To Read November 2014

This month is full of assignments and exams and the end of uni, so who knows how many books I'll get through. But I just thought I'd share some books I hope I'll get through.

My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins (Editor) and many other YA authors including Rainbow Rowell, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Gayle Forman etc. 

I'm so excited to read this! Some of my favourite YA authors (Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins, among others) have written for this anthology of holiday stories. I couldn't wait for this book to be published/in stock in Australia, so I purchased it online. This is another example of how frustrating the America/Australia divide is, I need these books ASAP, and at an affordable price, and preferably paperback. Okay, thanks. [GOODREADS]

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

So excited to read this. This book is a dual narrative following a real life girl writing a novel (my dream) and the character she is writing in the novel. I don't know much else, but I've heard positive reviews for it. I've read Uglies and Pretties by Scott Westerfeld, and wasn't super impressed, but I can't wait to start reading this. I purchased this copy from Big W for $14, a total bargain. This paperback is also so much nicer than the hardback I saw while I Was in America. That was so expensive and SO HEAVY. [GOODREADS]

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This is a must read ASAP. The hype around this book and the movie that was just released is incredible, and I need to get to this book. [GOODREADS]

October Wrap Up 2014

I'm back! I've been very slack in my posting lately, but I feel like I just haven't been interested in posting anything, and because a blog is supposed to be fun and not a chore, I just.. haven't! But now I'm back and hopefully I'll be posting many more things in the coming months, including some travel posts as I'm going on Exchange to the University of Leicester early next year.

But for now, here are all the books I read in October 2014!

The Red Shoe by Ursula Dubosarsky
★★★★☆

The Red Shoe is a really unique Australian book that I had to read for University this semester for my Children's Literature course (Little Book Owl is also completing this course and has reviewed the same books). Dubosarsky's book is set during the Cold War, in particular, the Petrov Affair in 1954. It is an interesting story about three sisters who are facing different problems and coming to terms with an event that disturbed the family several years ago. As this mystery comes to light, the reader begins to link the actions of the past and the present to create an engaging novel. [GOODREADS]

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
★★★★☆

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me... is Mindy Kaling's second biographical memoir. It is a hilarious compilation of stories/essays from her childhood, her big breaks in Hollywood and time on The Office. I am a huge fan of The Mindy Project and love her humour, this book was nothing different. I can't wait to read her next book, and hopefully it includes some anecdotes from the set of The Mindy Project, I'm sure it'd be just as hilarious. [GOODREADS]


Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
★★★★★

I don't know, this is more like a 4 1/2 book. Flipped is the story of Bryce and Juli and their "friendship". The book flips between their perspectives between the two in alternating chapters, giving the exact same events from each character's perspective. I really liked Van Draanen's use of the perspectives, and thought it was a unique take on this narrative device. It was interesting to note the differences in thoughts and intentions in relation to different events, and see the character progress to a somewhat unsatisfying ending. Overall I really enjoyed the book and watched the film. [GOODREADS]

Take Me On (Pushing the Limits #4) by Katie McGarry
★★★★☆

Take Me On is the fourth book in McGarry's contemporary series. This one follows the story of West and Haley. West is the older brother of Rachel who was the main character in the third book, Crash into You. This book had the usual great romance that McGarry is great at writing, the star-crossed lovers from different sides of the track story plays out exactly how you would expect it. Also did I mention this book is about kickboxing? Yeah, I know. Wasn't a big fan of all the fighting and training, but if you can ignore that, there's a pretty good book sitting right there. I'm sure this series will continue forever. [GOODREADS]

The Fire Eaters by David Almond

★★★☆☆

The Fire Eaters is kind of one of those books where not much happens. This is another book I read for university. Basically it's set in 1962 where the Cuban Missile Crisis is occurring, and threatening those worldwide. The story follows 'Bobbie' a young boy living in England during the time. It follows his relationship with the new boy in town, his old friends, the girl he likes and a strange man who can eat fire. The story is more about his personal growth and community and family than any real action, and at times I found it quite boring. However it was a very short book and quick to read. [GOODREADS]


The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan
★★★☆☆

This book is the story of twenty different people. I know that sounds like a lot, but a lot of the perspectives are very quick and some are in verse. All twenty people attend the same high school, and the book details their interactions with each other and romantic interests. I didn't really enjoy this book too much, as I felt like there were too many voices and I didn't really understand how they were connected until I had to move onto another perspective. This is probably the type of book where a second, more in depth reading would be better. [GOODREADS]

Total read count for October: 6
Total for 2014: 61

Book Review: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Attachments ★★★★★ 
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publication Date: 14 April 2011
Publisher: Orion
Page Count: 357
IBSN: 9781409120537
Bookshelves: Contemporary, Favourites

More Information:
Rainbow Rowell | Rainbow Rowell Twitter | Goodreads | Book Depository

Summary:
Set in 1999, Attachments is the story of Lincoln, who has everything in his life going wrong. He's still living at home with his mother, has no love life to speak of, and to top it all off - reads people's emails for a living. Lincoln works in IT at a newspaper, monitoring the use of the email system by the employees. It is through this routinely disturbing job that Lincoln reads about Beth and Jennifer, two friends who talk about everything in their lives over email. Reading these emails, Lincoln feels as though he's friends with them, but as time passes it becomes more and more awkward to introduce himself.

Book Review: The One by Kiera Cass

Title: The One (The Selection #3) ★★★★★ 
Author: Kiera Cass
Publication Date: 6 May 2014
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Page Count: 323
IBSN: 9780007466719
Bookshelves: Young Adult, Dystopian

More Information:
Kiera Cass | Goodreads | Book Depository

Summary:
The final book in Kiera Cass' New York Times Bestselling series The Selection was released on 6 May 2014. America must choose between Prince of Illéa Maxon and first love Aspen in this romantic highly anticipated finale.

Based on the Novel is heading to Vampire Academy!

The movie adaptation of the much loved series by Richelle Mead will be released in Australia on March 6th. A month after the U.S.. Ugh.

Penguin Teen Australia is hosting a Vampire Academy Fan Event on Wednesday 19th February at Books Kinokuniya in Sydney which I will be attending and will get to meet Zoey and Lucy! As well as get a photo and autograph!

The Australian premiere of Vampire Academy is this Thursday 20th February at Event Cinemas George Street, and I will be attending! As will Zoey Deutch and Lucy Fry and Sarah Hyland...

So don't fear, all my readers/followers/myself as I am the only one who will read this post all the way through, I will post about my adventures with the Vamps (not the band) and will hopefully have some great experiences to share, as well as a movie review!

In 25 words or less...
These types of competitions suck.

Vampire Academy
Release Date: 6 March 2014

2. Book Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Title: My Life Next Door ★★★★★
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publication Date: 13 June 2013
Publisher: Speak
Page Count: 416
IBSN: 0142426040 (IBSN13: 9780142426043)
Bookshelves: Young Adult, Contemporary, Favourites, Recommended

More Information:
Huntley Fitzpatrick | Goodreads | Book Depository

Summary:
Samantha's summer is filled with working several jobs, avoiding her mother who is running for senator and watching the neighbours. The Garretts have lived next door for years, and since the day they moved in, Samantha has been watching them. So it's no surprise that she's instantly drawn to Jase, one of 'those Garretts' in a chance meeting. The two grow close, and the story follows their relationship over the course of the summer. Samantha's life is turned upside-down by the ups and downs of the holidays and has to find herself in order to understand others.

Review:
This is my favourite book so far of 2014. The perfect summer read about a summer romance I can only dream of. Jase is so perfect that its painful to read. Although, as soon as I finished, I wanted to pick up the book and start again. Fitzpatrick has not only crafted the perfect romance, but she has done it subtly, without the normal teen drama and predicable story lines. The characters all have their strengths and weaknesses, making it easy to engage with the story from the first page. The friendship between Samantha, Nan, Tim and Jase only adds to my love, and reminds me of the Jonah/Taylor/Chaz/Raffy friendship in On the Jellicoe Road, but isn't as far developed, unfortunately. I absolutely adored this book and recommended it to all my friends, convinced them to purchase it, and pestered them as they turned each page. It's *that* kind of book. After some googling/goodreads-ing I have discovered a spin-off-type sequel which will be released sometime in 2015 following the character Tim, and I cannot wait. Also, Fitzpatrick is releasing another YA novel What I Thought Was True in April 2014, which seems to be written in a similar style to My Life, so I can't wait to read that. Definitely a new favourite author.

1. Book Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Title: Champion (Legend #3) ★★★★☆
Author: Marie Lu
Publication Date: 5 November 2013
Publisher: Penguin
Page Count: 384
IBSN: 0399256776 (ISBN13: 9780399256776)
Bookshelves: Young Adult, Dystopian

More Information:
Legend Series | Marie Lu | Goodreads | Book Depository

Summary:
Champion is the final book in the much loved Legend series by Marie Lu. This novel continues the established storyline creating a coherent trilogy for young adult. In a futuristic and dystopian version of the United States (because, really, other countries are unimportant) the people are subjected to harsh living conditions, including the 'trial' which determines an individual's potential contribution to society at age 12. In the third novel, we revisit Denver and Los Angeles under the rule of the new elector Anden and the looming threat of the Colonies of America (US east coast).

The two main characters, June and Day, return in Champion to alternate points of view. June, the Republic's prodigy is faced with the political issues affecting the government as the Princepts-Elect. Day constantly questions his allegiance to the reformed Republic and the threat hanging over both his head and his young brother Eden. The two also have to deal with their difficult relationship with each other in a time of major unrest.

For a mild SPOILER review, see below

#Goodreads

In response to Bookables' (who you should all definitely subscribe to) Goodreads tag, I have decided to complete my own, because I *love* (like, really love) Goodreads.

1. What was the last book you read?
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell - ★★★★★

Such an amazing book, I read it in one day, my review will be posted (hopefully) soon.

2. What book are you currently reading?
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

I'm a bit less than halfway through this book. I haven't been loving it as much as I thought I would, there are some parts which are fantastic, and some parts which are a bit slow. Once I finish it, there will be a review (again, hopefully. Still seeing how this blog is actually going...)

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - ★★★★★

I started rereading this book just before the movie was released in Australia in early January. However, I only got about 100 pages in before getting distracted by other books, so we'll see if I return to it soon. Otherwise, I'll move it back to my read shelf.

3. What was the last book you marked as to-read?
The Invisible Circus by Jennifer Egan

4. What book do you plan to read next?
We'll see, really. But on the top of my list are:
Wonder by R.J. Palacio

How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You by Tara Eglington

Wildlife by Fiona Wood

5. Do you use a star rating system?
Yes I do:
★☆☆☆☆ - Books I didn't enjoy at all, either didn't finish or had to push myself an insane amount to finish, not worth the effort. 
★★☆☆☆ - Books I didn't see the appeal of and thought were not engaging and boring, was still able to enjoy it a little.
★★★☆☆ - Okay books, didn't love them.
★★★★★ - One of the best books I have ever read, amazing, I would reread this again in a heartbeat, would recommend to all my friends.


6. Are you doing a 2014 Reading Challenge?
Yes! I have challenged myself to read 60 books this year. Last year I read 53/50 books for the challenge, so I just increased the number by a small amount, I think it's achievable, I hope I get to the goal.

Top 10 Books of 2013

I have compiled a list of my favourite books I have read this year. I am so happy that I have been able to read 53 books in total this year, and it still freaks me out. This has been such a great year of reading, and I hope next year is too. So in sort of order...

10. Where She Went by Gayle Forman

The sort-of-sequel to If I Stay, Where She Went is from Adam's perspective as he visits New York and runs into his ex-girlfriend, Mia, as she performs a concert. The two go on a journey of the city, reflecting on their time together and apart. A more well-rounded novel than the original. Loved the city.

9. Legend & Prodigy by Marie Lu

Putting two books in a series together? I think that's allowed. Legend and Prodigy are great, easy to read dystopian novels set in a futuristic Los Angeles in the Republic of America. The plot follows the characters June and Day as they face the truths of the political situation they have found themselves in, as well as with each other. I just finished Champion, the final book (in 2014), and it is overall a great trilogy.

8. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

This book was required reading for an English university course I did this year, and it was definitely my favourite. The writing is unique and interesting, despite having seen the film already, and already knowing the majority of the plot. Never Let Me Go questions life in the 21st century and is a sad and thoughtful tale of love, friendship and life.

7. Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead

So I read the whole of the Bloodlines series this year (or what has been released so far). In order they are: Bloodlines, The Golden Lily, The Indigo Spell and The Fiery Heart. Each one just built on the previous to create a fantastic storyline with amazing characters. Bloodlines follows the Alchemist Sydney as she works to protect the Moroi Princess Jill in Palm Springs. This is a spin off series of the Vampire Academy series, and to be honest, it is a much better storyline. Many characters from the original series make appearances, including Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian and Sonya Karp as well as the minor characters who the story focuses on this time. A great read, especially if you have read and loved Vampire Academy.

6. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Damn Cricket. Lola and the Boy Next Door is the sort-of-sequel to Anna and the French Kiss (which may also make an appearance in this list, if you haven't already scrolled down...). It follows Lola as she comes to terms with boys, her Dads, a returning mother and work in San Francisco. Characters from the original novel make a much-welcomed appearance, but this story can easily stand alone. Cricket Bell has returned to the house next door, and brings up everything Lola has kept hidden under her fluctuating fashion sense. A great teen novel with the usual dramas and lovable characters. 

November & December Book Update!

Have you read any of my To Be Read? What did you think of them? Let me know in the comments.

The Iron King isn’t very strong

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa [Source]

A book that excited me initially, ended up being dull. I read the iBooks sample of Kagawa’s The Iron King last December and loved the concept and the characters – I couldn’t wait to find out what the book was really about and what was going to happen next. Well I was wrong.

I’ve never read any faery YA novels. The only ones I’ve ever read about are Holly Black’s. So I was skeptical. The world of the Summer and Winter courts is well explained, but is something I don’t really connect with, it felt more like the Narnia stories. The world and the characters didn’t enthral me in the way they were supposed to.

The storyline was okay, the characters fine, and I was happy to have finished it. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book to other readers of YA, but I did finish it, which shows that it was okay. Has anyone else read any faery books? Holly Black’s? Would you recommend them? Should I continue with the rest of The Iron Fey books?

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

3 stars

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The Vampire Academy spinoff series - Bloodlines

I like Vampire Academy. I’m not saying its the best literature or storyline, but it is interesting and fun. Which is basically what I look for in a book.

Bloodlines [Wikipedia]

Bloodlines is the spin off novel of the seven part series, Vampire Academy. This fresh story is the first in a new series which focuses on alchemist Sydney. This story is of Jill, Lissa’s younger sister, and her protection at a school in Palm Springs. The story has all your typical VA Dhampir/Moroi/Strigoi problems.

I realise that I am about 2 years behind in this review. I read VA at the end of 2010 and read Last Sacrifice just as it came out. I started reading Bloodlines at the end of last year and just kept putting it off until I finally finished it off in the past week.

If you enjoyed or loved VA I would definitely recommend this book. However, if you didn’t, this novel was along the exact same line so steer clear. This novel has a notable absence of a love interest for the main character, Sydney. Refreshingly different though it is, it makes me more excited to read the next book, The Golden Lily (I’m a sucker for teen romance!). The storyline is strong and the characters engaging.

Happy Reading!

*** – 3 stars

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