Completely Classic: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Completely Classic is a feature (started here!) that discusses modern and other Classic literature.

Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone in feeling discontent. Harbouring an unnatural desire for solitude, and a perverse distaste for the pleasure of compulsory promiscuity, Bernard has an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his distress.… Huxley's ingenious fantasy of the future sheds a blazing light on the present and is considered to be his most enduring masterpiece.

I had to read this book for one of my English classes, and being that it is a well known modern classic, I was pretty excited to finally be let in on all the hype. The book overall, was a pretty good utopian/dystopian read, although it lacked a little bit of excitement as far as my tastes go.

I think that that book describes an insightful and fresh society that differs from any other dystopian civilisation that I've ever encountered. It was also surprising that it doesn't come across as so horrific as others in the genre. Huxley's projected view on the future definitely begs to be considered a plausible option, and shows a very different side to relationships, families and friendships.

I loved the characters, with all of their differing insights and lives. I also enjoyed the biographical information, learning in detail about the society and how everything works and came about.

Overall, I think this book is a must-read, obviously it has a reputation for being a classic. It may not be the most thrilling read, but it definitely makes the reader think long after the novel is finished, and, like any good dystopian novel, leaves some deep (almost allegorical) questions.

Still thinking--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

Return to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . . . ten years later

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Brashares comes the welcome return of the characters whose friendship became a touchstone for a generation. Now Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget have grown up, starting their lives on their own. And though the jeans they shared are long gone, the sisterhood is everlasting.

Despite having jobs and men that they love, each knows that something is missing: the closeness that once sustained them. Carmen is a successful actress in New York, engaged to be married, but misses her friends. Lena finds solace in her art, teaching in Rhode Island, but still thinks of Kostos and the road she didn't take. Bridget lives with her longtime boyfriend, Eric, in San Francisco, and though a part of her wants to settle down, a bigger part can't seem to shed her old restlessness.

Then Tibby reaches out to bridge the distance, sending the others plane tickets for a reunion that they all breathlessly await. And indeed, it will change their lives forever-but in ways that none of them could ever have expected.

As moving and life-changing as an encounter with long-lost best friends, Sisterhood Everlasting is a powerful story about growing up, losing your way, and finding the courage to create a new one.

First of all, I cannot believe I've waited this long to post this review.

Sisterhood Everlasting is an epic portrayal of relationships already woven together by years of adventure, hardship, and friendship that carried teen girls through their adolescence. Ann Brashares creates a novel that echoes the beauty of Tibby, Carmen, Bridget, and Lena, but also takes the next step by transforming into a mature work of fiction that appeals to the adults we have become.

I grew up reading the Sisterhood series, and absolutely adored it. This follow-up piece of art is the emotionally stunning companion that gives us a taste of our favourite girls, but also changes our lives in an epic interpretation of life.

I loved this book and Ann Brashares transmitted it perfectly. The writing was eloquent and the emotions ran deep and beautifully. I saw my dearest characters go through changes that are not only relevant but relate-able. 

This book was extraordinary and a necessity not only to those who have grown with the Sisterhood, but also anyone who enjoys moving narratives that ring true to life and bring out the best in all of us. This book completes me.

Changed forever--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Covergasms♥ (11)

Covergasms♥ is an original Book♥Hooker feature that discusses all things cover related!

          It seems like so long since I've done a Covergasms♥ post, which is weird, since I seem to have so many lined up, and often keep myself from doing one so that I don't do them too often. Aaaaaaanywho, I did a Reminiscent Reads post based on the wonderful Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, the other day, and I think it would do just fine with an accompanying post to discuss the covers. Especially since I am going to be delving into the newest addition to the life-changing series, Sisterhood Everlasting, soon. Also since they did a pretty rockin' cover re-design recently that I just luuuuuuurve.

       

      

       

       
(Original covers on the left : New covers on the right)

So I absolutely love these new covers (I never really was fond of the original ones)! They are all so cohesive and demonstrate a fun aspect that shines through the pages. Fun, friendship and togetherness, I say!

They also fit really well with the newest book Sisterhood Everlasting which brings us into the story when the girls are adults (which I think is brilliant, and can't wait to read!), so all of us softies who read the book years ago as teens can continue the journey with our fab four now that we are adults. I love it!

Just Lovely--Cheers & Enjoy♥

(Related) Reminiscent Reads (7)

Reminiscent Reads is a feature that Cait at A Life Like Mine and I started recently to showcase the books we have read before starting our blogs. From time to time we will choose a few, good/bad, related/not, and do a mini-review explaining a little bit about the plot and our overall opinions.

Since someone was so kind enough to lend me Sisterhood Everlasting, the new book by one of my favourite authors, Ann Brashares, I think it is only fitting that I showcase one of my all-time favourite series' before I delve into what can only be a delight in book form! I present to you: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! 

Also, since I will be talking about all the books in the series, this review could be a tad bit spoiler-y...

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS
by ANN BRASHARES

♥♥♥♥♥

I remember absolutely loving this book. I read it so long ago, but I remember the feeling like it was yesterday: perfection. It was the perfect book for a girl my age and everything was just so right. Out of the four girls, there was always someone for any teenage girl to relate to, and all of the letters and escapades were so coming-of-age yet fun and light. This is was the first novel in a series that would change my life, and the lives of young girls everywhere, forever. The pants were so magical and symbolized something so much more than fitting into denim; fitting into life.

THE SECOND SUMMER OF THE SISTERHOOD by ANN BRASHARES

♥♥♥♥

In the second installment in the series, we pick up right where we left off with Lena, Bridget, Tibby and Carmen. The girls continue on the journey with the pants, finding love in unexpected places, and learning about everything that they went through last summer. We see the girls grow, change and mature, which makes this book so much more than just the enjoyable, fun read that I saw it as when I read it so many years ago. This book is about love, loss, family, friends, life, and learning to get through. Truly amazing.

GIRLS IN PANTS by ANN BRASHARES

♥♥♥♥½

In the third book, we see the girls in the summer before college starts. This book really contributes to the versatility of the series, as we see the girls growing and learning their identities through all different experiences. We see that the girls are still connected, even though their experiences take them physically and mentally far from home. Lena is still experimenting with life and love, and learns volumes about family and loss. Tibby is also struggling with new romantic endeavors, and blame and depression from anxiety about her family and changes that she is going through. Bridget revisits issues from her past and learns more about herself and love. Carmen struggles with her family life and starting a new endeavor in college, and also about herself and her ability to love selflessly. This third touching book in the series sets us up beautifully to experience the last book, and left me wanting more and more of these wonderful girls and all of their stories.

FOREVER IN BLUE by ANN BRASHARES

♥♥♥♥♥

Entering into the last book in the Sisterhood series, it was almost as if the magical pants themselves have gone unseen for a while, just becoming a metaphor and catalyst for all of the life altering experiences that we see our four favourite girls endure. The book brings us full circle, though, when we are brought back to the magic of the pants and everything they represent. I love how Brashares incorporated that special, magical feeling that we started off with right in the beginning. We see how the girls end up, and everything wraps up nicely, bittersweetly, and perfectly. Brashares writes beautifully and magically in this heartfelt ending to an iconic series.

3 WILLOWS by ANN BRASHARES

♥♥♥

So this isn’t actually part of the original series, but is a continuation or sorts, with cameos from the original Traveling Pants girls. I really didn’t enjoy this book. I found that I was too mature too understand the struggles of the girls, and to relate to them. I also just felt myself longing for the original girls, which is a void that is not easily filled. Having said that, the key plot ideas and themes of this book were equally important as those in the original series, and I found that a new generation of young readers could benefit and love this continuation of a wonderfully epic series.

If you haven't read this series yet, or anything by Ann Brashares, I seriously urge you to, since her writing is beautiful and timeless. Her stand alone novel The Last Summer (Of Me & You) is also amazing, and I can't wait to read both Sisterhood Everlasting (seeing the original 4 girls as adults) and her newest novel Her Name Is Memory. There has also recently been cover-redesigns for the original series, which are gorgeous, and I might just do a Covergasms♥ post on them soon!

Reminiscing--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Sick of hearing about vampires? So is Meena Harper.
But her bosses are making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn't believe in them. Not that Meena isn't familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you're going to die. (Not that you're going to believe her. No one ever does.) But not even Meena's precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets-then makes the mistake of falling in love with-Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side. It's a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire hunters, would prefer to see him dead for. The problem is, Lucien's already dead. Maybe that's why he's the first guy Meena's ever met whom she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena's always been able to see everyone else's future, she's never been able look into her own. And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.
Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future. . . .
If she even has one.                                                   -Chapters Canada

Having read almost all of Meg Cabot's other books (and loving all of them!), I had really high expectations for this book. It was only alright.

I didn't really know much about the book when I picked it up (my trust in Meg Cabot is pretty high), and was pretty surprised to find that it was about vampires (which, in retrospect would have been pretty obvious if I was observant enough to look at the cover!). As I have read and loved many other vampire-based books, I decided to give it a chance. Although I am pretty close to being over the whole vampire craze, this book was different enough to keep me interested, set with an independent heroine and funny characters. It did come off as kind of spoofish though, which I'm not sure was intentional or not. Alaric (name of a vampire hunter on The Vampire Diaries) Wulf (wolf? hello... always hate vampires) who is a vampire killer in the book, kind of tipped me off. And then there were lots of True Blood and Twilight references to keep a salivating paranormalist happy. In any case, it did lighten the theme of the book, and I still enjoyed the plot and the romance.

Overall, I think that Meg Cabot fans will still enjoy this light, fun, if supernatural, chick-lit read, that has all the humour and spunk of a usual Meg Cabot novel.

Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!

As soon as I started reading Insatiable I knew where the plot was going. Average girl meets tall, dark, handsome stranger; soon finds out he's a vampire. What I did like though, was that our Meena actually had second thoughts when she discovered Lucien's secret. Which should be a knee jerk reaction, people! It was plausible, and I liked this aspect. Something I didn't expect also, was Alaric becoming a romantic interest, although this does ring true with mocking other books in the genre (especially seeing as his last name is Wulf!). Anyway, the love triangle seems interesting, and for once I can't really decide how it's going to play out, or how I want it to either. Since this book is the first in a series, I am totally looking forward to seeing who Meena chooses.

Aside from the romantic themes going on, there were also very interesting plotlines woven into the story, with a whole slew of secondary characters that were just as interesting as Meena and her beaus. Her brother Jon's story is far from over, and I really hope that we see more of Leisha and her baby, and Emil and Mary Lou Antonescu.

After reading Insatiable I really am looking forward to learning more about Meena's life, even if this isn't my favourite Meg Cabot novel.

He vants to suck her blood!--Cheers & Enjoy♥

In My Mailbox

An awesome meme started at The Story Siren!

          So I have finally decided to start doing an In My Mailbox post! Since I don't actually receive ARC's (yet, I hope) and I have a pledge not to buy anymore new books until I've read the ones I have, I don't really have a need to do this feature every week. But since I still do accumulate some books, one way or another, I've decided to do a post every now and then. So this one takes into account the month of August. Enjoy!

Bought

Even though I am still not supposed to buy ANY books, I still managed to squeeze a few in. I did my best, ok?!

♥ Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz 

          I just really needed to buy a book (withdrawal, people!) and I love this author.

♥ The Last Summer (Of You & Me) by Ann Brashares 

          I have already read this book, loved it, and love the author. And it was $1. As if I could pass it up.

Library

This month was a pretty good one as far as borrowing books from the library. I found lots of books that I've been dying to read:

♥ Other Words For Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal

♥ Dead Rules by Randy Russell

♥ Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

♥ The Killer's Cousin by Nancy Werlin

♥ Cloaked by Alex Finn

♥ Insatiable by Meg Cabot

♥ Room by Emma Donoghue

Borrowed

I have had so many nice people lending me books this month, I just hope I can read the books and return them to their owners promptly:

♥ Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen

♥ Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

♥ Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

♥ The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

♥ Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Not pictured above (already read, reviewed, returned):

♥ The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

♥ Ordinary People by Judith Guest

♥ A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

Giveaways

I finally won a giveaway, which is super exciting! The book is:

♥ Haunted Heart by Tania Donald

And it is signed by the awesome Australian author. Thanks so much to Alpha Reader for having the amazing giveaway and shipping it to lonely Me, all the way up in Canada!

Audiobooks

So this is my very first audiobook! I really badly want to read this book, so when I saw the audiobook, I grabbed it. Since I have so many other hobbies, I decided that it would be a good idea for me to possibly multitask and listen to a book while, let's say, quilting. I will let you know how it goes, and comment below with how and why you listen to your audiobooks!

♥ Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Well, that concludes my very first In My Mailbox post, and hopefully there will be more to come!

What books have you gone through this month?--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Room by Emma Donoghue

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the world. . . . It's where he was born. It's where he and Ma eat and sleep and play and learn. There are endless wonders that let loose Jack's imagination -- the snake under Bed that he constructs out of eggshells; the imaginary world projected through the TV; the coziness of Wardrobe beneath Ma's clothes, where she tucks him in safely at night, in case Old Nick comes.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it's the prison where she's been held since she was nineteen -- for seven long years. Through her fierce love for her son, she has created a life for him in that eleven-by-eleven foot space. But Jack's curiosity is building alongside Ma's own desperation, and she knows that Room cannot contain either indefinitely. . . . Told in the inventive, funny and poignant voice of Jack, Room is a celebration of resilience -- and a powerful story of a mother and son whose love lets them survive the impossible.

                                                                                        -Chapters Canada

Room is an incredible novel that I had to read after seeing it's eye-catching cover on blogs, in stores, and everywhere, really. If you do not know of this book, I pity you. It is awesome. It is so incredible that you can't help but feel like a better, more informed, or just more enlightened, person, having read it.

Donoghue incorporates every amazing thing that I love into this novel: amazing emotional depth, scary suspensefullness, unconditional love, uncanny narration, and innocent cuteness. All of that plus a heaping plate of psychological turmoil. And she does it so effortlessly.

 It never ceases to amaze me when I read a book, so beautifully written, that captures so perfectly the unknown. Which Emma Donoghue does in Room. Jack, a newly 5 year old boy, lives in Room, the only place he has ever lived, and ever known. Room is his life. His world. He was born there due to the fact that his mother was kidnapped years before he was even born. In Room I was not only able to read of Jack's amazing innocence, but also of his Ma's despair and desperation. Everything is seen by Jack, and relayed to us blatantly, due to his fresh and unbiased opinion on life.

I highly recommend this book. It is such a great read, and has every element of a good novel wrapped up into a heart-breakingly cute, hope-inspiring, coming-of-age tear-jerker. It is like no other novel that I have ever read. It is everything. And it is lovely.

Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!

As soon as I started reading of all the things that constitute Jack's life, I knew this book would captivate me. It was so completely heartbreaking, but completely fascinating at the same time. I saddened when I learned that Jack eats almost nothing and thinks the world of it. I winced when Jack obligingly plays 'scream' (a game designed by Ma to desperately attract anyone to rescue her and Jack). I shed a tear when Jack explains that he counts how many 'squeaks' it takes every night until Old Nick (their captor) is finished raping his Ma.

As the story goes on, and we are able to really see behind everything that Jack consistently reports to us, the story got more and more sad, yet gave me more and more hope. I was actually really surprised that Jack and his Ma were able to escape, and thoroughly enjoyed the incorporation of after they escaped Room. I definitely did not anticipate it based on the summary. It was almost symbolic how Jack has to pretend to be dead in order to get out from Room and save his mother. We eventually see the innocent, shielded boy that lived in Room die, in a way, when he goes back to Room, and finally sees it for what it is.

It was also so refreshing to see the world from Jack's perspective because he was a blank slate, and so many of his blatant observations held so much wisdom that I think we are totally unable to pick up on as a society today. One particular line stuck out to me, when Jack and his Grandma happen onto a breastfeeding mother. Grandma tells Jack that the lady wanted to be alone, or private where Jack promptly thinks in his head, "I didn't know persons could be private out in the world." This line was so absolutely perfect and honest and truthful. Jack can just see the world for what it is, and I commend Donoghue for being able to capture that sentiment so completely.

Another thing that made this book so epic and unforgettable was the psychological aspect of Ma that we see through Jack's eyes. Even though Jack doesn't understand all the time, he still seems to relay the information to us (which is another amazing benefit of the unique narration style). I saw Ma struggle with so many things, which seemed only secondly important to Jack by a small margin. Because as important as it was to understand Jack's sorrowful situation, not knowing what was there for him in the world, we still have Ma, Jack's rock, who knows all too well what was stolen from her when she was captured by Old Nick all those years ago. When Ma was 'gone' as Jack says, I saw the ultimate depression that shrouded her as she attempted to deal with her situation. And when they were out, as much as she wanted to stay by Jack and help him acclimate to his new world, she just wanted to get back to the things that made her feel normal when she had her freedom; before it was taken away.

Overall, I loved this book. I keep thinking how awesome it would be to see some kind of sequel in the works about Jack and his endeavors as he grows up or as an adult even. But for now I am content of thinking of Jack and Ma, in their new apartment, maybe fulfilling all the things on their list, when they can be 'scave' enough.

Wish they were all this good--Cheers & Enjoy♥

Completely Classic: A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

Completely Classic is a feature (started here!) that discusses Modern and other Classic literature.

 In this nightmare vision of a not-too-distant future, fifteen-year-old Alex and his three friends rob, rape, torture and murder - for fun. Alex is jailed for his vicious crimes and the State undertakes to reform him - but how and at what cost?
                                                                                       -Chapters Canada

I've been wanting to read some Classics recently, and when a friend of mine brought this book for me to borrow, I knew it was time to commence my reading of classic literature.

This book, a Modern Classic, is dystopian, which I always love, and is written in 1962. This made for a very interesting read since it's written about the future, ergo our past and/or present. Some of the things were pretty accurate, and some things were pretty off, and strange. Like the language. Wow. Am I ever glad that I read the introduction before reading the book, because I had no idea that the language was at all anything special, and it TOTALLY was. The language in A Clockwork Orange is completely unique and not in any way English. Which was pretty confusing at first, but, after I got the hang of it, was completely cool. I found it fascinating how quickly I could incorporate Alex's slang words into my vocabulary and understand every word that he said. I am really looking forward to seeing the movie, and to see how Alex and his crazy language translates into film! 

It's a movie!

Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!

So a little bit about the book: Alex is pretty much a psychopath, and that becomes quite evident early on. Burgess gives us such a vivid look into Alex's psyche that I felt like I understood him right off the bat. In the society in which Alex lives, not only do the youth speak using their own slang language, they are completely without morals. Alex and his 'droogs' (friends) go around stealing 'pretty polly' (money), raping women, and beating up whomever they please (usually 'starry' people, which refers to anyone elderly).

The book is written in three parts, 7 chapters each, and all start out with the same clever phrase, "What's it gonna be then, eh?" I found this really clever and I loved how Burgess divided the novel so interstingly. In the first part we are introduced to Alex and his 'droogs' and all of their crazy antics. We also see some of Alex's wisdom despite the fact that he seems lost to the world and humanity. Some of the things that he says were just so wise and smart, and made me love him against all the odds :)  Throughout the rest of the novel, Alex goes through many changes, going to jail, and enduring crazy torturous treatment that makes it so that he literally cannot commit violence. And even though I feel like this is supposed to be the main theme or idea in the novel, I really just took away my own message from it. Because when all was said and done, I saw Alex in part three, who finally choose to not do wrong and actually wanted to find love and family, as just a normal dude. This just kind of reminded me of how teens are nowadays (obviously not as drastically rebellious) and how society views them to be menaces. But really, we all grow up and learn from our mistakes (obviously there are some exceptions), and I think that is what Burgess demonstrates through Alex. Even if it was a little scary to read.

I have to also say that it completely broke my heart when Alex was brought back to 'HOME' in part 3, after his previous friends had raped him and beat him up, and he discovers the old man willing to help him, only to find that he, Alex himself, had killed the man's wife. It really made me sad, more than anything else in the book. And I could tell that Alex was saddened by it, which is maybe the first time I thought that he could turn out alright. It was so ironic and beautiful, and probably my favourite part of the whole story.

Overall, I think that A Clockwork Orange is a timeless piece of fiction that anyone can enjoy, whether young or 'starry'.


Tehe-Cheers & Enjoy♥

Ordinary People by Judith Guest

The Jarrets are a typical American family. Calvin is a determined, successful provider and Beth an organized, efficient wife. They had two sons, Conrad and Buck, but now they have one. In this memorable, moving novel, Judith Guest takes the reader into their lives to share their misunderstandings, pain . . and ultimate healing.
                                                                   -Book jacket







I had never heard of this book previous to someone lending it to me with other books, saying that it would be a great read. Well they were right. This book was so emotionally dead-on, and really made me think outside of my own situation.

The book explores the themes of a normal American family, whose exciting plot is made up of nothing more than hardships that are commonly found in various households. The Jarrets lose one of their sons, and we are introduced to the surviving son, Conrad, when the book opens. We see immediately the pain that is weighing down on Conrad, and view his insight after he tries to commit suicide and spends time in a mental hospital.

The book really is very moving and is full of dynamic supporting characters, many who will make you angry, and some that make you never give up hope for Conrad. I really enjoyed the book (and can't wait to watch the 1980 Oscar-winning movie!) and must say that Guest really captured the emotion perfectly, and I had no trouble believing that the struggle to recovery that we see Conrad and his family endure, was anything but genuine.

    It's a movie!

Spoiler Alert: Don't read past this point if you don't want to know specific book details!

As mentioned before, we see right off the bat that Conrad has experienced hardship, and something really traumatic, even if we don't learn until later that he has lost his only brother (and thinks it's his fault) and suffered from severe depression finally exploding when he tries to take his own life.

As the book goes on, Guest lets us in more and more into what really happened, which kept me really interested in the book, and gave it an even more realistic quality, as if I was Conrad's psychologist. I loved that aspect.

I also loved the various points of view that we get to experience. Cal, Conrad's father, gave us an interesting view on the situation and also into his own problems, which is so characteristic of the situation; another thing I loved! I enjoyed being in on the problems within the marriage as well as his heartfelt struggles to reconnect with Conrad, holding on to the last string for dear life, and trying to know what to say and how to act. Which was so authentic. This book was just so spot-on and accurate and true. I loved it!

The only thing I hated was Conrad's mother. She just never seemed to get it. It infuriated me, but in a good way. I knew that she was paramount to the story, and I just loved hating the hell out of that biatch. She just never seemed to understand her own son's struggles and never even wanted to. This book truly showcased a heartbreaking situation that occurs often in our society, and did it amazingly.

I recommend this book to both adults and teens, because I think it should be read by all, and can be interpreted, understood, and helpful to all!

Moved--Cheers & Enjoy♥

(Random) Reminiscent Reads (5)

Reminiscent Reads is a feature that Cait at A Life Like Mine and I started recently to showcase the books we have read before starting our blogs. From time to time we will choose a few, good/bad, related/not, and do a mini-review explaining a little bit about the plot and our overall opinions.

This Reminiscent Reads post (as already stated in the title) is of the Random variety. The only thing tying these books together is the criterion that I chose them from some of my most recently read books, ergo, ones that I read right before I started my blog, and that do not already have full reviews. So they should be fresh in my mind. Let's see how that goes...

KEEPING FAITH by JODI PICOULT

♥♥♥♥

Having so many people around me that love everything Jodi Picoult (seriously, there is practically a religion based off this woman), and loving The Pact so much, I decided to pick up this touching story carrying themes of religion, faith healing, romance, and family. Jodi Picoult always writes flawlessly and genuinely, and this book was no exception. I feel like Picoult can write about any topic, and do so effortlessly and beautifully. Keeping Faith was something different on every page, and I highly recommend it.

THE OTHER GIRL by SARAH MILLER

♥♥♥

Being the sequel to one of my favourite books from High School, Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn, I thought that The Other Girl was sure to deliver the same humour and uniqueness in the face of modernly amateur yet choosy telepathy. The book just didn’t quite get there for me. I don’t know if it’s due to the fact that I have grown out of said shallow humour, but the book just seemed so silly and immature. There were still some funny parts, but I found myself really not rooting for the heroine and her beau, since the relationship just seemed silly, and the obstacles not worthy of literature. The Other Girl is not one of my favourites (that’s for sure), but I can see some young audiences enjoying the seemingly middle school drama.

EVERMORE by ALYSON NOEL

♥♥♥½

Evermore, the debut novel of the Immortals series by Alyson Noel, sat on my shelf (and booklist, for that matter) for so long. I am a huge fan of Noel’s work, and as such, enjoyed this fun, paranormal installment as well. I have read so many paranormal vampire, angel, voodoo-whatever, books in my time, and yet this one still seemed fresh-if slightly predictable-and worth it! I really can’t believe how Noel can write about so many diverse topics, and do so thoroughly and brilliantly. I really cannot wait to pick up the rest of the series, which I believe is now concluding after a whopping 6 books!

VIXEN by JILLIAN LARKIN

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Marking the first of many modern books written about the period of the Roaring 20’s (sadly The Great Gatsby need not apply) I read Vixen on a whim when I saw it’s fantastical cover at Chapters! The novel follows many characters who are unique and independent, yet whose events are interestingly intersecting at every turn, and whose stories also end abruptly, to be resumed in the next installment of The Flappers series. Having read the first in the Anna Godbersen Bright Young Things series shortly after, I see that this era is very interesting, though it does boast of events that are already well known, and hard to make exclusive, to some degree. The two series are pretty similar but I seemed to be promised dynamic differences within the pages of Vixen and I will surely pick up the sequel, Ingenue, when it comes out next month.

THE SWEET, TERRIBLE, GLORIOUS YEAR
I TRULY, COMPLETELY LOST IT
by LISA SHANAHAN

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I actually didn’t remember much about this book until I refreshed my mind with the summary. Which is usually not really a good sign. But what I do remember is this: a funny book that has amazing language (I think it’s set in Australia), dynamic characters, and hysterical events. The plot follows a girl whose family is pretty strange, her sister is marrying into a ridiculous family (making her wear a ridiculous swan bridesmaid dress), and she falls for a pretty not-so-run-of-the-mill guy. This is of course the formula for the makings of a pretty good, if light-hearted book. It’s not a deep read by any means, but I do assert that there are some underlying themes that would be good for any young reader to pick up on.

Hope I've persuaded someone to read some of these worthwhile histoires just in time for vaction season. I think all of them would make great beach reads!

Read on, friends--Cheers & Enjoy♥