Review: See Me

Title:  See Me
Series:  None
Author:  Wendy Higgins
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publication Date:  March 17, 2014 by Wendy Higgins
Source:  Bought

While most seventeen-year-old American girls would refuse to let their parents marry them off to a stranger, Robyn Mason dreams of the mysterious McKale in Ireland, wondering how he’ll look and imagining his cute Irish accent. Prearranged bindings are common for magical families like her own, however when she travels to the whimsical Emerald Isle she discovers there’s more to her betrothal and McKale’s clan than she was led to believe.

What starts as an obligatory pairing between Robyn and McKale morphs over time into something they both need. But one giant obstacle stands in the way of their budding romance: a seductive and deadly Fae princess accustomed to getting what she wants—and what she wants is McKale as her plaything. Love, desire, and jealousies collide as Robyn’s family and McKale’s clan must work together to outsmart the powerful Faeries and preserve the only hope left for their people.

Find See Me online

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

 

My Review:  I've always been a huge fan of Wendy Higgins.  Her first novel, Sweet Evil, was actually the novel that inspired me to start Wonderland's Reader!  I just needed somewhere to get out all my feels!  So when I heard about this new novel - a standalone - that she was releasing, I was so excited, not to mention a little nervous.  I knew I loved The Sweet Trilogy, but I knew there was a chance this one might not live up to my expectations.  Luckily, I had nothing to worry about.  See Me is a genuinely good novel with three dimensional characters, sweet family relationships, and a slow burning romance that had me fangirling throughout the entire novel!

One thing I always enjoy when it comes to Wendy's novels is the relationships between the main characters and their family.  While I adored seeing Robyn and McKale together, I also really loved seeing Robyn's relationship with her mom and dad and sister.  Not enough books in the YA genre do a good job of realistically showing the dynamic between parents and children and I feel like Wendy Higgins does a wonderful job.  The unconditional love and support for the main character from his or her parents should be something shown more in novels rather than unhealthy dependency on attractive, dangerous guys.  

Robyn's relationship with McKale was also something I enjoyed reading about.  The way it started was quite unconventional but it added a layer that I hadn't read much of and it wove in some tension that made it all the more interesting.  I was anticipating ever step they took in their relationship and seeing the way it evolved and grew was so sweet and refreshing.  McKale wasn't the usual bad-boy mysterious male lead that you can normally find in YA.  He was unsure of himself and so, so sweet.  But he also had his moments of confidence.  Basically, he was totally swoon-worthy.   

The plot, while not filled with tons of action, kept me interested.  It was more involved with the drama and problems surrounding McKale and Robyn's relationship as well as the fear of the faeries.  Knowing that the fae could come at any time and ruin everything was a seriously nerve-wracking aspect!  

See Me is a novel you won't regret reading.  Unlike the usual YA novels, it brings a refreshing change to the genre that was very much needed.  I am so excited to see what Wendy Higgin's will come up with next!

 Four Cards

Review: Eleanor & Park

Title:  Eleanor & Park
Series:  None
Author:  Rainbow Rowell
Age Group:  Young Adult

Publication Date:  February 26, 2013 by St. Martin's Press 

Source:  Given to me as a gift.  Thanks, Dad and Mike!

Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

Find Eleanor & Park online

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

My Review:  After reading and falling in love with Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, I knew I had to find more by this author.  Of course, the first novel that came to mind was this one!  I'd heard so much praise surrounding it so, even though I was a little wary because of the rising mountain that was my expectations, I decided to give it a try.  I am seriously so happy that I did.  This is a novel that I know will stick with me for a long time.  Filled with tough familial situations, slow developing relationships, and characters that have forever been branded in my heart, Eleanor & Park is a story that I'm glad I gave a chance.

I didn't know what I thought would happen when I went into this novel but what I got was definitely different but much better than what I had been expecting.  It broke away from the norms of the young adult genre and I loved that.  There was no insta-love or even insta-attraction between these characters.  The way their relationship developed was slow burning and real.  As I read, I could feel Eleanor and Park's feelings for another slowly growing.  It was a gradual process and allowed us time to meet and become properly acquainted with our characters who come from very different worlds.  

Eleanor does not have a good family life at all.  She was basically kicked out of her home only to return a year later (when this story starts off) to a family that has been drastically changed and is being controlled by her evil step father.  They are suffering from poverty and trying to care for Eleanor's many younger brothers and sisters so she's far down on the list of priorities.  Seeing her in this situation was very painful.  She tried so hard to hide her feelings about how terrible it was.  Still, considering her age and the unfairness of the life she had been given, she handled things very well.  Of course, it was still extremely hard on her and the way she was treated by other people didn't help.  

Park's life was the complete opposite.  He had a loving mother, a father that, while harsh at times, still cared, and only one brother.  They were comfortable financially and he had friends.  Even still, his life wasn't ideal.  He dealt with things that were maybe not as hard as what Eleanor was dealing with but were still hard all the same.  I could relate a lot more with Park but sympathized and felt more for Eleanore.  Seeing them finally come together was amazing and heart warming.  I absolutely adored the way they slowly got to talking; it was unbelievably cute and sweet.  But their friendship and relationship always held a undertone of danger.  They were never fully free to express their feelings for each other in public because of the possible consequences with Eleanor's step father.  

Plot wise, this story had a lot going on but it never felt rushed.  A lot of it was steps they were taking in their relationship and Eleanore trying to handle the problems with her family.  I wanted to savor every moment I had with these characters but I truthfully just couldn't stop myself from flying through the pages.  I was unable to put it down. The ending was bittersweet.  I knew from the beginning something like that would end up happening and it hurt.  I cried hard for these characters.  But even when things looked completely bleak, there was still a small glimmer of hope.

Eleanor & Park should be a novel that everyone has on their to-be-read list.  If not for the amazing writing style and characters then for the lessons and themes throughout.  I can't wait to read more of Rainbow Rowell's works.

“Eleanor was right. She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something.” 

 Five Cards

Don't Look Back Release Day Launch!

Today, I am so excited to announce the release of another book from one of my favorite authors, Jennifer L. Armentrout.  This novel is unlike anything she's ever written and I'm beyond excited to jump in and share it with you!

Title:  Don't Look Back

Series:  None

Author:  Jennifer L. Armentrout

Age Group:  Young Adult

Published:  April 15, 2014 (that's today :D) by Disney Hyperion

Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend.

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

Find Don't Look Back online!

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads ~ iTunes

Excerpt from Don't Look Back!

              I didn’t recognize the name on the street sign. Nothing about the rural road looked familiar or friendly. Tall, imposing trees and overgrown weeds choked the front of the dilapidated home. Windows were boarded up. There was a gaping hole where the front door had been. I shivered,wanting to be far away from here…wherever here was. 

 

Walking felt harder than it should be, and I stumbled off the chilly asphalt, wincing as

sharp gravel dug into my feet. 

My bare feet? 

I stopped and looked down. Chipped pink nail polish peeked through the dirt…and blood. 

            Mud caked the legs of my pants, leaving the hems stiff. It made sense, seeing as how I wasn’t wearing any shoes, but the blood…I didn’t understand why there was blood staining the knees of my jeans. 

 

My vision clouded and dulled, as if a gray film had been dropped over my eyes. As I

stared at the weathered asphalt under my feet, large and smooth rocks replaced the tiny stones.Something dark and oily seeped over the rocks, slipping through the cracks. 

 

Sucking in a sharp gasp, I blinked and the image was gone. 

Hands trembling, I raised them. They were also covered with dirt and scratches. My nails were broken, bloodied. A silver ring wrapped, encased in soil, around my thumb. Air froze in my chest as my gaze crawled over my arms. The sleeves of my sweater were torn, revealing pale flesh covered in bruises and gashes. My legs started to shake as I swayed forward. I tried to remember how this had happened, but my head was empty—a black void where nothing existed. 

 

A car drove by, coasting to a stop a few feet in front of me. Somewhere in the trenches of my subconscious, I recognized the flashing red and blue lights as a source of safety. Elegantly scrawled along the black-and-gray side of the cruiser were the words ADAMS COUNTY SHERIFF’SDEPARTMENT. 

  

Adams County? A flash of familiarity came and went. 

The driver’s door opened, and a deputy stepped out. He said something into the radio on his shoulder before he looked at me. 

 

“Miss?” He started around the cruiser, taking tentative steps. He looked young for a

deputy. Barely out of high school and able to carry a gun seemed wrong somehow. Was I in high school? I didn’t know. “We’ve received some calls into dispatch concerning you,” he said gently. “Are you okay?” 

 

I tried to respond, but only a hoarse squeak came out. Clearing my throat, I winced as themotion scratched and pulled. “I…I don’t know.” 

 

“Okay.” The deputy held up his hands as he approached me, as if I were a skittish deer about to bolt. “My name is Deputy Rhode. I’m here to help you. Do you know what you’re doing out here?” 

 

“No.” Knots formed in my belly. I didn’t even know where here was.

His smile strained. “What’s your name?” 

My name? Everyone knew their name, but as I stared at the deputy, I couldn’t answer his question. The knots started twisting more. “I don’t…I don’t know what my name is.” 

 

He blinked, and the smile was completely gone. “You don’t remember anything?” 

I tried again, concentrating on the empty space between my ears. That was how it felt.

And I knew that wasn’t good. My eyes started to tear up. 

“Miss, it’s okay. We’ll get you taken care of.” He reached out, lightly taking hold of my

arm. “We’ll get this sorted.” 

Deputy Rhode led me around the back of his cruiser. I didn’t want to sit behind the

Plexiglas, because I knew that wasn’t good. Only bad people sat behind the glass in police

cruisers. I wanted to object, but before I could say anything, he settled me into the seat and

wrapped a coarse blanket around my shoulders. 

Before he locked me in the bad part of the car, he knelt and smiled reassuringly.

“Everything’s going to be okay.” 

But I knew he was lying, trying to make me feel better. It didn’t work. How could

everything be okay when I didn’t know my own name?

“This engrossing thriller packs a heady atmospheric punch with plenty of theatrical scares,” Kirkus Reviews

“Armentrout has written another winner. From the first page to the last, she builds both terror and confusion to the point where readers will be hooked and on the edge of their seat. This standalone contains all of Armentrout’s usual trademarks– a strong and determined heroine, witty comments and hot guys–but she adds in an extra layer by ratcheting up the suspense to the highest degree and follows it up with an ending no one will see coming.” RT BOOK REVIEWS 4 1/2 Stars TOP PICK

About Jennifer L. Armentrout!

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

 Find Jennifer online!

Goodreads ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook 

Waiting on Wednesday #44

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.  It's where we share the upcoming releases we're most eagerly anticipating and can't wait to get our hands on!  This week . . . 

Title:  Love Letters to the Dead
Series:  None
Author:  Ava Dellaira
Age Group:  Young Adult
Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Release Date:  April 1, 2014

It begins as an assignment for English class: Write a letter to a dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May did. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to people like Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Amelia Earhart, Heath Ledger, and more; though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating new friendships, falling in love for the first time, learning to live with her splintering family. And, finally, about the abuse she suffered while May was supposed to be looking out for her. Only then, once Laurel has written down the truth about what happened to herself, can she truly begin to accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was; lovely and amazing and deeply flawed; can she begin to discover her own path.

Why I'm waiting on Love Letters to the Dead:  While this doesn't really sound like the kind of novel I generally pick up, the blurb is so interesting and the cover is so pretty, I can't resist.  I'm so excited for this to release!  Luckily, there's just a couple more days.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Leave you links in the comments below and I'll be sure to stop by your post!

 

Review: The Fault in Our Stars

Title:  The Fault in Our Stars
Series:  None
Author:  John Green
Age Group:  Young Adult
Published:  January 10, 2012 by Dutton Books

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

My Review:  Did I like The Fault in Our Stars?  You mean you can't tell by the mountain of tissues and the tears still streaming down my face?  I loved this book.  I was completely drawn in by Hazel, Augustus, and all of the other amazing characters that made a place in my heart and then tore it to pieces. Though this novel dealt very closely with cancer, I felt it was more a story about Hazel and her interactions and love with and for the people around her. 

I love all of our characters but Hazel definitely has a special place in my heart.  She drew me in from the start with her wit, wry humor, and harsh honesty.  Sometimes she came off as prickly and mean, but I could completely understand and sympathize with her reason for being that way.  I appreciated how well rounded and truly real she felt as I was reading.  John Green did a spectacular job of getting into Hazel's head and making her sound authentic and believable.  I felt like at any moment, she might just walk off the page and sit down next to me.  I love her!  

And, of course, there is Augustus.  I fell in love with this boy the second he stepped onto the page with all his metaphors and selflessness and wanting to leave his mark on the world.  Every scene he was in, he pulled me closer and closer.  I couldn't get enough of him.  Just like Hazel, Augustus stood up from the pages and became real.  I just...I can't even explain how deeply I feel for and connected with this character.  Along with Augustus, we have a wonderful cast of side characters.  I adored Hazel's parents and loved that they were a real part of this novel and they had personalities of their own.  I also like Isaac.  I truthfully wouldn't mind getting a novel from his point of view.  

The story was beautifully paced and told.  It never felt rushed or dragging.  I loved all the sweet, funny moments between Hazel and Augustus but the entire time, there was a knot in my stomach just waiting for the shoe to drop which I knew it would.  I didn't know exactly what would happen but when it did ... I couldn't.  I sobbed, guys.  Like, can't breath, doubled over, red faced ugly sobs.  I had to go downstairs and tell my parents that no, I wasn't dying and no, they didn't need to worry.  It hit me so hard.  But at the same time, I liked how truthful it was.  There was no romanticizing this disease in this novel and I appreciated that immensely.  It hurt, but I appreciated the pain.  

The Fault in Our Stars has gone down as one of my favorite books.  I love everything about it.  I cannot recommend it enough or shower it with enough praise.  This book is more than worth the read.  So, go read it.  

Five Cards (I would give it more if I had them)

Review: Providence

Title:  Providence 
Series:  None
Author:  Lisa Colozza Cocca
Published:  March 18, 2014 by Merit Press
Source:  A copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley.  Thank you!

The eldest of ten children on a dirt-poor farm, Becky trudges through life as a full-time babysitter, trying to avoid her father's periodic violent rages. When the family's barn burns down, her father lays the blame on Becky, and her own mother tells her to run for it. Run she does, hopping into an empty freight car. There, in a duffel bag, Becky finds an abandoned baby girl, only hours old. After years of tending to her siblings, sixteen-year-old Becky knows just what a baby needs. This baby needs a mother. With no mother around, Becky decides, at least temporarily, this baby needs her. When Becky hops off the train in a small Georgia town, it's with baby "Georgia" in her arms. When she meets Rosie, an eccentric thrift-shop owner, who comes to value and love Becky as no one ever has, Becky rashly claims the baby as her own. Not everyone in town is as welcoming as Rosie, though. Many suspect Becky and her baby are not what they seem. Among the doubters is a beautiful, reclusive woman with her own terrible loss and a long history with Rosie. As Becky's life becomes entangled with the lives of the people in town, including a handsome boy who suspects Becky is hiding something from her past, she finds her secrets more difficult to keep. Becky should grab the baby and run, but her newfound home and job with Rosie have given Becky the family she's never known. Despite her guilt over leaving her mother alone, she is happy for the first time. But it's a happiness not meant to last. When the truth comes out, Becky has the biggest decision of her life to make. Should she run away again? Should she stay--and fight? Or lie? What does the future hold for Becky and Georgia? With a greatness of heart and a stubborn insistence on hope found in few novels of any genre, "Providence" proves that home is where you find it, love is an active verb, and family is more than just a word.

My Review:  This book, while not something I normally enjoy reading, caught my attention with the blurb and made me curious as to how this story would resolve.  With the desire to find out how everything ended with Becky and the little baby Georgia, I jumped into and was immediately hooked by this novel.  

The plot in this book, while slow moving, was something I found very interesting.  I liked seeing the way that Becky fought for both her own survival and for Georgia's.  She had to make some difficult choices and put the baby's safety and welfare over her own at times and I found her devotion and resolve to do the right thing wonderful.  

Becky herself was a character I really liked.  She was charming, polite, and caring to all those she came across.  Her courtesy and manners immediately made me like her.  She was strong and stubborn without being rude was a refreshing change from other YA protagonists I've come across in the past.  She really wanted the best for all those around her and did her best to do the right thing.  I loved her relationship with Georgia and how she grew so much from having the responsibility of raising a child all by herself.  Georgia was a little ray of sunshine in this book and I liked seeing the way she lit up the page and all the other characters when she was around.  

My biggest problem with this book was the ending.  It nearly completely ruined the book for me.  I closed it feeling unsatisfied and, frankly, cheated.  There was no resolve and I was left with a bitterness toward more than a few characters and their actions and decisions.  All of the lessons and themes this book had been building on were immediately ruined by the ending.  

While the majority of the book was full of character growth, southern charm, and heart warming relationships, the ending left more than a little to be desired.  Had Providence ended differently, I would have given this book a higher rating.  

Three Cards

 

 

Review: Tiger Lily

Title:  Tiger Lily
Series:  None
Author:  Jodi Lynn Anderson
Publisher:  Harper Collins Children's Books
Pages:  220
Format:  eBook
Source:  Bought

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

My Review:  I'm still recovering from reading this book.  I had not expected to be so completely wrapped up in this book and the characters but I was.  It ripped out my heart and stomped all over it, laughing as it did.  I cried quite a bit while reading it.  Even though it did cause me quite a bit of heartache, I am so glad I picked it up.  It was an amazing, thought-invoking read that left me breathless with its raw beauty.  

I was first and foremost caught up by the usual way this story was told.  Neither Tiger Lily or Peter told their own story, instead Tinker Bell was the one who narrated.  It was so unique to be told a story from a first person point of view and have the person telling it not be one of the main characters.  I thought it would make it hard to connect and feel for Tiger Lily and Peter but it had the complete opposite effect.  We felt their emotions and heard both of their thoughts through Tink.  Because of this, we were provided a better insight on exactly how each of them felt.  Had this story been told through Tiger Lily or Peter, I feel like it wouldn't have been as absolutely amazing.  

The plot was exciting and kept me on my toes but wasn't so extremely busy and erratic that we were taken from the core of the story - the relationship between Peter and Tiger Lily.  It was very interesting to see them together.  They were both so strong and independent and rather hard but with each other, they branched out and became softer.  I also really enjoyed their innocence.  Here were two people who were warriors and prided themselves with being tough and strong but when it came to their budding romance, they were so unsure and it was just amazing seeing how that part of them was brought out.  I also thought Peter was absolutely adorable.  More than once I wanted to jump into the book and give him a hug.  

There was a lot of difficult, tear jerking moments to go along with the sweet ones.  It was hard reading and knowing that at any moment things were going to fall apart for the pair.  I wanted so badly for them to live ignorantly in love but that's just not the way the story goes and it broke my heart.  Also, I really, really dislike Wendy.  She wasn't even necessarily a bad person but still.  I don't think I'll ever even be able to watch the Disney version of Peter Pan again and like her.  

This book has secured a permanent place in my heart.  It tugged on my heart strings and brought out such strong emotions.  I know that I will be going back and rereading this many times in the future.  I absolutely adored it, even if it made me cry.  

Five Cards

Review: Forget You

Title:  Forget You
Series:  N/A
Author:  Jennifer Echols
Publisher:  MTV Books
Pages:  292
Format:  Paperback
Source:  Bought

 There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.  But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all--the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug--of all people-- suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life--a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

My Review:  Forget You was a pretty great summer read.  While it wasn't necessarily light and brought up quite a few harder topics, it was easy to get immersed in.  I read the entire thing in one morning, enjoying the roller coaster of emotions it sent me on.  

The plot was my favorite part of this story.  There was a lot of mystery surrounding what had gone on between all of the characters and it was fun trying to piece together the puzzle.  All the clues came at different points in the story and I had a blast guessing and trying to figure out everything.  

The characters were likeable for the most part though they did get on my nerves sometimes.  I felt like Zoey was very irritating in the beginning.  She was always pretending to be the perfect daughter and girlfriend and that just got on my nerves.  I felt like she was just fake.  I also couldn't ignore how naive she seemed to be, especially after what happened with Brandon.  She wasn't handling her situation well at all and, while I understand that she was under a lot of stress, I feel like she just sort of turned...well, stupid.  Doug was a different story.  I liked him a lot and thought that he was a really great guy.  He didn't totally capture my heart but I wouldn't mind spending the day with him :) 

The writing style was good.  It was simple and easy to follow.  It hooked me from the very beginning and pulled me along until the very last page.  Had there been a better main character, I probably would have liked it a lot more.  

Despite the less than likeable main character, this book was pretty good!  It had an interesting plot and a nice love interest.  The writing style was easy to follow and kept me hooked, too.  I didn't completely fall in love with this book but I would definitely suggest it to my friends if they asked for something to read!  

Three Cards

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway I'm hosting in celebration of my One Year Blogiversary!  Up for grabs?  Seven awesome books and a $15 dollar gift card to Barnes & Noble! 
You can enter here.

Waiting on Wednesday (20)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.  It's where we share the upcoming releases we're most eagerly anticipating and can't wait to get our hands on! 
This week . . . 
   
Title:  Towering
Series:  N/A
Author:  Alex Flinn
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Pages:  304
Release Date:  May 14th, 2013

At first, I merely saw his face, his hands on the window ledge. Then, his whole body as he swung himself through the window. Only I could not see what he swung on.
Until, one day, I told my dream self to look down. And it was then that I saw. He had climbed on a rope. I knew without asking that the rope had been one of my own tying.

Rachel is trapped in a tower, held hostage by a woman she’s always called Mama. Her golden hair is growing rapidly, and to pass the time, she watches the snow fall and sings songs from her childhood, hoping someone, anyone, will hear her.

Wyatt needs time to reflect or, better yet, forget about what happened to his best friend, Tyler. That’s why he’s been shipped off to the Adirondacks in the dead of winter to live with the oldest lady in town. Either that, or no one he knows ever wants to see him again.

Dani disappeared seventeen years ago without a trace, but she left behind a journal that’s never been read, not even by her overbearing mother…until now.

A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Alex Flinn knows her fairy tales, and Towering is her most mind-bending interpretation yet. Dark and mysterious, this reimagining of Rapunzel will have readers on the edge of their seats wondering where Alex will take them next!

Why I'm waiting on Towering:  I was caught by the cover first.  I think that is absolutely lovely.  I adore all of the colors and the background.  The cover model is very beautiful and I feel it fit very well with the over all feel that the book gives off.  And when I heard it was a Rapunzel retelling, I was hooked.  I need this book now!  I have high hopes for it.  Oh!  I'm so happy we don't have long to wait for it!  Only seven more days!  Woot! 

What are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Title:  The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Series:  N/A
Author:  Stephen Chbosky
Publisher:  MTV Books and Pocket Books
Pages:  231
Format:  PDF file

This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

My Review:  I'm not exactly sure what to say about this book.  I have so many feelings swirling within me, it's hard to put it into words.  

I'll start with the style of writing.  This story was written in the form of letters.  Charlie, our main character, is writing to someone he has never met, he's only heard about.  When I think about it now, it is a bit strange for him to do that but Charlie has his reasons.  He never had a great childhood and he feels very alone some of the time.  Still, I was surprised at how well he was able to tell a story through a series of letters.  I'm normally not a fan of this sort of style but I didn't mind this at all because of how clear the story came through.  

I was very interested in the plot, as well.  Charlie was relatable, though he was going through things I could hardly even imagine.  He often had the same feelings I had at times.  He was going through a lot and as much as this was a coming of age story, it also was a bit of a mystery.  I was trying to figure out the details we were missing - the details Charlie had suppressed - at the same time I was just enjoy reading a heart-felt story.  I was amazed at how well the author made us feel.  It was an up and down roller coaster and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.  There were those gut-twisting, hands trembling, tears streaming moments and those wide smile, jumping up and down, tears of joys welling moments.  

The characters were phenomenal.  As I said before, Charlie was easy to relate to and sympathize with and I was cheering for him the whole time.  I wanted to just hop into the book and give him a hug most of the time.  He was not a perfect male protagonist - far from it.  He cried too much and was awkward.  He was naive and a loner.  He was insecure and scarred and a bit broken to tell you the truth.  And I loved him.  He was truly one of the characters that will forever have their place in my heart.  

There was also Patrick and Sam.  Those two . . . I adored them.  They complimented each other perfectly, as well as Charlie.  I loved that they took him under their wings and weren't afraid to be themselves.  Charlie learned things from them and I learned from them as well.  I loved Sam and Charlie's relationship and Patrick and Charlie's relationship.  I loved them all.  Charlies' family was complicated.  They were real.  They all had their own problems, they had their weak moments and sometimes they came back from it and sometimes they didn't.  I liked getting the truth, even if it was hard to swallow at times and even if it made me cry.  

This book was so real.  It is one that I will never forget and will read again and again in my life.

Five Cards