Hey, there! I forgot I hadn't written a review for one of the books that I read over the summer. So I started this at band camp. I had gotten it used off Amazon and I had heard only a little about this but it sounded really good. The title is A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall. This was published Swoon Reads which is a site that allows people submit their manuscripts to their website.
So here's my overview:
Gabe is a little shy. He sees this cute girl Lea in his creative writing class but he's too bashful to make a move. Lea is a college freshman in an upperclassman creative writing class. She's nervous but she knows she's good. She meets Gabe in that class. Both are a bit too hesitant to make anything happen.
Told from multiple different perspectives, Gabe and Lea's awkwardness is pieced together.
I wasn't sure about this book at first. I didn't know how well it would come together because of all the perspectives but it was fun to get to be part of the band that helped them get together. Although we don't get Gabe and Lea's point of view, we get a pretty good idea of their thoughts through other people. I think my favorite piece was Inga, the professor of the writing course. Inga was kind of hilarious and I liked that she wasn't very conventional. If I was a college professor I would definitely do meddling things like that. She was also pretty BA and different. I also like Pam, her wife. The bus driver was a nice guy too. The only weird things I thought were the squirrel and the bench. Those threw off the story a little I'd say, but they did give good conversations between Lea and Gabe and Lea and her friend.
Okay, happy reading!
Sophie
Friday, October 23, 2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Horror or bore?
Here's my only negative review ever-
Recently, I finished The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson. This true story tells the terrifying tale of the most infamous haunting of all time: Amityville, New York in 1975. This novel follows the all too true tale about a young family who moves into a new house that's seemingly perfect and fits all their needs. But that's until the discover that mysterious, horrible murders had taken place there before they moved in. The family then discovers that their once perfect house is now infested by ghosts. They remain in denial that it's just their imaginations; that's until the supernatural phenomenons worsen.
I, frankly, was a bit disappointed by Amityville. The true story itself is incredibly fascinating, but the way Anson describes it almost takes away from the story. I dove into Amityville expecting to be scared sockless, but I ended the book with a sense of "Really? That's it?". A major problem with the book is one word- Fluff. Anson drowns the story in irrelevant fluff and boring content that takes away from the story. Anson constantly stuffed unneeded content between the margins that just only stretched the story longer and added no emphasis. I was also disappointed by the important parts, like the major happenings in the haunting. I'm a chicken. I hate horror movies and ghosts. But Amityville didn't scare me. Anson could've exaggerated those parts a little more. This may sound cruel, but I honestly think Anson used the exclamation point to it's death. That's the only emphasis he ever used. Wrong kind of emphasis, if you ask me!
In conclusion, Amityville neither horrified nor haunted me, unlike the unfortunate family's home in the story. Even the recent film adaptation starring dreamy Ryan Reynolds butchered the story line (I believe the director only threw in shirtless scene just to liven up the plot. Who said I was complaining?), which doesn't make my saltiness for the story lessen. I honestly believe that Anson could have defined the ever-so intriguing story more. I might say that the story didn't scare me, but I didn't mention that a few parts shudder their way through my mind in the middle of the night, like the horrifying fact that this wasn't made up. Needless to say, the overall idea of the Amityville haunting still leaves me questioning whether my home was built on a ancient Indian site for torture and if my house is infested with pig-faced demons. Well, looks like I'll be sleeping fabulously tonight!
Yours,
Rylie
Recently, I finished The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson. This true story tells the terrifying tale of the most infamous haunting of all time: Amityville, New York in 1975. This novel follows the all too true tale about a young family who moves into a new house that's seemingly perfect and fits all their needs. But that's until the discover that mysterious, horrible murders had taken place there before they moved in. The family then discovers that their once perfect house is now infested by ghosts. They remain in denial that it's just their imaginations; that's until the supernatural phenomenons worsen.
I, frankly, was a bit disappointed by Amityville. The true story itself is incredibly fascinating, but the way Anson describes it almost takes away from the story. I dove into Amityville expecting to be scared sockless, but I ended the book with a sense of "Really? That's it?". A major problem with the book is one word- Fluff. Anson drowns the story in irrelevant fluff and boring content that takes away from the story. Anson constantly stuffed unneeded content between the margins that just only stretched the story longer and added no emphasis. I was also disappointed by the important parts, like the major happenings in the haunting. I'm a chicken. I hate horror movies and ghosts. But Amityville didn't scare me. Anson could've exaggerated those parts a little more. This may sound cruel, but I honestly think Anson used the exclamation point to it's death. That's the only emphasis he ever used. Wrong kind of emphasis, if you ask me!
In conclusion, Amityville neither horrified nor haunted me, unlike the unfortunate family's home in the story. Even the recent film adaptation starring dreamy Ryan Reynolds butchered the story line (I believe the director only threw in shirtless scene just to liven up the plot. Who said I was complaining?), which doesn't make my saltiness for the story lessen. I honestly believe that Anson could have defined the ever-so intriguing story more. I might say that the story didn't scare me, but I didn't mention that a few parts shudder their way through my mind in the middle of the night, like the horrifying fact that this wasn't made up. Needless to say, the overall idea of the Amityville haunting still leaves me questioning whether my home was built on a ancient Indian site for torture and if my house is infested with pig-faced demons. Well, looks like I'll be sleeping fabulously tonight!
Yours,
Rylie
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Rylie's review for "The Road"
So, I recently finished The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Here's my input;
The Road is a critically acclaimed, multi award winning novel that follows the story of an unnamed father and son wandering through what the reader can only assume is post-apocalyptic America. McCarthy stresses on multiple levels that the world is "ashen and grey" from what we can only guess was the aftermath of a nuclear war. McCarthy demonstrates the micro family's struggle to survive in the wasteland that is now America.
I was left stunned, horrified, but mainly captivated by this novel. McCarthy is a phenomenal writer beyond words, and his descriptions of what this father and son must endure leave you gritting your teeth. McCarthy has a particular writing style, one that gives this novel an eerie essence to the story line. He lacks the typically essential quotation marks in his writing, which usually would be a writing sin. In this case, it only adds to vibe he's giving off.
Overall, I loved this novel, as dark and as gloomy as it is. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a love for Dystopian based novels. This one, however, holds a deep sense of reality that leaves you with lingering thoughts about it even after you finish it. Five stars, for sure!
The Road is a critically acclaimed, multi award winning novel that follows the story of an unnamed father and son wandering through what the reader can only assume is post-apocalyptic America. McCarthy stresses on multiple levels that the world is "ashen and grey" from what we can only guess was the aftermath of a nuclear war. McCarthy demonstrates the micro family's struggle to survive in the wasteland that is now America.
I was left stunned, horrified, but mainly captivated by this novel. McCarthy is a phenomenal writer beyond words, and his descriptions of what this father and son must endure leave you gritting your teeth. McCarthy has a particular writing style, one that gives this novel an eerie essence to the story line. He lacks the typically essential quotation marks in his writing, which usually would be a writing sin. In this case, it only adds to vibe he's giving off.
Overall, I loved this novel, as dark and as gloomy as it is. I highly recommend this book to anyone with a love for Dystopian based novels. This one, however, holds a deep sense of reality that leaves you with lingering thoughts about it even after you finish it. Five stars, for sure!
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Hi guys, I'm Rylie!
I'm a lover and appreciator of good works. Being an avid writer myself, I love a good book! A good book inspires to improve my writings!
I'm kind of playing copycat and using Beth's introductory format. Here's a little about me!
Favorite novel?
I have a lot of those, as does any book lover! I'd have to say, one of my all time favorites is The Underneath by Kathi Appelt. It's just phenomenal! I also adore By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters, Define "Normal" by Julie Anne Peters and Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh.
Book quote?
I'm going to stick to the classics;
"When he shall die, take him and cut him out into little stars. And he he shall make the face of heaven so fine, that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun."
-Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare
Broke your heart?
The one that takes home the cake would definitely be Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. My soul is still recovering from that ending!
Bookish best friend?
Tough one. I'd have to say Jazz from Define "Normal".
Bookish boyfriend?
Oooh. Santana Gerard from By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead. He's so delightfully quirky.
Favorite series?
The Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series by Ransom Riggs, who needs to get his act together and write a third book!
Favorite classic?
Definitely To Kill a Mockingbird. By far!
What can you expect from me on this blog?
Book reviews from a book lover! I can also give perspectives on the reading world as a young author and how books can really make a difference!
Bringing Humanity Back
Hey, again! I have also recently finished Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. She was selected as a finalist for the Pen Faulkner Award and as the Michigan read by the Michigan Humanities Council (or something like that, I can't remember the exact names). I also had the chance to meet her in person and go to a reading for this book. It was wonderful and I was super awkward but she was the first author I met in person and I got my first book signed!
Here's my overview:
Jeevan Chaudhary is a EMT in training. He has his whole life ahead of him with his cranky girlfriend and a quiet life in Toronto, Canada. He is quietly sitting in the audience of a performance of King Lear when the famous actor Arthur Leander collapses on stage of a heart attack. Wanting to help, Jeevan rushes on stage and attempts to save Arthur's life but to no avail. That night the flu swept through the city and the rest of the world, causing civilization to come to a grinding halt within a matter of weeks.
Twenty-six years later, pockets of humanity remain alive and functioning. A troupe of musicians and actors move through what was formerly northern Michigan and Canada performing Shakespeare's treasured works. They are called the Traveling Symphony and they bring happiness and distraction to the cities they visit, providing a brief respite from the harsh world they now live in. When the Symphony arrives in St. Deborah by the Water, a city they had been hitting in their route for years, they find that it has changed drastically. A man who claims he is a prophet runs the city now and threatens the way of life for the small band of travelers.
Alright! I really liked this novel and am glad I got to experience so much along with it. Unlike other dystopian novels, Station Eleven focuses more on the recuperation of civilization and the factor of the live/performing arts. It's a great twist on something that has been quite hot in the past couple of years (oh, hey, The Hunger Games and Divergent). There are three different stories that go on within the novel; one takes place pre-plague and two post-plague. I really liked Jeevan's story though I wish I had gotten more of it to read about it. I also liked all that had to do with the Symphony. I love the idea that someone would keep going on with music and acting and that not everything would die out. I do wonder what would stay and what would go in the event that humans were pretty much wiped out. Another good aspect of this novel is that Mandel doesn't dive into any political theories or environmental stances, I think that would take a lot away from what the main focus of the novel. It is a very hopeful novel, especially the ending. I thought it was an okay ending, but many other people that I've spoken with thought it fit it perfectly. I can definitely see that because it's an extremely positive note it ends on. Overall, it was well written and I loved seeing how all three stories intertwined. That was my favorite part, I think.
Okay, happy reading!
Sophie
Here's my overview:
Jeevan Chaudhary is a EMT in training. He has his whole life ahead of him with his cranky girlfriend and a quiet life in Toronto, Canada. He is quietly sitting in the audience of a performance of King Lear when the famous actor Arthur Leander collapses on stage of a heart attack. Wanting to help, Jeevan rushes on stage and attempts to save Arthur's life but to no avail. That night the flu swept through the city and the rest of the world, causing civilization to come to a grinding halt within a matter of weeks.
Twenty-six years later, pockets of humanity remain alive and functioning. A troupe of musicians and actors move through what was formerly northern Michigan and Canada performing Shakespeare's treasured works. They are called the Traveling Symphony and they bring happiness and distraction to the cities they visit, providing a brief respite from the harsh world they now live in. When the Symphony arrives in St. Deborah by the Water, a city they had been hitting in their route for years, they find that it has changed drastically. A man who claims he is a prophet runs the city now and threatens the way of life for the small band of travelers.
Alright! I really liked this novel and am glad I got to experience so much along with it. Unlike other dystopian novels, Station Eleven focuses more on the recuperation of civilization and the factor of the live/performing arts. It's a great twist on something that has been quite hot in the past couple of years (oh, hey, The Hunger Games and Divergent). There are three different stories that go on within the novel; one takes place pre-plague and two post-plague. I really liked Jeevan's story though I wish I had gotten more of it to read about it. I also liked all that had to do with the Symphony. I love the idea that someone would keep going on with music and acting and that not everything would die out. I do wonder what would stay and what would go in the event that humans were pretty much wiped out. Another good aspect of this novel is that Mandel doesn't dive into any political theories or environmental stances, I think that would take a lot away from what the main focus of the novel. It is a very hopeful novel, especially the ending. I thought it was an okay ending, but many other people that I've spoken with thought it fit it perfectly. I can definitely see that because it's an extremely positive note it ends on. Overall, it was well written and I loved seeing how all three stories intertwined. That was my favorite part, I think.
Okay, happy reading!
Sophie
Friday, October 16, 2015
Failure to Compute
Hello, bookworms! Sophie here blogging about my latest read. I recently finished A Step Toward Falling by Cammie McGovern. I got it as an ARC from my work but I unfortunately didn't finish it by the release date. However, I loved it anyway. A really great new read you should check out.
Here is my summary:
Emily is a good person. She works hard, does things for her parents, she even started a youth action committee at her school to help raise awareness on certain topics that go unnoticed. But then how did she fail to act when she saw a special-needs classmate being attacked brutally under the bleachers at a football game? Feeling guilty and like a terrible human being, Emily gets in trouble for her hand in this attack. She is forced to do community service through volunteering at a local center that holds classes for special-needs adults. She is not alone in this act, though. A fellow student and football player, Lucas, witnesses what happens to the student, but he too turns away.
Yay, it was a wonderful novel!! You should read it. Okay, my opinion on this now. I thought it was very well written. I read McGovern's debut YA novel Say What You Will earlier this summer (you can find the review under my name on the left) and that impressed me a lot. When I heard she was coming out with another book I just had to read it. I'm happy to report that it is an amazing novel too.
This book is told from alternate perspectives: one from the special-needs girl, Belinda; the other from Emily's point of view. I like how we get both sides of the story with this. Belinda is hilarious. I love that she loves Pride and Prejudice and the movie adaption just as much (the Colin Firth one, of course). Emily felt and did things I could definitely relate to. She means well but she sometimes comes off as pretentious and rude but she recognizes her mistakes and works hard to reconcile them. I liked how strong of a female character she was and that she was okay with being single. Sometimes it seems like the female characters are always looking for a boyfriend or that they are always going to end up with the main guy in the novel. It gets a little annoying and predictable after a while, so this was refreshing.
Alright, guys, I'll try writing again soon! Happy reading!
Sophie
Monday, October 12, 2015
Hi there, I'm Beth! And here's some book chat!
Hi everyone!
I suppose I should start with an introduction about myself, and, as I saw Megan do, answer a few bookish questions.
So, I've been reading since I can remember, but it's only been this year when I really got into YA novels. The book that really got me out of my at least months-and-months reading slump? All The Bright Places. Ever since then, I've been completely book and reading obsessed, once again. Anyway, here's some bookish questions about me:
Favorite novel?
Oh gosh, obviously this is a hard one for most people. But as you probably know, it's even harder for us bookworms. I (obviously) don't have an absolute favorite, there are so many. But a few of them are: Paper Towns, Eleanor & Park (and anything from Rainbow) and Amy & Roger's Epic Detour.
Favorite genre?
I don't know. I'm up for any, but I have to say I'm a sucker for a good romance. But overall, probably contemporary with a bit of romance thrown in.
Book quote?
Ah, there are so many good ones! But one of my favorites has to be this one:
“It’s not because I want to make out with her.”
“Hold on.” He grabbed a pencil and scrawled excitedly at the paper as if he’d just made a mathematical breakthrough and then looked back up at me.
“I just did some calculations, and I’ve been able to determine that you’re full of shit.”
-Looking For Alaska, John Green
Broke your heart?
There are many. All The Bright Places is one that really touched me, though.
Bookish best friend?
Cath from Fangirl! I looooove her.
Bookish boyfriend?
Probably Levi xD Or Quentin from Paper Towns, you've just got to love him.
Favorite series?
THE HUNGER GAMES. I have to say, sometimes I HATE when I like a book/series that I think it overhyped, but I don't know how to not love THG?
Favorite classic?
Jane Eyre. As I say, I'm a sucker for romance. (And I haven't read many/any other classics, but hopefully I will soon!)
With that over, let's have some book chat!
As I do reviews on my own blog, I thought it would be best to post something a little different here. I know Sophie doesn't always have the time to post about book hauls, or just talk about books, as school is pretty busy for her, so I feel like it'd be good to just have a chat with you guys.
I want to talk about how dangerous being a bookworm can be. For a start, books aren't always that cheap. Especially when you add up all of the books we want to own or read.
The other thing is, is if you're a hardcore bookworm like me, you fall in love by just glancing at a cover. This is the most dangerous love of all. Piles and piles of TBR books stack up, and now I have over 200 TBR books on goodreads. But, because of how much I love physical books, I want to own them all. And I don't have a Kindle, and would actually prefer not to.
I can easily see the benefits of having Kindles and e-readers. But I just don't like reading on a screen. Blogs and forums, yes, but books, no. I am extremely traditional when it comes to books. I would even pay a small cost to have the paperback rather than the e-book for free.
But, even when sometimes the paperback is soft and beautiful (you know that soft, cloth like feeling when you stroke it?), I fall for the hardback edition. And here comes another chance to spend my money, because as you all know, hardbacks are expensive. But how, how, could anyone purchase a paperback edition of ATPB when this exists? (Sorry for tagging a random blog there, it was the best photo I could find.)
One of my favorite tags on Instagram is #ditchthatjacket, because what is more beautiful than a hardback book without its cover? I would even go as far to say that printed hardcovers (you know when the same picture is printed on the actual cover undearneath the jacket) are just ugh. Because what is a hardback without the soft actual cloth covers? That are just so nice to stroke and stroke and stroke?
Anyway. I need to stop ranting about my bookish peeves. I'll be back soon, with more book talk, probably. Meanwhile, you can find me on my blog and Instagram!
Also, a massive thank you to Sophie for inviting me to join her and the team♥
Beth || @illgiveyouthebooks || www.illgiveyouthebooks.wordpress.com
I suppose I should start with an introduction about myself, and, as I saw Megan do, answer a few bookish questions.
So, I've been reading since I can remember, but it's only been this year when I really got into YA novels. The book that really got me out of my at least months-and-months reading slump? All The Bright Places. Ever since then, I've been completely book and reading obsessed, once again. Anyway, here's some bookish questions about me:
Favorite novel?
Oh gosh, obviously this is a hard one for most people. But as you probably know, it's even harder for us bookworms. I (obviously) don't have an absolute favorite, there are so many. But a few of them are: Paper Towns, Eleanor & Park (and anything from Rainbow) and Amy & Roger's Epic Detour.
Favorite genre?
I don't know. I'm up for any, but I have to say I'm a sucker for a good romance. But overall, probably contemporary with a bit of romance thrown in.
Book quote?
Ah, there are so many good ones! But one of my favorites has to be this one:
“It’s not because I want to make out with her.”
“Hold on.” He grabbed a pencil and scrawled excitedly at the paper as if he’d just made a mathematical breakthrough and then looked back up at me.
“I just did some calculations, and I’ve been able to determine that you’re full of shit.”
-Looking For Alaska, John Green
Broke your heart?
There are many. All The Bright Places is one that really touched me, though.
Bookish best friend?
Cath from Fangirl! I looooove her.
Bookish boyfriend?
Probably Levi xD Or Quentin from Paper Towns, you've just got to love him.
Favorite series?
THE HUNGER GAMES. I have to say, sometimes I HATE when I like a book/series that I think it overhyped, but I don't know how to not love THG?
Favorite classic?
Jane Eyre. As I say, I'm a sucker for romance. (And I haven't read many/any other classics, but hopefully I will soon!)
With that over, let's have some book chat!
As I do reviews on my own blog, I thought it would be best to post something a little different here. I know Sophie doesn't always have the time to post about book hauls, or just talk about books, as school is pretty busy for her, so I feel like it'd be good to just have a chat with you guys.
I want to talk about how dangerous being a bookworm can be. For a start, books aren't always that cheap. Especially when you add up all of the books we want to own or read.
The other thing is, is if you're a hardcore bookworm like me, you fall in love by just glancing at a cover. This is the most dangerous love of all. Piles and piles of TBR books stack up, and now I have over 200 TBR books on goodreads. But, because of how much I love physical books, I want to own them all. And I don't have a Kindle, and would actually prefer not to.
I can easily see the benefits of having Kindles and e-readers. But I just don't like reading on a screen. Blogs and forums, yes, but books, no. I am extremely traditional when it comes to books. I would even pay a small cost to have the paperback rather than the e-book for free.
But, even when sometimes the paperback is soft and beautiful (you know that soft, cloth like feeling when you stroke it?), I fall for the hardback edition. And here comes another chance to spend my money, because as you all know, hardbacks are expensive. But how, how, could anyone purchase a paperback edition of ATPB when this exists? (Sorry for tagging a random blog there, it was the best photo I could find.)
One of my favorite tags on Instagram is #ditchthatjacket, because what is more beautiful than a hardback book without its cover? I would even go as far to say that printed hardcovers (you know when the same picture is printed on the actual cover undearneath the jacket) are just ugh. Because what is a hardback without the soft actual cloth covers? That are just so nice to stroke and stroke and stroke?
Anyway. I need to stop ranting about my bookish peeves. I'll be back soon, with more book talk, probably. Meanwhile, you can find me on my blog and Instagram!
Also, a massive thank you to Sophie for inviting me to join her and the team♥
Beth || @illgiveyouthebooks || www.illgiveyouthebooks.wordpress.com
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Hey, I'm Megan!
Hello! My Name is Megan!
Hopefully I can live up to the standards that they have already set. Here are a few things so you can get to know more about me:
What is the first book you read by your self?
Duck for President? Don't quote me on that!
Did your parents read to you before bed? If so, what did they read you?
Yes! Every night! They would mainly read me those "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" books.
Name a movie that is better then the book. Doesn’t happen often.
The Maze Runner. I could never get into the book but I loved the movie!
What was the worst movie adaptation of a book?
City Of Bones... Don't even get me started
Outdoor or indoor reading?
Indoor, I can never find myself comfortable outside.
Book you’re most embarrassed to have never read?
Anne Frank. It's sitting on my shelf but I haven't gotten to it yet.
What is the most embarrassing book you have ever read?
I'd have to say, The Infinite Moment Of Us.
What was the worst book you ever read or stopped reading?
I really don't know... maybe An Abundance Of Kathrines
Would you rather read digital or paper books?
Paper!!!
What character in a book would you like to sucker punch in the face?
Jeanine from Divergent or Umbridge
What character in a book would you like to be best friends with?
Kelsey Hayes from Tiger's Curse
How many physical books do you own?
About 50. I clean out my shelves and donate books often.
What book do you want to make sure you read to your children?
Harry Potter 100%
What book describes you best?
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
What are you reading right now?
I actually just finished my current book about 2 weeks ago. So I'm looking for a new one. The last book I read was The Red Queen.
Those are just a few facts about me! Hope you enjoy!
Love,
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Saying Hello to New Faces and New Places
Hi, all!
Sophie here with Maiya in spirit. I wanted to announce the exciting expansion of our blog! We now have two new bloggers here with us. Beth is from the UK, whom I met through our bookstagram account. Megan is a girl we both know through our school. Both have wonderful accounts on instagram (Beth is @illgiveyouthebooks and Megan is @book.lovers.galore) so if you'd like to keep up with them go give them a follow!
We hope you enjoy the new bloggers and get to know them through their posts!
Happy reading,
Sophie and Maiya
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