amarisafloria

HELLO MY FRIENDS! I started a new job two weeks ago (some details coming soon!) so the books have been piling up. This is the result of my current inability to finish books before starting new ones. It will be a miracle if I can complete even four of these in April.






The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (hardcover)
I stopped reading The Book Thief in September, but I REFUSE to give up. It was just bad timing when I started it. Just curious—is there anyone out there who *doesn't* like this book?

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (paperback)
This is the book I was supposed to read with my boyfriend (I almost typed book boyfriend, LOL) but he finished the whole thing on audiobook and left me in the dust. Now I just don't want to read it, but he asks me about it everyday *starts pulling hair out of my head*

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (audiobook)
My loan expired yesterday, so I have to wait a while before I can finish this hefty book. It's a re-read so I'm cool with leaving Hogwarts for a little, but it's my first time listening to it on audiobook. The narrator, Jim Dale, is excellent. I love the different voices he uses, especially Hermione's (it's weird) and Umbridge's.




The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith (hardcover)
I'm part of a community group at my church, and this is the book we're reading through together. To be completely honest, it's not that great. I like Smith's illustrations, but he brings in too many ideas. Each chapter is supposed to be focused on one aspect of God, but he never fully gets his point across.

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin (paperback)
Contrary to my feelings about the previous book, I love this one so far! It teaches ways to study the Bible with both the heart and the mind. I love reading the Bible, but I have a hard time dissecting it and verbalizing what I've learned. My hope is to gain more understanding (but I know I will never fully "get" everything!) and stay passionate.




City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (paperback)
I bought a physical copy of City of Bones back in 2013 and tried to start it, but I couldn't get into fantasy back then. Luckily (for me) it blew up and now everyone is talking about it! I didn't want to miss out, so I picked it up again and am enjoying the majority of it! If you've finished the series, which book was your favorite? I know I have a long way to go!

Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally (e-book)
I'm only 60 pages into this one, so a lot of things can change, but so far: the author writes a very interesting perspective on how Christians believe they are to act and think. I really had no idea this would be so focused on Kate's faith, which I'm fairly happy about. I'm a Christian, so I'm really looking forward to discussing this book in the future. Whether you're a Christian or not, how did Things I Can't Forget change the way you view faith?




The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (hardcover)
As some of you may know, The Winner's Kiss is the last book in The Winner's trilogy—and it was finally released today! HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY TO MARIE RUTKOSKI. I really wanted to have a clean slate (aka have zero books on my "currently reading" list) before starting this one, but I've been in a mood. A mood where I just can't seem to finish anything. But it's fine, because I know I'll enjoy this one! And according to my past reading experiences, I read more if I enjoy something. (Bad books slow me down.) If you're looking for a new trilogy to read, let me convince you to start this one :)

WARNING: YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK.

If you've never watched an episode of Friday Night Lights or read a book by Jane Austen, do not fret. Don't think about the fact that football plays a big part in First & Then, or that you may be dealing with a love triangle. Yes, these are all things that could possibly push you away from this story. But that is why I'm here to tell you to READ IT ANYWAY.

First & Then follows Devon Tennyson, a girl who believes herself to be average and has no idea what she wants in life. She's crushing hard on her best friend, Cas, but is pretty cool with not telling him and just taking each day as it comes. Her life is thrown into a loop when her cousin, Foster, comes to live with her family. Even worse—Dev is stuck in the same gym class as Foster, along with Ezra, the obnoxious quarterback.

I really wasn't prepared for how emotional I'd be, or how strongly I'd understand Devon. When I was in high school, I felt the same as she did—unspectacular. Devon doesn't have any goals, and she isn't passionate about anything in particular (except Jane Austen's novels? Haha.) As much as I enjoy books about characters who are above and beyond the norm, I love that First & Then highlights how anyone with an ordinary life can have extraordinary moments.

The moment I started reading about Foster and his quirky self, I immediately pictured Farkle from Girl Meets World, hahaha. I love how his relationship with Devon develops from babysitter to real friendship. He's forced into Devon's life, and she hesitates to accept him at first, but the way they're placed into different situations together is realistic and done very well.

And then we have Ezra. Everyone assumes he's cocky and on his high horse, but there is so much more about him that no one knows about. He doesn't say much, which looks terrible on him, so everyone has these assumptions. But as time goes on, we break through his walls, little by little. I like that he's true to his character throughout the entire story—nothing changes who he is. He doesn't suddenly become outspoken or overly confident.

My only complaint about First & Then is about the relationships left in "limbo." There are multiple characters who get into a bit of conflict with one another and things go unresolved. I think it's mostly my need to know, but why introduce something that you just leave hanging? (This didn't keep me away from enjoying the story at all, I just wanted more from every single character!)

If you're looking for a sweet contemporary romance, you need to read this one. It is the perfect amount of both cute and serious, and it's less than 300 pages so you can zip through it on the weekend.

I'm always changing my mind about the types of books I want to read, but I have a good feeling that at least half of the books I mention will be read by the end of spring. Here's to hoping I stick with it (and if you're planning on reading any of these, maybe we can fangirl about them together!)


The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury // There have been a TON of new fairy tale retellings this year, but I decided to pick The Forbidden Wish because it's been getting the most positive reviews. I already have a copy from the library, so I'm hoping to get to it after I finish my current read, City of Bones.

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski // The Winner's Crime ended in such a painful way, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

When We Collided by Emery Lord // I will read anything Emery writes.


The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer // I didn't feel the need to continue the series after I read Cinder back in 2014, but Scarlet was so good. I trust everyone who says that the series gets better, so I need to hurry up and read Cress!


Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson // I think it's finally time to read some Morgan Matson, and what better book than to start with her debut novel?

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern // I'm a bit iffy reading magical realism, but so many people love this book. If you've read it, please let me know what you thought of it!

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith // Gettin' a head start on my swoon-worthy list ASAP! It's a super short book, so I know I'll be finished with this one in three or four hours.

What's on your spring TBR this year? Are you pretty good at sticking to your list? If you've read any of the books on this list, which ones did you like?

We're getting a lot of rain during this time of year — which is great because we need it, but it's been my excuse to hole up at home and hide from the world. On the non-rainy days, I was able to visit a used bookstore with one of my good friends and get pizza + go bowling with my community group from church :)



Giant Days, Vol. 1
I LOVE THIS SERIES! Each issue highlights a situation or two that most college students experience in a funny way. It's very relatable, so you'll really enjoy this if you're in college and studying away from home right now. I love how the three roommates (Daisy, Esther, and Susan) are so different from one another, but they share such a fun and loving friendship. The illustrations are perfect for the content in Giant Days, and I hope this series runs for a long time. This has definitely set my standards for contemporary comic series high.

• I initially purchased The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater to read immediately, but that had to be postponed. I hope to, at the very least, start this one before The Raven King (the last book in The Raven Boys quartet) is released!
• For our fifth Valentine's Day, my boyfriend gifted me a huge "I like BIG BOOKS and I cannot lie" tote and a huge bag of candy. He knows me so well :)
• I found this hardcover copy of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern at Half Price Books for EIGHT dollars! Really excited to get to this one, especially since it is considered a favorite for many.

• Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan left me confused, curious, and wanting more. Not sure how that happened, to be honest.
• For February 9th's Top Ten Tuesday, I shared ten swoon-worthy books I have yet to read. Feel free to share your recommendations for swoony reads!
• FINALLY ... the 2015 YA favorites are here! These are the six books I loved.