This was a mystery book in the ShelfLove Crate box I ordered for “Let the Games Begin.” When I first read the summary I wasn’t overly excited to read this book. I ended up getting invested in the story and I really enjoyed it. It’s also rare to find a standalone YA fantasy book, they’re usually all part of a series. For me the ending is what made it. I love those type of realistic (kind of punch to your face) endings. In the author’s note it’s mentioned that this book is based on an opera, which I think is pretty cool. It made for an interesting story and I also liked that it had a solid ending, no ambiguity. It’s a hefty book and I was surprised that I was able to finish it so quickly.
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn’t get to – Kill You Twice by Chelsea Cain
Finished 08/27/18
This is book 5 of the Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell Series. The first two books were a birthday present and I loved them! I immediately bought the third book and then continued to pre-order the rest of the books as they were released. Due to personal things I was going through I hadn’t had the chance to sit down and read the last two published books in this series, Kill You Twice and Let Me Go. Finally I had the time and energy to read this book and it was not a let down. It had been so long that some facts and characters were a little fuzzy but eventually it came back to me and I was able to follow the book. So if you’re new to this series and interested in reading it, I recommend starting from the beginning.
Kill You Twice is classic Archie & Gretchen. It was very cool to learn a little about Gretchen’s past, I would love her full background but I agree with Chelsea Cain’s reasoning for not making that available to readers. I also realized how much I dislike Susan. Oh man oh man she really got on my nerves but I also enjoy books when there are characters like that, I’m personally no interested in books where I love every single character and it’s too perfect. Okay I’m just rambling at this point. Anyway, I’m so grateful I was introduced to this series, seriously one of my favorites. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
40c. A book with an unreliable narrator – Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Finished 08/22/18
Wowowow what a ride! I had a lot of fun reading this book. The two main characters, Nick and Amy are just terrible horrible people. Flynn did an amazing job writing them. What a world she built with all the characters, including the supporting/side characters. I’m excited to read more by Flynn.
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym – Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
Finished 08/20/18
There was an interview with Andrews were she said they sent her a copy of her book which had her full name but then went and printed the book under the name VC Andrews. She was told it was a mistake but too late to correct because it had already been printed, later she learned it was done on purpose because her publishers believed it would sell better if people assumed the book was written by a male. That fits perfectly for this prompt.
I’ve always wanted to read this book because it is considered a classic. After finishing the books I was looking at a few of the top reviews on goodreads and they were all scored so low. After reading them I see it was because they initially read this book in middle school because it was a taboo book or seen as trashy. I didn’t read it that way or see it like that. This is categorized as a horror book on goodreads and it definitely reads as one (Andrew’s wiki says her books are Victorian Gothic Horror). These kids were abused, neglected and shut up together for over 3 years with only each other to rely on for their social needs, comfort and platonic/familial love that turned into romantic love. Their life experiences were hindered for them and they became overly dependent with each other. A true psychological horror imo. And a very quick and easy read which was what I essentially wanted.
“When I read, if a book doesn’t hold my interest about what’s going to happen next, I put it down and don’t finish it. So I’m not going to let anybody put one of my books down and not finish it. My stuff is a very fast read.” -V.C. Andrews
I love comics and I love graphic novels. When I saw this book on goodreads I got so excited I ordered it right away and could not wait for it to arrive. The book itself is so pretty! I bought the paperback and the cover is that soft idk velvety (?) covers, you know those smooth but not glossy covers. Anyway this was truly a joy to read. Whimsical and heartfelt throughout the story. I loved the illustrations and the story. I’m very glad I bought this book to add to my collection. I really hope this isn’t the end for Sebastian and Frances.
I really enjoyed this, it was very to the point. I both read and listed to the audiobook, which was a little under an hour. The only reason this wasn’t 5⭐️s was because of how short it was and I felt many of the things mentioned could have been expanded upon. I wanted a little more but nonetheless it was a great read.
I loved this. What fun, seriously. I don’t have anything bad to say about it. A very whimsical and playful read with a deep message. I loved the illustrations that went along with the story. This was a joyful and fast, easy read. I definitely recommend this book.
30. A book with characters who are twins – The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Finished 07/28/18
This was a doozy of a book. My aunt recommended this book to me ages ago and I finally took the chance to read it. This book was perfect for me, it was daunting at first with the language and how long it seemed to be taking me to read. Once I got to the end of the book it was well worth the initial struggle. This is not a light read, it really took my concentration to pay attention and understand the language as it’s not something I’ve read in a long time.
I had a hard time with this one, the books I’ve come across that take place in Spain or Mexico are very politically heavy and I wanted something a little lighter. In the end it was between this and Esperanza Rising (I could not find anything emotionally lighter). I ended up putting both on hold, Across a Hundred Mountains was checked out to me from the library first and that’s how this book was chosen.
This was an intense and painful (in a good way) read, had me in tears. Very heavy subject matter, especially with what’s happening today in the world. If you’re interested in a thought provoking and emotional read I recommend this book. Anyway I’m very glad I read this book and I’m going to be checking out more by this author.
40a. A book you own but have never read – Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Finished 07/12/18
Now I saw another person doing this challenge separate #40 Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges into 3 parts for each year. I loved the idea and decided to try it as well. This prompt comes from the 2015 popsugar reading challenge.
Originally I bought this book for a children’s lit class I was taking in college but I never read it. 3 years later I finally got around to reading it and I enjoyed the story. 4/5th grade me would have absolutely loved this book.
Pixel Reads Books 