Top Ten Tuesday #9

This weekly event is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. This weeks theme is...

Top Ten Favorite Literary Characters

1) Jane Eyre from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

    I personally think she is one of the strongest female characters ever written. No, she doesn't display the physical, kick-ass strength of heroines today but emotionally and morally she is incredibly strong. I guess you could say she's some what of a hipster. She was tough before it was cool for women to be tough. lol 

2) Jenica from Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

    Once again she is a strong woman who isn't afraid to do what she must to protect her family. She's as beautiful as her older sister or as smart as her younger but she has a strong heart and knows the difference between right and wrong. She doesn't give up what she wants for her family even though it would make things easier. 

3) Finnikin from Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

    Finnikin is a fantastically human character. He has an overwhelming sense of what is right but he still battles the demons that lurk in his mind. He cares immensely for his loved ones and will do anything for them and still fears that he may one day harm them. He is a fantastically complex character the likes of which I have rarely encountered in modern literature.

4) Dustfinger from Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

    I love characters where you never quite know if they are good or bad and Dustfinger is definitely one of them. Part of him wants to help Mo but that part is in constant conflict with the part of him that just wants to return home. He is a wonderful character that adds a certain color to the Inkheart trilogy and my personal favorite.

5) Tyrion from Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

   Tyrion is so flippin' fantastic! First of all he's a dwarf and second of all he's really complex. He claims that he isn't honorable, and he isn't in the conventional term, but there are some moments when his honor shines through. Then he's super clever and sarcastic. He's the only good person in the Lannister house in my opinion.

6) Po from Graceling by Kristin Cashore

    Po is probably my ideal guy. He's good looking, smart, nice, and funny. I love how much he cares for Katsa and respects her strength plus how much he cares for his family. With his skills and grace he could have so much power and be a king or something but he doesn't want to. Instead he wants to enjoy a simpler life of love and beauty. Why aren't real guys like him? 

7) Peeta from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

    No, I'm not going to go into the Team Peeta vs. Team Gale competition that has transformed The Hunger Games but instead I have to say why I like him and why he is one of my favorite characters. Peeta does what he promises in the first book and he doesn't let the Capitol change him despite all of the horrible (seriously horrific) things he go to.

8) Holden Caufield from The Catcher in the Rye

    He's crazy. Completely and utterly crazy, but still frickin' hilarious (in a pitiful, depressing sort of way).  Plus is (insane) view on life kind of makes you think about the pressures and lies of society. Plus some of the things he says are really funny.

    

Waiting on Wednesday #5

Im participating in "Waiting On Wednesday." A weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine where I tell you about an upcoming book that I'm excited about. 

This week the book I'm waiting on is...

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Publication Date: May 1st 2012

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One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

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The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith Book Review

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
US Release Date: January 2nd 2012
Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown
Author Info:
Source: Purchased through Amazon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Buy It: Amazon / Barnes and Noble


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Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. 

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.
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Plot: The plot for this novel is very simple. It's about a boy and girl who are both going through a rough time in their life and they meet on a plane and fall in love but also help each other. It's simple but it's still thought-provoking and there are a couple surprises and twists and turns that you don't expect. In the plot you get the perfect balance of romance, comedy, and depth.


Pacing: Even though this book takes over a 24 hour period it doesn't seem like it. The pacing is swift but not so fast you read through it and don't remember what's going on. It's a nice even pace the keeps you moving but takes the perfect amount of time to let you think about Hadley and Oliver and their situations. 


Characters: The main character, Hadley, is exactly like a real person. She makes mistakes, she is sometimes selfish, and can loose her temper. But you also see that she is loving and kind and you understand the hurt she has felt because of her father's leaving. She's a normal girl with normal thoughts and hopes and doubts and it is very easy to relate to her even if you haven't gone through what she has gone through.
Oliver is also a real person. He is not the perfect, charming, flawless guy that you see too often in young adult fiction. He is kinda quirky, a little weird, sometimes gets a bit befuddled or looses his temper. But he is still nice and handsome (in a human way not an unearthly vampire/greek god/faery sort of way).
The chemistry between Hadley and Oliver is the kind of chemistry I think almost every girl would love. It's not fueled by physical passion but more like understanding and friendship and the fact that they truly click. They laugh and joke and talk about serious things. They don't just stare intensely into each others eyes but get to know one another like normal people.
All the minor characters also seem like actual human beings, not card board cut outs that just stand around for a while. They also all play an important part within the plot and Hadley's and Oliver's life.


Writing: The writing was masterful. Its told through Hadley's POV but you still see how she interacts with the world around her and how it acts towards her. Smith makes everything very easy to visualize and understand exactly what Hadley is thinking.


Overall: I adored this book! It's basically the perfect romantic dramedy in book form. The romance was sweet, the characters were easy to relate to, and it was light hearted with just the right amount of depth to make you think. Hadley and Oliver's relationship just makes you smile because they are so incredibly adorable and even though it takes place over 24 hours it still seems like something that could happen in real life. (Sigh. I was on a plane shortly after reading this but I didn't meet any hot and nice British guy.)
I haven't read any of Smith's other books but after reading this I definitely think I will check it out. She has incredible talented and has created a truly lovable characters that are flawed and hopeful and put them in a romance the just makes your heart flutter.

5 out of 5 stars

Should you read it?

Yes!

If you love romantic comedies that make you smile, laugh, cry, and think then this is definitely the book for you.

Should you buy it?

Yes! Not only is the story great but the cover is beautiful as well.

Another Announcement

Im back (in case you didn't notice)! Now I am going to say flat out that it may take me a bit to get back into the swing of things. I have been reading like crazy but reviews are taking longer to turn out (especially the video kinds). Hopefully I will have another video, if not then at least a regular review, up tomorrow.

I was planning on doing a review today but I got a little distracted because I have begun (well, maybe begun isn't the right word because now I am almost finished with) Divergent and all I've wanted to do all day is read that and not anything else.

BUT, I will put aside the epicness that is Divergent long enough tomorrow to give you a review on one of the books I read before my vacation. Either that or I'll just finish it. lol

Anyways! Thanks for your patience :)

Top Ten Tuesday #8

This weekly event is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. This weeks theme is...

Top Ten Tips For New Book Bloggers

Since I am still pretty new at this whole blogging thing I am only going to do a couple tips that I have found very helpful as a new blogger.

1) Read other book blogs - This really helped me figure out what a true book blog entailed. It also allowed me to find out about new books coming out that would be good to read.

2) Participate in challenges - Participating in challenges like the 2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by the Story Siren or the To-Be-Read Challenge hosted by Evie-Bookish has really got me motivated in reading. When I read a book that is a part of the challenge I feel like I've really accomplished something. 

3) Read books you enjoy - This is probably the most important tip that I thing most bloggers would agree on. If you're reading books you don't think you will like you wont want to read them then you wont do a review. If you read a book you think you will like or appeals to you or are in a particular genre  that you like you are more likely to read, finish it, and review.

4) Do something to keep it interesting - Like a weekly meme like this for example or participate in give aways. This will keep it lively and entertaining instead of a chore, or something that you feel you have to do not something that is fun to do.

So these are the tips I have so far that have worked best for me. Tell me what you think or any tips you have for me, they would be greatly appreciated!

ANNOUNCEMENT!

I'd just like to let everyone know that this next week I will be on vacation and away from my computer. Im sorry, but I promise when I come back I will have a video (possibly two depending on how much time I have) and another book review for you guys! Also, I will try to keep up with my reading.

Until then hope everyone has a great week.

:D

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi Book Review

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
US Release Date: January 3rd 2012
Publisher: Harper Collins
Author Info: Veronica Rossi's Website
Source: I purchased it through Amazon
Genre: Young Adult Sci-fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Buy It: Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Challenge: 2012 Debut Author Challenge
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Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse. 

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive. 

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.
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Plot: I really did like the basic plot of this story. The post-apocolyptic setting with the contrast between a very new way of living and a primitive way of living was really interesting. The premise of Aria trying to get her way back to the Pods was really engaging (and Perry made it interesting too :P ). However there were some plot points that didn't quite fit. Maybe with a bit more development they would have worked better but there were moments in the book when something would happen and...it didn't just feel quite right. However I believe that only shows that Veronica Rossi is still learning and as she grows in her skill im sure her plots will become more cohesive.


Pacing: The pacing was very well done. A lot of the book seemed to be Perry and Aria traveling through the wilderness but it was not boring in any way, shape, or form thanks to Veronica Rossi's skill. The alternative POVs also helped to move the book a long so that even as they were traveling there was still something new going on. However the ending was a bit rushed for my taste.


Characters: I really did like the characters. I liked Aria because even though she starts of weak and unsure she really grows. Because of her secluded life within the Realms she really doesn't know how to take care of herself in the wild but she isn't helpless. Despite her struggles she learns (with a minimum amount of whining) and eventually becomes strong enough to hold her own. Perry was really good. You really get to see his depth more fully in the POVs in his perspective than if Rossi had just kept the book in Aria's POV and I really appreciated that. Perry is a much more complex character and entertaining as well with all the struggles he has personally and with his clan. 
               The romance between them really worked. It was not insta-love. It grew slowly and over time as each character began to learn about the other. It was really sweet and engaging and a good bonus to the book.


Writing: The writing was good. Not blow your socks off amazing or tear the book to pieces awful, just good. It made the world easy to visualize and the characters easy to connect to. Veronica Rossi is a good story-teller and a good writer and the world she created was very vivid and adventurous.


Overall: This book is fun, exciting, full of adventure, with just the right touch of romance. The characters are developed and likeable and you really cheer them on in there adventures. However, there are some plot parts that need a bit more development and didn't quite connect with the novel as well as it could have. I did enjoy this book and the setting and the unique idea. It didn't excite me as much as other books have but I still am glad I read it.

4 out of 5 stars

Should you read it?

Yes, this book is fun, creative, and has a nice bit of romance. Plus the heroine isn't sappy or defenseless which is always a plus.

Should you buy it?

Personally, I would say it isn't a must buy.

Top Ten Tuesday #7

This weekly event is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. This weeks theme is...

Top Ten Books I'd Read In One Day

1) Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

    I've probably read this book more than any other book on my shelf because it is so short and so good. I can read it within a couple hours and still want to read it again.

2) Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

    The only reason I didn't read this in one day was because I had to get to bed at a semi-reasonable time (meaning about 2 in the morning) for this weird thing called school.

3) Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman

   I adored this book! It's short, sweet, and simple and made me oh so very happy.

4) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

    John Green has this way of writing that just grabs your heart and wrenches you into the book and doesn't release you until you've read the last word and turned the last page. Intense, I know.

5) The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

    I love this book so much! It is so much fun and I would gladly dedicate an entire just to read this (and frankly the rest of the series).

6) The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

    I haven't quite finished this book yet but I really wish I just had an entire day to read it. It is so adorable and witty and easy to get caught up in Im actually having trouble focusing on this right now because I want to read it.

7) The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong

    Loved everything about this book! From the bodies popping out of the ground to the very mysterious Derek. It had me glued to it's pages from dusk till dawn.

8) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

    I remember I got this book in an airport and I didn't want to put it down even when I got to my destination. This book is full of so much action and mystery (and not to mention Jace) that I would gladly spend 24 hours just reading.

9) The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelso

    This book is heartbreaking and witty and beautiful. It needs just an entire day to contemplate the message that gives so you can truly understand its wonder.

10) The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

      Everybody needs a day to call everyone (and everything) a phony and just be miserable/crazy and what better way to do that then with the Holden Caulfeild.

In My Mailbox #3

Sorry I didn't do an IMM last week. Theses past two weeks have been very busy which I why I haven't been doing much on my blog. But today I have managed to find the time for a short IMM. So these are (the few) books that I got last week and this week.

The books I received were...

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta