'm curious, but I'm afraid of what could happen to me if cancer decides to attack my thyroid.

Mini Book Haul: July 31, 2014

So yesterday, after an exhausting day of riding rides at an amusement park, my friend and I called it a day and headed for the comforts of home. We rode rides, we ate food that was bad for us, and we were tired. We decided to go get dinner, and ended up at Half Price Books.

I got lucky because the hardcover of The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling that I saw a few days ago was still there, so I snatched it up and took it home. I was so happy. And then I did a little happy dance because I bought a book by Jo on her birthday. I'd say that one will be a memorable purchase.

I'd really wanted to buy it the other day, but some lady was sitting on the stool for like fifteen minutes and would not move when I went to grab it. She just sat there and texted! Who does that in a bookstore? She blocked two entire shelves just because she wouldn't move. It annoyed me, but at least she didn't cost me the book.

Then I went over to the YA section and found Thirteen Reasons Why. I've been wanting to read this too, and even though they are selling a ton of brand new paperbacks of it there, I wanted the hardcover version. Also, I really love how the title is stylized. It is interesting (TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY). I know I'll get annoyed by typing that.

I'm really excited to have both of these books. It might be a while because I have so many books to read, but I'll get to them soon.

Happy reading.

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. Each week, you get to shine the spotlight on an upcoming release that you really want to read.

This is the first time that I've participated in Waiting on Wednesday, and I'm sure it won't be the last. It seems like a fun opportunity to share some of the books that I am dying to read, and believe me, there are plenty of them.



Today, my focus will be on an upcoming release by the lovely Lauren Oliver. As you keep reading my blog, you'll come to learn that I am a huge Lauren Oliver fan. I have been since I won Before I Fall on Goodreads. I really just love her writing style.

I was ecstatic when I found out that she was releasing an adult novel. Yes, I'm a YA fan, but I do like to read books aimed at adults, too. After all, I am an adult.

So why do I need to get my hands on this? Well, it's Lauren Oliver. First of all, I haven't read anything by her that I haven't liked.  Secondly, it's adult fiction and fantasy. I've noticed that I've been liking fantasy, so it's definitely worth a try. And lastly, it seems like the perfect book to read as the seasons begin to change and Halloween approaches.

Without further ado, here's this week's Waiting on Wednesday.


Expected Publication: September 23, 2014

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
The New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy makes her brilliant adult debut with this mesmerizing story in the tradition of The Lovely Bones, Her Fearful Symmetry, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane—a tale of family, ghosts, secrets, and mystery, in which the lives of the living and the dead intersect in shocking, surprising, and moving ways

Wealthy Richard Walker has just died, leaving behind his country house full of rooms packed with the detritus of a lifetime. His estranged family—bitter ex-wife Caroline, troubled teenage son Trenton, and unforgiving daughter Minna—have arrived for their inheritance.

But the Walkers are not alone. Prim Alice and the cynical Sandra, long dead former residents bound to the house, linger within its claustrophobic walls. Jostling for space, memory, and supremacy, they observe the family, trading barbs and reminiscences about their past lives. Though their voices cannot be heard, Alice and Sandra speak through the house itself—in the hiss of the radiator, a creak in the stairs, the dimming of a light bulb.

The living and dead are each haunted by painful truths that will soon surface with explosive force. When a new ghost appears, and Trenton begins to communicate with her, the spirit and human worlds collide—with cataclysmic results.

Elegantly constructed and brilliantly paced, Rooms is an enticing and imaginative ghost story and a searing family drama that is as haunting as it is resonant.

 I'd like to know what you're waiting on. Leave a comment here with a link to your "Waiting on Wednesday." I'll be sure to check it out. I can always add more books to my library.

If you participate, be sure to visit Breaking the Spine, and let them know you're participating by adding your name and blog URL to the Linky.

Book Review: The Queen of the Tearling

U.S. Cover

Title: The Queen of the Tearling

Series: The Queen of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: July 8, 2014 (Originally Published on October 31, 2013)

Source: Purchased

On her nineteenth birthday, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, raised in exile, sets out on a perilous journey back to the castle of her birth to ascend her rightful throne. Plain and serious, a girl who loves books and learning, Kelsea bears little resemblance to her mother, the vain and frivolous Queen Elyssa. But though she may be inexperienced and sheltered, Kelsea is not defenseless: Around her neck hangs the Tearling sapphire, a jewel of immense magical power; and accompanying her is the Queen’s Guard, a cadre of brave knights led by the enigmatic and dedicated Lazarus. Kelsea will need them all to survive a cabal of enemies who will use every weapon—from crimson-caped assassins to the darkest blood magic—to prevent her from wearing the crown.

Despite her royal blood, Kelsea feels like nothing so much as an insecure girl, a child called upon to lead a people and a kingdom about which she knows almost nothing. But what she discovers in the capital will change everything, confronting her with horrors she never imagined. An act of singular daring will throw Kelsea’s kingdom into tumult, unleashing the vengeance of the tyrannical ruler of neighboring Mortmesne: the Red Queen, a sorceress possessed of the darkest magic. Now Kelsea will begin to discover whom among the servants, aristocracy, and her own guard she can trust.

But the quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun—a wondrous journey of self-discovery and a trial by fire that will make her a legend…if she can survive.

My Review

Emma Watson

I've noticed that there is a lot of hype about this book, especially because the movie rights have already been sold and Emma Watson is set to star in and produce the movie. 

I've also noticed that there are more negative reviews on this book than I thought there would be. That is truly upsetting because The Queen of the Tearling is rightfully a great debut novel by Erika Johansen. 

That being said, I only gave it four stars because parts of it are confusing. I did find myself rereading sections and pages just to make sense of some things and events. I'd say, with certainty, that the book did lack some explanation.

What you need to know is that this book is set in the future, but it is a future that rejects technology. I went into it with a very vague idea of it (I feel like going in blind helps me to really make my own decisions), and at first, I thought it was set in the past. The people in this futuristic society live like people in the Middle Ages, but Johansen claims that they have found a new land. That part is kind of unrealistic because we all know that there isn't any new land to claim. There are references to things that we know in our world, like many of the books that we've read. Those books sit on Kelsea's shelves, and she has read many of the same books that we have (Harry Potter being one of them).

The book itself tells the great and empowering story of Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, the heir to the Tearling throne. She was raised by foster parents (away from the kingdom) for her protection. During her time with her foster parents, she is taught many things about her kingdom, but a lot, like important parts of history,  are left out of her education. They teach her the languages of the bordering kingdoms. They do not tell her anything about her mother, though. I found it a bit odd that her foster parents wouldn't teach her about her mother. If they had, Kelsea could have a better idea of the queen that she wants to be and what she should avoid to win over her people.

This is a book that you really want to take your time with while reading it. I am usually a quick reader, but there is just something about this book that makes you want to savor it so it lasts just a little longer. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop. It is a seriously great fantasy, and I cannot wait until the release of the second book in the trilogy. 

Book Review: Landline

Title: Landline

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Source: Purchased from Target

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

My Review

Warning: Some foul language. But only what Rainbow tweeted and includes in her book. 

 

I feel like I waited an eternity to get my hands on a copy of this book. I entered every giveaway possible on Goodreads and on other websites because I NEEDED this book in my life. You see... I somehow became a huge Rainbow Rowell fangirl (forgive the pun). Alas, I did not win it, so I had to wait until it came out to buy it. Needless to say, I got myself to Target on release day and purchased it.

It's definitely not my favorite Rainbow Rowell book, but is sure is sweetly captivating and hella entertaining. And who doesn't love the idea of a "magic fucking phone" that someone can use to call someone in the past? I loved that idea. It made for an entertaining novel with some unexpected events. Seriously... I want a phone like that!

There are some killer pop culture references in this one, my favorite being the one about Amy Sherman-Palladino, my favorite TV writer/producer. Like I've said before, I feel like reading a Rainbow Rowell book reminds me so much of watching a Amy Sherman-Palladino show. (Gilmore Girls and Bunheads). On a side note, can you imagine how freaking awesome it would be if these two women did some sort of collaboration. We need to make it happen. OMG. I just love how Rainbow includes all these pop culture tidbits in her novels because it really sets the scene. It makes the reader feel like they know her characters wholly because you know all of their likes and dislikes. 

The writing in this one is okay. I felt like it dragged on a bit, but otherwise, I really enjoyed this unique, new novel. 

Also, the rumors are true that Georgie will encounter a couple from one of Rainbow's other novels in this book! I won't ruin it for you, but I will tell you that they aren't named in this book. You actually have to remember their physical descriptions... So reread her other books if you must!

Anyways, this is an adorable book about trying to fix what you think is ruined, and I'm glad that I was so patient to wait for it.

Book Review: Attachments

Title: Attachments

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: Dutton Adult

Publication Date: April 14, 2011

Source: Purchased

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you ... "

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

My Review

I smiled so much while I was reading this, but I couldn't figure out just why I was smiling so much. Why? Because there are just so many things to smile about when reading Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. Yes, it's hilarious. Yes, it's fresh. Yes, it's weird. It is everything you can ask for in a book, and while I was about halfway through the book, it hit me like a truck; this book, and all of Rainbow Rowell's books are filling a void I've been trying to fill since Gilmore Girls was cancelled. Her writing is reminiscent of Amy Sherman-Palladino's work, and therefore, I cannot get enough of it!

Attachments is just as witty as any episode of the adorably cute show, Gilmore Girls. Rowell seamlessly includes references to 90s pop culture while telling the stories of co-workers Lincoln, Beth, and Jennifer.

Jennifer and Beth are the dynamic duo of best friends that I needed in a book. I sometimes find it hard to connect with characters in adult fiction books, but these two are one hundred percent real. They get themselves into some sticky situations at work. They know they are breaking the rules at work, but they just don't care. They have some insane conversations on their work emails, but sometimes, their conversations are just normal and about life. I just loved them, and I would not mind having a friend like either one of them.

Then there's Lincoln. Lincoln's story made me wish that he were somebody that I knew in real life. Like how adorable is he? He cares so much for people, even people that he doesn't really know. He really doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. That is why he never reports Beth and Jennifer, even though it's part of his job description. I'll admit that it's a bit odd and strange that he reads their emails, but in the end, it's worth it. He also cares so much for his mom. He is an all-around great character.

I seriously did not want to put this book down! It's one of those books that every adult reader or fan of chick-lit should read because it breaks the mold of what we think women's fiction should be.