my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
my thoughts: under the cut, no spoilers.
Okay sooo I love these characters and I love reading this series. It would have been cool to have a conclusion but I’m also looking forward to more (I hope we get more anyway). I can see why some people would be tired of Gretchen getting away yet again but eh I didn’t mind. I was also able to handle Susan a little better in this book than in the other ones. Anyway I recommend this series to everyone but maybe #5 & #6 for die hard Archie and Gretchen fans.
A3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public space – The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
Finished 10/30/18
This ended up being one of the hardest prompts to fulfill. I couldn’t see any of the titles of books that were being read and I’m a very quiet person. I can’t just talk to someone out of nowhere, it makes me uncomfortable. I finally just went with a book that I saw someone pick up at the bookstore and that ended up being Raven Black. I also saw two other books that interested me but they weren’t readily available at my library. Unfortunately something happened with the hold I put on the book and it was checked out again and I just didn’t want to wait 21days for it to be available. I’m still planning on reading Raven Black but not for this prompt.
Now finally finally I was able to actually find a book being read out in the wild! I was so excited because 1. I actually found someone myself and 2. It’s a book that I’ve been wanting to read. The Hazel Wood. I was lined up for the Disney Designer Collection exclusive Princess Jazmine barbie (I wasn’t called in the raffle sad) but in line I saw someone sitting down reading this book.
Okay okay enough with my unnecessary explanation in picking the book. Though to be fair this feels more like a diary that I’m keeping for myself. I doubt anyone will see this or even read it. Anywayyyy hahaha on to the book review.
The actual book review: I really enjoyed the story. It definitely is a typical fairy tale, it was all the ingredients for one. There’s also a lot of mystery and answers to questions that are not straightforward. If that’s not your thing avoid! But I don’t mind cliches and tropes and I really ended up caring for the characters and the story.
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical – Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich
Finished 10/25/18
I was going to originally read Wicked for this but I just wasn’t feeling it. I will read it eventually but as I was looking for alternatives I found that there was a novelization of Dear Evan Hansen coming out in October. Well I immediately pre-ordered the hardcover.
Eeeeeee!! I absolutely loved the cover! And the message from the authors in the beginning was great! Anyway I’ve never seen this musical but my sister has (she LOVES musicals and always watches them) I love them too but not as much as she does. She told me I had to watch this musical back when she first saw it and I had plans to do so but still haven’t. But I know what she likes and she knows what I like so recommendations to each other are always amazing. I loved this book. Seriously. It was amazing and heartbreaking and what a depiction of life right? I fucking sobbed! I 10000% recommend. Now I’m off to go find the musical xD
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): Horror, Gothic Horror, Mystery, Classics, Fiction
my thoughts: under cut for spoilers!
The cover was what originally caught my eye and I immediately put it on my TBR list. I checked out the book from the library at the end of September because I thought it would be a great read to get into the Halloween spirit. I love horror books like this, nothing scarier than the human mind imo. Immediately after learning about the death of the Blackwood family I knew that Constance was covering for her little sister whose mind was full of dark thoughts. And it turned out that was indeed the case (most of the time I’m wrong so I was doubting myself). This was pretty smooth sailing, a book about the horrors of life really with no big epic conflict. I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I loved that aspect of the story. If you don’t mind those quiet endings that make you think, this book might not be for you.
After finishing I looked up Shirley Jackson and learned a lot, I ended up reading her whole wiki page and learning that the new netflix show, The Haunting of Hill House is based on one of her books. I’m excited to read more of her books.
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): Science Fiction, Fiction, Thriller, Adventure
my thoughts: under the cut, no spoilers.
This was such a fun read and imo far better than the movie. Okay don’t get me wrong I still love the movie and I always try my hardest not to compare books and movies but I love that this book gave me so much more about the concept and the characters. It grabbed right in the first paragraph and I didn’t want to stop reading. I needed to find out how it ended and I’m really looking forward to the sequel. Some of the science and math went over my head (two of my worst subjects in school) but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.
my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 genre(s): Mystery, Thriller, Fiction
my thoughts: under the cut for spoilers.
This book is definitely a thriller and a very easy read that kept me interested. I wouldn’t say it’s a mystery, pretty much everything is right there in the beginning as well as in the summary but that didn’t make the story any less intriguing. You want to find out what’s going to happen next and I was rooting for Grace to escape. Jack was terrible! The main characters were wonderfully written.
Finish date: 10/09/18
A1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school – The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
Finished 09/21/18
I read The Poet by Michael Connelly back when I was in high school and I didn’t know there was a second Jack McEvoy book until I went searching for a book to fit this prompt. It was fun to read about McEvoy and Walling once again. I like their dynamic and how realistic Connelly portrays these characters. They’re human and humans are not perfect and that was one of my favorite things about The Poet. I’m glad I came across this book and that I was able to read it. I plan to check out more of Connelly’s books.
A9. A book about a problem facing society today – The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Finished 09/07/18
When I saw this prompt I thought oh boy this is going to be a heavy one no matter what the subject. I had three books in mind for this prompt, The Hate U Give, Dear Martin and Still Alice. At first I had decided on Dear Martin because my sister owns the book and I was planning on borrowing hers. Then I decided to do another reading challenge alongside the PopSugar one and The Hate U Give could easily fit this prompts in both of my reading challenges. I still plan to read the other two but for the challenge I went with this one.
This is a very intense read, I definitely cried. I don’t even know how to review it because I’m not an expert on the subject matter nor have I experienced it. I will say that it was informative and eye opening and I recommend this book. I think Angie Thomas did a great job at painting a picture to show a glimpse into these characters lives that very much portrays what is going on in society today.
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.
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