In My Mailbox [22]

In my mailbox is a weekly meme created and hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren and consists of a post about books you have either bought, received, or borrowed during the previous week.

Since I have been gone from blogging for awhile, I thought I good way to get me back in the swing of reading/blogging would be a trip to the library. So here are the three books I picked up! [:

Borrowing:

'Kiss of Death' by Rachel Caine
'Article 5' by Kristen Simmons

'Shelter' by Harlan Coben

I have been hearing some good about ' Article 5,' so hopefully I will enjoy it too.  It also counts towards the Debut Author Challenge which is great since I am way behind! I absolutely love the Morganville Vampires series, so when I saw 'Kiss of Death' I knew I had to grab it.

Make sure to leave a comment if you have read any of these and let me know what you thought! Also make sure to link your IMM, if you had one this week, so I can stop by. [:

'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner

Length: 374 pages (paperback)
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Source: library
Overall rating: 3 / 5 stars


After reading 'The Hunger Games' last year, I kept hearing about another dystopian that everyone seemed to be loving as well, 'The Maze Runner.' I ended up picking it up at my library after all the hype about it I'd been reading.

I love the originality that many dystopian authors pull into their novels, but for me, this one feel a little bit short. I absolutely loved the concept that Dashner created, leaving the reader wondering what these kids are doing there and what is really happening. The mystery and unanswered questions seem to be what many loved about this book, but unfortunately it didn't work out the same for me since I figured out the general idea of what was going, within the first few chapters. I continued to read hoping something would surprise me and be different than I was thinking, but it didn't.

Unfortunately, figuring out what was really going on, so early, definitely ruined the book a bit for me. The book was beautifully written and I felt like I was there with them at times, but the lack of big surprises to me left it a little lackluster.

I loved that the book was written from Thomas's viewpoint, since it really helped me understand all the ups and downs and confusion that Thomas was going through as he enters the Glade. I also really enjoyed two side characters, Chuck and Newt, so stood out with specific personalities that they started to feel real.

Overall, the originality of the storyline blew me away and I think it is definitely one dysopian readers will appreciate. If you have been planning to read 'The Maze Runner,' I would definitely say it is worth picking up.

Top Ten Tuesday [8] : Freebie

This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish so head over there if you want more information or want to participate. This week is a freebie, which allows the blogger to create their own list topic. Since I am just getting back into the swing of blogging, I have decided to do the top ten books that are at the top of my to read list. I know it's not too exciting, but I hope it shows what to expect from me as I reboot [: So here is my list:

1. 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth: I know I am way behind on this one, but it is definitely at the top of my list as I get back into reading mode and out of my funk. (:

2. 'Tales of the City' by Armistead Maupin: I have been wanting to read this series for awhile now, so hopefully I will pick it up off my bookcase soon!

3. 'Hallowed' by Cynthia Hand : This one was on the top of my to read list in April, so I definitely think I need to get to it soon!

4. 'Girls in Trucks' by Katie Crouch: This was an impulse buy awhile ago, just based off the cover, but more and more that synopsis is pulling me in. And I think if could be the perfect summer read.

5. 'Craved' by Stephanie Nelson: I don't feel the need to explain this one. [: Just read it if you haven't. Please. Now. I mean NOW. [:

6. 'Fury' by Elizabeth Miles: I absolutely love the cover of this one and cannot wait to read it.

And I am actually going to stop there because I plan to make a big trip to the library soon and those books will definitely be added. Make sure to keep an eye out for that 'In My Mailbox' as well a giveaway I am currently planning. (:

So there is my list as of now! Make sure to link your Top 10 Tuesday below, so I can stop by. Thanks! [:

I'm back!! (:

Hey everyone! Just wanted to do a quick post real quick to let you all know that... I AM BACK. (:

Many things contributed to why I have been gone since April, including the end of one of my hardest school semesters, major laptop issues, and more than anything else, a new 40 hr week job that is an amazing opportunity as I finish up my undergraduate degree.

I just wanted say thanks to all of you guys that stuck around and continued to subscribe to Let's Evaluate! You guys are all amazing and I've got some stuff planned to say 'thanks!'

My reading pace of about a book or two a week will definitely be slowing down, but I cannot wait to get back into the blogging world.

Thanks again to everyone and keep an eye out for an update post about what to expect from me soon! (:

2012: March Recap & April TBR

Hey everyone! So here is my monthly recap/to be read pile since the month has come to a close. Of course, what I read in April is subject to change. I will be linking the books to either Goodreads or my review, if one is up. So here they are: [:

FEBRUARY RECAP

'Jenny Pox' by J.L. Bryan

'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner

CURRENTLY READING

 'Illuminate' by Aimee Agresti

MARCH TBR PILE 

'Hallowed' by Cynthia Hand

  'Far From You' by Lisa Schroeder

'Invisible Monsters' by Chuck Palahniuk

'Amy and Roger's Epic Detour' by Morgan Matson

 

Sorry I have pretty much been gone for the last month, especially in terms of updating my blog. School had taken over and left me with no time to really review and update. ]: But, I did read some so I do have some reviews coming soon, so keep an eye out for those.

Comment below if you have read any of the books on my tbr pile and which ones I should start with. Hope everyone had a good March and has an even better April. [:

2012: February Recap & March TBR

Hey everyone! So here is my monthly recap/to be read pile since the month has come to a close. Of course, what I read in March is subject to change. I will be linking the books to either Goodreads or my review, if one is up. So here they are: [:

FEBRUARY RECAP

'A Million Suns' by Beth Revis

CURRENTLY READING

'Jenny Pox' by J.L. Bryan

MARCH TBR PILE 

'Hallowed' by Cynthia Hand

'City of Glass' by Cassandra Clare
  'Far From You' by Lisa Schroeder

'Invisible Monsters' by Chuck Palahniuk

 

As you can probably tell, this wasn't that great of a reading month for me. Hopefully I can get back in the swing of things in March though and catch up on some reading over spring break. [:

Comment below if you have read any of the books on my tbr pile and which ones I should start with. Hope everyone had a good February and has an even better March. [:

'A Million Suns' by Beth Revis

Length: 386 pages (hardcover)
Publication Date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: library
Overall rating: 4 / 5 stars

After reading 'Across the Universe' a few months ago, I knew I had to get my hands on the sequel when it came out. 'Across the Universe' so was captivating and absorbing, I had such high hopes about where Revis' imagination may take Amy and Elder next. And I definitely wasn't left disappointed.

The first book left off with so many possibilities of where it may go, but I was mainly impressed by the development of the two main characters, something you don't always find in a sci-fi futuristic novel since they thrive off of new and unique storylines. Revis does a great job giving the reader a look into the minds of both Amy and Elder and you really start to see where they are coming and understand their decisions, even it is one you would never make. Elder definitely starts to grow up and change in this sequel, something I was anxious to see develop.

I loved the mystery aspects that she created for the sequel as well, Godspeed is definitely filled with some crazy secrets and I loved following the journey of them being discovered. The only aspect I wasn't a fan of was how one aspect of the storyline was the same between the first and second book. There always seemed to be a bad character working against the ship and making it chaotic, whose identity we don't find out until the very end. I guess I wish she had mixed things up a bit in the second and had been more original with that storyline.

The beginning did feel a bit slow at times, but luckily it did pick up and then it was a rollercoaster from there on out. I had forgotten some of the details of the first novel, so I wish Revis had pulled in some of the smaller details in order to remind the reader.

I definitely enjoyed this sequel, which can be seen through my racing through the last 150 pages of the book. Revis again leaves the reader on an amazing chiffhanger and makes you want the next book to already be in your hands. I would definitely recommend this to those that have read the first, it is no doubt a successful, intense sequel. And if you haven't read the first and love YA sci-fi, then get on it now! [:

You can check out my review of 'Across the Universe' by clicking here.

Top 10 Tuesday [7] : Alien Attack!

This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish so head over there if you want more information or want to participate. This week is a list of the top ten books that you would save from your house if it was being taken over by aliens! So cute, I love it! [: So here is my list:

1. 'The Sky Always Heart Me: And the Hills Don't Mind by Kirstin Cronn-Mills: Definitely one of my favorites reads from 2011 and I would highly recommend to any contemporary YA fan.

2. 'One Day' by David Nichools: I still need to see the movie for this one, but I really loved the book and definitely plan on reading it again soon.

3. 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green: The first John Green book I ever read and still hands down my favorite and one of my favorites of all time.

4. 'Tuesdays with Morrie' by Mitch Albom: Read this about five years and I STILL think about it. Definitely would be saving my copy of it.

5-7. 'The Hunger Games Trilogy' by Suzanne Collins: I don't feel the need to explain this one. [: Just read it if you haven't. Please. Now. I mean NOW. [:

8. 'A Northern Light' by Jennifer Donnelly: This one definitely is part the sentimental valve of it, since it was the book that got me back into reading, but also because it is a really good historical fiction based off a real story.

9. 'A Separate Peace' by John Knowles: Definitely one of my all time favorites and I hold my copy close to my heart.

AND

10. My Kindle!: Grabbing my kindle equals my whole collection of ebooks! Although I have only have had it for about six months, I would definitely grab it from the aliens! [:

So there is my list as of now! Make sure to link your Top 10 Tuesday below, so I can stop by. Thanks! [:

Waiting on Wednesday [19]

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme highlights a future release that you are eagerly waiting to come out.

'The Selection' (The Selection #1)
by Kiera Cass
Length: 327 pages (hardcover)
Expected Publication: April 24th 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen


For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

[Synopsis from Goodreads]
  
So this one I have gone back and forth about and will probably decide depending on some reviews of it when it comes out. But as of now, I definitely want to get my hands on it and hope it is as good as the cover promises. [: Comment below on your thoughts about 'The Selection' and link your WoW, if you participated this week.

In My Mailbox [21]

In my mailbox is a weekly meme created and hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren and consists of a post about books you have either bought, received, or borrowed during the previous week.

This week I just picked up two books from my library, since I have been trying to save some of my money. Hopefully I will get to them before they are due back. [:

Borrowing:

'The Probability of Miracles' by Wendy Wunder
'Feed' by M.T. Anderson

I have been hearing some good about ' The Probability of Miracles,' so hopefully I will enjoy it too. And I actually picked up 'Feed' like four years ago to read and never got around to it, so when I saw it on the shelf, I thought I'd give it another shot. [:

Make sure to leave a comment if you have read either of these and let me know what you thought! Also make sure to link your IMM, if you had one this week, so I can stop by. [:

'Blood Promise' by Richelle Mead

Length: 503 pages (paperback)
Publication Date: April 6, 2010
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: bought own copy
Overall rating: 3.5 / 5 stars

With this being the fourth book in this series, I am going to keep it short and make sure not to include any spoilers, even for the other books. That may make this review a bit vague, so I will say that if you have been thinking about giving this series a go, I definitely still recommend it.

Overall I definitely enjoyed this one, just like all the others, but feel a little like it was a filler book. Not that it wasn't filled with action and suspense, because it was. It was more of a book, in my eyes, that developed the characters, especially Rose.

The first half of the book felt a bit slow at times though, but I really enjoyed the development of Rose outside of St. Vladamir's. The second half definitely picked up though and was a lot more emotional and heartbreaking than I had expected. With everything that was going on, I knew it would be emotional but didn't realized how raw and heart breaking the situation would be.

I definitely cannot wait to continue this series and see how Mead wraps things up in the last two books. This is definitely one of my favorite YA vampire series that I have read, and would highly recommend it to anyone that has been thinking about picking it up. YA vampire series have been getting a bad rap lately, but this series is not only fresh and unique, but also addictive and absorbing.

2012: January Recap & February TBR

Hey everyone! So here is my monthly recap/to be read pile since the month has come to a close. Of course, what I read in February is subject to change. I will be linking the books to either Goodreads or my review, if one is up. So here they are: [:

JANUARY RECAP
'Fracture' by Megan Miranda

'Fade Out' by Rachel Caine

'Paper Towns' by John Green
'Blood Promise' by Richelle Mead

CURRENTLY READING

'Jenny Pox' by J.L. Bryan

FEBRUARY TBR PILE

'A Million Suns' by Beth Revis
'Hallowed' by Cynthia Hand

'City of Glass' by Cassandra Clare
  'Far From You' by Lisa Schroeder

'Invisible Monsters' by Chuck Palahniuk

I was definitely happy to get out of my reading slump that lasted most of December and finally get back into the swing of things. My review of 'Blood Promise' should be up within the next week, so make sure to keep an eye out for that! [:

Comment below if you have read any of the books on my tbr pile and which ones I should start with. Hope everyone had a good January and has an even better February. [:

Waiting on Wednesday [18]

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme highlights a future release that you are eagerly waiting to come out.

'Miracle' 
by Elizabeth Scott

Length: 224 pages (hardcover)

Expected Publication: June 5th 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

I sat there and wondered again why I'd lived…

Megan is a miracle. At least, that’s what everyone says. Having survived a plane crash that killed everyone else on board, Megan knows she should be grateful just to be alive. The truth is, she
doesn’t feel like a miracle. In fact, she doesn’t feel anything at all. Then memories from the crash start coming back. Scared and alone, Megan doesn’t know who to turn to.

Her entire community seems unable—or maybe unwilling—to see her as anything but Miracle Megan. Except for Joe, the beautiful boy next door with a tragic past and secrets of his own... All Megan wants is for her life to get back to normal, but the harder she tries to live up to everyone’s expectations, the worse she feels. This time, she may be falling too fast to be saved…

  [Synopsis from Goodreads]
  
So I haven't read anything by Elizabeth Scott before, but have only heard good things about her books. But I am very excited for this one to come out, it seems like the type of contemporary book I am drawn to, very emotional and raw.

Make sure to comment below and let me know your thought on 'Miracle' and leave a link to your WoW, if you participated this week. [: Hope everyone is having a good Wednesday!

In My Mailbox [20]

In my mailbox is a weekly meme created and hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren and consists of a post about books you have either bought, received, or borrowed during the previous week.

This week I just picked up two books from my library, since I have been trying to save some of my money. Luckily both of these arrived at my library at the same time, since I had put them on hold. So here they are: [:

Borrowing:

'A Million Suns' by Beth Revis
'You Against Me' by Jenny Downham

I now have both of these high up on my tbr pile since I won't be able to renew them or anything, so make sure to keep an eye out for them here and on my Goodreads! [: I have only heard good about both, so I cannot wait to read them.

Make sure to leave a comment if you have read any of these and let me know what you thought! Also make sure to link your IMM, if you had one this week, so I can stop by. [:

'Paper Towns' by John Green

Length: 305 pages (paperback)
Publication Date: September 22, 2009
Publisher: Speak
Source: bought own copy
Overall rating: 2.5 / 5 stars

I want to start by saying that 'Looking for Alaska' by Green was one of my favorites that I read in 2011. After reading that, I knew I had to get my hands on 'Paper Towns.' I was so excited when I started reading it and hoped it would be as amazing as 'Alaska', but sadly it didn't even come close for me.

This book is broken up into three sections and sadly the only section I liked was the first third. I was hoping to connect with the two main characters, Quentin and Margo, like I did in 'Alaska,' but instead ended finding them frustrating and predictable.

I really enjoyed the first third of this book, I kept wanting to read and see what Green had in store for Margo and Quentin's adventure. I really liked the idea of Margo's character, finding her very spontaneous and carefree. It made me want to go on all their adventures with them and bring down some revenge on some people. [: But sadly it was the high of the book and the rest was boring and lackluster to me.

The book follows Q, as he tries to find Margo after she runs away from home. For years Margo had completely ignored Q and I felt it wasn't realistic and was stupid how much he felt like she left just so he, and only he, could find her. After awhile Q started to irritate and piss me off, since I couldn't understand how their past meant nothing to him as he searches for Margo. His search seemed to involve a lot of dead ends and conflicting views on Margo, it felt like everytime he thought he started to understand her, he was just wrong.

I did really enjoy the dialogue though, something that I have found to be a strong point in Green's writing. My favorite character was definitely Radar, he was very different and unique compared to many other YA side characters.

The end is what really didn't sit well with me. Without giving away much, I will just say that it ended up making me dislike Margo and her self centered ways. After I finished it I kind of just sat there and thought 'what was the point of that?' and then nothing stayed with me after it. Usually I end up thinking about books for a few days after finishing them, but this definitely was an exception. I kept thinking it was building up to something meaningful and maybe even epic, but it just didn't.

I know many people have really enjoyed this one over the years, so I would say give it a go if you have been planning too. But if it isn't one you had on your wishlist, I personally wouldn't recommend adding it. Read 'Looking for Alaska' instead, especially if you hadn't read anything by John Green.

It's Monday! What are you reading? [12]

'It's Monday! What are you reading?' is a meme hosted by Book Journey and consists of sharing what you have read this past week, what you hope to read this week, and whatever else fits in too. So here are my books for this week:

JUST FINISHED: 'Paper Towns' by John Green

READING NOW: 'Blood Promise' by Richelle Mead

TO READ NEXT: 'Jenny Pox' by J.L. Bryan

My review of 'Paper Towns' should be up in the next few days, really whenever I get a minute to sit down and write it. [: So make sure to keep any eye for that. And I just got 'Jenny Pox' on my kindle last week, but since I like to have an ebook going as well, I am thinking I will probably start it tomorrow or so.

 

Comment below if you have read any of these and let me know your thoughts on them. And also make sure to link your 'It's Monday! What are you Reading?' if you are participating this week. Hope everyone had a good weekend!

In My Mailbox [19]

In my mailbox is a weekly meme created and hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren and consists of a post about books you have either bought, received, or borrowed during the previous week.

I have been trying to save some of my money lately so I haven't been buying books, but when I saw these first three so cheap on Amazon, for my kindle, I knew I couldn't pass them up. So here are my books for this week! [:

eBooks Bought:

'Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Sight' by Beth Fantaskey

'Jenny Pox' by J.L. Bryan

'Entwined' by Heather Dixon

Recieved from Giveaway:
ARC of 'Hallowed' by Cynthia Hand

In addition to the books I purchased for my kindle, I also received one in the mail from a recent giveaway that I won over at Katie's Book Blog! Thanks again Katie, I cannot wait to read 'Hallowed.'

Make sure to leave a comment if you have read any of these and let me know what you thought! Also make sure to link your IMM, if you had one this week, so I can stop by. [:

TGIF [9]: 1/20/2012

TGIF was started over at GReads! where the blogger re-caps their posts during the past week and answers the question that is proposed for that specific Friday. I haven't participated in a couple months, so here is me trying to back back in the swing of it since it is one of my favorites to do. [:

Recommend It: Which book from the last 10 you've read would you recommend to a friend? So I am actually going to recommend two books from the last ten that I have read. I can't decide between these two so am just going to go with two so there is a better chance you haven't read it. [: I will also link my review so you can check that out as well. So here they are!

1. 'Unwind' by Neal Shusterman - I have really been loving dystopian lately and this was no exception. I feel not as many people have read this as some others, but it is definitely one of my favorite dystopians so far. Definitely check it out. There are rumors out there that a sequel in the works, so keep an eye out for that as well. I definitely plan on looking into more of his books.

2. 'Unlovable' by Sherry Gammon - Really enjoyed all the elements that Gammon pulled into this one. It was a great contemporary story with equal parts crime and equal parts suspense. Really enjoyed this and recommend checking it out. The main character, Maggie, continues to pull at you heart throughout the story and I loved the development of both Maggie and Seth. And I cannot forget Maggie's mother, a big storyline that still manages to not overshadow everything else.

And now for the recap of my last week of posts. You can click on the link to be taken to the post.

1. TGIF [8]: 1/13/2012
2. In My Mailbox [18]
3.  Review: 'Fracture' by Megan Miranda
4. Waiting on Wednesday [18]

And that is it! Make sure to comment below and leave a link to your TGIF, if you participated this week.

Waiting on Wednesday [17]

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme highlights a future release that you are eagerly waiting to come out.

'The Immortal Rules' (Blood of Eden #1)
by Julie Kagawa
Length: 304 pages (hardcover)
Expected Publication: April 24th 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

[Synopsis from Goodreads]
  
So I haven't read anything by Kagawa before, but once I read the synopsis for this, I knew I had to add it to my wishlist. Most vampire stories I have read don't involve the main character turning, so I cannot wait to see how this is. Comment below on your thoughts about 'The Immortal Rules'' and link your WoW, if you participated this week.

'Fracture' by Megan Miranda

Length: 264 pages (hardcover)
Expected publication: January 17, 2012
Publisher: Walker & Company
Source: netgalley.com
Overall rating: 4 / 5 stars

I want to start out this review saying that it definitely wasn't what I thought it would be when I first started reading it. And that is a good thing.

I originally thought it wouldn't be very different from a lot of the other YA books out right now and that it wouldn't be anything unique or original. Luckily, I was really wrong and definitely ended up enjoying this one.

I guess I will start with the two main characters, Delaney and Decker. The story follows Delaney and her life after being underwater for eleven minutes, something she shouldn't have survived. Decker ends up saving her, something that really changes the dynamic of their friendship.

After everything that happens to Delaney, I thought the progression of their friendship was very realistic, often not knowing how the accident had changed things. One of the only things I didn't connect with was how the two of them kept making the same mistakes over and over and learning from them almost too late. As Delaney tries to deal with why she is still alive, she also begins to realized something has changed and she isn't the same as she was.

This story ended up being a lot deeper than I thought it would be, often drawing a line between life and death and what it really means to be alive. Miranda wrote the story beautifully and leaves the reader with many life questions long after reading the last page. She succeeds at pulling at the reader's heart strings and really makes you go through all the ups and downs with Delaney.

Overall it wasn't a typical YA book and I think that it was a big part of the reason I enjoyed it. Many YA novels, especially more paranormal ones, don't always dig into big life and death issues, but Miranda managed to beautifully and left me wanting more from her. This is definitely a 2012 debut that I recommend picking up, hopefully you won't be able to put it down, like me.

[An ebook copy of this book was provided by the publisher via netgalley.com in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions, and overall review. I received no compensation for this review.]

In My Mailbox [18]

In my mailbox is a weekly meme created and hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren and consists of a post about books you have either bought, received, or borrowed during the previous week.

So I haven't done an IMM in about a month, but now that I have some money to spend since the holidays are over, I now have some books to report! So here they are:

'Girls in Trucks' by Katie Crouch

'Wintergirls' by Lauria Halse Anderson

I got both of these hardbacks this last week at my local Big Lots and each for only $3. I absolutely love the cover of 'Girls in Trucks,' but haven't heard anything about it before. And I picked up 'Wintergirls' for a giveaway I am planning, so make sure to keep an eye out for that! [:

Make sure to leave a comment if you have read either of these and let me know what you thought! Also make sure to link your IMM, if you had one this week, so I can stop by. [:

TGIF [8]: 1/13/2012

TGIF was started over at GReads! where the blogger re-caps their posts during the past week and answers the question that is proposed for that specific Friday.

2012 Must Reads: Which books are at the top of your list to be read this year (new or old releases)? So it was definitely hard to narrow this down to a reasonable number but I gave it a shot. Some will be released this year and some I just really want to get around to reading soon! [: So here they are:

And I think I will stop there! [: There are so many more I could add to this list so if you are interested to see anymore, check out my wishlist and to-read bookshelves on my Goodreads page. [: Comment below and me know your thoughts on the books above and link your TGIF! [:

'Lola and the Boy Next Door' by Stephanie Perkins

Length: 338 pages (hardcover)
Publication Date: September 29, 2011

Publisher: Dutton
Source: library
Overall rating: 4 / 5 stars

Many of the reviews I have read in the past few months on this one having been comparing it to Anna. Many people seem to compare the two and often results in which one they liked more. Although they are both contemporary YA stories, I felt they were extremely different and that it is worth reading both.

So instead of comparing the two, I am just going to focus on what makes Lola a great stand alone book. First off there is Lola, an amazing individual and unique character. She is so quirky and confident, but still manages to be relate-able through her insecurities that come out towards the end of the story.

And then there is Cricket, the perfect boy next door that comes back into Lola's life when she least expects. I loved the development of the friendship of these, especially since things weren't left on a good note when they last saw each other. It felt very realistic and how things may plan out in the real world.

In addition, I really enjoyed the family Perkins put together for Lola, they were all very strong characters that didn't start to mesh together. Lola's family life was also a big part of the story, something that was refreshing to see since many YA books focus so heavily on the romantic relationships.

Lately I have been loving books where the main character is discovering who they are and what that means for their relationships. Lola was no exception and left me wanting more from Perkins. I highly recommend Lola to YA readers, especially those that enjoyed Anna. I personally enjoyed Lola and her story a bit more since it felt a bit deeper and realistic and feel that most contemporary fans will connect with Perkins' story.

Check out my review of 'Anna and the French Kiss' by clicking here!

2011: December Recap & January TBR

Three months ago I started a monthly post with a monthly recap and tbr pile for the next month. I have decided to do that again this month to help keep me on track and let you guys know what reviews will be coming soon from me. Of course, what I read in January is subject to change. [:

For the monthly recap, I will be listing the books I read that month and linking to Goodreads since neither review is up for them. And the tbr and current reads will be linked to its Goodreads page, in case you want for info on that book. So here it goes:

DECEMBER RECAP
'Lola and the Boy Next Door' by Stephanie Perkins

CURRENTLY READING

'Fracture' by Megan Miranda

JANUARY TBR PILE
'Blood Promise' by Richelle Mead

'Paper Towns' by John Green 

'Fade Out' by Rachel Caine

'City of Glass' by Cassandra Clare
'Invisible Monsters' by Chuck Palahniuk

As I am sure you can see, I did not do so well in terms of reading this December. I think it was a combination of being in a reading slump, finals, and the holidays. Plus I had to return a library book even though I only had 50 pages left. Those three combined equals one book this month. ]: I should be finishing up 'Fracture' soon though so hopefully that can be the start of an amazing reading month for me.

Comment below if you have read any of the books on my tbr pile and which ones I should start with. Hope everyone had a good December and has an even better January. [: