playing catch up

Ok we have a lot of ground to cover. Let's get started, shall we? Last time I posted, which was back in August, I was just starting The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis, which I quit about three chapters into it because I couldn't stand it any longer. I guess Stewart Lewis and I will never get along :) I can't remember all the failed attempt books that I've had since September, but there have been a few that clearly don't need to be mentioned here. Soon after getting disappointed by The Secret Ingredient, I made a trip to the library and asked a friendly YA librarian (who has helped me out with suggestions in the past) if she knew of any books with a snarky and smart main character. She told me about Beauty Queens by Libba Bray and A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley. Beauty Queens was just excruciating to read. I didn't even finish it because it was filled with vapid characters and ideals that I personally don't support, so I didn't make it very far into that one before reaching for another book. However, my librarian really hit the spot with A Little Wanting Song. First of all, it is written by Cath Crowley, who also wrote Graffiti Moon, which is one of my favorites. I wasn't aware that she had written anything else, so this was a very welcome surprise. The book drew me in quickly because I could really relate with the main characters from their social habits and patterns of speech to their love of music. It was truly the perfect book for me at the time. Also, it was written in alternating POVs, which, if you've ever read this blog before, you'll know is my favorite thing to discover in a novel. It therefore, earns a spot on the List of 55 (number 35). As soon as I finished it, I texted K and begged her to find it at the library and read it as soon as possible. I believe she even posted about it in October, so if you need more convincing, check there. In October I read An Abundance of Katherines by John Green and High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. An Abundance of Katherines was just so cute. That's really the only word I have for it. The main character, Colin, is just so nerdy and brilliant that he is soon very endearing. I loved the basic plot and Hassan's humor and Colin's little quirks and just everything. I was expecting not to enjoy it because of how much I hated The Fault in Our Stars, which was my first John Green book, but I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe I'll have to check out some of his other books sometimes and give him more shots at redemption after the disappointment and depression that was The Fault in Our Stars. Anyway, this book got itself on the List of 55 as well (number 36). Onward! I read High Fidelity by Nick Hornby because I watched the movie first (a crime, I know) and really enjoyed it (I mean John Cusak is just amazing and so is Jack Black, who just epitomized the character, as I discovered after reading the book), so I thought I'd give it a shot. Although it was a bit slow at parts, it was a great book about love, loss, music (always a plus), and friendship. It was the first book I've read in which the characters were more obsessive about music than I am (with the exception of my musical inspiration, Owen). I mean, it seemed like Rob and Dick and Barry had the ideal jobs, working and owning a record store. It brought me back to the film Empire Records with the "cool kids" working at the record store and bickering about music all day. It seems perfect. *sighs* If only, if only. Anyway, it was a great book and great movie and I would definitely recommend them both. In November I discovered Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life by Steve Almond. It was an autobiographical look at his musical past. Most of it was witty remarks and entertaining tangents and musical references that made me happy inside. It was my version of a "fluff book." I believe I finished it in a few days, which was truly miraculous given the fact that I've been bogged down with homework the past semester and haven't had much time for reading. It was just the sort of book that would make me want to become a music critic or meet Steve Almond and hang out with him for a while. Who knows, maybe I'll do both someday. Also, I had an extensive fangirl moment during the chapter in which he talks about meeting Dave Grohl, who is my musical idol. One of these days (props go to anyone who got my Foo Fighters reference) I WILL meet Dave Grohl too and we'll become the best of friends. After all, he's my hero....he's ordinary. Ok I swear I'm done with my Foo Fighters references...I think. Bottom line, it is the essential book for any music lover out there and was a delight to read. Therefore, it earned a spot on the List of 55 (number 37). Next was Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance, which I finished in just one day. I was on a reader's high after finishing Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life and I just latched onto this book. It was very cliche and predictable and yadayadayada. However, I really enjoyed it. It was a modern version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, which some of you may know is my all-time favorite book. It is definitely worth the read if you're looking for a light-hearted, fun chick lit book. It just wasn't good enough to warrant a placing on The List. Next was Vanity Fare by Megan Caldwell. My mom actually picked this book for me when we were at the library together one time. She told me she thought it would be the type of book I would enjoy because it was about coffee and books. I was willing to give it a try, and while it was hard to relate to the main character (a 30 something year old women with a kid), it was a good book. Some of the characters made me want to simply throw something and at times the main character needed a good talking to for her terrible decisions, but all in all a nice light book. I then tried to reread Pride and Prejudice for the six or seventh time (don't judge), but that was perhaps a mistake since it was near finals and the end of the semester and it got a little neglected as I hardly had time to look at it, let alone read it. So I kind of gave up on it and picked up (Not That You Asked) by Steve Almond because of how much I loved the other book I read that he wrote. I'm about 50 or so pages into it, and enjoying it, but set it aside to finish later because I wanted to start Divergent by Veronica Roth. A friend of mine has been bothering me for years to read it and I'm just now caving to the pressure. Shoutout to my favorite librarian Hope for lending me her copy of it since all the copies at the library were checked out. I really appreciate it :) Also, I figured I'd get it read before the movie comes out next year. I literally could not put it down, even while I was spending time with my family on Christmas Eve. It was a little embarrassing, but it was just pulling me in, as only a great book does. I finished it in about 3 days because my family needed me to pay attention to other things than my book, sadly, seeing as how it was the holiday season. Anyway, I wish there were words and time with which to write them that could explain how wonderful this book was, but there aren't. It reminded me a lot of The Host by Stephanie Meyer, which I really loved as well. And honestly, there's not a good way for me to describe this book without getting into every single little detail, but just go out and get a copy of it. It made number 38 on the List of 55. It's just amazing. So amazing, in fact, that I drove over to my friend's house (the one that's been bothering me to read it) to get books 2 and 3 because the library's copies were checked out. I am now going to read Insurgent and Allegiant and then hopefully get around to reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, as K has been wanting me to do practically since I met her four years ago. Anyway, I have a pretty big stack of books that need to be read during this winter break, so I best be going now. However, K and I are trying to find some time to get together and make another joint post like we've done in the past, so look out for that soon!
Happy Holidays,
M

the return...

alright, it's M here and i know i owe you guys a huge apology for essentially dropping off the face of the earth, but i've been super busy and haven't exactly had much time to read, let alone write about it. also, with finals and AP testing coming up i probably won't be posting much until June, but stick with me here, i'm trying! so, the main reason i wanted to post is because this saturday, April 27th, i'm once again participating in Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon and am super excited. it was a last minute decision to participate (i decided this about an hour ago) so i'm not exactly organized and don't have nearly enough books in my house for saturday, so that means i'll be making a library run soon...i hope. Anyway, if you guys want any information about the Read-a-thon, like if perhaps you want to join me and 340 other crazy people, follow this link. Ok, now to review the past several months quickly:

• The Fault in Our Stars-- such a great, funny, witty book until the second half when i bawled my eyes out. i was not happy with the ending at all. and endings are everything in my book (hehe)
• Second Chance Summer-- awesome summer read about obviously second chances and trusting yourself and others. i loved it and it's getting added to The List
• Oh. My. Gods.--this was a book swap book from K and i really liked it, so much so that i begged her to give me the second one the day after i finished it. it was also decent, but not as good as the first.
• The Six Rules of Maybe--girl falls for her sister's fiancee...drama ensues....too much drama and just downright irritating
• The Kite Runner--required reading over winter break and was quite depressing. that being said, it was amazingly well written and easy for western readers to comprehend to some extent. such a sad story, but well done.
• The A Circuit-- competitive horse riding. drama ensues. eh, not really a fan...
• Anna Dressed in Blood-- this one was recommended to me by my librarian and friend H when i told her i was looking for something similar to Maureen Johnson's The Name of the Star. about a teenage boy who "kills" ghosts all over the country and then ends up falling for one. eery and kind of frightening at points, but had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. i loved it. added to The List
• Paper Covers Rock-- i've read this book 3 times now i think and it's amazing each and every time. if you want a better review, i'm sure there's one in the archives somewhere.
• When Lightning Strikes series-- several years ago i started the series and only got through the first and second books because the library didn't have the other ones available at the time. so, i decided i would give the series another shot and i'm glad i did, because i loved Jess and her "IDGAF" attitude and Rob and his motorcycle ( that would be my Bender complex talking) anyway, i got through the whole series and loved them all, especially the ending of the final book, which i ended up rereading several times just because it made me so happy. job well done, miss cabot.
• Paranormalcy--the same librarian/friend suggested this book about Evie, a girl who works for a government agency to keep the peace between paranormal creatures. she's caught between a crafty fairy and a mysterious unknown species. i loved this book and just today found out that there are others in the series!! AHH! added to The List.
• The Next Thing on My List--a girl is giving a stranger a ride home and gets into a car crash that her passenger doesn't survive. she then finds a list that the stranger had of all the things she wanted to do before her next birthday, so she takes it upon herself to complete the list for this girl she knows nothing about. i liked the concept, but the execution, especially the ending, were severely lacking.
• Never Let Me Go--cloning.isolation.organ donors.art.coming of age. I hated it. and the movie was even worse
• As I Lay Dying--required for school. my friends and I, being the super nerdy people that we are, decided to let out our emotions about this book through a series of strongly worded haikus. needless to say, we all hated it. i don't understand why people raise Faulkner up on a pedestal.
• The Great Gatsby--required for school and the only novel i've been forced to read this year that was actually enjoyable. i loved this book and the narrative of Nick, who seems like the kind of guy i would get along well with. yes, there were characters that you love to hate, but the book as a whole is just so great. i and aforementioned nerdy friends are going to go see the movie in theaters May 10 and we are all very excited. also, the music in the trailer (Happy Together by Filter) is so haunting yet perfect that every time i hear it, it makes me shiver, but in the best possible way. added to The List
• This Lullaby--my second time reading it and i think i loved it even more this time than i did last time. Dexter is just so darn persistent that it's endearing.
• The Book of Luke--i thought the story was slow and dramatic and hated the ending how things just so happened to work out after a few rather weak apologies. not very realistic if you ask me.
• Safe Haven-- this was definitely Nicholas Sparks' most thrilling book to date. it had me on the edge of my seat and i loved it. not his normal thing, but it worked. i have yet to see the movie, but i'm sure i'll watch it sometime this summer when i have more time.
• The Host-- my friend is obsessed with this book. she reads it every year and therefore made a deal with me that if she read 3 Dessen books i had to read The Host. i thought it was a pretty fair deal. however, let me say that the first 250 pages are slightly confusing, slow, and drag. However, after that, things pick up and from then on i truly enjoyed the book. so, if you have any intention of reading it, just power throught the first 250 pages and stick it out, because it's definitely worth it. also another one that i would like to see the movie, but don't know how much the directors have screwed with the plot. added to The List.
• Death of a Salesman--required for school. hated the play and i hated the movie version with Dennis Hoffman. so sad and tragic with no real point. definitely not enjoyable as i always seemed to fall asleep when i was reading it.

So yeah, we're at 27 now on The List, which is very exciting for me :) I am about to start Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen, which i tried reading a couple years ago, but didn't like and put aside. However, i'm determined to finish it this time no matter what. We'll see how that goes....anyway, thanks so much if you've continued to follow our sporadic postings and keep an eye out for posts on saturday during the Read-a-thon, because i'm sure i'll have something to say :)
happy reading!
-M

Mind. Blown. #18, 19, & 20

The title of this post really says it all. I've finished three books in twelve days and  that makes me ecstatic (notice I said "finished" not started and finished). (btw the song I've got on repeat right now is Skinny Love by Bon Iver) I can guarantee that this post will be tinged with a sense of urgency but there's a good reason for that. I've spent the past 2.5 months reading stuff for school and  haven't had any time to read for pleasure. It's been a super hectic and stressful 2.5 months (since school started) what with cross country, school, mountains of homework, etc. This abundance of stress led to my own introverted somewhat depressed state (the fact that we had to read Frankenstein probably didn't help the gloom--I mean the unit of literature that we're in right now for AP Lit is called Death....just pointing that out). Anyway, my point is that I've been juggling a lot and have been unfortunately absent from the world of enjoyable literature. However, in the past twelve days, this has changed. You know it's been a stroke of sheer luck when I get three books for The List of 55 in less than a month. This just doesn't happen. Ever.
Ok, let me recap: last time you heard from me I had 140 pages left in 1984 by George Orwell. I ended up finishing the book the next day. I hated it. Scratch that, I STILL hate it. Present tense hatred. Orwell is a sick bastard that makes his readers essentially watch the main character get hunted down and then tortured...extensively. There were times when I wanted to cry because the torture scenes were so intense and psychological. Also, the ending made me want the hurl the book across the room, hitting every object in its path so as to make a ruckus. This is how strongly I feel about George Orwell. He's a cruel, cruel man. You will never ever again get me to read anything by him ever again unless forced at gunpoint or at the insistence of an English teacher for class (even then, I might rebel and refuse to read it, SparkNoting instead. and if you really knew me, you'd know how strongly i feel about SparkNotes being unacceptable and how people should just read the assigned book and not cop out and cheat. however, i would cop out if forced to ever again read an Orwell piece of "literature." and by literature i really mean to insert a different word. enough said.) Anyway, after two different timed writes in AP Lit over 1984 and several class discussions, our teacher announced that we were done with it and were moving into a different book. My reaction, of course, was "hurrah!" and that wretched book went to the back of my bookshelf (it was our copy of the book, not the school's) and it almost felt wrong to place it on the same shelves that hold great pieces of literature, like the lovely Sarah Dessen or Nicholas Sparks or Ally Carter. At least my Harry Potter Books weren't on that shelf...they get their own display on my bedside table, stacked in order :)
Anyway, I soon after finished a "pleasure reading" book I had been working at for a while, Going Underground by Susan Vaught. I was intrigued at first because the book was told from a high school guy's POV and he worked at a cemetery and was always plugged into his iPod. Also, he had this big, dark secret. So, of course, I found myself getting drawn to this character. However, the reader soon finds out his dark secret and it gets weird from there on out. And kind of awkward to read. Needless to say, I no longer found myself drawn to him. However, the only reason why I continued reading it was because I was curious as to how it would end. The author had enough in there to keep me, however grudgingly, until the end. So, that was not one I would ever suggest, although it did make you think, I suppose.
Then, I would like to go back to what I said about my AP Lit teacher announcing the next book we would be reading. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Possibly the most depressing book of all time. All the main characters die left and right and it's always gloomy and rainy and there's really no hope. It's Gothic literature, so I guess I shouldn't have expected any less. Fear lurks at every corner for Dr. Frankenstein (let me clear this up for all y'all who didn't previously know, due to pop culture: Frankenstein is the last name of the scientist who created a monster. The monster is not called Frankenstein. It's simply called the monster or the wretch or the daemon, but never a real name. So, when your kids go out dressed up as "Frankenstein" for Halloween, they better be wearing a white lab coat, not gobs of green makeup, a bolt in their head, and their hands out in front of them.) and, by extension, the reader. Honestly, there are all of two characters that survive the book and neither of them are really likable characters anyway. One is a little kid that never talks and one is a whiny sailor who constantly complains about his lack of friends. The reader doesn't get emotionally attached to them like the main characters, so we could care less that they live on. So, after a timed write and a formal essay for this book, we moved on. Hallelujah.
During the time that I was reading Frankenstein, we were also required (in AP Lit, the class where one book at a time is never enough) to read an SSR book to be picked off an "Approved AP Book List" which was about 5 pages long. Most of these books I'd never heard of and, therefore, skipped over. I ended up choosing Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë simply because I'd heard of it and I'd been meaning to read it at some point. The version of the book I got from the school library was the Movie Tie-In Edition, meaning the cover featured the two actors in the movie and at the back of the book was a little note about the movie, but that was the only difference from the normal editions of the book. However, I, being a true book snob, chose this version (our library had like 3 different versions to choose between) because I thought the cover was beautiful. I still think that. Simple, yet enchanting. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure:

This is the Movie Tie-In Edition book that I read and later ordered online.

Also, while looking for Jane Eyre pictures, i found this awesome scarf.


The book version I wish
I had due to the awesome
cover; my favorite
scene in the movie.

I would totally buy and wear this shirt or
love someone if they ever got it for me, simply
because I hate Twilight and am now a
Jane Eyre fan.

Unrelated, seeing as how we're talking
about the Brontë sisters here, but I also
love Jane Austen, so I would love to
buy this shirt at some point :)



Ok, now that I'm done with my Google Image-ing....back to the book! So, I started Jane Eyre and wasn't that impressed from the get-go. It was rather boring and I didn't really care about her childhood and the hardships of her schooling. However, I realize now that they helped develop her character further. Once I got past the initial 116 pages, I loved it. I loved the language and the diction and syntax (yes, I know, lit terms) and the romance. Ahhh...it was just one of those books where you are completely invested emotionally. So, when Ms. Brontë drags the characters around in complicated yet passionate circumstances, the reader is hanging onto the hem of Jane's dress along for the ride and is becoming just as angsty and distraught as Jane and Rochester. It really affected me towads the end and I was getting emotional and teary-eyed and literally could not put the book down. My gaze on the book in front of me made me feel like a wild animal stalking its prey with an unblinking stare. I was, in a way, ravenous to continue reading this book. When I finished it at around 2am one morning, I was filled with peace, yet still rather worn out from the long ride I'd just been on. So, this is why this wonderful, enchanting book makes "The List" and also gets added to my imaginary list of favorite books which is as follows:

1. Pride and Prejudice--Jane Austen
2. Just Listen--Sarah Dessen
3. Jane Eyre--Charlotte Brontë
4. Along For the Ride--Sarah Dessen
5. Paper Covers Rock--Jenny Hubbard
6. The Last Song--Nicholas Sparks
7. A Walk to Remember--Nicholas Sparks
8. The Name of the Star--Maureen Johnson
9. Stay--Deb Caletti
10. The Beginning of After--Jennifer Castle
11. Graffiti Moon--Cath Crowley
12. The Truth About Forever--Sarah Dessen
13. Keeping the Moon--Sarah Dessen
14. This Lullaby--Sarah Dessen

So, you should know that if it's up there with Jane Austen and Sarah Dessen, it's gotta be great! So, everyone go out and read it. Now. Especially you, K :)
After I finished Jane Eyre, I moved on to Girl v. Boy by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout, the book that K had given me at our last book swap, which feels like forever ago. I wanted a quick chick lit book to read before I had to start my next SSR book or "class book" for AP Lit. So, I picked it up and fromt the first page I liked it. The main character is very likable and relatable. I loved it as much as K said I would, thus making it Number 19 on The List of 55. I finished it October 10th.

The next day, I started Stay by Deb Caletti. Now, i've already gone on and on about Deb Caletti and my thoughts on her writing, which you can read again here (scroll down pretty far...it, like this one, is a lengthy post). As mentioned in that same post, I got this book at a book store on sale. On the front cover, there is a review quoted that pretty much sums up my thoughts: "Perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen."--Booklist. Now, I was taking a huge risk buying this book to begin with because Caletti's books are hit or miss with me and I'm not big on buying books before I know for sure if I'm going to like them or not. My policy is normally: check out from library, love, buy. However, I'm glad I bought this one because it saved me a trip to the store :) It was so gripping. I don't believe I've ever used that word to describe a book before, so this is monumental. Clara is haunted by her past, more specifically her past relationship with Christian, the seemingly perfect guy. However, Clara and her father are now living on an island in Washington state to get away from it all. Things I loved about this book:

• the main character
• the fact that both guys were likable at some point, which makes us sympathize with the main character (Clara)
• the emotion-heavy plot
• the entertaining footnotes that the author includes to add more personality to Clara
• the alternating chapters. one chapter is set in the past and the next is set in the present. it's a great way of learning about her background while fitting the pieces together in the present situation until the point where the past and present meet and the reader feels well-informed.
• Clara's dad. he's so likable and the dream dad (writer, sarcastic, laid-back, loving)
• the non-cliché plotline. it could've gone with the cliché, but it didn't, which I love.

This book, much like Jane Eyre got me emotional. I was very invested in Clara and towards the end of the book, the suspense was so much that I was almost crying  in fear and sitting up in my chair erect with the book mere inches from my face as I gobbled down the words in front of me. I can't explain how truly great this book was. That's why it deserved a spot on The List as well as the list of favorite books listed above, if you hadn't noticed. I just finished this book today and was robotic in that when my parents started talking loudly near where I was sitting, I simply got up and walked upstairs, reading as I walked, to read in peace. That same robotic tendency kicked in again when I finished it and walked, almost zombie-like in my determination, to the computer where I knew I had to tell the world about how awesome this book is. I still feel a need to enjoy the characters again and half of my mind is urging me to read it again, but I know I won't.
So, that's the gist of my reading life. In class, we are now starting Othello by William Shakespeare, which is interesting seeing as how the language is very difficult to decipher. Also, for my SSR book, I've chosen Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë seeing as how I loved the work of her sister. My teacher mentioned in class the other day that there was a book about the Brontë sisters that just came out written by Juliet Barker about their lives and I talked to her after class expressing my interest in reading it eventually. So, whenever I read that, I'll talk about it here and then proceed to talk to her about it and just, in general, freak out about books like the bibliophile that I am. Also, K and I are hanging out at the movies on Sunday, so we will swap books then, as it will be near the 13th, the day that we try and do book swaps each month. I won't post again just for that, as this is getting to be brutally long, but I will update the sidebar where we've listed all the Book Swap Books. Well, as I've been typing for a good two hours maybe, I'm off to enjoy my Friday night.
Read to your heart's content,
M

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will..."
--Jane Eyre



Anything and Everything

Sarah Dessen:
-I found it funny how M re-read Keeping the Moon because I'm currently re-reading it. We're such hardcore fans haha :)
-I find it hard to believe that M re-read Dreamland though. Okay, not entirely (I mean seriously, it's a Dessen book). However, every time I think about the book it opens a new can of pure rage. I just hated how weak the main character was. Yes, I do realize that he was manipulating her to think that he was only hitting her because he loved her and blah blah. I just can't approve of a girl letting herself being a guy's personal punching bag. I mean it's one thing if you're too scared to do anything. I can understand that, but just letting him hit you repeatedly? No, not going to fly. Oh my goodness and if a guy hit one of my friends? He would go missing, just saying. Okay I'm going to end my rant here.

Tanner Patrick:
I am currently listening to his cover of Ours (original by Taylor Swift). Tanner has an amazing voice and does awesome covers of a lot of my favorite songs (that are known to most people). Oh and it doesn't hurt that he's extremely attractive (he has gorgeous eyes. Like seriously they're flipping beautiful). If you haven't heard any off his covers then let me help you with that: Tanner Patrick's cover of "Paradise"

SUMMER TIME!:
Like most people I'm super pumped that it's summer time. Yet, I can admit that in a few weeks I'll probably be bored out of my mind and wish I was in school just so I could have something to do. However, I do have more plans than usual for this summer. I'll just list them out for ya:
1. Summer bucket list with a group of friends
2. Movie nights/sleepovers
3. Reading :D
4. Running
5. THE ZOO (I know this may sound like I'm five, but whatever I don't care. I have this really strong urge to go to the zoo. I haven't been in forever and I really want to go...preferably on a day where its not so hot to point where you feel like you're going to pass out).
6. Water balloon/water gun fight
7. Flashlight tag
8. More running
9. Eating
10. Visiting University of Chicago
11. New York (possibly)
12. Other stuff I'm too lazy to list so I'm just going to stop here


Book Related STUFFS:

• I have a new book picked out for the next book swap with M (after she finishes the one from last time :) ). I think she'll like it for reasons that I will go into details for when it's time for the next book swap
• Much A Do About Nothing (by Shakespeare)- we were required to read it for English. I'm starting to realize that I only enjoy the comedy parts of Shakespeare's plays. Other than that, I hate them. I know he's one of the greatest writers and what not, but I just don't really care for his plays much. However, I do enjoy his poems. Especially the ones about the Dark Lady. Mainly because throughout the whole play he is giving her a backhanded compliment. It's quite hilarious. He's basically saying "You're ugly, you smell, there's nothing special about you, but HEY! I love you" Haha, I just think its funny.
• My brother is getting me like three or four books as a very belated birthday present and I'm extremely excited!!! :)
• Two Way Street (mentioned in M's last post)- I thought it was funny that M read it & enjoyed it because that was going to be one of the books I was going to give her for one of our book swaps! At least I know she would have liked it.
• Leap Day by Wendy Mass- This is the book I received from M during our last swap. I think it was a pretty cool book. It's about this girl, Josie, and her birthday is on leap day (which the book took place on). However, what's different about this book is that every other chapter is told from everyone else's perspective. You get to see into the mind of all these different characters which put a cool twist on everything. While I enjoyed the book I give it a 3/5. I shall list my reasoning below

1. Josie has a crush on a butthead
2. I never really connected with Josie throughout the whole book
3. I liked how I got to see into the mind of other characters, but Mass didn't do a good job of elaborating. She left out stuff about the character that would be interesting to know. Go big or go home *shrugs*
4. I wasn't satisfied with the ending of the book. It just sort of ended. I mean there was a bit of closure, but nothing that just blows you away.
So that is why it only received three stars from me.

• Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter- I finally got around to reading this book last week (I got it over spring break...sad I know) and I still haven't decided how I feel about it. While it was pretty good, it was definitely not the best out of the Gallagher Girl series. I'll just let you guys read it and come to your on conclusion on the book.

MUSIC:
I love music. I mean more than the average. I wouldn't say I'm quite on Owen's level (M you better get that or I may have to disown you), but I think I'm getting there. Music is just such a beautiful thing. Right now my iTunes is on shuffle and Fifteen by Taylor Swift is playing...not exactly what I'm in the mood to hear, but I'll go with it.

Okaie doks, that's all for now my loves. ADIOS!