The Left-Handed Book Lover: Jenny Han

Showing posts with label Jenny Han. Show all posts

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Is It Worth The Hype #1

Hello, ladies and gentlemen and other lovely humans. Welcome to The Left-Handed Book Lover's first ever episode of Is It Worth The Hype, in which I will discuss books that have been persistently raved about within the community.

Are you nervous to crack open a novel beloved by seemingly all book fanatics? Well, this is the place to come for some real talk about those books. Obviously, it is still a matter of taste and opinion, but I am going to try to take a (somewhat) subjective look at these popular novels to help you determine whether or not they are right for you.

1) Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

The quick answer: YES, it is worth the hype.

The long answer: This novel has A LOT going for it, even if it's not your typical sort of read. I'm not particularly experienced with science fiction, but I think this book contains something for everyone.

The authors are incredibly creative with the formatting of this novel, meshing different forms of media--police reports, computer files, camera roll recaps--making this clunker of a novel go by incredibly quick (plus the pacing is excellent). The different forms of media allow the authors to incorporate a variety of different voices and perspectives, all of which are fun and interesting.

This book contains sufficient action and romance and sci-fi goodness and emotion. Somehow it manages to be just an incredibly FUN novel while also being intense and heartbreaking. I was confused at first, but as the story progressed, everything clicked together and erupted into this amazing, unforgettable story.

I firmly believe that everyone's reading experience is different and that there are novels certain people just will not enjoy. Illuminae, however, is a book I'd recommend everybody at least TRY, even if it seems to deviate from your reading comfort zone.

2) To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Now, we're COMPLETELY switching gears here.

The quick answer: Maybe--will only appeal to a certain audience.

The long answer: This series is tricky because while I really enjoyed it, I recognize that it's not for everybody. First of all, if you don't typically enjoy contemporary novels, go ahead and skip this one. It's very cute-sy, character-driven, and romance-focused. It's not especially profound or even exciting. If it takes something ~special~ for you to enjoy a contemporary novel, this isn't it.

HOWEVER, if you do like contemporary novels, it's a whole completely different story. Obviously, there are many different kinds of contemporary novels, and this one is more on the fluffy side. If you're looking for a breath of fresh air, this is definitely worth the hype. Lara Jean is a bit naive and sheltered, but it's hard not to be charmed by her and her family's innocence. They're definitely not perfect people, but they are kinda pure and adorable.

Personally, I find this series just has a memorable vibe to it that helps it stand out from a lot of YA contemporary books. It's not the most beautifully written or the most original, but it's worth the hype because of the way it will make you feel when you're finished reading it.

3) Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

The quick answer: No, it's not really worth the hype.

The long answer: I read this book last summer and enjoyed it, but I still don't think it deserves all the praise it gets. First and foremost, let's get this out of the way. This novel's ending is problematic. And, quite frankly, even if it weren't problematic, I still think it's a cheap ending. Like, the author could have come up with a "twist" more creative than that.

I'm sure there are people who are going to completely disagree with me on this, but there's not much about this novel that sets it apart from the slew of contemporary novels at our disposal. The premise is interesting, but the characters aren't really memorable.

I can point you to tons of other YA contemporary books that have a more complex romance, a more feasible and interesting plot, better emotionally-developed characters, etc. It was an enjoyable read in the moment, but nothing spectacular.

If you were uncertain about any of these novels, I hope I provided you some helpful insight. And if I didn't...oops. My bad.

If you've already read these hyped books, do you agree or disagree with my takes on them? What books do you think are or are not worth the hype? Let's chat!!

Monday, December 18, 2017

7 Books I Need To Read Before The End Of The Year

All right, lads and lasses. We are two weeks (!!!!) away from the New Year, and if ya girl wants to complete her Goodreads goal of 50 books, I need to read 7 more books before this year comes to a close. And ya girl wants to reach her goal. I've actually never reached my Goodreads goal before, but by the grace of graphic novels, I'm closer than ever this year, and I gotta cross that finish line.

A book every two days. I can do that. Easy peasy??????

Here are the 7 books I plan to read, selected from the few books I brought to Florida with me and the books that are on my kindle.

1) Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

I've heard truly marvelous things about this book and its sequel. I've had this book sitting on my shelf since its release and grabbed it on a whim before leaving for vacation. Also, after a writing project for school I've been especially interested in Jack the Ripper, so it seemed like a perfect read to take with me.

2) To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

This is a book I've been wanting to re-read for quite some time because I wanted a refresher before cracking open the series' newest addition. Plus, I know it will be quick and light and fun. A good time guaranteed.

3) The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

I don't know much about this one, but I feel like I've heard some positive reviews and I have an eARC so, ya know, might as well.

4) A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

Again, I don't know much about this one but it's on my kindle and it is fairly short.

5) The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

This is one of the longer novels on my list, but this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I got an eARC and I never read it and so I'll be very disappointed in myself if I don't finish this one by the end of the year.

6) Kiss Me in New York by Catherine Rider

This is really short and sounds cute. Plus, judging by the cover, it's fairly winter-y and it takes place in New York and it sounds like the perfect recipe for a quick, cute contemporary, which we all know I can't get enough of.

7) Rosemarked by Livia Blackburne

Another book I got from NetGalley and have yet to read (I suck, I know). But after re-reading the summary, it sounds interesting as heck and I can't wait to read it.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Life's A Beach Book Tag (Original)

Hi everyone! I purchased my plane tickets to Florida tonight.I'm going the last 3 weeks of July and I am beyond excited. Sarasota, where I grew up and where I'll be going, is home to the #1 beach in the country, in case anyone was wondering, and as a means of celebration I created a book tag commemorating the beach experience.

1) THE SAND

A BOOK THAT STUCK WITH YOU LONG AFTER YOU FINISHED READING

Okay, well this one is a bit more of a recent read, but I already know that this book has had a lasting impact on me. The story, the characters, and the themes explored all refuse to leave me.

2) THE SUN

A BOOK THAT BURNED YOU

When I originally thought of this question, I was intending it to apply to books I thought would be great but disappointed me, but when I really began thinking about the books that burned me, I realized it's deeper than that. This is for the book that ripped my heart out. That tainted me with a happy ending and then jerked it out of my hands. Yeah, that's Heartless.

3) THE WAVES

A BOOK THAT CALMS YOU DOWN AFTER A LONG DAY

Yeah, My Lady Jane is a fun one. It was sweet and exciting and engrossing. This could take my mind off of anything.

4) THE BATHING SUIT

A BOOK WITH A PRETTY, SUMMER-Y COVER

I've not read this one, but I want to. Badly. This cover reeks of summer vibes and also I'm obsessed with pretty lights, so there's that.

5) THE BIRDS

A BOOK THAT IS EVERYWHERE

When Dimple Met Rishi is another one I haven't read but desperately want to! I feel like I've seen this one all over the book community and I just really need to get my hands on it.

6) THE FUN MEMORIES

A BOOK YOU CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN TO

I absolutely adore this series, and I can't wait to re-read it and crack open the final installment in the trilogy. I just know that reading this series again will make my heart so happy!!

That's it! Short & sweet--but really makes me miss the beach!

I don't really have anyone specific to tag, but I encourage you all to participate and then link down below!!

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Monday, December 19, 2016

Jingle All the Way Book Tag (Original)

IT IS THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS. I REPEAT: IT IS NOW THE WEEK OF CHRISTMAS.

In case anyone was wondering, Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday in the entire world. It is my favorite time of year and I just feel so good and happy around Christmas time. To honor my love of Christmas, I'll be having fun, Christmas-themed posts for ya all week, and I've never been more excited for anything ever.

For today's post, I've created a book tag, and it revolves around Christmas music! I know there are similar book tags floating around the internet, but I wanted to create my own because I adore Christmas music very mucho. Okay, here we go!! I've really tried not to give the most cliche answers imaginable and I was marginally successful!

JINGLE BELLS

A fun, light-hearted book/series

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

This novel is always the very first thing that pops in my head when I think "light-hearted and fun." The characters are so cute and quirky and the story just gives ya good feels all around.

I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUSE

A book/series with a scandalous romance

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Now, I want to be clear that I, by no means whatsoever, think that their relationship is scandalous. However, the people in the book do because of the time period and social customs. So basically, these two characters come from very different backgrounds. Teach has money and power. Anne, on the other hand, is a servant. She has no real home or fortune. Also (and this actually is scandalous to me) Teach is betrothed to another woman. So basically, everybody in their world would be stunned by their relationship but I just think it's really cute and sweet. (Here's my review, in case you were wondering)

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

A book/series you are determined to re-read

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

If I'm being completely honest, I have so so so many things I want to re-read, and I feel like this is such a contrived answer, but I definitely think this series is calling my name the most at the moment (but City of Bones is the only book in the series I don't own--Hooray!!!). I never completed the final book in the series, so I want to do that and then re-read The Infernal Devices and maybe I'll have that all done by the time the third Dark Artifices releases and I can just binge the whole series.

SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN

Your most anticipated release of 2017

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

Just so we're all clear, I most likely won't stop talking about this book until it is in my hands in June 2017. As I mentioned in a previous post (like, yesterday) I 100% cried when this book was announced. Happy tears, of course. Sarah Dessen has been sleighing (*ba dum tsss*) me for YEARS and I just know she's not about to stop now.

SILENT NIGHT

A beautiful book/series that everyone knows

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Okay, this question can certainly be interpreted in many ways (beautiful cover, beautiful writing, beautiful story, etc.) but I chose to go with beautiful writing. And while not EVERYONE may know about this book, I'd say it's fairly well-known. This book has the most stunning writing I've ever come across in a novel, I'd say. For more insights into my thoughts you can check out the 61 (Non-Spoilery) Thoughts I Had While Re-Reading Delirium.

WINTER WONDERLAND

A book/series with great worldbuilding

And I Darken by Kiersten White

Hahahaha we all know I love this book because I don't shut up about it (here is my review if you want to know just how much I love it and why). One reason it is so fantastic is that Kiersten White literally puts you in the Ottoman Empire. Like, here I am knowing basically nothing about history (and even less about the history specific to this book) but I felt like I was living there. White's writing is so lush and detailed.

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

An underhyped book/series that is so great you want to tell everyone about it

Beyond the Red by Ava Jae

This book was a very pleasant surprise and it helped me get out of a reading slump. It is very exciting and well written, not to mention the ALIENS and SOCIAL ISSUES and SLOW-BURN ROMANCE. I really wish more people would read this gem. (My review)

I SAW THREE SHIPS

Favorite trilogy

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

So, fun thing I've realized doing this tag: I've not completed a ton of trilogies. I've started several, I've added several to my TBR, but I've only read a handful of trilogies in their entirety. The ones I have finished were all excellent, which is why I've completed them, I'm sure, but Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me trilogy is one that continues to stick in my head and heart after several years. The beautiful writing and steamy romance have won me over for life, probably.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER

A book/series with an underdog protagonist who rises up

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I was trying to come up with a less obvious answer, but the truth is that Katniss Everdeen is the very definition of the underdog who rises up. She rises up in the arena, and she rises up in the rebellion. She is the girl on fire, after all.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

A book/series that helped you get through troubling times

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I could write an entire post about this. In fact, I have! Check out the guest post I did over at Book Nerds Across America if you're curious how deeply significant this book is in my life.

Well, there you have it, friends. That's the Jingle All the Way Book Tag! Now to tag people!!

I challenge the following people to do this tag before the year is up!

Kat @ Perks of Being a Book Nerd
Anna @ Adventures with a Book Nerd
Angel Erin @ Angel Erin's Book Obsession
Alyxandria @ The Book's Buzz
Briana @ Pages Unbound

and of course I'd love for anyone else interested to participate as well! Make sure to comment with a link to your post so I can check it out!

Thursday, August 18, 2016

The Authors I Own The Most Books From

(Coming up with a title for this post was hard. I feel like everything I tried sounds so awkward.)

Maybe I'm weird, but I always think it's so interesting to know which authors take up the most space on other people's shelves. And recently I realized, I don't really know which authors take up the most space on MY shelves. I mean, obviously I had an idea, but I thought I'd do a definitive count and share the results with you people!

Coming in at seventh place (but really tied for sixth) with 5 books is...

As you can see above, I own all 4 books in the Caster Chronicles (co-written with Margaret Stohl), and then the first book in her own series, all of which I have read and enjoyed. I do plan to buy more books by her, like the sequel to Unbreakable, and The Lovely Reckless (her new contemporary book that has not been released yet). Also, I just realized that Dangerous Creatures is a full-length book with a sequel and everything. I thought it was just a novella or something. So obviously I need to buy that too. (The day after scheduling this post, I actually acquired a copy of Dangerous Creatures but I was too lazy to go back & revise).

Then, in sixth place also with 5 books is...

I own most of Oliver's YA work, with the exception of Vanishing Girls and Replica (which hasn't been released yet). I need to ad those to my collection, and any other YA books that Lauren Oliver puts out. She has several MG & adult books, but I don't have any plans to read those in the foreseeable future. I've read all of these and enjoyed them, but Panic fell a bit flat.

In fifth place with 6 books is...

I own most of Jenny Han's books, but I'm missing the first book in the Summer series and the third book in the Burn for Burn trilogy (co-written with Siobhan Vivian), both of which I've been trying to buy for a while but can;t find them in the format I want for cheap. I just learned that she also has a MG book that I swear no one talks about. When the newly-announced third book in her To All the Boys series comes out, I will be buying it ASAP. I've devoured all of these!

In fourth place (but actually tied for third) with 7 books is...

I own most of the books set in the Nightshade world that have been published, except, ya know, Nightshade, which I will buy when I find it in the format I want. I just recently bought The Inventor's Secret, which is the first book in her steampunk series, so I'll probably end up buying the rest of the trilogy (even though the covers don't really match???). Out of all of these, I've only read Wolfsbane, Bloodrose, and Invisibility. I should probably get on that.

In third place also with 7 books...

MY QUEEN. I am working on owning all her books. I'm still 5 away from a complete collection. Of course I've read every book she has put out.

In second place with 9 books...

It's honestly impossible to keep up with all of Clare's books because she has like novella bind-ups and a codex and graphic novels and who knows what else. She also has a MG series. My main concern is getting a copy of City of Bones so I can re-read The Mortal Instruments series (as I haven't finished the last two books). I also haven't read Lady Midnight yet, but I will soon.

AND COMING IN FIRST PLACE WITH 11 BOOKS...

Richelle Mead has written a lot of books for adults and young adults. While I do want to read/own them, I've heard they are not very good. I don't have the last two books in the Bloodlines series yet, but I will. The only book on this list I haven't read yet is The Fiery Heart, and I want to re-read the VA series and the beginning of the Bloodlines series before I do that. So it might be a while.

This post was a lot of fun! All of these authors are among my favorites, and I ended up doing quite a bit of research to figure out exactly what books I don't own and haven't read and which ones I want to, so it was really helpful.

WHICH AUTHORS DO YOU OWN THE MOST BOOKS FROM? DO WE HAVE ANY AUTHORS IN COMMON?

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Playlist Book Tag

I'm so excited that Anna from Adventures With A Book Nerd tagged me to do this! It gives me a chance to talk about MUSIC AND BOOKS AT THE SAME TIME! Originally started on YouTube by Little Red Reader, the rules of this tag are simple: Put your music on shuffle and you pick a book for each song that comes on. I'm pretty sure you get to pick any number of songs that you want? Okay, here we gooooo!

1) All or Nothing - Theory Of A Dead Man

Since I said I loved you in Las Vegas

It's never been the same since then

You've got all that I need

Looking at all or nothing

Babe it's you and I

With you I know

I am good for something

So lets go give it a try

We got our backs against the ocean

It's just us against the world

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

I actually heard this song for the first time in a Vampire Academy fan video about Rose and Adrian and YES. Ever since then, it has always reminded me of their relationship, about how much Adrian wants Rose even though she's still in love with Dimitri. Holy crap I need to re-read this series.

2) Saying Goodbye - Every Avenue

I know it was wrong of me to try to throw this all away

So if you give it just one more try

I'll give you everything you need

She said

"Just tell me what changed your mind, what brought you back to me?"

And I said

I thought a lot about the summers passed

Your hair in your eyes

And how we spent the whole night saying goodbye

Saying goodbye

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

BELLY & CONRAD

That's all I have to say.

3) Holding On To You - Twenty One Pilots

I'm taking over my body,

Back in control, no more shotty,

I bet a lot of me was lost,

Ts uncrossed and Is undotted,

I fought it a lot

And it seems a lot like flesh is all I got,

Not anymore, flesh out the door...

You are surrounding all my surroundings,

Sounding down the mountain range of my left-side brain,

You are surrounding all my surroundings,

Twisting the kaleidoscope behind both of my eyes.

And I'll be holding on to you

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This song was actually really tough to fit a book to, but after staring at it a while I realized this reminds me a lot of Augustus and Hazel's fight with their bodies and their desire to make a difference, be remembered.

4) The Judge - Twenty One Pilots

But I'm not good with directions and I hide behind my mouth,

I'm a pro at imperfections and I'm best friends with my doubt,

And now that my mind's out, and now I hear it clear and loud,

I'm thinking, "Wow, I probably shoulda stayed inside my house."

I found my way,

Right time, wrong place,

As I pled my case.

You're the judge, oh no, set me free,

I know my soul's freezing,

Hell's hot for good reason, so please,

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This song reminds me a lot of Will's inner turmoil and his struggle to come to terms with his new physical state.

5) Walking in the Wind - One Direction

We had some good times, didn't we?

We wore our hearts out on our sleeve

Goodbyes are bittersweet

But it's not the end

I'll see your face again

You will find me

Yeah you will find me

In places that we've never been

For reasons we don't understand

Walking in the wind

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

When trying to match this song to a book, my very first thought was the ending of this book, where Emily and Sloane left their friendship.

This was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but it was a lot of fun. I'll definitely be thinking of these songs differently every time I listen to them. I might do this again some time. (Let me know if you like this post so I know if I should do it again).

I know this is a tag and I'm supposed to tag people, but I always feel awkward tagging people, so if you want to do this, DO IT. And you can link it down below because I want to see it!

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

BBCP: Bookish Yearbook

You've probably heard of/been shown extreme kindness by Nori, the infamous poodle from ReadWriteLove28. Wellll, she is hosting this marvelous event to inspire book bloggers to have fun, work together, and create an original feature.

In honor of the new school year fast approaching, my group decided to do a bookish yearbook, with superlatives and "yearbook quotes." I know some people in the group chose books from the previous academic year, but I just picked books I read within the last year or so.

Here's our schedule:
Monday, August 8th: Bonnie @ A Backwards Story
Tuesday, August 9th: Charleigh @ Charleigh's Book Nook
Wednesday, August 10th: Lefty @ The Left-Handed Book Lover
Thursday, August 11th: Cheyenne @ Once Upon a Time a Review
Friday, August 12th: Nori @ Read Write Love 28
Saturday, August 13th: Karla @ Reads and Thoughts

Follow along to see everyone's answers!

I'm so proud of myself and my group for coming up with this feature. Collaborating with an eclectic group of people can be problematic and frustrating at times, but I'm extremely pleased with what we've produced!

goodreads | my review

Although even in the beginning it was obvious Lena did not completely buy into her society's beliefs, she still wanted to. She was scared and she played by the rules, but as the book and the series progresses we get to see her blossom, embrace love and feelings and freedom. The Lena she is in the beginning of the novel is unrecognizable compared to the Lena she becomes.

goodreads | my review

This was soooo tough, but I made sure to pick a book I've read recently without repeating myself. This book has such pretty colors and a pretty font and this cover is truly underrated.

goodreads | my review

This book is the very definition of eclectic characters! There are kids who can levitate and be invisible and create fire. If that's not a motley crew, I don't know what is.

website

Okay, so I took a long break from blogging and when I came back, all of a sudden there was this author named Victoria Aveyard EVERYWHERE. Everyone had read Red Queen and most people loved it. I felt so out of the loop and knew that I needed to get on top of this book PRONTO.

goodreads | my review

Okay, to say this ending was unexpected would be a lie. I knew things weren't going to end well for our protagonists (it's written in history) but I still had my fingers crossed that it WOULDN'T end the way it did and of course I had my heart broken.

goodreads

Lara Jean basically epitomizes "the girl next door." She is sweet and innocent. And she's the girl who has always been around but you never think much of but then you get to know her and she's just awesome!

goodreads | my review

This book was definitely EVERYWHERE when it was released. Even people who don't usually read contemporary or people who had never read anything by Morgan Matson ended up picking this book up because buzz buzz buzzzzzz.

goodreads

I don't care what anyone says, Levi is my book boyfriend of the year so far. He's kind & friendly to everyone and a bit of a nerd and just mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

goodreads | my review

Will I ever stop raving about this book? NO BECAUSE IT'S FRICKLY FRACKLY INCREDIBLE. I'm pretty sure I mention it in at least one post a week and tweet about it EVERY DAY. There's stabbing & kissing & unconventional gender roles whoooooooooooooooooo! I cannot wait to see where this story goes next after dat ending.

goodreads

This book isn't even out yet and everyone loves it. I have no doubt this book is going to be successful, especially given the love for Marissa Meyer's other series.

goodreads | my review

I'm straight up obsessed with this book. This is my favorite book by Morgan Matson and one of my favorite books that I've read this year.

goodreads | my review

Idk why there aren't more people talking about this book. It's fantastic. It's all dark and pirate-y. Who is the good guy, who is the bad guy? Who do you trust in this dark rendition of Neverland??? YOU HAVE TO READ TO FIND OUT.

website

My queen forever and always. Saint Anything, her newest release, was 100% A+ perfect. Like, every time she releases a new book I get nervous because I feel like there is no way she can top the beautiful work she has already done but then she goes and DOES IT.

goodreads | my review

No explanation required.

goodreads | my review

Don't get me wrong--I loved this book, but there are some events that transpire toward the end that made me wat to HURL THIS BOOK ACROSS THE ROOM. I was shocked and sad. But I can say no more because spoilers and all that.