Favorite Pride and Prejudice Spin Offs

In honor of the new Pride and Prejudice and Zombies movie, I have decided to compile a few of my favorite P&P spin offs for you guys! Can we pause a moment and think about the fact that Matt Smith is playing Mr. Collins? Oh my gosh, that is perfection.

The Youtube Version (With Book Accompaniment)

- The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (find the videos here)
  with The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick

The Young Adult Tales
- Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg
- Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik
- Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

The Film Variations:
- Bridget Jones's Diary
  with Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

You may have noticed that I did not, in fact, have the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies book on this oh-so-short list. That is because I didn't actually like it that much. I found that it dragged on and on and it wouldn't end! Maybe it was because I was in a huge reading slump or because it seemed to be lacking in the zombie area- I love graphic zombie scenes, and this didn't fill that void- but it just didn't live up to its praise from others. I wanted to like it, I truly did! Although that's not to discount the movie, I've heard that it is amazing!!!

Au Revoir!

"No ninjas! How was that possible? Five daughters brought up at home without any ninjas!I never heard of such a thing." - Seth Grahame-Smith, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Random Thoughts #1

Currently, I'm sprawled out on my bed reading posts I've never published, and writing strangely deep paragraphs about life. Every draft I've written has never made it to the real world because it has no meaning. It has no spark, no passion put into it. That's why I haven't been blogging recently. I had no ideas or motivation to write something worth reading. Maybe it's because I've just finished reading Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, but there's something inside of me that's clicked. Recently I've felt like breaking out of my shell. It's like I've been holding myself back for so long now. Everyone knows that feeling. But I want to do something about it. I want to gain that confidence back. So 2016 marks the year where I will actually work on having a proper blog. No random posts with months in between. It's my challenge. Gosh, that does sound cheesy, doesn't it? 

So, in the spirit of Fangirl's Cather, I decided to write something. Yes it's quite strange, but hey, this is a post of random thoughts, right? Anything can be thought of.

I sat there on my grandparent’s lived-in couch, sandwiched between my aunt and my mom, just taking in my obnoxious, talkative family. We’ve all grown up so much. It seems like just yesterday I, the youngest of the bunch, was sitting on the floor playing Goblet with my oldest cousin. Now he has a baby of his own and I’m no longer a youngster. There’s always a group of relatives focusing on my newest cousin. Currently, it’s my aunt, grandma, and cousin-in-law, watching as the toddler stumbles and teases us with her new toys, all the while screaming shouts of laughter. So much has changed so quickly and I didn’t realize it until now. That’s life though, it truly does pass in the blink of an eye. I move my attention to my left. My aunt is rehashing her trip to Israel that she took with my favorite college. My mom's, dad's, and cousin’s attention is solely focused on her. I’m only half-listening; my thoughts have become preoccupied with college. The ex-youngest is now weighing her options, caught between the almost-perfect, the affordable and comforting, and the just-out-of-reach. It’s a constant battlefield in my brain. At times there is a clear winner, but then one of the others makes a comeback- a valiant effort to defeat the additional contenders. But those are thoughts for another day. Now it’s time to celebrate Christmas. My eyes drift to my brother and my second youngest cousin; they’re desperately trying to work the new-and-improved View Master. It’s no use. They’ve been at it for what seems like hours. McDonald’s Happy meals immediately pop into my head. Memories of pre-packaged toys and stuffed animals come flooding back. Polly Pockets, the Jungle Book 2, princess figurines, you name it, my brother and I probably had it. Drinks. Happy meals came with drinks, didn’t they? A question that once seemed trivial now seems impossible to answer. The rest of the family- my dad, uncle, and grandpa- are occupied with their drinks. Grandpa sips on the coffee that never leaves his hands- now it’s like blood in his veins, an addicting drug. I don’t remember the last time I saw him when he didn’t have a mug of the liquid attached to his palm. My dad and uncle are having small glasses of a minty melted-ice-cream-looking rum drink. It’s on the rocks, apparently that’s the way to have it (or so my dad tells me). They are dissecting the football team’s latest loss- today’s loss, it's still fresh in their minds. The running joke would be the miniscule string of game highlights the local sports networks will play. Then there’s me. Sitting, thinking, listening, observing. My normal habits. As much as I like being surrounded my outgoing, outspoken people, I have yet to find my voice. It’s buried somewhere deep inside my muscles and bones. Where do I fit into this family? This life? I’d sure like to know.

Au Revoir!

"Don't think about what can happen in a month. Don't think about what can happen in a year. Focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be."

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