Tag: young adult

Reviews, Special Review, ya contemporary

Book Review: Everything, Everything By Nicola Yoon

Veronica Porras (TTB)

EverythingEverythingCover

Goodreads Summary:

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.

Review:

I think this is one of the hardest reviews I’ve written so far because I like the book, I loved the ending, I loved the message, but I did not like the MC. Don’t get me wrong, Madeline is not a bad character, I just personally didn’t like her half of the time.

I really like that Everything, Everything encourages the reader to do things they’re afraid of, not to stay in unhealthy relationships, and makes us see that the person “in love” does not always have the best judgement when it comes to the person they love.

What I actually disliked about EE was the middle of the book. I found myself a little bored and I was very close to giving up on it. I decided to put it aside for a few months and gave it a second chance a few days ago and I’m glad I did because the last 30% of the book was awesome!

I personally think if I had been younger I would have absolutely loved Everything, Everything. The writing is wonderful and at times poetic (and I’m a sucker for poetic writing), but I was not able to connect with the characters. I found them a bit childish at times and that made my experience a not so great one.

Overall, Everything, Everything is a novel you want to read. The impressions it leaves you with are worth the read.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Disclaimer: Thank you Delacorte Press/Random House Children for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I received this book at YALLWEST 2015. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion.

Reviews, ya contemporary

Book Review: The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

Veronica Porras (TTB)

thestartofmeandyou-2

Goodreads Summary:

Brimming with heartfelt relationships and authentic high-school dynamics The Start of Me and You proves that it’s never too late for second chances.

It’s been a year since it happened—when Paige Hancock’s first boyfriend died in an accident. After shutting out the world for two years, Paige is finally ready for a second chance at high school . . . and she has a plan. First: Get her old crush, Ryan Chase, to date her—the perfect way to convince everyone she’s back to normal. Next: Join a club—simple, it’s high school after all. But when Ryan’s sweet, nerdy cousin, Max, moves to town and recruits Paige for the Quiz Bowl team (of all things!) her perfect plan is thrown for a serious loop. Will Paige be able to face her fears and finally open herself up to the life she was meant to live?

Review:

Floating on clouds. That’s my current emotional state. There is no other way to explain this book.

See, I was hesitant to read this book right after The Summer of Chasing Mermaids because I thought to myself nothing else can compare to its awesomeness, but good ol’ ignorant me forgot just how good Emery Lord is. There is no other book I could have read after TSoCM except this book without it falling flat.

The Start of Me and You is so stinking cute, I can’t stand it. It is like cotton candy. Sweet, delicious, but you devour to fast, craving for more. I tweeted that I both loved and hated Emery Lord right when I finished the book because THAT ENDING nearly killed me and this is what she had to say to that…

TSoMaY

OFFICIALLY DYING OF FEELS.

Honestly, this review is not really a review, but more like an outlet of my feels because Dear Lord The Start of Me and You was everything I wanted and more. The awesome  friendships, the slow-burn between Paige and Max, the idea that not everything is exactly how it seems, and that we should not take for granted the people we have in our lives just made it perfect. I would literally hug the book right now if it was anywhere near me. I want to cuddle with it like it were a teddy bear. Seriously guys. I’m not kidding. This baby needs to be protected.

Also, one more thing. MAX. UNGHHHH. THAT BOY. Seriously, he was so nerdy and adorable. I love nerds. Max is more of my real life ideal type when comparing him to my other book boyfriends. (I could never handle an Isaiah, but I can dream lol)

Now, go to the bookstore and read this darn book because I can assure you it will be the best decision of your life!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Reviews, ya contemporary

Book Review: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

anjieeeb

lovedbefore1full

Goodreads Summary:

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

Review:

I am so excited to review this book! To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before has been on my TBR ever since it was published. Needless to say, I finally got around to it. I actually went to read the first couple of chapters before purchasing it to see if I would like it. Anyways, long story short, I didn’t stop reading after the first two chapters. I ended up finishing it in one sitting! I’ve never done that with a book before. It hooked me right in and peaked my interest. I really loved it and that’s a lot coming from me because I’m more of a science fiction reader.

This was an emotional roller coaster and it made me cry throughout the entirety of it. Lara Jean was so easy to relate to and I definitely saw myself in her. It was as if I was Lara Jean. Some parts of the plot took me by surprise, all very good surprises. I loved seeing — rather reading — the reactions of the guys who received her letters. This book made me laugh so much, too. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Peter! The ending really got to me and ends with a cliffhanger. I was so relieved to find out that there is a sequel! I cannot wait!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Anjie Signature

NA Romance, Reviews

Book Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Veronica Porras (TTB)

71XqNajxelL._SL1500_

Goodreads Summary:

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.

Review:

First review of 2015! Woo! *throws confetti* 

Yes, I am on a Colleen Hoover binge this holiday season and I am absolutely not ashamed. I really wanted to read Ugly Love when I heard it involved pilots. I currently work in the Aviation Industry so I am always up for reading anything that involves that industry (and to see if they actually get it right).

First, I want to say that Ms. Hoover wrote about pilots in a stereotypical way that is actually true… most of the time. But not always. The first part of the pilot stereotype is that married pilots can be big douchebags, and want to bang any pretty girl they see. I’ve seen it. Once they get onboard, some take their ring off and “forget” they are married. Honestly, it disgusts me. But there are also those few that are like Miles. Those that are not sleeping around and are not complete douchebags. Which is probably why I’m still in that industry because those few make it better in a way. (We also have pilots like Tate’s brother, they’re nice, but also sleep around. Sigh. I’m nice to those, but I also make sure I put some distance between us.)

If you’ve read at least two Colleen Hoover books you know there is always some tragedy that will break your little heart. It could be because I’ve read 4 Hoover books by now that even though this tragedy was pretty bad, I didn’t feel as heartbroken as the first time [when I read Hopeless]. I absolutely loved that we have both Mile’s and Tate’s point of view, and that it alternates through the book. This is not your average split POV book though. Ms. Hoover had Mile’s POV telling us the story of the past, and we have Tate telling us the story present day. It was very easy to follow both storylines, and the way she did it added to the anticipation to the climax of the story. I was actually okay with how the story ended, probably because of that amazing epilogue that just made the world better.

(I wouldn’t mind a novella about Tate’s brother though)

Overall, Ugly Love shows how much Colleen Hoover has grown as a writer and storyteller. She keeps making characters we can relate to and I hope she doesn’t stop writing anytime soon.

(Warning: This book is the most mature book I’ve read of Colleen Hoover. There are some sex scenes and thankfully are not very explicit, but if you still want to read it and you dislike books that have sex scenes, you can just skip ahead and not read those sections. 🙂 )

Rating: 5 out of 5

Reviews, YA Fantasy

Book Review: Trial By Fire by Josephine Angelini

Veronica Porras (TTB)

18530258

Goodreads Summary:

This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.

Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily’s other self in this alternate universe.

What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can’t hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.

Review:

Seductive. That is the only word you can really use to describe this book. I had received an ARC in a gift box from another blogger and at first it didn’t seem like my type of book, but then Kayla raved so much about it I said heck I’ll try it.

Let’s start off with ROWAN. Dear Lord that man will be the death of me. Why the heck does he not exist?! Seriously. I absolutely loved that there weren’t any sexy time or heavy make out sessions because that just made the sexual/romantic tension between Lily and Rowan more intense and that is one of the many reasons why it is seductive. Gosh. It gives me chills.

Something I found really interesting was the concept that what makes you weak in one world, makes you the most powerful person in another. The message sent across to us the reader is that our weakness can also be our strength. The way we receive the message is rather ingenious by putting Lily into Lillian’s world.

I need to give Ms. Angelini a virtual *high five* because the world building was done very well. It wasn’t hard for me to understand what was going on and the way everything was described and explained just made the story a whole lot more enjoyable. I love it when we learn about a new world along with the main character. I feel like it gives us a fuller experience as opposed other ways authors use to do their world building.

For a first book in a series Trial by Fire is a great beginning to this thrilling ride that awaits us. The blurb on the cover describes it completely. Worlds Collide. Magic Reigns. Love Burns. 

Rating: 5 out of freaking 5

Special Review, ya contemporary

ARC Book Review: For Real by Alison Cherry

Veronica Porras (TTB)

18769257

Disclaimer: Thank you Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this book for free does not sway my opinion.

Goodreads Summary:

No parents. No limits. No clue what they’re in for.

Shy, cautious Claire has always been in her confident older sister’s shadow. While Miranda’s life is jam-packed with exciting people and whirlwind adventures, Claire gets her thrills vicariously by watching people live large on reality TV.

When Miranda discovers her boyfriend, Samir, cheating on her just before her college graduation, it’s Claire who comes up with the perfect plan. They’ll outshine Miranda’s fame-obsessed ex while having an amazing summer by competing on Around the World, a race around the globe for a million bucks. Revenge + sisterly bonding = awesome.

But the show has a twist, and Claire is stunned to find herself in the middle of a reality-show romance that may or may not be just for the cameras. This summer could end up being the highlight of her life… or an epic fail forever captured on film. In a world where drama is currency and manipulation is standard, how can you tell what’s for real?

Review:

Cutie-Patootie! That’s how I’m describing this book. It was fun, adorable, and downright what I needed on a bad day. I was talking to Kayla (The Thousand Lives) and she kept telling me to read it. She said it would get me out of the reading slump I’ve been in and I wasn’t listening to her until a few days ago, and boy was she right.

For Real is a story that will slowly start winning you over until you are completely enamored with it and are so invested you literally have to shush yourself in the middle of the night because your roommates are sleeping and it wouldn’t be cool if you woke them up with your fangirling. (Although for a second there I was like FORGET NICE! But then… I decided to stay quiet. My roommates should thank me.) I absolutely loved that Claire would do something like that for her sister. That level of loyalty isn’t seen in fiction that much anymore. Although I don’t approve of revenge, what Claire was trying to do for her sister, putting herself in an uncomfortable situation for all to see, was beautiful. I may not have a sister, but I do have a cousin that I see as a sister and for some time, I was Claire and she was Miranda. Experiencing that type of relationship in some way made the story very believable and I think that’s what I loved the most about it. That I was able to make this personal connection to it. I was rooting for Claire every step of the way!

I don’t want to spoil anyone with any crucial details of the story (which is what I totally want to discuss, but alas I will not) so all I will say is. Buy it, Read it, and don’t forget I was the one who told you to read it. You’re welcome.

The book came out today in bookstores everywhere so go snatch yourself a copy. I shall be doing the same as soon as I can!

Rating: 5/5

Reviews, ya contemporary

Book Review: #16ThingsIThoughtWereTrue by Janet Gurtler

Veronica Porras (TTB)

16ThingsIThoughtWereTrue_FC-3

Goodreads Summary:

Heart attacks happen to other people #thingsIthoughtweretrue

When Morgan’s mom gets sick, it’s hard not to panic. Without her mother, she would have no one—until she finds out the dad who walked out on her as a baby isn’t as far away as she thought…

Adam is a stuck-up, uptight jerk #thingsIthoughtweretrue

Now that they have a summer job together, Morgan’s getting to know the real Adam, and he’s actually pretty sweet…in a nerdy-hot kind of way. He even offers to go with her to find her dad. Road trip, anyone?

5000 Twitter followers are all the friends I need #thingsIthoughtweretrue

With Adam in the back seat, a hyper chatterbox named Amy behind the wheel, and plenty of Cheetos to fuel their trip, Morgan feels ready for anything. She’s not expecting a flat tire, a missed ferry, a fake girlfriend…and that these two people she barely knew before the summer started will become the people she can’t imagine living without.

My Initial Thoughts:

I was looking for a cute contemporary fluffy and saw this at Barnes and Noble and I thought, why not? And bought it. Afterward I saw Andi (Andi’s ABCs) had read it and gave it a 4 out of 5 so I got really excited to read it.

Review:

(WARNING: THIS IS A VERY SPOILERY REVIEW. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED)

Oh Morgan. What am I going to do with you?

tumblr_inline_mwxgdwPioH1sniebz

The amount of things Morgan goes through in this book makes me want to cry. The summary promised me fun and adventure, and what I ended up getting was a book full of feels and drama and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t thrilled about that either.

We are promised a Mr. Jerk by the name of Adam and I kinda wanted to read a story about a jerk boy going good you know, and what I ended up getting wasn’t exactly disappointing per say, but Adam is totally not Mr. Jerk. Not even close. He takes Morgan to the hospital for gosh’s sake in the first few pages.

Now Amy. She’s something else. At first I really did not like her because she obviously lied and her actions made me think of her as a spoiled brat, but during the road trip we were given the opportunity to see a different side of her. I was so sad when she passed away. I would have been so happy to see her get together with Jake. In my head Jake and Amy would have been such an adorable and perfect couple.

The whole Dad issue in the book kind of opened a can of worms for me, but I’m glad that Morgan’s dad decided to try to have a relationship with her in the end. And OMG Morgan’s mom. I was so freaking pissed at her that I didn’t care how badly Morgan’s behavior was towards her mother (although now that I think about it, her actions weren’t that great and she should have been more respectful). I was mad for making Morgan believe that her dad didn’t want her. That is the worst.

I only wish the book was longer. I really wanted to see more of Amy, Adam, and Jake. I wanted to see more character development and actually see Morgan change some more. She was getting there, but in my opinion it ended too soon. I also found the whole Twitter thing adorable and that Adam started following her. So cute.

If you need a classic contemporary young adult novel in your life, you should definitely read this book!

 

Rating: 4 out of 5

Reviews, YA Sci Fi

Mini Reviews #2: Control by Lydia Kang and The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Control_front_cvr2

Goodreads Summary:

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn’t even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

Review:

tumblr_inline_ml88od3Tl81qz4rgp

O. M. G. Those three letters sum up this book in its entirety. I LOVED it. Absolutely, Freaking, Loved it. This book makes my science fiction inner nerd happy. All the science and the abnormal qualities most of the characters had made me love it even more. At times I felt like I was in the future X-men world. I don’t want to give anything away about this book (which is why I’m writing this tiny review on it), but I will tell you to read it. I devoured this book in a few hours and it has stayed with me. That reminds me, I should go see when the sequel is coming out…

Rating: 4 out of 5

 

10929432

Goodreads Summary:

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what she once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

Review:

tumblr_mdxaafRMd31rttthv

I want to hug this book. Ugh. I can’t even. This book is haunting. It is exhilarating. It makes you see the world in a whole other way. Like it makes me like turn into the Southern California girl I have buried deep inside me and horrible grammar and words that add nothing to the sentence (ex: like) spew out of me. But my Dear Lord, I don’t even know what to really say about this book except, please read it. I can’t explain it. I won’t. Just read it. PLEASE.

tumblr_inline_mquvylO6Pv1qz4rgp

Rating: 5 out of freaking 5

Reviews, YA Dystopian

Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Veronica Porras (TTB)

Marie-lu-legend

Goodreads Summary:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

My Initial Thoughts:

I really can’t write anything here this time… Why? because it’s been so long, I have no clue what I had initially thought.

Review:

(WARNING: TONS OF SPOILERS BELOW!)

One year. That’s how long it took me to read this book. Why? Not because it was bad, but because of the FEELS.

Metias was my favorite character until Ms. Lu killed him off. I read a few more pages after that and stopped. I was furious. It took several months of convincing on behalf of Kayla, and me [sort of] getting over Metias’ death to the point that I was able to continue to read Legend.

Oh my gosh, the action… it was so good! I was at the edge of my seat the entire time. And when June decided to help Day escape, OMG, I was biting my nails because of how anxious and stressed I was. I almost couldn’t take it. (This is where I questioned my sanity and told myself I was crazy for putting this book down in the first place all those months ago.)

What really surprised me was Metias leaving a blog behind for June to find. Metias seemed like such a goody-good that in no way did I think of his death as fishy at first or that he would do such a thing. And. Oh My Word, I couldn’t believe that Thomas killed Metias… he killed his own best friend! Now that was a twist I did not even see coming. Apparently, I didn’t see a lot of things coming.

I had all this stuff I wanted to talk about, making this review more analytic and well thought-out, but this review has now boiled down to me just fangirling and I shall be okay with that. 🙂

Legend is a great first book, and darnet, I cannot wait to read the rest of the trilogy.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Reviews, ya romance

Book Review: A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

Veronica Porras (TTB)

 

A_Little_Something_Different_for_sitejpg

Goodreads Summary:

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, somethingis 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….

My Initial Thoughts:

I had none except that Kayla really wanted to read this so I said well I’ll give it a chance!

Review:

An ode to shipping. That is what this book is and OMG it is amazing. People who want profound literature this is probably not for you, but if you are looking for an entertaining, sweet, hilarious read, then this is the book for you.

At first I thought that having that many point of views would ruin the story, but it actually worked. My favorite point of view was the squirrels. It was so random and funny, it was great. I do wish we got to see more of their point of views, the main characters. The novel does have a serious side to it which I think many will appreciate.

For once I don’t have much to say except read it. It’s cute, fluffy, and just what you need if you’re having a bad day. A Little Something Different is exactly what the title describes it to be, a little something different.

Rating: 4.5/5