Huge Reading Wrap Up and Reviews

Hey guys! I realize that I have probably been a disgrace in the blogger world because there has been a large (quite large) hiatus (about 4 months). I wasn't feeling like myself and honestly I needed to put my well being and school ahead of this. It may be a while until another post is up... I'm planning on editing posts that have been written (somewhat) but not put up. Well, on with the reviews!

1. The Duff by Kody Keplinger - 4/5
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I saw the movie first, and there were practically no spoilers because the book and movie are very different. There was a friends-with-benefits relationship going on with Bianca, the main character, and Wesley, the super hot jock guy which I was not expecting. It definitely makes you think about "Duffs" and it's a quick, fun read to squeeze in during a torture- er, school- break.

2. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry - 3/5
This book has been on my TBR- kid you not- since second grade. After reading it, I think that it is an okay book, I had high hopes for it, but it just wasn't for me. Kira is a strong girl, but it just wasn't what I was expecting. This one makes you think about the government since it's set in a dystopian society and about morals and humanity.

3. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison - 4/5
This is a fun, quick read about Georgia Nicholson's life. She is a teenager from England and all her boy and family drama. I wouldn't say it's amazing, but it is entertaining!

4. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan - 5/5
Well, this book made me start to enjoy mythology (which is a hard feat)! I love that it is modern, but has the gods and monsters from the olden days. Even if you don't like mythology, this is such a great book that it is a must read! (Also don't judge the book by it's movie!)

5. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins - 5/5
Oh my gosh, I was hooked with the first word! Southern belle gone, well, ninja! There is romance, suspense, magic, and practically everything else! Harper, the protagonist, is the typical popular girl with a somewhat messed up family life who is next in line for homecoming queen, but then the school's janitor kisses her in the girl's bathroom (sketchy, right?) and she finds herself protecting the last person she would ever dream of!
 
6. Homemakers by Brit Morin - 4/5
Okay, I know this has horrible ratings on Goodreads, but I thought it was pretty good! It has pretty basic things like how to hard boil an egg and how to set a table the fancy way, but, I mean, I don't know how to do that and I'm willing to bet most teenagers don't either!

7. Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams - 5/5
Yes, yes, yes! Awesome book!!! Sophie has worked at her family's Italian restaurant all her life, and now she is on a teen cooking competition (very Masterchef Junior-esque). She is sent to Napa, California to compete for an internship at a culinary school and may or may not win the heart of a young French man. I wonder if she saw Hallie Parker when she was there?

8. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella - 4/5
This is different from the movie, but it is a good different. I like that it is relatable (shopping problem, anyone?) and Becky Bloomwood is so funny! It gives good financial advice in a sneaky way, too!

9. The Spiderwick Chronicles series (#1-5) by Holly Black - 3/5
This series was okay considering it was a children's series. I would recommend it for younger people because each book is only about 100 pages or so. A good story, although because they are so short, get the whole series from the library or a half-priced book store because each book is a quick read.

10. The Looking Glass Wars (#1) by Frank Beddor - 4/5
This was pretty good! It is an Alice in Wonderland novel, but don't worry, it's not the Disney version! Alice is the narrator and her imagination is all powerful. I don't think I will continue with the series because it wasn't my cup of tea, but if you are a fantasy person you will love this!

11. On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend of a Sex God by Louise Rennison - 3/5
The second book in the Confessions of Georgia Nicholson series definitely wan't as good as the first. But, no doubt, it was still entertaining! I can't even imagine having a friend like Georgia; it would be so strange, yet so fun!

12. Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes - 5/5 (read the review here)

13. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks - 3/5
No. Just no. This was so slow and boring. The movie, now the movie was good, but the book, not so much. I just could not relate to any of the characters and they were all so lovey dovey and it was just kind of weird.

14. Julie & Julia by Julie Powell - 3/5
This book. Oh this book! It was quite boring at parts and I could not get through it at a good pace. The movie is so much better, to be honest. If you like cooking (specifically French cooking) or are a Julia Child fangirl, this book is for you! But if you aren't, I suggest you look for a different novel to fill your book void.

15. Four: A Divergent Story Collection by Veronica Roth - 5/5
No words. Read it if you are a Divergent fangirl! This follows Four (obviously) through his choosing ceremony and Dauntless life. It's a peek into his personal life and thoughts which is awesome!

16. The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine - 4/5
This was pretty good! It's about a good girl who starts hanging out with a bad(ish) guy while they are working at a wedding business. I probably wouldn't reach for it again, but if you want a typical YA romance novel, read this! You won't be disappointed!

17. Revenge, Ice Cream, and Other Things Best Served Cold by Katie Finn - 5/5
What a great summer read! This is the second book in a series that follows Gemma as she and her ex best friend Hallie try to get revenge on each other. It's light hearted and funny and perfect for any time you need a fun book.

18. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall - 5/5
This book is one that is a classic (or at least should be)! It's about 4 sisters and an amazing summer at this picturesque cottage. Such great imagery and descriptions. It really makes you want to go there. Honestly, I'd love to see this as a film, but I'd also hate it because there is no way an adaptation could do it justice! If you want a quick read that brings you back to your childhood, please please please read this!!!

19. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall - 5/5
The girls are now older and boy, are they getting into some messes! Skye and Jane swap homework assignments, Rosalind is in a romantic kerfuffle, and Batty is busy with Hound and the new neighbor boy. Even Mr. Penderwick has some surprises!

20. The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall - 5/5
The girls have grown up again (gosh, will they stop doing that!?!), and are now taking a trip without Mr. Penderwick and Rosalind. It's a bumpy ride

21. The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall - 5/5
Oh man, Rosalind's in college, Skye and Jane are in high school, and the book is basically centered around Batty. It was hard to get into at first because all the characters are so grown up since there was such a huge time jump, but it ended up being so darn good! Now I only have to wait four years until the last book (*crying inside*).

22. The Heir by Kiera Cass - 5/5
I know there has been a lot of hatred towards the main character, Eadlyn, but I actually liked her! I know she was very spoiled and angry, but I think that it is just a side effect of being a princess and a teenager and knowing all the horrible things going on in the kingdom and trying to figure out how to stop it. I really liked that Eadlyn wanted to be queen without a husband. It's almost like a Princess Diaries thing again! Honestly if any one of us were in her position, we would feel and act like Eadlyn.

23. My Almost Epic Summer by Adele Griffin - 4/5
For a book picked off of the cover, this ended up being pretty good! A little weird at parts, but overall a nice summer read. The main character is babysitting and ends up becoming aquatinted with a couple older kids who kind of bully her in some ways.

24. Just One Night by Gayle Forman - 3/5
Okay, this was good, but not outstanding. Yes it was cute and yes it was a good ending, but, I don't know, it was an end to a series that was just "ehhh" for me.

25. Please Remain Calm by Courtney Summers - 4/5
Oh my gosh. Once I got past the disappointment of this only being a short story, I rekindled my love of this series. The first book, This is Not a Test, literally gave me chills. This installment follows two of the characters as they try to find civilization in a world overrun by zombies. So good, so good.

26. When Irish Guys Are Smiling by Suzanne Supplee - 3/5
Disappointing is one word to describe this. I honestly had high hopes for this because, come on, who doesn't picture Niall Horan when reading the title?! Plus it's set in Ireland! But I just couldn't get into it. Maybe the rest of the series is better?

27. The Perfectionists by Sara Shepard - 4/5
I loved the Pretty Little Liars series and was sad to see it end, but this has definitely replaced it! Although it does seem to be similar to the PLL plot, if you like it, read the second book because it has a huge plot twist and is nothing like PLL!

28. Something Real by Heather Demetrios - 5/5
This was so good. It's about Bonnie™ who has spent her life growing up on a reality show about her family. After 3 years of having a normal life, she is once again thrown into the spotlight. It's interesting to see how reality TV affects children and teenagers even if this book is fiction.

29. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan - 5/5
Too good to put into words! Mythology is my friend now! And Percy, oh Percy, he is quite sassy!

30. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - 4/5
Very good, very good. Sad ending though!

31. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan - 4/5
Wow, this one definitely brought me back to my mythology days in English class! It's so interesting that some mortals can see through the mist! Can you? (*cue mysterious music*)

32. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan - 5/5 - What an epic conclusion to the Percy Jackson series! The huge fight, oh the fight! Soooooo good!!! Kronos was defeated and all is right! There are no words to describe the amazement felt from this book. On to the Heroes of Olympus!

33. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling - 3/5 - Boy, I had high hopes for this book because I loved the Three Brothers tale that was in HP and the Deathly Hallows, but it was slightly disappointing. I enjoyed the stories because they had a good message and were incredibly creative, but I disliked the format. I feel like there could have been a few more stories (there were only 5 or 6) or there should have been 10 or 15, maybe even 20, stories without Dumbledore's comments.

34. The Good Girls by Sara Shepard - 4/5 - Plot twist alert! I thought this would end up being like the Pretty Little Liars series, and in a way it was- until the twist. If you are debating whether or not to continue on with this series after reading The Perfectionists, continue! The OMG moment makes it all worth while! (Plus it's a quick read!)

Okay, I have read a lot more books than this, but without being insane and having this be a mile long post, it just wasn't possible to add any. Also, don't kill me because I've said "fun" and "quick" so much... argh! Descriptive words, must find new descriptive words!

Anyways, I hope you've enjoyed this book wrap up! Leave a comment below if you have read any of these or have any recommendation!

Au Revoir!

"The unexpected is usually what brings the unbelievable" -mkr

Book Review: Lemonade Mouth

Hey guys! Today I'm reviewing Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes for you! If you watched Disney channel when you were younger, you probably saw Lemonade Mouth with the detention kids turned rock stars. But I am here to tell you, this book is definitely not the same as the movie. It is more young adult than child.

The book starts off with Wen, Charlie, Mo, Olivia, and Stella finding themselves in detention on the same fateful day for various reasons (for example, Mo is caught making out in the trees and Wen has a not-so-Disney-esque guy problem in front of his class). None of them immediately click and make a fabulous show tune like in the movie- they actually start by signing/playing to the beat of a commercial. The music teacher, Mrs. Reznik, encourages them to become a band and none are particularly enthralled with the idea. Stella eventually turns their frowns upside down, they give the band a go, and sign up to play at the Halloween Party, much against the competing band's wishes. When Lemonade Mouth comes onto the stage, the crowd is in for a strangely amazing blend of ukulele (Stella), vocals (Olivia), trumpet (Wen), drums (Charlie), and bass (Mo). Everyone falls in love with their music and Lemonade Mouth is instantly famous around town. Now, now, obviously I'm not going to give away the rest, but I will say that, as in every book, the characters have difficulties at home, with each other, and with their classmates. At one point Lemonade Mouth calls it quits. Is it fate or coincidence that this band seems destined to take over the world (or at least the radio)?

Okay. Lemonade Mouth was awesome. Seriously! If you liked the movie please give this a try! The way it was written seemed so, I don't know, fluid. Each chapter had multiple points of view so I felt like I was being told the story by each of the characters. The best parts were when the music was described. It's really hard to explain, but I could practically hear the music! I was also pleasantly surprised by the characters. They were quite different from the movie, which I was not expecting. Olivia is incredibly shy and scared (and a little strange) and she has contact with her father throughout the book. Mo wasn't all that different, so I won't really comment on her. Stella had a stranger home life and she definitely rebelled more than in the movie. The largest change for Wen was that he had a crush on his father's girlfriend, which made things infinitely more complicated for him. Charlie was the most different because he had his dead twin's voice in his head. Eventually he overcame it and the voice stopped, but it acted as his alter ego almost. The part I loved the most was that the wimpy freshmen came together and changed the way people acted at school. Although it is a tad cliché, the message was there and it was definitely well written!
A 5/5 stars!

What did you guys think? Have you read Lemonade Mouth or seen the movie?

Have a great weekend!

Au Revoir!

"How could you ever feel comfortable if no matter where you went you felt like you belonged someplace else?" - Lemonade Mouth

Book Review: The Sisterhood Everlasting

 Hey guys! Long time, no see! Today I have a book review of The Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares. Enjoy!

**CONTAINS SPOILERS**

The Sisterhood Everlasting, the last installment of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, was about the girls (Bridget, Carmen, Lena, and Tibby) around 10 years after the previous book; each is doing their own thing, barely having time to contact one another. Carmen is an actress in NYC, Lena is teaching at RISD, Bridget is over in California, and Tibby, who has practically cut herself off from the others, is in Australia. Eventually, the girls get letters from Tibby saying that she bought tickets for them to go to Greece. Of course, they are overjoyed, but when they arrive, Tibby is nowhere to be found. Unfortunately, they find that Tibby has passed on while in Greece (she drowned, but later they find out she was suffering from Huntington's Chorea) which leaves them shocked and sad about what has occurred. All the girls are depressed and they don't really have any idea what to do with their life. Each one goes through some growing up, many love interests, and eventually finds their path.

All good things have to come to an end, huh? Well, this was quite the end.

Honestly, this book was a little depressing. It was hard to see Bridget, Lena, and Carmen be so lost without Tibby. It was hard not to feel so attached to them. And it was hard not to feel like I was going through the whole thing with them. Throughout the entire book I had the awful feeling in my chest- the one you get when you're reading or watching something really sad but you can't cry over it. 

Unfortunately I had read major MAJOR spoilers about Tibby so when I got to the part where she died I was prepared. 

There are a few things I need to get off my chest:

Lena FINALLY got together with Kostos. (woohoo!)

Carmen FINALLY broke up with that idiot Jones. (yes!)

Bridget FINALLY settled down with Eric. (goodness me!)

And Tibby? There are really no words to describe how good of a friend she was and how sad her death was!

Overall, this was a great last book. Quite sad, but still great. If you are a crier, grab some tissues, my friends. At first it was hard to read because it just felt so grown up and mature, but as I read on, it really made sense that Ann Brashares (the author) wrote it this way. The girls are all older and they have real, grown up problems, rather than the fun, in-the-moment whims of the other novels. In addition, it was really a thought provoking book due to the death of Tibby and the things the girls went through. It made me really appreciate my life right now, and it made me want to do something more with my life, not just live to live (so cliché, I know). The only thing that I really have a complaint about is the characters. I just couldn't relate to them! Maybe it's because I'm not 29 and I haven't experienced a loss like that before, but throughout the book it blew my mind that they weren't doing what they wanted to do and that they were just so lost!

Have you read the Sisterhood series? Did you like the ending? Comment below!

Hope you liked this! School's almost done now (one day left!) so there will be many more book reviews and cool things coming. My family is traveling to Kaui soon, so I will have pictures, places we went, and everything else!

Au Revoir!

"And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad." - C. S. Lewis