Book Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Goodreads

Synopsis:

Miles "Pudge" Halter is abandoning his safe-okay, boring-life. Fascinated by the last words of famous people, Pudge leaves for boarding school to seek what a dying Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps."
Pudge becomes encircled by friends whose lives are everything but safe and boring. Their nucleus is razor-sharp, sexy, and self-destructive Alaska, who has perfected the arts of pranking and evading school rules. Pudge falls impossibly in love. When tragedy strikes the close-knit group, it is only in coming face-to-face with death that Pudge discovers the value of living and loving unconditionally.
John Green's stunning debut marks the arrival of a stand-out new voice in young adult fiction.

Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

An ALA Quick Pick

A Los Angeles Times 2005 Book Prize Finalist

A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

A 2005 Booklist Editor’s Choice

A 2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

About the Author:

John Green's first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best YA Mystery. In January 2012, his most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars, was met with wide critical acclaim, unprecedented in Green's career. The praise included rave reviews in Time Magazine and The New York Times, on NPR, and from award-winning author Markus Zusak. The book also topped the New York Times Children's Paperback Bestseller list for several weeks. Green has also coauthored a book with David Levithan called Will Grayson, Will Grayson, published in 2010. The film rights for all his books, with the exception of Will Grayson Will Grayson, have been optioned to major Hollywood Studios.
In 2007, John and his brother Hank were the hosts of a popular internet blog, "Brotherhood 2.0," where they discussed their lives, books and current events every day for a year except for weekends and holidays. They still keep a video blog, now called "The Vlog Brothers," which can be found on the Nerdfighters website

Website / Twitter / DFTBA.com / Youtube

My Review:

I remember how I was before I read my first John Green book, I was so young and clueless! I had no idea what I was missing! Fortunately, back in August I decided to explore a little book called The Fault in Our Stars. I read it and. I. Was. Changed. (Read my review of The Fault in Our Stars Note: The review is, well, excessive…it’s hard to explain…) The book freaking changed my life. It was an experience that I am glad I had. I actually feel like I can’t explain it. All I can say is this: it is significant. After finishing it I knew I had to get my hands on the rest of John Green’s books and so I did. I am on a John Green binge!

Looking for Alaska is my second John Green book. What can I say, the man delivered. Like The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska is an experience. It is funny, poignant, smart, and just plain wonderful. I cannot believe that I didn’t discover Mr. John Green earlier in my life! I am only two books in, but already I list John Green as one of my favorite authors, and I just plain admire the man. His levels of awesome are way too high—oh my, I have to be careful or else this will turn to an I-Love-John-Green-fest! Did I mention I love John Green?

Meanwhile back in the review...

This book is a wonderful contemporary novel. Though it has a plot I would say it is one of those books that reminds you that there is more than plot. The journey matters. The main character experiences a great deal of change and we as readers get to follow his journey. This book is a conversation. As a reader I felt pulled into what the book had to say. It made me think. It made me feel. And I am pretty sure it made me grow as a person…the nerve!

Looking for Alaska is one of those books, you know what I am talking about, the kind you read and then need a moment to just gather yourself. It is…I don’t feel like I can adequately describe this book. It is just…um…GREAT! Read it. Love it. Stalk John Green (but not in a creepy way, you know, normal, healthy stalking). Seriously, if you haven’t read any John Green books, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU STILL HERE!? GO! GO READ  NOW! HURRY! EVERY MINUTE YOU SPEND WITHOUT HAVING READ A JOHN GREEN BOOK YOUR SOUL WITHERS A LITTLE BIT! SAVE YOUR SOUL, READ JOHN GREEN’S BOOKS! 

I leave you with some John Green gifs! The man is awesome!

Book Review: Switched (Trylle Trilogy #1) by Amanda Hocking

Goodreads

Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

About the Author:

Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world, and Switched is the book that started the phenomenon.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/amanda_hocking
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandahockingfans
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/amanda_hocking

 

My Review:

So this is my first Amanda Hocking book. I had heard great things about her so I had high expectations for this one. I started reading it when I was out shopping and somehow found myself wondering through a book store. I picked it up just to have a taste, and once I did I had to buy it.

My first impression was that this book was going to be amazing. The beginning was dark and intriguing and I wanted more. As I continued to read I found myself enjoying the story, but disappointed at the lack of character development. I couldn’t find a reason why the main character, Wendy, was so special. I want to make it clear that I believe that not all characters need to be super awesome and special. I appreciate a good anti-hero and whatnot, but if other characters think she is awesome, I want some supporting evidence! This is the main reason why I really couldn’t buy into the love story. I want to see characters fall in love. Show me, don’t tell me! My main complaint is that I don’t feel I really got to know most of the characters, except Wendy’s brother, and that made it difficult for me to feel a deep love for this book. I want the characters to feel real, I want the love story to be real, and I want to be seriously invested in the characters, and for that to happen I need to see them as people.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun, though formulaic. The pacing is nice. It isn’t too fast or two slow. The idea is one that isn’t overdone, though the execution of the story relies on the standard conventions of this type of story: unknown past, sexy-at-times-jerky dude, and a “special” “heroine” that figures things out as she goes along. There is nothing wrong with going a bit cliché just as long as you make it believable and interesting in a new way… I don’t think that was done here. I just wasn’t as excited about this book once I finished reading it as I was while I was reading it. When I love a book, boy oh boy, do I go back reread it and visit my favorite scenes over and over. This one just wasn’t that way. There was no particular scene that I felt compelled to revisit. To this day I really haven’t felt the urge to reread it, but it isn’t because I don’t like it, because I do. I’m just not as excited about it as I know I can be.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and the idea is very original. Unfortunately, I think the author didn’t take advantage of her own idea. It could have been a great deal better. I didn’t find it to be super spectacular. You know, I didn’t get that oh-my-god-I-love-this-book-I-am-going-to-die feeling. I still found that the story was interesting, and I will definitely eventually read the next books in the series, but they will have to wait—and yes I will reread Switched before I read them because that is the right thing to do. However, I am not in dire need for the next books and there are books on my list that cannot be postponed, so like I said, Torn and Ascend will have to wait. I am however interested enough that I know I will not forget to pick up the next two books in this series. Switched is a fast, easy, and fun read. I definitely think you should give this book a whirl! Pick it up on a slow rainy day and see how you feel about it!

Waiting on Wednesday #12: Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This “Waiting on Wednesday” post is about:

Opal (Lux Series #3)  by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication date: December 11, 2012

Goodreads

Synopsis: No synopsis because of spoilers. Spoilers are evil! Just go read Obsidian,  book 1, and  Onyx, book 2!

Read my spoiler-free review of Obsidian!

Read my spoiler-free, mini review of Onyx!

 

What's it doing on my WoW?

First, a confession: I am being bad. I have neglected my blogging duties. What can I say my other responsibilities keep getting in the way! I fed my cat yesterday; need I feed him again today? I slept last week, need I make this a nightly routine?! Gah!  The world has too many nonreading responsibilities. Tomorrow I will be better blogger and I will post a review. I just love this meme and cannot bear to stay away.

Ok on to the book.  I want Opal because I want all of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s books. Period. To be honest I am not really feeling the cover, but it’s no big because I know that this book will be amazing. It’s what’s inside that really matters anyhow. I loved Obsidian and I loved Onyx and now I just need Opal. I spend too much time waiting for this woman’s books! Goodness one would think I am a book talker…oh crap!…I was just hit by the sudden realization that I AM a book stalker! What do I do, what do I do!? Send help!...

Well, while I figure out what I must do I am going to go visit my favorite blogs…TTFN!

What book(s) are you stalking?

Please link your WoW, I want to see what you are waiting for!

If you leave a comment I will reply and visit your blog ASAP, and if you follow, I will follow you back. I promise!

Thank you so very much for stopping by!

Waiting on Wednesday #11: Etiquette and Espionage (Finishing School Series #1) by Gail Carriger

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This “Waiting on Wednesday” post is about:

Etiquette and Espionage (Finishing School Series #1) by Gail Carriger

Publication date: February 5, 2013

Goodreads

Synopsis:

It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to finishing school.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.

First in a four book YA series set 25 years before the Parasol Protectorate but in the same universe.

What's it doing on my WoW?

Again I am forced to blame you. YOU! Every time I visit one of your WoWs I end up adding to my list of books…and for that I love you!  I want this book because you guys keep sharing awesome books that I simply have to read: this is one of them. When I read the synopsis to this book, I knew I had found the brochure for the school I will be attending in the near future. I am working on my application. You see, I aspire to kick ass. I want to run around just kicking ass. I want to be Jason Bourne, running around rooftops and, well, just plain kick ass! Have I made myself clear? Good! I am very excited about this book, I think it will kick ass. I have never read anything by Gail Carriger, but just on the synopsis, I have high hopes. When the time comes, I will devour this book!

What book(s) are you hungry for?

Please link your WoW, I want to see what you are waiting for!

If you leave a comment I will reply and visit your blog ASAP, and if you follow, I will follow you back. I promise!

Thank you so very much for stopping by!

Book Review: Jessica Rules the Dark Side (Jessica #2) by Beth Fantaskey

Click Here to Read My Review of Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Jessica #1)

Goodreads

No Synopsis since it contains major spoilers to the for the first book! Also, if you have not read the first book please stay away from Beth Fantaskey’s website, there be major spoilers roaming there! Yes, even in the home page…just stay away, please.

Review (NO SPOILERS, I PROMISE!):

In the first book, Jessica learns something very important: she may or may not be a vampire princess. The whole first book deals with whether or not she is able to come to terms with this revelation. Her life has changed and she has had to make decisions that surprise even herself. In the end she makes choices that take her down a path she never imagined for herself. I really loved Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (see how much here) and I was super excited to read the sequel. Unfortunately, I am sad to say that after reading the second book, I am beyond angry. I am angry that there is no third book! I have really come to enjoy the characters that inhabit Jessica’s world and I want to see more of them!

The second book, much like the first one, focuses on Jessica trying to deal with situations outside her comfort zone. She has made life-changing decisions and the consequences seem to be more than Jessica had previously imagined. I like seeing how Jessica has changed. Unfortunately, she seems to have weakened since the first book. Apparently, Jessica did not foresee the difficulties that came with the choices she made, and that has really taken a toll on her. Again, I really loved the characters. The returning ones are just like I remembered and the new ones are there for important reasons and they let us learn more about vampire customs.

However, though I loved most of the characters and I think Beth Fantaskey has a wonderful narrative voice, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. The first one was dark and unexpected. I wasn’t always sure where we were headed. This one the other hand was way a bit too obvious. I know that twist and unexpected endings are not something we should try to force onto all books, especially since the journey is often better and even more important than the destination. Most books are walks in a park, you sometimes get a glimpse of the ending, but it doesn’t matter because you are enjoying the scenery and fresh air. However, the plot of this one was more like a stroll down a straight path. The characters make reading worth it, but the story leaves a bit to be desired.

Despite the obvious storyline, I found this book to be a light, fun, and really enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend giving this series a go. If you worry about the second book, I would like to assure you that this book is still worth reading. In fact, I would even dare to argue that the obvious plot line is important character development. I think it reveals how much Jessica is in over her head. She cannot seem to function and she cannot seem to notice what is right under her nose. Rather than focus on the plot, it might be better for me to say that this isn’t a story-driven novel; it is a novel that focus on the emotional and inner growth of Jessica. We care about it because we care about the character.

All in all, I am really happy I picked up this series. Though this second book seems to wrap things up very well, I would absolutely love a third installment! I have really gotten attached to Jessica and her peeps, especially Lucius (yep, he is still in my Hall of Book Boyfriends, he should be proud!). I want more Lucius! Beth Fantaskey, help a sister out!  Please!

Enhance Your Reading Experience with Beth Fantaskey’s Awesome Bonus Chapters! (Note: Read them in the right order, there be spoilers!!!)

After you read Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, but Before you read Jessica Rules the Dark Side: Important Bonus Chapters

(These bonus chapters are important for the sequel, but don’t go snooping around Beth Fantaskey’s website if you don’t want the nature of the ending of the first book to be revealed…you’ve been warned!)

After you read Jessica Rules the Dark Side: a special scene for Halloween  featured  at onceuponatwilight: Bonus Halloween Scene
(This short story answers an important question, but do not read it until after you read Jessica Rules the Dark Side!)

About the Author

What Beth Fantaskey Has to Say About Herself:

1. My favorite hobby is traveling the world - but my biggest fear is flying.
2. My second-biggest fear is public speaking… but I’m a college professor (who sometimes teaches public speaking!)
3. I have two 8-year-old kids - who AREN’T twins.
4. My weirdest work experience was helping to “tan” deer hides using cow brains. (I was actually writing a magazine story about it.)
5. I’ve only been fired once, from a job as a bookstore clerk.
6. My best educational experience was doing research in India on the Dalit (“untouchable”) struggle for human rights. (See maarpu.org)
7. My worst experience, ever, was getting food poisoning while riding my bike from the Missouri River to the Mississippi. (My friend told me the chicken tasted strange…)
8. Whenever I visit a new country, I try as many ketchups as I can. (Best: Poland, Worst: China)
9. I am an uncommonly bad volleyball player…ask the team that ALMOST won a championship.
10. I also suffer from mild “ichthyphobia,” or “fear or fish.” I don’t bother trying to overcome that one!

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

 

Click Here to Read My Review of Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (Jessica #1)