It’s Top Ten Tuesday again! It’s a weekly bookish list created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is:
Top Ten Books of 2017 (So far!)
In order of read date:
The You I’ve Never Known by Ellen Hopkins
This was the first book by Ellen Hopkins that I had ever read, and it was so good! It was so raw, emotional, and beautifully written. I loved the intertwining of verse and prose, which helped to perfectly tell this story.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
I admit, I was a little hesitant to read this book. The only other book I’ve read by Patrick Ness is The Rest of Us Just Live Here, and I ended up not loving it. So, I was afraid I might not love his writing style. Plus, A Monster Calls has received so much praise and hype, I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to it for me. That being said, this book was so gorgeous! I fell completely in love. This book broke my heart in the very best way possible, and I highly recommend it.
Replica by Lauren Oliver
This book was so good! I love Lauren Oliver’s writing, so I was excited to read Replica to begin with, but it ended up being even better than I expected! I loved how creative this book was, and the dual perspective was exactly what this novel needed. I cannot wait to read the sequel coming out this fall!
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I had read a few of her short stories, but this was my first time reading one of Rainbow Rowell’s full novels, and I loved it! I think it’s safe to say that I am a Rainbow Rowell fan. I loved the writing, the story, the characters, everything. I’m so glad I finally read Eleanor & Park!
Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
Everything Everything is another book that has been so hyped up, that I didn’t know if I would like it or not. Sometimes super hyped books end up disappointing me. I ended up loving this one, though! It was so well-paced, creative, and I just loved reading this book.
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O’Connor McNees
I had only recently discovered this book, and I hadn’t heard a lot about it, so I really didn’t know if I was going to enjoy it or not. It sounded really intriguing though, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott completely exceeded any expectations I may have had. It was just so lovely, and I loved everything about it. This book deserves to be more well known!
Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore
Honestly, this whole series is incredible. The Angel Eyes series is such an adventure from start to finish! It’s one of those books that has a little bit of everything: action, adventure, mystery, romance, angels & demons, ballet – it truly has it all!
Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is one of my absolute favorite series! So, obviously, Tales of the Peculiar, was on my TBR the second this book was announced. It’s a collection of peculiar fairy tales, and it’s such a fun read! The tales were so whimsical, and if you’re a Miss Peregrine fan, this book is a must-have!
I don’t have my review for this one posted yet, but check it out on Goodreads!
Holes by Louis Sachar
I loved this book! I’ve always been a fan of the movie, and so this book has been on my TBR for quite a while now. So I’m so glad I finally read this one. The story is just so well thought out and creative. I wish I had read this book when I was a kid, because younger me would have loved Holes so much. No matter the age, though, this book was really fantastic!
My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
This book was so enjoyable! I’ve heard so many good things about not only this author, but this book specifically, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. I loved the writing style, and the characters were all so unique. I cannot wait to read more of Fredrik Backman’s books!
I don’t have my review for this one posted yet, but check it out on Goodreads!
So, those are 10 of the best books I’ve read, so far, for 2017! Let me know which books have been your favorite for this year. 🙂
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Title: Holes by Louis Sachar
Pages: 233
Genres: Childrens/Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction
Published by: Scholastic (Aug. 20, 1998)
Summary
Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnatses. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys’ detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake. But there are an awful lot of holes.It doesn’t take long for Stanley to realize there’s more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment—and redemption.
What I Thought
I just have to say, I can’t believe I didn’t read this book sooner! I first saw the movie back when it originally came out and absolutely loved it. I’ve seen it many times since then. So, the book has always been on my radar, and sort of on my TBR, but it was just one of those books that I always thought about reading but never actually bought or got around to. Then, this spring I saw it at my library’s book sale for $0.25, so naturally, I finally bought it and read it, and I’m so glad I did.
I absolutely adored this book and everything about it! It was filled with so much adventure and mystery and the story line was just incredibly well done. I loved the alternating perspectives from the past Green Lake and the present. Holes is one of those books that is so well thought out. Having seen the movie (which I might add is a quite faithful adaptation with only few differences), I knew what was going to happen, so I was really able to focus on the little details of the story, and I loved watching everything come together. Every single detail was so interconnected between the past and the present, and it just made this book So. Good!
The characters were also phenomenal. Stanley grew so much as a character, and I love how it was done so subtly. He didn’t just wake up a new person one day, it was a slight, day by day change that was so realistic. I also loved seeing Zero grow and learn to stand up for himself. I also really appreciated how diverse all the characters were. This was something I never really thought about before when I had seen the movie, but many of the characters come from such different and diverse backgrounds.
Honestly, I don’t even know what else to say about this book other than the fact that I loved it and wish that I had read it sooner. I only finished this book about a week and a half ago, and I already want to reread it. This sounds so over dramatic, but honestly, right after I finished reading Holes, I low-key wanted to start rereading it right then and there.
Overall, I would recommend this book to basically everyone, but especially to fans of the movie, and all kids age 8-14 (but seriously, even if you’re an adult, go read it!).
It’s that time of year again! The sun is shining, gardens are growing, the pool is open…It’s summertime! I absolutely love the summer months. So, today I thought I’d share my reading goals for Summer 2017! Also, just to be clear I generally count my “summer reading” from Memorial Day to Labor Day – late May through early September.
1. Read at Least 20 Books
Last year my summer reading goal was 15 books, and I read 20, so I thought this year I’d just make my goal 20 books!
2. Complete My Library’s Summer Reading Program
My library has a great summer reading program for all ages that not only encourages reading, but also exercising. I love participating and look forward to it each summer!
3. Read More Classics
I used to try and read a classic once a month, but for this year so far, I haven’t read any!
4. Read Gone with the Wind
Going off my last goal, one of the classics I want to read is Gone with the Wind. So many people absolutely love this book, and I have never read it or even seen the movie. I admit, I’m a little intimidated by this book because it is h u g e, but I feel like summer would be the perfect time to conquer such a mammoth!
5. Finish Some Series!
I have so many series on my shelf that I have started, and even own all the books, but have yet to finish! I’d really like to actually see how all those awesome series I’ve started end.
6. Reread The Book Thief
I read The Book Thief a few years ago, and completely fell in love with it. I haven’t read it since, but I’ve been meaning to for a long time. I wanted to reread it last summer, but never got around to it, so hopefully this summer I can!
7. Participate in a Readathon
I love readathons! They give me the perfect push to read more. I know there are probably many out there, but I’m still looking for one to participate it in. So, if you know of any, let me know!
Those are my reading goals for the summer! What are yours? Let me know in the comments. 🙂
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Title: Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore
Pages: 336
Genres: YA, Paranormal, Romance, Christian Fiction
Published by: Thomas Nelson (May 29, 2012).
Summary
Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.
Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.
Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.
A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.
What I Thought
If you follow me on Twitter or my Instagram, you’ve probably seen me gushing about this series the past few weeks. Angel Eyes is one of those books that has been on my TBR for so long. I first discovered this series a few years ago when I was browsing Lifeway. The premise seemed intriguing, so I bought the book, but it was one that I just never got around to. Then, last fall, the author of of Angel Eyes was hosting a giveway of all 3 books, and I won! And now, I finally got around to reading them, and I don’t know what took me so long, but I’m so glad I’ve finally read this series!
Hey everyone! Do you know that feeling when you’ve been watching a bit too much HGTV, and the next thing you know you want to redo your whole house? Please tell me I’m not the only one. One of my big struggles with redecorating though, is where to begin! Well, when I was asked by Arhaus, the furniture company, to share my dream, bookish vanity, I really loved the specificity, and how decorating one specific corner can really influence so much of the room around it! Arhaus has so many gorgeous products to choose from. I especially love all of their different lighting options.
*Pictures click through to their link!*
Okay, so I love a room that feels bright and full of sunlight. Also, my room is quite small, so I do not want bulky furniture. I’d love to have a vanity that is elegant, yet slightly rustic, like this one that I found in Harper’s Bazaar.
I can see myself stacking not only things like makeup on there, but also a few of my current reads!
For seating, I’m going to need something practical, yet comfortable, because let’s be honest. Yes, I’ll use my vanity to get ready in the morning, but it’ll also be the perfect reading nook as well! I really love these two chairs I found from Arhaus.
I would love to throw this gorgeous quilt, from Signals, over my chair too! 😍
Now, what room would be complete without some sort of lighting? I am absolutely in love with these crystal lamps from Arhaus!
I also love this natural fiber rug from them! It’s touch of blue isn’t too overpowering, but it adds a little something.
Some bookish scented candles also feel perfect! I found this lovely Anne of Green Gables themed candle on Etsy, and I think I need it.
For some more finishing touches, I’d love to make a bookish bouquet like this to sit atop my vanity!
This would be such a fun DIY project!
This wraps up this fun, little post! What would you include in your vanity?
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Hey everyone! I’m finally here with May’s wrap-up. The beginning of May was a bit slow, reading-wise, for me, with final assignments and end-of-the-school-year activities, but in the last week or so of May, I read a bit more.
BOOKS READ
– The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O’Connor McNees \\ 
– Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore \\
– Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs \\
– Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore \\
STANDOUT BOOK OF THE MONTH
While I thoroughly enjoyed all the books I read in May, I’m going to have to go with The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott. This book really exceeded my expectations, and I ended up enjoying it much more than I thought I would.
BOOKS REVIEWED
The Auctor Trilogy by T. R. Wolf \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I Still Remember by Priya Prithviraj \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BOOK HAUL
Believe it or not, I did not buy or receive a single book in June! I didn’t even check out any at the library. So, I guess that’s a good thing? 😉
MISCELLANEOUS
I participated in Top Ten Tuesday almost every Tuesday last month!
Ten Books I Judged by their Covers (That I Ended Up Loving)
Ten Bookish Things on my Wishlist
Ten of my Favorite Summer-y Reads
I also participated in a blog tour for the short story, I Still Remember by my fellow blogging friend, Priya Prithviraj!
That wraps up May! Now that I’m on summer break, and don’t have as much to do for the next few months, I really hope to read a lot.
Thanks so much for reading!
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Title: Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
Pages: 310
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Published by: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (Sept. 1, 2015)
Summary
My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.
But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.
Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster.
What I Thought
Everything Everything is one of those books that has been on my TBR for years, that I just never got around to reading. Well, with the movie coming out (I think it’s already out now?!), and me getting it as a gift from my grandma for my birthday, I knew it was finally time to read it. I’m so glad I did, too!
It’s Top Ten Tuesday again! It’s a weekly bookish list created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is:
Summer Reads Freebie
For this week, I’m going to share (in no particular order) ten of my favorite summer-y reads!
10. Since You’ve Been Gone
Since You’ve Been Gone is the epitome of a summer read. Ice cream, adventure, boys, and best friends. Honestly, this book is so much fun and everything about it just screams summer to me!
9. The Summer of Chasing Mermaids
This book was so good. It was so creative, swoony, and I loved the diversity! Honestly, this book felt magical even though it’s 100% a contemporary novel. Also, I love the cover!
8. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series
I know I said Since You’ve Been Gone was the epitome of a summer book – and it is – but The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series is definitely the epitome of summer books. If you haven’t read this series at least once during the summer, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life. Read it!
7. The Summer I Turned Pretty Series
The Summer I Turned Pretty series gives you all those beach-y feels. I admit, this series is a little angsty at times, and I guarantee that you’ll want to yell at Belly at least once, but it’s so perfect to read poolside. It’s quick, swoony (like all the best summer books are), and just really quite enjoyable! #TeamJeremiah
6. Where I Belong
Where I Belong is such a perfect summer read because it is filled with all the classic troupes and cliches. Honestly, I mean that in the best way possible. This book was so enjoyable, because it was predictable. Essentially, it’s the classic snobby rich girl turned poor girl, and it’s just such a fun read!
5. Along for the Ride
Did you guys really think I wouldn’t include a Sarah Dessen novel on here? Honestly, so many of her books could work for this week, but I decided to go with one of my personal favorites, Along for the Ride. It’s such a fun, sweet, and romantic summer read. Sarah Dessen does such a great job writing that summer atmosphere!
4. The Christy Miller Series
The Christy Miller series is one of my absolute favorites! This series is just so addictive! The first book in the series is especially summer-y, and takes place in California. I highly recommend these books.
3. The Summer of Cotton Candy
The Summer of Cotton Candy is another fun, fluffy, summer read. I absolutely loved this book, and the whole series. Each book in the series takes place during a different season. Book 1, The Summer of Cotton Candy, takes place in, obviously, the summer, and follows the life of incoming high school senior, Candace.
2. The Truth about Forever
I told myself I was only going to include one Sarah Dessen book on the list, but then I remembered The Truth about Forever. I love this book. I love the characters, the catering jobs, everything. Honestly, I just love all of Sarah Dessen’s books! They’re all so summer-y and wonderful…read them all!
1. This Is What Happy Looks Like
This book was such a fun, light-hearted book to read. I loved the emails between Graham and Ellie. I love how this book made the unrealistic possible. I still need to read the the novella sequel, and I actually plan to read that this summer!
That’s it for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday! Let me know about yours in the comments. 🙂
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Hi everyone! Today I’m teaming up with Writerly Yours again for another fun, blog tour. This time, I’m sharing my review for the short story, I Still Remember by the founder of Writerly Yours herself, Priya Prithviraj!
Title: I Still Remember by Priya Prithviraj
Pages: 29
Genres: YA/NA, Contemporary, Coming-of-Age, Romance
Published by: Self-published (May 14, 2017)
Summary
Ji-woo dreams of becoming a writer and is back in college giving it a second shot. But then Weon-gyu, her first love, comes back into her new life. Will she give up on her dreams or will she write them a happy ending?
What I Thought
I really enjoyed this book! For it being only about 5,000 words, I admit, I was a bit unsure if this story would be able to be fully developed. That being said, it was for me.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Ji-woo felt very relatable to me. I found her struggles and triumphs to be very similar to the kind of things I, along with I’m sure many other college-aged folks, go through. Even though this book is short, I found myself becoming completely invested in the characters. I was very curious to see how things would go.
Another thing I really enjoyed were the flashbacks that are in this story. Flashbacks in books are iffy things for me. Either I really enjoy them, or they end up just making things confusing. For this time, however, I really enjoyed them! They helped add backstory and gave the characters and their journey much more depth.
Honestly, the only thing I didn’t love about this story was that it was over so quickly! I would have loved to keep reading more and find out what happened next.
Overall, this was a very nice, quick, enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to contemporary fans!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. A huge thank you to the author!!*
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Title: The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O’Connor McNees
Pages: 376
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Published by: Berkley (May 3rd, 2011)
Summary
A richly imagined, remarkably written story of the woman who created Little Women– and how love changed her in ways she never expected.
Deftly mixing fact and fiction, Kelly O’Connor McNees returns to the summer of 1855, when vivacious Louisa May Alcott is twenty-two and bursting to free herself from family and societal constraints and do what she loves most. Stuck in small-town New Hampshire, she meets Joseph Singer, and as she opens her heart, Louisa finds herself torn between a love that takes her by surprise and her dream of independence as a writer in Boston. The choice she must make comes with a steep price that she will pay for the rest of her life.
What I Thought
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I huge thanks to Sullivan Entertainment!*
As someone who grew up in a family with three other sisters, and all four of us are quite close, Little Women has always been very relatable to me. So, when I got the chance to read about the author of such a relatable book, I was quite intrigued. The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott is fiction, but the family dynamics is all based on the life of the real Louisa May Alcott. Just like Jo, Louisa May Alcott was the second sister of four and aspired to be a writer. This book features a 22 year old Louisa who is filled with big dreams and just waiting for her chance.
I absolutely loved all of the characters! Honestly, these characters were so relatable, and probably my favorite part of this novel. I’m 23, and from the relationship Louisa shares with her sisters and parents to relationship with her friends and hopes for the future, I found myself relating so much to the situations that Louisa and her sisters and friends were going through. I completely fell in love with Joseph and Louisa’s story, as well. Joseph is probably one of my favorite love interests of this year, so far!
The writing in this novel was also so beautiful. It was written in such a way that reminded me of some of my favorite classics, like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. I just loved it!
I never wanted to stop reading this book. It was one of those books that were just so comfortably paced. The story line was superb. I also loved reading the parallels between the Alcott sisters and the March sisters.
Overall, I ended up loving this book way more than I expected. It was an absolutely lovely read. While it was a bit heartbreaking, it also left me feeling inspired. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of Little Women, as well as anyone else who loves books with those classic heroines who have hope and believe.
Today, I also wanted to share with you all another Louisa May Alcott-inspired item. Sullivan Entertainment was kind enough to include this beautiful necklace, featuring this quote by Louisa May Alcott, along with The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott.
I am completely in love with it! Not only is this quote perfect for my life, but the necklace is so nicely made. The chain and pendant are very sturdy and strong as well. I would highly recommend it!
To find this and other wonderful products be sure to check out Shop at Sullivan!
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