I want to apologize for the lack of posts this month! I have been absolutely terrible keeping up with book reviews, and really, all posts in general. Honestly, I just haven’t had a lot of time on the computer these past couple of weeks, and writing entire posts on my phone is not an enjoyable experience lol. I will try to post more consistently again from here on out!
July’s Classic
Check it out on Goodreads!
Originally Published: 1953
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis: The terrifyingly prophetic novel of a post-literate future.
Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? The Mechanical Hound of the Fire Department, armed with a lethal hypodermic, escorted by helicopters, is ready to track down those dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books.
The classic dystopian novel of a post-literate future, Fahrenheit 451 stands alongside Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World as a prophetic account of Western civilization’s enslavement by the media, drugs and conformity.
Bradbury’s powerful and poetic prose combines with uncanny insight into the potential of technology to create a novel which, decades on from first publication, still has the power to dazzle and shock.
WHEN I Discovered This Classic
I think I first really heard about Fahrenheit 451 in high school, or maybe, middle school. At the time though, I really did not have an interest in reading any kind of classic literature outside of the classroom. A lot of the classics I was required to read for school at that time were, in my opinion, rather dry. It wasn’t until I graduated from high school, and took a gap year, that I really discovered the beauty of classic literature, and that it wasn’t all boring and hard to understand. I’d say that’s about when this book really came on to my radar.
WHY I Chose To Read It
The premise of this book is just so intriguing! Plus, I read Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury last year, and I just fell in love with his writing style.
WHAT Makes It A Classic
Even though this book was written in 1953, the themes and general message of this book is still so relevant in 2016.
WHAT I Thought Of This Classic
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’m almost certain it is going to be on my list of the best books I read in 2016. I went back and forth between giving it a 4 or 5 star rating on Goodreads. I ended up giving it a 4, but it is really a 4.5.
First of all, Ray Bradbury was truly an incredibly gifted writer. I absolutely love his writing style and his way with words. This is one of those books where I found myself going back and rereading sentences simply because they were so savory and skillfully crafted (I now sound like I’m describing a steak instead of a book! Haha).
The story in itself was so good as well. While, for the most part, our society is not nearly as bad as the society Guy Montag lives in, some of the very same issues in the book are prevalent today. The little shells that everyone wears in their ears really stood out to me. How many of us are constantly check our phones? Not that anything is wrong with smartphones and technology (I am actually super thankful for all of it!), but sometimes we do miss out from fully experiencing something like the people in Fahrenheit 451 because our focus is elsewhere.
Another thing, I think we’ve all felt that desire for something more meaningful, and questioned what we are doing and thinking, just like Guy did. This book was a great reminder to not settle and simply conform to what is told to you. Ultimately, Fahrenheit 451 left me with hope.
WILL It Stay A Classic
This book will definitely stay a classic. As long as people continue to treasure books and knowledge, this book will be around.
WHO I’d Recommend It To
I would recommend Fahrenheit 451 to anyone who loves dystopian novels. Anyone who truly loves books and the written word, in that savory way, would also enjoy this book, I think.
Title: All American- Girl by Meg Cabot
Pages: 398
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Chick-Lit, Humor
Published by: Harper Teen (June 7th, 2002)
Summary
Samantha Madison is an average, cool Washington, D.C., teen: She loves Gwen Stefani (who doesn’t?), can draw like nobody’s business, and enjoys being opposite to her sister’s annoying ultra-social personality. But when she ditches art class one day, she doesn’t expect to be jumping on the back of a wannabe presidential assassin.
Soon the young hero is receiving worldwide acclaim for her bravery, having dinner with her family at the White House, and is even being named teen ambassador to the UN. As if this weren’t enough, she and David, the president’s son, strike up a friendship that everyone wants the dirt on, which starts to give her romantic “frisson” feelings.
Unfortunately, Sam thinks her sister’s boyfriend, Jack, is the true love of her life, and she makes a few wrong turns that could screw up what she’s developing with David. Will she ever stop following what she knows and start following what she sees?
What I Thought
I bought this book forever ago at a library book sale, but I never got around to reading it. In honor of the 4th of July, I finally decided to read it last weekend…it sounded like a somewhat patriotic read(?)! While this book wasn’t the greatest book I’ve read in 2016, it was a lot of fun, and a very light-hearted read.
I’m only doing a top 5 again, AND I’m a day late again, but Monday was the 4th of July, so it feels like a Tuesday today, so I’m going with it…Today is Yesterday was Top Ten Tuesday – A weekly bookish list created by The Broke and the Bookish! This week’s topic is:
Top Ten Five Books that Have Under 2000 Ratings on Goodreads
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Marvelous
Check it out on Goodreads
Marvelous by Travis Thrasher is book 1 in such a clever, mystery series! It is mysterious, fast-paced, and just overall a really good read. I’ve read the first two books, and I cannot wait to read the last two books and see how this series finishes…I just hope it doesn’t break my heart!
The Amanda Project
Check it out on Goodreads
Originally published as Invisible I, The Amanda Project is book 1 in a 4 book mystery series. It’s been a couple years since I read this series, but I remember devouring each book as it was released. What made this series interesting also, was that it tried to connect and interact with the readers, and people could write in short story segments that might be featured in the books. This one was a lot of fun, and even though it was published by HarperTeen, this series had very little publicity, which is a shame!
On Pointe
Check it out on Goodreads
On Pointe by Lorie Ann Grover was one of the best books that I read in 2015. It’s a little bit of an older book – it was released in 2004 – but I just discovered it last year and fell completely in love. It’s written in free verse, and the story is so beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful. I have no idea how this book only has 442 ratings on Goodreads!
Clara Claus
Check it out on Goodreads
Self-published by Alexandra Lanc, Clara Claus is such a fun, Christmas book! This story just put me in such the Christmas-y spirit. While I read it, I could definitely see it as one of those fun, Hallmark movies (like Northpole starring Bailee Madison).
Unlovely
Check it out on Goodreads
Another underrated mystery, Unlovely by Celeste Conway was very intriguing. This book does have mixed reviews, but I, personally, enjoyed it. It sort of had this almost…gothic-y feel. It takes place over the summer, but in my mind, when I read this book, it was always rainy and cloudy there (I read this one last year, so I can’t remember if that was the actual setting or not, but that’s how I remember feeling). It was very mysterious, and one of those books where you don’t know what’s going to happen until the end!
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Well, my Top Ten Tuesday somehow turned into a Top Five Wednesday, but I hope you enjoyed nevertheless! See ya next time. 🙂
Title: Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher
Pages: 159
Genres: Romance, YA, Mystery, Contemporary, NA
Published by: Hoover Ink (January 7th, 2015)
Summary
Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen.
Complete strangers since this morning.
He’ll do anything to remember. She’ll do anything to forget.
What I Thought
Going into this book, I didn’t know much about it. However, it was free, and everyone on Bookstagram/the blogs I follow are in love with this book, so I thought I would give it a try. I was not disappointed!
June was a fairly quiet reading month. I read 4 books, which isn’t terrible, and I didn’t buy any new books (which is probably for the best! lol). Overall, it was just pretty…average!
BOOKS READ
Like I said, I read four books this month! Two of them were physical, and my other two were ebooks.
– A Thousand Salt Kisses by Josie Demuth \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
– Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
– The Kill Order by James Dashner \\ ⭐️⭐️
– Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BOOKS REVIEWED
A Thousand Salt Kisses by Josie Demuth \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Death by Design by Carolyn Keene \\ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Kill Order by James Dashner \\ ⭐️⭐️
CLASSIC READ
I read the original Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley. Check out my post for it here!
That’s about all that happened, book-wise, this June! I hope everyone had a lovely June, and will have an even better July. 🙂
This wrap-up felt short, so here’s a random selfie of me and my books. I took this randomly one day when I was reading outside! xD
Title: The Kill Order by James Dashner
Pages: 327
Genres: YA, Sci-fi/Dystopian, Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic, Action
Published by: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (August 14th, 2012)
Summary
The prequel to the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series.
Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.
Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.
Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive.
What I Thought
I want to start by saying, I love The Maze Runner series. It is so fast-paced, mysterious, and full of adventure. So, I was very excited to finally get around to reading this prequel. That being said, I was so disappointed in this book! This review will contain some non-major spoilers for The Kill Order and the rest of the Maze Runner series.
Thank you so, so much to Melissa from booknerdmomo for nominating me! I really appreciate it. 🙂
- Thank the people/person who nominated you.
- Answer the questions from your nominator(s).
- Nominate eleven other bloggers and give them eleven questions.
Melissa’s Questions
1. What’s a book you feel like changed your life? Why?
Honestly, I’m not really sure! I feel like every book I read helps shape and change the way I view and live life, and to pick just one…I don’t know if I could.
2. What’s a book series you’re dreading the end to? A series you don’t want to end.
Technically, this series ended a long time ago, but I haven’t finished it yet: Anne of Green Gables! I absolutely adore these books. I’ve read all of them but the last three in the series, and I want to take my time with these last three books, because the Anne series is just so lovely.
3. What’s a book or series you feel is extremely underrated?
One of the most underrated books, to me, is Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. It’s one of my favorite dystopians, and yet, everybody seems to forget about!
4. If you could only eat one type of food for the rest of your life what would it be?
This is an easy one for me: pizza! I’m not even exaggerating when I talk about my love for pizza. This is almost embarrassing to admit, but I’ve had pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all in the same day, on more than one occasion. 
5. What’s something you enjoy besides reading or blogging?
Aside from reading and blogging, I love to dance! Ballet is my absolute favorite, but I also really enjoy contemporary and modern.
6. What’s your favorite season?
My favorite season would definitely have to be summer, but honestly, there are things I love about every season.
7. Stand alone or series?
Even though I really enjoy series, I’m going to go with stand alone novels this time. Stand alone novels are great because there’s not as much of a time commitment. With series, there’s so much waiting to find out what happens next. With stand alone novels, you get the full story!
8. What book to movie adaptation are you looking forward to the most?
I am so excited for Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children!! I have been waiting almost five years for this movie and, despite the obvious differences, I cannot wait!
9. Is there a character that everyone else seems to dislike, but that you really love?
Hmm…I can’t think of an answer for this one!
10. If you could have any power at all what would it be?
I would want the power to fly! Being able to fly like a bird seems like the most incredible thing ever.
11. If it was possible to be physically transported into any book world which one would you choose? Why?
I would love to go to Avonlea from Anne of Green Gables. I absolutely love the characters, the scenery, the atmosphere, everything! It would be such a wonderful place to live.
My Questions
1. What book made you fall in love with reading?
2. Libraries or bookstores?
3. What is your favorite book-to-movie adaptation?
4. Aside from reading and blogging, what else do you enjoy? (I had to use this question, too!)
5. What is your favorite genre to read?
6. Least favorite genre?
7. Favorite non-bookish movie?
8. If a genie gave you 3 wishes, what would you wish for?
9. How long have you been blogging?
10. What inspired you to start blogging?
11. What book would you love to see become a movie?
I Nominate:
Lashaan and Trang @ Bookidote
Shameeka @ Booksoverblumen
Kourtni @ Kourtni Reads
Rachael @ Rachael Reads
Melanie @ It’s a Bookish Thing 13
Jacquie and Gina @ Rattle the Stars
Chaca @ notadaywithoutbooks
Meredith @ fromlibrarywithlove
Casey @ adoptabookaus
Angie @ journeyofangie
Kathryn @ kitkatdallibooks
Can you believe it? I’m actually posting June’s classic in June! :O
June’s Classic
Check it out on Goodreads!
Originally Published: 1868
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis: In this first volume in The Original Elsie Dinsmore Series, sweet, motherless eight-year-old Elsie struggles with several bewildering problems. She has never known her mother, and her relationship with her father is filled with misunderstanding and tears. The young girl learns to depend wholly upon her faith in her heavenly father.
WHEN I Discovered This Classic
When I was little, I loved the A Life of Faith versions of the Elsie books. Growing up, they were some of my absolute favorites. I later found out they were an adaptation of this original series.
WHY I Chose To Read It
Ever since I found out there was another version of these books, I wanted to read them. I had heard the originals were a bit controversial, so I was curious to check them out for myself!
WHAT Makes It A Classic
Elsie’s faithfulness and Christian morals has been long admired. Plus, any book that has been in publication for nearly 150 years is considered a classic to me.
WHAT I Thought Of This Classic
I was unsure what to rate this book. For me personally, I enjoyed reading it, and being able to go back into Elsie’s world. I loved the A Life of Faith versions so much when I was little, and while there definitely were things I did not like in this real version, honestly, I still enjoyed this book, story-wise, just as much as the updated version. I also love Elsie’s perseverance. Her faith is definitely inspirational, and something I think all Christians should strive to be more like.
That being said, it was disturbing to read of the emotional, and nearly, physical abuse that went on in this book that was written off as stern but fair punishment. Poor Elsie is often under the impression that she is a terribly naughty child, when in actuality she is the most obedient child in a way that is humanly possible. I also found it creepy when a grown man told 8-year-old Elsie, “If only you were ten years older.” It’s even creepier to me, because I know they actually do get married someday! I realize the world was a very different place when this book was written back in the 1800s, before even slavery was abolished, but still…
WILL It Stay A Classic
I don’t know. There was a lot of problematic content in this book. I’m glad I had the A Life of Faith versions to read when I was little. If Mission City Press had not gone out of business, and those versions of the story were still being published, I think they would have eventually taken the original versions’ place.
WHO I’d Recommend It To
I would recommend this book to people who, like me, enjoyed the A Life of Faith books. It was interesting to read the similarities and the differences between the two. People who enjoy reading old-fashioned books would enjoy these as well. However, I would NOT recommend these books to young, impressionable children, who the books are really targeted for. The way most of the adults treat the children in this book is not good. If they want to read about Elsie and friends, they should stick to the adapted versions.
Hey everyone! Today I want to talk about my reading goals for this summer. I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while now, and I decided that since today is officially the first day of summer, it’s time for me to actually write it! Just to be clear, I generally count my “summer reading” from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day. So, late May through early September.
1. Read at least 15 books
I realize that this is a bit of an ambitious goal being that I only read 17 books from January through May. I’ve done it before though, and I can do it again! I have a lot more time to read during the summer months.
2. Complete my library’s summer reading program
I love participating in my library’s summer reading program! It’s super easy to complete, too. All I have to do is read 26 days and do some sort of physical activity (swimming, walking, gardening, etc.) for 26 days as well. If I manage to read 50 days, I get an additional prize. Being that I read everyday, that shouldn’t be a problem for me!
3. Reread some old favorites
There are so many amazing books out there that I haven’t read, that sometimes I forget about all the books I already love. This summer, I want to reminisce and reread at least a few of my old favorites.
4. Read more classics
I’m already participating in ThePrettyBook’s 2016 Classics Challenge, so I already try to read at least one classic a month. However, I’d really like to try and read at least two a month this summer.
5. Conquer my TBR…or at least tame it…
My TBR pile is out of control, and yet I keep buying more books! My goal this summer is to actually read more of the books that I already own, so I don’t have hundreds of books on my shelves that I haven’t even read.
6. Participate in The Hedgeathon 2016 by Natalie @ Books and Quills
![Hedgeathon[white]](https://nataliehocker.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/hedgeathonwhite.jpg?w=300&h=124)
This looks like a really fun, summer readathon! There are 12 different challenges, but you only have to complete 8 to “win.” It started June 1st, and goes all the way through July 31st. You can read all about the Hedgeathon, its challenges, and how to participate by clicking here!
Well, that about sums up my summer reading goals. What are yours?
Also, I stumbled across this beauty of a GIF and just had to include it. That’s me every time I go to the library! Hahaha!
Title: Death by Design by Carolyn Keene
Pages: 180
Genres: Mystery, YA, Children’s
Published by: Turtleback Books (December 1st, 1988)
Summary
Nancy Drew and her friend Bess Marvin travel into a world of fashion. Behind all the clothes though, there is someone determained to see the death of Kim Daley a fashion designer. A poison that was meant for Kim was given to Nancy. Know Nancy has only 72 hours to live. Can Nancy find the poisoner and the antidote before it’s to late?
What I Thought
For Nancy Drew, this book was dark! There were times when I was reading it and was like, “This is Nancy Drew?!” It was also very emotional and intense for an ND book. Although that may be the reason why I enjoyed it so much. I wasn’t expecting this book the be the way it, but I liked it. It was just different. Nancy is literally dying throughout pretty much the entire book, and as the story progresses Nancy starts to deteriorate more and more. There’s a lot of crying and intensity between Nancy, Ned, and Bess.
The actual storyline was very good too. There were a lot of different suspects with different motives, and I really love how the story played out! Even though the intensity was extreme for a Nancy Drew book, I really enjoyed it. There were a lot of special moments between Ned and Nancy too that I really thought went nicely with the story. You could really feel the gravity of the situation. The possibility that Nancy really could die was very prominent and realistic (even if I knew Nancy wasn’t really going to die!).
Just a head’s up, if you haven’t already thought this, I wouldn’t recommend this book to a young ND fan. It’s really too mature for the younger fans. I want to keep this review spoiler free, but I really want to add the poisoner attempts to kill him/her self at the end of the book! Like I said, there were times when I wondered what I was reading!
FUN FACT: The Nancy Drew computer game, Danger by Design, was inspired by this book (even if there aren’t that many similarities between the two, and the game is much less intense haha).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, even if it wasn’t your typical Nancy Drew.
Review originally written July 2013.
the calico books 