I have this problem with needing to read new releases as soon as possible, even by authors whom I've never read anything by. Luckily, my library has this snazzy tab on their website called "suggest a title" — and suggesting ALL the books is exactly what I've been doing. I was able to borrow two January releases (All Fall Down by Ally Carter and Love, Lucy by April Lindner) as well as A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall.
I wasn't able to resist buying Landline by Rainbow Rowell when I saw it on Book Outlet's website (I really need to start avoiding that page ...). I've wanted a copy since it came out last July but couldn't bring myself to spend $16, so I am ECSTATIC that I found it for a great price.
The other three books that bought - because I can't just buy one book - were To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han, Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson, Nowhere but Home by Liza Palmer. I've heard nothing but good things about Liza Palmer from Hannah at So Obsessed With!
Lastly, I received Making Pretty by Corey Ann Haydu in the mail after winning a giveaway on Goodreads. I've only ever won one book (Ten Girls to Watch by Charity Shumway) so this was REALLY exciting!
Did you purchase or receive any new books this week? Have you read any of the books I mentioned? Do you suggest titles for your city's library?
I Was Here by Gayle Forman
Young Adult Fiction // Category: Contemporary
Release Date: January 27, 2015
Publisher: Viking Juvenile (Penguin Books USA)
Format: Hardcover • 270 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Other books by Forman: If I Stay, Just One Day
I'm not someone who picks up books dealing with suicide. In fact, I avoid it. Not because it's too dark and depressing, but because I know I wouldn't have an emotional connection with whatever story the book about suicide is trying to tell. I've never been close to anyone who has committed suicide or attempted to, and I don't know how painful it is to lose a close friend. However, I was able to understand Cody very strongly.
I Was Here begins with an email that Meg sends to Cody, her best friend, stating that she took her own life. Cody is confused, because she knows Meg. At least she thought she did. And Meg wouldn't do something like that. Cody learns new things about Meg after Meg's parents ask her to retrieve Meg's things in her room at college, which pushes her to figure out exactly why Meg would do such a thing.
"You had a pile of rocks, and you cleaned them up pretty and made a necklace.
Meg got jewels, and she hung herself with them." (p. 151)
Meg got jewels, and she hung herself with them." (p. 151)
Straight from the beginning, we see that Cody was a crap friend to Meg once she left town to go to school. They were like sisters growing up, two peas in a pod, and they were supposed to leave for college together. When Meg left and Cody stayed behind, Cody started ignoring her. So when Cody finds out that Meg killed herself, I understand why she was desperate to figure out why. I understand the confusion, the hurt, the desperate need to do something as if it would change anything. A lot of the things that Cody does are a bit irrational, but it makes sense in her situation.
It's really weird for me to say that I loved this book, especially because it wasn't GREAT. There were a lot of little things that bothered me, like the romance. Right when Cody meets this one boy, it's obvious that something would happen between them—and it would've been fine, but I didn't think it went well with the story I Was Here is trying to tell. (Also, I couldn't fall in love with him. However, not to stray away from my point, I did find some things about him likeable. SOME.)
The way Forman writes the internal conflict that Cody battles is honest and genuine. My heart shattered when I found out that Meg is actually based off Suzy Gonzalez, a real girl who ingested potassium cyanide and died in a hotel. I can't tell you whether or not I'd recommend it because this story is upsetting and will cause you dismay, but I will say that it is worth reading.
I Was Here spoke volumes to me and I hope, if you decide to read this, that it speaks to you too.
I know it's only been out for a month, but have you read I Was Here yet?
What are your thoughts on Cody and how she goes about finding an answer?
If you haven't read it yet, would you consider doing so?
For the final Love-a-Thon mini-challenge, I'll be talking about my current "high" fives, or things that are making me happy. Please share yours with me too!
BOOK • The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
I haven't read this yet, but I am really excited for it. After reading Open Road Summer, I'd read anything Emery Lord writes. I am lucky enough to have a galley before the release date, so I'll be getting to it soon.
GENRE • Contemporary Romance
If I need something to lift my spirits, I always go for the swoons. It's something quick and fun to read, and the likelihood of a happy ending is almost always guaranteed.
AUTHOR • Maggie Stiefvater
Because fantasy is a new realm for me (pun intended), taking my time with The Scorpio Races has been the best thing I've done in my reading life. To be quite honest, I don't really care for reading about horses but Stiefvater's writing is beautiful and I can't help but fall in love with the way she writes. I'm only 100 pages in, but I think this book would be great for contemporary readers who are interested in something a little different.
BLOGGER • Cassie from Happy Book Lovers
After discovering her blog during yesterday's Love-a-Thon Twitter chat, I've been having a grand ol' time going through all her posts. I can't believe she started blogging in March 2009 and I JUST found out about her. Where the heck have I been?
BOOKISH MERCHANDISE • Craft'ed
I know a ton of people will probably be mentioning Craft'ed, but I cannot ignore their cute bookmarks. I normally just grab a pen or scrap paper to save my page, but I've been using my Ariel since I've received it. I've also ordered the Monsters University ones, which should be coming in the mail any day now :)
I hope you've enjoyed the multitude of posts these past two days. I've met a lot of new people and discovered tons of new blogs, so I'll be visiting around during this upcoming week. Looking forward to the next bookish event!
BOOK • The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
I haven't read this yet, but I am really excited for it. After reading Open Road Summer, I'd read anything Emery Lord writes. I am lucky enough to have a galley before the release date, so I'll be getting to it soon.
GENRE • Contemporary Romance
If I need something to lift my spirits, I always go for the swoons. It's something quick and fun to read, and the likelihood of a happy ending is almost always guaranteed.
AUTHOR • Maggie Stiefvater
Because fantasy is a new realm for me (pun intended), taking my time with The Scorpio Races has been the best thing I've done in my reading life. To be quite honest, I don't really care for reading about horses but Stiefvater's writing is beautiful and I can't help but fall in love with the way she writes. I'm only 100 pages in, but I think this book would be great for contemporary readers who are interested in something a little different.
BLOGGER • Cassie from Happy Book Lovers
After discovering her blog during yesterday's Love-a-Thon Twitter chat, I've been having a grand ol' time going through all her posts. I can't believe she started blogging in March 2009 and I JUST found out about her. Where the heck have I been?
BOOKISH MERCHANDISE • Craft'ed
I know a ton of people will probably be mentioning Craft'ed, but I cannot ignore their cute bookmarks. I normally just grab a pen or scrap paper to save my page, but I've been using my Ariel since I've received it. I've also ordered the Monsters University ones, which should be coming in the mail any day now :)
I hope you've enjoyed the multitude of posts these past two days. I've met a lot of new people and discovered tons of new blogs, so I'll be visiting around during this upcoming week. Looking forward to the next bookish event!
I'm back today for Day 2 of the Love-a-Thon to talk about my bookshelf! I currently own one (thank you, Target!) and although I've started to randomly stack books on other books, I am okay with it. I'm not too picky with how it looks anymore, I've started to enjoy reading the books more than just admiring their spines :)
As you may be able to tell, I attempted to organize my books by color (except for the top shelf, which generally holds the books/authors I love and books I have to get to ASAP, and the bottom, which is just a mess.) I find this to be most visually pleasing and don't really mind having my series separated.
I wanted to share my bookshelf in all of its messiness so I could ask you—which books are your favorites? I made a new goal to read a book on my shelf for every ARC or library book read, and would really love to know what I should tackle first. If I end up with a dull book—I really hope that doesn't describe any of these—I'd probably have issues continuing my plan.
I've loaned out a couple of books to some friends so if you'd like to see a list of all the books I own, I've sorted them together in this Goodreads list. I've only read about 50 of the ones pictured, so your chance of choosing something I haven't read should be high :p
Thanks for stopping by today! I have one more mini-challenge to share in about four hours, so look forward to that.
As you may be able to tell, I attempted to organize my books by color (except for the top shelf, which generally holds the books/authors I love and books I have to get to ASAP, and the bottom, which is just a mess.) I find this to be most visually pleasing and don't really mind having my series separated.
I wanted to share my bookshelf in all of its messiness so I could ask you—which books are your favorites? I made a new goal to read a book on my shelf for every ARC or library book read, and would really love to know what I should tackle first. If I end up with a dull book—I really hope that doesn't describe any of these—I'd probably have issues continuing my plan.
I've loaned out a couple of books to some friends so if you'd like to see a list of all the books I own, I've sorted them together in this Goodreads list. I've only read about 50 of the ones pictured, so your chance of choosing something I haven't read should be high :p
Thanks for stopping by today! I have one more mini-challenge to share in about four hours, so look forward to that.
Other Love-a-Thon posts: Introduction (Questionnaire) • One Can Only Quote
Hi everyone! I'm continuing in the Love-a-Thon by sharing two of my favorite quotes, both relating to love but one romantic and the other friendship. I love keeping track of quotes in my book journal, so I'm glad I have a reason to share some today :)
I didn't read Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins until November of last year (I know, what?!) but when I finally did, I fell completely in love with Cricket Bell and his quirky self. I feel like he is the definition of "boy next door," literally and figuratively, and there's so much about him that goes unnoticed, but seeing Lola proclaim this got me all warm and fuzzy.
It reminds me a bit of the line from Looking for Alaska by John Green, "... if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane," which I also love.
Speaking of John Green, this quote from The Fault in Our Stars was one that filled my heart the moment I read it. I love the relationship between Augustus and Isaac which, to be honest, I didn't realize until I watched the adaptation in theaters.
If you missed my introduction post, here it is! I'll be back tomorrow with two other challenges, so feel free to leave your links in the comments below :)
I didn't read Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins until November of last year (I know, what?!) but when I finally did, I fell completely in love with Cricket Bell and his quirky self. I feel like he is the definition of "boy next door," literally and figuratively, and there's so much about him that goes unnoticed, but seeing Lola proclaim this got me all warm and fuzzy.
It reminds me a bit of the line from Looking for Alaska by John Green, "... if people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane," which I also love.
Speaking of John Green, this quote from The Fault in Our Stars was one that filled my heart the moment I read it. I love the relationship between Augustus and Isaac which, to be honest, I didn't realize until I watched the adaptation in theaters.
Are there any memorable quotes you love from books you've read?
I'd love to hear them—maybe it'll be a reason to start something new!
If you missed my introduction post, here it is! I'll be back tomorrow with two other challenges, so feel free to leave your links in the comments below :)
Although Valentine's Day was last week, it's never too late to continue sharing the love! During these next two days, Alexa from Alexa Loves Books is hosting the 2015 Book Blogger Love-a-Thon, an event dedicated to spreading the love to blogs and bloggers. I've decided to join in on all the fun, so you'll be seeing a LOT of activity here and on Twitter!
1. What's your name?
As a way to meet me and/or get to know me better, here is a little questionnaire :)
My name is Amaris (it rhymes with glamorous!) and it means promised by God.
2. Where in the world are you blogging from?
I currently live in Northern California and have been here my whole life.
3. How did you get into blogging in the first place?
I was obsessed with Xanga in 2003 (I wish I was lying when I say I've had at least 30 usernames on that site) and have always loved the idea of sharing content and connecting with other users. In the past couple of years, I started two blogs mainly about beauty/lifestyle things but I never stuck around because I wasn't passionate about it. I didn't take blogging seriously until I realized that I wanted to talk about books in March of last year, so I'm glad I've finally found a place that I love!
4. How did you come up with your blog name?
I started amarisafloria during my "I-don't-know-what-to-blog-about-but-I-want-to-blog" phase, so I wanted something simple. The "amaris" part is my name, of course, and I just made up "afloria" because I thought it sounded pretty. I'm thinking about changing it to "Amaris in Wonderland," but I probably shouldn't because it might confuse a lot of people :x
5. What genre do you read and review the most on your blog?
I read and review mostly contemporary on my blog, but I've been trying to expand my horizons and branch out. (If you have any non-contemporary recommendations that you think I'd enjoy, PLEASE let me know!)
6. What other types of posts do you do on your blog, apart from reviews?
Up & Coming, a feature created to share upcoming books that deserve more attention, is one of my favorite things to share at the beginning of each month. I don't write as many discussion posts as I'd like to, so hopefully I can push myself to write more. (I did, however, write about explaining YA to non-bookish people last month!)
7. Best blogging experience so far?
Being able to talk to and meet other bloggers/readers has been so much fun. I don't normally talk to other people about the books I read, so knowing that there are others who want to fangirl/share in the excitement of reading a certain book makes me excited :)
8. Favorite thing about the blogging community?
I love that everyone is so responsive and respectful.
9. Name the five books you're most excited for this 2015!
I know this question is most likely referring to books that haven't been released yet, but I wanted to share the books that I'm most excited to read this year and have already been published: Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi, Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, and The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson.
10. What's an underrated book or series that you think everyone should read?
This is a bit tough for me to answer because I recently got into reading and have only touched the popular books, but I'm surprised that there aren't more people talking about Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott. It's often compared to The Hunger Games, but the two have a ton of differences worth reading about!
11. Which book boy or girl would be your book BFF?
The first person I thought of was Kenji from Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me trilogy. He is just so SASSY and hilarious, but also protective. He would be the perfect BFF :)
12. Apart from reading, what are your other hobbies or interests?
I love scrapbooking! Since I'm not that great at graphic designing on the computer, I unleash my creative side by literally cutting and pasting photos and different types of paper :p I have yet to start a book for this year, but I have all my pictures ready for printing. I also love to snowboard and explore new places, but I don't often get a chance to.
13. Apart from book shopping, what else do you like shopping for?
To be honest, I don't really like shopping. I have this long list of things I need to shop for on my phone (an umbrella, a cap, etc.) but I never look at it because I'm picky and it'd take me ages to find the perfect fit. I do, however, love browsing stationery/craft stores (like Paper Source and Michaels) and Target. I LOVE TARGET.
14. At a party, the DJ suddenly changes the song — and it's your song. What song would be playing?
I kind of have a weird relationship with songs — I automatically like it if I can sing along, but I'm not attached to any one song in particular. If I had to choose one, it would be Luck by American Authors.
15. Pick out either a book you want turned into a film/TV show, or a film/TV show you want turned into a book.
I would love to see Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill turned into a film. London, silly boys, and a quirky storyline? YES PLEASE!
If you are participating in this year's Love-a-Thon, link me to your questionnaire so I can read it and respond! If not, you can still share your answers with me :) I'm excited to see how the rest of today goes. I'll be back in a little bit with quotes about love and friendship!
2. Where in the world are you blogging from?
I currently live in Northern California and have been here my whole life.
3. How did you get into blogging in the first place?
I was obsessed with Xanga in 2003 (I wish I was lying when I say I've had at least 30 usernames on that site) and have always loved the idea of sharing content and connecting with other users. In the past couple of years, I started two blogs mainly about beauty/lifestyle things but I never stuck around because I wasn't passionate about it. I didn't take blogging seriously until I realized that I wanted to talk about books in March of last year, so I'm glad I've finally found a place that I love!
4. How did you come up with your blog name?
I started amarisafloria during my "I-don't-know-what-to-blog-about-but-I-want-to-blog" phase, so I wanted something simple. The "amaris" part is my name, of course, and I just made up "afloria" because I thought it sounded pretty. I'm thinking about changing it to "Amaris in Wonderland," but I probably shouldn't because it might confuse a lot of people :x
5. What genre do you read and review the most on your blog?
I read and review mostly contemporary on my blog, but I've been trying to expand my horizons and branch out. (If you have any non-contemporary recommendations that you think I'd enjoy, PLEASE let me know!)
6. What other types of posts do you do on your blog, apart from reviews?
Up & Coming, a feature created to share upcoming books that deserve more attention, is one of my favorite things to share at the beginning of each month. I don't write as many discussion posts as I'd like to, so hopefully I can push myself to write more. (I did, however, write about explaining YA to non-bookish people last month!)
7. Best blogging experience so far?
Being able to talk to and meet other bloggers/readers has been so much fun. I don't normally talk to other people about the books I read, so knowing that there are others who want to fangirl/share in the excitement of reading a certain book makes me excited :)
8. Favorite thing about the blogging community?
I love that everyone is so responsive and respectful.
9. Name the five books you're most excited for this 2015!
I know this question is most likely referring to books that haven't been released yet, but I wanted to share the books that I'm most excited to read this year and have already been published: Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi, Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, and The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson.
10. What's an underrated book or series that you think everyone should read?
This is a bit tough for me to answer because I recently got into reading and have only touched the popular books, but I'm surprised that there aren't more people talking about Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott. It's often compared to The Hunger Games, but the two have a ton of differences worth reading about!
11. Which book boy or girl would be your book BFF?
The first person I thought of was Kenji from Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me trilogy. He is just so SASSY and hilarious, but also protective. He would be the perfect BFF :)
12. Apart from reading, what are your other hobbies or interests?
I love scrapbooking! Since I'm not that great at graphic designing on the computer, I unleash my creative side by literally cutting and pasting photos and different types of paper :p I have yet to start a book for this year, but I have all my pictures ready for printing. I also love to snowboard and explore new places, but I don't often get a chance to.
13. Apart from book shopping, what else do you like shopping for?
To be honest, I don't really like shopping. I have this long list of things I need to shop for on my phone (an umbrella, a cap, etc.) but I never look at it because I'm picky and it'd take me ages to find the perfect fit. I do, however, love browsing stationery/craft stores (like Paper Source and Michaels) and Target. I LOVE TARGET.
14. At a party, the DJ suddenly changes the song — and it's your song. What song would be playing?
I kind of have a weird relationship with songs — I automatically like it if I can sing along, but I'm not attached to any one song in particular. If I had to choose one, it would be Luck by American Authors.
15. Pick out either a book you want turned into a film/TV show, or a film/TV show you want turned into a book.
I would love to see Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill turned into a film. London, silly boys, and a quirky storyline? YES PLEASE!
If you are participating in this year's Love-a-Thon, link me to your questionnaire so I can read it and respond! If not, you can still share your answers with me :) I'm excited to see how the rest of today goes. I'll be back in a little bit with quotes about love and friendship!
Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that's how I know everyone still remembers everything—how I destroyed my relationship with Patrick the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. How I wrecked their whole family. Now I’m serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college, and be done.I feel like we get a lot of books with bad boys, but not many about bad girls. I'll be honest, I'm interested in reading this one because I'm nosy and would like to find out what the heck Molly did to get all this hate. I like my life to stay drama-free, but reading a book filled with drama is a different story :p
Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn't finished. I'm expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it's just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. "For what it’s worth, Molly Barlow," he says, "I’m really glad you’re back."
Day 12: Gabe got me to come to this party, and I’m actually having fun. I think he’s about to kiss me—and that’s when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who’s supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who’s never going to forgive me.
Have you read anything by Katie Cotugno?
Which book(s) are you waiting on this Wednesday?
The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall
Book 1 in The Conspiracy of Us trilogy
Young Adult Fiction // Categories: Contemporary, Mystery
Release Date: January 13, 2015
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (Penguin Books USA)
Format: Hardcover • 324 pages
Rating: 4.5 stars
Filed under: clues and puzzles, foreign cities (Istanbul + Paris), possible love triangle
BEFORE I STARTED READING
I have been waiting for this book to come out for quite some time, so being able to hold it in my hands and flip through the pages was SO NICE. AND THE COVER. So gorgeous!
THINGS I LOVED
I love that Hall created a fiction story out of someone who once walked this planet. I don't know much about history, but reading The Conspiracy of Us pushed me to find out more about Alexander the Great and who he was in real life (as opposed to who he was in this book).
There are a lot of times when an author will choose a beautiful location for their characters but the story could have happened literally anywhere in the world and it wouldn't change anything. This wasn't the case with this book, thankfully! Being able to visit the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the Notre Dame in Paris with Avery, the main character, on her adventure makes me want to sightsee in Europe so badly.
Although the flow and surprises in the story was a bit predictable, I still enjoyed it a lot. There's just something about finding clues and connecting pieces together that excites me. Reading The Conspiracy of Us felt just like a movie, which is exactly what I wanted it to be.
THE ROMANCE
While there was some romance throughout The Conspiracy of Us, it didn't MAKE the story. I'd say there's more action than romance, which is perfect because it will leave you wanting more. The ending hints at a future love triangle, but it's way too early to tell.
LAST WORDS
If you're looking for a quick and exciting read, this is the book for you. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series as soon as it comes out!
Does a love triangle make or break your interest in a book?
Mini Book Reviews → The Giver by Lois Lowry + Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth + Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Friday, February 6, 2015
In an effort to share my thoughts on all the books I read, I'm starting a series! I know full-length reviews are typically ignored (and to be honest, I sometimes don't have a lot to say about certain books) so this is a happy medium :)
I made plans to read this book back in March 2014 before the movie came out, but I pushed it aside due to my disinterest. For some strange reason, I recently really wanted to watch the movie (but refused to before I had a chance to read the book) so I decided to sit myself down and just get through it. I was very fascinated with the society from the beginning and I kept wanting to read on, but the ending was a bit anticlimactic. I wish it could've been a bit longer but other than that, I liked it. If you've read Gathering Blue, how is it? I'm still unsure if I want to continue with the series.
After being away from the Divergent world for a while, I was excited to experience some new (and familiar) events from Four's perspective. I loved being able to see how he reasons and how he interacts with those in Dauntless before he befriends them. Although The Traitor (the last novella in this bind-up) overlaps with pieces of Divergent, I didn't mind. If you love Four as much as I do, you will appreciate this book :)
I finished this a couple of days ago and I'm still torn on how I should rate this. The entire story moved at a slow pace, but it needed to be that way to show growth and perseverance in all the characters. It felt a bit like reading diary entries (which I typically don't enjoy reading) and the way it was written made for a quick read. I've personally never known about the genocide of Baltic people (it often gets overshadowed by the Holocaust, as Sepetys states in her Author's Note) so I am very thankful that I came across this book. Although it was a painful reality, I think everyone would benefit from reading Between Shades of Gray. I wish I read it in middle or high school.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Book 1 in the Giver Quartet
Young Adult Fiction // Categories: Dystopia, Science Fiction
Release Date: January 24, 2006 (first published in 1993)
Publisher: Ember (Random House)
Rating: 4 stars
I made plans to read this book back in March 2014 before the movie came out, but I pushed it aside due to my disinterest. For some strange reason, I recently really wanted to watch the movie (but refused to before I had a chance to read the book) so I decided to sit myself down and just get through it. I was very fascinated with the society from the beginning and I kept wanting to read on, but the ending was a bit anticlimactic. I wish it could've been a bit longer but other than that, I liked it. If you've read Gathering Blue, how is it? I'm still unsure if I want to continue with the series.
🖤🖤🖤
Four: A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth
Young Adult Fiction // Categories: Dystopia, Science Fiction
Release Date: July 8, 2014
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books (HarperCollins)
Rating: 4 stars
After being away from the Divergent world for a while, I was excited to experience some new (and familiar) events from Four's perspective. I loved being able to see how he reasons and how he interacts with those in Dauntless before he befriends them. Although The Traitor (the last novella in this bind-up) overlaps with pieces of Divergent, I didn't mind. If you love Four as much as I do, you will appreciate this book :)
"You're the one who has to live with your choice," she says. "Everyone else will get over it, move on, no matter what you decide. But you never will." (p. 5)
🖤🖤🖤
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Young Adult Fiction // Categories: Historical Fiction
Release Date: April 3, 2012 (first published in 2011)
Publisher: Speak (Penguin Books USA)
Rating: 3.5 stars
I finished this a couple of days ago and I'm still torn on how I should rate this. The entire story moved at a slow pace, but it needed to be that way to show growth and perseverance in all the characters. It felt a bit like reading diary entries (which I typically don't enjoy reading) and the way it was written made for a quick read. I've personally never known about the genocide of Baltic people (it often gets overshadowed by the Holocaust, as Sepetys states in her Author's Note) so I am very thankful that I came across this book. Although it was a painful reality, I think everyone would benefit from reading Between Shades of Gray. I wish I read it in middle or high school.
If you've read any of these three books, how did you feel about them?
I wasn't planning to do this week's Top Ten Tuesday, but I thought it'd be a good idea to share some historical novels I hope to read this year and motivate myself to start now! I tend to say I'm interested in historical fiction all the time, but to be honest ... I don't think I've read a single book in that genre. (Except Number the Stars, which was a GREAT book.) Anyway, here are the twelve books:
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
This has been on my "to read" list for ages now and I have NO IDEA why I haven't read it yet. I think I have the avoid-books-you-actually-want-to-read gene.
Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman
In my end of year book survey, I labeled this as the book that I didn't get to in 2014 but MUST in 2015. My decision hasn't changed, so I'll be picking it up during this month or the next (hopefully ...) Someone please slap me if I don't.
All That is Solid Melts into Air by Darragh McKeon
To be quite honest, I was drawn in by the cover. The synopsis is quite depressing - as are most historical fiction novels, I've found - but I'm really interested in finding out what happens.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
After talking about this book in my "Top 5 Most Embarrassing Unread Books" and "Top 10 Books I Want to Read but Don't Own Yet" posts, the next time I mention this title better be in a book review! I keep saying I'll read it, but I never get around to doing it because I want to read from a purchased copy. (Excuses, excuses ...)
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
I've been meaning to read this for a couple of years now (absolutely NO idea where I'd heard of it) and since I have a copy, I'm making it my mission to get to this TODAY!
A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller
I wasn't too captivated by the synopsis, but a ton of bloggers have been saying good things about this one. Knowing that it takes place in London doesn't hurt either.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
I watched this movie last year and it broke me, so I guess the next step is read the book and cry waterfalls again.
I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe
I was browsing through Hannah's blog (So Obsessed With) and I Shall Be Near to You was one of her historical recommendations. Because I'm so obsessed with her (haha), I've added this to my list!
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
My brother read this during class and loved it, so I have no doubt that I will enjoy it just as much.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
I first heard about this book from Regan at Peruse Project but I don't know much about it. I admit this was another pick because of the cover!
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Like I mentioned in a previous top ten tuesday post, SO many people on YouTube have been talking about this book. I have been mentally preparing myself for this book so I am ready to tackle this one. If you've read it, please let me know if you think it's as good as everyone says :)
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I found this as I was browsing the "Historical Fiction" tab on Goodreads and WOW. I haven't heard anything about this book yet, so I'm pretty excited to read this with no outside opinions. (I guess seeing the star ratings would mess that up, but oh well :p)
If you know of any more historical fiction novels OR if there is one you really love that you didn't see on this list, please let me know!
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
This has been on my "to read" list for ages now and I have NO IDEA why I haven't read it yet. I think I have the avoid-books-you-actually-want-to-read gene.
Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman
In my end of year book survey, I labeled this as the book that I didn't get to in 2014 but MUST in 2015. My decision hasn't changed, so I'll be picking it up during this month or the next (hopefully ...) Someone please slap me if I don't.
All That is Solid Melts into Air by Darragh McKeon
To be quite honest, I was drawn in by the cover. The synopsis is quite depressing - as are most historical fiction novels, I've found - but I'm really interested in finding out what happens.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
After talking about this book in my "Top 5 Most Embarrassing Unread Books" and "Top 10 Books I Want to Read but Don't Own Yet" posts, the next time I mention this title better be in a book review! I keep saying I'll read it, but I never get around to doing it because I want to read from a purchased copy. (Excuses, excuses ...)
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
I've been meaning to read this for a couple of years now (absolutely NO idea where I'd heard of it) and since I have a copy, I'm making it my mission to get to this TODAY!
A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller
I wasn't too captivated by the synopsis, but a ton of bloggers have been saying good things about this one. Knowing that it takes place in London doesn't hurt either.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
I watched this movie last year and it broke me, so I guess the next step is read the book and cry waterfalls again.
I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe
I was browsing through Hannah's blog (So Obsessed With) and I Shall Be Near to You was one of her historical recommendations. Because I'm so obsessed with her (haha), I've added this to my list!
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
My brother read this during class and loved it, so I have no doubt that I will enjoy it just as much.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
I first heard about this book from Regan at Peruse Project but I don't know much about it. I admit this was another pick because of the cover!
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Like I mentioned in a previous top ten tuesday post, SO many people on YouTube have been talking about this book. I have been mentally preparing myself for this book so I am ready to tackle this one. If you've read it, please let me know if you think it's as good as everyone says :)
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I found this as I was browsing the "Historical Fiction" tab on Goodreads and WOW. I haven't heard anything about this book yet, so I'm pretty excited to read this with no outside opinions. (I guess seeing the star ratings would mess that up, but oh well :p)
If you know of any more historical fiction novels OR if there is one you really love that you didn't see on this list, please let me know!
Other Top Ten Tuesdays that may tickle your fancy:
Up and Coming was created so I could share four soon-to-be-published-this-month books I think deserve more attention. (In other words, these are the books you should be adding to your TBR pile!) I'll be doing these at the beginning of each month, so feel free to do the same if you'd like :)
Inherit Midnight by Kate Kae Myers
Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary
Publication Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Other books by Kate Kae Myers: The Vanishing Game
The Competition:I just finished The Conspiracy of Us and this is sounding REALLY familiar (puzzles, foreign countries, a character named Avery ...) but I've found that I really enjoy YA mystery, so I'm hoping this will be different.
Outlandishly wealthy Grandmother VanDemere has decided to leave her vast fortune to the family member who proves him or herself worthiest-by solving puzzles and riddles on a whirlwind race around the globe, from the mines of Venezuela to the castles of Scotland. There will be eight competitors, three continents ... and a prize worth millions.
The Players:
Seventeen-year-old Avery is the black sheep of the VanDemere clan, the ostracized illegitimate daughter. Finally, she has a chance to prove herself ... and to discover the truth about her long-lost mother.
Marshall might be Avery's uncle, but there's no love lost between the two of them. He's her main competition, and he'll do anything to win-including betray his own children.
Riley is the handsome son of Grandmother VanDemere's lawyer. As the game progresses, Avery falls hard for Riley. Suddenly, losing the game might mean losing him, too.
As the competition takes treacherous turns, it becomes clear there can only be one victor. Who can Avery truly trust? And is winning worth her life?
Rebound by Noelle August
Book 2 in the Boomerang series
Genre(s): New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: William Morrow (HarperCollins)
Adam Blackwood has it all. At twenty-two, he’s fabulously wealthy, Ryan Gosling-hot and at the top of his game in the business world. His life is perfect, until a scandal from his past resurfaces and threatens to knock the tech wunderkind down and throw his company, Boomerang, a hook-up site for millennials, into chaos.After reading Boomerang, the first book in this series, I've been looking for something just as witty and full of banter. (If you know of something, please let me know!) Although I'm not fond of Allison, one of the perspectives in Rebound, I'm ready to be thoroughly entertained.
Alison Quick, the twenty-one-year-old daughter of a business tycoon — and the very ex-girlfriend of Boomerang’s former intern, Ethan — has a problem of her own. After nearly flunking out in her senior year of college, she has one chance to redeem herself to her father by proving that she deserves a place in his corporate empire. That means spearheading her father’s plan to sink big money into Adam’s company and launch it into the stratosphere — provided Adam has no skeletons in his closet.
When the two meet, their sizzling chemistry makes it tough to keep things strictly professional. But when Alison discovers Adam’s secret, she knows she should bring it right to her father, who’ll leverage it for his own gain and use it to ruin Adam. The only problem: she’s falling for Adam — hard.
Will earning her father’s approval come at the price of losing her first real love? Or can Adam and Alison leave behind past mistakes and conquer the world — together?
Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott
Book 2 in the Fire & Flood series
Genre(s): Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Scholastic Press
How far would you go to survive?I've heard really great things about this one already. Fire & Flood was not a disappointment and as crazy as it is, I'm still looking forward to being back in this world.
In Fire & Flood, Tella Holloway faced a dangerous trek through the jungle and a terrifying march across the desert, all to remain a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed for a chance at obtaining the Cure for her brother. She can’t stop – and in Salt & Stone, Tella will have to face the unseen dangers of the ocean, the breathless cold of a mountain, and twisted new rules in the race.
But what if the danger is deeper than that? How do you know who to trust when everyone’s keeping secrets? What do you do when the person you’d relied on most suddenly isn’t there for support? How do you weigh one life against another?
The race is coming to an end, and Tella is running out of time, resources, and strength. At the beginning of the race there were one hundred twenty-two Contenders. As Tella and her remaining friends start the fourth and final part of the race, just forty-one are left ... and only one can win.
A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas
Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen (HarperCollins)
A spinning wheel. A prick of a finger. A terrible curse.If I could only read one new February release, I'd pick this one. There's something about fairytales that always captures my attention, and this is no exception.
One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairytale.
Her family is long dead. Her “true love” is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept. Everyone expects Aurora to marry her betrothed and restore magic and peace to the kingdom before revolution tears it apart. But after a lifetime spent locked in a tower for her own safety, Aurora longs for the freedom to make her own choices. When she meets a handsome rebel, he tempts her to abandon everything for a different kind of life.
As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her.
With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.
Other popular mentions that I'm quite excited for as well: I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios, Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard and A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Which February releases are you most looking forward to?
Have you been lucky enough to read any yet?
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