Sunday, December 17, 2017

Book Review: The Breathless

Book Review:

 The Breathless
by: Tara Goedjen





  I have been hearing about this book from all of my booktube friends and how amazing it is! I have to agree! I was stunned by this book. Totally my favorite of 2017! I kept reading and reading without putting it down. It seemed like every time I thought I knew what was going to happen it would surprise me with something totally epic. The cover was beautiful, the plot and setting were amazing! The only thing that was lacking was character development. I felt like I could have known more about them and wish I could have. That is seriously the only way this book could get better! 

With the new year, new things will be coming to the blog. I will be putting in a lot more effort and new pieces! I hope you all stay with me to see the greatness that is coming!

Saturday, December 16, 2017

2017 Debut Authors Bash!!




Welcome Readers to 2017's Debut Authors Bash! 

I hope you have had a great month of reading so far! I am so excited to be part of this again this year! 

Please make sure you go and check out everyone else's post and if you are doing any social medias include  the hashtag #17DABash!

I am so pleased to announce that I did an interview with Karen McManus - the author of "One of us is lying"! I have included some information about her, the interview and a giveaway! Make sure you get to all of it and if you have read the book I would love to hear your thoughts! 

  


Author's Bio:

"As a kid I used to write books when I was supposed to be playing outside, and not much has changed. I'm a marketing and communications professional who also writes Young Adult contemporary and fantasy fiction in Cambridge, MA.
 When not writing or working I love to travel, and along with my nine-year old son I've ridden horses in Colombia and bicycles through Paris. A member of SCBWI, I hold a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Which I have never, ever used professionally.
One of Us Is Lying is my debut novel, and I'm currently working on a second book with Delacorte Press that's scheduled to be published in 2018."
(from karenmcmanus.com)



Author's Interview: 

1) First of all thank you so much for the interview! So, How long did it take you to write this book?

It took two months to write and two months to revise, so four months total.

2) Who are your favorite authors? Did they influence your writing style? What about your favorite book? What is it and did it influence this book?

Two of my favorite classic authors are Agatha Christie and Charles Dickens, and they definitely influence my style—Christie for her red herring-laden mysteries, and Dickens for the sprawling cast of characters he always creates. When it comes to contemporary young adult, I love Becky Albertalli’s witty, authentic dialogue, and Mindy McGinness’ unflinching take on dark themes. I could never pick a favorite book, but also I’m a big Suzanne Collins fan, and the Hunger Games series is what inspired me to start writing YA in the first place.

3) I saw you got your Bachelors in English, is writing books what you always wanted to do?

Yes, but it took me a long time to get here! I started writing stories in second grade, but by the time I was in college I’d given it up, because I found it too hard to finish a book. I thought I’d do something else with writing, like marketing or journalism. And in fact I’ve done business-related writing for a long time, but the urge to create stories never really went away.

4) When and how did you get your idea for this book?

I was driving to work one day and the song “Don’t You Forget About Me” came on the radio. It’s the theme to The Breakfast Club, and I started thinking about that movie and how it might be fun to write a modern, twisted take on it. The phrase “The Breakfast Club, with murder” popped into my head and stayed there. I started thinking how you could kill somebody in a classroom without anyone realizing you’d done it, and thought of a way. Then I wondered WHY you would do that, and the story started to take shape.

5) I think what pulled me in right at the beginning was how similar it was to Gossip Girl (which is my favorite tv show) - Did this show have anything to do with some of the ideas in the book?

It was an influence, along with The Breakfast Club and Pretty Little Liars. I’ve seen the book described as a mashup of all three, which I take as a compliment :)

6) Do you have a favorite character? Personality wise or favorite to write?

I love them all equally, but Nate was the most fun to write. His voice was clear as a bell from the beginning and his scenes always flowed. Addy’s character arc was my favorite and her storyline is close to my heart.

7) Was it hard going from character to character between chapters? Like having to go from one head space to the next?

It was! I made it easier on myself by creating a separate musical playlist for each character. I’d listen to that while writing their scenes, which helped me get into their heads.

8) Did you know how it was going to end when you started writing or did it come later?

I didn’t know at the very beginning. I had a few different ideas, and decided to get started by writing sample chapters and getting to know the characters. By the end of the second chapter I knew who these kids were, and who had done it.

9) What is something you edited out of the book? Or what is something extra about the book the readers do not know?

While I was drafting I asked my son Jack, who was nine at the time, if he wanted to name a police officer. He immediately said, “Officer Hank Budapest.” So I put that in. Once the book sold and started going through the editing process, I thought somebody might suggest I change it, because it’s a highly unusual name. But nobody ever did, and Officer Hank Budapest is now canon, which makes Jack extremely proud.


Thank you all for joining me for the 2017 Debut Author Bash!! I hope you all are inspired to pick up this book because it is simply amazing! 

Make sure you enter into the raffle below for your chances to win a hardcover copy of "One of us is lying" - Open to anywhere bookdepository.com can ship to. 

See you all next year!! 

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Book Review: Haunting in the Deep

Haunting in the Deep 
by: Adriana Mather

 
I was so incredibly excited  because I was told this was kind of like Titanic haunting and that made me so happy! I love anything to do with hauntings but with it has a Titanic flip it makes me so excited! I loved how this really scared me at some points. It was already hard to put down but when when night time came around I had to because it would make me jump. Love the character development and how great the plot was as well.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Book Review: Convicted


Book Review:
Convicted
by: Jameel McGee & Andrew Collins

 
When I got this book I was really interested because it seemed like a great coming of age book that could show light on how to forgive and be a good friend. And it was. I did enjoy the book for what it was worth but nothing outside of that. I could see how it worked in their story but could not really put the information on to what I am going through. These types of books truly make me smile on the inside because it seems like I can always walk away learning something. Wither it is about myself, how I handled a situation or how to deal with someone. But it seemed like they didn't push the thoughts far enough to the reader. I would probably not tell anyone to read this book unless they seriously would love the story between them. 

Friday, October 20, 2017

Book Review: The Comic Book Story of Video Games

Book Review:

The Comic Book Story of Video Games



When I first got this I was not that excited to read it but thought my fiance would love it. I started reading it but seriously got into it! I have never been a huge video game person but loved seeing how it all started. The artistry was amazing and loved how vibrant the colors were! I also loved how much it flowed through the story. I thought it was going to be choppy but it was not at all. 

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Book Review: "Queso!!!"

Queso!!






This book was such an amazing choice!! I never thought that there were this many recipes for Queso! This makes me so happy, I tried a couple so far and they were great! I cannot wait to try the rest of them. One of the things I really loved about this is how much of a variety they put into it. If you love queso then you need this book because it's like you could have it every night and not get sick of it.

Monday, September 25, 2017

Book Review: Do one thing everyday to make you happy!

Do one thing everyday that makes you happy!


I was so excited to be able to do this! Sometimes when you are in a very stressful situation and adding so many things to my plate that it seems like your going insane. You need to take some time away and write down something great in every day! One of the things I love is that its not just having to write something, they give you a tiny bit of writing prompts that make you really think about the day. This is one of the best things that I have seen and cannot wait to look back and see what I wrote down! 



 

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Book Review: My Rad Life

My Rad Life



I had heard about this book and I was excited. I got it and started writing as soon as I opened it. I think the biggest part of this was that they had a lot of amazing questions that truly made you think. There were some awesome quotes on the journal parts of the book but like I said I loved that they had so many questions. I love thinking about how I feel or what I think about some things. It think this type of thing is something everyone should do. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars so much!! 

 

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Book Review: Here and Gone

Here and Gone
By: Haylen Beck


I was so excited to get back on this site and see this was still available. I loved it so very much! It was so captivating and pulled me in with just the first quarter of the book! I loved how it flowed, the characters and their development, and just the overall vibe of the book. It kept me up and made me just keep reading! I did love the cover as well. It makes you just pick it up. It seems like a book that any adult would like! 




 

Monday, July 17, 2017

Super bummer Book Reivew: Ninth City Burning

Ninth City Burning



I was actually upset about this book. I received it and when I saw it, I was amazed by the cover. I couldn't wait to start it but I just didn't end up liking it. I thought the characters were kind of bland and the world was hard to get into. I like the story line. I feel like it flowed the way it should but I just couldn't get past the world. I am not sure if its maybe I didn't understand somethings, if I couldn't imagine as much as I should have or what. I might pick it up again to try it since I have seen some really good reviews but that's hopeful. Since I was not super thrilled I actually had my fiance read it and am waiting to hear from her. Maybe she will love it! 

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Book Review: Roadfood!

Book Review:

Roadfood, 10th edition

 

 
I cannot wait to go to some of these places! I have always wanted to take a road trip to every state and this helps so much! I love the idea of going and finding a place to eat everywhere! I had never seen so many different places to eat and this book just opened it up. I think any good foodie would love to see what they have in here. Of course this is the 10th edition so I will have to go look at all the other editions so that I can see if theres any other places that are not in the other ones. I cannot wait to see them! 

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Book Review: Hag-Seed by Margret Atwood

Book Review

Hag-Seed
by: Margret Atwood







I saw this book on the website and was so excited to read it. I fell in love with Handmadens tale so I needed to read this as soon as I saw it. Then I also saw that it is a retelling of The Tempest. I loved this. I thought it could be hard to read but it wasn't - she wrote it so well it flowed. I was not a fan of the cover but every thing between the covers were wonderful! This goes on the list of amazing stories written by such an amazing author!






Friday, May 19, 2017

Book Review: 10 Things I can see from here

Book Review:

10 Things I can see from Here

by: Carrie Mac






 I will have to say - I was not a huge fan of this book. So far almost all of the books I have gotten have been great but this one wasn't for me. I loved the color of the book as soon as I saw it but then I flipped it around and saw the cover. I do not like the shadow in back of the words. I think it looks stupid. I started reading it, thinking it was going to be cute and something I could relate to but it just seemed so childish to me. I didn't like any of the characters or the way the story went. I was hoping for a totally different ending. If you enjoyed the book then I am so happy for you but it was not my cup of tea. 








 

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Book Review: Writing my wrongs

Writing my Wrongs

by: Shaka Senghor





When I first logged onto the site and saw this book as an option I wondered what it was all about. I read the description and seriously thought that this book would be something out of my comfort zone. I was excited to see it at my door step and started reading. I really enjoyed this book and loved seeing things from the other side of things. I have always enjoyed reading/watching anything to do with people that have gone to jail and seen things in a different light and this is exactly that. I loved how real things got in this. It made me think of my life and some of my decisions differently.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Book Review: The Roanoke Girls!

Book Review:

The Roanoke Girls
by: Amy Engel








Summery: 
"After her mother's suicide, fifteen year-old Lane Roanoke came to live with her grandparents and fireball cousin, Allegra, on their vast estate in rural Kansas. Lane knew little of her mother's mysterious family, but she quickly embraced life as one of the rich and beautiful Roanoke girls. But when she discovered the dark truth at the heart of the family, she ran…fast and far away.

Eleven years later, Lane is adrift in Los Angeles when her grandfather calls to tell her Allegra has gone missing. Did she run too? Or something worse? Unable to resist his pleas, Lane returns to help search, and to ease her guilt at having left Allegra behind. Her homecoming may mean a second chance with the boyfriend whose heart she broke that long ago summer. But it also means facing the devastating secret that made her flee, one she may not be strong enough to run from again.

As it weaves between Lane’s first Roanoke summer and her return, The Roanoke Girls shocks and tantalizes, twisting its way through revelation after mesmerizing revelation, exploring the secrets families keep and the fierce and terrible love that both binds them together and rips them apart."




Review:
As soon as I saw I could get this book from my book reviewing site I needed to get it. I know it was going to be amazing and I was 100% right! I thought it could have moved a little faster in the beginning but as soon as you keep going it pulls you in. I never wanted to put the book down. While reading some of the characters feelings were some of the ones I have felt and made me more into the book. I liked that it felt like I was right there with them trying to figure out what to do because those feelings were all too familiar. I really enjoyed finding out all the family secrets (no I will not spoil anything) - it made things so much more intense. I loved this book so much and am actually thinking of rereading it. When I normally never do that. I do have to say some things were kind of predictable but every once in a while the author really got me! If you like edge of your seat books then this is totally for you. Just get through the beginning. 





Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Woke up my life!

Book Review: 

Wake up to the Joy of you!




Hey guys! I loved this book. I saw this and thought I might try some self-help book. This year has started off great - Sarah and I are trying to lose weight and make more healthier choices and this really helped. I loved how it made me feel when I read it. If you need to start making better choices you should start reading this book. I thought it would be corny but it actually wasn't. I know some people are stuck in their ways but I feel like this book can help you change and move up in the world. 

Monday, February 20, 2017

One of the best of 2017 so far!!

The Fifth Petal
by : Brunonia Barry



 I have to be honest - I had heard a lot about this book but didn't love the cover and it just seemed like a book I wouldn't like but I was 100% wrong! I started reading and couldn't put this book down. I loved it from the very first chapter! I have never read any of Brunonia Barry's book but she really hit it when she did this one! I will have to go and check her other best seller out! 
Everything, the plot, characters, climax, seriously everything was the beautiful and so thought out! I might even restart this one over and over!




 

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Book Review: Girl in Pieces

Book Review

Girl In Pieces 
by: Kathleen Glasgow



I was so excited to get this book - it was awesome seeing this company connect with other book publishers! I started this the minute the mail man stopped by! I loved it. I had been looking for a book to suck me in and this was it. I couldn't put this book down. The setting, plot, characters - everything was so well thought out and played at all of my emotions! I thought this book was going to be good but not this good! I loved it and recommend it to everyone who enjoys YA! 



 

Sunday, January 1, 2017

Christmas book review!

 A Boy Called Christmas

  

This book was extremely cute for Christmas. I would probably put it away and only take it out for the holiday but it is something great to read with your kids. It wasn't to long and was written really well for a kids book. I feel like this is a kind of book you would read every year as a tradition!