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! (: