Proud Professional Reader
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
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly feature, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that features upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
Release Date: May 21, 2013
Simon Pulse, 352 pages
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 imporant 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.
- Summary taken from Goodreads
Sarah Ockler knows how to write a good romance, so it's exciting to see that this one is coming out soon. It's especially exciting because so many fellow bloggers have already read and absolutely loved this book. Knowing that they may not have liked her other books as much as I have, I have high hopes for this one! It seems adorable!
What books are you waiting on?
~SARINA
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish. Because your admins here at From Covers to Covers love the idea of making funny and interesting lists, we were really excited to participate in these weekly challenges!
Alrighty. So here's our Top Ten Favourite Books I Read Before I was a Blogger list for this week! Obviously, since we haven't exactly been blogging for that long of a time... These are pretty much our top ten favourite books. Ever. The titles listed below branch off into Paula's top 4, Sarina's top 4, and 2 that we both agreed on. We hope you enjoy!
Alrighty. So here's our Top Ten Favourite Books I Read Before I was a Blogger list for this week! Obviously, since we haven't exactly been blogging for that long of a time... These are pretty much our top ten favourite books. Ever. The titles listed below branch off into Paula's top 4, Sarina's top 4, and 2 that we both agreed on. We hope you enjoy!
PAULA & SARINA
1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling
What can we say? This series pretty much summed up our childhood. We remember staying under the covers late at night, completely trapped in the magic world of Harry Potter and his friends. We remember eagerly awaiting for the next books to be published. We remember dressing up as Hermione seven Halloweens in a row. And most of all, we remember believing that my letter from Hogwarts would come. Years later, the Harry Potter series has, and will continue to stick with us for the rest of our lives, and we will always be proud to call ourselves fans of Harry Potter. It's pretty sad actually, our kids won't grow up with Harry... Actually scratch that, we're making them read the series.
2. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
With drawings, playlists, pictures, and an unforgettable story, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is one of the most unique novels we have ever read. It's impossible to write this description without a smile on our faces because that's exactly what this road trip did to us. It put a smile on our faces, one that returns every time this book comes to mind. Without a doubt, this book inspired us to pack up our bags, get in a car, and travel across the country. It would also be nice if we had a guy like Roger accompany us.
PAULA
3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This book completely shattered me. By breaking my heart, and then mending it, and then breaking it, The Book Thief taught me so much about life and love. It made me think and it made me feel. It made me appreciate reading that much more and it taught me how brilliant writing can be. The writing in this book is so exceptional that everything you read feels so real. This book taught me how much love I can devote to characters. This book is gold.
4. I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
Another brilliant novel by Markus Zusak (I am a pretty big fan of him... He needs to write more!), I am the Messenger might be one of the most entertaining books I have ever read- and it didn't even have any lovey dovey cute adorable romantic scenes in it to persuade me so! It was just so funny and well written and clever- I couldn't put it down. The story was so engaging and there were twists and turns and as I was journeying through it's pages, I fell head over heels in love with the cheeky Ed and his amazing supporting characters. Superb. Absolutely superb. Well done.
5. 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Oh boy. This was a very emotional read for me, as I am sure most Jodi Picoult books are for most people. It has been one of my favorites for ages. Jodi Picoult is just such an amazing and captivating storyteller, while questioning these huge ideas about morals and life. By using so many different perspectives, she is cleverly able to toy with our emotions, showing all sides of the story. And of course, her books all have those huge plot twists that draws you in so tightly. I just loved the story of Nineteen Minutes in particular. Everything about it was so well done. Yay for sad memorable books that leave you lying on the cold hard ground (citation- taylor swift)!
6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Oh Gus. My Augustus Waters. I love you. Okay. That is all. <3
(PS. This is also one of Sarina's favourites but teeeechnically she read it after the blog took off.)
SARINA
7. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
My oh my. This book really was exceptional. There's something about Aussie storytellers, but every one of their books seem to blow me away. Graffiti Moon is told during a span of 24 hours, so it's the kind of book that you start and can't stop reading until you turn the last page. If you haven't read this one already, what are you waiting for?
8. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
This was my first Jennifer Echols novel, and it made a huge impact on me. After reading this one, everything that Echols wrote was on my auto-buy list. Though I can't say that I've read another one of her books that ranked this high for me, I can say that this woman knows how to write. I think I swooned over 10 times in this one book.
9. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
I recently posted a review of this book, so I'll keep this short. Jase and Sam's romance was one of the most realistic and honest ones I've ever read. Read this book as soon as you can get your hands on it.
10. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Back to the Aussie writers. Jellicoe Road started off slow, but as the story progressed, so did my interest in it. Everything comes to this beautiful yet heartwrenching climax, and I have yet to see another novel that ties up all storylines in the way this one does. This book is a masterpiece.
And that's a wrap. What are some of your favourite books?
Monday, 8 April 2013
Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Date Published: January 2, 2012
Grade: A-
Goodreads Summary: Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's sitting in her row. A long night on the plane passes in the blink of an eye, and Hadley and Oliver lose track of each other in the airport chaos upon arrival. Can fate intervene to bring them together once more?
Quirks of timing play out in this romantic and cinematic novel about family connections, second chances, and first loves. Set over a twenty-four-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.
Review: Alright, so I'm gonna keep this review short and sweet, similar to the book itself, because there's really not all that much to say about it because it was simply a cute, fast read. FIRSTLY, WILL YA LOOK AT THAT COVER? I mean wowow its maybe the cutest cover I have ever seen on a book... And the title "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight" also seems like a really amazing title of a promising read.
Basically, the book starts off with this American teenager Hadley Sullivan who misses her flight to London to attend her father's second wedding. Dreading the thought of meeting her father's new wife and "faking" through the happy reconciling moments with her dad, she reluctantly waits for the next plane over, a plane ride that seems to be destined. Immediately after missing her flight, Hadley is met by a British student from Yale- on his way back to London for a "wedding" of some sort- who seems to have taken quite an interest in her. Sparks fly and the two teens quickly fall for each other.
Personally, it took me quite a while to like the book. Actually, to be exact, it took me 226 pages to finally be completely invested in the book, more on that later. So why didn't I love it? Well, the plot wasn't very complex and everything was pretty simplistic, no parts in the book that made you really think. It was simple, to simply put it. I didn't exactly love the characters. At times, Hadley seemed a little self-centered and annoying- running off in the middle of her own father's wedding, jumping to conclusions every couple pages, crying quite a lot. At times I just couldn't take the Hadley-Oliver relationship seriously because it reminded me of a cheesy ol' hallmark card. "There's no place I would rather be than here", like psh, gimme a break ammirite? *cough* Or maybe I'm just secretly jealous because I want someone to say that to meeeeeee *paula bawls her eyes out as she desperately longs for cute British boy to love her* *couuuugh* Finally, the third person narrative bugged me throughout the novel; I find it so much easier when you can actually feel what the characters feel, especially when claiming to fall in "love at first sight".
Remember how I said I waited 226 pages to be engulfed by the book? Yes, well. The last chapter was near perfection for me. Although I sadly turned the last few pages of the book longing for more Hadley-Oliver reconciliation moments, the last chapter changed my opinion on the book; from feeling skeptical and unimpressed by the cheesiness at some of the parts in previous pages, to that satisfying, warm feeling I get when reading about first love. AND GET THIS- THE TITLE IS CONNECTED BACK TO THE END OF THE BOOK. IT MADE ME SO HAPPY. OH THE FEELS.
Alright, that's about it from me. Overall, I think it was a really cute, "fluffy"- as many other bloggers have been calling it-easy, pleasant, read.
Thanks for reading!
PAULA :)
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
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly feature, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that features upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
Release Date: May 15, 2014
Dutton, 342 Pages
From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.
Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.
- Summary taken from Goodreads
I think we've been waiting for this book ever since we got our hands on Anna and The French Kiss. Revisiting characters both new and old, we are patiently waiting the day where we can finally read the final companion novel in this series. Also, both St. Clair and Cricket are on our list of top ten fictional male crushes. I have a feeling Josh will join that list.
What books are you waiting on?
~SARINA
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish. Because your admins here at From Covers to Covers love the idea of making funny and interesting lists, we were really excited to participate in this weekly challenge!
This week is the first ever Top Ten Tuesday to be hosted here at From Covers to Covers, and what a way to start it off. Fictional male characters is one of the main topics that Paula and I talk about whether we are standing next to each other or texting from home. I believe that this topic was created for our sake. Without further ado, I present, in no particular order, the top ten characters that Paula and I would gladly marry if we ever met them in real life (it's a possibility):
1. Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Augustus Augustus Augustus Augustus. Gus. I read TFIOS very recently, and Gus has leapt into my heart, and I never plan on letting him out. I know Paula feels the same way too. He was always so open about his love for Hazel, and he had too many adorable quirks to handle. If I could date one fictional guy right now, he'd be at the top of my list.
2. Sam Roth from The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series by Maggie Stiefvater
Sam is most probably the first fictional character that I ever fell head over heels in love with. He started off as this broken boy who honestly believed that he didn't deserve to be loved, and boy was he ever loved... by the thousands of girls that melted as he expressed his undying love for Grace. I tell you, that Grace is a lucky girl.
3. Roger Sullivan from Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
I'm sorry, but the road trips I go on are never accompanied by a guy this hot. Excuse me, where can I get in on that? Roger is probably the best companion to have with you. He's sweet, considerate, caring, and he didn't make a move on Amy even though he was completely alone with her driving across the country. That's a gentleman ladies.
4. Jase Garrett from My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Speaking of gentlemen, Jase Garrett is probably the cutest and sweetest guy ever. I fell in love with Jase as fast as Sam did in this book. Their love is one that all girls wish their lives had, and I honestly believe that every girl deserves a love like this. Even when Jase gets mad, he's perfect. He. Is. Perfect.
5. Adam Wilde from If I Stay/Where She Went by Gayle FormanI must admit, I only liked Adam in If I Stay, but boy did he ever sweep me away in Where She Went. Having a novel narrated by him, I developed a deeper understanding of Adam's character, and I realized how much of a sweetheart he is. Yes, he did have an edge to him, but I think that just made him even more attractive. I mean, who could resist a boy who sings to you?
6. Jonah Griggs from Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Jonah Griggs is a badass. But he's a hot badass. In some ways, those are the best male characters. The ones who seem hard and stoic on the outside, but have a loving, sensitive inside. Jonah Griggs is the epitome of this description. His loving and protective manner towards Taylor had me drooling all book long.
7. Wes Baker from The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
SAAWOOOOON. I haven't read that many Dessen novels myself, but so far Wes is my favourite. from what I've heard, this is a popular opinion. Wes is cute as hell. He is a great friend and boyfriend, and he is extremely modest. I think that's on of his most attractives qualities - his abilitiy to act natural and be cute without overtly trying to be flirty. Modesty is an attractive trait on guys.
8. Étienne St. Clair from Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Okay so it's 10pm one spring night, and I pull out this book to read. I had read some pretty rave reviews of this one, and I couldn't wait until the morning to read it, so I dug in. I didn't sleep that night. Anna was a fantastic and ralatable narrator, but St. Clair stole the show for me. god, if you looked into a dictionary and found the definition for perfection, it would say "Étienne St. Clair". This boy did everything right and even his imperfections were perfect. Can't get enough of this British French American boy.
9. Cricket Bell from Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Perkins creates another male masterpiece in Cricket. He seemed more real than St. Clair did because he seemed like a boy that you could meet at school whereas St. Clair came straight from heaven. Cricket was adorkable, and it was perfect. His persistence for Lola was swoonable and his love for her was breathtaking. Cricket Bell, you stole my heart.
This one is a bit of a cheat. While Charlie in the book had some pretty unforgettable thoughts, he wasn't exactly the most crushworthy guy out there. Logan Lerman completed Charlie's character. Most movie adaptions fall short of the book, but this movie hit all the right chords, and Logan Lerman's performance was flawless. He made Charlie a character to swoon over, and I love him for that.
 |
| Just because he's beautiful and how can you not have Logan Lerman on your blog? :) |
And that's wrap! What are some of your top characters that you would crush on if you were also a fictional character?
~SARINA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)