March Wrap-Up:

Wrap-Up:
# of books in March: 5
Read in 2014: 10 books
Challenges:
Books over 400 pages in March: 2
Books over 400 pages in 2014: 4
Classics: 0
Diverse Authors in March: 1
Diverse Authors in 2014: 2

It's time to do my Wrap-Up for March. I can't believe it is already April. March flew by for me, but I did manage to read five books this month. So let's jump right in.

The first book I finished in March was

Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1

By Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim

Published in 2010

My Rating: 3 stars 

Goodreads Rating: 3.63

Challenges: Diverse Author

I found this graphic novel and volume 2 at the Goodwill. It was only $2.00, so I had to pick it up. I have been in the mood for vampires. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of Twilight, it was nice to dive back into the world. The drawings were beautiful. They were all black and white with the except of a little bit of colour splashed here and there. I enjoyed this, and I will be picking up volume 2 soon. 

The second book I read was

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

By Michelle Hodkin

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Rating: 4.13

Challenges: A book over 400 pages

I have already done a review for this book. You should go check it out: CLICK HERE : )

The third book I read this month was

No Place Like Oz

By Danielle Paige

Published in ebook format

Released in 2013

Pages: 125

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Rating: 3.94

No Place Like Oz is a prequel novella to Dorothy Must Die. I loved this short story. It gave us a lot of insight as to why Dorothy has gone crazy. Dorothy Must Die is told from the perspective of Amy, the other girl from Kansas. No Place Like Oz is told from Dorothy's point of view. We can really relate to Dorothy until she starts losing it. I definitely recommend reading this before you pick up DMD. I'm so excited for this series. I have heard that the CW is contemplating on signing this as a tv series. WHAT?! I would love to see that happen!

The fourth book I read was

Cinder 

By Marissa Meyer

Released in January 2O12

Pages: 387

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Rating: 4.09

Cinder is a Cinderella retelling with a twist. Cinder is a cyborg who is the best mechanic in all of New Beijing. I have to say this book had me hooked. I tried to listen to the audio book sometime last year, but just couldn't get into it. Everyone really hypes up this series, The Lunar Chronicles, so I decided I needed to give it another try. I'm so glad I did. I love Cinder. I had to give it a 4 stars because I had a few minor issues. A full review is coming soon : )

The last book I finished this month is

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

By Brian Selznick

Released in 2007 

Pages: 525

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads Rating: 4.22

Challenges: book over 400 pages

The Invention of Hugo Cabret is a middle grade adventure story. The story is told in pictures and words. The drawings were amazing. I believe they really added to the story. I liked the idea of the story, but the characters really annoyed me. I did not care for Hugo and Georges relationship. Georges was a mean old man who owned a toy shop Hugo stole from. I felt like Georges character could have been written better, especially with the twist at the end. My biggest struggle with this book is the overarching theme of theft. Hugo steals food and toys all throughout the book because his uncle taught him how to steal. Isabella steals from her godmother, Georges wife. I understand theft is a reality for some people, but with this being a middle grade book I thought it was a bit overdone. There is a movie based on the book on Netflix called Hugo. I will have to say I enjoyed the movie more than the book. It might just be because of Chloe Moretz. I love her!

I did not finish Panic this month. I'm just going to put it down for now. I can't get into the story. It tried to put me in a reading slump, but Cinder came to save the day. I was nervous to read The Archived after Panic because I had to avoid the slump. I'm not sure if I will love The Archieved, but I had a pretty good feeling about Cinder. I will post my TBR soon.

Until next time,

Bre

Top 10 Tuesday:

Hey guys! It's that time again. Top 10 Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is top 10 things on my bookish resolutions.

10. I have to read Harry Potter.
Everyone has read HP except for me. I want to be a Potterhead, or at least get all the references.

9. I want to have a smaller TBR pile.
I don't think I can put myself on a book buying ban, so I just need to read more : )

8. I want to finish A Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones is a beast. I started it, but I'm only 50 pages in. It will be my first adult fantasy book I have ever completed.

7. I want to learn more about blogging.
I love looking at other people's blogs because I get tons of ideas. I need to figure out html and other nifty tricks.

6. I want to have 500 page views.
When I started my blog, my goal was to reach 500 views. I thought that number was setting my goal too high, but I currently have almost 400 views. I just can't believe I have already hit that many. Thank you guys for reading my posts. It makes my day : )

5. I want to attend the Decatur Book Festival.
Every year there is a book festival near my house, and I have to go this year. I have never been, but I heard it is awesome. Last year they had over 100 authors there, like Jennifer L. Armentrout, Abbi Glines, David Levithan, Rick Yancey, etc. I haven't seen a list of the author line up for this year, but I can only imagine who will be there.

4. I want to start my own YouTube channel.
I have been watching YouTube for about 2 years. (And by watching I mean religiously watching people's videos every time they post..a little obsessed maybe but who cares lol) I have been talking about doing this forever. I just NEED to do it.

3. I want to read at least 40 books this year.
Last year I read right about 40 books, so I thought it was a good goal for myself.

2. I want to read more new adult books.
Don't get me wrong I love YA, but I get tired of reading about younger people all the time. New adult focuses more on college level issues. It is also more sexy than YA so added bonus. Haha : )

1. I want to read more diverse authors.
It is important to me to stay knowledgeable about all kinds of different people. I read too many white authors. I need more perspective in my life.


Until next time, Bre

Top 10 Tuesday:

This week on top 10 Tuesday we are supposed to list ten books on our spring TBR(old or new). The Broke and the Bookish host this meme every week. Click their name to check out their list.

10. Harry Potter
I need to read all the books this year, so I better get started. 
Have you guys seen the new box set? It is amazing.

9. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

I read Anna and the French Kiss last year,and really enjoyed it. The last book in this companion series comes out in May. It is called Isla and the Happy Ever After. These books are just cute and fluffy contemporary reads. Perfect for a nice warm Spring day.

8. World After by Susan Ee

World After is Angelfall's sequel. I'm in love with this series. Even though I have only read the first book, I feel confident in saying that it is one of my favourites. 

7. Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
I talk about this book all the time. I'M SO EXCITED : )

6. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
I have heard great things about this author. She has another contemporary coming out soon. This book is about two families who live next to each other, and they are total opposites. I have heard it is kind of a Romeo and Juliet type of thing. Either way I can't wait to get to it.

5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The movie is coming out soon, so I need to get on it. I'm a little hesitant because I know I will cry like a big fat baby. The story follows two teenagers battling cancer. Hello waterworks!

4. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This book is supposed to be awesome. It has gotten a lot of hype in the book community. The main character has a lethal touch and two love interests. WHAT? Although there is a paranormal aspect to the story, I have heard it is heavy on the love. 

3. Me, Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

Another cancer book....This one is supposed to be funny. I'm interested to see how Andrews makes a very serious topic humorous. The cover is so colourful. It just screams, "Read Me!"

2.City of Ashes by Cassandra Claire

This is book two in the Mortal Instruments. I loved City of Bones, and I want to jump back into the world she created. I miss Jace, Clary, and especially Simon. He is my favourite. If you haven't picked up City of Bones yet, what are you waiting for? It's a great read.

1. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I need to know what happens to Katniss and Peeta. I don't want the trilogy to be over, so I have put it off for far too long. I don't necessarily have a team, so I will leave you guys with a picture of Finnick and all his glory : )

Until next time,

Bre

Kiss me, I'm Irish Book Tag:

Happy St. Patrick's day! I watched Shannon 's video on YouTube, and it looked like a lot of fun. The original tag was created by Snoggin on Sunday Books.

The premise of the tag is to pair up an "Irish" word with a book. It seems really fun and festive so let's get started.

Kiss Me I'm Irish Book Tag questions

Words-

Green-a book with a green cover

Blarney- a book that deceived you into either liking it or was overhyped and you ended up disliking it

Guys, I was super pumped about Panic, but I don't like it. I'm trying to get through it, but it is putting me in a kinda reading slump.

Brogue- (dialect) a book where one of the characters has an accent

It was a little hard to read Jim's parts, but after awhile it became easier. I personally loved that Mark Twain wrote his dialogue that way. It really gets the reader connected to the character.

Leprechaun-a book you enjoyed when you were a little person

I loved this series back in the day. 

Pot of Gold-a book that cost you a lot or is of great value to you

This series is important to me because it really got me back into reading. 

Four-leaf clover or shamrock-four leaves=more than one book. Pick your current or old favorite series 

This is a new favourite. I'm on book 3, and I'm hooked. Who doesn't love sexy aliens?

Magic-a book that you found magical or a book where you enjoyed a magic element that was found in the storyline 

It's not technically magic, but it's about mind reading. I personally think that's magical; ) I was super surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I got it for free on my kindle, and it was awesome. 

Kiss-Your current favorite book pairing or you're all time favorite book pairing

I love Penryn and Raffe : )

Luck-a book on your shelf that you will luckily get to...someday

I've had this book for a long time. It sounds awesome. 

Jig-a book that if you don't currently own but if could get a hold of it-it would make you dance with joy. (Can be a book that isn't released yet or a book you'd really like to own)

I NEED THIS ASAP : )

Rainbow-That's you! Lead other booktubers to this "pot of gold" tag-Tag your favorite friends to do this tag!! :D 

I don't have anyone to tag but you should do it if your interested.

Until next time,
Bre

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer Book Review:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

 Released September 27th, 2011

Published by Simon and Schuster

Pages: 466

My Star Rating: 4

Goodreads Rating: 4.13

Challenges: book over 400 pages

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong.-Goodreads

Michelle Hodkin's writing is a perfect mix of humour and beauty. I laughed out loud a few times while reading this book, which rarely ever happens. I enjoyed Mara as our main character. She is spunky and realistic. If I was in her shoes and people were dying all around me, I would think I were crazy too. I liked her family with the exception of her father. He really annoyed me because it seemed like he put work first. Her brothers were awesome. An issue I had with the book surrounded her younger brother. Why was he texting Noah? How did Noah know where he was taken? That whole situation was just super confusing. 

Noah is super cute. He seems like the stereotype hot guy with the big head, until we really get to know him. I loved his relationship with Mara. The back and forth banter is the best. I officially have a book crush on him. 

I enjoyed how all throughout the book, we are left in the dark just like Mara. We don't know if things are real or not. I felt like we were really able to connect with her because we were just as confused as her. My biggest issue with the story is the last hundred pages or so. Noah and Mara's relationship did not have to go to the next level so quickly. It seemed rushed. And that twist at the end was crazy. I wish it was a bit more developed, but I did really enjoy it. I couldn't put the book down. When I wasn't reading, I wanted to be. Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a creepy, mind boggling read. I need to get the second book because the last book in the trilogy comes out some time this year.
Until next time,
Bre

February Wrap-Up & March TBR

Today I decided that I would share my February Wrap Up and my March TBR, but before that I want to let you know my reading goals for 2014. So let's jump right in : )

Reading Goals for 2014:
- I have a Goodreads Challenge to read at least 40 books this year.
- Read at least 2 classics.
- Read at least 6 books over 400 pages
- Read at least 5 diverse authors
- Finish at least 3 series I have already started
-Read The Hobbit & The Harry Potter Series

February Wrap Up:
Read 3 books in February
Challenges:
Total Read in 2014: 6
Classics: 0
Books over 400 pages: 2
Diverse Authors: 1
Completed Series: 0

The first book I finished in February was:

Smoke by Ellen Hopkins

Published by Margaret K. McElderry

Released September 10th, 2013

Pages: 543

Goodreads Rating: 4.30 stars

My Rating: 3 stars 

Fulfilled one of my challenges: book over 400 pages

I read the first book, Burned, in January and really enjoyed it. It was my first Ellen Hopkins book. My hopes were just as high for this book, but it just went flat for me. I enjoyed Pattyn's perspective, but Jackie worked my nerves. 

The second book I finished in February was:

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Published by Feral Dream

Released May 21st, 2011

Pages: 283

Goodreads Rating: 4.25

My Rating: 5 stars

Fulfilled one of my reading challenges: Diverse Author

I loved this book. It was my first book about angels. I have read a few others that mention them, but this book was 100 percent angels. I fell in love with the characters. Raffe and Penryn were amazing. The playful banter between them and the non-stop action easily made this book the month favourite. 

The last book I read in February was:

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Published by HarperCollins Teen

Released April 24th, 2012

Pages: 327

Goodreads Rating: 4.13

My Rating: 4 stars

I already posted my review on this book ,so CLICK HERE to check it out : )

Now to my March TBR:

I have already completed one book this month. 

I will tell you my thoughts on it in my March Wrap-Up, but my rating is 3 stars.

I'm currently reading:

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong. -Goodreads

What else I'm planning on reading this month:

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.
Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.
Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.
In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.- Goodreads

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.
Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.
For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most. -Goordreads

I don't want to plan out my reading too much, but I know there are read-alongs happening this month for both of these books. I will post a blog all about them this weekend. 

Until next time,

Bre