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Showing posts with label Lauren DeStefano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lauren DeStefano. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Top Ten Books I Loved But Will (Probably) Never Re-Read

(This meme is actually hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl now, but I am far too lazy to make a new graphic)

I'm quite fond of re-reading, even if I don't do it as often as I'd like. But there are some books that, no matter how wonderful they were, I can't see myself picking up again. Never say never, though!! Who knows what mood will strike me in the future?

Tbh, this topic was really tough because I was going through my Goodreads and kept saying, "Okay, well I wouldn't mind reading that one again!!" with every single book. I had to get cutthroat and make some decisions.

BUT IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ANY OF THESE NOVELS FOR THE FIRST TIME YET, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!


1) Wither by Lauren DeStefano - This was a solid 4-star series for me. I binged it. I enjoyed it a lot. (Check out my review of Wither) I can't see myself re-reading it, though. It was an in-the-moment read for me. I don't find myself missing the characters or the world.

2) Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven - I rated this 4.5 stars. The romance was cute and geeky and there was a lot of body positivity represented in this novel. I just don't feel the urge to give it another go.

3) When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon - Another 4-star read for me. I really loved the characters and the story and I definitely recognize how important this novel is, in terms of diversity. However, I think that I, personally, got what I wanted out of it the first time around. I can't wait to read the companion novel, though!!

4) Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler - Once again, I gave this 4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed traipsing through New York in this novel (unfortunately, not in real life) and the engaging writing. This was just a quick, light read, and I will remember it fondly, but I don't think I'll be revisiting it. (My review!)

5) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - I will always regard this series as one of my all-time favorites. It's been years since I read it, and I really don't remember much that happens in it, but I was in looove with it as I was reading. There are 2 reasons I can't see myself re-reading it, though. Firstly, that's a commitment. This series has 4 books and they are all clunkers. Secondly, I'm very afraid I won't like it anymore and I refuse to let that happen.


6) Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver - Lauren Oliver is one of my ultimate favorite authors. Her prose is gorgeous, and this novel is no exception. It's absolutely beautiful and it made me SOB when I read it. But I'm afraid this is the kind of novel that loses its effect after the first read. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm not going to take that chance. This is one of those novels that I'm not committed to NOT re-reading, though.

7) The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh - I don't know that I'd even describe this novel as good. I remember having a lot of issues/questions while I was reading, but I could. not. stop. It was such an addicting read and I ate up every second of it. But, again, I think I got what I wanted out of it the first time I read it. I have not read the second installment yet, but I want to. Even still, this novel does not have a particularly complex story, so I don't think I'd feel the need to re-read it once I get my hands on the sequel.

8) Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - Just talking about this series makes me cackle a little bit because this is another one of those series I was SUPER INTO when my reading habits were just beginning to form. I think I might hate it and cringe to death if I went back and re-read it, but I will always hold it in my heart. I do still own the entire series, though, so maybe one day I'll give it a go for nostalgia's sake.

9) An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson - This is one of my more recent reads and it was absolutely delectable. I couldn't tear myself away. I'm pretty sure I read it all in one sitting. But I just don't think it's the kind of book I'd want to re-read.

10) Just One Day by Gayle Forman - I remember really enjoying this one but also finding it a bit slow. I think Gayle Forman is a brilliant writer, and this is probably the book I'm most unsure of.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Top Ten Anticipated Reads In The Second Half Of 2017

WoWzA I can't believe it's already basically June!!!!!! It's kind of scary to realize that the older I get, the quicker time seems to go. And, of course, the more delicious books I want to read that come out. Here are 10 of the many I'm looking forward to during the latter half of the year (and a few from June because they're my most anticipated releases of the year).


Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley - I am in love with Crowley's Graffiti Moon. It is stunning and wonderful--even the second time I read it. And even if this weren't Cath Crowley, this novel sounds perfect for book lovers!

Warcross by Marie Lu - I've never actually read anything by Marie Lu yet, but I've heard she's great, and this one sounds heckin interesting. I just know it's going to be epic and intense and all sorts of good.

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins - AHHHHHHH. STEPHANIE PERKINS. HORROR NOVEL. NOR WORDS!!!!

Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows - I've only read one of Jodi Meadows's books, but I really enjoyed it. Well, two, if you include My Lady Jane which I loooooooooved. She always has some really interesting ideas and OH YEAH DRAGONS!!!!

Renegades by Marissa Meyer - Okay, I am VERY in love with Heartless. I'm a lil but behind on my Marissa Meyer reading, but eventually I will read EVERYTHING she has ever written. I will blindly trust the woman who brought Jest into my life.


Once and for All by Sarah Dessen - I'm so excited for this I could throw up. I might throw up. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell - I absolutely adored Maxwell's Unhooked so I'm 100% hyped for her next release. Also, look at dat cover. Also, New York. Also, magic and thievery.

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano - Again, I've had good experiences with DeStefano in the past, so I'm really looking forward to whatever she's gonna give the world next. I also know she really wanted to incorporate her OCD and anxiety into this book, and I think it's wonderful.

Into the Black by Ava Jae - THIS IS THE SEQUEL TO BEYOND THE RED AND I AM V V V EXCITED. Aliens and steamy romance and princesses oh my!!

Now I Rise by Kiersten White - Well fuck a duck and call it Chuck because I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK. If you read my blog/social media this time last year, you'd know I AM ACTUALLY OBSESSED WITH AND I DARKEN and I feel like I've been waiting for this sequel my entire life.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Top Ten Books That Need To Be Turned Into TV Shows Pronto

Listen, I love TV shows (pretty much as much as I love books), so I was pumped to see that this week's TTT topic was a TV-themed freebie! As great as movies are and all, I am always hoping for some more book-to-TV adaptations, so this week provided the perfect chance for me to talk about the books I want to see in my handy dandy picture box!

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - Okay, first of all, I don't get why this hasn't been adapted to anything yet??? It would be a fantastic TV show! The world could really lend itself to an episodic story, and there's so much you can do with it that it could go on for several seasons. I'm still holding out hope that ONE DAY this will see some sort of screen, be it big or small.

Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman - This would be an interesting & emotional historical fiction TV show. Obviously writers would have to throw in a bit more plot/action than the book has, but the overall story would be so great to watch.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins - I think it's harder to imagine contemporary fiction as a TV show, especially when it falls on the fluffier side of the spectrum, but I imagine this could have a sort of Carrie Diaries vibe. The characters and the setting would translate so well to TV.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano - The premise would make for great television!! The books aren't the most action-packed, so I feel the writers would have to add quite a bit, but the world/different settings/storylines could make a unique & addicting TV show.

The Program by Suzanne Young - I've only read the first book in this duology, but this world is dark and could be explored in so many ways!

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows - Again, I've only read the first book in this series, and I don't even remember much of what happens, but I think the premise and the magical world has so many possibilities for TV.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I HAVE BEEN RALLYING FOR THIS TO BECOME A TV SHOW FOR YEARS. The world is intricate, the characters have depth, there's action, there's romance, there's so much plot to work with. And yet. All this amazing series has been given is a shitty movie.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver - I am still SO SALTY that this was supposed to be a TV show and then they were all like, "LOL NEVER MIND" so then it wasn't a TV show. Granted, I watched the pilot and I don't think that particular TV show would have done this series justice, but I still think this book deserves a chance to be a beautiful. heartbreaking television show.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - This is the first book in a companion series, and I think if you take all the books in the series and put them on the same timeline (as in, all the books taking place at the same time rather than each book taking place after the previous book in the series) it could make a really fantastic TV show. All the characters are complex and interesting and dealing with some really heavy shit.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - This is another series with so many complexities and intricacies that trying to fit it into a movie is going to turn out awful. But of course, they tried to turn it into a movie, and it was awful. Now imagine if it had been a TV show, and writers had sufficient time to explore the world and characters. It would be great. 

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Sunday Post #14


  • Hello everyone! I hope you're all doing wonderfully! This week has been a pretty dang good one (though a slow reading week).
  • On Monday I went swimming with my best friends and got a little sunburn, which doesn't sound like a good thing, but that's my first step to becoming not-a-pasty-white-ghost-look-alike, so I'm actually fairly happy about it. 
  • Thursday, I went with another friend to see Me Before You and HOLY COW. Not only did I think it was just a wonderful movie, but I sobbed like a lil baby. I know there is a bit of controversy floating around about this book/movie, but I really liked it, and I plan to buy and read the book this summer. 
  • The final highlight of my week is that I've gotten super into BookTube. I've been watching bookish videos into the wee hours of the night. I really want to start my own BookTube channel, but I'm still working out all the details. 
Reviews: 
The Sound of Us by Julie Hammerle

Memes:
Top Ten (5) Reasons I Love Book Blogging

Features: 
Flashback Friday #5: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
(NOW WITH A GIVEAWAY)

Misc:
Clearing My Shelves Giveaway #2
Twenty One Pilots Book Tag
Reviews: 
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Memes: 
Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases for the Second Half of the Year
Sunday Post #15

Features: 
Would You Rather #3

Misc: 
What I've Learned From Bookstagram
 So, I ordered a bunch of books this week from ThriftBooks.com, which is a new website I discovered for buying cheap books. Seriously, I bought 6 books for $22. Seriously, I recommend giving it a perusal. Anyway, they haven't come in yet, so all I got this week was:

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

I'm really excited to continue this story. This is definitely going to be my next read!

I also received for review:
Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies by Laura Stampler - Thanks to Simon Pulse for this eARC! This book will be released on July 19, 2016.


I have been really bad about reading other blogs this week, so I don't have any posts to go here :( I need to catch up on what other people are saying! If there are any posts you think I need to see this week, link 'em up in the comments!

Here are some highlights from my bookstagram account. You can follow me here if you want to keep up with everything I'm posting. 






What has your week in books and blogging looked like?

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Sunday Post #4


  • Hallelujah for winter break!! It's so nice to not have a single thing to worry about right now. I got through my third semester of college with a 4.0 and I could not be more happy with the semester I had. 
  • I really did not get as much reading done this week as I thought I would, which is basically the story of my life. I did, however, get a TON of 90210 watched. I've become far too obsessed with this show. If you've watched it, please chat with me about it. 
  • But y'all. Y'ALL! This upcoming week is Christmas and I am so unbelievably excited. I'll be going to Florida to see my brothers and sisters I am just cannot wait!! I wish all of you the very happiest of holidays!

Reviews:
Did I Mention I Love You by Estelle Maskame
Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Memes:
It's Monday! What Are You Reading?
Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books I Read in 2015

Features/Misc: 
My Bookish Tattoo
The Eclectic Corner #1: My Unrealistic Christmas List



Reviews:
Thicker than Water by Brigid Kemmerer
Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman

Memes:
It's Monday! What are you reading?
Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Bringing
Sunday Post #5

Features/Misc:
Flashback Friday #3
The Eclectic Corner #2: 90210


From Edelweiss:














Liars and Losers Like Us by Ami Allen-Vath - Thank you Sky Pony Press!
Published: March 1, 2016 by Sky Pony Press

~ Lauren at Bookmark Lit posted Help Me Deal with HYPE!, which covers the hype surrounding books. It's really fun! She talks about the different levels of hype and some of the books for which she found the hype warranted, and for which she was very disappointed because of the hype. I think it is something that every bookworm can get behind. It's a great discussion post, and Lauren makes sure to reply to every comment. 

~ The absolutely wonderful Jamie at The Perpetual Page Turner has been doing a series called A Very Homemade Holiday, where she showcases (and hosts a giveaways for) different handmade bookish items by bookish people that you can give as gifts (or buy for yourself!). There have been 3 posts so far, and I have fallen in love with every single item she has posted about. Day 1 was candles, day 2 was coffee mugs, and day 3 was book quote necklaces. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us. 

What has your week in books and blogging looked like?

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Lefty's Lowdown: Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Sever by Lauren DeStefano
(The Chemical Garden #3)
Published: February 12, 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Summary from Goodreads:
Time is running out for Rhine in this conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Chemical Garden Trilogy.

With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.

Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.

In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.
Holy crap. It's so hard to write a review for the last book in a series without repeating everything I've already said about the previous books or discussing spoilers. I know everyone won't agree with this, but I found Sever to be a satisfying conclusion to The Chemical Garden series. 

I'll admit this book wasn't as exciting as the previous one, Fever. It got off to a slow start, but then, all of a sudden, I was hooked. I read 70% of the book in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. I think Sever is by far the most interesting book in the series. There are so many bombs dropped--literally and figuratively. I accidentally read a few spoilers beforehand, but I was still shocked when certain events took place. Another thing that I really liked about this one was that we were finally offered an explanation into the dystopian world and Vaughn's mind. I'll be honest, the worldbuilding isn't flawless. It's not all that intricate, and there are holes, but I found it sufficient enough. There were no glaring errors that got on my nerves or anything. Then again, worldbuilding is not really my focus when I'm reading. 

This is also the first book in the series in which I felt a real emotional connection. I actually cried a little in this book! In the past two, I had a hard time feeling connected to any of the characters, but something shifted in this book. Gabriel was basically not in the book, and I have to say, I didn't miss him at all (his ending is one of the only ones I'm not particularly fond of). I did, however, really enjoy Linden's presence in the novel. I wasn't exactly sure how to feel about him before this novel, but he really won my heart in Sever. He was going through a lot and he had a hard time processing the reality of the world he lives in. But the way he cared for Cecily and Rhine, even though she wronged him in so many ways, was adorable. I can't say any more on my feelings about Linden without revealing spoilers, but know that I loved him. 

We get to know two new characters in this novel, both of whom I enjoyed. It took two and a half books but finally it happened. We got to meet twin brother Rowan in the flesh. Some people didn't like him, but I did. The way he interacted with Rhine just made my heart happy. Maybe it's because I have always been super close with my brother, but I just adored how much he obviously cared for his sister. Then there is Reed, Vaughn's way less maniacal brother. I loved him a lot too. He is a unique one, that's for sure. Maybe he isn't great with people, I could tell how much he ended up caring about Rhine, Cecily, Bowen, and of course Linden. I wish we got to know him a little better, but I loved the way this story ended for him. 

Everyone grew so much over the course of the series. Cecily...Cecily. She has come so far from the first novel, and I hate the she had to experience so much tragedy and was forced to grow up so quickly, but she is such a dynamic character and never dull to read. Rhine is so much stronger and much more independent. In this final novel, I felt like I finally connected to her. She finally let herself feel something other than sorry for herself.  

I'm so glad I read this series. With beautiful, gorgeous, completely stunning writing, and a seemingly hopeless world, DeStefano has gifted us a dystopian story that stands out from the rest of the pack. I really enjoyed this final installment. I didn't like everything that happened in it, but I think it ended the way it needed to, and it left me with a fluttery feeling as I closed the book. I'll miss these characters and this world. It was a good run, and I can't wait to read anything else DeStefano graces us with. 

Rating:
4/5

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Top Ten Books I Read in 2015

I've said it before, I'll say it again--I did not read nearly as much as I would have liked this year. But I still happened upon a ton of great books! Here are my top reads of 2015!
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
I was completely taken aback by this book. It was an emotional roller coaster and I was stunned for days. This book will always be in my heart.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen, you goddess, you. This book definitely swept into my heart and I am more than okay with it! This one has made it's way to my list of favorite Dessen books.

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
Thank you Ms. Perkins! This novel renewed my love for books and got me back into the blogging world. You can read my review, if you'd like.

Fever by Lauren DeStefano
Hah. This is the only book on my list that isn't a contemporary. Whoops! Anyway, I have really been loving this series, and though Fever is the second book in the trilogy, it is definitely my favorite. You can read my review of Wither and my thoughts on Fever. My review for Sever will be posted tomorrow!

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I feel like I was the last one to discover how awesome this book is! But it is awesome. And I'm so happy I finally read it!
Saving June and Speechless by Hannah Harrington
I put off reading these two books for so long because I wasn't sure how interested in them I would actually be, but I fell in love. I definitely need more Hannah Harrington in my life.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han
I've loved Jenny Han for years, so I was beyond eager to read these two new books by her. Glad to inform y'all that I was not disappointed.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
So I'm about 30 years late to this party, but I read this for my YA lit class last semester, and I just fell in love with it. An oldie but goodie, without a doubt.

Tell me about the best books you've read this year! 

Monday, December 14, 2015

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Sunday Post #3


  • Well. Finals week. I survived, just barely. And it ain't even over yet. I have two more tests tomorrow (one of which is chemistry and I might actually die). However, I came home this weekend so I could watch my high school choir's Feast of Carols, which is this really beautiful Christmas dinner/concert they put on every year. I used to be in it, and now it's so fun watching it as an alum. 
  • I didn't get done nearly as much reading as I would have liked, but I should have expected as much. I just can't wait until my tests are over tomorrow, because then it is officially winter break and I have about a month off from school--so, plenty of time to read and blog! 
  • I'm really excited because I got an A on my poetry portfolio, My professor said it was an excellent portfolio and it made me really happy, because poetry is not even my genre! Now I just have to wait for my grades on my other finals. Ahhhh. 
Reviews: 
The Trouble with Destiny by Lauren Morrill
Ghostboy, Chameleon, and the Duke of Graffiti by Olivia Wildenstein

Memes:
Sunday Post #2
It's Monday! What are you reading?
Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I read for the first time in 2015

Features:
Flashback Friday #2: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley(I'd love for this one to receive some more attention. I am crazy about this book!!)
 Reviews:
Sever by Lauren DeStefano (Wednesday, 12/16/15)
Did I Mention I Love You by Estelle Maskame (Saturday, 12/19/15)

Memes:
It's Monday! What are you reading?
Top Ten Tuesday: Books I read in 2015

Features: 
Flashback Friday #3
From Edelweiss:


 South of Sunshine by Dana Elmendorf - Thank you Albert Whitman!
Published: April 1, 2016 by Albert Whitman 

 I just want to tell everyone that I know my blog has been pretty routine for the past few weeks. Every week has pretty much had the same schedule. Well, I have a ton of creative and fun things planned for this blog, but I wanted to hold off a little while until my blog has more viewers and whatnot. Please don't get me wrong, I'm so thankful for the viewers and followers and people who comment now--y'all make me so unbelievably happy! I just think it will be better for the blog to get some more traffic before I start posting certain things. It will allow for more discussion and attention to ideas that I'm really proud of.

What has your week in books and blogging looked like? 

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Top Five Authors I Read for the First Time in 2015


This week was a little tricky for me because, if I'm being honest, I've hardly read much this year. And a lot of the stuff I did read was by authors I had read in the past. After much deliberation and staring at the measly 23 books I've read this year, I was finally able to pick 5 new authors who work I really enjoyed this year.

What I read by her: 
I read Speechless first and loved it so much that I immediately picked up Saving June. These are both fabulous YA contemporary books, and I will read anything else that Hannah Harrington releases. 

What I read by her: 
I picked up Wither over Thanksgiving break and enjoyed it MUCH more than I thought I would (You can read my review if you want). Of course I needed to figure out what happened next, so I picked up Fever the second I finished (again, you can gander at my review). This series has been great so far, and I can't wait until I have time to read the third book, Sever. I can't wait to see what else Lauren DeStefano will come up with for us! 

What I read by her: 

I finally joined the fun with the wonderful Eleanor & Park! I'd heard so many wonderful things about all of Rowell's books, especially this one. I was dying to dive in, so I bought this gem in Ireland and read it on the plane ride home. I was not disappointed, friends. I haven't had the chance to read any of her other work yet, but all of it is on my list! 

What I read by her: 
I had been on a real contemporary kick when I decided to read All the Bright Places this summer. I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting myself into, but it sounded decent enough so why not. Uh, this book was far beyond decent enough. Let me tell you, this book left me a mess for days. Days, I said. This book was taut with emotions and I felt every single one of them. I hope Jennifer Niven puts out more YA that leaves me reeling like this one did. 

What I read by her: 
Again, I was on a huge contemporary kick this summer, so when I read the description of Extraordinary Means while I was perusing the book aisle of Walmart, I knew I needed to buy it. I'm very happy I did! This book had a really unique, interesting premise and fantastic characters. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Schneider!

Tell me about the awesome authors you discovered this year!