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Showing posts with label Sarina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sarina. Show all posts
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Author: Katie McGarry
Date Published: July 31, 2012
Grade: A
Goodreads Summary: No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.
Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.
Review: I remember reading the summary for this book when it first came out and wanting to read it very badly. However, as the release date passed, Pushing The Limits started slipping lower and lower on my TBR list. Finding myself in a reading slump, I usually turn to novels that are driven by one key element - romance. This novel had romance, but it also contained a emotionally driven story that had me at the edge of my seat throughout my reading experience.
The chapters are told through the point of view of the main characters, Echo and Noah. I find myself being drawn to these stories more now as you can see into the minds of both love interests. Not only is this a major bonus in my books, but I noticed that lately these books are the ones that keep me engaged longer. Thinking back to the book now, I realize that this story reminded me a lot of The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay. Though not quite up to the level of Millay's masterpiece, Pushing The Limits features alternating points of view and two characters with emotional pasts. Apparently, these stories are my element, and boy do they ever keep a reader entertained.
Another reason why my eyes were glued to this novel was the writing and pacing. Katie McGarry's writing was vivid enough to make each scene translate into movie scenes in my head. Not to mention the scenes between Noah and Echo had butterflies - or as Echo would say pterodactyls - flying rapidly around my stomach. When I can find an author who can do that, I know that I can always turn to their novels during any of my reading slumps. The pacing, too, of the relationship and even the revelations of Echo's past pieced together wonderfully and always kept the reader engaged in the plot.
Though this book may have received many mixed reviews (some people loved it and some people just couldn't connect with it), I definitely could not tear myself away from the world Katie McGarry created. Her story reminded me of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles with its sizzling chemistry and complex characters. If you loved Perfect Chemistry then you cannot miss this book. If you haven't read either book, I highly suggest you give both a try!
Happy reading!
~ SARINA
Friday, 19 July 2013
Name: Golden
Author: Jessi Kirby
Date Published: May 14, 2013
Grade: A
Goodreads Summary: Love, tragedy, and mystery converge in this compelling novel from “an author to watch” (Booklist).
Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap—one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery—she decides to take a chance.
Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz are remembered as the golden couple of Summit Lakes High—perfect in every way, meant to be together forever. But Julianna’s journal tells a different story—one of doubts about Shane and a forbidden romance with an older, artistic guy. These are the secrets that were swept away with her the night that Shane’s jeep plunged into an icy river, leaving behind a grieving town and no bodies to bury.
Reading Julianna’s journal gives Parker the courage to start to really live—and it also gives her reasons to question what really happened the night of the accident. Armed with clues from the past, Parker enlists the help of her best friend, Kat, and Trevor, her longtime crush, to track down some leads. The mystery ends up taking Parker places that she never could have imagined. And she soon finds that taking the road less traveled makes all the difference.
Review:
"Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver
This quote was mentioned many times during this novel and every time I found myself admiring the quote. That and "sometimes we meet our destiny on the road we take to avoid it". As you can most probably already tell, this books was beautifully written and incredibly good. It's a story within a story about a girl, Parker Frost, who has always lived her life the way her mother envisioned it. Being class valedictorian and a candidate for a full ride scholarship to Berkeley, she has had a safe, boring life. Until she falls upon a journal of a dead resident of her town, who happened to be the perfect girl. Julianna had a perfect life that was ended way too soon, and Parker takes a chance and reads her journal. From that point on, her life was never the same.
When I first looked at the book, I thought that it wouldn't be possible to be that great because it looked like a really thin book. And it was, but Jessi Kirby wrote the story so well that the length was perfect to encompass the story. Her writing was easy to understand and like I said above, beautiful. There were so many words that made me think which always shows how well written a novel is. When an author can make you consider their words.
There were multiple love stories in this book but that of the main character wasn't the main one, surprisingly. Though it was nice to read, it was light. The story within the main one was the one that entertained me. It was sorta predictable, but I love the direction it took.
This book was a summer delight. Being both deep and light, the story will keep you entertained, and you will have no trouble getting into this one. I haven't read any other novels by Kirby, but I definitely plan on catching up after this one!
Happy reading!
~SARINA
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Author: Katja Millay
Date Published: November 13, 2012
Grade: A+
Goodreads Summary: I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.
Full of rage and without a purpose, former pianist Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone discovering her past and to make the boy who took everything from her pay.
All 17 year-old Josh Bennett wants is to build furniture and be left alone, and everyone allows it because it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t exist. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.
Everyone except Nastya, a hot mess of a girl who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. The more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he may ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding or if he even wants to.
The Sea of Tranquility is a slow-building, character-driven romance about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.
Review: You know when you hear about a book that everybody's obsessing about, and you're worried if it'll live up to its expectations? That was this book for me. You know how you're scared that it's not exactly your cup of tea when you read the first few chapters, and you just can't connect with the story? That's still this book for me. You know when you keep on reading a book, and it starts to get better and better to the point where you cannot tear yourself away from it even to go to sleep? Well that's what happened to me when I read this book.
There were so many things that the author did well with this novel that I find it hard to list them all. I also don't want to give anything away that will ruin the mystique of the novel. I guess the first thing that I really liked about the book was the character/relationship development. To be quite frank, I really disliked Nastya's character at first. Josh's not so much, but I couldn't connect with Nastya at all. I knew that she had her inner demons, but I decided that I needed to find them out before I would truly like her character. However, as her relationship with Josh began to grow (and at a really natural, true pace), her character seemed to get more likable. By the end of the story, I found myself sympathizing with her and liking her attitude. Another character that I loved was Drew. At the surface, he seemed like the typical douchey player type, but I loved how the author bypassed that stereotype and made his character more developed. You find out many things about Drew during the book, but the main thing is that he's a decent guy. Kudos to the author for that.
Usually, I can't stand novels where there's a broken character who is always cryptic about their past, but somehow this novel did it in a way that I didn't mind. Katja Millay did an excellent job of writing the story in a way that kept you intrigued the whole time by slowing revealing bits and pieces of Nastya's terrible past. Contrasting to Nastya's secretive behaviour was Josh's quite open story. By having dual perspectives, the story allowed you to see all the pains Josh and Nastya struggled with, and you could see them both slowly open up to each other as the story progressed. This part of the story was done exceptionally well in my opinion.
Overall, this story will grab you by hand and refuse to let go until you have read the last page. It's raw and beautiful and everything you want in a story about two broken people being each other's salvation. If you hesitate to begin it like I did, don't stop. It gets better, trust me. This is not one that you want to miss out on!
Happy reading!
~SARINA
Saturday, 29 June 2013
Name: Audrey, Wait!
Author: Robin Benway
Date Published: April 10, 2008
Grade: A-
Author: Robin Benway
Date Published: April 10, 2008
Grade: A-
Goodreads Summary: California high school student Audrey Cuttler dumps self-involved Evan, the lead singer of a little band called The Do-Gooders. Evan writes, “Audrey, Wait!” a break-up song that’s so good it rockets up the billboard charts. And Audrey is suddenly famous!
Now rabid fans are invading her school. People is running articles about her arm-warmers. The lead singer of the Lolitas wants her as his muse. (And the Internet is documenting her every move!) Audrey can't hang out with her best friend or get with her new crush without being mobbed by fans and paparazzi.
Take a wild ride with Audrey as she makes headlines, has outrageous amounts of fun, confronts her ex on MTV, and gets the chance to show the world who she really is.
Now rabid fans are invading her school. People is running articles about her arm-warmers. The lead singer of the Lolitas wants her as his muse. (And the Internet is documenting her every move!) Audrey can't hang out with her best friend or get with her new crush without being mobbed by fans and paparazzi.
Take a wild ride with Audrey as she makes headlines, has outrageous amounts of fun, confronts her ex on MTV, and gets the chance to show the world who she really is.
Review: This book was unique to say the least. I was thrilled to find a summary of a book that was so different from anything that I had ever read, and when I kept on reading glowing reviews, I knew I had to pick it up. While I never found Audrey, Wait! to be the kind of book that sucked me in and kept me reading until the last page, overall, I thought it was a great book with a great story.
I think my favourite part about this book was the narration. After breaking up with her musician boyfriend, Audrey taught that she could turn the page and start a new life. Little did she know, a song, titled after the last words her ex-boyfriend ever said to her, would go national and take the world up in a storm. All of a sudden, she's no longer a normal teen that deals with just school and work. Now she has to deal with fans and paparazzi. Audrey's voice was so sassy and funny that it made this read a lot more entertaining. Actually, her voice reminded me of Jessica Darling a bit which I know preaches out to a lot of avid YA readers.
Keeping the book light, the romance was refreshing rather than consuming the storyline. While it was ever present, there wasn't a swoon worthy romance going on, but a nice one that kept the book interesting to read while the book carried on. It wasn't bad, it was different. A good different.
Overall, I liked Audrey, Wait! very much based on its unique storyline and sassy voice. I highly recommend this book to readers of the Jessica Darling series and basically any other person who loves a witty narrator!
Happy reading!
~SARINA
Monday, 24 June 2013
Author: Sarah Ockler
Date Published: May 21, 2013
Grade: A
Goodreads Summary: When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author of Bittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.
Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.
Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas? Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?
Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.
Review: First and for most, I would like to apologize on behalf of both me and Paula that we are sososososo sorry that we have not posted in such a long time! The school year was winding down, and with exams and everything, it was hard to dedicate much time to the blog. But now exams are over and summer has begun, and we are thrilled to read and review more books! The first book of the summer for me was The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler. I got this book, and it was teasing me from my bookshelf while I was studying for exams, so I decided that a few pages wouldn't hurt. Fast forward a few hours, I had finished the book. It was that good.
This book follows the life of Jude Hernandez as her father recently developed Early Alzheimer's. In hopes of recovering any part of his memory, she decides to hire a mechanic to restore an old Harley of his. One problem - the mechanic she hired just so happens to come from the one family she has swore to her sisters to stay away from. The Vargas Family.
Jude was a phenomenal character. Lately, I've read many books where the main character is slightly annoying (okay I usually can't stand them), but I could sympathize well with Jude. Her struggles, her hold backs, everything seemed to make sense, and I highly enjoyed that. At first glance, Alzheimer's doesn't seem like a make it or break it disease. But reading this book, I realized that it was. The family dynamic between Jude, her sisters, and her parents was so well written that I felt like I was experiencing all the pains of the Hernandez family.
And the boy. Emilio Vargas, what can I say. He said the right things, he did the right things, he even made me feel the oh so right things. Emilio was a perfect character to balance out Jude, and they complemented each other so well. A perfect romance for a summer read.
Overall, this book was exactly what I needed when I needed it. Sarah Ockler has always been on my reading radar, but this book sealed the deal. Her writing is phenomenal, and there's nothing more I can say that could explain how good this book was. If you're looking for a story to start off your summer, I highly suggest picking this one up!
Happy reading!
~SARINA
Friday, 24 May 2013
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Grade: B
Goodreads Summary: If fate sent you an email, would you answer? When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.
Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?
Review: When I first heard the premise of this novel, I was instantly intrigued by it. Everything about this book screamed perfect romance. A movie star accidentally emailing you and continuing on a conversation that lasts months? Could this please happen to me?
The book began with the first emails exchanges between Ellie and Graham. They set the tone of the rest of the story really well as you could feel an instant connections between the characters. The more they talked, the more charmed I was by their budding romance.
I was not expecting this book to be long because Smith's previous novel, The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight, was fairly short. So it was much to my surprise when I picked up this book, and it was a 400 pages long. For me, that was its one fault. Though I loved reading about Ellie's and Graham's life, I found myself to be wanting to skim over some parts as they seemed to drag on a bit.
Something I couldn't help but notice though was Smith's amazing description. There were many lines that seemed so simple yet poignant, and I found myself rereading certain paragraphs because the writing just so good.
This book is one that will make you feel happy. I recommend it to fans of Smith's previous novels, and any other fan of the YA romance genre. Don't shy away from its length like I almost did though. Otherwise you'll regret having missed out on this one.
Happy reading!
~SARINA
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Author: Sarah Dessen
Release Date: June 16, 2009
Grade: B+
Goodreads Summary: It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.
A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.
In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect.
Review: Knowing my love for YA contemporary and romance, you guys would be surprised to hear that this is only my third attempt at a Dessen novel. I really enjoyed reading this book and gobbled it very quickly because Sarah Dessen has a knack of creating vivid imagery of locations and characters that make it hard to resist her books.
Along For The Ride has a similar premise to most of her books. A relatable narrator, a family issue, a cute male character, and an overall light feel. This book was exactly what I was looking for for all those reasons. Reading Along For The Ride, I could feel myself smiling at certain scenes, tearing up, and swooning (for Eli).
Dessen has a fabulous gift of developing stories that draw readers in. Much like Auden, I anticipated the nights she and Eli spent together making memories that Auden lacked during her rushed childhood. I also found myself very annoyed with Auden's parents. They both rubbed me the wrong way, and though they may have redeemed themselves slightly by the end, Dessen did an excellent job of portraying the uncaring parents in her story.
If you're looking for a good read to start off your summer, this one would be a good one to start with. Though it was not my favourite novel of hers (some parts of the story did bore me a bit), Sarah Dessen is a great storyteller nevertheless, and you would not be disappointed with experiencing Auden's story.
Happy reading!
~SARINA
Thursday, 2 May 2013
Author: Morgan Matson
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Grade: A
Goodreads Summary: From the Flying Start author of Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, a powerful novel about hope in the face of heartbreak. Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.
Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.
As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.
Review: I honestly don't know where to begin this review. This book has been sitting on my nightstand for countless days, and I am very ashamed that it took me this long to finish it. I knew that Morgan Matson was a phenomenal writer the second that I finished Amy & Roger's Epic Detour. That book is one of my all time favourite stories, and I was afraid that this one wouldn't live up to Amy standards. Though I can't say that I liked this one better than Matson's debut, Second Chance Summer is definitely a book that you do not want to miss out on.
After finding out that her father has stage IV pancreatic cancer, Taylor Edwards and her family decide to visit a summer lakehouse that they have not visited in 5 years. This turns out to be Taylor's least favourite idea when she realizes that her former friend and boyfriend are still living in town. When I first started this novel, it seemed really slow. I couldn't really get into the rhythm of the writing, and everything seemed to drag on a bit too long. However, once I got past the first 50 pages, things started to become more interesting.
At the first glance, this book looks big boned. And it is. But knowing that this book revolves around cancer worried me because I felt that it would be too heartbreaking, too painful, too sad. It was much to my surprise though that Matson does a wonderful job of incorporating not only the family relationship of Taylor's story, but her other relationships too. Reading about Taylor's friend and boy issues really helped lighten this novel and make it a lot easier to read.
Like I said before, I initially thought that this book mainly revolves around cancer. But it's way more than just that. It's about second chances. With friends, with love, and with family. It was hard to read about Taylor finally strengthening her relationship with her father just as it was going to be broken forever. I cried for the last 50 pages of the novel, and when I finished the book, the first thing I did was go tell my dad that I loved him.
If you're considering reading this book, don't make the mistake I did and wait any longer. Morgan Matson's incredible ability to create a cast of unforgettable characters and beautiful descriptions of scenery make this a must read. Pick this one up as soon as you can!
Happy reading!
~SARINA
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Author: John Green
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Grade: A+
Goodreads Summary: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.
Review: This review is going to be different than a typical review. Inspired by Farrah from I Eat Words, my review is going to consist of mainly gifs because I cannot find any words that will do this any justice. Without further ado, enjoy.
To end off, some words from the great John Green himself:
This book definitely does so.
~SARINA
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Date Published: June 14, 2012
Grade: A
Goodreads Summary: A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.
"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."
The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.
Review:
It started of with the cover. Then the title. Reading the synopsis for My Life Next Door, I was beyond excited to pick up this debut by Huntley Fitzpatrick. As I heard the blogging community gushing about this book, I immediately pre-ordered it. And boy, was it ever the right choice to make.
My Life Next Door deals with many things ranging from family issues to friendship troubles, and finally, to first love. Samantha Reed is a strong protangonist that appears to have the perfect life of the surface. However, for Samantha, she longs for more. Living in a single parent household, she's forced to live a strict life with a mother that rather spend time on her election than with her daughter. As the sun sets and the stars rise, Samantha looks over to her neighbours - the Garretts - and they're everything her family is not. Loud. Messy. Full. Happy. One day, Jase Garrett climbs over the trellis dividing the two houses, and suddenly the Reed's and the Garrett's worlds begin to collide.
I think the mark of a great novel begins with character development, and Fitzpatrick did a fantastic job at this. First of all, Samantha was a very relatable and very mature protagonist. I don't think there was ever a moment where I was left wondering why she would make a certain decision because she always had my sympathy. Despite all that, the Garretts stole the show for me. That one family consisted of 10 characters, and each one of them has his or her own special quirks. My favourites were George and Jase. George was a cute little kid that was definitely a whole lot smarter than I was at his age. He was funny and charming and different from any other character I have ever read. Jase, on the other hand, was... perfect. Jase. *sighs*
This leads me to another point - the romance. As you find out more about me, you'll figure out that the way into my good books (pun intended) is a well written romance. Sam and Jase's relationship is one of my all-time favourites. There was a sense of innocence and discovery in their relationship that had me flipping through pages so fast that I had to reread paragraphs just to understand how beautiful their love truly was. Also, let's face it. What girl wouldn't want a gorgeous next door neighbour who is a gentleman, jock, and genuine sweetheart to come knocking on your bedroom window? Perfect romance? I think so.
Around 3/4 of the way through the novel, there's an obstacle that arises in the book. Some people found it very abrupt and that it changed the mood of the story too drastically. Personally, I thought it only made the story that much more enjoyable. To see Sam and Jase figure out their way through some pretty rough times was very moving, and it strengthened the novel in my opinion.
Overall, this is a fantastic read that I have reread many, many times. No matter what kind of genre you like to read, I can assure you that you do no want to miss out on this one. Huntley Fitzpatrick blew my mind away with My Life Next Door, and I cannot wait to read her next novel. Even if it's half as good as this one, then I'm in for a treat.
Happy reading!
~SARINA
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