Book Review: The Adoration a Fox Chronicles #1) by Mary E. Pearson

Book: The Adoration of Jenna Fox (Jenna Fox Chronicles #1) - Mary E. Pearson

Publication Date: April 29th 2008

Read from February 11 to 17, 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Goodreads Summary: 

Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

This fascinating novel represents a stunning new direction for acclaimed author Mary Pearson. Set in a near future America, it takes readers on an unforgettable journey through questions of bio-medical ethics and the nature of humanity. Mary Pearson's vividly drawn characters and masterful writing soar to a new level of sophistication.

My Views:

I heard a lot about this book and nothing but good things. So, obviously i was pretty excited to read the book but just like my previous read I was highly disappointed. Just like Twenty Boy Summer I couldn't get into the book at all. I couldn't relate to the characters and even though the story was interesting it sort of seemed predictable to me. 

The book is tiny, it is only 266 pages but it took me 6 days to finish it. In some parts I really had to push myself to read. Which is not a good thing.

The Good:

•  Decent plot and interesting premise. 
•  Some parts of mystery were brilliant.
• The feel of book was dark and I liked that about it.
• The friendship and romance aspect of the book was nice and I wished their was more of it.

The Bad:

• The pacing of the book. It was extremely slow for me. 
• The ending, especially the epilogue was horrible. 
• The did not feel anything for any character. 

Overall: 2/5 and a thumbs down.

Writing: 3/5

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Romance: 2/5
LoL Moments: 2/5
Cover: 3/5

Favorite Quote: “I think that maybe forgiveness is like change - it comes in small steps.”

Favorite Character: Lily

Book Review: Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Book: Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler


Publication Date: June 1st 2009


Read from February 06 to 10, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Drama


Goodreads Summary:


"Don’t worry, Anna. I’ll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won’t say anything?"
"Don’t worry.” I laughed. “It’s our secret, right?"

According to Anna’s best friend, Frankie, twenty days in Zanzibar Bay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy every day, there’s a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there’s something she hasn’t told Frankie–she’s already had her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer.


My Views:


Let me start by saying that I was really looking forward to this book. I wanted to read it since it first came out. But, unfortunately I just didn't love this one. It was just blah! for me.


The plot is very interesting and the writing is brilliant in parts but i just didn't connected with the book at all and I hated some characters.


The Good:

• I liked Anna as a character and I somewhat connected to her.
• The story was interesting.
• The writing was good and the only reason I finished the book.
• The cover is gorgeous. 

The Bad:

• The plot was ruined because the book seemed so long and draggy. 
• I simply hated the character of Frankie. I hated it so much that I didn't even sympathized with her.
• It didn't get Anna and Sam's relationship at all.
• The grown up aspect of the book seemed childish and immature. 

Overall: 2/5  and a thumbs down

Writing: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 2/5
Romance: 2/5
LoL Moments: 2/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote: “Weeping is not the same thing as crying, It takes your whole body to weep, and when it`s over, you feel like you don`t have any bones left to hold you up.” 

Favorite Character: Anna

Book Review: The Weepers: The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker

Book:  The Weepers: The Other Life - Susanne Winnacker


Publishing Date: May 01, 2012


Read from February 08 to 09, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction


Goodreads Summary:


3 years, 1 month, 1 week and 6 days since I’d seen daylight. One-fifth of my life. 98,409,602 seconds since the heavy, steel door had fallen shut and sealed us off from the world

Sherry has lived with her family in a sealed bunker since things went wrong up above. But when they run out of food, Sherry and her dad must venture outside. There they find a world of devastation, desolation...and the Weepers: savage, mutant killers.

When Sherry's dad is snatched, she joins forces with gorgeous but troubled Joshua - an Avenger, determined to destroy the Weepers.

But can Sherry keep her family and Joshua safe, when his desire for vengeance threatens them all?

My Views:

I love zombies! and I really liked this book. It was totally unexpected. I love zombies and science fiction, and this has the best of both worlds. Totally a fun read.

The story is about Sherry, who is living with her family in a bunker for the past three years because of the outbreak of a deadly virus aka rabies. This has turned people into flesh eating zombies. The book starts when the family consumes the last bits of the food left in the bunker. So, Sherry and her father have to go back into the big bad world to fetch some food.

The story line is not very unique but it has a very special element to it, that makes it so entertaining. I just couldn't put the book down.

The Good:

• Amazingly fast paced book with some very serious action packed scenes.
• Basically the book is a survival story and a good one at it. Who doesn't like those?
• I really liked some characters in the book and Joshua as a character fascinated me. Definitely an add to my crush worthy boyfriend. 
• The writing was very very good. Kudos to  Susanne Winnacker.
• Great twists and turns. It kept me at the edge of my seat.
• I really like Sherry's voice in the book.

The Bad:

• I would have liked a little more of the world building. I know this is a part of the series and there is more to come but still a little more would have been better.

Overall: 4/5 and a double thumbs up!
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
LoL Moments: 2/5
Cover: 3/5


Favorite Quote:  "They’re called the Weepers, and you don’t weep for them.
You must kill them, or they will kill you..."



Favorite Character: Joshua

Thanks Marshall Cavendish via Netgallery for the arc!

Book Review: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Book: Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley


Publishing Date: August 1st 2010


Read from February 05 to 06, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance


Goodreads Summary: 


"Let me make it in time. Let me meet Shadow. The guy who paints in the dark. Paints birds trapped on brick walls and people lost in ghost forests. Paints guys with grass growing from their hearts and girls with buzzing lawn mowers."

It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.

His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.

Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.

But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.

My View:

There are times when you pick up a book and you just can't put it down and Graffiti Moon my friends is one of those books. I can't express in words how much I love this book. The story, the background and the characters are all amazing. There is nothing in this book that I didn't like.

 Art work of Shepard Fairy

The story is about Lucy and Ed and that one amazing night where they discover secrets, confront the facts and share their inner most feelings. 

I must admit, I love art of any form and graffiti art is no exception. I love the works of Banksy and Shepard Fairey. And if you are like me and love graffiti. You should check out the movie Exit Through the Gift Shop. 

Now coming back to the book; the art, the romance, the characters and even the freaking dialogues were just amazing! This is my first book by Cath Crowely and I can't wait to read many more.

The Good:

• The whole art aspect of the story really string a cord with me. 
• Ed and Lucy are really amazing characters and their interactions are hilarious.
• The message of the book is very powerful and not at all preachy. 
• I simply love every character in the book. Seriously! every character in the book was very well thought of. 
• The couples! Ed and Lucy were cute and funny. Daisy and Dylan were just adorable. Leo and Jazz were very real with their insecurities and conflicts. 
• The whole idea of shadow and poet is genius.
• The book is very funny with a hint of seriousness in it. 
• The poems in between by poet were insightful and just plain awesome.
• The pace of the book was just right.

I can go on and on about this book but I don't wanna seem like a fan girl. So all i can say: people who like contemporary novels, this is for you. And for people who don't like contemporary novels, this is the one you should start with.

Overall: 5/5 and a double thumbs up!
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 4/5
Cover: 4.5/5


Favorite Quote: “I guess love's kind of like a marshmallow in a microwave on high. After it explodes it's still a marshmallow. but, you know, now it's a complicated marshmallow.”


Favorite Character: Ed, Lucy, Daisy, Dylan, Jazz and Leo (in-short all!)

 

Book Review: The Future of Us by Jay Asher, Carolyn Mackler

Book: The Future of Us - Jay Asher, Carolyn Mackler


Publishing Date: November 21st 2011


Read from February 01 to 03, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Contemporary


Goodreads Summary:


It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

My View:

I won't lie to you, my expectations from this book was HUGE!! Reasons for that are: I love previous books of the authors. Thirteen Reasons Why and The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things both are one of my favorites plus the plot just sounded so amazing. 

The story is about Josh and Emma, two friends who accidentally find themselves on the internet in future via Facebook. I mean the idea is genius and I loved it!

The book was so much more than I can describe it. Initially, I thought it will be just about the Facebook or future thing but it had many layers to it. I enjoyed the book and loved it. The characters seemed real and the setting was fabulous. 

The Good:

• The IDEA! It was just genius and so so awesome. I like science fiction books and I love contemporary books. This was two in one.
• The writing was easy and enjoyable. I just didn't wanted to put the book down.
• The whole concept of the ripples was amazing. It played like a mysterious element to me.
• The whole 90's nostalgia! I did actually got my first computer in 1996, I was eight then but I remember. I remember the dial ups and having a e-mail address that time was such a big deal.
• The characters! I loved Josh, another crush worthy character and I know a lot of people hated Emma but I sort of get her too and I liked her. She was flawed but likable. 
• I said it on another review, but I love books that have alternating point of views.
• The music and movies references. Dave Mathews Band, Greenday (Dookie!),  Alanis Morissette and Oasis (I still listen to wonderwall all the time!).

The Bad:

• I really wanted to know more about Kellen and Tyson. 

Overall: 4.5 and a double thumbs up!
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote: “When the right moment appears, the key is to not let it pass.”

Favorite Character: Josh

Book Review: Zombie Love: The Outbreak by Eric J. Sobolik

Book: Zombie Love: The Outbreak - Eric J. Sobolik


Publishing Date: August 6th 2011


Read from January 29 to February 01, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Horror


Amazon Summary: 


Zombie Love is the story of a widespread virus, in a way that has never been done before. As people lose loved ones, some decide that sometimes the people you love are the only ones worth fighting for. As factions form, and the world crumbles, people must choose sides. Help or destroy.

When a virus is developed as the ultimate cure all by reversing death itself, the world is plunged into a crisis of faith, dedication, and love.

In book one we meet Summer Strom, a normal high school teenager who is thrown cruelly into a set of circumstances that nobody should have to deal with. She has to fight back against everybody she knows as she battles for the only thing worth fighting for. Love.

My View:

I am not into the zombie genre. Actually to think of it have only read a hand full of zombie books which is weird because I love zombie movies. When I was ask to review this book, I just jumped right at it and I was not disappointed at all. It was a very fast and easy read. 

The book is about Summer Strom and Daniel Harris, who are life long neighbors and finally starts to notice each other but luck is not on their side. There is a virus outbreak which is turning their town into flesh eating zombies and while saving Summer, Daniel gets bit and the whole thing gets very messy.

The book starts with a prologue which define the tone of the book. The book is actually very funny and a very quick read. It being the first book in the series it's all about: who these characters are?, what happened? and how it happened? 

I story is touching, humorous, scary, light and clever. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the series. 

The Good:

• It's short, sweet, smart and funny. 
• The writing is very clever and incredibly simple. Which is a very good thing.
• The romance aspect is very sweet and cute.
• I really liked Daniel and I wished there was more of him in the book. 
• Even though it has been done a thousand times and but i still love the alternating point of views of Daniel and Summer.
• The ending blew me away and I want more of it.

The Bad:

• I didn't like Summer as much as I liked Daniel. 
• Hence, I wanted more of Daniel.
• The constant day dreaming bit of all the characters was a little weird. Funny. But weird.

Overall: 4 and a thumbs up!
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Romance: 3/5
LoL Moments: 4/5
Cover: 4/5


Favorite Quote: "Daniel had never felt he was the most creative person. He had a dog as a boy, named Barky, who barked a lot.

This was the first in a long line of Daniel naming things with the first thing that came to mind. His stuffed polar bear was called Bear, and lamp that was in the shape of a rocket ship was just called Lamp."


Favorite Character: Daniel

Many thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book for review.

Book Review: Hunting Lila (Lila #1) by Sarah Alderson

Book: Hunting Lila (Lila #1) - Sarah Alderson


Publishing Date: August 5th 2011


Read from January 26 to 29, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Mystery


Goodreads Summary: 


17-year-old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. After a mugging exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. In a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them…

My View:

Hunting Lila is a story of Lila, who's mother was murdered years ago in mysterious circumstances. She is forced to move back to London with her father leaving behind her brother Jack and his best friend Alex, who Lila secretively is in love with. Lila is lonely and she has a secret, she can moves objects by just looking at them. After a mugging incident in London which nearly exposes her secret, Lila runs back to Southern California to her brother and Alex. Both of them work at a super specialized agency called The Unit. Lila has no idea what they do but it is extremely odd as there is a creepy SUV following her every move. She senses there something very wrong but she has other things to worry about, like Alex and her feelings for him. And then things starts to get even weirder when Lila learns that the people The Unit is hunting just might be the same people that killed her mother.

I will be honest I picked this book purely because of it's gorgeous cover. I mean just look at it, isn't it a beauty?

Hunting Lila was a roller coaster ride for me. It has it's high points and it's low points. But generally the book kept me entertained and engrossed. The best part about the book is that it has almost all the ingredients in it. There is a paranormal theme, a mystery at the core, a contemporary romance plus a supernatural feel to it. 

In the end I was satisfied with how the whole story shapes up and eagerly await the next installment that will be hitting the shelf later this year.

The Good:

• The book is a lot of fun, fast paced and full of action. 
• The whole X-Men thing going was very interesting. I love the origins sort of story. 
• The second half was the book was just brilliant.
• The romance was great. I loved how Lila and Alex relationship grows.
• The cover! I know it shouldn't count but it is very shiny and pretty. 
• Likable characters: Lila, Jack, Alex and all the others that shall not be named.
• The ending was great and left me hanging for more.

The Bad:

• The first half the book was a filled with Lila swooning over Alex, which i totally get but sometimes I just felt like skipping those parts.
• I would have liked more to know about the back story and origins of the powers.
• I felt like not much credit and weight age was given to poor Jack. 

Overall: 4 and a thumbs up!
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 5/5

Favorite Quote: "I felt his other hand sear hot against my cheek. He bent his head, and in a voice that Jack couldn’t hear, said, “When you came down the stairs, and fell into me, that was the moment.” Then his lips pressed against mine."

Favorite Character: Lila & Alex 

Book Review: Dairy Queen (Dairy Queen #1) by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Book: Dairy Queen (Dairy Queen #1) - Catherine Gilbert Murdock


Publishing Date: April 30th 2006


Read from January 24 to 26, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Sports, Chick-Lit


Goodreads Summary:


When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Harsh words indeed, from Brian Nelson of all people. But, D.J. can't help admitting, maybe he's right. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Stuff like why her best friend, Amber, isn't so friendly anymore. Or why her little brother, Curtis, never opens his mouth. Why her mom has two jobs and a big secret. Why her college-football-star brothers won't even call home. Why her dad would go ballistic if she tried out for the high school football team herself. And why Brian is so, so out of her league. When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said. Welcome to the summer that fifteen-year-old D.J. Schwenk of Red Bend, Wisconsin, learns to talk, and ends up having an awful lot of stuff to say.

My View:

Another one of those books that was sitting on my TBR pile for sometime now. 

Dairy Queen is about 15 year old D.J Schwenk, she is big, tall, hardworking, strong and much to her dismay runs the family farm. She is stuck doing all the chores because of her father's injury. She lives with her parents and a little brother, who doesn't like to talk. The Schwenk love their farm and their football. Both of her older brothers and star football players are away at college and she hasn't talked to them for the past seven months because of a family feud. D.J is overwhelmed with school work and farm work and when Brian Nelson, a rival team quarter back come to offer a helping hand she is not so pleased at first. The summer D.J thought would surely suck turned out to be a summer that teaches her lot. She form unlikely friendships and learn to talk and express her feelings.

If I have to hold a conversation regarding American football I can assure you I will be utterly lost. But, even though the book is filled with football I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. D.J is an amazing character and the premise of the story is very fresh and interesting.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series. 

The Good:

• D.J: She is so ordinary and yet so different. She is unlike any other heroins out there. She has a very distinctive voice. I love the fact, that is so reflective about her surrounding, thoughts and feelings.
• The story, background and the whole family dynamics are a breath of fresh air. 
• I love the fact that Brain is not a conventional love interest. He is flawed and that's what makes him so real.  
• Every character in the book is someone you know and can relate to.  
• The story is about normal and real people in normal and real situations. 
• The sports/football aspect of the book. I love sports movies and this book is just like that. An under dog story.
• The book is full of humor, which is always a good thing.

The Bad:

• The first person narrative could be annoying for some. I loved it though. 

Overall: 4.5 and double thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 5/5
Cover: 3/5

Favorite Quote: “When you don't talk, there's a lot of stuff that ends up not getting said.”

Favorite Character: D.J, Brian & Carter

Book Review: The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

Book: The One That I Want - Jennifer Echols

Publishing Date: December 6th 2011

Read from January 21 to 23, 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary:

Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.

Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

My View: 

Boy oh boy! I don't know how will I justify my ratings and comments about this book. The book was not very original, nor the subject matter was very interesting. I just read Keeping the Moon, which sort of have the same subject but  Keeping the Moon was a lot serious than this one.

The One That I Want is about Gemma, who is still trying to figure out who she really is. Her only friend or so-called friend is Addison, who is always mean to her. Gemma has lost a whole bunch of weight and has just made it to the majorette team. At majorette camp Gemma and Addison come across Max and Carter, from a rival school who are their for football camp. 

Gemma is instantly attracted to Max, the guy who was staring at her while she practiced her majorette routine. But then Max asks Addison out even though Gemma and Max has this incredible connection. To make the matters worse Gemma is stuck with Carter, who is dull and boring.

Normally, this is not the kind of book I like but i really enjoyed this one. The characters were nice and the writing was addictive. I loved Max, he was so swoon worthy.

Even though the story was not new, I would still recommend this book to anyone because of Echols writing.  

The Good:

• As i said already, the writing was just amazing, addictive, easy to read and very good. 
• I loved Gemma, her attitude, her purple streaks, her insecurities and her relationship with Addison. (I have had that friend!)
• Max oh Max. Max was funny, charming and very very sexy. I loved the fact that he was Japanese.
• The interaction between Gemma and Max was frustrating but funny and sweet.

The Bad:

• I hated Addison. Addison was mean, shallow and self centered and I wanted to choke her. 
• It was predictable but cute nonetheless. 
• I wanted more of Delilah and Robert.

Overall: 4 and a thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 3.5/5
Cover: 3.5/5

Favorite Character: Max and Gemma 

Book Review: Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

Book: Keeping the Moon - Sarah Dessen


Publishing Date: September 1st 1999


Read from January 19 to 20, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Coming of Age


Goodreads Summary:


Colie expects the worst when she's sent to spend the summer with her eccentric aunt Mira while her mother, queen of the television infomercial, tours Europe. Always an outcast -- first for being fat and then for being "easy" -- Colie has no friends at home and doesn't expect to find any in Colby, North Carolina. But then she lands a job at the Last Chance Cafe and meets fellow waitresses Morgan and Isabel, best friends with a loving yet volatile relationship. Wacky yet wise, Morgan and Isabel help Colie see herself in a new way and realize the potential that has been there all along.

My Views:

I have a few confessions to make before I write any further. One, this my second book by Sarah Dessen. I am embarrassed to admit it, but it's true. Second, This book is been sitting on my shelf for the past 4 - 5 years. Again, total embarrassment.

Keeping the Moon is about Colie, who never really had any friends. Because of all the moving around she did as a child and because she was overweight. The story starts when Colie is send to Colby, to her aunt for the summer. She is forty pounds lighter but still very lonely. Her mother is the queen of workout infomercials and is away a lot of the times. Colie is not looking forward to the summer and expects the worst out of the situation. Little did she know, that this summer will change her forever. 

Keeping the Moon was a short and easy read. The story was inspiring and beautiful. The characters were very interesting and different and the writing was just brilliant. I cried a lot reading this book. It was very touching and powerful. The book was written in 1999 but it has such a timeless feel to it. 

The Good:

• The writing was brilliant and compelling.
• The character were very unique and original. Norman was not the handsome boy next door and Aunt Mira was so eccentric and fascinating.
• I love the camaraderie between Morgan and Isabel. Morgan was naive and sweet. Isabel, on the other hand was tough and witty. Their friendship was cute and funny.
• Colie, as the protagonist was awkward, insecure and quite. Which made her very relatable.
• The book made me laugh and cry alot.  

The Bad:

• There was nothing really bad with the book but, it gets predictable at times.
• Morgan's plot was a wee bit too dramatic for me.

Overall: 4 and a thumbs up!

Writing: 4.5/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3.5/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 3/5

Favorite Quote: “All the bitchy girls in the world are just a training ground for what men can do to you.”

Favorite Character: Colie,  Norman & Isabel. 

Book Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Book: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - Rachel Cohn & David Levithan


Publishing Date: October 26th 2010


Read from January 17 to 18, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads Summary:

“I’ve left some clues for you. 

If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

My View: 

I was really excited to read this book, because I simply loved the last book by the duo (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist). I really really liked this book as well. It was hilarious and features two very charming characters. I laughed out loud a lot during this book and finished it in a day, which usually doesn't happen with me. I just couldn't put the book down!

The plot is really engrossing. The story starts with Dash, who finds a red moleskine notebook in his favorite book store, next to his favorite book. The book is planted by Lily, and is filled with little dares. Dash starts to play along with the dares. For most part of the book Dash and Lily never meet face to face and only communicates with the help of the red notebook. 

Both characters are lonely and are looking for love and companionship. The dares they give each other are hilarious. I just couldn't stop smiling that stupid smile while reading this book. 

How I wish I could also have my own lovable geeky snarly boy. In short, I loved this book for it's comical genius. 

The Good: 

• It's funny! I mean really, one of the funniest book I have ever read.
• I loved Lily. She was quirky, funny, bubbly, sweet and so damn cute.
• The dares were fun and very exciting. And did I mention hilarious!
• Dash was so comical. I mean he was the epitome of snarl and totally crush worthy. 
• The backdrop of New York and holiday season did wonders for the book. 
• I love the side characters. Boomer was epic! Aunt Ida, I wish I had a great aunt like that. Cousin Mark, I have a cousin like that. 
• And I loved the interaction between aunt Ida and Dash.

The Bad:

• I have to admit, the book was so unrealistic in parts but it still made me laugh a lot.
• The characters seemed too sophisticated to be 16 years old.

Overall: 4.5 and double thumbs up!

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 5/5
Cover: 5/5

Favorite Quote: “I showed him the Post-it. “You see They’re from Lily.”
“Who’s Lily?”

“Some girl.”

“Ooh … a girl!”

“Boomer, we’re not in third grade anymore. You don’t say, ‘Ooh … a girl!’”

“What? You f**king her?”

“Okay, Boomer, you’re right. I liked ‘Ooh … a girl!’ much more than that.
Let’s stick with ‘Ooh … a girl!”

Favorite Character: Lily, Dash, Boomer, Aunt Ida and Cousin Mark

Book Review: Wake (Dream Catcher #1) by Lisa McMann

Book: Wake (Dream Catcher #1) - Lisa McMann


Publishing Date: March 4th 2008


Read from January 13 to 15, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance


For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can't tell anybody about what she does they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can’t control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant.

My View: 

Let me just start by stating I love this book! Wake is a perfect example of a excellent paranormal romance novel. 

Seventeen year old Janie has a secret, she visits people in their dreams. She doesn't want to, it just happens. One minute she is sitting in class or at work and the next thing she knows, she is following someone into the forest. It's annoying but she can't help it. She has no control over it. Things get complicated when she befriends the school loner, Cabel. She is surprised to learn that some of his dreams are about her and through these dreams they learn about each others secrets.

Wake is an intriguing book, it just sucked me in from the get go. Even though the story is nothing like it, but the book reminded me of the movie The Butterfly Effect. Maybe because of the writing style, which I must add was so different and kind of brilliant.

I enjoyed the book thoroughly. The characters were well defined, the mystery was top notch and it was very romantic. I loved Janie and Cabel as indivisual characters and as a couple. 

I loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy. 

The Good:

• The story is very powerful, moving and different from all the PNR novels out there.
• Very interesting characters. They were very well define, even though the book is so tight and compact.
• The romance between Janie and Cabel was amazing. It was intense, cute and emotional.
• I adored the character of Janie, she was strong and very realistic.
• The writing takes some getting use to, but I loved it nonetheless. 

The Bad: 

• The book was extremely short, i mean just 210 pages. I so wanted to read more!

Overall: 4.5 and double thumbs up!

Writing: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 5/5

Favorite Quote: “That was the goth stage, where I decided I'd never get the girl of my dreams because of my scars. Not to mention my hairstyle. (pause) But then she slammed a door handle into my gut. And when a girl does that to a boy, it means she likes him.”

Favorite Character: Janie and Cabel

Book Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Book: Love Story - Jennifer Echols


Publishing Date: July 19th 2011


Read from January 11 to 13, 2012


Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance


She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines..

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

My View: 

This is my first book by Jennifer Echols, who is a famous for her contemporary romance novels. Love Story is a sweet, fun and frustrating at times. It's fast paced book and uses very original methods for conveying the story. 

Love Story is about Erin, who grew up in Kentucky with her grandmother. She aspires to be a writer in New York City, much to her grandmother dismay. When her grandmother learns about her plans, her grandmother disinherit's her and gives her college fund and the family farm to Hunter, the stable boy. Now Erin has no money and has to work her way through college, her only solace is her creative writing class and soon that happiness is also snatched away from her when surprisingly, her former friend and now enemy Hunter joins the class. The two has a long history with each other and through their stories they get reacquainted.   

The story is somewhat original and very quirky, the presentation is very fresh and new. I love how the book starts with one of the stories that Erin has written for her creative writing class. The stories within the story is a fantastic device and it is used very interestingly. 

Erin and Hunter are very interesting characters. They have this love hate relationship going that makes this book very enjoyable. Hunter is alluring and  mysterious which makes him a very good love interest. Erin is very strong and hardworking which makes her very human. There are many layers to the story and characters which make this book very entertaining.

My only real problem with the book is the ending. If feels a little rushed and abrupt. I would have liked to see the more of these two characters and where they are heading. 

The Good:

• The creative writing classes. The stories that Hunter and Erin wrote, which gave insight on the background of these characters. Plus, the discussion that followed in the class about these stories.
• I really like the side story of Summer and Manohar. They were hilarious!
• The writing was very easy to read and hooking.
• The mystery surrounding Hunter and his intentions.

The Bad: 

• The story can get frustrating at times because the lead characters are so very stubborn.
• The abrupt ending. It left me a little unsatisfied and story felt incomplete. 

Overall: 3.5 and a thumbs up. 

Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
LoL Moments: 3/5
Cover: 4/5

Favorite Quote:  “I saw myself exactly as he saw me.

And that made me angry.” 

Favorite Character: Hunter, Erin and Manohar