Half a World Away by Cynthia Kadohata

ARC provided by the Publisher via Edelweiss

Author: Cynthia Kadohata 
Genre: Middle Grade | Contemporary
Release Date: September 2nd 2014
Publisher:  Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: April 17th, 2014

Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Jaden, an emotionally damaged adopted boy fascinated by electricity, feels a connection to a small, weak toddler with special needs in Kazakhstan, where Jaden's family is trying to adopt a "normal" baby.

My Thoughts
I adored this book. It was my first time reading a book written by Cynthia Kadohata and I was blown away by how magnificent her writing was. I was sucked in from page one and couldn't put it down. For lack of a better word, this book was amazing.

I was in love with the characters as well as the well-written storyline. Jaden was such a great, but sort of also a troubled kid. He had been through a lot at a very young age which messed him up. Penni and Steve, Jaden's adoptive parents, were wonderful characters too. I loved Penni for being so sweet and caring. The other characters were just as delightful, especially the adorable Dimash.

As for the storyline, I enjoyed the flow and the transition from one scene to the next. The wording made reading this book a fun and emotional experience. The ending made me cry because it was so beautiful.

All in all, this was a very pleasant book. I think anyone would find this book as enjoyable as I did.
 

All the Truth That's in Me by Julie Berry

Author: Julie Berry
Genre: Young Adult | Historical
Release Date: September 26th 2013 
Publisher:  Viking Juvenile
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: November 13th, 2013

Synopsis
Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.

My Thoughts
I don't normally read historical fiction, but if there are more books as good as this one, I'm sure going to read more of this genre.

This book is hauntingly beautiful, and I love everything about it, even the parts that wrecked my heart.

The story was so captivating that I couldn't think of anything else, but this book - how Judith's life was going be, who had done that to her and why. Just several pages in, I wept like a baby. My heart ached for her and what she had to go through. Being shunned and discriminated against even when she herself was a victim was just so cruel beyond words could describe.

This is one of the books that I will find time to reread. Because once is not enough.

(Some) Favorite Quotes
"You are the sun in my world, and how can I endure to watch you set into another woman's arms?"

"If you'd let me, I'd kiss away your fear, and let you rest yourself upon me, and I, I would die beside you and count my self lucky."

"If you were mine I'd comfort you; if you were mine you'd need no comfort."

Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

Author: K.A. Tucker
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary
Series: Ten Tiny Breathes
Book: 3
Release Date: November 4th, 2013
Publisher: Atria Book
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: November 24th, 2013

Synopsis
When a gorgeous young dancer walks through his door, a strip club owner must decide whether to follow his rules or his heart in the third novel by the author of One Tiny Lie and Ten Tiny Breaths.

Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

My Thoughts
This book is so much different from the previous two in the best possible way. The best in the series by far. Don't get me wrong, I really loved Ten Tiny Breaths and One Tiny Lie, but Four Seconds to Lose blew me away. This book was incredibly addictive and it was impossible not to love Cain. This guy stole me heart.

Like other NA books, this one also focuses on secrets. Usually it annoys me when NA books kinda ALWAYS revolve around secretive characters, abusive parents... Well, if you read NA, you know what I mean. However this book not only didn't annoy me, but I ended up loving everything about it. Well, almost everything. Charlie's real name (view spoiler) and I found it hard to believe.

Anyway, this is a great series, if you haven't read book 1 yet, you should. And for those who have read book 1 and 2, but are still not sure whether to read this one or not, READ IT NOW.

Cress by Marissa Meyer

Author: Marissa Meyer
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-Fi
Series: The Lunar Chronicles
Book: 3
Release Date: February 4th, 2014
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: February 8th, 2014

Synopsis
In this third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, now with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, a girl imprisoned on a satellite since childhood who's only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has.

My Thoughts
This series is only getting better! And if you haven't started reading this series yet, you are missing out on something so amazing. This is one of the must-read series.

I loved book 2, Scarlet, and at that time I really wanted to know more about Thorne. Because I seriously loved his character (and Wolf, too). And I was so thrilled when I found out there would be more of Thorne in Cress. The wait was torturous.

The reason I loved this book was not only because of Thorne, but a thousand other reasons. Just the name of the character, Cress, was very intriguing. I loved the wordplay since "Rapunzel" literally means a type of plant, and so does "Cress".

Compared to its predecessors, Cress was probably the most emotional one. The twist was well-executed, but I did wish it hadn't been that heartbreaking. Now all I have to do is waiting just one more year until Winter is scheduled to be released. JUST. ONE. MORE. YEAR. 

Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Genre: Young Adult | Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental
Book: 4
Release Date: January 28th, 2014
Publisher: Kensington Teen
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: February 4th, 2014

Synopsis 
EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.

Nick Merrick is stretched to breaking point. He's trying to keep his grades sky-high or he won't get in to college. He's trying to keep his brother's business afloat or the Merricks will be out on the street. He's trying to keep the secret of where he's going in the evenings from his twin brother Gabriel - or he fears he'll lose his family. And he's trying to keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who is his 'girlfriend's' partner.

And then Quinn takes to hanging around his sworn enemy, and an Elemental Guide is counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. Storms are brewing. On all sides.

SECRETS IN THE WIND. DANGER IN THE AIR.

My Thoughts
This has been one of my most favorite fantasy series of all time. I'm glad I took a chance and started Storm back in last November. What so great about starting this series later than others is that I didn't have to wait for months to read the sequels. But waiting to read this one was torture, but it was worth the wait because I LOVED every page, every word and every character. Nick has always been my favorite and it was such a thrill reading about him.

Isn't it great that this series keeps you on your toes the whole way through? You just can't decide who's right and who's wrong because the good guys aren't always good and the same goes to those who supposed to be the bad ones.

Left Drowning by Jessica Park

Author: Jessica Park
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary
Release Date:  July 16th 2013
Publisher:  Skyscape
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: January 27, 2014

Synopsis 
What does it take to rise from life’s depths, swim against the current, and breathe?

Weighted down by the loss of her parents, Blythe McGuire struggles to keep her head above water as she trudges through her last year at Matthews College. Then a chance meeting sends Blythe crashing into something she doesn’t expect—an undeniable attraction to a dark-haired senior named Chris Shepherd, whose past may be even more complicated than her own. As their relationship deepens, Chris pulls Blythe out of the stupor she’s been in since the night a fire took half her family. She begins to heal, and even, haltingly, to love this guy who helps her find new paths to pleasure and self-discovery. But as Blythe moves into calmer waters, she realizes Chris is the one still strangled by his family’s traumatic history. As dark currents threaten to pull him under, Blythe may be the only person who can keep him from drowning.

My Thoughts
Another great book by Jessica Park. This book shared some similarities with Flat-Out Love, which I also loved dearly, yet they were so very different.

This book touched even tougher topic than I had expected, but there were some very hilarious scenes as well, even they weren't that many. It was a story about abuse and regrets. These seem to be the most popular themes for new adult books at the moment, but trust me this one has set the bar for the others.

There were some VERY erotic scenes. But I still liked the book and after those steamy moments, the story became even more emotional, which kinda made up for that.

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Authors: Colleen Hoover
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Publisher: Atria Books
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read: March 18, 2014

Synopsis
 At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

My Thoughts
This book was PERFECTION. Everything about it was spot on - the cover, the characters, the pace... Pure perfection. I really enjoyed everything about it, even it was so emotional at times that I had to put it down just to get myself together before continue.

The songs made this book even better. It added more emotions that I almost couldn't believe it was possible. I wasn't so sure at first that I needed to get the songs since I'm not usually into listening to music while I read. But then I gave it a try and it was mind-blowing. "Living a Lie" & "Maybe Someday" were my favorites. The others were great too, but these two were the best and I listened to them repeatedly throughout the book.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Authors: Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Release Date:  February 21st 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Read from January 03 to 04, 2014

Synopsis
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

My Thoughts
I had no intention to read this book. It didn't sound like the kind of books I would enjoy when I read the synopsis. besides, the cover was a little messy in my opinion and since I am such a cover snob, it didn't catch my interest. In the end, though, I gave in and chose to read it because I was so curious why so many people loved this book this much.

At first, I wasn't impressed. The book was nice, but wasn't that great. I didn't like Aristotle, for the reasons that the boy was so annoying and didn't make much sense, but Dante was great. To be honest, I was thinking of dropping this book quite a few times because the writing kinda gave me a headache. I'm still glad that I didn't otherwise I wouldn't come to the part that blew me away.

I started to enjoy this book in end of part 2. I guess by then I started to get used to the writing and the characters, but Aristotle's attitude still bugged me until almost the end of the book, when he stopped being mad at everything.

Like I had mentioned, I didn't care much about this book at beginning. I just wanted to go get it over with. However, at the story progressed, I almost couldn't believe how emotional this book was. I loved Dante and his weird battle against shoes. And his love for Aristotle. It was just beautiful. Aristotle or Ari, on the other hand, didn't spark my interest, but I really liked what he had done for Dante.

In short, this is one amazing book that will show you friendship, family, love and many other secrets of the universe.

Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook

Authors: Kristin Halbrook
Pages: 306
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Published Date:  January 29th 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis

Will
Maybe I'm too late. Maybe Zoe's dad stole all her fifteen years and taught her to be scared. I'll undo it. Help her learn to be strong again, and brave. Not that I'm any kind of example, but we can learn together.
When the whole world is after you, sometimes it seems like you can't run fast enough.
Zoe
Maybe it'll take Will years to come to terms with being abandoned.
Maybe it'll take forever. I'll stay with him no matter how long it takes to prove that people don't always leave, don't always give up on you.

Favorite Quote
I want you to want someone like me by your side. And I'll do whatever it takes to earn that. ~ Will

Review
It has been months since I read a book that moved me like Nobody But Us. It was just amazingly, brilliantly, beautifully, breathtakingly written. I fell so deeply and desperately in love with both Zoe and Will. For a fifteen-year-old girl, Zoe was so strong and mature. As for Will, even at times he was a hotheaded teenager who loved to solve every problem with his fists, was one of the sweetest fictional guy ever. I felt how seriously in love they both were and understood their decisions. I do not care what other people think about this book. Personally, it is by far one of the best books I have read this year.

I first picked up the book because of its absolutely beautiful cover. Then I was amazed how well written this book actually was.It might not be the first book about teenagers trying to escape cruel reality they were in. There are a lot more written on this topic, yet this book was so much better in so many ways. For one thing, how author intensified the situation both Will and Zoe were in made me unable to put the book down. It started out so simple and carefree. I was happy for them both when they talked about their plan once they arrived Vegas. Then everything just went wrong. They committed crimes and seemed unable to untangle themselves from this mess. My heart ached for them and I could guess how the book might end, but I still hoped for the best.

Speaking for ending, this book ended with a BAM! I loved it despise how hard it had made me cry. I did not think there could be any other way to end the book. It was just perfect. It tore me apart, but it was realistic. It revealed the dark part of the world where people would do anything to survive. Everyone makes mistake (cliché alert), the most important point is to take responsibility for the mistakes you have made.

In short, I was mess after reading this book. Just like real world, it was not always roses and rainbows. If you don't think you can handle all the emotions, you should not read this book. It is best for those who enjoy being on the emotional roller roaster ride!

Are You Going to Kiss Me Now?

Authors: Sloane Tanen
Pages: 368
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Published Date: May 1st 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis

Being marooned on an island somewhere off the coast of Madagascar with five celebrities sounds romantic and glamorous, right?
 
Wrong.

You couldn't find people with fewer survival skills if you tried. Seriously. Cisco may have centerfold abs, but he can't even spell SOS. At least super-sexy Jonah seems to have a clue (too bad about the purity ring). If I'm stuck here much longer, these self-involved head cases might drive me crazy-assuming they don't insult each other to death first. It's like a group therapy edition of Survivor.
At this point, I'm pretty convinced that all celebrities should be caged in Hollywood and confined to the pages of US magazine. And, btw, if you're there, God, it's me, Francesca, and I really want to go home.

Help!

Review
One word... Hilarious! It made me laugh so hard quite a few times. It is one of silliest books I have read so far. Well, it was silly, but not in a bad way. It might be neither very realistic nor original, but it sure was the kind of book I would read after reading an emotional one. It was that entertaining.

Francesca was so adorable with her wild red hair and sassy attitude. I liked how she adapted herself to the surrounding environment, but not the fact that she "killed" her father. Being with pretentious celebrities during this kind of situation was tough!

The way the author told the story was so captivating which made me unable to stop reading. Besides, the wording was very witty and amusing. I am going to check out more of Sloane Tanen's books.

Because of Low

Authors: Abbi Glines
Series: Sea Breeze
Book: 2
Format: Kindle
Genre: New Adult
Published Date: October 6th 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis

Playboy Cage owns the apartment, and he hosts a revolving door of people, in and out, at all times. Most of them are long-legged hot girls who are never there more than a night or two. When Cage’s new roommate, Marcus, enters the picture, he’s just looking to nurse a broken heart. But there’s one particular semi-frequent regular who catches his eye.

Willow—“Low”—is the one Cage wants to marry. But the two of them are night and day, and Marcus can’t see how Low puts up with all of Cage’s womanizing. What she really needs is a real man....like good-looking and sensible Marcus. But that’s going to get real complicated and real messy—real fast.

Review

I am glad I have decided to continue this series even I did not like the first book much. It turned out the sequel was so much better and I enjoyed very single minute I spent reading it. This book reminded me a lot of The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window and From Ashes. They do have a lot in common.

I admit that the book was a bit predictable. Full of cliches if you ask me. A boy met a beautiful girl and a girl saw a handsome boy. BAM!!! Love at first sight. I am not a big fan of insta-love, but it doesn't mean I can enjoy reading one every one and then. Besides that, when Willow met Jefferson for the first time, I could see how the story went.
 
One thing that made me love this book was the characters. They were all so likeable. I loved that each of them had different personalities which made the book even more fascinating. Willow, aka Low, was such a nice, forgiving girl. She didn't hold grudge even she should have and I liked her for that.

Reading this book was a fun and exciting experience. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. One of the best things about reading a series later than everyone else is I don't have to wait for months for another book.

What Happens Next

Author: Colleen Clayton
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: October 9th 2012 
Publisher: Poppy
Rating:  ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
How can you talk about something you can’t remember?

Before the ski trip, sixteen-year-old Cassidy “Sid” Murphy was a cheerleader (at the bottom of the pyramid, but still...), a straight-A student, and a member of a solid trio of best friends. When she ends up on a ski lift next to handsome local college boy, Dax Windsor, she’s thrilled; but Dax takes everything from Sid—including a lock of her perfect red curls—and she can’t remember any of it.

Back home and unable to relate to her old friends, Sid drops her college prep classes and takes up residence in the A/V room with only Corey “The Living Stoner” Livingston for company. But as she gets to know Corey (slacker, baker, total dreamboat), Sid finds someone who truly makes her happy. Now, if she can just shake the nightmares and those few extra pounds, everything will be perfect... or so she thinks.

Witty and poignant, Colleen Clayton’s stunning debut is a story about moving on after the unthinkable happens.

Review
Such an amazing book! It was just flawless that I really don't know what to start with. The characters, the plots and pace was just simply brilliant. My heart ached for Sid, for what had happened to her, for how people treated her... But I was somehow happy that it happened, otherwise she would not have met Corey. Their paths would have never crossed and we would not have this fascinating book.

What I truly loved about this book was the fact that the main characters were human beings. In several books I have read, the main characters were so unreal. They are flawlessly beautiful, super smart, extremely charming and so on. Please! No one is that perfect. I was glad that Sid was not out-of-this-world pretty or had 4.0 GPA. She was just... normal.

And Corey. God, what should I say? I want a Corey too. He was so sweet and romantic. He might not be super smart or very handsome or popular at school, but who cares? I really liked his character. Well, I liked every characters in the book, but Corey was my favorite.

In short, Ms. Colleen Clayton has become one of my favorite authors. I am totally looking forward to reading her next book.

Dizzy

Authors: Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry
Format: Kindle
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: November 15, 2012
Publisher: Next Door Books
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
Dylan doesn’t do relationships. He and his older brother watched their dad go through hell and back, so they made a pact years ago—no girl would come between the Gibson boys. But his brother sells out. He's getting married anyway. To the sister of a chick Dylan met at a party, who's probably the angriest girl he's ever met. Unfortunately, she happens to be hot, too.

Ziah’s life is upside down—her safe boyfriend turns out to be not-so-safe, and now her sister is getting married before college is over to the older brother of a spoiled, party boy who drives her crazy. And also makes her heart beat too fast.

There’s no denying the attraction, but there's also no denying how much they irritate each other. When they’re thrown together as forced wedding planners, they find an ally in each other--neither wants this wedding to happen.

But instead of putting a stop to the crazy nuptials they find themselves at fittings and cake testing. And maybe even…a few dates?
Dizzy is a novel about what happens when two people who are determined not to fall in love, maybe do anyway. Maybe.

Review
Consider me one of these two wonderful authors biggest fans after reading this book. I have always loved Ms. Nyrae Dawn's books and this is by far the best book she has ever written. I would say the same to Ms. Jolene Perry, but I have never read any of her books before. Now I know what I have been missing. Dang! After witnessing this wonderful piece of work, we have an equation: 

Nyrae Dawn + Jolene Perry = A breathtaking, swoon-worthy book

Let's start with one of the most important part of the book (in my opinion). The cover. To be honest, I was not very impressed with the cover. Take a good look at it! It was not that unattractive, I know. But it had no wow factor either. Seriously, what with the wall thing?

Well, people always say "Do not judge a book by its cover." Which is absolutely right in this case. Even I really didn't like the cover much, this book knocked the socks off me. And I didn't even wear socks. I had so much fun reading this book. I could not remember the last time a book has made me laugh this hard or smile this much. Both main characters, Dylan and Ziah, were so adorable and funny. When I read it, if I was not laughing, I was smiling. This book made me look like an idiot, and I love everything about it. Hmmm, except the cover, of course.

If I Lie

Author: Corrine Jackson
Pages: 276
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: August 28 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn’s done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey’s not just any guy—he’s serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she’s vowed to keep—secrets that aren’t hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she’ll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise. 

Favorite Quote
The military isn't so different from screwed-up families everywhere. Sacrifice everything, including your life, and it still isn't enough. ~ chapter 19

Review
I haven't read a book that made me cry this hard for months now. I loved everything about it, from the first chapter until the last one. I loved how unpredictable the book was. It left me shock and eager to find out what would happen next.

If you haven't read the book yet, please do.  The book is well-written and the characters are very interesting, multi-dimentional.

Below contains spoiler, so be warned!

Starting out, I was not so sure about the book, frankly speaking. In chapter one, I thought it was just another book about teenage drama. I ached for Quinn when she was picked on when I was not so sure what the reason was. Then when I found out she hooked up with another guy and he was Carey's best friend, Blake, even I still hated the way they hurt her, I knew why. Or so I thought. And then I learnt that Carey was gay. Surely I did not see that coming! It was not fair to Quinn how Carey had lied to her for all those years.

I really liked Quinn. She was so strong and brave. I admired how she protected Carey, even it ruined her life. She was forgiving, to some level. I loved how she finally let go of the anger she felt when her "friends" bullied.

The second most favorite character in the book, in my opinion, was George. Grumpy old man, with such a good heart. He made me laugh and cried countless times. He was just likable despite how irritable he sometimes was trying to be.

Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio
Pages: 313
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Published Date: February 14 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
Synopsis
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R.J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

Review
I am not sure how to start. This book means so much to me. It was so incredibly written that everything about it was just amazing. It has been awhile since I last read a book that affected me this much.

This was told from multiple point of views - Auggie, Via (Auggie's big sister), Summer (Auggie's friend), Jack (Auggie's friend), Justin (Via's boyfriend), Miranda (Via's former best friend). Therefore, we can see the story from different angles. And that was one of the reason I loved about this book.

This book sends several important messages. I loved how it showed the important of friendship, how to stay true to yourself no matter what happens. This book moved me more than words can describe. It is kind of book that everyone should read.

Slammed

Author: Colleen Hoover
Series: Slammed
Book: 1
Pages: 314
Genre: Contemporary
Published Date: January 5th 2012
Publisher: Colleen Hoover
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

Favorite Quote
"...I wanted to hold onto it forever. I wanted to let her know that she wasn't alone. Whatever burden it was that she was carrying around, I wanted to carry it for her." ~ Slammed

Review
First of, let's give Ms. Colleen Hoover a big round of applause for her amazing work.

I meant to read this book long ago, but hesitated because people told me there were poems in the book. Just so you know, I am not a big fan of poems. Then a few people in Goodreads said I had to read it and read it quick. So since I had nothing to lose, I read the book. And two words... Will Cooper! If you have not read this book, go find a copy now. I read it in one sitting, so you may need a comfortable chair.

Let's start with the poems. I normally yawn when it comes to poem. But boys, this book changes my perspective on poems. The poems in the book were so beautiful that they brought tears to my eyes. They cut me open, took out my heart and stomped on it, and yet I begged for more. Well, metaphorically speaking. You get the idea! My favorite one, beside Lake, is the first poem in the book, Blue Sweater.

 Besides the tear-jerking poems, I loved Layken, aka Lake, and Will. They were a perfect couple. Will was so dreamy. Good-looking, smart, responsible and gentle. He was a complete package. They fell for each other since the first time they set eyes on one another, but their relationship was deeper than physical attraction. I do not mind insta-love, even sometimes I can't help rolling my eyes. However, this book made it romantic and, well, just perfect.

Again, if you have not read it yet, you should read it, like right now! This is a must-read.

52 Reasons to Hate My Father

Author: Jessica Brody
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: July 3, 2012
Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Rating:  ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis 
Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteen birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him.

Favorite Quote
Because apart we might be as different as night and ay, black and white, right and wrong, but together we create two sides of a whole. Together we balance. ~ 52 Reasons to Hate My Father

Review
How should I begin? This book is just out-of-this-world good. It is a kind of book that you pick up and cannot put down until you finish the last page and wish there were more than just 352 pages. This is how I feel about this book.

Lexi was a spoiled rich girl. A diva. So it was obvious I did not like her much when I began reading the book. Her attitude was so over the top! She did not appreciate how luck she was to have everything she ever wanted. She was rude and over-of-control. To set Lexi straight, her father made her perform in 52 different jobs. Of course she had another choice. She could refuse not to follow what her father had set out for her, but she would lose her 25-million-dollar trust fund.  So yes, Lexi wanted that trust fund; therefore, she had to take on those 52 jobs. The jobs taught Lexi to be more than just another rich, beautiful girl.

Some parts of the book might be a little over the top. Such as the fact that Lexi, except being spoiled, was almost too perfect to be true. She was rich, smart, beautiful and despite her less-than-perfect  behavior, people seemed to like her anyway. Well, it was not a big problem for me though. I enjoyed the book and the way the author told the story was so captivating.

I have always enjoyed the books that are unpredictable and this book is just that. I loved the twist and the ending was just amazing. Oh, how could I forget to mention Luke? He was so adorable. As much as he had helped Lexi get through her "assignment", Lexi also taught him how to enjoy life more. To loosen up a bit. I loved their chemistry. And the fact that it was not another instant love connection like some books I have read recently made it even more interesting to see how they fell in love.

In short, I loved the book! It is well-written with great characters and plots.
 

Monument 14

Author: Emmy Laybourne
Series: Monument 14
Book: 1
Pages: 294
Genre: Dystopia
Published Date: June 5th 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis
Your mother hollers that you’re going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don’t stop and hug her and tell her you love her. You don’t thank her for being a good, kind, patient mother. Of course not—you launch yourself down the stairs and make a run for the corner.Only, if it’s the last time you’ll ever see your mother, you sort of start to wish you’d stopped and did those things. Maybe even missed the bus.But the bus was barreling down our street, so I ran.

Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.

In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart

Review
I read this one with a friend on Goodreads. Normally I would not go for this type of book. I am glad I did since I am absolutely, positively and completely in love with this book.

What I really loved about this book is the concept. The idea of being trapped is not that new, but being trapped with kids to take care of in a superstore during a disastrous period is just very intriguing. I loved all characters in this book. Yes, all fourteen of them. Each has their own uniqueness that made the book even more interesting. You can find almost any type of personality from this group of young people.

The wording is also amazing. It was not overly descriptive that made you yawn and rolled your eyes. The flow of the story was so good that it made me unable to put the book down. Literally! I read and ate dinner simultaneously. Each chapter ended just causing more curiosity and I just had to read on to find out what happened next.

Moreover, who would have guessed that this book could be humorous also? I found some scenes ridiculously funny. I know it should not be since the idea of kids being trap while the world is going crazy, murderously crazy outside should not be something to laugh about. But, it was! Well, at least some parts of the book. I guess the author tried to lighten up the mood since some characters were only 5 or 8 years old.

The ending itself was so good. Yes, it was a cliffhanger. But which book for what series is not? I cannot wait to read the second book in this terrific series.

But I Love Him

Author: Amanda Grace
Pages:  245
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: May 8, 2011
Publisher: Flux
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis:
There might be one point in time when you love someone so much that you are willing to accept anything about them. Likewise, Ann loves Connor dearly that she doesn't care how serious Connor's problem with controlling his temper is.

Characters:
Ann: A senior and a captain on track team. She leaves with her mother before she moves out with her boyfriend on her eighteenth birthday.
Connor: Ann's nineteen-year-old boyfriend. He has issue with anger management.
Abby: Ann's best friend. She tries to help Ann, but later they fall apart
Blake: Captain on  track team. He has a crush on Ann 
Nancy: Connor's mother.
Jack: Connor's father, an ex-con. He also has issue with anger management 
Mark: Ann's coworker

Review:
This book is by far the best book I have read this year, and probably ever. The way the author choosing to tell the story in reverse chronological order makes me even more eager to find out what made the relationship between Ann and Connor boil down to this.

The story starts from the end. The journey takes us back to the development of the relationship between two teenagers, Ann and Connor. When I started reading this I questioned myself why the hell Ann still puts up with the abusive relationship. Connor calls her names and hits her contently. Afterward he apologizes and promises there will be no more, but the opposite is true. However Ann always forgives him. 

Then, the more I read, the more I understand how complicated their relationship is. Maybe somehow Ann hopes that one day the Connor that she once knew will be back. I think she has hope and is willing to take risk so that she could be happy with the one she truly loves.

Catching Jordan

Author: Miranda Kenneally
Series: Hundred Oaks
Book: 1
Pages: 281
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published Date: December 1, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Synopsis:
What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

Characters:
Jordan Woods: a seventeen-year-old high school senior. She is in the football team, as a quarterback and a captain.
Sam Henry: Jordan's best friend and teammate. He is the wide receiver in the football team.
Tyler Green: aka "Ty". He is a new student moving from Texas. He is also playing as a quarterback.
JJ: Jordan's friend and teammate.
Carter: Jordan's friend and teammate.
Mike Woods: Jordan's big brother who is also a football player, but in collegiate level.
Donovan Woods: Jordan's father, an NFL player. He disagrees with Jordan's choice to be a football player.
Mrs. Woods: Jordan's mother, who is very supportive to Jordan.
Jake Reynolds: Mike's best friend.
Vanessa: Ty's younger sister.
Kristen Markum: a cheerleader.
Carrie Myer: a cheerleader and Henry's ex.
Lacey: a cheerleader.
Marie: a cheerleader. She and Henry "date" each other.
Coach Miller: Jordan's coach.
Coach Thompson: the coach of Alabama team

Review:
This book is a must-read! I love this book so much and cannot wait to read another of Ms. Kenneally's work. This one of books is simply fantastic. It's clean, precise, funny, romantic, and straight-to-the-point. I strongly recommend this one to the bookish who are like me... hopeless romantic!

First thing that attracted me about this book is the cover. Duh... like always! I love browsing through books and select the ones that have the best covers of the bunch. This one won... hands down! Just one look at the cover and I was like, have to read it.

The inside of the book is not a disappointment either. Each page is just as good as the last one. I love how the author added in a lot of humor. The wording is easy to understand and straight forward, and that's the most important part of any books. Sometimes, I find myself having fun reading a book, but it is just too abstract, messy and too much detail, which is kinda like a turnoff to me.

Here comes spoiler! If you have not read the book yet, I recommend not to read what comes ahead.

Frankly speaking, I was secretly wishing for Jordan to fall for Henry since the beginning. Who doesn't want to fall in love with your best friend? Someone who knows you and loves you for your true self. When she thinks she loves Ty, I was a bit disappointed since I was looking forward to read about Jordan and Henry's road to romance. Hard to judge Jordan when Ty is hot like hell and Henry is not making any move, but pushing her to date Ty. It is a selfless love! And I'm completely falling in love with Henry for that. When Jordan realizes that the one Henry loves is her... I was like, told ya! It is just sweet, very sweet.

I wish there were many other books out there like this one.