The Forbidden Topic.... Adult Novels

So I have a policy that labels a big no to adult novels because I am in love with the Young Adult genre and that is where my passion grows. But I do enjoy an occasion read from adult novels. So I decided to open up what adult novels I've enjoyed to help out those who are interested in branching out.

I have a list of adult novels that I highly recommend for those who also, venture between the line of adult novels and young adult. Trust me, I still love young adult, but I'm having a growing interest towards adult novels.

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

This is a beautiful book that portrays such vibrant and colorful characters. Allende truly captures the essence of magical realism and beautifully toys with literature elements. Her usage of foreshadowing is chilling and with such ingenious ways. Her novel is loaded with hidden literary meanings. Her characters are very three-dimensional and wonderfully portrays the thoughts and roles of women. I highly recommend this to many people who want to pick up a beautiful and ingenious novel.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns is such a powerful and heart-wrenching novel. This novel holds a strong hold on the reader and drags them into the novel. You become emotionally-attached to the novel and develop a bond with it. The characters are two strong, independent women and their journey will personally move you. This novel is the type of novel that makes you think twice and re-examine the world and social norms.

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

This is another powerful book that explores the characters and the time period. It takes place in China and develops such three-dimensional characters that allow easy attachment. It reveals classic human nature and makes the reader re-examine normal concepts that are easily accepted.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

A biography of a wonderful woman, Malala who shows courage and strength where most people lack. She is so admirable and reading about her life story adds such depth and even more courage to her. This novel reveals more about her and causes you to admire her. Her story is so wonderful and deserves to be read by everyone.

Yes Please by Amy Poehler

Ms. Poehler is absolutely hilarious and carries so much wit that it makes reading her novel a joy. She's very funny and she carries it into the words, making the reader crack up numerous times as they read the novel. While her novel has humor, she gives valuable advise that everybody needs to know. This book is a must to those who need a pick-me-up because it can lift anyone's spirits.

Did you guys like that I posted a post on adult novels even though I have a big no-no on that concept originally? But I think I'm opening up to adult novels and if you guys have suggestions, please comment below because I'm always looking for a great one to read.

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

Hiatus, be gone!

I'm sorry by the lack of updates I've had, I promised to get back into posting very soon, beginning in the third week of November.

Red Queen Book Review

Red Queen (Red Queen #1)

By: Victoria Aveyard

Publication Date: February 10, 2015
Orion, 283 pages
Source: Bought it from B&N

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre ofthose she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?    

This review has been long overdue because I finished this book on the first week of June, but I never posted a review for it. So sorry for being so late on this, but better late than never, right? So I do enjoy a good cinderella-esque premise which this story definitely has. It reminds me of the Selection and the Grisha series; it is basically a mesh of both of those series.

Red Queen is about a society where the color of your blood determines your rank in the hierarchy. There is silver and red bloods and silver bloods have special abilities. Also, the silver blood are the ones in the nobility ranks. Everyone else is red-blooded and most of them are pretty much poor. A girl who is red-blooded apparently has a power she had no knowledge of and so to keep calm of the people, she married off to one of the princes. And she meets a rebel group which she gains an interest in.

The cover is kind of dark and suspenseful which I like. It makes it look like a very violent novel and that blood does play a role. When I look at it, I think of like the cost of blood to get the crown which is kind of off.

So the meaty part of the review, my thoughts of the novel was that I liked it. I thought it was interesting and it drew me closer. There were definitely a few big twists throughout the novel that really caught my attention. And I would say that I'm quite eager to read the second book. I think the concept of their society is really interesting and the types of abilities the silvers have are pretty fascinating. I think it is a well-paced book and the author did a good job at timing everything, but again they left us on a cliffhanger as always.

Onto the characters! I thought Mare is okay, she wasn't my favorite character because she made a lot of stupid mistakes. I think I have a favorite character in this book, I did like one character, but that character ended up being something entirely different so my favoritism went down the toilet with that character. Cal is another character is I guess, I do favor, but he has some serious flaws that won't make me die-hard love him. So the characters all have a decent amount of flaws so it's hard to find a character who absolutely favor.

I recommend this to anyone who likes the Grisha series because it is pretty similar premise. Also, anyone who likes dystopian or cinderella-esque stories. I think this is a general good-read and many people will enjoy it.

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

Back to School Reading

I'm back, peeps!

I apologize for the long hiatus I had. I was busy and I caught up summer reading which took a lot of my time. If you are curious to what my summer reading was it was How to Read Literature like a Professor by Thomas Foster and The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. I have to annotate one of the books and it has been a slow process. But I promise to get cracking on reading and posting more.

So my first post after that summer hiatus will be a back to school reading list. With school starting, it is a lot more easier to pick up books and some schools have reading programs that allow students a few minutes to read books. I am also, re-reading books at night before I fall asleep and my first pick has been Paper Towns. I did watch the film and I really enjoyed it. 

I'm going to stop the rambling and get cracking on this list.

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

If anyone can write a sweet, romantic novel, it is Kasie West. She is one of the queens of teen romance novels. And this is one seems like no exception.


Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray
I read the first novel and enjoyed it a lot. And I'm surprised to see that the second novel took a few years and finally released.


Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid
This book seems pretty interesting and I'm quite intrigued by it. I might check it out.


Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
This books has a really fascinating premise and I really want to read this.

We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
I love the Breakfast Club and so this automatically appeals to me.

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

Hiatus, be gone!

Sorry, you guys, I've been way out of this. But don't worry, I've got a bunch of posts lined up and I'm going to get posting them soon. I decided I'm going to post three times a day and my days will be on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday because I feel like that will work perfectly with my schedule. So expect a post either on this coming Thursday or Sunday because it is happening folks. There will a couple changes on my blog. I will be trying to extend my content, but don't worry, they will be all book related. And maybe, I'll start posting some videos. You know, won't hurt to try right?

So stay tune, you guys!

Update!

Sorry, you guys, I've been busy traveling and volunteering my summers. I also, have my studies and half of the summer has flied it's way out. But I promise to be more active in the nearby future.

P.S. I Still Love You Book Review

P.S. I Still Love You (To all the Boys I've Loved Before #2)
By: Jenny Han
Publication Date: May 26,2015
Simon & Scuhuster. 337 pages
Source: Bought it from B&N

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.
She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.
When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing. 
-description retrieved from Goodreads




The long awaited novel, P.S. I Still Love You. In my review for To All the Boys I've Loved Before, I raved about the book and declared my love for the novel. And I was so excited for this one as well. Although, I am a bit sad because this wonderful, amazing series has come to an end. But again, everything has to come to an end. So let's get crackin on this review because it is going to be a long one.

P.S. I Still Love You continues from the first novel and Lara Jean and Peter start a relationship. Of course, they are absolutely adorable with each other, but something bad leaks out that is about Lara Jean. And there's tension about Peter's closeness with Guinevere. Also, a guy from her past comes into her present and Lara Jean is developing feelings for him too.

Onto the cover! I think that is the same girl in the first book. The first book was a beautiful hot pink and the second book is a Tiffany blue color which is a gorgeous color as well. I like the covers of both books, they are aesthetically pleasing and attractive-looking. So no bad words for the cover.

So the main part of the review! I bought this book immediately and finished it the day I got it. So I'm going to say this flat-out that I loved this book. It was so good and just thinking about it, makes me crack into the biggest smile ever. Reasons why I loved it: first, I love the Peter-Lara Jean dynamic, they have such amazing chemistry and are absolutely adorable with each other. I didn't like Margot in the second novel, but in this one, I liked her a lot more and she even reminded me of my older sister in this novel. Lara Jean was a bit frustrating because she was constantly comparing herself to Guinevere as she dated Peter which really peeved me off. But she realizes that later on and fixes it. The fact that she was falling for this other guy, also, peeved me off. Again, I enjoyed the family relationships in this novel and the sister trio. The book was a little slow-paced in the middle, but it definitely picked up. When Lara Jean is in the senior center and talked to the senior citizens that part kind of bored me. This book was a emotional roller coaster, I will admit it, I totally cried. And did it twice. The book was definitely a lot more emotional and dramatic than the first one. The first one is more light-hearted and humorous. The second book still consist humorous just not as much. But gosh, it was so frustrating and so sad. But I'm quite an emotional person so that could explain that.

Onto the characters! I love Peter, he is one of my favorite characters! He is too perfect, it is a bit frustrating. At first, you are not going to like Peter, but at the end, Jenny Han makes you adore him. Peter is sweet, funny and really sincere, so in other he is unrealistically perfect. Lara Jean was a bit eh in this novel because she was so insecure about her relationship and she was kind of ruining it for herself. Margot was a lot better in this novel, she was that caring older sister and she listened and advised Lara Jean. Kitty was enjoyable as well, she always sticks to Lara Jean which is really nice. Also, I enjoyed Sam's character as well who adds a bit of a humorous element in the novel. I always hated Guinevere; I hated her in the first novel and in the second novel, I don't hate as much. I still don't really like her, but the feeling of hatred as lessen for reasons in the novel. Josh had a minimal role in this novel, he wasn't very important.

I highly recommend this to any contemporary novel lovers out there because this is THE contemporary series. I think this is perhaps my favorite YA contemporary series because it has all the right elements. It is funny, sweet, frustrating and emotional. I love all the characters even though I act like I don't, I really do. I am truly sad that such a wonderful series came to an end, but I'm definitely super psyched to see what else the wonderful Jenny Han will write.

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-Skimmy.

The Infinite Sea Book Review

The Infinite Sea (The Fifth Wave #2)
By: Rick Yancey

Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Putnam Juvenile, 320 pages
Source: Bought it from B&N

How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.

Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.
-Description retrieved from Goodreads



Sorry, I broke my post everyday pact. But gosh, I was busy during the week because I constantly have to volunteer and ugh, just a lot of work in general. Also, I was out of town for two days so I didn't have direct access to a computer. But let's skip over these lousy excuses and start on the review.

The second book to the Fifth Wave. I really enjoyed the first book. I liked how Rick Yancey showed the true nature of humans and that they will do anything to survive. His first book was pretty deep because underneath all of the killing and scheming, he revealed that evil nature of humans. I don't want to get caught up too much in that topic, so let us go forward with this review.

This book focuses mainly on two point of views which are Cassie and Ringer. It does jump into other point of views, but most of the book are between the views of those two girls. There are mainly two different stories. One of them focuses on Cassie who is with the majority of the other characters and Ringer who is basically by herself.

The cover is okay, it doesn't blow me away. It has a cool-look to it and an aura of mystery, but nothing really stands out to me.

So the actual meaty part of the review. Overall, I liked this novel, I will admit there was a bit of confusion for me throughout this novel because a lot happened. I thought it was interesting for the author, Rick Yancey to include Ringer's point of view because the first book had Zombie's (Ben's) point of view. I thought Ringer's point of view was quite interesting and her character developed more depth and a backstory. I always thought Ringer was an intriguing character from book one and so getting more of her was enjoyable. I thought her part was a little confusing towards the end especially when the twist came that part I had to re-read again and probably another time. We also, got Cassie's point of view like in the first book and I liked Cassie's point of view and found it less confusing because it was more clear. Furthermore, Cassie had more side characters with her so that appealed to me more. Both views were interesting and continued to capture my attention. One thing, I didn't like was when the author bounced to other point of views that didn't belong to Ringer or Cassie because I was really confused and it threw me off. Also, I had to hard time keeping up with the side characters that doesn't include Evan Walker, Ben/Zombie or Nugget. I got them jumbled up, but if you're good about that, it won't bother you, but I'm bad at keeping who's who clearly. In the beginning of the novel, I felt like Cassie's point of view was more interesting than Ringer's and I was longing for Cassie's POV more, but towards the end, they both got equally interesting.

So onto the characters because I'm quite picky. I like Cassie's character in general; I liked in the first book and it continued in the second book. Ringer's character is a bit more difficult to like because she's so damn perfect or at least nearly. Ringer seems like that smart, beautiful and cold/mysterious person. So I felt Cassie was a lot easier to relate to her, but Ringer seems like that cool girl, you kind of idolized because you admire for being such a badass. I feel like Ringer and Cassie are pretty much opposites because Cassie is the compassionate one while Ringer can be cold-hearted. I've always liked Ben/Zombie and I feel like he's the one who adds the humor element of the novel and Evan, I've always had mixed feelings about.

I really recommend this series to any dystopian lovers because this is a good series. I think people who don't like dystopian would like this as well because I feel like this book has really good character building and get really deep on the psychological level.

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

All the Bright Places Book Review

All the Bright Places
By: Jennifer Niven
Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Knopf, 388 pages
Source: Bought it from B&N

The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Elle Fanning!
 
Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
 
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.
 
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.
 
This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Gayle Forman, and Jenny Downham from a talented new voice in YA, Jennifer Niven.

So I'm experimenting with my post because I want to make them more concise and better quality for you guys so you guys comment below what you guys enjoy better.

This book is about a girl, Violet who's sister died and a boy, Finch who is going through depression. Both of them live total opposite lives, but they meet together when Finch keeps Violet from jumping off a tower. And Finch becomes intrigued with Violet and they decide to work together on a project to explore the wonders of the state of Indiana.

I like the cover, I think it is cute and quirky. The violet and the finch on the cover pertain to the names of the characters in the novel. I like that the cover carries a simplicity and minimal-look. I prefer things that have a clean look with it and isn't too flashy.

So onto the actual content of the book. I really enjoyed this book. There are a good amount of YA books that deal with mental issues especially depression. But this book took a different approach on that topic. I feel like the author took a good approach on it and made this book stand out from the bunch. The author had an alternating point of view for this novel and I enjoyed both views. Both were intriguing and I wasn't favoring or longing one point of view over another. But the ending was a total shocker for me and Jennifer Niven shows a clear, precise view on the thoughts of someone dealing with depression. The plot was well-paced and I felt that she captured my attention throughout the whole novel. After, reading this book, it carries a sad ending and I can see some people crying at the end, but I didn't. This book does have that type of ending that makes you think about it for a long period of time which the good books have that effect. You can see that Violet's and Finch's lives are inversely proportional.  Niven really gave us the realistic view of depression and that it is like a domino effect. Some authors sometimes make it seem peachy keen, but she gave us the dark side of it.

Guess what? It is character time! I liked Violet, she was an interesting character. It is really easy to sympathize with her. I think I enjoyed her character a bit more than Finch who is practically the opposite of Violet. Finch is irrational and unpredictable, although, his character is more fascinating and dynamic than Violet. He's very different and the one to add the humor element. I loved how he
chased and pursued Violet.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes a genuine contemporary novel. This book is probably not the best choice for those who want a light-hearted read because this book is very deep. So if you're looking for a romantic, swoon-worthy read, this isn't a good choice. But if you want a profound, in-depth book then I would highly recommend this read.

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

Addicted to Twitter

Hey, you guys! I just got a Twitter for this blog, Between Book Pages and I'm getting addicted to it. Especially since Jenny Han has liked two of my posts and Wendy Higgens followed me! So if you guys want to follow or just scroll through my posts which are book related, of course.

Here is my Twitter name: @Btwnbookpages

Blog Ideas?

So you guys, it is my personal goal to post at least one blog post every day. Is that too unrealistic? The problem is that no way, can I read a book every day so I'm trying to extend my blog posts outside of book reviews. So do you guys have any suggestions? If you do, please comment below because I want to hear your thoughts?

I was considering doing a top ten Tuesday where I'll give you my top ten favorite contemporary or dystopian. I'm also, going to start an annual series that will feature my bookshelf which is filled with books. I was thinking of taking a photo of my shelf and explaining my thoughts and things about the book. What do you guys think of that? Another idea is to have a re-read Friday where I re-read books and post reviews on them.

I'll definitely post book hauls that I have and try to expand outside of book reviews. Obviously, book reviews will remain as the a steady, essential content, but I want to offer more and be less homogeneous.

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

I'll Give You the Sun Book Review

I'll Give You the Sun
By: Jandy Nelson
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Dial Books, 371 pages
Source: Bought it from B&N

Jude and her twin brother, Noah, are incredibly close. At thirteen, isolated Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude cliff-dives and wears red-red lipstick and does the talking for both of them. But three years later, Jude and Noah are barely speaking. Something has happened to wreck the twins in different and dramatic ways . . . until Jude meets a cocky, broken, beautiful boy, as well as someone else—an even more unpredictable new force in her life. The early years are Noah's story to tell. The later years are Jude's. What the twins don't realize is that they each have only half the story, and if they could just find their way back to one another, they’d have a chance to remake their world.

This radiant novel from the acclaimed, award-winning author of The Sky Is Everywhere will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.
-Description retrieved from Goodreads


Sorry, I've been gone for a while. I was reading Bell Jar which is an adult novel and this blog is mostly for Young Adult so I don't feel right posting a review for it. But if you guys, want one, comment below if you do. So let's get crackin' on this novel. I've been eyeing this novel for a while because its recommended to John Green and Rainbow Rowell fans and I am definitely fans of both.

Wow, just look at the cover, its's stunning. I love it, honestly. It's vibrant and colorful, it is very eye-catching. I like the cover because I feel like it fits perfectly with the novel. It follows the theme and yeah, it is beautiful.

So onto the actual book, this was a really good book and I am quite pleased with it. It was interesting to read an alternative point of view and both point of views take place in a different setting. Jude's point of view takes place in the present while Noah's point of view occurs in the past. I think that formatting of point of view made this book more interesting and intriguing. It also allows an aura of mysterious because the reader is constantly kept in the dark, but I feel like it is easy to connect the dots as you read. So there's a big twist and I don't know if the author wanted it to be hard to know or was building up to it, she was probably building up to it, but it quite easy to predict and I figured it out. And this is me we're talking about, the girl who has a horrible time predicting or foreseeing what could possibly occur.

Character analysis time! So what did I think of the main characters? I liked both of them, they both had their flaws, mistakes and downfalls. I liked Jude a little better because she was a bit of the 'underdog' because her brother, Noah was supposed to be the artist one, but Jude turns out to have it in her as well. I like Noah as well and it is quite easy to sympathize with him as well. But some of the mean things to Jude, makes me deduct points from him. Although, I'm not saying Jude was a saint. But both of them are easily likable. Also, there's another major character, Oscar who's British and has that bad-boy-esque aura surrounding him. Oscar adds a sense of humor into the novel. Another reason, I like Jude is that I really enjoy her point of view because she's very superstitious and quirky, it is quite cute and humorous. I really liked the trio of Oscar, Jude and the artist, And a major plus, there are a bunch of swoon-worthy quotes in this novel.

I recommend this to anyone who's a big fan of contemporary and want something different from other YA novels because this book is quite different, straying from the cliches. I really enjoyed it and I feel like many other will too. It seems a general crowd pleaser.

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-Skimmy.

YA Books Turning into Movies/TV

So is it just me or are a bunch of YA books being turned into movies or TV? There is already two movies based on YA books coming out this summer which most of you guys probably know one of the two I'm talking about; yep, I'm talking about Paper Towns by John Green which has been long anticipated. But also, there's Earl and Me and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews which also looks good and received some awards from Sundance Festival. In this post, I'm going talk about possible movie/TV adaptations coming up. And I have literally everything you need to know linked and they are not affiliated.

The Paper Town's trailer does look good and gosh, Cara Delevingne looks like an absolute goddess. Also, Nat Wolff looks adorable as well and it generally, just seems amazing and I'm super pumped for this movie.

Another great trailer, but less known is Earl and Me and the Dying Girl. It looks good and strays away from the stereotypical romance, immediately-fall-in-love cliche that people assume are in YA novels. This seems more heartfelt and deeper than Paper Towns and I'm excited for this as well.

Some other possible adaptations which has became an endless list. Honestly, the surge of adapting YA novels is really contributed by the Hunger Games which is probably the most successful one out there. There has been fails of course, like The Mortal Instruments and also, successes like Divergent and The Fault of Our Stars.

The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey is in the midst of adaptation with Chloe Grace Moretz (Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dark Shadows) playing Cassie, the main character (Source). Also, Elle Fanning (Maleficent and Super 8) was just cast for the main female character, Violet for the adaptation of the novel, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven (Source). Another adaptation is Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs which is being directed by Tim Burton. It stars Ella Purnell as Emma (Never Let Me Go and Maleficent) and Asa Butterfield (Merlin, Ender's Game and Hugo) as Jacob. (Source). Another possible adaptation is Wither by Lauren DeStefano which is a dystopian novel and this shocked me because I haven't heard much buzz about this book and I read it as well. But I looked up the possible adaptation, apparently, the author denied a renewal so it is not happening. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is in the midst of being produced and they haven't got a cast  yet, but Summit Entertainment has picked it up so cross your fingers if you're hoping for an adaptation (Source). Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is also in the midst of being created, it was picked up by 20th century Fox and currently, going through the process. If there was a movie coming out for Shatter Me, I would be supremely excited. Matched by Ally Condie, a dystopian novel similar to Delirium was picked up by Disney (Source). Another adaptation forming is Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor which is really exciting and that has been picked up by Universal Studios (Source). This one I'm personally super psyched about which is Smoke and Bone by Leigh Barbado which Dreamworks acquired the rights and it will be produced by the same producer of Harry Potter (Source). The Lunar Chronicles' by Marissa Meyers rights have been acquired by a studio and it is kept a secret (Source). And finally, Legend by Marie Lu has been picked up by CBS Films and the producer of Twilight is producing it and the director of 50/50 will direct it (Source).

Books are also being adapted to TV shows as well. ABC Family picked up The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare has a new show for the 2016 and has already assembled the cast (Source). It is called Shadowhunter.

Comment below, telling me which adaptations you guys are the most excited for!

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-Skimmy.

Top Ten Books for the Upcoming Summer

I'm so sorry for the short haitus I took, but gosh with school coming to a closure, things were getting intensely busy and schoolwork was starting to pile up. But summer has come it's way and I am excited to blog again. So what other way to start then adding a book list with the pending summer? While summer is smoking hot, my town has been getting serious rain and cool weather which is quite unusual. But anyways, with summer coming, I can read more and re-read books as well. So enough blabbering, let's get started!

P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2) by Jenny Han

Confession time: I already read the book. Sorry, I couldn't help it, but I'm not going to reveal much on this post and there will soon be a review on the novel. And it is going to be a long one for sure.

Red Queen  by Victoria Aveyard

I've been wanting to read this book for a while, but never got to it. So finally I ordered it and I'm excited for it. I think I'm going to make it my next read. I know it has been out for a while, but better late than never, right?

Mosquitoland by David Arnold

I've read really good reviews for me and the blurb interests me. I haven't seen much attention towards this novel, but it looks like a low-key goodie.

Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer

This book has also pretty good reviews and the blurb really intrigues me as well. I've been eyeing this book and I know I'm going to have to read it soon.

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkosi

I've read the first book and I really enjoyed it so obviously I'm going to read the second book. Especially since the first book left you hanging from your fingers.

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia

Just by reading the blurb, this book seems a lot different than other YA novels and has a very unique plot which intrigues me. Also, it seems like it fits the category of books I've been craving for these days.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

First, I love a good light-hearted contemporary novel and this fits that quota perfectly. It seems cute and fun and I really want to read this novel.

A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I've been seeing this book everywhere like I literally see ads for it while I'm watching TV so this book must have a lot of backing. But I've heard so much about this book and I'm simply just following the hype and I'm pretty sure Maas will give us something good.

My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Wanga

This seems like another interesting contemporary novel, but instead of lying on the light-hearted side, it seems more in depth and deep which doesn't bother me. Sometimes, I like to read books on the other half of the spectrum. 

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

I've heard a lot of good things about this book and it seems like an interesting dystopian novel. Sometimes, I need a break from contemporary and get a bit dystopia.

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-Skimmy.

A Little Something Different Book Review

A Little Something Different
By: Sandy Hall 
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Swoon Reads, 272 pages
Source: Bought it from B&N

The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.  But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship. 

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....
-Description retrieved from Goodreads

As I was ordering some books, I realized most of them were very deep or dystopian-like with some blood and action and I wanted to get something light and would make me happy. So I picked this book up, which sounded like a sweet, light romance novel which it was exactly.

So, let's began by discussing this cover because I adore this cover. It is so cute and when you physically touch it, it feel amazing in your hands because the doodles are etched on instead of simply being drawn on. And I love that light shade of pink, it is absolutely adorable and the swirls are cute. Also, those objects are related to the novel so when you see that take-out box, don't be like 'what the heck?' because you'll see why it is there later on.

This book has fourteen viewpoints and when I read that, I was interested to see how the author would transition because the story is never in the main characters' point of view. But only the point of views of the characters around the main character. Fourteen is a lot and it could be a challenge. Some of the viewpoints, I felt were irrelevant and boring such as the squirrel, I thought that was a bit childish and the bench viewpoint was not necessary in my opinion.

It is character valuation time! Again, I'm picky with my characters so let's start with Gabe, the main guy character, he was alright. Nothing particularly special. One thing I didn't like about the main characters was that they were so shy and were not very confrontational. It got frustrating to see them fumble around each other and they like each other, but they just don't know. It's hard to read it. When I read the description about this book, it pictured something entirely; I thought they were friends who were too shy to tell each other they liked each other. But it takes place in college actually which I did not expect at all. Honestly, I didn't connect with the characters and felt very mediocre towards all of them. Also, I couldn't tell Gabe's friends apart from each other and there were so many secondary characters, it was hard to keep track. I felt like there were an unnecessary amount of secondary characters and many of them could have been cut off and the story could still progress the same. The characters were very one dimension, there wasn't really a real depth in the characters.

I would easily say, this book is very predictable and a bit disappointing. It sounds cutesy in the description, but it was honestly, a very mediocre book and these days, These days, cutesy books aren't enough for me which this book was, maybe if I was younger and read less books, I would have enjoyed it. But to know there are a lot more better books and comparing it to those, really deflates this book. By itself, sure, it's cute and readable, but not exactly the best out there.

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

These Broken Stars Book Review

These Broken Stars (Starbound, #1)

By: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Publication Date: December 10, 2013

Disney Hyperion, 374 pages

Source: Bought it from B&N

Luxury spaceliner Icarus suddenly plummets from hyperspace into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive -- alone. Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a cynical war hero. Both journey across the eerie deserted terrain for help. Everything changes when they uncover the truth. 

The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.

-Description retrieved from Goodreads

The perfect dream setting is sipping on some English Breakfast Tea with tons of honey and milk because I have a major sweet tooth with a book or typing a post for my book blog with a soft, cozy blanket wrapped around me. There has been killer amounts of snow and book blogging is the perfect thing to do when that happens. 

So These Broken Stars, first let's judge the cover because whether we admit it or not, but covers play a major role when it comes to deciding which book to read. I feel like this book does sort of reflect the plot in the story because the models accurately depict how I imagine the characters will look like. But I like this cover, the simplicity of it especially of the font. I like skinny fonts like crazy, that's just who I am. 

Tarver reminds me of Day from the Legend series for some reason and Lilac reminds me a bit like June, but at the same time not really. But the major comparison is Tarver and Day because they're both survivors and fall for the wrong girl type of thing going on. Or is that just me?

I liked this novel, but didn't love it. It was interesting enough, but it wasn't the addicted-to-it type of book. I will admit, this novel took me quite a while to read, perhaps a week or a week and a half. The first part was interesting and then the first part of the middle was a bit drawn and dull to me. But I did like the part near the end that part definitely sucked me in. So the entire book wasn't a let-down, 

So character time! And you guys know that I am picky as heck when it comes to my characters. Other people are a lot more tolerable and compassionate towards book characters, but I am strict and harsh when it comes to favoring them. Maybe because I can be a bit judgy, but who isn't first of all? So again, Lilac was okay, she wasn't my favorite, but come on, I give her major props for climbing hills in high heels and she did become strong-willed later on. I do like a character who transitions and develops throughout a novel. Traver was also okay, he was a bit judgmental towards Lilac, but I didn't really like him near the end. He was getting too emotional for my liking and I couldn't understand him. But he was an interesting character as well.

For some odd reason, when it comes to survivor stories, I am super curious what they eat like that is one of the main parts that interest me which is really odd. I guess, I'm sincerely fascinated about food, what does that say about me? I thought the end was kind of difficult for me to understand, I had to re-read some parts because my mind was going like 'what?' or blank. 

Overall, it was a decent novel, wasn't really anything special. I don't think I will be reading to the second novel because I don't like sequels with a new pair of characters because it takes me a while to get attached to characters and when I do, I don't like to be forced to let them go. 

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

The Winner's Curse Book Review

The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1)
By Marie Rutkoski
Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Farrar Straus Giroux, 355 pages
Source: Bought it from B&N

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.
-Description retrieved from Goodreads

First off, I really enjoyed this novel, it is definitely a lot different than the usual Young Adult novel. I was hesitant to get this novel, but I'm really happy that I did. It is such a good novel and I really enjoy the main character. I'll admit it, I'm plain picky when it comes to characters. I don't like characters who make dumb choices or are too weak. I like realistic, practical characters. I thought Kestrel fit my category of favorite characters.

This novel takes place in the past which these days, more novels take place in the future so it was interesting to get a book in the past. I loved that Kestrel wasn't perfect, she has awful fighting skills, but great at strategy which I felt made sense and made her seem more three dimensional. I thought Kestrel was a reasonable character, she was clever yet had her weaknesses so she had a balance of things. 

The secondary characters could easily be ignored and much light didn't play onto them. There wasn't much about them for me to grow an attachment to them. But I did enjoy, Roman, one of Kestrel's close friends and I did want more of his character. 

This book did have a serious twist, some may see it happening, but I'm not those type of people who can easily predict what's going to happen. But the ending was a serious shocker and it left you hanging on a cliff, but luckily, the second novel is coming soon and I have high hopes for that novel. Also, I like enjoy the title because it does become a major theme throughout the novel which I think anyone can notice. Also, the author explains the title and reasoning behind it and that helped piece the puzzle.

So I'm super excited for the second novel. Although, second novels tend to worst book in the series in my opinion from past experiences such as the Grisha Trilogy, Harry Potter (It is good, but compare to the other books, I would rank it last), The Mortal Instruments and a lot more. Although, there are novels where the second one is superior than the first one such as Shatter Me and more. I'm even more happy that it's coming out in March so I don't have to wait such a long time and I can be sure to pick it up real soon. 

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who's tired of main characters who are a bit too well-rounded and want someone who has a good balance of traits. And also, someone who wants a novel that doesn't take place in the future or tired of dystopian novels. 

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-Skimmy.

Isla and The Happily Ever After Book Review

Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3)
By Stephanie Perkins
Publication Date: Aug 14, 2014
Dutton, 352 pages
Source: Bought it from B&N

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. 

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series.
-description retrieved from Goodreads



So I've actually read this book a while ago, but I never posted the review, but I had a short (actually, pretty long) hiatus and I do want to post a review on this novel. One of my goals is to re-read books and write reviews for them because there are a lot of books I like, but don't have reviews so I will start that mission soon. So let's get cracking on this review.

I think out of all of the three, this one is the one I liked the least. Obviously, the first one is my favorite, I think that one had the best plot and characters so that one was my favorite. I also really enjoyed Lola and the Boy Next Door. I thought that book was really good, but didn't capture the essence that the first book had, something felt a bit missing or off. And now the third one, it was good, don't get me wrong, but when comparing it to the other novels, it was lacking something.

I think it was honestly, the characters. I didn't like Isla as much as Lola and Anna. I didn't really connect with her. Yeah, she was nice and sweet, but I thought she was a bit obsessive with Josh to be honest. I really like characters who don't act like their whole world falls apart because some they broke it off with a guy. In Anna and the French Kiss, when St. Clair ditched her for Ellie, she found a new guy to distract and in Lola and the Boy Next Door, Lola felt like breaking up with Max was the best and needed to do a bit of rediscovery, those are reasonable and better response. But Isla was like  a bit too in love with Josh. I wasn't the biggest fan of Josh either, I thought that he was a bad influence and that he seemed like a typical guy who doesn't care about school. Isla and the Happily Ever After was a lot intense than the other novels and a lot more promiscuous. I think compare to the other couples, Isla and Josh probably was the fastest and perhaps, the least complicated because in the other novels, they had some attachment to another person. I realized now that Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door are quite similar and Isla and the Happily Ever After is kind of the outlier, a way different premise than the other novels.

Also, the covers in the first and second one are gorgeous with the main characters and then they changed it to a city scene with big bold words stamped all over it that frustrates me. It doesn't match
with the rest of the books yet they went and had to change it. I am really angry about to be honest, a lot more than I should be.

I do like that we get a last minute glance at our two previous couples and Meredith is also in this novel as well. Perkins gave us great closure, although, it could easily be assumed how the couples probably ended up with each other. I thought that Isla and the Happily Ever After was after all, a good finale, definitely different than the first two novels. But maybe she wanted to send the novels with a punch and she did. I have to say overall, I really liked the whole series and I still re-read the first two novels and I am a bit sad to see it finish yet a bit of happiness.

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.

Update!

I'm so sorry for the hiatus I've had and it was a long hiatus. But this is a new year and with a new year comes some resolutions. I'm definitely not your resolution gal, but I find the idea of having goals appealing so here are some of my resolutions relating to this blog.

1. I will try to update more because I like the whole idea of blogging and I am very passionate about books and this is one direct way I can express that passion.

2. I'm going to work on my blog posts. It will take a while for me to pick and choose the type of blog post formats for me and I will be testing numerous ideas so nothing is really permanent for sure.

3. I will read more, but to be honest in my whole defense, I am getting busy and I will get busier, but I will try to get a blog post, no matter how busy I get. My goal is at least two blog posts per a day specifically Sundays and Tuesday, but believe me there is no guarantee.

4. I need to get a proper logo for my blog and my name so I will ask a close friend who's a graphic design to get started on that.

So far these are my goals regarding my blog, but I could definitely add to this list because it is pretty short and there's lots I need to do,

One Page at a Time

-Skimmy.