This is a place that has all of the book reviews I've written. In case I ever need them someday, or incase you are ever looking for a specific books. Some of them are on Goodreads—actually, I have no idea which ones are on Goodreads and which ones aren't.
They are categorized from from most to least recent. I hope some of these motivate you to read (or not read) some of my books I've read this year.
Enjoy!
The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien
Started: March 28, 2016
Finished: April 1, 2016
Stars: 4/5
This book is straight up weird. But hilarious. But absurd. But ridiculous. When you first start reading it, you think that it'll be a normal read, about a poor Irishman and his life story. But it's not. Like at all. IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE.
There is no logic to this book but that's what makes it awesome! The footnotes add a whole different aspect to the story and the narrator. and it's brilliant. The atomic theory is hilarious, you'll love it I swear.
I don't really know what else to say about it because there are no other words to explain it. It's just a really strange but great book.
Emma by Jane Austen
Started: March 27, 2016
Finished: April 6, 2016
Stars: 5/5
Oh Emma. I think the reason why Emma is a hard character to like is because she messes up all the time. But I also think that's why she's relatable. Everyone messes up and Emma gets called on it alllllll the time by Knightley. I think this is why I like Emma so much. She's childish and causes problems, but in the end she gets her own happy ending. And I think that's what everyone is looking for.
This is third time that I've read Emma and every time I read it, I get all happy and fall in love with a different character. This time, I realized how great Knightley is. The first time I fell in love with Emma and her intelligence. The second time I realized how great Mrs. Weston is. (No seriously, she is basically match-making Emma and Knightley the entire book.) The past two times, I thought that Knightley was an overbearing jerk who needed to let Emma make her own mistakes. But he's basically the backbone of Highbury. He makes sure everything goes smoothly and everyone is happy and provided for. I want someone like that in my life.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Started: April 6, 2016
Finished: April 18, 2016
Stars: 6/5
I love this book. It's my all time favorite book. And if I go on a rant right now, I'm sorry, but I just can't help it. Everything about it makes me giddy and unable to contain my excitement. I'm also going to apologize for any spoilers.
This is the second time I've ever read Persuasion and I forgot how much I love it. Anne is the perfect character. She quietly sits in the background of the entire novel, up until the very end. She is modest and kind and selfless and just the most pure character. All I want to do is protect her. She's solemn and melancholy after nursing her broken heart for 8 WHOLE YEARS!!! WHAT??? WHO HAS THAT DEDICATION?? And after you figure this out, you're like damn Anne, get over him. But then you meet who she's been hung up over. AND HOT DAMN CAPTAIN WENTWORTH YOU ARE A GIFT TO MANKIND. You totally understand why Anne can't get over him. Because he's perfect. Literally in every way except that he doesn't pay attention to Anne (not explicitly) until the second volume. Cuz honestly he's still kind of pissed off at her (which he's totally justified in being upset with her—you'll figure out why).
Captain Wentworth's letter gets me every. single. damn. time. I get this stupid little grin and I clap my hands a few times. This time, when I read it, I was kicking my feet in the air as I laid on my couch in the living room. Where everyone could see me. Last time I read this, once I had it finished, I re-read Wentworth's letter I don't know how many times. When I'm sad, I go and read his letter because it's the best flipping thing since sliced bread. It's amazing. Hands down the best, most happiest thing I've ever read.
If you haven't read Persuasion, you are missing out and you need to read it ASAP. It's only 200 pages so it's not like a huge commitment, but you'll want to give it your full attention (no reading it while watching Netflix, sorry).
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
Started: April 30, 2016
Finished: May 2, 2016
Stars: 5/5
This may not be news to anyone but this series is my fave and they are beautiful with a strong female heroine and so so so so so so so so so good!!!!!!! I love it. I kind of have a slight book hangover from this one and I just keep thinking about the ending (HOLY CRAP TALK ABOUT CLIFF HANGER AND PLOT TWIST) and all the characters in it are flawless.
Cal is bae (obviously) and Mare is amazing and so conflicted throughout the entire novel. I don't know what else to say that won't give away the plot or the emotions or the feels or I don't know. I just love her writing, it's so beautiful and powerful and makes you feel so many things.
When I was maybe 2/3 of the way finished, I had to put the book down because I was so worked up and anxious. I was sweating, I was jittery and I was just hyped by the adrenaline that the plot gave me. It was a whirlwind of a read.
Low key upset that I have to wait until 2017 for the next book because I need it yesterday.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
Started: February 21, 2016
Finished: March 8, 2016
Stars: 5/5
Joyce, my man. He's great. I love his language, I love his writing style. I love his characters. I even love his strong bouts of existentialism.
Stephen is a great character. He is flawed in so many ways, but that is makes him so realistic. He is struggling to find himself and doesn't quite know where he fits in this mess we call humanity. He doesn't really know what he wants, except that he wants to be an artist. Same Stephen. Same.
I read this book for My Irish Literature course and also wrote a pretty great parody to it. I enjoyed it at least.
But yeah... 10/10 would recommend Joyce.
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
Started: January 17, 2016
Finished: March 12, 2016
Stars: 4/5
What a whirlwind of a story. I loved the history and the places. Her imagery is always phenomenal and her characters are always so diverse and realistic. Not going to lie here, but Etta got on my nerves a few times. But it was worth it because that just made her seem all the more realistic to me. The ending kills you. You feel for these characters and I was engrossed. I did have to set it down for a few months because I couldn't finish it in January before school overtook my life. But I'm so glad I was able to put off school work and pick this one back up during Spring Break!
Winter by Marissa Meyer
Started: March 13, 2016
Finished: March 17, 2016
Stars: 4.5/5
This was such a great conclusion to the Lunar Chronicles. I don't really know what to say about it because I'm still a little starstruck. All of the characters were so great and the friendships are my favorite parts about these books. It was so great that I don't even know where to start!!!!
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Started: February 19, 2016
Finished: March 22, 2016
Stars: 3.4/5
Funny story about my time reading this. So I thought for my Austen class that after reading Pride and Prejudice, we would read Mansfield Park, so I was a good student and read the assigned reading days before it was due. Then I look at the calendar to check my other homework and on the date that it was due, I see that we were supposed to read Northanger Abbey and NOT Mansfield Park so I was royally screwed. The only positive thing was that I had already ready NA and just refreshed myself by reading the spark notes. It's funny now, but I was flipping shit when I first realized my error.
Mansfield Park didn't leave me with the happy feeling that all of her other books did. I didn't like any of the characters, first of all. Except for Fanny and William and Susan (the last two don't even have a major role in the book). Edmund seemed boring and just annoying. I get why Fanny liked him, but she totally could've done soooo much better. At one point, even though Henry Crawford is despicable in the end, I was rooting for him and not Edmund. He's so much more suave than Edmund. Edmund is like that older brother who doesn't let anyone have any fun unless he somehow justifies himself for having that fun also. Buzzkill.
But I love Austen. It's impossible to not like her books even though the characters are blah. So Read it and Enjoy it. I swear.
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Started: January 25, 2016
Finished: January 26, 2016
Stars: 4/5
Have you seen She's The Man? Then you've seen a modern interpretation of this play. Granted, Amanda Bynes makes it hilarious and feminist as hell, but still it's based off of Twelfth Night. This may be one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. I love all of the gender confusion and feminism and Viola is my fave. She's great. And you can't help but laugh at the Duke Orsino because he's ridiculous and dramatic in the woes of love and blah blah blah. Just men making fools of themselves is hilarious.
[this book is my "book set during Christmas" for my 2016 Reading Challenge]
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Started: January 21, 2016
Finished: January 31, 2016
Stars: 4/5
Introducing Elinor. One of my new fave Austen heroines. Elinor is quiet and composed, yet logical and smart and humble and SO COOL. I think she is the most relatable of Austen's heroines because anyone can relate to her. Marianne can get a little annoying at times, but you can't help but sympathize with you because she is young and naive and only announces publicly what everyone else wants in their life. The only awkward component of S&S is the heroes: they aren't really anything special. But I really loved Colonel Brandon. Most people are indifferent towards him, but, next to Elinor, he is my fave in this book. I really loved the friendship between Elinor and Colonel Brandon and think it was severely underrated.
[this book was my "book that is 100 years or older than you" for my 2016 Reading Challenge]
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
Started: February 10, 2016
Finished: February 15, 2016
Stars: ?/5
I'm very confused on how I feel about this play. I don't know how to read it. Is it a satire? Is Shakespeare being literal in his description of Petruchio's abuse? I D O N 'T K N O W. I love Katharina. I am positive that she is a semi-feminist character, at least up until the last two Acts... But who the heck knows.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Started: February 6, 2016
Finished: February 13, 2016
Stars:
This is the third time I've read this book. I read it for the first time in 7th grade and I call it "my gateway book." It's the book that made me love reading. I read it again in high school and, now, I suppose it's appropriate to read it again in college.
I have forgotten how much I loved this book. It just makes me so happy. There is no way that you could hate this book. I'm sorry there just isn't. It's funny and romantic with social commentary and challenges the social standards. Lizzy is funny and witty and totally does not follow how a lady is supposed to act and it's great.
A classmate of mine described this as a book (I'm paraphrasing here) "a pretentious jerk would read in a hipster coffee shop and quote it to make people feel stupid when really he doesn't understand what he's reading." I thought it was pretty funny and pretty spot on because Gide is a little pretentious. But nonetheless I loved what he had to say about the fruit and desire and pursuing one's dreams and hopes.
Nathaniel is the subject to whom Gide is writing and giving advice. But Nathaniel is actually the audience, the world, anyone reading. He is a universal character that is used to make everyone feel like Gide's words are intimate and informal and personal.
Gotta love those French philosophers.
I had to read this short story at least 5 times. It's not even a page long so it's not like it was long and took me a long time. But I took me forever to understand what Woolf was describing. And when I figured it out, it was like a lightbulb went off and I wanted to jump around and dance because it's that beautiful. Her writing and descriptions are beautiful and magical. The two parts almost contradict each other in mood, but, in order to put the whole piece together, you need to put the two stories together. It does not make sense if you neglect one part of the story.
This is such a great play. It preaches the whole concept of "hell is other people" because these three people spend the afterlife with each other. It's not said that they are in hell, but who knows. These three characters are in a "hate triangle:" they feed off of each other and drive each other crazy by pushing each other's buttons. Like Camus, it also touches on the ideas of bad-faith and honesty and decisions. Existentialism man. It's the best.
Night Train by Martin Amis
Started: January 14, 2016
Finished: January 16, 2016
Stars: 3/5
I have read a couple of Martin Amis' short stories so I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this novella. Mike Hoolihan, despite the male name, is a female detective. And a well-skilled and trained detective who has been in the force for a while. She is chosen for to determine whether the Colonel Rockwell's daughter was the victim of a murder or her own suicide. It is obviously a case that's close to heart for Mike and the rest of her task force and she is chosen because of the closeness between Mike and Jennifer Rockwell.
This isn't a book that is centralized on the mystery or the action of the book. It's an emotional journey through Mike's head. Mike talks about how the "police" don't look for the why in a case. They don't care about that answer. They care about the who, the what and then how. What is interesting is that the whole book is about the why. Why what happened to Jennifer happened? Why? Mike is distressed with this question as she stays up late to listen to the Night Train that runs by her house.
The only problem with this book was the fact that it was a British author writing about the American police force. Amis used terms to describe the American police system that just aren't used. I was confused at the beginning because I was thrown off by the language and the terms that Amis used.
While reading it, I wasn't particularly intrigued by the characters or the plot, but when I finished the book, I was confounded by the concept of the novel. As police they don't ask the why question because they aren't emotionally attached to the case (usually and ideally), but with Mike and Jennifer's case, she is emotionally invested. Jennifer's father is a close friend of Mike's and Mike was fond of Jennifer— everyone was fond of Jennifer. This emotional attachment is what causes Mike to ask that heavy "why" question.
[this book was my murder mystery book for my 2016 Reading Challenge]
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
Started: January 9, 2016
Finished: January 11, 2016
Stars: 4/5
Holy crapola. This book was hilarious. She's hilarious. And she talks about something that we tend to overlook, or disregard in our society: mental illness.
It's not so much a taboo in our society anymore (at least I don't think so), mental illness, that is. But I still think it's a touchy subject for us to discuss openly and without judgement because the mind and how each individual reacts to stresses are such fickle things. I think Jenny Lawson did an incredible of describing not only how her illnesses have affected her life, but how she reacts to them. She stresses the importance of just being yourself and knowing the limits of your body and your mind.
And let me tell ya, Jenny is perfectly comfortable in her own skin. Her stories are unique and personal and funny.
Seriously, if you need a laugh-out-loud book that makes you realize you're not the only one, read this one.
[this book was my book by a comedian for my 2016 Reading Challenge]
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Started: July 15, 2015 4pm
Finished: July 16, 2015 4am
Stars: 5/5
I really loved this book. From the start I was on the edge of my seat in suspense, dying to know what was going to happen next. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I'm slightly on a book high after reading it.
The book takes you back to a time that, let's face it, everyone would love to experience. You picture every good thing the Jazz Era: the flappers, the feathers, the beads, the classiness of it all. You get a taste of the prohibition, the liberties people had then (17-year olds drinking in night clubs), the dancing, the gossip, and, of course, the city of opportunity, aka New York City.
But that's not all...
Bray also talks about the social topics of that time period! She talks about the black social situation, specifically Harlem! She touches on the homosexual taboo! She doesn't even narrow her focus on romance in the book. There are tropes and comments here and there, but that isn't even one of the top 3 plot lines. I found myself learning about the 1920s while I was swept into the supernatural of the book.
But enough about the social themes, it's a spooky read. There's talk about ghosts and cults and human beings acting out in evil even though they think it's action based on God's will. It's a smart book too. It references pop culture from the 1920s and talks about the popular cults and secret societies from this time. The brutality of the crimes give you a little bit of the hebee-geebees (spelling?? who knows), but all you wanna do is read m o r e.
I also read this book in 12 hours, if that tells you the degree to which I loved this book.
It was a funny read. No two characters were the same and she used a lot of them. They were each so diverse, each with their own tragic (or not too tragic) back story. But mostly tragic. She switched between perspectives seamlessly. I'll admit that Evie and a few of the other characters were a little annoying, but once you got a little annoyed by those characters, she switched perspective to a calmer character. By the time you got back to Evie (or other) you forgot why you were annoyed with her in the first place! The interactions between the characters were natural and realistic (I don't know how realistic for the 1920s, but for modern day it definitely was).
This book was a mystery/thriller/supernatural/historical/paranormal/aBEAUTIFUL READ.
I cannot wait for the next one. For Evie's stupidity, her banter with Sam, JERICHO, Memphis' consistent existential crises, Theta's "free" behavior, and the brother/sister relationship between Theta and Henry. But mostly Jericho cuz wow do I love that character.
[I'm trying to count this as my historical read for my 2015 Reading Challenge, but we'll see. I'll keep you updated.]
The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo
Started: July 19, 2015
Finished: July 26, 2015
Stars: 4/5
The reason it took me so long to read this book is not because I didn't like it or because I thought it was boring. I may have hit a small slump in the middle of reading and then I transitioned to trashy novels that (like I said earlier) took zero concentration or mental thought. But once I started to read it again, I couldn't put it down. Kudos Paulo. Kudos.
I really loved this book. It was philosophical and deep, but oh so simple at the same time. The meaning behind this book and the metaphors and symbols blew me away. The English major in me really wanted to annotate the book, but I read my mom's copy and she hates people writing in books so that analytical journey is an adventure for another day.
You could honestly read this book in a day. And I think it should be a required reading for everyone—regardless of age or gender. This book helps you open your eyes to the world around you and the meaning behind your own existence. It doesn't give you any answers to life or purpose for living, but it makes you aware that there might be those things living underneath your noses, you are only blind to them now.
Even though it is a non-fantastical book, it carries this magic to it. In the descriptions and the characters, you sense magic in it. How I interpreted it was as the magic of life. Life carries it's own magic even though it's not witchcraft or sorcery or anything beyond our everyday comprehension. It adds the idea that wonder and the extraordinary exist in our mundane lives. It just puts you in a happy, optimistic mood after you finish it. I guarantee it. If this book isn't a classic now, it will be very soon.
[this book was my "book originally in another language" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Started: June 19, 2015
Finished: June 20, 2015
Stars: 4/5
I have seen this book at Barnes and Noble since May and from the first time I saw it, I was thinking that is a book that I'll like. But it took me a while to pluck it from the shelf. What I thought the book would be delayed my reading it. But it wasn't anything that I expected. I was expecting something that revolved around the romantic relationship between the two characters (like the typical fantasy/dystopian books these days), which isn't to say that those are bad, I'm just tired of them for now.
It didn't focus on the romantic part until closer to the end and it was only for max 15 pages.
It focused on decisions and coming of age. Find out who you want to be and the legacy you want to leave. It focused on being scared and angry and using those things to make decisions and change not only your own life, but the world around you. The fantasy world was so well developed and complex that I didn't need to reference the maps as much as I usually do. I was enraptured by the plot and the characters.
I really enjoyed it. Another series that I started this year to pine over until the next book comes out... Yay.
[this book was my "book by a female author" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
The Night Circus by Erin Morgentstern
Started: June 20, 2015
Finished: June 23, 2015
Stars: 3/5
I loved this book while I was reading it. Throughout the book it talks about experiencing something that feels like a dream but is actually reality. And that's exactly how reading the book felt like.
The mystery and the magic of the book is what hooked you and made you want to keep reading. There wasn't much character development per say or dialogue, at least not as much as I was expecting.
I did feel like some of the events were under described so I was confused during a couple parts of the book. The ending also irritated me. I don't want to spoil the book by saying why, but I just thought it was like the author didn't know how to end the book or was tired of writing it and just picked the easiest way out.
This books isn't character driven and not really plot driven. It mostly revolved around the descriptions and the extravagance of the book. It was still beautiful to read and really well done.
[this is my "book with magic" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Into the Afterlife by Alexandra Bracken
Started: June 28, 2015
Finished: July 1, 2015
Stars: 5/5
I forgot everything that happened in the previous two books before I read this one. All I could tell you was the character's names. So naturally, I had to read the first two books before this one. And I modified my Goodreads so that the two re-reads counted for my challenge for this year. Oops.
I forgot how good this series was. Why did it take me so long to pick up the finale???
Even though this book is dystopian/futuristic/sci-fy, it was realistic and believable. The sad thing is that everything that happened in this series could potentially happen. Plus, every decision the characters faced were decided with reason. There wasn't anything ridiculous in this book: their actions, plans, words, expectations, emotions, thoughts, everything.
It even touched on issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression without blatantly stating it. The usual character tropes that are being used in most modern books are twisted in this book. Each character is strong and different and each one has their faults. The author doesn't cover up the character's faults, but describes and explains them.
This was the perfect ending to this series. The ending left me satisfied and happy. There wasn't anything wrong with this book.
[this is the "book that made me cry" in my 2015 Reading Challenge]
I really didn't cry, more like tear up. But I almost never cry in books so that category has been tricky for me. This counts.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Started: July 2, 2015
Finished: July 3, 2015
Stars: 2.8/5
This book is in the style of a journal, narrated by high school senior Greg Gaines, and it told after the events have happened.
Greg annoyed me. His narrating was annoying. He kept disrupting the story to tear his writing down and say how bad of a writer he is. And I get that it factors into his Excessive Modesty Mode, but it was annoying to read. Mostly he talked about himself and his senior year, which is fine. But the Dying Girl maybe took up a third of the book, maybe that much.
As I was reading, I was waiting for plot development or for something exciting to happen, but it was a majority of backstory and narrating the high and low points of his senior year.
I had high expectations for this book and it wasn't really what I was expecting. It had the right idea, but the execution was lacking.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Started: June 5, 2015
Finished: June 13, 2015
Stars: 4/5
Typically, it takes me a looong time to finish non-fiction books. Regardless of their content. It usually takes me months to read nonfiction. I'm still "currently reading" Wild by Cheryl Strayed even though I haven't touched it since March.
But with this one, I was sucked in and I wanted to finish it. I wanted to know what next Mr. King had to tell me about writing and how I could become a better writer. And it was all gold. I'm trying to incorporate some of his advice into my writing.
I went to it with a pen and highlighter: underlining favorite parts of his writing and highlighting tips and tricks to writing. It was fun. I learned a lot and I have so so so so much more respect for him as an author and a person (which isn't saying much because I already had unreasonable respect for him).
He only talks about himself for 100 pages. That part was the hardest part for me to get through. Not because he didn't have an interesting life, but because autobiographies just don't hook me like good fiction does. No idea the logic behind it. Then he starts talking about the writing tool box and his actual writing routine and I was sucked in and ready to learn. I loved it.
That's all I can really say about it. I loved this book. I loved what he had to teach me and what I go out of it. I loved how he wrote it and the techniques he used. I loved it so much I was quoting it to my parents who didn't care in the least bit. I even passed it along to my equally-reading-obsessed neighbor. Well, I kind of forced it on him, but that's beside the point.
And now I'm rambling so I'll end with this: If you want to write and want to write better, read this book. He has so many great tips to share. Even if you think it's a bunch of hogwash, you'll at least take it into consideration and use it to develop your own writing technique.
[this book was my "nonfiction book" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Started: June 4, 2015
Finished: June 18, 2015
Stars: 2/5
I was unimpressed with this book. I tried really hard to get into it. But it was lacking in the suspense area. Among a few others.
First, it was really difficult to relate to any of the characters. I wanted to slap Ben. I just felt bad for Patty. And I wanted Libby to grow up. Diondra just annoyed the crap out of me. Lyle was the one character I didn't want to hurl across the room and he was given very little page time.
Usually, I'm all for the flashback chapters and the changing point of view. But the narration styles changed between past and present perspectives and that confused me. It also slowed the pacing of the novel and prevented me from getting sucked into the story like I was with Sharp Objects. The pacing was super slow. The narration had to do with that, but also, I was bored for the first 200 pages. I may have skimmed the book for about 40 pages because I was just reading it because I needed to finish it to get back on track with my book challenge. Because I've wasted a good three weeks on this stupid book. Ugh. The frustration.
I may have been expecting great things because of Sharp Objects and my mom said that this one was better than her first novel. I think Sharp Objects is the real winner out of these two, despite it's higher degree of twistedness (that's not a word, but I'm using it anyway).
[this book was my "thriller/mystery book" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
Started: May 10, 2015
Finished: June 1, 2015
Stars: 3/5
You know how you have authors you admire, authors you want to be like, authors you want to be friends with and then authors that fit into all of the above? I, at least, have a mental list of my top authors for each category. (And a physical list but that's irrelevant.)
Well, after reading this book of short stories, I've decided I want to be friends with, write like, and admire J.D. Salinger.
I could honestly write an entire post (and possibly a 10+ page research paper) about how much I love J.D. Salinger. Seriously though. It's verging on unhealthy.
In my defense, it took me so long to read this short little book of a whopping 198 pages because I was working hard on my internship... [actually, it was probably because I had to take a pause between several of the short stories because I was soaking it all in and trying to understand it all.]
His stories were gold. They were simple and completely ordinary, yet they messed with me! I would sit at the end of finishing one and try to understand what he meant, what the story meant. Sometimes it was easy. And when I say sometimes, I mean maybe 3 of the stories the meaning clicked. Each of these stories was so ridiculous ordinary, but it had this complexity about it. If you want my English Lit opinion, I think it was supposed to resemble the uniqueness of our lives (the reader's) even though our lives are usually mundane. There is always something special or unique about our mundane every day life.
Nothing will ever live up to my experience of reading Franny and Zooey, but that doesn't mean that this should be disregarded. His writing is just i n c r e d i b l e. He could've written a grocery list and I would read it with a pen in hand, trying to understand what it all meant. I would read way too far into every mark. He's that good.
[this was my "book of short stories" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Started: June 2, 2015
Finished: June 3, 2015
Stars: 3/5
Let me just preface by saying that Gillian Flynn is twisted and a pure genius. This book was really good. I had low expectations for it, honestly. And even though the characters were almost impossible to relate to (they had some serious issues), I was rooting for some of them and predicting the outcome almost instantly.
I even prevented myself from reading the last few pages which is always successful. I did try to coax my mom into telling me who did it when I was a third of the way finished with the book, she claimed she didn't remember. Yeah... Sure.
[this was my "popular author's first book" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
Started: May 26, 2015
Finished: May 28, 2015
Stars: 4.5/5
The cover got me on this book. I saw it sitting on the bookshelf among hideous covers in comparison to this and it called out my name. I had to take it home with me.
And was I glad I did.
I finished this not 10 minutes from now—as I write this review. My jaw still hurts from hanging loose for about 10 minutes and I keep checking the sequel's goodreads page, hoping the release date has updated to a much sooner date. Like next week. Or tomorrow. But alas, 2016 is a long way away. And there isn't even a summary where I can tease myself, waiting for its release.
I seem to do this too often to myself. I buy (and consequently read) the book very close to it's release date and then I'm stuck twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the sequel to come out.
Anyway, back to the book!
I don't know much about A Thousand and One Nights but now I find myself wanting to know more after reading this book.
Similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses, it too had a slight Stockholm Syndrome aspect, to a lesser degree but still there. It was told in multiple perspectives which confused me in the first 40 pages. But it had so much more mystery! It starts in the middle of the action. Within the first chapter (not the prologue because I didn't really see the benefit of the prologue) you have questions about what's going on and who's this and what the hell is going on! It really doesn't give you an answer to all of your questions until 75% of the book.
I loved the characters. I also really like asshole-type and stubborn and strong-willed and fierce characters, so naturally I loved Shazi and Khalid. Especially Khalid. And secondly, Jalal, Despina. Khalid and Shazi were just so stubborn that they naturally fit together and provide a great reading. A story of just these four characters and practically no plot could've satisfied me for 400 pages.
And then there were Jahandar, whom irritates me, and Tariq, whom despises me. Jahandar is a respectable father figure, yeah he's a little cowardly and let's his daughter practically sacrifice herself, but he does so because she is such a strong-willed character! And then he just has to try and save Shazi, but he manages to screw everything up. Ughhhhh. Idiot. Tariq is just so childish. Acting like he is so high and mighty where anyone who has Shazi's love is immediately a fraud. Ughhhhh, it was irritating to read and I just don't like those types of characters (like Kilorn from Red Queen). He just won't let Shazi live her own life and make her own decisions if they are different than his expectations of her. At least Rahim was there as a comic relief to Tariq's stupidity.
I also really hate love-triangles so that could be another reason why I hate Tariq.
I could've done without Tariq's character altogether. But I know that he has merit to the story. And provides conflict.
The ending to the first book ripped me to shreds. I'm JUST SO CONFUSED!!!! Why did that happen??? WHAT IS GOING ON!!!
That question basically sums up my reading of the book. In the best way possible though. This book kept me hanging throughout all of it. It gave me answers and then ripped the carpet from underneath my feet 10 pages later. The crafting of the plot and the sentences were beautiful. Honestly it was amazing how Ahdieh could keep my interest on literally every single page of the book, even in the parts about Tariq and his foolishness.
I feel like I'm rambling now, so I'll finish.
This book would've gotten a full-fledged 5 stars, but it was stupid Tariq who ruined it all. Ugh.
[this book was my "a book by an author you've never read before" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Started: May 23, 2015
Finished: May 25, 2015
Stars: 5/5
Sarah Maas has done it again.
I don't know how she does it, but every single sentence on every single page captures the reader. She uses language and manipulates it in every degree to present the best experience for the reader. Her descriptions are so graphic and detailed. Her characters are complex and relatable. Her sentences vary and only help her writing and the story overall. If only I could live in the world she created.
Contrast to Throne of Glass, this book is told in first person and I loved it. I thought Maas did a great job with the multiple perspectives like she does in her most notable series, but she can work the first person narration to a tee! She has the thought process to a point where you think they're your thoughts instead of the characters.
Here on my thoughts, though. Feyre resembled Celaena from Throne of Glass, very closely. They had the same strong-willed character, hard-headed and stubborn girl who happens to be the savior against the evil that threatens a certain land. And I don't mean that analysis in a bad way— I actually appreciate it. With that being said, I felt like I connected to Feyre more than I do with Celaena. What really got me was the relationship with her sisters and her father. You see how she struggles because she is so unlike them. You see her as she learns to accept herself and then her relationships with her family members seem to fall into place once she does so. It was realistic and carried a subtle message to be true to yourself.
Even the friendships that developed in the book were realistic and I may have loved that part of the book more than her Tamlin—actually, no. But very very close.
Then there's the whole Stockholm Syndrome aspect of the book, which initially threw me off from reading the book (but then I read so so so many positive reviews and it's Sarah Maas so naturally I had to read it. What can I say, I'm easily swayed). But not even 50 pages in, I was rooting for Tamlin and Feyre and Maas did not disappoint. The Stockholm Syndrome then became irrelevant and I didn't care at all. Their dynamic was complex and they are both so stubborn and it was really cute reading their story.
The last third of the book is where most of the action happened. There was blood, guts, adventure, evil (a lot of evil), twists and turns, and a plot twist to defy all expectations. I'm usually pretty good at predicting a book's ending, but I did not predict this ending. Not even close. I wasn't even remotely close in my prediction. Which I'm slightly ashamed to admit.
If you haven't read the book yet, then disregard this next paragraph.
why was tamlin's heart made of stone? Is it still like that at the conclusion of the book? What the heck was that about? I need closure on that asap. Also, what became of her sisters? Clare? Her father? Helloooo, Sarah Maas, I need answers!!
I know I say this a lot in my reviews, but I need the next book. If only to answer a few questions. Also to quench my unreasonable obsession with fictional characters and their lives. But that's implied with most books I read.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fantastical, magical, enrapturing, and just a good, solid read. 10/10 would recommend.
[this book was "a book with antonyms in the title" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Confess by Colleen Hoover
Started: March 11, 2015
Finished: March 12, 2015
Stars: 3/5
I'm usually clutching her books after I finished them and my heart is warm and happy, but I feel almost indifferent with this one and it's upsetting me a little.
Which is not to say that I didn't like it. I did like it once I had finished it. I just felt that her other books are stronger and better reads.
The problem I found with this one was that it seemed very rushed. I felt like the plot was fast pace where the characters were trying to catch up in their development. I felt like two parts of my brain were at two different speeds: one focusing on the characters and the other keeping up with the action between the two. I got the impression that she was just tired of writing it and just decided to end it where she did, leaving so much out of the book.
[possible spoilers ahead]
I also thought that Colleen left out important information about the characters. Like where were Auburn's parents and siblings? They were really only mentioned twice and then quickly pushed aside. I wanted more of Owen's history and relationship with his father and brother and even his mom. I wanted more of Auburn's past with AJ and more information about AJ! What kind of kid was he? Was he difficult to raise? What were her feelings about AJ through the whole process? And what the hell do the initials AJ mean???? That really bothered me. Also why Adam was in the hospital in the first place, but whatever.
I wanted to know what happened when Owen and Auburn finally were able to be together. I wanted to know how the dynamic of Auburn, AJ and Owen worked, and the reaction of Lydia to the whole situation. I get it that ambiguous endings are cool too, but too much was left ambiguous! I just felt like hardly any of the minor details in this book were resolved, I'm still left wondering what the hell was going on in that book. (It may have been because I was reading it so quickly and was soooo interested in the plot and the mysteries of the characters.)
I didn't intend for this review to be super negative because I did enjoy this book. I sped through it. It was pretty easy to read and the action of the book and the mystery of the characters keeps you invested in the book. But it was just not up to the expectations I had going into reading it. I guess, in retrospect, Ugly Love was a tough act to follow.
Also, in my world of authors, Colleen Hoover and John Green would get along great. They both have the ability to pull at the heartstrings, just at two different age groups. Both authors write exceptionally diverse characters in each book and have great imagery and setting development.
Confess was a good book, don't read this the wrong way. I'm mostly upset that I didn't get enough of the book. If you want a summary of my four paragraphs.
[this book completed my "book by an author you love but haven't read yet" book for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare
Started: April 13, 2015
Finished: April 20, 2015
Star: 1/5
This play is so overhyped. I was really annoyed the entire play. I didn't like a single character. All them were so fickle and betrayed their loyalties or were just plain dumb. Antony and Cleopatra went back and forth through the whole play from "I love him/her" to "I hate him/her." Very fickle relationship. Definitely not a healthy relationship.
I will say that Cleopatra is a feminist character. She's assertive and the men don't like her mainly because they are jealous of her power. They want to "dominate" her because of her beauty and seduction and to have some kind of power over her. They are basically scared of her because she's so pretty and powerful.
But she's also super annoying. She changes her mind all the time, she loses her focus when she's around Antony and she is jealous for almost the whole play. When Antony marries Octavia, all Cleopatra can ask is if Octavia is pretty, and if she's prettier than Octavia. This isn't because she wants Antony to have the best marriage/life possible. No. This is because Cleopatra is moody and petty and wants to be the "fairest of them all." I may be a little extreme here or I was just really bitter when I read this, but that was my understanding.
Antony was equally as pathetic. Think Romeo on steroids and you have Antony. Cleopatra can manipulate him like none other. Basically everything Antony does in the play is because of Cleopatra. She is the cause for every action he takes. And it seemed like he didn't have any reason because of his adoration of Cleopatra, which I understand was the entire point of their relationship. That love clouds your vision and you do stupid things because of love and whatnot. But Antony really perfected that theory.
To sum up Octavius Caesar, he's a jerk and a colossal asshole. He obviously has no idea how to run the Roman empire and he's an arrogant child.
I was just exhausted reading their petty relationship and the problems that they could've avoided had they actually used reason instead of rash passion and lust. Actions were based off of jealous a lot of the play and it was just irritating because they were all being so stupid.
I'm glad I read this so I can check it off my list (and I also read it for class but that's irrelevant), but I won't be reading this again.
[this book was my "classic romance book" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje
Started: April 13, 2105
Finished: April 21, 2015
Stars: 3/5
For starters, I had to read this book for my critical methods literature class whose theme is colonialism. I have read colonial themed lit since November and to say I'm little burnt out on imperialism, is an understatement. Because of this, I wasn't really looking forward to reading it.
So the first 30 pages of the book felt like torture and I was bored. And really really confused.
This book is not linear at all. It's like four different timelines and cut into little fragments throughout the book. It was really interesting to read and also slightly challenging. I had to figure out when what I was reading was taking place and who it was and all these different variables and it was cool!
The tone of the book is really detached. All of the characters are trying to distance themselves from part of their past or feelings or anything really. They all try to get lost in their work and to top it all off, they're trying to solve this mystery around a dead body that is possible linked to the government. There is so much going on in this book and it keeps you hooked on the semi-fictional world Ondaatje creates.
I loved reading about Sri Lanka and their different customs and cultures.
This book was sad though. There were so many issues that the characters were dealing with and the war itself set a somber mood for the story.
The ending was satisfying while still being like a cliffhanger. You felt a sense of closure at the end of the book, but you didn't actually get it. I wanted to know what happened! How the characters were doing at the end! Or maybe five years down the road! But the tone of the last chapter was hopeful. So you had this peace settle over you once you finished it. It was an odd feeling.
In retrospect, I really loved it. The characters are strong and well developed despite the fragments that Ondaatje gave us of their characters and backgrounds. It was a mystery in two aspects: one for the actual crime and the other for the characters and their connections and pasts. It was great.
[this book was my "book in another country" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare
Started: April 2, 2015
Finished: April 6, 2015
Stars: 3/5
I enjoyed this book—to an extent. I'm just going to go ahead and spoil the plot because it's been 100+ years since its publication and honestly I wish someone warned me going into this book.
Titus Andronicus comes back from war with the Goths, with only four of his 25 sons alive. He is a well-loved and highly respected General of Rome. His only daughter, Lavinia, awaits the return of her adored father and her four brothers. Titus is very close to his daughter, his sons, and his brother, Marcus. However, he also returns with the Goth Queen Tamora, her three sons, and her lover as hostages. As as ritual, Titus sacrifices her eldest son to the gods as respect and thanks for bringing them home victorious and alive. That one small action causes all kinds of anger and revenge in Tamora. So somehow, she marries the newly crowned emperor and becomes powerful. And to gain her revenge on Titus, tells her two living sons to rape his daughter. They do and then cut off her hands and tongue so she cannot tell the story of her abuse.
That's all I'm going to say about the play. There's a lot of death. A lot of blood. It's just a damn gory play and really unsettling.
I liked the play because 1) it's Shakespeare, 2) the wit and motifs were clever, and 3) the themes in the play are really strong and really good. One of the themes is all about this strong father-daughter relationship between Titus and Lavinia. That really hit home with me because my dad and I are really close.
But how Lavinia is abused in the beginning of the plot really really unsettled me. It was so hard for me to read past that situation. It was refreshing to read this protection her father had over her and his ultimate care for her, but it was hard.
There is a close friendship throughout the Andronicus family, Titus and Marcus are close, all of Titus's sons watch out and protect Lavinia, she is close with them, her uncle, and her father.
There was also a really strong female character. The feminist in me was really excited that the villain was a female. She was intense and frankly scared me. Just picture the ugly, mean step mother from Cinderella or Snow White and then multiple that by a hundred. She was ruthless. And she literally gave zero shits. She had a Moor lover and bossed her sons around, bossed her husband around, toyed with Titus' mind and sanity, she manipulated everyone in the play and wow.
I did write a 12 page paper on Lavinia as a character and I talked about how even though she's quiet and submissive during the play, she serves as a substantial character. I also got a 94 on my paper and an A in the class because of this and I was really excited. I'm still really excited about it.
The situation with Lavinia is what gave this play a 3 star rating instead of a 4. I loved everything else except Lavinia's fate.
[this play fit "a book that scares you" for my 2015 Reading Challenge.]
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
Started: April 3, 2015
Finished: April 7, 2015
Stars: 4/5
Okay. I've been carrying this book around with me for 2 weeks, trying to pick up the courage to start it. But (as previously mentioned) I was in quite the slump.
Debatable spoilers ahead.
I also did a bad bad bad bad thing. I was maybe 100 pages into the book (if that), and I flipped to the last chapter or two of the book. I read it. And it toyed with me. Then I was scared to continue reading it because I knew I wouldn't like the ending. (Side note: I hate surprises. I'm one of those people who needs to what's going to happen or at least whether or not I'll like the ending of the book. I've been fighting the desire to skip to the last chapter of whatever book I'm reading and just reading little words or maybe the whole damn chapter. But it's a curse and I did it again with this book.) I felt anxious the whole time I was reading it because I knew what was coming in the ending. I knew that it was a rough end.
Small Tangent: MARIE RUTKOSKI WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE LEAVING ME WITH SUCH A STEEP CLIFFHANGER?!?!?! DO YOU KNOW WHAT MY EMOTIONAL STATE IS LIKE RIGHT NOW??? NOT GOOD. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS ASAP.
This book really affected my emotions outside of reading it. I was just down when I closed it for the day/night. There was so much angst and unhappiness in this book, on Arin's side (who is my fave character) and Kestrel's side. They wanted each other so bad, but couldn't because of society's expectations and the fact that Kestrel was engaged to Verex (who really grows on you throughout the book). If you haven't noticed before, I love character development. Kestrel is battling the entire book on what she wants, her role as a daughter, citizen, friend. She has this huge conflict with where her loyalties. She felt caged in, without any real decisions or options, she was alone—literally every one of her friends from the first book were gone. She was completely alone.
Arin was conflicted in a completely different aspect. He just wanted to save his people. His loyalty and honor is swoon-worthy and enrapturing. He felt conflicted on what was the right thing for his people and whether or not he was even capable of saving them and leading the Herrani. He didn't understand Kestrel the entire book, probably still doesn't at the beginning of the 3rd (which I'm hoping comes out sooner than 2016). Her whole goal was to protect him, and she succeeded, but she didn't protect his feelings. This girl, Kestrel, whom he spent so much time with and really knew her—her mental state, her emotions, her habits, he literally knew everything there was to know about her— and then she becomes this completely different person to protect him and save the Herrani as a whole.
It was hard to read. Because all I wanted was for them to get together and live happily ever after.
The language and imagery and writing in this book was incredible. I was really impressed with the types of descriptions Rutkoski used. It made these average, mundane objects feel like they were part of something divine. And they weren't useless descriptions, that are evident in some classics novels. Each description was beneficial to the overall plot and character development of the book. Her descriptions almost made you feel like what she was describing was going on right in front of you. It was so life-like and real to read.
While reading, I didn't really like the book. (Probably because of the major anxiety it gave me and I was just nervous the whole damn time.) But now that I've finished it, I really enjoyed the experience. The fact that an author could make me feel so strongly throughout the entire book, is incredible.
[this book was my book that was published this year for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger
Stars: 4/5
Started: March 23, 2015
Finished: March 25, 2015
Wow. What a read.
I'm simultaneously having an existential crisis and experiencing extreme peace. Who knew that was possible. I feel like I need to sit in meditation and just take in the world around me and God around me after reading this book.
Salinger: you put me in 500 states of awe from this book. Most of them from your writing. The complexity of the sentences, the randomness and realism in each paragraph was incredible. The whole story seemed mundane, but this huge umbrella of wonder and divinity spread over the book without explicitly asserting itself.
What I took out of this book, was a family dynamic along with the idea of self-realization. Franny and Zooey have a love/hate relationship. Love, in the sense that they understand each other and ironically, hate because they understand each other and Zooey ends up preaching to her rather than helping Franny. They understand each other's thoughts and actions because they share the same foundation in their education and childhood, thanks to their eldest brothers. It seems the three main characters (Franny, Zooey, and Buddy) are all in a funk, for lack of a better term. They are all stuck in their life, not knowing where to go next and not even having the desire for the moments that they are at in their life. It's undeniably relatable: the feeling that you want to do something but you don't know what that something is and you don't have the power or the motivation to do anything.
It wasn't really plot driven at all. You could call it idea driven or even character driven. Regardless of its structure, you learn from Franny's existential breakdown and Zooey's preachy character trait/flaw. I think this book should be read by everyone in their 20's and should be a required read for college.
There are so many lessons in this book, I can't even begin to name them all, but I'll quote a few for you:
"This is God's universe, buddy, not yours, and he has the final say about what's ego and what isn't... In my opinion, if you really want to know, half the nastiness in the world is stirred up by people who aren't using their true egos." -Zooey (166).
"I don't know what good it is to know so much and be smart as whips and all if it doesn't make you happy." -Bessie Glass, (118)
"You can at least try to, if you want to—there's nothing wrong in trying." -Zooey (197)
This book was artfully crafted and mysterious and enlightening and results in peace. Thank you Salinger.
[this book was the "bottom of your to-read shelf" book for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
They are categorized from from most to least recent. I hope some of these motivate you to read (or not read) some of my books I've read this year.
Enjoy!
The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien
Started: March 28, 2016
Finished: April 1, 2016
Stars: 4/5
This book is straight up weird. But hilarious. But absurd. But ridiculous. When you first start reading it, you think that it'll be a normal read, about a poor Irishman and his life story. But it's not. Like at all. IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE.
There is no logic to this book but that's what makes it awesome! The footnotes add a whole different aspect to the story and the narrator. and it's brilliant. The atomic theory is hilarious, you'll love it I swear.
I don't really know what else to say about it because there are no other words to explain it. It's just a really strange but great book.
Emma by Jane Austen
Started: March 27, 2016
Finished: April 6, 2016
Stars: 5/5
Oh Emma. I think the reason why Emma is a hard character to like is because she messes up all the time. But I also think that's why she's relatable. Everyone messes up and Emma gets called on it alllllll the time by Knightley. I think this is why I like Emma so much. She's childish and causes problems, but in the end she gets her own happy ending. And I think that's what everyone is looking for.
This is third time that I've read Emma and every time I read it, I get all happy and fall in love with a different character. This time, I realized how great Knightley is. The first time I fell in love with Emma and her intelligence. The second time I realized how great Mrs. Weston is. (No seriously, she is basically match-making Emma and Knightley the entire book.) The past two times, I thought that Knightley was an overbearing jerk who needed to let Emma make her own mistakes. But he's basically the backbone of Highbury. He makes sure everything goes smoothly and everyone is happy and provided for. I want someone like that in my life.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Started: April 6, 2016
Finished: April 18, 2016
Stars: 6/5
I love this book. It's my all time favorite book. And if I go on a rant right now, I'm sorry, but I just can't help it. Everything about it makes me giddy and unable to contain my excitement. I'm also going to apologize for any spoilers.
This is the second time I've ever read Persuasion and I forgot how much I love it. Anne is the perfect character. She quietly sits in the background of the entire novel, up until the very end. She is modest and kind and selfless and just the most pure character. All I want to do is protect her. She's solemn and melancholy after nursing her broken heart for 8 WHOLE YEARS!!! WHAT??? WHO HAS THAT DEDICATION?? And after you figure this out, you're like damn Anne, get over him. But then you meet who she's been hung up over. AND HOT DAMN CAPTAIN WENTWORTH YOU ARE A GIFT TO MANKIND. You totally understand why Anne can't get over him. Because he's perfect. Literally in every way except that he doesn't pay attention to Anne (not explicitly) until the second volume. Cuz honestly he's still kind of pissed off at her (which he's totally justified in being upset with her—you'll figure out why).
Captain Wentworth's letter gets me every. single. damn. time. I get this stupid little grin and I clap my hands a few times. This time, when I read it, I was kicking my feet in the air as I laid on my couch in the living room. Where everyone could see me. Last time I read this, once I had it finished, I re-read Wentworth's letter I don't know how many times. When I'm sad, I go and read his letter because it's the best flipping thing since sliced bread. It's amazing. Hands down the best, most happiest thing I've ever read.
If you haven't read Persuasion, you are missing out and you need to read it ASAP. It's only 200 pages so it's not like a huge commitment, but you'll want to give it your full attention (no reading it while watching Netflix, sorry).
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
Started: April 30, 2016
Finished: May 2, 2016
Stars: 5/5
This may not be news to anyone but this series is my fave and they are beautiful with a strong female heroine and so so so so so so so so so good!!!!!!! I love it. I kind of have a slight book hangover from this one and I just keep thinking about the ending (HOLY CRAP TALK ABOUT CLIFF HANGER AND PLOT TWIST) and all the characters in it are flawless.
Cal is bae (obviously) and Mare is amazing and so conflicted throughout the entire novel. I don't know what else to say that won't give away the plot or the emotions or the feels or I don't know. I just love her writing, it's so beautiful and powerful and makes you feel so many things.
When I was maybe 2/3 of the way finished, I had to put the book down because I was so worked up and anxious. I was sweating, I was jittery and I was just hyped by the adrenaline that the plot gave me. It was a whirlwind of a read.
Low key upset that I have to wait until 2017 for the next book because I need it yesterday.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
Started: February 21, 2016
Finished: March 8, 2016
Stars: 5/5
Joyce, my man. He's great. I love his language, I love his writing style. I love his characters. I even love his strong bouts of existentialism.
Stephen is a great character. He is flawed in so many ways, but that is makes him so realistic. He is struggling to find himself and doesn't quite know where he fits in this mess we call humanity. He doesn't really know what he wants, except that he wants to be an artist. Same Stephen. Same.
I read this book for My Irish Literature course and also wrote a pretty great parody to it. I enjoyed it at least.
But yeah... 10/10 would recommend Joyce.
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
Started: January 17, 2016
Finished: March 12, 2016
Stars: 4/5
What a whirlwind of a story. I loved the history and the places. Her imagery is always phenomenal and her characters are always so diverse and realistic. Not going to lie here, but Etta got on my nerves a few times. But it was worth it because that just made her seem all the more realistic to me. The ending kills you. You feel for these characters and I was engrossed. I did have to set it down for a few months because I couldn't finish it in January before school overtook my life. But I'm so glad I was able to put off school work and pick this one back up during Spring Break!
Winter by Marissa Meyer
Started: March 13, 2016
Finished: March 17, 2016
Stars: 4.5/5
This was such a great conclusion to the Lunar Chronicles. I don't really know what to say about it because I'm still a little starstruck. All of the characters were so great and the friendships are my favorite parts about these books. It was so great that I don't even know where to start!!!!
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Started: February 19, 2016
Finished: March 22, 2016
Stars: 3.4/5
Funny story about my time reading this. So I thought for my Austen class that after reading Pride and Prejudice, we would read Mansfield Park, so I was a good student and read the assigned reading days before it was due. Then I look at the calendar to check my other homework and on the date that it was due, I see that we were supposed to read Northanger Abbey and NOT Mansfield Park so I was royally screwed. The only positive thing was that I had already ready NA and just refreshed myself by reading the spark notes. It's funny now, but I was flipping shit when I first realized my error.
Mansfield Park didn't leave me with the happy feeling that all of her other books did. I didn't like any of the characters, first of all. Except for Fanny and William and Susan (the last two don't even have a major role in the book). Edmund seemed boring and just annoying. I get why Fanny liked him, but she totally could've done soooo much better. At one point, even though Henry Crawford is despicable in the end, I was rooting for him and not Edmund. He's so much more suave than Edmund. Edmund is like that older brother who doesn't let anyone have any fun unless he somehow justifies himself for having that fun also. Buzzkill.
But I love Austen. It's impossible to not like her books even though the characters are blah. So Read it and Enjoy it. I swear.
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Started: January 25, 2016
Finished: January 26, 2016
Stars: 4/5
Have you seen She's The Man? Then you've seen a modern interpretation of this play. Granted, Amanda Bynes makes it hilarious and feminist as hell, but still it's based off of Twelfth Night. This may be one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. I love all of the gender confusion and feminism and Viola is my fave. She's great. And you can't help but laugh at the Duke Orsino because he's ridiculous and dramatic in the woes of love and blah blah blah. Just men making fools of themselves is hilarious.
[this book is my "book set during Christmas" for my 2016 Reading Challenge]
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Started: January 21, 2016
Finished: January 31, 2016
Stars: 4/5
Introducing Elinor. One of my new fave Austen heroines. Elinor is quiet and composed, yet logical and smart and humble and SO COOL. I think she is the most relatable of Austen's heroines because anyone can relate to her. Marianne can get a little annoying at times, but you can't help but sympathize with you because she is young and naive and only announces publicly what everyone else wants in their life. The only awkward component of S&S is the heroes: they aren't really anything special. But I really loved Colonel Brandon. Most people are indifferent towards him, but, next to Elinor, he is my fave in this book. I really loved the friendship between Elinor and Colonel Brandon and think it was severely underrated.
[this book was my "book that is 100 years or older than you" for my 2016 Reading Challenge]
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
Started: February 10, 2016
Finished: February 15, 2016
Stars: ?/5
I'm very confused on how I feel about this play. I don't know how to read it. Is it a satire? Is Shakespeare being literal in his description of Petruchio's abuse? I D O N 'T K N O W. I love Katharina. I am positive that she is a semi-feminist character, at least up until the last two Acts... But who the heck knows.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Started: February 6, 2016
Finished: February 13, 2016
Stars:
This is the third time I've read this book. I read it for the first time in 7th grade and I call it "my gateway book." It's the book that made me love reading. I read it again in high school and, now, I suppose it's appropriate to read it again in college.
I have forgotten how much I loved this book. It just makes me so happy. There is no way that you could hate this book. I'm sorry there just isn't. It's funny and romantic with social commentary and challenges the social standards. Lizzy is funny and witty and totally does not follow how a lady is supposed to act and it's great.
Fruits of the Earth by André Gide
Started: August 26, 2015
Finished: August 30, 2015
Stars: 3.5/5
A classmate of mine described this as a book (I'm paraphrasing here) "a pretentious jerk would read in a hipster coffee shop and quote it to make people feel stupid when really he doesn't understand what he's reading." I thought it was pretty funny and pretty spot on because Gide is a little pretentious. But nonetheless I loved what he had to say about the fruit and desire and pursuing one's dreams and hopes.
Nathaniel is the subject to whom Gide is writing and giving advice. But Nathaniel is actually the audience, the world, anyone reading. He is a universal character that is used to make everyone feel like Gide's words are intimate and informal and personal.
Gotta love those French philosophers.
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
Started: September 12, 2015
Finished: September 15, 2015
Stars: 4.5/5
Hemingway at his rudest. He pokes fun at all of his friends while he recounts all of his time he spent in Paris. It's beautifully written and in the form of vignettes. Each episode revolves around a certain subject and theme and you feel as if you were there living with Hemingway in his modest dwelling.
After the Paris Terrorist attacks (I learned this from CBS Nightly News or something like that), this book was in high demand because it paints Paris in a beautiful light, as it should be. People want to remember Paris as this city of light and love, not one of terror and Hemingway's episodic piece is the perfect way to pay respect to the city, especially in the time of suffering and pain that recently occurred.
Hemingway at his rudest. He pokes fun at all of his friends while he recounts all of his time he spent in Paris. It's beautifully written and in the form of vignettes. Each episode revolves around a certain subject and theme and you feel as if you were there living with Hemingway in his modest dwelling.
After the Paris Terrorist attacks (I learned this from CBS Nightly News or something like that), this book was in high demand because it paints Paris in a beautiful light, as it should be. People want to remember Paris as this city of light and love, not one of terror and Hemingway's episodic piece is the perfect way to pay respect to the city, especially in the time of suffering and pain that recently occurred.
Kew Gardens by Virginia Woolf
Started/Finished: September 8, 2016
Stars: 4.5/5
This story focuses on one snail as it observes different couples on a causal day in a Garden. You are literally viewing the world through the perspective of a snail. Like who does that??? Woolf does. That's who. And she's the Queen of this stuff.
This story focuses on one snail as it observes different couples on a causal day in a Garden. You are literally viewing the world through the perspective of a snail. Like who does that??? Woolf does. That's who. And she's the Queen of this stuff.
The Mark on the Wall by Virginia Woolf
Started/Finished: September 5, 2015
Stars: 5/5
Woolf is known for her stream of consciousness and her tendency to emphasize the insignificant in the world. Her descriptions seem like rambles, but are filled with an amazing amount of imagery. She forces us to change how we look at menial and small parts of our everyday lives. That's what is so great about her writing. You get stuck in her head as you read her words and it feels like you are reading a reflection of your own thoughts on paper and in her words.
Reading her work is like opening your eyes to the same world in a new light. This is my favorite piece that displays all of Woolf's wonderful tendencies.
Woolf is known for her stream of consciousness and her tendency to emphasize the insignificant in the world. Her descriptions seem like rambles, but are filled with an amazing amount of imagery. She forces us to change how we look at menial and small parts of our everyday lives. That's what is so great about her writing. You get stuck in her head as you read her words and it feels like you are reading a reflection of your own thoughts on paper and in her words.
Reading her work is like opening your eyes to the same world in a new light. This is my favorite piece that displays all of Woolf's wonderful tendencies.
Blue & Green by Virginia Woolf
Started/Finished: September 8, 2015
Stars: 5/5
I had to read this short story at least 5 times. It's not even a page long so it's not like it was long and took me a long time. But I took me forever to understand what Woolf was describing. And when I figured it out, it was like a lightbulb went off and I wanted to jump around and dance because it's that beautiful. Her writing and descriptions are beautiful and magical. The two parts almost contradict each other in mood, but, in order to put the whole piece together, you need to put the two stories together. It does not make sense if you neglect one part of the story.
The String Quartet by Virginia Woolf
Started/Finished: September 5, 2015
Stars: 3/5
Music and nature are two things that aren't usually described in tandem in one story. But Woolf does it beautifully. It's beautiful. I really can't say enough on how eye-opening and satisfying it is to read Woolf's words.
Music and nature are two things that aren't usually described in tandem in one story. But Woolf does it beautifully. It's beautiful. I really can't say enough on how eye-opening and satisfying it is to read Woolf's words.
Blood Wedding by Federico García Lorca
Started: September 19, 2015
Finished: September 20, 2015
Stars: 1.5/5
Ugh. This play was dark and frankly I was bored most of the time. It had good literary merit. But I think the problem was that I had an edition that had a mediocre translation. Classmates of mine had editions with completely different wording and, in my opinion, it changed the entire meaning of the play. Maybe I would've enjoyed the play had I read the edition of a majority of my classmates.
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Started: September 24, 2015
Finished: September 25, 2015
Stars:
This book is always a classic. The more I read this book, the more I appreciate this book. I really hated this book the first time I read it in high school. But I really saw that Kafka is supposed to be portraying alienation and loneliness that I think we can relate to, at least in the slightest bit. Family issues and self-image are important too.
If you hate it at first, think about what Gregor goes through. And then you won't hate it.
A Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka
Started/Finished: September 29, 2015
Stars: 4/5
This is equally as depressing as Metamorphosis, but different. It focuses on the search for something you desire and love. It's short and pretty easy to read, but carries a ton of underlying meaning. Go on. Read it. Enjoy it. You can thank me later.
Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Started/Finished: October 15, 2015
Stars: 2.5/5
Frankly, I only remember the plot to this book. It's not one of Hawthorne's best work, but it's good. It's set in the Salem witch trials era. But it's theme revolves around secret societies and conspiracy.
No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre
Started: October 5, 2015
Finished: October 6, 2015
Stars: 4/5
This is such a great play. It preaches the whole concept of "hell is other people" because these three people spend the afterlife with each other. It's not said that they are in hell, but who knows. These three characters are in a "hate triangle:" they feed off of each other and drive each other crazy by pushing each other's buttons. Like Camus, it also touches on the ideas of bad-faith and honesty and decisions. Existentialism man. It's the best.
The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus
Started/Finished: October 19, 2015
Stars: 3.5/5
Very philosophical. It deals with decisions and actions and what that determines about our character and essence.
That’s all you really need to know about it.
The Adulterous Woman by Albert Camus
Started/Finished: October 21, 2016
Stars: 4/5
My favorite Camus story. I don’t want to say much without giving away the point of the story because the ending is amazing. This story is short enough and intriguing enough that you could finish it in 30 minutes.
It focuses on bad-faith and existentialism and regret for doing something because it was comfortable and not because you were 100% committed and excited about it. Something I’m sure a majority of people can relate to and understand.
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Started: October 20, 2015
Finished: October 21, 2015
Stars: 2.5/5
No. Just no. I get that this play is mostly about existentialism and the idea of action to determine oneself instead of thought or word. I get it. BUT NOTHING HAPPENS IN THE PLAY.
It’s two men talking about waiting for Godot. It’s almost as if there is an attraction between Estragon and Vladimir and the two of them hold their own attractions and fascinations with Godot. Also are in they in hell? Are they in purgatory? Are they on Earth and literally just waiting? We. Don’t. Know.
Nothing in this play is known except the names of the characters and that they are waiting for Godot. It’s all left to interpretation. Have at it.
Marcovaldo by Italo Calvino
Started: October 28, 2015
Finished: November 1, 2015
Stars: 3/5
Light and humorous but also deep and slightly depressing. It talks about struggles in Italy in post-World War II and the Mussolini regime. It all centers around the life and struggles of Marcovaldo and his family while trying to adjust to city-life after living in the country.
It’s structured much like The Moveable Feast where it is like a montage of episodes strung together.
It’s beautifully written with the abundant imagery and colors used. It’s also funny. While Marcovaldo struggles to survive, what he comes up with to try and get ahead in life is funny. He is naive and hopeful in a world of capitalism and selfishness. It is a battle of nature versus industrialization and machinery.
The Lover by Marguerite Duras
Started: November 8, 2015
Finished: November 10, 2015
Stars: 5/5
Is it an autobiography? Or is it fiction? It’s difficult to tell with Duras’ book. She talks a lot about photography and image in the book and is conscious of her own image, literally. The writing in this book is phenomenal (hence the five star rating).
She talks about race in a colonial country. She talks about abuse. Attraction, desire, lust. Familial relationships. Self-worth and self-image. Duras covers a lot of issues and topics in this short book.
While this book’s plot and characters are slightly bothersome, you are so focused on the plot that you don’t really care about the uncomfortable age gap between the main character (who doesn’t have a name) and the Chinese (also name-less) as soon as the writing sucks you in to the book.
Same relationship as Lolita, but I’ve never read Lolita so I can’t really compare the two other than the general fact that there is an older man having a sexual relationship with a much younger girl.
But really, this is such a great book. 10/10 would recommend.
Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov
Started: November 18, 2015
Finished: December 2, 2015
Stars: 4.5.5
Reading this book is like reading a story and not knowing what the heck is going on. But in a good way, I promise. To get the whole beauty of the book, you have to read the page from cover to cover. You have to read the preface, the note, the poem, the appendix, the index, everything. Nabokov sets up this chess match that you don't even know you're a part of. And he wins. Every. Time.
I read this book twice because the first time, I was like what the heck did I just read. And then the second time I noticed the brilliance. There are definitely two different schools of thought on how to interpret the characters and the whole point to the book. I won't get into that to prevent this from sounding like a preachy paper.
It's great. You'll love it. Go read it now.
Night Train by Martin Amis
Started: January 14, 2016
Finished: January 16, 2016
Stars: 3/5
I have read a couple of Martin Amis' short stories so I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this novella. Mike Hoolihan, despite the male name, is a female detective. And a well-skilled and trained detective who has been in the force for a while. She is chosen for to determine whether the Colonel Rockwell's daughter was the victim of a murder or her own suicide. It is obviously a case that's close to heart for Mike and the rest of her task force and she is chosen because of the closeness between Mike and Jennifer Rockwell.
This isn't a book that is centralized on the mystery or the action of the book. It's an emotional journey through Mike's head. Mike talks about how the "police" don't look for the why in a case. They don't care about that answer. They care about the who, the what and then how. What is interesting is that the whole book is about the why. Why what happened to Jennifer happened? Why? Mike is distressed with this question as she stays up late to listen to the Night Train that runs by her house.
The only problem with this book was the fact that it was a British author writing about the American police force. Amis used terms to describe the American police system that just aren't used. I was confused at the beginning because I was thrown off by the language and the terms that Amis used.
While reading it, I wasn't particularly intrigued by the characters or the plot, but when I finished the book, I was confounded by the concept of the novel. As police they don't ask the why question because they aren't emotionally attached to the case (usually and ideally), but with Mike and Jennifer's case, she is emotionally invested. Jennifer's father is a close friend of Mike's and Mike was fond of Jennifer— everyone was fond of Jennifer. This emotional attachment is what causes Mike to ask that heavy "why" question.
[this book was my murder mystery book for my 2016 Reading Challenge]
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
Started: January 9, 2016
Finished: January 11, 2016
Stars: 4/5
Holy crapola. This book was hilarious. She's hilarious. And she talks about something that we tend to overlook, or disregard in our society: mental illness.
It's not so much a taboo in our society anymore (at least I don't think so), mental illness, that is. But I still think it's a touchy subject for us to discuss openly and without judgement because the mind and how each individual reacts to stresses are such fickle things. I think Jenny Lawson did an incredible of describing not only how her illnesses have affected her life, but how she reacts to them. She stresses the importance of just being yourself and knowing the limits of your body and your mind.
And let me tell ya, Jenny is perfectly comfortable in her own skin. Her stories are unique and personal and funny.
Seriously, if you need a laugh-out-loud book that makes you realize you're not the only one, read this one.
[this book was my book by a comedian for my 2016 Reading Challenge]
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Started: December 21, 2015
Finished: December 28, 2015
Stars: 5/5
If you didn’t know this about me, I love dinosaurs. LIKE OBSESSED. It’s reached the point where I have a pterodactyl pillow pet named Terry that some of my friends (yes I have friends) call Peter because that’s real alliteration. Seriously, dinosaurs are the coolest thing ever. We would be screwed if they weren’t extinct. Just saying. Like velociraptors are scary as hell. That’s what I would want to be in the Jurassic Period. Or a pterodactyl because they are vicious.
Anyway. Back to the book.
Michael Crichton is a genius. If you like dinosaurs, even just a little bit, read this book. Its astounding. The math and the graphs that are included in the book make it seem real (but thank God it isn’t real). The characters are a little flat, but I don’t think that affects the overall appeal of the book because it is so action packed and often switches between the different perspectives of the characters. Sometimes it was difficult to differentiate which perspective you were reading, but I got so wrapped up in the plot and the action that it didn’t really matter.
Geez this book was so good. And I love dinosaurs even more than I did before I read this book, and I don’t know how that’s really possible.
[this was the book published in my birth year for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Started: December 28, 2015
Finished: December 29, 2015
Stars: 4/5
Do you like reading? Do you like books? Do you like all forms of literature? Do you like quirky characters that have characteristics where you see yourself in them? If you answered yes to these simple questions then you’ll like this book.
It’s a pretty easy read. The characters are likable and realistic— they aren’t muddied by the authors expectations of who she wants her protagonists to be. They face real life issues and personality traits. And they react to these developments in human ways. There weren’t eye rolls on my end where I was annoyed by the ridiculousness the author created because the situation was unrealistic or the character was just damn annoying.
There was a plot twist that was completely unnecessary. I mean really? I won’t say what it is, I won’t spoil the book for you, but I was annoyed by the damn plot twist that, in my opinion, just overcomplicated the book and the characters.
[this was the book recommended by a friend for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
Started: August 21, 2015
Finished: August 26, 2015
Stars: 3/5
I remember when I read this book I really enjoyed it. But now, 6 months later, I don’t quite remember what I wanted to say about his book in a review. I actually really enjoyed it the more I think about it. I want to read the rest of the series.
I can tell you that it’s fantasy. It features a strong female lead. There’s magic involved with military and power. If you need another fantasy fix like The Winner’s Curse or Throne of Glass then pick this one up and give it a shot. You’ll like it.
Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray
Started: August 26, 2015
Finished: November 28, 2015
Stars: 3/5
Don’t judge me. The reason it took me so long to read this book is because school is busy. Classes require lots of reading and, sadly, my homework was not to read Bray’s book (and the book is 613 pages so naturally it’s going to take me some time).
The thing I love most about The Diviners books is that the characters are so dynamic and diverse. I love that they are all intertwined in one way or another and the sense of adventure is so real and consuming. Granted I do think there are a lot of major characters from whose perspective we read. Sometimes it’s a lot to remember what character was doing what (especially when you space the book out over 4 months).
I love the dialect and the time period Bray uses in this book. And the imagery she creates is beautiful, even when it’s set in the pits of the subway system.
The book was a little slow until page 300. It needed (and used) a lot of space to provide the back story and set up the book. Jericho didn’t seem to have a major role in the book and I was upset because he is my fave!!!!!! I felt like the action was too rushed because it happened so close to the end of the book. I just wanted to finish it and didn’t relish in the action.
[this was my book with a love-triangle for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
November 9 by Colleen Hoover
Started: November 9, 2015
Finished: November 11, 2015
Stars: 4/5
Bless you Colleen Hoover. I don’t think she has it in her to write a bad book. Ever. Each character is different and beautifully written and EVERY SINGLE ONE PULLS ON MY HEART STRINGS. (Caps make me feel better— like I’ve truly expressed my feelings, if you hadn’t already noticed that.)
Fallon and Ben create this great romance surrounded around the hope of one single day each year. They have their own demons to battle throughout the story and you can’t help but fall in love with Ben and sympathize with Fallon (who may be my new favorite female lead. If not favorite then very close second to Layken from Slammed).
If you haven’t read a Colleen Hoover book, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life. No really. Stop reading me babble on this stupid blog and go read one of her books now! I would recommend this one or my fave Slammed or Ugly Love. Go forth my friends. Read her books. Embrace the wonder that is Colleen Hoover and then come back and read me babble.
[this book was my book with a number in the title for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Started: July 15, 2015 4pm
Finished: July 16, 2015 4am
Stars: 5/5
I really loved this book. From the start I was on the edge of my seat in suspense, dying to know what was going to happen next. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I'm slightly on a book high after reading it.
The book takes you back to a time that, let's face it, everyone would love to experience. You picture every good thing the Jazz Era: the flappers, the feathers, the beads, the classiness of it all. You get a taste of the prohibition, the liberties people had then (17-year olds drinking in night clubs), the dancing, the gossip, and, of course, the city of opportunity, aka New York City.
But that's not all...
Bray also talks about the social topics of that time period! She talks about the black social situation, specifically Harlem! She touches on the homosexual taboo! She doesn't even narrow her focus on romance in the book. There are tropes and comments here and there, but that isn't even one of the top 3 plot lines. I found myself learning about the 1920s while I was swept into the supernatural of the book.
But enough about the social themes, it's a spooky read. There's talk about ghosts and cults and human beings acting out in evil even though they think it's action based on God's will. It's a smart book too. It references pop culture from the 1920s and talks about the popular cults and secret societies from this time. The brutality of the crimes give you a little bit of the hebee-geebees (spelling?? who knows), but all you wanna do is read m o r e.
I also read this book in 12 hours, if that tells you the degree to which I loved this book.
It was a funny read. No two characters were the same and she used a lot of them. They were each so diverse, each with their own tragic (or not too tragic) back story. But mostly tragic. She switched between perspectives seamlessly. I'll admit that Evie and a few of the other characters were a little annoying, but once you got a little annoyed by those characters, she switched perspective to a calmer character. By the time you got back to Evie (or other) you forgot why you were annoyed with her in the first place! The interactions between the characters were natural and realistic (I don't know how realistic for the 1920s, but for modern day it definitely was).
This book was a mystery/thriller/supernatural/historical/paranormal/aBEAUTIFUL READ.
I cannot wait for the next one. For Evie's stupidity, her banter with Sam, JERICHO, Memphis' consistent existential crises, Theta's "free" behavior, and the brother/sister relationship between Theta and Henry. But mostly Jericho cuz wow do I love that character.
[I'm trying to count this as my historical read for my 2015 Reading Challenge, but we'll see. I'll keep you updated.]
The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo
Started: July 19, 2015
Finished: July 26, 2015
Stars: 4/5
The reason it took me so long to read this book is not because I didn't like it or because I thought it was boring. I may have hit a small slump in the middle of reading and then I transitioned to trashy novels that (like I said earlier) took zero concentration or mental thought. But once I started to read it again, I couldn't put it down. Kudos Paulo. Kudos.
I really loved this book. It was philosophical and deep, but oh so simple at the same time. The meaning behind this book and the metaphors and symbols blew me away. The English major in me really wanted to annotate the book, but I read my mom's copy and she hates people writing in books so that analytical journey is an adventure for another day.
You could honestly read this book in a day. And I think it should be a required reading for everyone—regardless of age or gender. This book helps you open your eyes to the world around you and the meaning behind your own existence. It doesn't give you any answers to life or purpose for living, but it makes you aware that there might be those things living underneath your noses, you are only blind to them now.
Even though it is a non-fantastical book, it carries this magic to it. In the descriptions and the characters, you sense magic in it. How I interpreted it was as the magic of life. Life carries it's own magic even though it's not witchcraft or sorcery or anything beyond our everyday comprehension. It adds the idea that wonder and the extraordinary exist in our mundane lives. It just puts you in a happy, optimistic mood after you finish it. I guarantee it. If this book isn't a classic now, it will be very soon.
[this book was my "book originally in another language" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Started: June 19, 2015
Finished: June 20, 2015
Stars: 4/5
I have seen this book at Barnes and Noble since May and from the first time I saw it, I was thinking that is a book that I'll like. But it took me a while to pluck it from the shelf. What I thought the book would be delayed my reading it. But it wasn't anything that I expected. I was expecting something that revolved around the romantic relationship between the two characters (like the typical fantasy/dystopian books these days), which isn't to say that those are bad, I'm just tired of them for now.
It didn't focus on the romantic part until closer to the end and it was only for max 15 pages.
It focused on decisions and coming of age. Find out who you want to be and the legacy you want to leave. It focused on being scared and angry and using those things to make decisions and change not only your own life, but the world around you. The fantasy world was so well developed and complex that I didn't need to reference the maps as much as I usually do. I was enraptured by the plot and the characters.
I really enjoyed it. Another series that I started this year to pine over until the next book comes out... Yay.
[this book was my "book by a female author" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
The Night Circus by Erin Morgentstern
Started: June 20, 2015
Finished: June 23, 2015
Stars: 3/5
I loved this book while I was reading it. Throughout the book it talks about experiencing something that feels like a dream but is actually reality. And that's exactly how reading the book felt like.
The mystery and the magic of the book is what hooked you and made you want to keep reading. There wasn't much character development per say or dialogue, at least not as much as I was expecting.
I did feel like some of the events were under described so I was confused during a couple parts of the book. The ending also irritated me. I don't want to spoil the book by saying why, but I just thought it was like the author didn't know how to end the book or was tired of writing it and just picked the easiest way out.
This books isn't character driven and not really plot driven. It mostly revolved around the descriptions and the extravagance of the book. It was still beautiful to read and really well done.
[this is my "book with magic" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Into the Afterlife by Alexandra Bracken
Started: June 28, 2015
Finished: July 1, 2015
Stars: 5/5
I forgot everything that happened in the previous two books before I read this one. All I could tell you was the character's names. So naturally, I had to read the first two books before this one. And I modified my Goodreads so that the two re-reads counted for my challenge for this year. Oops.
I forgot how good this series was. Why did it take me so long to pick up the finale???
Even though this book is dystopian/futuristic/sci-fy, it was realistic and believable. The sad thing is that everything that happened in this series could potentially happen. Plus, every decision the characters faced were decided with reason. There wasn't anything ridiculous in this book: their actions, plans, words, expectations, emotions, thoughts, everything.
It even touched on issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression without blatantly stating it. The usual character tropes that are being used in most modern books are twisted in this book. Each character is strong and different and each one has their faults. The author doesn't cover up the character's faults, but describes and explains them.
This was the perfect ending to this series. The ending left me satisfied and happy. There wasn't anything wrong with this book.
[this is the "book that made me cry" in my 2015 Reading Challenge]
I really didn't cry, more like tear up. But I almost never cry in books so that category has been tricky for me. This counts.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Started: July 2, 2015
Finished: July 3, 2015
Stars: 2.8/5
This book is in the style of a journal, narrated by high school senior Greg Gaines, and it told after the events have happened.
Greg annoyed me. His narrating was annoying. He kept disrupting the story to tear his writing down and say how bad of a writer he is. And I get that it factors into his Excessive Modesty Mode, but it was annoying to read. Mostly he talked about himself and his senior year, which is fine. But the Dying Girl maybe took up a third of the book, maybe that much.
As I was reading, I was waiting for plot development or for something exciting to happen, but it was a majority of backstory and narrating the high and low points of his senior year.
I had high expectations for this book and it wasn't really what I was expecting. It had the right idea, but the execution was lacking.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Started: June 5, 2015
Finished: June 13, 2015
Stars: 4/5
Typically, it takes me a looong time to finish non-fiction books. Regardless of their content. It usually takes me months to read nonfiction. I'm still "currently reading" Wild by Cheryl Strayed even though I haven't touched it since March.
But with this one, I was sucked in and I wanted to finish it. I wanted to know what next Mr. King had to tell me about writing and how I could become a better writer. And it was all gold. I'm trying to incorporate some of his advice into my writing.
I went to it with a pen and highlighter: underlining favorite parts of his writing and highlighting tips and tricks to writing. It was fun. I learned a lot and I have so so so so much more respect for him as an author and a person (which isn't saying much because I already had unreasonable respect for him).
He only talks about himself for 100 pages. That part was the hardest part for me to get through. Not because he didn't have an interesting life, but because autobiographies just don't hook me like good fiction does. No idea the logic behind it. Then he starts talking about the writing tool box and his actual writing routine and I was sucked in and ready to learn. I loved it.
That's all I can really say about it. I loved this book. I loved what he had to teach me and what I go out of it. I loved how he wrote it and the techniques he used. I loved it so much I was quoting it to my parents who didn't care in the least bit. I even passed it along to my equally-reading-obsessed neighbor. Well, I kind of forced it on him, but that's beside the point.
And now I'm rambling so I'll end with this: If you want to write and want to write better, read this book. He has so many great tips to share. Even if you think it's a bunch of hogwash, you'll at least take it into consideration and use it to develop your own writing technique.
[this book was my "nonfiction book" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Started: June 4, 2015
Finished: June 18, 2015
Stars: 2/5
I was unimpressed with this book. I tried really hard to get into it. But it was lacking in the suspense area. Among a few others.
First, it was really difficult to relate to any of the characters. I wanted to slap Ben. I just felt bad for Patty. And I wanted Libby to grow up. Diondra just annoyed the crap out of me. Lyle was the one character I didn't want to hurl across the room and he was given very little page time.
Usually, I'm all for the flashback chapters and the changing point of view. But the narration styles changed between past and present perspectives and that confused me. It also slowed the pacing of the novel and prevented me from getting sucked into the story like I was with Sharp Objects. The pacing was super slow. The narration had to do with that, but also, I was bored for the first 200 pages. I may have skimmed the book for about 40 pages because I was just reading it because I needed to finish it to get back on track with my book challenge. Because I've wasted a good three weeks on this stupid book. Ugh. The frustration.
I may have been expecting great things because of Sharp Objects and my mom said that this one was better than her first novel. I think Sharp Objects is the real winner out of these two, despite it's higher degree of twistedness (that's not a word, but I'm using it anyway).
[this book was my "thriller/mystery book" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
Started: May 10, 2015
Finished: June 1, 2015
Stars: 3/5
You know how you have authors you admire, authors you want to be like, authors you want to be friends with and then authors that fit into all of the above? I, at least, have a mental list of my top authors for each category. (And a physical list but that's irrelevant.)
Well, after reading this book of short stories, I've decided I want to be friends with, write like, and admire J.D. Salinger.
I could honestly write an entire post (and possibly a 10+ page research paper) about how much I love J.D. Salinger. Seriously though. It's verging on unhealthy.
In my defense, it took me so long to read this short little book of a whopping 198 pages because I was working hard on my internship... [actually, it was probably because I had to take a pause between several of the short stories because I was soaking it all in and trying to understand it all.]
His stories were gold. They were simple and completely ordinary, yet they messed with me! I would sit at the end of finishing one and try to understand what he meant, what the story meant. Sometimes it was easy. And when I say sometimes, I mean maybe 3 of the stories the meaning clicked. Each of these stories was so ridiculous ordinary, but it had this complexity about it. If you want my English Lit opinion, I think it was supposed to resemble the uniqueness of our lives (the reader's) even though our lives are usually mundane. There is always something special or unique about our mundane every day life.
Nothing will ever live up to my experience of reading Franny and Zooey, but that doesn't mean that this should be disregarded. His writing is just i n c r e d i b l e. He could've written a grocery list and I would read it with a pen in hand, trying to understand what it all meant. I would read way too far into every mark. He's that good.
[this was my "book of short stories" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Started: June 2, 2015
Finished: June 3, 2015
Stars: 3/5
Let me just preface by saying that Gillian Flynn is twisted and a pure genius. This book was really good. I had low expectations for it, honestly. And even though the characters were almost impossible to relate to (they had some serious issues), I was rooting for some of them and predicting the outcome almost instantly.
I even prevented myself from reading the last few pages which is always successful. I did try to coax my mom into telling me who did it when I was a third of the way finished with the book, she claimed she didn't remember. Yeah... Sure.
[this was my "popular author's first book" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
Started: May 26, 2015
Finished: May 28, 2015
Stars: 4.5/5
The cover got me on this book. I saw it sitting on the bookshelf among hideous covers in comparison to this and it called out my name. I had to take it home with me.
And was I glad I did.
I finished this not 10 minutes from now—as I write this review. My jaw still hurts from hanging loose for about 10 minutes and I keep checking the sequel's goodreads page, hoping the release date has updated to a much sooner date. Like next week. Or tomorrow. But alas, 2016 is a long way away. And there isn't even a summary where I can tease myself, waiting for its release.
I seem to do this too often to myself. I buy (and consequently read) the book very close to it's release date and then I'm stuck twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the sequel to come out.
Anyway, back to the book!
I don't know much about A Thousand and One Nights but now I find myself wanting to know more after reading this book.
Similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses, it too had a slight Stockholm Syndrome aspect, to a lesser degree but still there. It was told in multiple perspectives which confused me in the first 40 pages. But it had so much more mystery! It starts in the middle of the action. Within the first chapter (not the prologue because I didn't really see the benefit of the prologue) you have questions about what's going on and who's this and what the hell is going on! It really doesn't give you an answer to all of your questions until 75% of the book.
I loved the characters. I also really like asshole-type and stubborn and strong-willed and fierce characters, so naturally I loved Shazi and Khalid. Especially Khalid. And secondly, Jalal, Despina. Khalid and Shazi were just so stubborn that they naturally fit together and provide a great reading. A story of just these four characters and practically no plot could've satisfied me for 400 pages.
And then there were Jahandar, whom irritates me, and Tariq, whom despises me. Jahandar is a respectable father figure, yeah he's a little cowardly and let's his daughter practically sacrifice herself, but he does so because she is such a strong-willed character! And then he just has to try and save Shazi, but he manages to screw everything up. Ughhhhh. Idiot. Tariq is just so childish. Acting like he is so high and mighty where anyone who has Shazi's love is immediately a fraud. Ughhhhh, it was irritating to read and I just don't like those types of characters (like Kilorn from Red Queen). He just won't let Shazi live her own life and make her own decisions if they are different than his expectations of her. At least Rahim was there as a comic relief to Tariq's stupidity.
I also really hate love-triangles so that could be another reason why I hate Tariq.
I could've done without Tariq's character altogether. But I know that he has merit to the story. And provides conflict.
The ending to the first book ripped me to shreds. I'm JUST SO CONFUSED!!!! Why did that happen??? WHAT IS GOING ON!!!
That question basically sums up my reading of the book. In the best way possible though. This book kept me hanging throughout all of it. It gave me answers and then ripped the carpet from underneath my feet 10 pages later. The crafting of the plot and the sentences were beautiful. Honestly it was amazing how Ahdieh could keep my interest on literally every single page of the book, even in the parts about Tariq and his foolishness.
I feel like I'm rambling now, so I'll finish.
This book would've gotten a full-fledged 5 stars, but it was stupid Tariq who ruined it all. Ugh.
[this book was my "a book by an author you've never read before" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Started: May 23, 2015
Finished: May 25, 2015
Stars: 5/5
Sarah Maas has done it again.
I don't know how she does it, but every single sentence on every single page captures the reader. She uses language and manipulates it in every degree to present the best experience for the reader. Her descriptions are so graphic and detailed. Her characters are complex and relatable. Her sentences vary and only help her writing and the story overall. If only I could live in the world she created.
Contrast to Throne of Glass, this book is told in first person and I loved it. I thought Maas did a great job with the multiple perspectives like she does in her most notable series, but she can work the first person narration to a tee! She has the thought process to a point where you think they're your thoughts instead of the characters.
Here on my thoughts, though. Feyre resembled Celaena from Throne of Glass, very closely. They had the same strong-willed character, hard-headed and stubborn girl who happens to be the savior against the evil that threatens a certain land. And I don't mean that analysis in a bad way— I actually appreciate it. With that being said, I felt like I connected to Feyre more than I do with Celaena. What really got me was the relationship with her sisters and her father. You see how she struggles because she is so unlike them. You see her as she learns to accept herself and then her relationships with her family members seem to fall into place once she does so. It was realistic and carried a subtle message to be true to yourself.
Even the friendships that developed in the book were realistic and I may have loved that part of the book more than her Tamlin—actually, no. But very very close.
Then there's the whole Stockholm Syndrome aspect of the book, which initially threw me off from reading the book (but then I read so so so many positive reviews and it's Sarah Maas so naturally I had to read it. What can I say, I'm easily swayed). But not even 50 pages in, I was rooting for Tamlin and Feyre and Maas did not disappoint. The Stockholm Syndrome then became irrelevant and I didn't care at all. Their dynamic was complex and they are both so stubborn and it was really cute reading their story.
The last third of the book is where most of the action happened. There was blood, guts, adventure, evil (a lot of evil), twists and turns, and a plot twist to defy all expectations. I'm usually pretty good at predicting a book's ending, but I did not predict this ending. Not even close. I wasn't even remotely close in my prediction. Which I'm slightly ashamed to admit.
If you haven't read the book yet, then disregard this next paragraph.
why was tamlin's heart made of stone? Is it still like that at the conclusion of the book? What the heck was that about? I need closure on that asap. Also, what became of her sisters? Clare? Her father? Helloooo, Sarah Maas, I need answers!!
I know I say this a lot in my reviews, but I need the next book. If only to answer a few questions. Also to quench my unreasonable obsession with fictional characters and their lives. But that's implied with most books I read.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fantastical, magical, enrapturing, and just a good, solid read. 10/10 would recommend.
[this book was "a book with antonyms in the title" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Confess by Colleen Hoover
Started: March 11, 2015
Finished: March 12, 2015
Stars: 3/5
I'm usually clutching her books after I finished them and my heart is warm and happy, but I feel almost indifferent with this one and it's upsetting me a little.
Which is not to say that I didn't like it. I did like it once I had finished it. I just felt that her other books are stronger and better reads.
The problem I found with this one was that it seemed very rushed. I felt like the plot was fast pace where the characters were trying to catch up in their development. I felt like two parts of my brain were at two different speeds: one focusing on the characters and the other keeping up with the action between the two. I got the impression that she was just tired of writing it and just decided to end it where she did, leaving so much out of the book.
[possible spoilers ahead]
I also thought that Colleen left out important information about the characters. Like where were Auburn's parents and siblings? They were really only mentioned twice and then quickly pushed aside. I wanted more of Owen's history and relationship with his father and brother and even his mom. I wanted more of Auburn's past with AJ and more information about AJ! What kind of kid was he? Was he difficult to raise? What were her feelings about AJ through the whole process? And what the hell do the initials AJ mean???? That really bothered me. Also why Adam was in the hospital in the first place, but whatever.
I wanted to know what happened when Owen and Auburn finally were able to be together. I wanted to know how the dynamic of Auburn, AJ and Owen worked, and the reaction of Lydia to the whole situation. I get it that ambiguous endings are cool too, but too much was left ambiguous! I just felt like hardly any of the minor details in this book were resolved, I'm still left wondering what the hell was going on in that book. (It may have been because I was reading it so quickly and was soooo interested in the plot and the mysteries of the characters.)
I didn't intend for this review to be super negative because I did enjoy this book. I sped through it. It was pretty easy to read and the action of the book and the mystery of the characters keeps you invested in the book. But it was just not up to the expectations I had going into reading it. I guess, in retrospect, Ugly Love was a tough act to follow.
Also, in my world of authors, Colleen Hoover and John Green would get along great. They both have the ability to pull at the heartstrings, just at two different age groups. Both authors write exceptionally diverse characters in each book and have great imagery and setting development.
Confess was a good book, don't read this the wrong way. I'm mostly upset that I didn't get enough of the book. If you want a summary of my four paragraphs.
[this book completed my "book by an author you love but haven't read yet" book for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare
Started: April 13, 2015
Finished: April 20, 2015
Star: 1/5
This play is so overhyped. I was really annoyed the entire play. I didn't like a single character. All them were so fickle and betrayed their loyalties or were just plain dumb. Antony and Cleopatra went back and forth through the whole play from "I love him/her" to "I hate him/her." Very fickle relationship. Definitely not a healthy relationship.
I will say that Cleopatra is a feminist character. She's assertive and the men don't like her mainly because they are jealous of her power. They want to "dominate" her because of her beauty and seduction and to have some kind of power over her. They are basically scared of her because she's so pretty and powerful.
But she's also super annoying. She changes her mind all the time, she loses her focus when she's around Antony and she is jealous for almost the whole play. When Antony marries Octavia, all Cleopatra can ask is if Octavia is pretty, and if she's prettier than Octavia. This isn't because she wants Antony to have the best marriage/life possible. No. This is because Cleopatra is moody and petty and wants to be the "fairest of them all." I may be a little extreme here or I was just really bitter when I read this, but that was my understanding.
Antony was equally as pathetic. Think Romeo on steroids and you have Antony. Cleopatra can manipulate him like none other. Basically everything Antony does in the play is because of Cleopatra. She is the cause for every action he takes. And it seemed like he didn't have any reason because of his adoration of Cleopatra, which I understand was the entire point of their relationship. That love clouds your vision and you do stupid things because of love and whatnot. But Antony really perfected that theory.
To sum up Octavius Caesar, he's a jerk and a colossal asshole. He obviously has no idea how to run the Roman empire and he's an arrogant child.
I was just exhausted reading their petty relationship and the problems that they could've avoided had they actually used reason instead of rash passion and lust. Actions were based off of jealous a lot of the play and it was just irritating because they were all being so stupid.
I'm glad I read this so I can check it off my list (and I also read it for class but that's irrelevant), but I won't be reading this again.
[this book was my "classic romance book" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje
Started: April 13, 2105
Finished: April 21, 2015
Stars: 3/5
For starters, I had to read this book for my critical methods literature class whose theme is colonialism. I have read colonial themed lit since November and to say I'm little burnt out on imperialism, is an understatement. Because of this, I wasn't really looking forward to reading it.
So the first 30 pages of the book felt like torture and I was bored. And really really confused.
This book is not linear at all. It's like four different timelines and cut into little fragments throughout the book. It was really interesting to read and also slightly challenging. I had to figure out when what I was reading was taking place and who it was and all these different variables and it was cool!
The tone of the book is really detached. All of the characters are trying to distance themselves from part of their past or feelings or anything really. They all try to get lost in their work and to top it all off, they're trying to solve this mystery around a dead body that is possible linked to the government. There is so much going on in this book and it keeps you hooked on the semi-fictional world Ondaatje creates.
I loved reading about Sri Lanka and their different customs and cultures.
This book was sad though. There were so many issues that the characters were dealing with and the war itself set a somber mood for the story.
The ending was satisfying while still being like a cliffhanger. You felt a sense of closure at the end of the book, but you didn't actually get it. I wanted to know what happened! How the characters were doing at the end! Or maybe five years down the road! But the tone of the last chapter was hopeful. So you had this peace settle over you once you finished it. It was an odd feeling.
In retrospect, I really loved it. The characters are strong and well developed despite the fragments that Ondaatje gave us of their characters and backgrounds. It was a mystery in two aspects: one for the actual crime and the other for the characters and their connections and pasts. It was great.
[this book was my "book in another country" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare
Started: April 2, 2015
Finished: April 6, 2015
Stars: 3/5
I enjoyed this book—to an extent. I'm just going to go ahead and spoil the plot because it's been 100+ years since its publication and honestly I wish someone warned me going into this book.
Titus Andronicus comes back from war with the Goths, with only four of his 25 sons alive. He is a well-loved and highly respected General of Rome. His only daughter, Lavinia, awaits the return of her adored father and her four brothers. Titus is very close to his daughter, his sons, and his brother, Marcus. However, he also returns with the Goth Queen Tamora, her three sons, and her lover as hostages. As as ritual, Titus sacrifices her eldest son to the gods as respect and thanks for bringing them home victorious and alive. That one small action causes all kinds of anger and revenge in Tamora. So somehow, she marries the newly crowned emperor and becomes powerful. And to gain her revenge on Titus, tells her two living sons to rape his daughter. They do and then cut off her hands and tongue so she cannot tell the story of her abuse.
That's all I'm going to say about the play. There's a lot of death. A lot of blood. It's just a damn gory play and really unsettling.
I liked the play because 1) it's Shakespeare, 2) the wit and motifs were clever, and 3) the themes in the play are really strong and really good. One of the themes is all about this strong father-daughter relationship between Titus and Lavinia. That really hit home with me because my dad and I are really close.
But how Lavinia is abused in the beginning of the plot really really unsettled me. It was so hard for me to read past that situation. It was refreshing to read this protection her father had over her and his ultimate care for her, but it was hard.
There is a close friendship throughout the Andronicus family, Titus and Marcus are close, all of Titus's sons watch out and protect Lavinia, she is close with them, her uncle, and her father.
There was also a really strong female character. The feminist in me was really excited that the villain was a female. She was intense and frankly scared me. Just picture the ugly, mean step mother from Cinderella or Snow White and then multiple that by a hundred. She was ruthless. And she literally gave zero shits. She had a Moor lover and bossed her sons around, bossed her husband around, toyed with Titus' mind and sanity, she manipulated everyone in the play and wow.
I did write a 12 page paper on Lavinia as a character and I talked about how even though she's quiet and submissive during the play, she serves as a substantial character. I also got a 94 on my paper and an A in the class because of this and I was really excited. I'm still really excited about it.
The situation with Lavinia is what gave this play a 3 star rating instead of a 4. I loved everything else except Lavinia's fate.
[this play fit "a book that scares you" for my 2015 Reading Challenge.]
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
Started: April 3, 2015
Finished: April 7, 2015
Stars: 4/5
Okay. I've been carrying this book around with me for 2 weeks, trying to pick up the courage to start it. But (as previously mentioned) I was in quite the slump.
Debatable spoilers ahead.
I also did a bad bad bad bad thing. I was maybe 100 pages into the book (if that), and I flipped to the last chapter or two of the book. I read it. And it toyed with me. Then I was scared to continue reading it because I knew I wouldn't like the ending. (Side note: I hate surprises. I'm one of those people who needs to what's going to happen or at least whether or not I'll like the ending of the book. I've been fighting the desire to skip to the last chapter of whatever book I'm reading and just reading little words or maybe the whole damn chapter. But it's a curse and I did it again with this book.) I felt anxious the whole time I was reading it because I knew what was coming in the ending. I knew that it was a rough end.
Small Tangent: MARIE RUTKOSKI WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE LEAVING ME WITH SUCH A STEEP CLIFFHANGER?!?!?! DO YOU KNOW WHAT MY EMOTIONAL STATE IS LIKE RIGHT NOW??? NOT GOOD. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS ASAP.
This book really affected my emotions outside of reading it. I was just down when I closed it for the day/night. There was so much angst and unhappiness in this book, on Arin's side (who is my fave character) and Kestrel's side. They wanted each other so bad, but couldn't because of society's expectations and the fact that Kestrel was engaged to Verex (who really grows on you throughout the book). If you haven't noticed before, I love character development. Kestrel is battling the entire book on what she wants, her role as a daughter, citizen, friend. She has this huge conflict with where her loyalties. She felt caged in, without any real decisions or options, she was alone—literally every one of her friends from the first book were gone. She was completely alone.
Arin was conflicted in a completely different aspect. He just wanted to save his people. His loyalty and honor is swoon-worthy and enrapturing. He felt conflicted on what was the right thing for his people and whether or not he was even capable of saving them and leading the Herrani. He didn't understand Kestrel the entire book, probably still doesn't at the beginning of the 3rd (which I'm hoping comes out sooner than 2016). Her whole goal was to protect him, and she succeeded, but she didn't protect his feelings. This girl, Kestrel, whom he spent so much time with and really knew her—her mental state, her emotions, her habits, he literally knew everything there was to know about her— and then she becomes this completely different person to protect him and save the Herrani as a whole.
It was hard to read. Because all I wanted was for them to get together and live happily ever after.
The language and imagery and writing in this book was incredible. I was really impressed with the types of descriptions Rutkoski used. It made these average, mundane objects feel like they were part of something divine. And they weren't useless descriptions, that are evident in some classics novels. Each description was beneficial to the overall plot and character development of the book. Her descriptions almost made you feel like what she was describing was going on right in front of you. It was so life-like and real to read.
While reading, I didn't really like the book. (Probably because of the major anxiety it gave me and I was just nervous the whole damn time.) But now that I've finished it, I really enjoyed the experience. The fact that an author could make me feel so strongly throughout the entire book, is incredible.
[this book was my book that was published this year for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger
Stars: 4/5
Started: March 23, 2015
Finished: March 25, 2015
Wow. What a read.
I'm simultaneously having an existential crisis and experiencing extreme peace. Who knew that was possible. I feel like I need to sit in meditation and just take in the world around me and God around me after reading this book.
Salinger: you put me in 500 states of awe from this book. Most of them from your writing. The complexity of the sentences, the randomness and realism in each paragraph was incredible. The whole story seemed mundane, but this huge umbrella of wonder and divinity spread over the book without explicitly asserting itself.
What I took out of this book, was a family dynamic along with the idea of self-realization. Franny and Zooey have a love/hate relationship. Love, in the sense that they understand each other and ironically, hate because they understand each other and Zooey ends up preaching to her rather than helping Franny. They understand each other's thoughts and actions because they share the same foundation in their education and childhood, thanks to their eldest brothers. It seems the three main characters (Franny, Zooey, and Buddy) are all in a funk, for lack of a better term. They are all stuck in their life, not knowing where to go next and not even having the desire for the moments that they are at in their life. It's undeniably relatable: the feeling that you want to do something but you don't know what that something is and you don't have the power or the motivation to do anything.
It wasn't really plot driven at all. You could call it idea driven or even character driven. Regardless of its structure, you learn from Franny's existential breakdown and Zooey's preachy character trait/flaw. I think this book should be read by everyone in their 20's and should be a required read for college.
There are so many lessons in this book, I can't even begin to name them all, but I'll quote a few for you:
"This is God's universe, buddy, not yours, and he has the final say about what's ego and what isn't... In my opinion, if you really want to know, half the nastiness in the world is stirred up by people who aren't using their true egos." -Zooey (166).
"I don't know what good it is to know so much and be smart as whips and all if it doesn't make you happy." -Bessie Glass, (118)
"You can at least try to, if you want to—there's nothing wrong in trying." -Zooey (197)
This book was artfully crafted and mysterious and enlightening and results in peace. Thank you Salinger.
[this book was the "bottom of your to-read shelf" book for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Stars: 6/5
Started: March 19, 2015
Finished: March 21, 2015
As you may recall, I am an English major, therefore absolutely horrid at math— see the above improper fraction for the rating I’m giving Scarlet. Haha I think I’m funny. Anyway, this has been my favorite book in the Lunar Chronicles (TLC) so far. Hence my improper rating. IT WAS SO GOOD. I loved the narration, the colliding of storylines by Cinder and Thorne with Scarlet and Wolf.
Scarlet is my favorite TLC character followed by Thorne if anyone is curious. I often discuss the character dynamics in my reviews and how well there written. Well, I feel that with these books each character is so well developed that their narrations are easily distinguishable from the others because they each have their own different and unique voice. Scarlet’s character is by far my favorite. She is the most realistic, I think. She is driven to act by her impulses and is a little too blunt and rash for my taste, but her character is realistic and more relatable— she’s not some long lost princess and just now discovered that and she hasn’t been locked away from society for the majority of her life. I find it more difficult to relate to Cinder and Cress because of those reasons.
Thorne. I was annoyed by him at first because of how he reacted to Cinder in the prison. But I have a soft spot for literary sarcastic and pretentious assholes (eg: Noah Shaw, Will Herondale, Jace Herondale, Chaol Westfall, Mr. Darcy, to name a few). His comments were the comic relief for the whole book (and for Cress). He is a consistent character.
Wolf’s character was so mysterious throughout the book and remains so. His character was one of the reasons why I was turing the pages so quickly, eager to know what happened. And I didn't not see his methods or motivations coming— it totally caught me by surprise.
I really love how Marissa follows the original fairytale, she adds her on spin on the tale and doesn't even follow it too closely. It makes it seem like you aren't reading an adaptation of the fairytale but this futuristic adventure tale of strong, independent and different heroines.
[this book was my “title with a color in it” for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Cress by Marissa Meyer
Stars: 4.5/5
Started: March 21, 2015
Finished: March 23, 2015
[spoilers ahead]
On Goodreads I rated this 5 stars because I really wanted to give it more than 4, but not on the level of a 5 so I rounded up to 5 (I really hate how you can't give half a star on Goodreads). Anyway, at first Cress's excessive innocence and the way she fawned all over Thorne annoyed me. But I realize that was the whole point of her situation. She was supposed to be way too naive for her own good because she was literally excluded by society for her entire life. If you think of it, she's really well socialized for her situation. The fact that she can communicate at all is representative of that. But even though she's been secluded and completely ignorant of the world(s) around her, she is still brave and strong in her own unique way. She wants to fight for the good, rather than blindly assisting the bad and that takes guts. I think that she is the true role model of TLC because of her gut instinct that she follows throughout the book.
Again, Thorne made me laugh throughout the whole book. He made light of his situation (being blind and all). I was pissed that Scarlet got kidnapped. Like what the hell. She's my favorite character and you're just gonna exclude her from the 550 page book?!!?! And leave Wolf just trembling with depression?!?!?! I get that she had a couple chapters (3) and she has to interact with Winter, but SERIOUSLY????? WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE SCARLET???
[this was my "book from the future" for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
If you haven't read TLC yet, you need to because they are all so well written and creative and adventurous and just so fun to read. So many twists and turns.
The Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
Started: March 12, 2015
Finished: March 14, 2015
Stars: 4/5
Where to start with this...
We'll start with the plot. Usually when I'm reading I can predict or anticipate where the plot twist is going to go and who the big jaw-dropper is, but with this book, I couldn't. I had no idea where this book was going and it both frustrated me and excited me. I hate surprises and I need to know how a book is going to end. That's probably why whenever I read books (even when I loathe them with the fire of a thousand suns) I have to finish it. I can't be left in the dark.
That singular reason is why I finished this 549 page sucker. S/O to Robin for that.
It was a little difficult to get into the book. I was left confused by who the hell these people were and who they were serving and the whole spiritual aspect of this book. It took me about 100 pages to get immersed in the text and the characters.
I also thought several parts of the narrative was vague and I had to re-read the paragraph or page a couple times trying to figure out what the author was saying. I wanted more on her encounter with her dad (both of them) and I am still wondering what happened to Beast. I don't know if she touches on that in the sequels or not, but I'm still on the fence with whether or not I want to read those.
The characters were awesome to read. I really liked the mystery behind Duval and his true motives. I loved reading about the nobility and the Middle Ages's people. Every character was well-developed and dynamic and each had something to them that made them seem realistic.
I loved how Robin (is it weird to refer to her by her first name?) ended things between the convent and Ismae [small note: I really hated that name]. I liked that it was it's own story line(-ish) in the book. It held it's own issues and confrontation by Ismae and wasn't skirted in the end nor was it neglected in significance in the book. That result was a big part of the big wow for me by the end of the book.
[this was my 500 page or more book for my 2015 Reading Challenge]
The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare
Started: February 22, 2015
Finished: February 23, 2015
Stars: 4/5
I had to read this book for my Shakespeare and Classical Myth class and I was expecting it to be completely different than what it really was. You know that movie that came out not too long ago called Winter's Tale? The one with Colin Farrell (the British one) and it looked really weird with time travel and immortality or something? That's what I thought this play would be about.
Not true.
Not true at all. I can't even really sum up what exactly it's about but I can tell you this, ITS SO GOOD.
Theres a bromance in it and then betrayal of the bromance and then reconciliation of said bromance.
There is actual romance between the two children of the bromance dudes and the power Perdita (the girl) has over her beau is insane. She literally has him whipped from start to finished and it's glorious to read.
There's also this character called Hermione and she is a queen and strong and stubborn and independent and doesn't take no shit from anybody. She is persuasive and alluring to the point where her husband thinks the baby she's carrying isn't his (which is totally not true). AND HER NAME IS HERMIONE LIKE FROM HARRY POTTER!!! I have read something that is very probably to have influenced J.K Rowling when she wrote HP and developed Hermione's character, because HELLO they have the same name!!!!!
It's really amazing how I can incorporate HP in vast majority of my posts on this blog.
Wow, I also just love strong female characters.
[this book satisfied the "100 year old book" on my 2015 Reading Challenge]
The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Started: February 21, 2015
Finished: February 27, 2015
Stars 5/5
This is sci-fi or fantasy or whatever and IT WAS SO GOOD!!! Mare Barrow is stubborn, reckless, impulsive, some of my favorite qualities to read in a character. I really loved this book. It was a little confusing to read at first and a little slow but then I got to page 100 or so and my nose was glued inside. HOLY MOLY GUACAMOLE!!!
Think of the Hunger Games but without the annoying qualities of the characters and all the depressing factors. Actually scratch that. It's not like Hunger Games cuz I really hate those books. Think more Divergent. Yes. That sounds better. Divergent series minus the third book (because I have convinced myself that the third book did not happen and Tris and Four live happily together wherever they like in post-apocalyptic USA.
Anyway, sorry for the tangent and for this post getting so damn long. Possible spoilers ahead. READ AT OWN RISK.
I loved every single character in this book. I already talked about Mare, but CAL. Oh my goodness gracious. He's amazing and my fave. I love him. I really do. We're getting married soon. Be on the lookout for our save the date. (jk... kinda). Maven is dark and evil and a perfect villain. Seriously. For those of you who've read The Shadow and Bone series, he's like the Darkling. Maybe better. We'll see. Her friend Kilorn annoyed me. He was whiny and boring and all he did was complain to Mare. Sorry bro, can't handle that. If she ends up with him I'm going to be pissed. Mare's family dynamic was realistic and endearing. It was atypical to most novels where the parents are completely absent and the main character has at most 1 sibling. Mare's family is intact. It's easier to relate to her with her family and her emotions and relationships with her family members.
The plot was fabulous. It was complex and detailed and zero potholes in the structure. There was a KILLER plot twist within the last 2 chapters of the book and I was breathing heavily while reading and yelled "What the hell?" and freaked my roommate out at 1 am. Needless to say, I need more of this fictional world and CAL and Mare and Cal and Mare together and fantasy and wow. I just need the next book ASAP.
After I finished it, I went into a book hangover for a good 5 days and couldn't even look at another book without wanting to reread Red Queen. It's good. I had a couple dreams about it too. No shame.
Go read this book. Please. We can talk about it together if you want.
[this book satisfied my "author under 30" in my 2015 Reading Challenge]
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Started: March 6, 2015
Finished: March 10, 2015
Stars: 4.5/5
Think you've heard every variation of the fairytales ever? Think again. Because if you haven't read Cinder you need to to fulfill the childhood still sleeping inside of you. It's loosely based on Cinderella, but with cyborgs. And a futuristic society. And princes, and robots and magic and mind control and embarrassment. It's great. She tweaked a few of the characters like one of Cinder's stepsisters, Peony, whom Cinder actually feels sisterly affection towards instead of distaste like the original Cinderella.
Cinder is sassy and intelligent and strong willed. She is inspiring to read. She never gives up and is so versatile. Expect some archetypical characters though (the mentor, the love interest, etc.). Prince Kai is enchanting. He is so eloquent with his words and wow swoon! The ending leaves you hanging for more! Ready for the sequels and I'm ready to venture to any book store to pick my copies up!
I really loved the narration. It's told in 3rd person selective, both from Cinder and Kai's perspective. I love books written like that. It really makes you feel like you're there in the story rather just stuck in the limited narrator's mind. I'm trying to write using this style and I really liked seeing how Meyer tweaked it in her book. She made it easier to read and easier to fall into her trap of hooking the reader into the story. So S/O to her narration.
The complexity of this plot was astounding. It was more than Cinder struggling against her stepmother or even against a fatal illness spreading through the country. It was her struggling against her true identity and her ancestry and a literal opposing force from outta this world (get it? hehe). There was so much going on in this book, but because of how well it is written and how captivating it is, you hardly notice nor do you even mind because it's a fabulous adventure going on behind your own eyes (or right in front? I don't know. Both maybe?).
[this book was my "nonhuman characters" for my 2015 Reading Challenge— because cyborgs aren't human right?]
The Following Reviews are ones that I just did not have the gumption to write thorough reviews for a few books I read. It's not that the books were bad, I just felt that if I were to do the usual rambling reviews it would seem a little repetitive.
Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker was okay. It was an easy read and honestly I just needed to read angst filled text. The last 1/4 of the book thoroughly pissed me off though. The plot twist was ridiculous and irritating and how she handled the situation was worse. It was just unrealistic and I hated the ending. Up until that last jerk of a plot line, I'd give this book a solid 3 stars. But given how pissed off and irritated I was at the end, it gets a 2. I did read it within two days so wuhoo for speed reading.
Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward was good. A solid 3 stars all around. The characters were complex and there was depth to them. Their chemistry is what got me. I swooned and reacted in the best way possible. The only part that irritated me was her situation in New York. It made it seem like she was pouting. We didn't get any real glimpse into her life as an adult or anything. I wanted to know how successful she was! What life was like for her! Gosh darnit! Also read this within two days and I think I stayed up until 5:30 in the morning to finish it when I had class the next morning. It was worth it.
The J. Lynn books were solid reads. I gave both of them 3/5 stars. Very typical New Adult books but I like that kind of cliche crap so who cares! If you're looking for easy, yet good reads go to any of her books. She's a phenomenal writer and can manipulate language to her back and call. Solid, diverse characters.
Shakespeare's The Tempest was disappointing. I was expecting something witty and slightly romantic like all of his other works. It was mostly about a power struggle and tyranny and ruling and shit. 3 stars. It also took me f o r e v e r to read.
[end brief reviews]
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Started: February 12, 2014
Finished: February 15, 2015
Stars: 4/5
I was supposed to read this book freshman year of high school and I got to Act 3. In retrospect, I am proud of myself. I read this at a time when I did not like reading. I was lazy and thought reading was sooo not cool. And I also really hated the parts I did read. I thought Juliet was a ridiculous young girl who was an idiot for keeping everything a secret. I thought Romeo was equally as ridiculous. He was temperamental and a pervert for wooing Juliet in such cheesy ways.
Now that I have an addiction to reading, an astounding obsession with Shakespeare, a more mature mind, and less of an inclination to act cool around other people (because let's face it, reading is cool and those bitches are all missing out), I have a different perspective on Romeo and Juliet.
First of all, Romeo is still kind of ridiculous. He falls in and out of love so quickly. But his "melancholy" as we called in it class, almost like a depression is the cause of that. I won't get English-y on you and go into a character analysis for Romeo and turn this post into a analytical paper. So I'll just leave Romeo's character there.
But I will go in depth about Juliet. BECAUSE HOLY MOLY JULIET IS MY NEW FAVE EVER.
Yes she is 14. Yes she is under her father's authority. Yes her nurse takes the place of the mother-figure in the play.
Now that the background is clear, she is one strong character. She completely contrasts any of the other female characters/personas from this time period. And her character trope probably wasn't common until the mid to late-1900's. Anyway. Ignoring the fact that she was influenced by young love where things don't really make sense and the character is influenced by their feelings instead of logic, Juliet is defiant and independent.
First instance we see of this, is when her mom asks of her thoughts on marriage and Juliet responds "It is an honor I dream not of." WHAT??? She just said she doesn't want to get married to. her. mother. Her parental figure whom holds all control over Juliet unless Juliet's father is present. Her mother who plans her future marriages. Her mother who IS BASICALLY THE RULER OF THE FAMILY. Oh Juliet you defiant girl you.
Later, before her wedding night (her "special night" with Romeo) she starts her soliloquy and the whole thing is of how eager she is for the event. This is completely atypical of female characters from this period of time. It wasn't until the late 1900's, when female sexuality stopped being a taboo topic. If no one talked about it then it didn't exist. This is because it gave women some sort of power and equalized men and women (sorry for the slight feminism moment). But anyway, here's Juliet talking about sex and she has no fears, and she then takes the man's duty in their relationship by being the discusser of sex. In a Renaissance play, the female character is the one talking about sex, not Romeo the male character. Wow.
It gets better. Romeo is soooo distressed that he finds Juliet's "dead" body in the Capulet tomb and he is just smitten with the idea of death because he will meet Juliet in heaven and they can be reunited. *Swoon* [not] So he kills himself (without any inhibitions I may add) with a poison that he drinks. Dead. Then, Juliet wakes up from her not-death and she is heartbroken at seeing Romeo dead and then she has this long eloquent speech and then takes Romeo's dagger and stabs herself. SHE STABS HERSELF AND DOESN'T EVEN THINK TWICE. JULIET YOU STRONG CREATURE YOU. Wow. Like what. No hesitation no second thoughts, plunges a very sharp and deadly weapon into her chest.
I could go on and on and on and on and on about Juliet and even Shakespeare for his pre-feminism era ideas, but you're probably hoping I'll shut up and I'm still praying my professor will assign a character analysis essay prompt so I can in depth fully appreciate and analyze Juliet.
So now because I'm basically obsessed with Juliet, I'm referring to the classic play of Romeo and Juliet to Juliet and Romeo. Because she's basically the best thing to happy to me this year and she's a much better character than Romeo. Duh.
Okay sorry: for the rant, the nerdiness, the total irrelevance to you, and for the spoilers. I'm done.
Thank you William Shakespeare for Juliet Capulet.
The Ruby Red Series by Kerstin Gier
Ruby Red: Started- January 26, 2015.
Finished- February 6, 2015
Stars- 3.5/5
Sapphire Blue: Started-February 7, 2015
Finished- February 8, 2015
Stars- 4/5
Emerald Green: Started- February 8, 2015
Finished- February 11, 2015
Stars- 4/5
The first book took me a while to get into the first book. But when I hit maybe page 100 I was sucked in to the plot and the characters and just the fantastical idea of it all. This series was originally written in German and translated into English Anthea Bell.
I really loved Gwyneth as the main character. I felt like her friendship with Leslie was realistic and it felt natural. Often, a lot of the fantasy or sci-fi friendships feel like they are based off of the mission that is the plot or the conversation just doesn't feel natural. This one definitely did. They talked about normal things like movies or books or other people and Leslie was completely supportive and understand of Gwyneth's situation and what Gwyneth was doing.
Gideon and Gwyneth's relationship and banter was interesting and amusing to read. It seemed realistic and they way the two of them handled some of the situations were immature, but I think that was the point and really helped highlight that they were supposed to be immature and not know all the facts.
Charlotte. Well, during the first half of the first book, I didn't feel a whole lot of feeling towards her. I thought that Gwen was just dramatizing how mean Charlotte was, but then I found myself rolling my eyes along with Gwen at Charlotte and things Charlotte did and said. She was extremely well written.
Ever single character was so dynamic and diverse and that is something that is so difficult to do and Gier really hit the nail on the head. This plot was so well developed as well. There was so much research and history that went into this book and it was really impressive and interesting to read.
The only real issue with this book was that it left a lot of loose ends hanging up in the air. I still have so many questions that I feel the characters didn't solve or the author didn't mention. I won't mention them because I don't want to spoil anything for any future readers.
This book could totally have a fourth book or maybe a novella just so I could know what happens in the end and so everything could come full circle. I don't know. I might just be hung up on the characters and plot from this series and may just need to find a new world to immerse myself in to distract myself from real life and the fact that this world is finished.
Seriously. If you're skeptical of reading this book. Go read it.
[This book satisfied my "trilogy" check on my 2015 Reading Challenge.]
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Started: January 14, 2015
Finished: January 29, 2015
Stars: 3/5
This book was hard for me to get through. I couldn't sit down and binge read the whole thing. Which is, honestly, what I expected from a memoir. I'm not a big memoir person. It's hard for me to be immersed in a book of only essays.
With that in mind, Amy Poehler is still funny in her writing. She's sarcastic and cracks jokes and I was impressed by her writing skills. I liked what she had to say about careers and divorce and marriage and raising kids. I think the publicity looks over the tougher parts of life, even for an actress. I enjoyed reading about her childhood and what she experienced. I think it really has a lot to say about the person she is now.
Based on her writing, she seems like a very level-headed person.
There was one essay that really bothered me though. I won't say which essay it was because I don't really remember what the title was and I don't have my book with me at the moment. But I know that it really unsettled me. After I finished it, I put the book down and questioned whether I wanted to continue reading it or not. I was really close to calling it quits right there.
But then I thought about my reading challenge books and how I really needed to check memoir off sooner or later. And one of my best friends swears by this book so I'd feel guilty if I didn't read it. (And my mom read it in a shorter amount of time than I did and I was feeling competitive. So please don't share that because I am very proud person.)
Overall I laughed right along with her as she told her experiences. I really laughed when Seth Meyers wrote a small portion.
[This book satisfied my memoir book on my 2015 reading challenge]
The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerksi
Started: February 1st at 12:20 AM
Finished: February 1st at 5:28 AM
Stars: 2.8/5
So I first saw this book on a friend's goodreads feed and I thought hey, that book sounds pretty good. So I clicked that little "want to read" button and it stayed on my "to-read" list for a while. Well, I've been in need of a major distraction. I've been having a hard time getting through Amy Poehler's book because it just doesn't suck my attention in like a good fiction novel does, you know? [You don't have to answer. That question was rhetorical.]
So I was wasting time and perusing through my to-read list and I say this book again and I thought, I'll read that as my distraction! Sold.
I started it last night and my roommate and I were listening to our record player (yes we are very cool) and she was researching the different benefits to organic deodorant and then we started discussing animal rights (cuz that's a thing of mine) and we were just discussing major life issues and I started this book because I have a terrible time actually going to sleep every night.
Through most of the book, I loved it. I loved the characters, the tragic backstories, the casual banter between the two, the plot was well planned and it really grabbed my attention
Then the characters finally realized their love for each other and I felt like I was reading different characters and point of views altogether. They had the same tragic backstories as Protagonists 1.0, but their conversations totally changed their voice and I get that sex changes stuff, whatever. But the male character just completely changed. He started out as a brutally honest guy who was rough around the edges and cracked jokes a lot and teased the female character even more. It was just irritating to read the thoughts of Protagonists 2.0 and how they weren't consistent with Protagonists 1.0.
(It also got really lovey-dovey and cheesy real quick and I really hate the word "baby." Babe is fine. Buy baby? Ugh... I won't go into that because it will turn out to be a totally irrelevant rant and I'm not in the mood to nurse the aftermath of such strong emotions today. I did go to sleep at 5:30 last night.)
The language of the book was contemporary and realistic. But for the age of the main characters, some of the things that were said were juvenile and really immature. I understand that some of it was naive on the female's part and that was the point in her circumstances in the book, but the rest of it seemed underdeveloped and way too young for a 20 and 25 year old character to be saying and thinking. (At least, I'm almost 20 and I was like are you kidding me at some of the lines she said.)
It was a good read though, don't get me wrong. For 4/5 of it, I loved and it was captivated. For maybe, 1/5 of, I was irritated and rolled my eyes a couple of times. I loved the plot though. I thought the book as a whole could've done without the HUGE plot twist near the end, but it was a good read.
This book satisfied the "read a book in a day" category on my 2015 challenge and that's kind of what motivated me to stay so damn early finishing it.
[I also had a really hard time rating it. I don't know. The rating is speculative.]
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Finished January 10
Stars: 4/5
When I first saw this book, just waiting on the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble, I had to pick it up and flip through it. The cover just... wow. It lured me in like a siren and I was dumbstruck. Then I felt the pages and how they just felt old and the pages were uneven and those kind of details really make an impression on you.
So naturally, I had to buy it. Even though I was at Barnes and Noble buying a gift for my friend.
I really couldn't put this book down. It's a fantasy novel and has a messed up society and a strong independent heroine, who despite the popular fad right now of having warrior heroines, wants nothing to do with the military. And it was all very refreshing. Then cue the brooding hero with his sarcasm and wow he was just great. And then put the two of them together and it really created a real life relationship that started as friends and even though this book was a fantasy book, I think it really portrayed realistic relationships and conversations well. Even the minor characters were well developed. And their relationship with the main character were just believable.
The plot really wasn't very predictable which is awesome. Thank you Marie Rutkoski. This book was full suspense, so many different emotions like anger, love, despair, vengeance, sacrifice, it was intelligent and I loved reading every second of it.
[one could even say how it's a comment on society today but I won't go there and bring my English major into my blog. I don't intend on writing a analytical paper on this book yet, but if I did, I would probably leap for joy and run around campus just waving the book at everyone.]
I finished this book in 3 days. I really wanted to read it while I was staying at my friend's house before school started, but I forced myself to socialize. I ended up finishing it before classes started on a Saturday at midnight and I couldn't sleep because all I was doing was just reliving the best parts of this book and imagining what the next one has in store! (The next day when I had meetings all day was brutal. I was exhausted but still exhilarated by the high this book gave me.)
The second book to this series comes out March 3, 2015 and you better bet your bottom dollar I will be visiting Barnes and Noble that day to get myself a copy of The Winner's Crime. It's written down in my planner, I have read the synopsis for this next book countless number of times, and I was really tempted to look at the fanfic for it, but I really want to read what is canon, despite how much I'd enjoy reading Arin and Kestrel living happily together.
If you haven't read this book yet, you should. CUZ WOWZA WAS IT GOOD.
This book satisfied my "pretty cover" book on my Reading Challenge of 2015.
January 14, 2014-
Avatar The Last Airbender: The Promise
Finished: January 8
Stars: 0/5
Personally, I do not like graphic novels. It's too easy for me to get distracted and not pay attention to what I'm reading.
I don't know if it was because this particular graphic novel was horrible because it was based off of a Nickelodeon show, but it was bad. The two main characters (who are young, like they can't be older than 16) uses "sweetie" to address one another and I almost gagged. Not even normal couples my age call each other that. It's slightly creepy and way too mature for these two characters. Hell, it's to mature for me to use.
I really don't like to talk about this book because I just get aggravated again.
Anyway, I only read this book because it satisfied the "graphic novel" check on my 2015 reading challenge.
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh
Finished: January 10, 2015
Stars: 3.5/5
This book was hilarious. It was an easy read and I was laughing out loud in probably every chapter. Honestly, the cover looks kind of weird but it was one of the funniest books I've read.
You know the meme that says "eat all the food" or "clean all the things" ? Well that came from this book. Holy moly it was hilarious. Just look at this book's content. My favorite parts of the book were when she talked about her dogs. She thinks one of her dogs is mentally challenge so she calls him simple dog. And then she gets another dog in the hopes that it will help her simple dog, so then she calls him helper dog. It's hilarious. I was crying tears of laughter.
Here are just a couple pictures of the book.
This book was used as my "funny book" category on my challenge.
January 9, 2014— The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963)
Finished: January 2, 2015
Stars: 5/5
[possible spoilers ahead]
The way I read this book is a real attribution to what I like to do in my free time. I read this for fun, because it's been on my to-read list for ages and here I am just now getting around to it. I may have also read it with a pen and highlighter in hand... The margins of almost all of the pages are filled with black annotations. I underlined, highlighted, bracketed, starred different lines and paragraphs that I just thought wow.
The Bell Jar tells the story of Esther, a nineteen year old girl with her future ahead of her. Except, her future overwhelms her and she doesn't know what she wants. She slowly slips into rock bottom of her life as she faces depression and anxiety. This book describes her descent from the assurance her life once gave her, as she faces failure, indifference, and lack of being understood.
Plath writes Esther's story as a first person narration and uses flashbacks to develop characters and Esther's background. The characters in this novel are dynamic and interesting and all play a different part in Esther's downfall. Esther can almost be described as an anti-hero.
Esther begins the novel by sounding like the typical 19 year old in the 1960s. Yes, she is cynical and uses a plethora of dark humor, but you can't help but laugh along with her! I am almost concerned with myself by being able to identify with a lot of the things she said in the novel (the parts that qualified as her thoughts). She has difficulty relating to other people because she doesn't feel good enough about herself and expresses this need for being able to control aspects of her life.
This novel really shows you the inside to mental illness and its treatment in the 1960s. It was almost infuriating how underdeveloped and uncared for mental illness facilities were— how they most likely still are!
I loved Esther as a narrator. The "wow" factor of this book is off the charts! Plath's writing is phenomenal: her descriptive language, her use of imagery and symbolism were incredible to analyze. Several times while I was reading this book, I had to close it and just pause. Look off to space and think about what I had just read. The words Plath uses in this novel are so powerful. The images are almost too powerful where they leave a furrow in your eyebrow and a "what the hell" spinning through your mind.
Favorite Quote (there are so many but I'll pick just one): "I wanted to crawl in between those black lines of print, the way you crawl through a fence, and go to sleep under that beautiful big green fig-tree."
To sum up this book in one sentence: WOW *heart*
[this book is considered my "banned book" for my reading challenge of 2015]
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