Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Book review #55
Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
Rating: Five stars

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Sixteen-year-old Maya and seventeen-year-old Lochan have never had the chance to be 'normal' teenagers. Having pulled together for years to take care of their younger siblings while their wayward, drunken mother leaves them to fend alone, they have become much more than brother and sister. And now, they have fallen in love. But this is a love that can never be allowed, a love that will have devastating consequences ...How can something so wrong feel so right?

I don't think words can really describe this book or how I really feel about it. Forbidden evokes so many different emotions all at once. Reading the summary, I wasn't really sure if I could handle it. I thought I would be super uncomfortable the whole time. But I wasn't. Without a doubt Forbidden is probably one of the hardest books I've ever read, but it was definitely worth it.

Forbidden is centered around a struggling family consisting of children Tiff and Willa, teenagers Kit, and the elders Maya and Lochan. Their dad isn't in the picture and their mom makes it home on occasional, but is usually hungover. Maya and Lochan have taken over the role of the parents. They cook, transport the kids to school, read them bedtime stories etc. Together they become something much more than brother and sisters, but providers, best friends, and lovers? With each others love and support the two really keep the family together, but one can only be strong for so long...

All of the characters were just so precious, well aside for the nasty mom and Kit who had his rebellious moments. Maya and Lochan were such a great people with bright futures, but are held back by their responsibility. Maya was so sweet and heart-felt. And Lochan was so dependable, the rock of the family. He definitely had issues socially, but nothing that can't be overcome. I really felt Maya and Lochan's frustrations. How can something SO wrong, be oh so right? All I know for sure was that I wanted them to be happy. It's really hard to not root for them. Oh and Tiff and Willa were so innocent and cute. I couldn't imagine growing up like them.

You got to see both Maya and Lochan's point of view, which I was so grateful for. It was nice to see where each character was coming from. The writing was seriously amazing. I fell in love with it. The descriptions were so vivid and strong. There were times I had to reread parts to understand what was really going on. As I already mentioned, this is a very hard book to read. It will make you think really hard...really hard about the difference between right and wrong. I had to read this book over a few days, because of how much it was affecting me. It literally took over my day, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The book, the characters, just about everything will stay with you for a very long time if not forever. 

Forbidden is a very serious book, that really changed my outlook on things. I learned to not be so judgmental. I feel bad about how horrid my reaction was to this book before he picking it up. Forbidden is heart-breaking, painful, and definitely amazing. I have SO much respect for the author for tackling such a hard subject and doing is so wonderful. Forbidden is a book that was needed to be written. I sincerely recommend giving this one a try. But definitely not to younger readers, not only because of the inappropriate scenes, but you have to be mature enough to handle this one. Oh and as a warning, definitely have the tissues nearby. 

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Book review #47
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

Last year, all of Belly's dreams came true and the thought of missing a summer in Cousins Beach was inconceivable. But like the rise and fall of the ocean tide, things can change--just like that. Suddenly the time she's always looked forward to most is something she dreads. And when Jeremiah calls to say Conrad has disappeared, Belly must decide how she will spend this summer: chasing after the boy she loves, or finally letting him go. 

I'm officially in love with this series.  To say this book was amazing is an understatement. I think I even liked it better than the first book (The Summer I Turned Pretty) which I fell in love with. It's Not Summer Without You is simply delicious. I clawed my way through it, setting it down at times, to savor every last moment. I was really sad when it came to the end. It has everything I look for in a book- a realistic lovable main character, a summer/beach setting, and not one, but two amazing boys. The added emotional roller coaster was just icing on the cake.

Belly was the same old Belly, but yet totally different. It's summer time again, which usually means spending times in Cousins with Susan and the boys, but not this time. Susannah is getting sicker by the second and she doesn't have much time left. Everyone is taking it really hard. The amazing summers Belly dreamed of all year long have come to an end. To top it off her relationship/fling with Conrad is on the rocks. When Jeremiah calls Belly claiming Conrad is missing, Belly decides it's time to make it right again...

The characters are amazing. They are practically family to me- I felt extremely attached to them. Each of them sparked so many emotions from me- I smiled, laughed, screamed, and definitely cried. Belly is definitely my favorite. She's the same age as me, and at a similar stage in life, so can I really relate to her. I understood her confusion and heart ache. She's so lucky to have Jeremiah and Conrad. Jeremiah is such a sweetie, I would love to have him around! And Conrad is so smart and complex. I understand how it would be difficult to choose between them. Susannah. Don't even get me started on her. I probably missed her as much as Belly and the boys, she's just a wonderful person.

Cousins is where I want to live. In my eyes it's almost perfect. It's Not Summer Without You is the type of book where the descriptions are so good that you can practically feel what's going on around you. I could imagine everything exactly in my head-the smell of the beach in the morning, the cozy beach house, even the feelings of love drifting in the air.

There wasn't anything I didn't love about this book. I can't wait for the next book to come out, I really can't. It's Not Summer Without You is one of those perfect summer reads that are actually deep and wonderful. If you haven't started this series, I highly suggest you do (:

Living Dead Girl by Elizaberth Scott

Book review #40
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
Once upon a time I was a little girl who disappeared.
Once upon a time my name was not Alice.
Once upon a time I didn't know how lucky I was.

When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.

Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her. This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget. 

Oh my goodness! I'm literally shaking while I even write this. I've never ever been this affected from a book. Living Dead Girl will always be burned into my mind, no matter how hard I try to forget it I simply can't. It is with no doubt the craziest book I've ever read. When I read the summary I didn't really know what exactly the book was about, but now it's all crystal clear. When thinking of Living Dead Girl disturbing, mind numbing, intense, and horrify comes to mind. But that definitely doesn't mean that it wasn't an amazing book.

Alice,which is not even her real name, used to be a normal ten year old who went on field trips, put on lip gloss, and lived with her family. But one day she gets lost on a school field trip,but a nice man "helps" her find her way back and that was her last "normal" day. Five years have passed and she is still living with Ray. The thing she wants the most is to feel the knife going through her heart, but she knows if she ever does anything to leave Ray her whole family will be in big trouble. She lives day by day, watching TV shows, eating nibbles of food-because god forbid she goes over 100 pounds, and waiting for Ray to get home. Even if she tried to sneak around, Ray knows everything and nothing is worth his punishments. Ray believes that girls shouldn't grow up, so he does just that to Alice. Now Alice faces the truth, that she's now a living dead girl.

Throughout almost the whole book I wanted to yell and scream-to do anything to help Alice, but I was as helpless as Alice. And you can even tell that Alice is such a good person, she really is. I cried so much while reading her story, probably bucket fulls. They were those tears that come streaming down your face on full blast. It was so hard to think that there is actually people like Ray out there. When I picture Ray in my mind right now I want to puke. I imagine an overweight grown man, with yellow nasty teeth smiling this huge grin exposing all of his gums. And that's just how he looks like, not what he actually does. What makes it even more crazy is that this man goes to church and thinks that all children need to be loved. OK I'm not a violent person at all, but if I had the chance I would strangle Ray with my bear hands. I've never hated a character more in my life.

Elizabeth Scott is really amazing. I have no idea how a person could have written this book, but I'm very glad that they did. Almost every scene was extremely hard to read. I can't even go into more detail or I'll start to feel nauseous- let's just say there was lots of blood and pain. I actually almost stopped reading because I didn't think I could handle it.  But I knew I had to finish Alice's story.

I don't want to believe it, but things like this happen everyday to poor innocent people. Yeah I've heard about it, but I've never actually witnessed it, let alone gone into the victim's head. This is a very important book that I'm so glad I read. Alice's story will never leave me and that is a fact. If you think you can handle it then immediately pick this one up.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Book review #37
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

I just finished If I Stay about an half an hour ago, and I don't think I'm yet fully recovered to even write this review. If I Stay is one of the most touching, beautiful, heart-breaking books I've ever read. From the first page I was sucked into a whole other world-completely shutting down everything around me. I know for a fact that Mia's story is unforgettable.

The scene starts out perfectly with the whole family settling down for breakfast after discovering that it was a snow day. Mia has quite a bit on her mind-music, her boyfriend, and regular teenage worries. Little does she know those worries are nothing compared to what's about to happen next.  After breakfast, the family decides to take a drive to visit the grandparents. A few hours later Mia finds herself at the hospital, with the last thing she can picture is the scene of the accident where she found her own injured body laying on the wet snow. As an observer, together we watch as Mia narrates what's going on at the hospital, as she faces the ultimate decision-whether to keep fighting or to let go.

There were so many amazing things I loved about this book. I think I would have to say the characters would be one of my favorites. The whole cast of If I Stay are now some of my favorite characters of all time. It was refreshing and breath-taking to see such awesome characters. First of the whole family, were just wonderful. Imagine that, a main character who actually wants to spend time with her family. The parents weren't strict and mean, but not carefree and crazy- they were as close to perfect as can be. They were funny and fun to be around, but still parents at the same time.

Mia of course was my favorite. She was just different than everyone else. Her love for music was astounding.  Mia and Adam can't really be described in words. It was true love, not just some cheesy romance, mostly involving physical contact. And no their relationship wasn't perfect, they definitely went through their ups and downs, but that's what made them so good together. Adam, oh Adam, I just loved him! So much. His love for music, his sweetness, just everything about him was adorable. Even Mia and Kim had a special friendship, they understood each other and the way they became friends is just hilarious. All of the characters were very lovable. Watching them surround Mia in love and support was very touching.

The writing left me speechless. It flowed as easily as a book written in verse. The story was told through flashbacks replaying Mia's most important moments. I enjoyed every single one of them. Moments with her best friend, her first date, times with her family and even music camp. All of them made me feel so warm inside, they were all realistic. The flashbacks were a big part in helping Mia decide.

I almost forget to mention how a big of a role music was. There were so many different types of music in the book, making it oh so much more beautiful. Adam had his band while Mia had her cello, both playing a huge part in their relationship as well as their lives.
  
If I Stay is simply stunning. I cried so many different types of tears while reading this. I thought so hard, it really made me think what would I do if I was in Mia's position. While this was sad book it was balanced with love, hope, and even humor. If I Stay is definitely a book to add to my favorites. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up :)

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Book review #28
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark.

The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable.

And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

After reading millions of reviews comparing The Maze Runner to The Hunger Games series, I knew I just had to read it. Now that I have read it I"m not really sure how I'm feeling. Out of breath, heart racing, and definitely very emotional is just the beginning. To say this book is amazing is an understatement. Without a dull moment in the book, there were so many things thrown at you, twists here, turns there, you won't really know what to do.

At first, you are just as clueless as Thomas. You can't expect to receive all the answers to your questions.Although you do know the basic information: no one knows anything about who they really are and their past, they all live an "area" called The Glade, a new member arrives every month,  and absolutely nobody knows why they are there. Don't worry though eventually some of those burning questions racing through your mind are answered.

The descriptions of the book were pretty awesome. I don't think I've even read a book so detailed before. The Maze Runner was easily a movie playing inside my head. I felt like I was participant in the maze. By the end of the book, I easily knew my way around The Glade. I will have to warn you though, you will make lots of noises/gasps, as well has facial expressions. I had to watch my older sister Sophia read the book before me and based on her reactions, I knew I would fall in love with it.

Although you don't get to know lots of background information on each of the characters, I still loved them all. Thomas met a couple of boys, who became his family. In fact everyone who lived in The Glade made up one huge-dysfunctional at times- family. Everyone had their own role- the leaders, trainers, cook, and so on. Adding Tessa, a girl, to the mix was just icing on the cake. Not only was she a girl in the sea of boys, she was a very important part to the story.

While some people might not like the new words used in this book- I sure liked them. It was almost like another language was created. Words were used like shanks, baggers, shuck-face, keepers etc. I almost became fluent myself.

Thrilling, action-packed, and just plain brilliant is what The Maze Runner is made up of. It is impossible to put down, and will leave you at the edge of your seat at all times. The ending will definitely leave you thinking for awhile. As for the comparison to The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner was primarily made up of the action parts of The Hunger Games-aka the actual Hunger Games/time in the arena.  I do guarantee that The Hunger Games fans will love it. I'm more than pleased with this book and very anxious for the sequel to come out. What are you waiting for?

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Book Review #25
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined. 

I feel amazed, beaten down, and not fully recovered after spending my Tuesday evening reliving the last seven days of Samantha Kingston life. I almost don't know what to say. Before I Fall is truly unique and unlike any other book I've ever read. Without a doubt, it has made my list of all time favorite books. I've read amazing reviews about Before Before I Fall, but I still felt uneasy-I mean how could a book tell the story about the same day over and over again and not get boring? Well I sure was wrong, everyday was better than the last; the same, yet so different at the same time. Before I Fall went through so many twists and untwists, but more importantly it taught you the most important lesson of all: to not take things for granted and to try to fix your life, before it's too late.

Samantha Kingston is a popular, "has it all", high school senior. She wakes up on February 12th, with her biggest worries being about how many roses she will get and her big night with her boyfriend Rob. As the day goes on, things don't turn out exactly how she planned. To top it off Sam and her friends get into a terrible accident. When Sam wakes up the next day, she can't believe she's in her own bed. She is amazed to discover that the date is yet again February 12th. As she relives the same day over and over, she starts questioning the kind of person she is and eventually realizes it is not too late to change.

Ok at first, I can't think of many people that actually liked Samantha. She was a shallow, self-centered, and not very nice, BUT, I guarantee by the middle of the book you will honestly love Sam. Her transformation really is amazing and it's not done in a forced predictable way either. Instead of focusing only on her self, she tries to help others and save their lives. She is given second chances over and over again, something not many people have.

As for the other characters- I loved each and every one of them. Although Sam's friends were popular and rich, they had their faults. They were just like some of our friends. I loved loved their relationship between the four best friends. Yeah they fought, but they were always there for each other, and they honestly had so much fun together that it reminded me about my own friendships. Don't forget about the romance either. I didn't like Rob her boyfriend at all, but Kent on the other hand was one of my favorite characters. He was an adorable dork that was mostly a mess, but he has always had a crush on Samantha- for the real Samantha. I even loved Izzy (Samantha's little sister), she was the cutest thing ever! I have many younger nieces and nephews myself and the idea of ever losing them really hit me hard.

Not only did Before I Fall have an amazing plot with romance, humor, and inspiration, but the writing was simply amazing. I mean could you imagine reading a 500 page book and wanting more. I literally could have read another couple hundred of pages of this book. The memories and back-stories, along with the sarcastic relatable dialogue really blew me away. I was so into the characters I almost wanted to jump in to the book and at points yell at Samantha for doing something utterly crazy.

Just thinking about reading Before I Fall makes me smile and feel all fuzzy inside. All the crying and hard-thinking was done all from this one book. I learned so much-I had no idea the smallest things could affect someone's whole life for years. I honestly could just go on for days about how great this books is. I still find myself thinking about it two days later, and I'm sure for much longer. If you haven't picked this one up yet, what are you waiting for?

A Time for Dancing

Book Review #6
A Time for Dancing by Davida Wills Hurwin
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

I read this book awhile ago, but I still find myself thinking about it. A Time for Dancing is one of my all time favorite books. Centered around two inseparable best friends I(Samantha and Julia) who share the love of dancing. Out of the blue one Julia become diagnosed with cancer. The moment Julia discovers she has cancer, their lives are turned upside down. Alternating between the views of the two friends, you see both sides of the story. I didn't know much about cancer, after reading the book...more Summary:  
The book focuses around two inseparable best friends (Samantha and Juliana) who share the love of dancing. Out of the blue one day, Juliana becomes diagnosed with cancer. The moment Juliana discovers she has cancer, both of their lives are turned upside down, but through tears and happiness they fight the battle together. 

I read this book awhile ago, but I still find myself thinking about it. A Time for Dancing is one of those books you'll never forget. One of my favorite things about the book is that it alternates between the views of the two friends, so you get to see both sides of the story.  I didn't know much about cancer, but after reading the book, I had a much better understanding of the disease. A Time for Dancing was so well written I could feel the pain Juliana went through. A Time for Dancing is a book that really touches the soul. It made me appreciate all the great things I have in life and to treasure my friends and family. You get to experience an example of true friendship, love, and even death. I'm warning you, have a box of tissues nearby. A Time for Dancing will be one of the best books you have read. I can't really find any bad things to say about this book; I would recommend this book to anyone. (There is also a just as good sequel called The Farther You Run.)

Catching Fire

Book Review #5
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Rating: Five stars (refer to the rating system on the right)

Summary:
The book starts up right where the Hunger Games ended. Katniss and Peeta have just won the annual Hunger Games by defying the capital. In the beginning, they get to do the normal routines that all victors do- visit the districts, celebrate, host events etc., but that soon all changes. The capitol is angry and they seek revenge. Since Katniss was able to go against the capitol, the districts finally have a way to rebel. While we are reunited with some of the main characters, you are introduced to new key characters. As a warning, I have to say you are going to witness another Hunger Games.

After waiting in line for almost a month at the library I finally got a hold of Catching Fire, but it was definitely worth the wait. Catching Fire is the sequel to the Hunger Games. At first I wasn't really sure what to expect, I thought nothing could top the Hunger Games, but boy was I wrong. There are so many plot twists and surprises, by the end you are going to exhausted! I found myself gasping at parts, to the point I had to put down the book to reassess what had just happened. You are literally not going to be able to put the book down! Once again the book ends with a huge cliffhanger, leaving me hungry for the third book in the series. Overall, Catching Fire most definitely deserves five stars, I would consider one of my favorite books of this year! I would recommend Catching Fire, as well as the Hunger Games, to EVERYONE!