On My Wishlist (50)

Back from hiatus! In On My Wishlist I spotlight books that I'm really looking forward to. I know there's a meme Waiting on Wednesday and there even are others, but I'm going to rebel and do it how I want it (hehe). I'll feature the synopsis as posted on Goodreads and put a linkie to the Goodreads page of the book. This week: Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis.

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
Publication date: September 24th, 2013

Synopsis
Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water.

Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it...

Goodreads page

This sounds so awesome. Lynn sounds fierce and feisty and amazing and I *love* this synopsis for this book. These kinds of books make me wish there was a bigger budget for books.. BUT it will make it all the more sweet when I finally get my paws on this pretty book. Meanwhile, I'll just stare at the pretty cover until I can actually hold my copy..

Review: Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls by Tellulah Darling

Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls by Tellulah Darling
Published: October 17th, 2012 (Te Da Media)
Pages: 244
Source: for review via Netgalley
Series: NA
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★☆☆


Why the hell can’t chicks be more like guys?

That question plagues high school senior Sam Cruz. Sam is perfectly happy being a player. He just wishes girls wouldn’t change the game from sex to relationships. It makes him look like an asshole. But when Sam’s best friend, Ally Klinger, gets dumped, she begs him to transform her into someone who can screw around then screw off. No risk of heartbreak that way. It’s Sam’s chance to create the perfect female AND cheer up his best friend. Armed with Sam’s Three Step Guide to Backseat Success, Ally gets the game better than Sam thought she would and before long, Sam has his wish: the female version of himself. Too bad it’s driving him nuts. Told from Sam’s and Ally's alternating POVs, Sam Cruz’s Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is a fast-paced YA romantic comedy that follows these teens as they navigate the minefield of sex, love, and friendship.

This contemporary teen romance contains strong language, drinking, euphemisms, and lots of “bow chicka wow wow".

To be honest, I don't think I would have picked up this book by myself. I can't even say why not -- there's no particular reason. Sometimes you just have a feeling. But I'm glad I decided to pick this one up because it was a very enjoyable read.

Warning beforehand: this review is going to be very black and white. I can't nuance things with this book, and it might be because the book itself is quite black and white when it comes to things. Anyhoo. I quite liked that the storyline was pretty realistic. The characters were pretty harsh at times but their dialogue sounded real and flowed well. It was funny at times and that really carried the story.

Having said that, I seriously disliked both Sam and Alley half of the time. They were arseholes. They were so annoying and that really bothered me, though I can see how that fits into the story. It just doesn't mean I should like it.. Which I didn't.

The storyline was predictable, but because of the way it was written it didn't really bother me most of the time. I enjoyed the humor and the bickering between Sam and Ally and I really think that is why I enjoyed the book as much as I did.

Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls is indeed filled with strong language and the like, but I never felt like that went over the top. It really worked in this book and I quite enjoyed the harsh reality in it. I just felt like Sam and Ally could have been smaller arseholes, though I think it's part of why they'd make such a good couple.

Review: The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
Published: September 2nd, 2008 (Sarah Chrichton Books)
Pages: 289
Age group: Adult
Source: bought
Series: NA
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★☆☆


Meet Pat. Pat has a theory: his life is a movie produced by God. And his God-given mission is to become physically fit and emotionally literate, whereupon God will ensure a happy ending for him -- the return of his estranged wife Nikki. (It might not come as a surprise to learn that Pat has spent time in a mental health facility.) The problem is, Pat's now home, and everything feels off. No one will talk to him about Nikki; his beloved Philadelphia Eagles keep losing; he's being pursued by the deeply odd Tiffany; his new therapist seems to recommend adultery as a form of therapy. Plus, he's being hunted by Kenny G!

It has been several weeks since I've read The Silver Linings Playbook and I still have no idea how to rate this book. I still don't know what to do with this review. While the book didn't blow my mind, it definitely got me thinking.

Pat is a bit of a weird character for me. I don't think I've ever come across a character like Pat. On one side, I found him really engaging and sweet, but on the other side I didn't quite know what to make of him. This might have to do with me not having read any books like this before, but still. Reader Pat was really easy to relate to -- but I absolutely detested all the spoilers for books I haven't read yet. While he reads for a different reason than I do, almost everything was so familiar and I absolutely loved that.

While it was obvious that Tiffany had some serious mental issues, I found her endearing in some of the scenes. The 'big reveal' fell a bit flat since I figured that out immediately, but I don't think that took away from the book. It was meant to play out this way and eventually, it all worked out.

So what do I think of this book? I enjoyed reading it, but I don't think it will be among my favourites. I will definitely watch the movie (which was the reason I picked up the book in the first place) so there's that. I'm pretty sure I'll still be thinking about this book in several months, and that is definitely worth mentioning.

On My Wishlist (49)

Back from hiatus! In On My Wishlist I spotlight books that I'm really looking forward to. I know there's a meme Waiting on Wednesday and there even are others, but I'm going to rebel and do it how I want it (hehe). I'll feature the synopsis as posted on Goodreads and put a linkie to the Goodreads page of the book. This week: The 100 by Kass Morgan.

The 100 by Kass Morgan
Publication date: September 3rd, 2013

Synopsis
In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland... before it's too late.

Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust - and even love - again.

Goodreads page

This sounds so amazing. I know the early reviews haven't been exactly raving about it, but I can't help myself wanting this book. It sounds right up my street and I love the idea for their mission. Yes please!

Review: My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody
Published: June 7th, 2011 (Square Fish)
Pages: 336
Source: bought
Series: NA
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★★☆


PLEASE READ THIS! MY LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!

Okay, maybe that was a bit melodramatic, but I’m sorry, I’m feeling a bit melodramatic at the moment.

Here’s the deal. My name is Brooklyn Pierce, I’m fifteen years old, and I am decisionally challenged. Seriously, I can’t remember the last good decision I made. I can remember plenty of crappy ones though. Including that party I threw when my parents were out of town that accidentally burned down a model home. Yeah, not my finest moment, for sure.

But see, that’s why I started a blog. To enlist readers to make my decisions for me. That’s right. I gave up. Threw in the towel. I let someone else decide which book I read for English. And whether or not I accepted an invitation to join the debate team from that cute-in-a-dorky-sort-of-way guy who gave me the Heimlich maneuver in the cafeteria. (Note to self: chew the melon before swallowing it.) I even let them decide who I dated!

Well, it turns out there are some things in life you simply can’t choose or have chosen for you—like who you fall in love with. And now everything’s more screwed up than ever.

But don’t take my word for it. Read the book and decide for yourself. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll scream in frustration. Or maybe that’s just me. After all, it’s my life.

When this book was pitched to me by a fellow reader and reviewer, I knew I had to have it. She really sold me on this book and even though it took me a while to finally get it and read it, it was so worth it. She was right. My Life Undecided delivers.

Seriously, I love love love the idea for this book. Setting up a blog so other people can decide stuff for you? Hell yes! It does remind me a bit of Amber, Debby and Judith pushing their favourite books when I ask what I should read next on Twitter, so I guess you could call me an expert on the matter. I'm terrible at making decisions.

Brooklyn is a fantastic character. She was so easy to identify with and she reminded me a bit of me when I was 15 (hiya, Grandma Daph! Here to tell a story?). I've been too active on the interwebz since I was young and I remember myself asking the same kind of questions Brooklyn asks her followers - though it would never have occured to me to create a poll to decide which boy I should date. That was a little too much for me -- but I really got the sentiment.

The storyline was awesome. It was heartfelt, funny and honest and I absolutely adored it. While Brooklyn starts her blog to not have to make her own decisions, she actually develops as a character and learns how to pick her own path.

I would definitely recommend this book. Especially if you liked Adorkable by Sarra Manning, I think you will appreciate this story. I know I absolutely adored this book and I will probably end up forcing people to read this when they ask for book recommendations. Or, you know, vote for it in a poll.

Review: Fractured by Teri Terry

Fractured by Teri Terry
Published: April 4th, 2013 (Orchard Books)
Pages: 432
Source: for review
Series: Slated, #2
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★☆☆ ½

Note: this is not the first book in a series, and can therefore contain (minor) spoilers for the previous book(s) in the series. Reading of this review is at your own risk.

How do you know where to go when you don't remember where you came from?

Kyla's memory has been erased,
her personality wiped blank,
her memories lost for ever.

Or so she thought.

Kyla shouldn't be able to remember anything. But she can - and she's beginning to realise that there are a lot of dark secrets locked away in her memories. When a mysterious man from her past comes back into her life, she thinks she's on her way to finding the truth. But the more she learns about her history, the more confusing her future becomes...

I loved Slated, the first book in this series. While it built on the existing view of dystopians worlds, it brought something new. While Fractured didn't quite deliver the same punch as Slated did for me, it's a good book that will leave you wanting more when you finish.

The first half of the book I was a bit disconnected from Kyla while she was trying to get everything together and figure out what was going on. It was necessary to build the story, but I missed that connection. Thankfully, that was fixed in the second half and I must say that the last 15-20% of the book was the best ending to a book that I've read in a long time. Yes!

The thing with the books in the Slated series is that while you know it's fiction, and you know it's a dystopian society, it's kind of creepy how realistic it all is. With all the things they can already do with technology, who knows what they'll come up with in the future? I wouldn't be surprised if such a thing as memory erasing would be actually possible. And that is what makes it so gripping and so eerily realistic.

During the story I felt myself constantly wondering who was setting Kyla up. Every time I was pretty sure who was the culprit, Terry would throw something my way that would made me doubt myself and at a certain point I basically suspected everyone. I loved that.

Fractured is a great sequel to Slated and it's an awesome buildup to Shattered, which I think will be pretty much epic. I cannot wait to find out what happens next and how it will all end -- I'm a fan! Now give me book 3, pretty please?

On My Wishlist (48)

Back from hiatus! In On My Wishlist I spotlight books that I'm really looking forward to. I know there's a meme Waiting on Wednesday and there even are others, but I'm going to rebel and do it how I want it (hehe). I'll feature the synopsis as posted on Goodreads and put a linkie to the Goodreads page of the book. This week: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Expected publication date: May 13th, 2014

Synopsis
The Pre-Sloane Emily didn’t go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn’t do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell. But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just… disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try… unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough. Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait… what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um…

Goodreads page

A NEW MORGAN MATSON BOOK!! EXCLAMATION POINTS!! I think I love it already! I think I will wait for the UK cover though, since my copies of Second Chance Summer and Amy & Roger's Epic Detour both have pretty illustrated covers.. But nevertheless, I'm beyond excited for this book to come out. I mean.. That synopsis sounds amazing! Eek!

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Published: September 27th, 2011 (Little, Brown Books FYR)
Pages: 418
Source: won
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★☆☆ ½


Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

I had this book on my shelves for nearly two years when I finally read it. And to be honest, if Debby hadn't recommended it, I'm pretty sure it would still be on my shelf, unread. But not because it didn't look good -- I just never felt like I was in the right mood to pick it up. But I finally did, and now I want to read book 2!

What I loved most about this book was Karou. She's feisty and awesome but also almost morbidly curious. She's vulnerable and slightly naive and the combination of all those things made her an interesting character. I liked hanging out with her; she made reasonable decisions most of the time and she was pretty straightforward, something that I can really appreciate.

However, I didn't like Akiva. Karou and Akiva didn't really have (great) chemistry in my opinion, but despite that you could tell they had some sort of connection, even though you don't know what that is.

The "big reveal" was a major letdown for me. I found it confusing and not making sense at all. I spent several chapters confused, flipping the pages back to see if there was anything that I missed (nope). That really took away from my reading pleasure and I would have liked that to be different. Now I just felt confused and after that I felt stupid because I didn't understand it. I understood it near the end, and it made sense, but at the time of the 'reveal'.. Nope. That just didn't work for me. Finding out about Akiva also didn't really surprise me as much as it probably should have.

Having said that, I really liked the world building and the teeth business, even though that was really kind of creepy. It fascinated me and I wanted to find out more.

All in all, I really enjoyed myself while reading this book. It didn't blow me away like I expected, but it was an enjoyable story and it has me curious for Days of Blood and Starlight, so I'll be reading that as well sometime. I'm pretty sure fantasy fans will adore this book, so don't hesitate to pick it up!

On My Wishlist (47)

Back from hiatus! In On My Wishlist I spotlight books that I'm really looking forward to. I know there's a meme Waiting on Wednesday and there even are others, but I'm going to rebel and do it how I want it (hehe). I'll feature the synopsis as posted on Goodreads and put a linkie to the Goodreads page of the book. This week: Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill.

Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill
Expected publication date: January 7th, 2014

Synopsis
Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn’t sure she’s ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she’d give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.

Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who’s been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she’s playing the worst she’s ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.

When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she’s the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn’t occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie—and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It’s not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you’re someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

Goodreads page

I absolutely adored Lauren Morrill's debut novel, Meant To Be. It was cute and awesome and her writing made me relive my time in London. So when I saw this book up on Goodreads, I knew I *had* to read it. I love the idea of these girls switching places and I cannot wait to read it! Unfortunately, this book won't come out until 2014.. So I guess my patience is about to be tested, big time!

Review: What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Published: May 10th, 2011 (Speak)
Pages: 402
Source: bought
Series: NA
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★☆☆


Who is the real McLean?

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.

The latest arrival in my Sarah Dessen collection looked very promising. I'm starting to get used to the new covers, and this one is quite pretty, if I'm honest. However, I didn't like the inside as much as I was expecting.

McLean is a difficult character to relate to. She has moved around a lot, trying to start over every single time, and she has had to deal with a difficult family situation on top of that, so I guess that is what made her a bit distant. Because that was what she was. I couldn't relate to her, she felt so far away. While I can understand this being part of her situation, which made her into the McLean we see in this book, I never had this problem with any other Sarah Dessen protagonist before. And I don't like it.

The first 125 pages or so were very difficult to get into. Honestly, I was on the verge of putting the book away and DNF'ing it, but somehow I managed to push through and read it. After the first third of the book, the story picked up a bit, but it still didn't blow my mind. The storyline was predictable and that bothered me.

I think my main problem is that I've read so many Sarah Dessen books I loved, that one I don't love immediately feels like a disappointment. I know I'm not supposed to compare this book to her other novels, but I can't help myself. I really feel like she can write a better story than this one.

While that all sounds really negative, I actually enjoyed myself while I was reading this book. In terms of the other books, it feels a bit off because I didn't love it, but it won't keep me from reading any more SD books. I just hope she won't bring me any more characters like McLean, because I didn't like her so much.. But I'm sure other contemporary fans will enjoy this book :)

Review: The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter
Published: July 31st, 2012 (Harlequin Teen)
Pages: 395
Source: for review
Series: The Goddess Test, #2.5
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Note: this is not the first book in a series, and can therefore contain (minor) spoilers for the previous book(s) in the series. Reading of this review is at your own risk.

Calliope/Hera represented constancy and yet had a husband who never matched her faithfulness

Ava/Aphrodite was the goddess of love and yet commitment was a totally different deal

Persephone was urged to marry one man, yet longed for another

James/Hermes loved to make trouble for others - but never knew true loss before

Henry/Hades's solitary existence had grown too wearisome to continue. But meeting Kate Winters gave him a new hope.

Five original novellas of love, loss and longing and the will to survive throughout the ages.

While I wasn’t exactly raving about The Goddess Test and Goddess Interrupted, I was intrigued by this collection of short stories. To be honest, I don’t think I would have read this if I hadn’t gotten it for review, but ultimately I quite liked reading these novellas.

My biggest problem in the first two books in the series is that the Greek gods don’t act like gods at all. While I understand that you can get quite bored when you live for eons, I fail to understand why they all have to be whiny spoiled brats. However, in these novellas I feel like we see the gods being a little more mature, a little wiser for their age. I liked that. I felt like I was reading about the mighty gods again. Yes!

For me, this setting works better. I like the gods more true to their nature so this was right up my street. While I don’t think I will really love this series, I found this anthology of novellas enjoyable and am quite glad I decided to spend my time reading it. I’m curious to see what Carter does with the last book of the series; some of these stories showed some background info that I think might be essential to understand the characters (in this case Carter’s interpretation of the gods) in what they are doing. Thankfully I already have The Goddess Inheritance, so I won’t have to wait for the conclusion. This book has given me hope that I will be able to enjoy the conclusion to The Goddess Test, so I’ll be reading that soon.

Back to the Series (1)

In Back to the Series I look back on series that I have started, but not yet finished. Think of it as a sort of reminder for myself to pick up the sequel(s) so I can see how it all ends. This time: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Books: Unearthly (#1), Hallowed #2, Boundless #3

Synopsis
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees... Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

I loved both Unearthly and Hallowed. I loved how they complimented each other, but still felt like distinctive books -- no middle-book-syndrome for this series. So if I loved those books, why haven't I picked up the final instalment? Honestly, I have no idea. It's one of those things you postpone and then before you know it you're almost two years along the line and you still haven't done it.

I'm going to make reading Boundless a priority in the near future. The books are gorgeous so I might as well complete my collection. They'll look so pretty on my shelves!

Pretty covers aside, I really am curious to see how the series will end. Hand really turned the game around in Hallowed and I have no idea where the story is going. I love that!


Do you guys have any series you started but not yet finished or continued? Which ones?

Review: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Published: June 7th, 2012 (Simon & Schuster UK)
Pages: 468
Source: bought
Series: NA
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★★★


Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

Guys, guys.. Seriously, this book. This book. There's no way I can put into words how much I loved it. It was one of my favourites of 2012 and it's still in my favourite books, well over a year after I read it.

Taylor was so easy for me to relate to. I really felt her emotions -- I really felt connected to all of the characters and their stories and I can only say props to that. It's really something to write a story that really connects to its reader.

The setting was great -- I loved that the events mostly takes place at their vacation house while the story itself also takes place at home, before, and even way before around the same vacation house. The characters really came alive with their own little quirks and I was able to visualise everything and everyone in my head.

While the cover looks cheery, the story isn't always like that. It's quite a sad story at times, mixed with happy moments. At the ending I was basically bawling my eyes out because it was all so damn sad and so damn beautiful. It was perfect and there's just no way I can describe it. Second Chance Summer really gave me *all* the feels.

To be honest, I think I'd force this on anyone looking for something to read. I'd say it's a must read for contemporary fans.


ETA: I know this is a lousy review. I'm aware of that -- just know that there is no way I could write a review worthy of this book. Just read it. You won't regret it :)

On My Wishlist (46)

Back from hiatus! In On My Wishlist I spotlight books that I'm really looking forward to. I know there's a meme Waiting on Wednesday and there even are others, but I'm going to rebel and do it how I want it (hehe). I'll feature the synopsis as posted on Goodreads and put a linkie to the Goodreads page of the book. This week: More Than This by Patrick Ness.

More Than This by Patrick Ness
Published: September 10th, 2013

Synopsis
A boy named Seth drowns, desperate and alone in his final moments, losing his life as the pounding sea claims him. But then he wakes. He is naked, thirsty, starving. But alive. How is that possible? He remembers dying, his bones breaking, his skull dashed upon the rocks. So how is he here? And where is this place? It looks like the suburban English town where he lived as a child, before an unthinkable tragedy happened and his family moved to America. But the neighborhood around his old house is overgrown, covered in dust, and completely abandoned. What’s going on? And why is it that whenever he closes his eyes, he falls prey to vivid, agonizing memories that seem more real than the world around him? Seth begins a search for answers, hoping that he might not be alone, that this might not be the hell he fears it to be, that there might be more than just this...

Goodreads page

I know I already posted about my desire for this book in Top Ten Tuesday -- Books On My Fall TBR, but I just *had* to give it its own post. Patrick Ness + dying experience book = instalove for me, I think. I have not yet read it, of course, but I'm so damn excited for this book I can't put it into words. I seriously can't even.

September 2013 Wrap Up

I don't know how it happened, but it's October.. Which means September has come and gone and it's time for my September Wrap Up! Here's what happened on the blog.



Books read
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Angelfall by Susan Ee
Running Girl by Simon Mason
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Book of the month

OMG Y'all this book gave me ALL the feels. So many feels I can't even asdfjkl;
I even read extra slowly because I didn't want it to end because it was so good.. Sigh. So good, so good.

Books not yet finished
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth (audio)
Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder


Reviews written
Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz
If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Hold Your Breath by Caroline Green
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The House of Secrets by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini


Other posts written
August 2013 Wrap Up
Am I Being Too Harsh On Books? Or Am I Just Harder To Impress?
Top Ten Tuesday -- Books On My Fall TBR
Read Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo FREE!
On My Wishlist (45)
Thank You

So last month this was a great idea with the stats and all but September was a sucky month for reading for me.. Anyhoo, here goes: This month I finished 4 books and started 1 more. This equals 1,083 pages which makes a grand total of 17,192 pages read so far in 2013. I'm starting to doubt this 25,000 pages goal.. Whoops!


That's it for September! Have you read any of the books mentioned?