Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Since You've Been Gone
by Morgan Matson
Pub Date: May 6th, 2014

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough.Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um...

This book just made my favorites list for 2014. I absolutely loved all of the characters, the plot, the setting, everything about this book. I'm going to try my best to explain why, but sometimes it's hard for me to explain why I love a book so dearly.

It was so fantastic to get to grow with Emily through her unexpected summer. I found myself relating to her, and I was so proud of her when she was able to check off yet another item on her list. I loved reading about her conquering her fears while learning how to be her own person. It's fine to have a best friend, but you can't always hide behind them. I loved all of the messages in this book, one of them being to live your life to the fullest and to never let yourself stand in someone else's constant shadow. 

I adored reading about Emily's relationship with Frank and her other new friends. There were so many hilarious chapters like when Emily is trying to "Hug a Jamie" or "Go Skinny-Dipping." And of course there was many, many chapters that made me just want to squeal from all of the cuteness. I loved, loved, LOVED Frank and I thought that the running, and mixed playlists, and all of the Beatles talk, was just the best.

This is one of those books that really touches you and makes you reflect on your own life. It makes you think about saying yes to new things and getting out of your comfort zone. I felt like there were so many worthwhile lessons throughout this book that I really connected with!

I own two other books by Morgan Matson, and now I can't wait to read them!
If you love contemporary books, definitely pick this one up! This was the perfect summer read!

Let me know in the comments what your thoughts on the book was as well!

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

Everything Leads to You
By Nina LaCour
Pub Date: May 15th, 2014
Source: Publisher

A love letter to the craft and romance of film and fate in front of—and behind—the camera from the award-winning author of Hold Still.

A wunderkind young set designer, Emi has already started to find her way in the competitive Hollywood film world.

Emi is a film buff and a true romantic, but her real-life relationships are a mess. She has desperately gone back to the same girl too many times to mention. But then a mysterious letter from a silver screen legend leads Emi to Ava. Ava is unlike anyone Emi has ever met. She has a tumultuous, not-so-glamorous past, and lives an unconventional life. She’s enigmatic…. She’s beautiful. And she is about to expand Emi’s understanding of family, acceptance, and true romance.

I really enjoyed this book. This was my first book by Nina LaCour and I loved her style and the tone overall. The only problem I had was I felt like it was just a touch slow in the middle, but it picked up and I really enjoyed it!

I loved the plot surrounding film-making and of course the mystery they encountered. I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book, especially the mysterious Ava. These characters were flawed, yet seemed so real to me and I love reading about characters like that.

I appreciated that the main character was open about her sexual orientation and instead of this being a coming out story, Nina LaCour just made it a part of who Emi was. I've read stories where the secondary characters were gay, but not the main character so this was a first for me. I loved that our main character wasn't struggling with how she felt, but accepted it. I'll admit I was frustrated with Emi in the beginning because of her poor relationship choices (just learn how to walk away girl! she doesn't love you!) but I grew to love her.

Honestly, while reading this book, it almost felt like I was becoming friends with Ava, Charlotte, Emi, and Jamal. You see them for who they are, their flaws included, but despite it all you grow to love them all the same. I finished this book feeling happy and it gave me closure (which we all know I love.)

I like that this book encourages you to not wait, but to act. You never know how much time you'll have.

The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer

The Secret Hum of a Daisy
by Tracy Holczer
Pub Date: May 1st, 2014
Source: Publisher

Twelve-year-old Grace and her mother have always been their own family, traveling from place to place like gypsies. But Grace wants to finally have a home all their own. Just when she thinks she's found it her mother says it's time to move again. Grace summons the courage to tell her mother how she really feels and will always regret that her last words to her were angry ones.

After her mother's sudden death, Grace is forced to live with a grandmother she's never met. She can't imagine her mother would want her to stay with this stranger.

Then Grace finds clues in a mysterious treasure hunt, just like the ones her mother used to send her on. Maybe it is her mother, showing her the way to her true home.

Lyrical, poignant and fresh, The Secret Hum of a Daisy is a beautifully told middle grade tale with a great deal of heart. - Goodreads

This book was so endearing. This is labeled as a middle grade novel probably because the main character is twelve, but she definitely didn't act that young. I couldn't imagine being only twelve and being an orphan (since her dad died before she was born.) Then, she was ripped from her current home and into the home of a grandma that she had never met. This was the same grandma that had forced her own mother out of the door when she was seventeen and pregnant. I'm sure I would have reacted very similarly to twelve year old Grace.

I really enjoyed the parts that involved Beauty and Daisy, and Joe and Max. I also really liked learning more about Grace's grandma and I loved seeing Grace's opinion of her change. This book was full of very interesting characters.

 I really enjoyed reading about Grace and her love of writing and art. I felt myself reaching out to her and hoping that she would find the home she deserved. I found the writing beautiful and this book definitely brought a few tears to my eyes. I really enjoyed the ending and felt a lot of closure (which I always love.)

I definitely recommend this touching book!

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Burn for Burn
By Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivan
Pub Date: September 2012
Series: Burn for Burn #1

Postcard-perfect Jar Island is the kind of place where nobody locks their doors at night, where parents can sleep easy, knowing their daughters are tucked away safe and sound in their beds.

But bad things can happen, even to good girls . . . and sometimes, the only way to make things right is to do something wrong.

Lillia used to trust boys, but not anymore. Not after what happened this summer. And she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her little sister from the same fate.

Kat is over the rumors, the insults, the cruel jokes made at her expense. It all goes back to one person--her ex-best friend. Someone needs to teach her a lesson, and, with Lillia and Mary behind her, Kat feels up to the task.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she’s not the same girl anymore. Now that she’s got friends who have her back, he's going to be in big trouble.

Three very different girls who come together to make things right. Will they go too far?

I'm not really sure how to explain my feelings about this book.

There were a lot of aspects that I liked, but some that I didn't really like at all.

I really like Jenny Han's writing style and that really came through..but.. I don't know. I liked this book (obviously I gave it a 4 star rating, but I'm already doubting myself thinking it may be closer to 3.5 stars?

I enjoyed that these girls are trying to get their revenge because these characters definitely had it coming to them. I didn't exactly end this book feeling as good about it as I did during the first half though, ya know? Something felt like it was missing. I didn't really like the random paranormal thing that happened. It just seemed very out of place. I don't know. I hate that it ended on a cliff hanger, but I know there's going to be at least two other books after this one so I'm not really worried about that.

This book was very interesting because it read like a fairly light contemporary, but it touched on some pretty deep issues. Suicide, bullying, drug use, date rape, etc.

I would like to continue on with the series and see how it goes, but this definitely isn't a new favorite nor is it as good as the last book I read by Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before. Now THAT was an amazing book!

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay

By Gayle Forman
Pub Date: April 2009
Series: If I Stay #1
Source: Purchased

Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.
I open my eyes wide now.

I sit up as much as I can.

And I listen.

Stay, he says.

Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?

Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters.

If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.

This was a really good book. It's pretty simple.

I admit that I had some trouble with the format of the book. The story was constantly jumping around and it was hard to keep track of at times. However, one thing that I really enjoyed (but it also made me cry my eyes out at times) was how Mia would describe an event in her past, usually it was centered around a person, and then Mia would counter it by jumping to the present and then talking about that person at that moment. She did that with Adam, her mom and Dad, her best friend... but when she was talking about how she would kiss Teddy's scrapes and how she was the first thing that he ever saw coming into this world.. and then Mia flashed to where Teddy was currently in the story, I just lost it.

One aspect I really loved in this story was the music. I love that there was so many different kinds introduced in this book. I loved that it brought people together and drove people apart as well.

I would have loved to learn even more about Mia and I think that this book could have been a lot longer!

I'm not sure when I will read the second book in the series, Where She Went, because the synopsis sounds a little upsetting to me. I definitely didn't think the story would take that turn. It actually has better ratings than this book, however, so I will definitely pick it up eventually. I think I just need a little break first. This book was pretty emotional.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Attachments
By Rainbow Rowell
Pub Date: April 14th, 2011
Source: Gift

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

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

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

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

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

What would he say . . . ?

Or maybe closer to 4.5 stars? I'm not sure. Honestly, it took me about 100 pages to really get into this story, but after that I was hooked! This story was so darn cute! I was a little frustrated that we didn't get too many character descriptions early on in the story... It kind of bugs me when I don't know how old the characters are or what they look like. I ended up just  picturing some super dorky guy that was falling in love with Beth, but I was definitely wrong! It was kind of fun in a way to learn what Beth and Lincoln looked like from one another! One of my favorite parts of the book was when Beth would talk about "Her Cute Guy" haha Lincoln was such a cutie and even more so because he didn't really know he was one.  I really liked all of the character development and I was rooting for Lincoln the whole time. I loved the ending and I finished this book with a big smile on my face. I'm looking forward to reading more adult books by Rainbow (Landline isn't too far away!)

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before
By Jenny Han
Pub Date: April 15th, 2014
Series: To All the Boys I've Loved Before #1
Source: Publisher

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

You know how sometimes you read a story and you feel like you are there with the characters? Ya, that's how this book was. I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't real. This is my first Jenny Han book and I think most of it was just because of her style. I truly connected to the Song girls and loved all of their little quirks! I loved how sassy Kitty could be and how she never gave up on wanting a dog! Margot was a little harder to like because she wasn't there for most of the book and when she was there she was usually getting on to her sisters. However, I can understand that in many ways she was just stepping up and fulfilling the mom position like they all needed her too.
I was surprised by this book. I read the synopsis of this book and I thought that I could guess what would happen. Even multiple chapters in I thought I knew, but I was wrong. (I always think that it's so fun to be wrong.. well about something like this!)

I LOVED Lara Jean's character and really enjoyed how realistic she seemed! From the nervous driving, the baking, her fashion, her relationship with her father and sisters, her inexperience with boys, all of it was just perfect.

I was so, so sad when this story ended! I didn't realize at first that this was the first of a series so now I can't wait for book two! Can I have it now please!?

Let me know in the comments what you thought!

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I've Got Your Number
By Sophie Kinsella
Pub Date: Oct 31st, 2011

I’ve lost it. :( The only thing in the world I wasn’t supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It’s been in Magnus’s family for three generations. And now the very same day his parents are coming, I’ve lost it. The very same day! Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive :)!!

Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!

Well, perfect except that the phone’s owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn’t agree. He wants his phone back and doesn’t appreciate Poppy reading his messages and wading into his personal life.

What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other’s lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls, and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents . . . she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

This was my first Sophie Kinsella book and I REALLY enjoyed it! I borrowed an audiobook from my library and hope to someday buy the book! As far as the audiobook goes, I thought that the reader was fantastic! She has a British accent(which was obviously appropriate since Poppy is British) and I really enjoyed listening to her voice!

Footnote: Which of course is a very important factor in choosing audiobooks. I mean, I listened to this lady talk for 13 1/2 hours.. I had BETTER like her voice... (ha! see what I did there? Okay, so what if it's not at the bottom of the page. I'm writing a review, OKAY?)

Anyways, I really enjoyed reading about Poppy's life, and although this may make me sound insanely selfish, I was kind of enjoying that fact that someone was having a worse day than I was. I may think that school is really terrible and hard right now, but the things that Poppy goes through in this book are hysterical. For example, the part with Wanda's birthday gift had me laughing out loud!

I loved the character development in this book, and found it really neat that two imperfect people found each other, and together become more of a complete person. (I don't think I'm making any sense..) Okay, so basically I liked that Poppy became more sure of herself and learned to stand up for herself. I myself am pretty similar to Poppy in that I always try to help others and I struggle with being assertive and getting my own feelings across sometimes. It made me feel really good about myself as well and kind of made me feel empowered. I think it's really important to stand up for yourself.

This book surprised me and I was very pleased with how it ended. I definitely didn't see a few things coming which is always nice in books like this.

The rest of this review is now going to turn into a rant/discussion. If you haven't read this book, and are a fan of chick lit I highly recommend this book!

I was a tad annoyed though. I mean, REALLY annoyed at some parts. (This was probably the main reason for the -half a star). Although I really liked her, I was SO frustrated with Poppy at times. Like towards the end.. HE CHEATED ON YOU AND HE SUCKS AND WHY ARE YOU MARRYING HIM OH MY GOODNESS. YOU DON'T NEED A MAN IN YOUR LIFE. JUST BE SINGLE AND WAIT FOR SAM. Ya.. I was freaking out a bit. Poor Sam is just texting her and he asks her to go get a cup of coffee, and she's just like hey, lets snap a picture of myself in my wedding dress and give Sam a heart attack. Okay. (Sorry I'm rambling a bit. This is why I'm going to film a video about this book.) 

This book brought out A LOT of emotions from me, good and bad. I'm so happy that I ended up reading this book and can't wait to read more by her in the future!

Let me know what you thought of the book in the comments below!

Fan of Sophie Kinsella? Recommend some more books by her to me!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green
Pub Date: Jan 10th, 2012

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

I first read this book back in 2012 when it came out. (This was before booktubing, blogging, and Goodreads and I didn't have a chance to share my thoughts.) This was also the first John Green book I've ever read. I've been wanting to reread this book for a few reasons. One, was because of the movie coming out this year (which looks amazing), and I realized that I had forgotten quite a bit.

The second reason, was because the first time I read this book, I didn't give it a fair rating. I've always been a huge reader and lover of books, but it hasn't been until really this past year or so that I've really started reviewing and seriously thinking about the ratings that I give books. Once upon a time, without really realizing what exactly I was doing, I would rate books on the overall lasting impression they gave me. I would mostly look at how the story wrapped itself up, and not so much about the story as a whole. I realize now that this is an injustice to the author and the book itself.

This is why my rating has gone from a 3 star rating to a 5 star rating. (I'm now rating the book on what I should actually be rating, ya know, the whole book.)

So now onto my actual thoughts. I really enjoyed this book and I believe that John Green has an uncanny ability to create realistic characters that we can relate to. While reading this book, I kept thinking over and over how much fun it would be to be friends with Hazel and Augustus. I can't tell you how many lines I marked in this book. It would be some of the most simple conversations, say like why eggs are only considered a breakfast food, that would really get me thinking. This book changes you. I love Hazel's outlook on her life. She doesn't feel bad for herself. She's accepted her fate.

The characters and John Green's amazing writing style is what really made this book a five star for me. I adore Hazel and Augustus's characters and wish we could have gotten a little more of their story..

I highly recommend this story to everyone, especially lovers of contemporary. Read this book, you won't regret it.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass
By Sarah J. Maas
Pub Date: Jan 1st, 2012
Series: Throne of Glass #1

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

My Rating:

My Thoughts:

I really, really enjoyed this book. Many of you already know that I'm a huge fan of fantasy and this book didn't let me down. The main character, Celaena MADE this book. She is a fierce, assassin who has a much softer, lonelier side as well. I love that we got to read about her fighting and climbing walls (and just being overall really awesome) and then we see her all dressed up in elaborate gowns. (I loved all the pretty dress talk.)

I really enjoyed the relationship between her and her instructor, the Captain of the Guard, Chaol. Dorian was an enjoyable character to read about as well with his love of reading and puppies. I think anyone will feel sympathy for him for being related to such a disgrace of a man, his father, the King. I love the bits of magic that was thrown in this book with Wyrdmarks, the Fae, and Queen Elena.

I can't wait to read more about Celaena! I did struggle a bit with pronunciations, but I found this handy chart on the author's website!

At this point I know that there are four novellas out about her past life and I believe there's to be a bind-up of those plus a fifth coming out in March. I can't wait to start reading the second book, Crown of Midnight as well!

Video Review: