Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I have so much to be thankful, but one of them would definitely have to be my amazing followers. ♥ Hope ya'll have a great day :)

Waiting on Wednsday (32)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we "can't-wait-to-read".

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Summary: 
Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances... a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life...and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last....

Sarah Ockler is one of my favorite authors, so I was super excited when I found out she's coming out with a new book! The plot sounds great; I have high expectations for this one. :)

Stay by Deb Caletti

Book review #67
Stay by Deb Caletti
Rating: Five stars


Summary:
Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Is it normal to think about a book days after you've read it? It's been a week or two and I can't seem to get Stay out of my head. I have a read a few other Deb Calleti books, but none of them captured me like this one.

Alternating chapters between the present, where Clara and her father have escaped to a small town by the beach, to the past where Clara and Christian's relationship develops from a blossoming love to a violent obsession. The alternating chapters were one of my favorite aspects about the book. The fact that you got to see both Clara in the relationship and how she reflected about it after, added so much to the story. It was almost shocking to see how much of herself was lost from her relationship with Christian.

Although the book is about a very delicate subject, it was surprisingly easy to read. The writing is beautiful and rich. At times the plot seemed so alive, making my heart race, scared to discover what was going to happen next. On a lighter note, including footnotes about her own comments, which brought humor to the story.

One might think the story is mainly about Clara and Christian's relationship, but embedded is the relationship with her father, her dead mother, and even her parent's relationship. What captured my attention most was the relationship between Cara and her father. The strong bond they have and the way they care about each other was refreshing.

The beach setting was breathtaking. It made me want to get in the car and drive to the nearest beach that had a lighthouse. The characters she met in the present chapters were well developed and likable. Specifically one character, who melted my heart and gave hope.

Stay is an intense, beautiful story that will be sure to stay with you. It's one of those books I love so much that I could write and write about and never stop. My review doesn't do it justice, you have to read it for yourself to see just how amazing it really is. I borrowed if from the library and it was hard to give it back; I think I'll be buying myself a copy.

In My Mailbox (38)

In My Mailbox is a meme originally hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren (click for more information) that shares all the new books you've bought, borrowed, received, or traded for the week.


For review:

Please Ignore Vera Diez by AS. King
Summary:

Vera’s spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she’s kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything.

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, even the police. But will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?

The Fox Inheritance by Mary E.Pearson

Summary:

Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other—Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries.

Two-hundred-and-sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead.

Everyone except Jenna Fox

What's in your mailbox?

HI!

I can't even remember the last time I blogged and truly makes me sad. But I've still read some amazing books this year! It's senior year and aside from the college applications/scholarships, life isn't too hectic. I have plenty more time to read and blog. I can't wait to be a part of the blogging community again. <3 Thanks a million to everyone who hasn't unfollowed me! Also, a special shout out to my new followers, I will be checking out your blogs soon. :)

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Book review #66
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Rating: Five stars


Summary:

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless.

Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.

I have always heard wonderful things about Ellen Hopkin's books, but they never seemed like my cup of tea. After some peer pressure, I decide to cave in and see what all the hype was about. One sitting and two hours or so later I had devoured every word. Crank was extremely addicting and although painful and honest, it was one of the most fascinating books I have read in a very long time. 

To be honest, I don't know much about drugs and their effects. Of course I know the typical stereotypes and such, but Crank brought drugs into a whole other perspective. I really got to understand what crystal meth does to a person and how much it changes a person's life. 

Kristina was an easy, likable main character. The story begins unveiling her shy, normal persona and the course she takes after meeting a rebellious boy while visiting her unstable father. There Kristina is introduced to the world of meth. Also introduced his her violent, spontaneous alter ego- Bree. Her journey is quite horrifying and painful to read about, but none other than intriguing. I loved how you got to see both sides of Kristina, making her relationships and interests more realistic. 

I am a fan of verse novels and I have to admit Ellen Hopkins does it exceptionally well. Her writing was beautiful and will leave you hooked. The words were poetic and so descriptive, it really captivates the reader. The poems are spaced and structured, giving the words an even deeper meaning. 

Crank is not an easy book to read, but I am glad to have given it a chance. It's raw and shocking, exploring very important issue. Crank will make you think and see the world from a different view. I'm eager to get my hands on her follow up books! 

Daily Dose Monday (31)

Daily Dose Monday is hosted by Holly over at Good Golly Miss Holly and features inspiring/magical images that you would like to share with your readers :)

Remember me?

Hey everyone! 


It's been way too long. Thankfully, junior year is almost over! I have AP tests this week and the next, so I will be super busy and stressed until then. But, I decided to still squeeze in some time for blogging. Blogging really helps me relieve some of that stress and I REALLY miss it. I'm excited to somewhat get back into the blogging community and catch up on some of your wonderful blogs. After the school year is over, I'll be back for good. ♥ I've been reading some wonderful books lately! Look out for reviews of Sometimes It Happens, Where She Went, So Much Closer and more. :)


And a huge thanks goes out to all my lovely followers who have stuck with me all this time. 

Waiting on Wednesday (31)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we "can't-wait-to-read".

My Life Undecided By Jessica Brody

Release date: June 7th, 2011

Summary:

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’m gave up. Threw in the towel. I let someone else be the one to decide which book I read for English. Or 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.

I loved The Karma Club by Jessica Brody and this sounds just as good! I can definitely relate to the summary; I can't wait to see how this one turns out.