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]

US & Canada Book Haul 2014

I went to America and Canada for three weeks! It was such an awesome trip, and of course I came home with many books. So I thought I'd run through them for you!

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

I purchased this really pretty children's classic edition from the New York Public Library gift shop. Such a lovely shop for book lovers. 

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

Purchased from Strand Books (12th St & Broadway) aka my favourite bookstore probably in the world. Have been wanting to buy this book for awhile, check out my short review in my October Wrap Up.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson 

A quick purchase from Indigo Books & Music at Toronto's Eaton Centre. I don't know much about this book other than that it's a contemporary YA, which sounds pretty good to me.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Since reading We Were Liars (one of my favourite books this year) I have been itching to read/buy some more of E. Lockhart's novels to see if they're any good. This one was on the shelf at Strand Books so I picked it up. Lockhart's books are no where to be found in Australia (only We Were Liars, of course).

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

I know, I purchased a book by an Australian author in America. Whoops. I've been meaning to pick up this book for awhile now, especially seeing as the sequel, The Rosie Effect, was released last month. When I saw this in the Paperback New Releases at Strand Books I couldn't put it down. However I definitely like the Australian orange cover better than this one.

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

Another E. Lockhart book I picked up from Strand Books, I believe this is part of a series, and I'm interested in reading it. 

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour

I've seen the beautiful cover of this book on Goodreads before, and it definitely caught my eye when I saw it on the shelf in Strand Books. I think this is a contemporary book as well, don't know much else. 

September Girls by Bennett Madison

This one I purchased at the Brooklyn Book Festival which was happening while we were in New York on the 20-something-th of September. This book was for sale at a stall for a local bookstore in Brooklyn, I'm not sure of the details, but it sounds pretty good. A good summer read, so hopefully I get through it this summer.

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

An obvious choice. This book is the second in the Throne of Glass series, the first book of which I read this year. This book was another one I'd been looking out for for awhile. However it doesn't match my copy of the first book AT ALL which I kind of regret, and eventually I will have to fix up my series so they all match. This was also from Strand Books (can you tell that I love Strand??).

Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

I bought this at Strand Book's Central Park kiosk/pop up in the south-east corner. I've been thinking of purchasing this for ages, and since I work in a bookshop, I thought it'd be a fun read. I've actually read the first chapter or so of this (on the subway home that day) and it's really interesting! I love the reading, from the author's biography in the first pages I knew it would be a great read. Can't wait to get back to this book.

Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth

Another book that I really wanted to buy. In particular, Four had to be purchased in America so that it matched my other editions (I have the hard copy Insurgent and Allegiant). But I didn't really want to pay an exorbitant amount for it (like many bookshops wanted for a hardcover book), so I waited. I actually picked up this copy from the Yale Bookstore in New Haven when we visited. They had 30% off new releases at that time and I was able to get this book, at a regular price! Bargain!!

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

June Wrap Up

This post has just been sitting here unpublished for months. So I thought I'd just post it, at the time I put quite a bit of effort into it, I just never finished it. So, if you're interested, my June Wrap Up. In October.

So June was a very busy month for me, I had all of my uni assessments due in the last couple of weeks which was super stressful, because I'm not the most organised person. Somehow they were all completed, and I somehow was able to read some books at the same time.

The first book I read this month was:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
★★★★★

 No, I am not a complete idiot. I *have* read TFIOS before. This was my third time reading the book as the movie was released this month! *Angel choir sings*. The book is amazing, the movie is amazing. If you haven't read/watched it yet (I would recommend you read it first, as always), you definitely should. Definitely one of the best books of our generation. And, just randomly, I hate the title stylised as TFiOS. I'm looking at you, John Green. [GOODREADS]

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.

#PTALive Sydney

Last Monday was Penguin Teen Australia's Live Event at Event Cinemas George Street. This was a free event hosted by the publishing company. Basically what they did was they talked about the most popular Penguin Teen books at the moment (including The Fault in Our Stars, Vampire Academy, etc) and discussed the film adaptations. They then went on to a new book being released in July by Kylie Fornasier, an Australian author, called Masquerade [GOODREADS]. Kylie was at the event, where she talked about her book, her inspiration for writing and the process she went through to get her book published by Penguin. The book sounds great, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Kylie also posed for photos with fans and answered questions. The event then went on to outline the big releases for the rest of the year, including Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5), The Revenge of Seven and Isla and the Happily Ever After to name a few. It was a great night and I'm really glad I went. Books Kinokuniya were also present and were selling books 20% off the RRP.

At the event, they were giving away some free copies of some books, so I thought I'd share them with you, because I can't wait to read them.

The first one was:
The Cinderella Moment by Jennifer Kloester

I don't really know a lot about this book, but I know it's quite popular because I've been seeing it around in Dymocks and Big W for months (the spine is really pretty, and I always find myself picking it out of bookshelves). So I was pretty happy to get my hands on this. From what I can tell, it is your average YA contemporary, set in Paris, involving fashion and romance and stuff. Really, I'm not too sure. But I also know that the author is Australian, and the sequel is being released soon, which I'm also excited about! It seems like one of those books that you just fly through and have heaps of fun along the way. [GOODREADS]

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

TRAILER: The Fault in Our Stars

Omgomgomg
Quick just watch it now, grab some tissues:

So I'm actually watching it again now for the 283297582742837 time. Also after watching the (leaked) trailer, I decided to reread the book, which I finished again today.

Anyways, the trailer is beautiful. It's so well made, the cutting is perfect, the selection of scenes is perfect for readers of the book and also people who have no idea about the story. The quotes are all straight from the book (I know cause I just read it) and are all said perfectly. That being said, I just don't *love* Ansel and Shailene, they just aren't as perfect as the ones in my head. However, I do love Nat Wolff as Isaac. I'm sure in the coming months I will begin to accept them more as their amazing characters. I also love the background music (We're on Our Way by Radical Face and What You Wanted by OneRepublic) it perfectly breaks up the trailer and engages me. DAMN JOHN GREEN AND JOSH BOONE.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Directed by Josh Boone
Film release date: 5 June 2014 (Australia)

#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.

City of Heavenly Fire Cover Reveal!

Yesterday the cover for the final novel in Cassandra Clare's bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, was revealed!

I really like the cover! It shows Clary from the back and a dark figure behind her, most likely Sebastian/Jonathan (correct me if I'm wrong). The Mortal Instruments definitely don't have the most attractive covers of any series, and the models used on the covers can often look corny and overly photoshopped. However, this cover doesn't show clear faces, which just makes it... cleaner. I love the Sebastian character, he looks evil and foreboding on the cover, and is a clear difference from all the previous covers. Clary is in quite a weak position from the back, so who knows, maybe this final book will follow in Allegiant's footsteps? The runes on her body look great, but don't match with the runes shown in the film, not that that's a problem. Also they've finally replaced the good old Stephenie Meyer quote on the front. Overall, I think the cover is great, and is making me super excited for the book to be released. This will look awesome on my bookshelf with all the other books!

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
Expected Publication Date: 27th May 2014

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. 

Most anticipated books of 2014!

So as it comes to the end of 2013, I'm looking at all the new books that will be appearing on my bookshelf and wishing the time would pass quicker. So, for your viewing pleasure, I have compiled a list of my most anticipated books which will be released (some time) in 2014! Start counting down the days...

Silver Shadows (Bloodlines #5) by Richelle Mead

Expected Publication Date: July 29th 2014*

Official Cover

The fifth book in the Bloodlines series, which is a spin off of the Vampire Academy series, will be released next year, and I can't wait. This series just gets better and better. After the cliffhanger of Fiery Heart, I can't wait to get my hands on this one, so many Sydrian feels! Just ignore the tacky and ugly cover.

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) by Cassandra Clare

Expected Publication Date: May 27th 2014*

Placeholder Cover

Do people still care about Clary and Jace? Who cares. This is the final (FINAL) book in Cassandra Clare's amazing and ground breaking series (only in that it gave us The Infernal Devices and Will and Jem), and no matter who you are, you will be itching to finish this series. I assume something will happen with Sebastian and all loose ends will be tied blah blah blah. But who really cares about that? JEM AND TESSA WILL BE IN IT. (I know you may have been confused by the use of 'WILL' in that sentence, the tears will never stop falling). I love all the crossovers with this series and TID, and that is all I want to read in this book. Bring on Jessa feels and The Dark Artifices! 

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

Expected Publication Date: May 6th 2014*

Official Cover

After the somewhat disappointing sequel The Elite, hopefully Kiera Cass can bring it all home in her final book in The Selection Trilogy. Entitled 'The One' it is pretty safe to say that America will end up being the Princess of Illea, married to the perfect Maxon. But there are many loose ends to tie up. What is the point of the rebels? What will happen with Aspen? And what is up with America's father? The lack of world building, especially to do with the Northern and Southern rebels in the first two books will have to be thoroughly explained and dealt with, in order to make this the perfect ending to a series with so much potential. Can America stop being so annoying (i.e. The Elite) and face her feelings without ruining everything? Will definitely be reading to find out!

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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