My favorite month of the year!
1. Birthmarked 4/5
I really enjoyed this book. It started a little slow which is typical for a dystopian book. You have to learn alot about the world that the book takes place in. The world is set like 300 years in the future, and the world has gotten a lot hotter. Lakes have dried up and water is scarce outside of the wall. The privileged live in the Enclave while the poorer people live outside the wall. It is a hard life outside the wall in the town of Wharfton. Gaia has lived outside the wall her entire life, dreaming about what it would have been like to grow up in the Enclave. She works as a midwife with her mother, and has started advancing babies as well. Three babies born each month are advanced, meaning taken from the mother and given to the Enclave. They are then adopted and allowed to grow up with the rich. It is thought of as a service to the Enclave to have a baby advanced. Gaia sees no problem with this until her world is flipped upside down when her parents are arrested.
A good story, with a great character and a great love interest, which I always find as a plus. Gaia is flawed, both physically and otherwise, which makes her more easy to relate to.
2. Lockdown 4/5
I really did not know what this book was going to be about when I got it from the library. I noticed it on a lot of lists on Goodreads so I just added it to my hold list. And I really honestly liked it. The way the book was set up was nice. Shorter type chapters to mark your progress always makes a book go by faster to me. The main character Alex was very believable. He was generally honest and you as the reader got to watch him go through this prison life and watch him change in ways while still trying to remain the same. The book has a horrible ending because I just need to know what is going to happen next. Such a cliffhanger ending. And Donovan. I loved him and I need to know that they are going to be able to save him somehow. Not sure yet. Ready for the second in the series for sure.
3.The Second Summer of the Sisterhood 3/5
I figured since I read the first one I should read the whole series. So I picked up the second one and started on it. I felt like the more I read, the bigger the book got. I never seemed to be making any progress. The first book seemed to be mostly about love. Lena meet Kostos, Carmen started to accept her new family (course she is the angriest person in a book ever), Bee fell in love at soccer camp (then gave it away and fell out of love), and Tibby meet Bailey (then proceeded to lose her to cancer). The second book was all about anger and sadness and being angry at your parents. Tibby is sad about Bailey and angry at her mom for some reason. Causing a big blowout and disappointment all around. Lena broke it off with Kostos but still wants him like crazy. Fights with her mom about every little thing. Kostos drama, followed by more moping. Bee finds new family, the happiest story in the book which is kinda sad, and gets back to her old self. Then meets a boy from her past. Yada yada. Carmen acts like a serious bitch to her mom. Jealousy all over the place. Always angry. Hopefully the 3rd book with be better.
4. Mercury 4/5
Graphic novel that I picked up from BAM in the clearance section for 4 dollars. Very good actually. It follows two stories between two girls. One lived in the 1800s and the other in present time. Two love stories, one happy and the other sad. Very interesting to see how the two stories affect each other. Good quick read. Great artwork.
5. Life as We Knew It 4/5
Very good book! I loved the idea, something I haven't seen before. An asteroid hits the moon and knocks it off its course. This causes catastrophic repercussions. Huge tsunamis, volcanoe eruptions, and earthquakes. The main character is Miranda, and we are reading about this event through her journal. We get to witness all her feelings about what has happened, what will happen, and the people around her. This is not necessarily a happy story. Quite a few people die and there isn't a concrete ending. But definitely enjoyable.
6. Unearthly 4/5
This book was definitely a suprise for me. I have read the Mortal Instruments series and I pretty much hated them in the end. But this book I loved. Its similar to Mortal Instruments being that it is about angels and half blooded angels and that their is a love triangle. That is where the similarities ends. This book was incredibly well written compared to other "Angel" type books. The main character did not seem as conflicted and annoying and was sure of what she wanted most of the time. The book succeeded at being humorous, and witty, but serious when it needs to be.
Clara (horrible horrible name) moves to a new school after having the first visions of her purpose as an Angel. Things do not go as planned (obviously) when she moves with her family. See for yourself when you read this book. Impatiently waiting for the next book.
7. We'll Always Have Summer 4/5
Finally! I got to read the third book. Been on my library hold list forever.
Ok so let me just say Jeremiah was always my favorite of the Fisher boys. Conrad was whiny and jerky. So I was happy to see that Belly was dating Jeremiah in the beginning. But I hated that Han had him cheat on her within the first few chapters. That is not something that his character would do. But they got over it, just competely dropped it. Kinda weird.
Overall I liked this book. It was a good ending to the story and I was glad to know that Belly ended up waiting and was alone without the Fisher boys for a while.
8. The Dark and Hollow Places 4/5
I honestly wasn't expecting to like this one. I knew it was going to be from Annah's pov which I wasn't sure that I would like. So I was hesitant to read this one. Also its been awhile since I read the first 2 books. I love that Ryan allowed the reader to follow three different pov's and three different but cohesive, overlapping stories. The writing was as good as it has always been. The one thing that I felt was missing for me was likeability. I didn't really like Annah. She seemed so whiny, about her looks, about Elias, about leaving Abigail/Gabry, about Catcher, and about her lifestyle. I understand that the world is crappy with all the Unconsecrated zombies going around, people dying, Elias left her, and she left her sister, but still. I still love the series and I am glad that it has left off with everyone together. Elias was with Abigail/Gabry, Annah was with Catcher. I do wish we could have flashed forward a little in the end to see how they were doing a few years down the road. But overall good. Glad to have finally finished the series.
9. The Son of Neptune 4/5
10. Solitary 4/5
Incredibly good, especially since my expectation were kind of low. I knew this book was going to take place in the "hole" so I was wondered as to what the book would actually be about.
We get to see a different side of Alex which I loved, and Zee became a bigger character since Donovan and Toby were gone. Met some new characters like Simon, Pete, and Ozzie. And we finally learned the fate of Donovan, poor guy.
Good read and ready for the next one!
11. The Film Book: A Complete Guide to the World of Cinema 4/5
Very informative. I saw this in the new section of my library and decided to pick it up. While I did not read every single word of this book, I feel that it has a lot of great information. It starts by detailing the history of film, a decade at a time. Lots of details without feeling bogged down. After the history, Bergan goes into deeper explaination of how a film is made, starting with pre-production all the way through to interviews by the actors after the film is out.
Bergan also explores the different genres, foreign film, and the top 100 movies. While I may not agree with the top 100 movies, I do like that there is a lot of diversity in his list.
There is also an a-z list of directors, some big names and some I have never heard before.
This book has many different lists of movies and I have now added quite a few to my netflix to watch. Good read overall, very helpful.
12. Angel After the Fall Volume 1 3/5
Not my favorite. I was unsure of what was going on since it has been a while since I've seen Angel and the finale. So it took a while to get into since I was so confused. Lots of action. Great images. Love love love Spike!
13. Angel After the Fall Volume 2 5/5
I loved this one a lot more than the first volume. The seperate issues about different characters was amazing. Just awesome. Lots of backstory as to how people ended up where they are now after the season finale.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
books read in.... September
1. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist 3/5
Not my favorite. I kinda liked the movie better. Lots of extra stuff not seen in the movie, but I didn't really enjoy all the deep thoughts by all the characters.
2. Across the Universe 4/5
I really liked this book. It had a good storyline and I loved all the twists in the end about the ship and Elder. I actually felt bad for Amy which is good since that is obvisiously what the author wanted. My main problem is that the book did not really explain why Godspeed left Earth. Was there a huge war that was threatening the population, disease, alien invasion? That would have been good info to add. Maybe it will come up in the next 2 books. The "villians" were very clear from the beginning of the book. Obviously Orion was not normal and more than meets the eye, and Eldest was never a good guy. But my one big problem was the conversations. Some of them did not sound like what normal people would say. Still a good book and I'll definitely read the other 2 when they come out.
3. Beauty Queens 3/5
Incredibly sarcastic which I loved , it got a little annoying after a while. Slow start for me, but the middle picked up. I think there were too many storylines going on at one time which made it hard to keep track of everybody. It almost seemed like Bray wanted to put every stereotype and plot idea in there, which was a bit much. But overally I enjoyed it. Would I reccommend it? Not really, but if you have the time and want to read an overexaggerated story then go right ahead.
4. Elsewhere 3/5
This is another dead girl book. It follows Liz through her afterlife, after being runover while riding her bike. She dies and travels to Elsewhere which is essentially Heaven. There people age backwards until they are babies again and must travel back to Earth and be reborn. Overall a pretty good story. A bit whiny, but still.
5. The Day Before 5/5
I loved this book. Seriously. Amber meets Cade while on the beach and they spend a crazy good day together. This is their "last" day of freedom and they spend it growing close. Its a sweet story, but I probably would have liked it more if it was an actual novel instead of in short verse.
6. Luxe 2/5
Not so good. Very long and way to many details about the surroundings. I love to be able to visualize and everything, but the details literally got in the way of the story. A little confusing in the beginning with all the different characters with similar names. Predictable ending, especially since the beginning starts with one of the characters death. Not very interesting and do not know if I will read the sequels
Not my favorite. I kinda liked the movie better. Lots of extra stuff not seen in the movie, but I didn't really enjoy all the deep thoughts by all the characters.
2. Across the Universe 4/5
I really liked this book. It had a good storyline and I loved all the twists in the end about the ship and Elder. I actually felt bad for Amy which is good since that is obvisiously what the author wanted. My main problem is that the book did not really explain why Godspeed left Earth. Was there a huge war that was threatening the population, disease, alien invasion? That would have been good info to add. Maybe it will come up in the next 2 books. The "villians" were very clear from the beginning of the book. Obviously Orion was not normal and more than meets the eye, and Eldest was never a good guy. But my one big problem was the conversations. Some of them did not sound like what normal people would say. Still a good book and I'll definitely read the other 2 when they come out.
3. Beauty Queens 3/5
Incredibly sarcastic which I loved , it got a little annoying after a while. Slow start for me, but the middle picked up. I think there were too many storylines going on at one time which made it hard to keep track of everybody. It almost seemed like Bray wanted to put every stereotype and plot idea in there, which was a bit much. But overally I enjoyed it. Would I reccommend it? Not really, but if you have the time and want to read an overexaggerated story then go right ahead.
4. Elsewhere 3/5
This is another dead girl book. It follows Liz through her afterlife, after being runover while riding her bike. She dies and travels to Elsewhere which is essentially Heaven. There people age backwards until they are babies again and must travel back to Earth and be reborn. Overall a pretty good story. A bit whiny, but still.
5. The Day Before 5/5
I loved this book. Seriously. Amber meets Cade while on the beach and they spend a crazy good day together. This is their "last" day of freedom and they spend it growing close. Its a sweet story, but I probably would have liked it more if it was an actual novel instead of in short verse.
6. Luxe 2/5
Not so good. Very long and way to many details about the surroundings. I love to be able to visualize and everything, but the details literally got in the way of the story. A little confusing in the beginning with all the different characters with similar names. Predictable ending, especially since the beginning starts with one of the characters death. Not very interesting and do not know if I will read the sequels
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
books read in.... August
1. Will Grayson Will Grayson 2.5/5
A little to preachy for me. Lots of talking but not really about much. Two guys named Will Grayson meet in an unconventional way and their lifes are similar and connected, blah blah blah. Seriously. I feel like the book is mostll about gay guys since all but like three guys in are the book are gay. Just too much nonsense and talking talking talking.
2. Goodnight Tweetheart 4.5/5
It was weird reading a book that had so much modern stuff in it. Like twitter and Glee. Definitely not what I am used to reading about. But I loved the story and how the two main people got to know each other. Plus Mark is a Braves fan and our heroine loves Buffy. How amazing.
3. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 5/5
Really liked this. The rotating narratives worked well and allowed the reader to connect with each girl. Very good, ready to the next one.
4. Bossypants 5/5
Hilarious! Seriously a great book. Easy and quick. Love love love!
5. Forever 4/5
Not my favorite of the series. But maybe because it's been so long since i've read the other two books. Anyway. Conclusion stories are never my favorite in a series. I did not feel that the ending gave the reader any satisfaction. Everything was to open ended.
6. Anna and the French Kiss 5/5
Sincerely loved this book. All the missed chances. All the times where they should have, would have, could have... but didnt. Great story and loved the writing.
7. The Lover's Dictionary 5/5
Read this in like two hours. Very quick read. I loved how the story didn't follow a time line but instead matched the words which were of course in alphabetical order. My favorite part was the repeating parts that reveal a little bit more.
A little to preachy for me. Lots of talking but not really about much. Two guys named Will Grayson meet in an unconventional way and their lifes are similar and connected, blah blah blah. Seriously. I feel like the book is mostll about gay guys since all but like three guys in are the book are gay. Just too much nonsense and talking talking talking.
2. Goodnight Tweetheart 4.5/5
It was weird reading a book that had so much modern stuff in it. Like twitter and Glee. Definitely not what I am used to reading about. But I loved the story and how the two main people got to know each other. Plus Mark is a Braves fan and our heroine loves Buffy. How amazing.
3. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 5/5
Really liked this. The rotating narratives worked well and allowed the reader to connect with each girl. Very good, ready to the next one.
4. Bossypants 5/5
Hilarious! Seriously a great book. Easy and quick. Love love love!
5. Forever 4/5
Not my favorite of the series. But maybe because it's been so long since i've read the other two books. Anyway. Conclusion stories are never my favorite in a series. I did not feel that the ending gave the reader any satisfaction. Everything was to open ended.
6. Anna and the French Kiss 5/5
Sincerely loved this book. All the missed chances. All the times where they should have, would have, could have... but didnt. Great story and loved the writing.
7. The Lover's Dictionary 5/5
Read this in like two hours. Very quick read. I loved how the story didn't follow a time line but instead matched the words which were of course in alphabetical order. My favorite part was the repeating parts that reveal a little bit more.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
books read in.... July
1. Scott Pilgrim pt1 5/5
Very good. Loved that there was more background info about some of the people in the book.
2. Scott Pilgrim pt2 5/5
Very good second book. Followed what I knew about SP while adding some good new stuff.
3. Vampire Diaries: The Struggle 4/5
Not the best series ever, but a quick read. Easy to follow and at times kinda ridiculous.
4. The New World 5/5
Great short story. Read this because it goes along with the chaos walking series I was about to start. Got to learn alot of backstory about one of the characters, Viola. Made understanding Viola easier. Great addition to the series, I am sure.
5. The Knife of Never Letting Go 5/5
Crazy title, but a really great book. It started out a little slow for me, but picked up after a while. Got very interesting after Todd met Viola. And poor Manchee seriously made me cry. Looking forward to the other two books in the series.
6. The Carrie Diaries 4/5
Good book! I loved the insight into Carrie's teen years. And the story was a little predictable at times, but overall really good. Loved how it ended!
7. The Ask and the Answer 5/5
Great middle book, especially since middle books are typically the worst in the series. I love actually getting Viola's pov and following their seperate paths. Todd took a very unexpected turn in this book and I was a little sad about it. But I loved the growth of Davy's character and I actually felt awful how his story turned out. That was just sad. And the ending left me very worried for the third book.
8. Looking for Alaska 4/5
I like this book but at times it gets really ridiculous. The main character was a bit annoying, especially when he explains how much better he is than everything else.
9. Scott Pilgrim pt3 5/5
I loved the third book. Very good addition to the series
10. Scott Pilgrim pt4 5/5
Fourth book pretty much meet my expectations of being awesome.
11. Scott Pilgrim pt5 4/5
My main problem with the fifth book is Ramona and Scott's relationship. They really struggled and over tiny stuff. And the glowing? Why?
12. Scott Pilgrim pt6 4/5
Good ending to the series but I dont think it really explained anything. Why was Gideon the way he was? Why Ramona? Why did her head glow? Why did anyone's head glow? Did Ramona and Scott end up together and happy? So many questions that didnt get answered.
13. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8: The Last Gleaming 3/5
I really wanted to like this one. Spike was back and anyone who knows me, knows that I love Spike. Like seriously love him. When he is good or when he is bad, I love love love Spike. So I kinda hated that he was such a minor part of this book collection and that Buffy did not jump his bones like she should have. And Giles?!?!? Why???? He was my sexy british father figure for Buffy. Stupid Angel. To be honest, I did not understand much of this book. Maybe its been to long since I've read them, but I was so confused and felt like everything was just made up to fit the wandering and confusing story.
Very good. Loved that there was more background info about some of the people in the book.
2. Scott Pilgrim pt2 5/5
Very good second book. Followed what I knew about SP while adding some good new stuff.
3. Vampire Diaries: The Struggle 4/5
Not the best series ever, but a quick read. Easy to follow and at times kinda ridiculous.
4. The New World 5/5
Great short story. Read this because it goes along with the chaos walking series I was about to start. Got to learn alot of backstory about one of the characters, Viola. Made understanding Viola easier. Great addition to the series, I am sure.
5. The Knife of Never Letting Go 5/5
Crazy title, but a really great book. It started out a little slow for me, but picked up after a while. Got very interesting after Todd met Viola. And poor Manchee seriously made me cry. Looking forward to the other two books in the series.
6. The Carrie Diaries 4/5
Good book! I loved the insight into Carrie's teen years. And the story was a little predictable at times, but overall really good. Loved how it ended!
7. The Ask and the Answer 5/5
Great middle book, especially since middle books are typically the worst in the series. I love actually getting Viola's pov and following their seperate paths. Todd took a very unexpected turn in this book and I was a little sad about it. But I loved the growth of Davy's character and I actually felt awful how his story turned out. That was just sad. And the ending left me very worried for the third book.
8. Looking for Alaska 4/5
I like this book but at times it gets really ridiculous. The main character was a bit annoying, especially when he explains how much better he is than everything else.
9. Scott Pilgrim pt3 5/5
I loved the third book. Very good addition to the series
10. Scott Pilgrim pt4 5/5
Fourth book pretty much meet my expectations of being awesome.
11. Scott Pilgrim pt5 4/5
My main problem with the fifth book is Ramona and Scott's relationship. They really struggled and over tiny stuff. And the glowing? Why?
12. Scott Pilgrim pt6 4/5
Good ending to the series but I dont think it really explained anything. Why was Gideon the way he was? Why Ramona? Why did her head glow? Why did anyone's head glow? Did Ramona and Scott end up together and happy? So many questions that didnt get answered.
13. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8: The Last Gleaming 3/5
I really wanted to like this one. Spike was back and anyone who knows me, knows that I love Spike. Like seriously love him. When he is good or when he is bad, I love love love Spike. So I kinda hated that he was such a minor part of this book collection and that Buffy did not jump his bones like she should have. And Giles?!?!? Why???? He was my sexy british father figure for Buffy. Stupid Angel. To be honest, I did not understand much of this book. Maybe its been to long since I've read them, but I was so confused and felt like everything was just made up to fit the wandering and confusing story.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Books read... in June
1. Between Shades of Grey 5/5
Really really amazing story about a different side of WW2 that isnt seen very much. Very different concentration camp, and a whole new type of cruelty. Great read.
2. Jane (by April Lindner) 2/5
Worst book ever. Seriously not good. Horrible dialogue and horrible characters. No growth for any of the characters and none of the situations made any sense. Really horrible
3. Bruiser 5/5
Loved it. Great characters and a really great plotline. Brewster's "gift" was definitely not expected and I really felt bad for him. People kept using him whether they knew it or not.
4. It's Not Summer Without You 4/5
Good sequel. Now I just need the third one, which I already know I'm not going to like as much.
5.Bumped 3/5
Not the best. Good twist but weird plotline
6. Abandon 4/5
Great book, but one major problem. Why do the main characters love each other? Seriously.
7. Story of Beautiful Girl 4/5
Long book that took me a while to read, but worth the time. Different plotline and love the different perspectives.
8. Unwind 5/5
Great book. Reminded me of Hunger games a bit. Very confusing at first since some terminology wasnt explained immediately.
9. Throne of Fire 4/5
Part 2 of the Kane Chronicles by the Percy Jackson guy. Good second book, but so long. seriously.
10. Room 4/5
Really really amazing story about a different side of WW2 that isnt seen very much. Very different concentration camp, and a whole new type of cruelty. Great read.
2. Jane (by April Lindner) 2/5
Worst book ever. Seriously not good. Horrible dialogue and horrible characters. No growth for any of the characters and none of the situations made any sense. Really horrible
3. Bruiser 5/5
Loved it. Great characters and a really great plotline. Brewster's "gift" was definitely not expected and I really felt bad for him. People kept using him whether they knew it or not.
4. It's Not Summer Without You 4/5
Good sequel. Now I just need the third one, which I already know I'm not going to like as much.
5.Bumped 3/5
Not the best. Good twist but weird plotline
6. Abandon 4/5
Great book, but one major problem. Why do the main characters love each other? Seriously.
7. Story of Beautiful Girl 4/5
Long book that took me a while to read, but worth the time. Different plotline and love the different perspectives.
8. Unwind 5/5
Great book. Reminded me of Hunger games a bit. Very confusing at first since some terminology wasnt explained immediately.
9. Throne of Fire 4/5
Part 2 of the Kane Chronicles by the Percy Jackson guy. Good second book, but so long. seriously.
10. Room 4/5
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Bumped
Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Bumped is about the USA in the not so distant future, where a virus has made everyone over the age of 18 infertile. Kinda plausible.
Since no one over 18 can have children, teenage girls are getting pregnant and giving away their babies for a profit to older couples.
Melody is the girl that first started the getting pregnant for a profit, and she is one of the last girls that isnt pregnant. Her life is going great, until she finds out she has a twin sister.
When her sister shows up at Melody's house, things take a turn for the worst. Identity is mistaken, people are betrayed, lies are shared, and two sisters learn how complex the other one is.
Did not have high hopes for this one. I think it glamorized teen pregnancy to be completely honest and that is something we dont need anymore of. But it did have a few interesting twists and it was a quick read. Overall its probably 3/5
Bumped is about the USA in the not so distant future, where a virus has made everyone over the age of 18 infertile. Kinda plausible.
Since no one over 18 can have children, teenage girls are getting pregnant and giving away their babies for a profit to older couples.
Melody is the girl that first started the getting pregnant for a profit, and she is one of the last girls that isnt pregnant. Her life is going great, until she finds out she has a twin sister.
When her sister shows up at Melody's house, things take a turn for the worst. Identity is mistaken, people are betrayed, lies are shared, and two sisters learn how complex the other one is.
Did not have high hopes for this one. I think it glamorized teen pregnancy to be completely honest and that is something we dont need anymore of. But it did have a few interesting twists and it was a quick read. Overall its probably 3/5
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Bruiser
Bruiser by Neal Shusterman
Great book! This is the first book I have read by Shusterman, and I have heard many things about him. And this book definitely lived up to what I had heard.
The book starts off with Bronte and Tennyson (love their names by the way!) arguing about who Bronte wants to date. Typical brother, sister stuff. Bronte is dating Brewster, often known as Bruiser because of his size and the many bruises and cuts that cover his body. Brewster is a loner at Bronte and Tennyson's school, until Bronte starts talking to him.
Tennyson sets about to ruin Bronte and Brewster's relationship before it even starts, but after following him home one day, Tenny notices something different about Brew.
As Bronte and Tennyson get closer to Brewster, they notice that he different than they originally thought, and try to unravel his mysterious home life.
Over the course of the book, the reader gets to watch as all three characters grow and change and affect each others lives. Great book about growth and realizing not everyone is what you think they are. Definitely recommend to anyone.
5/5
Great book! This is the first book I have read by Shusterman, and I have heard many things about him. And this book definitely lived up to what I had heard.
The book starts off with Bronte and Tennyson (love their names by the way!) arguing about who Bronte wants to date. Typical brother, sister stuff. Bronte is dating Brewster, often known as Bruiser because of his size and the many bruises and cuts that cover his body. Brewster is a loner at Bronte and Tennyson's school, until Bronte starts talking to him.
Tennyson sets about to ruin Bronte and Brewster's relationship before it even starts, but after following him home one day, Tenny notices something different about Brew.
As Bronte and Tennyson get closer to Brewster, they notice that he different than they originally thought, and try to unravel his mysterious home life.
Over the course of the book, the reader gets to watch as all three characters grow and change and affect each others lives. Great book about growth and realizing not everyone is what you think they are. Definitely recommend to anyone.
5/5
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