"Waiting On" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Book: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Release Date: September 27
                                               Goodreads Summary:

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can. She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. There is. She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Top Ten Books That Are On The Top Of My TBR List For Fall

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

1. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
3. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
4. Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski
5. Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore
6. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
7. Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
8. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
9. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
10. Variant by Robison Wells

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Book: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
# of Pages: 234 (Paperback)
Rating: 4.5 stars
                                                             Goodreads Summary:
What if you had everything:
                                                                                                         A gorgeous boyfriend who was madly in love with you? Quirky hip parents who totally got you? A musical talent that could take you anywhere? What if your biggest problem in life was choosing which path to take? Follow your first love--music-- to New York City? Or stay with your boyfriend, friends, and family?

What if one day, you went out for a drive...

And in an instant everything changed?

What if suddenly all the other choices were gone?

Except for one--the only one that truly mattered?

What would you do? 
                                                                                                                               My Thoughts: There is only one word that comes to mind to describe this book…beautiful. The story is beautiful. The writing is beautiful. There is just no other word for it.

                                                                            

One of the things that I loved about this book is how it did not just focus on Mia's relationship with Adam. Mia's flashbacks covered all the aspects in her life family, her best friend, Adam, music, her future. I thought it was pretty cool that Mia and her family were all musically talented. In fact, I actually felt a little jealous and guilty that I don't play an instrument. I tried to learn how to play the acoustic  guitar a few years ago, but I just didn't have the patience. Now my guitar is sitting in the corner collecting dust and waiting for me to pick it up again.

Anyway, this was a quick, compelling, and moving read that will stay with you well after you have finished it. I am really looking forward to reading Where She Went, which should be arriving sometime next week.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Book: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

# of Pages: 487 (Hardcover)

Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads Summary

At first, I did not even want to read this book. I read the summary and thought that it just was not for me. But then, I kept coming across all these reviews saying how amazing this book was and how it was the best of the year. So, eventually I gave in and bought the book eager to see what all the hype was about.

Divergent is a dystopian novel that takes place several years from now. In this clever world that Roth created, the people are separated into 5 factions Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. The main character, Beatrice (Tris), is a member of Abnegation who is on the verge of becoming an adult and choosing which faction she will be a part of for the rest of her life. The story follows Tris and her training as she strives to be one of the lucky few initiated into her chosen faction, Dauntless. Along the way she makes friends, she makes enemies, and she unintentionally falls for one of the instructors, Four.

I am not the biggest fan of first person narratives, but this one was AWESOME! I admit I felt like putting the book down after the first chapter, but as I kept reading, the book got better and better. I love how Tris is such a strong protagonist. Though she is short, just like me, she is not made out to be some sort of weakling, but a brave fighter. As for Four, he was just so likable even though at times he came across as intimidating. I also like how his and Tris's relationship was not overly sappy.

Full of action, romance, and great characters, this book has earned a spot on my favorites shelf.

"Waiting On" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Book: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Release Date: November 29th


Goodreads Summary:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.


What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

In My Mailbox

IMM is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Delirium

by Lauren Oliver

If I Stay

by Gayle Forman

Jellicoe Road

by Melina Marchetta

The Art of Racing in the Rain

by Garth Stein

"Waiting On" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Book: Witch & Wizard: The Fire (Witch and Wizard #3)
Author: James Patterson
Release Date: December 5


Goodreads Summary:

Whit and Wisty Allgood have sacrificed everything to lead the resistance against the merciless totalitarian regime that governs their world. Its supreme leader, The One Who Is The One, has banned everything they hold dear: books, music, art, and imagination. But the growing strength of the siblings' magic hasn't been enough to stop the One's evil rampage, and now he's executed the only family they had left.

Wisty knows that the time has finally come for her to face The One. But her fight and her fire only channel more power to this already invincible being. How can she and Whit possibly prepare for their imminent showdown with the ruthless villain that devastated their world-before he can truly become all-powerful?

In this stunning climax of the epic Witch & Wizard series, the stakes have never been higher-and the consequences will change everything.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

In My Mailbox

IMM is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Wither

by Lauren DeStefano

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Book: Nevermore

Author: Kelly Creagh

# of Pages: 543 (Hardcover)

Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:

Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.

Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.

As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

My Thoughts: I had read so many great reviews about this book, and I was so intrigued by the Edgar Allan Poe theme that I just had to read it. And it did not disappoint.


Isobel may be  a cheerleader, but she does not let anyone stand in her way. She is not afraid to stand up for herself. I love this quality about her.  The best word I can think of to describe Varen is misunderstood. His classmates assume he is abnormal and freakish because of his Goth appearance. But, if they looked closer they would see that he is just lonely. Varen is sort of the opposite of Isobel when it comes to standing up for himself. Instead of defending himself against the threats and insults thrown at him, he just loses himself in his own imagination and dreams that eventually take over his life.


I got so lost in this book that I ended up staying up until 4 a.m. two nights in a row. I had to know if Isobel and Varen were going to get together. I had to know more about this dreamworld that Varen had created. I just could not get enough of Creagh's amazing writing.


There are so many things that I loved about this book. The strong characters, the unique storyline, the references to Poe, the suspense and romance. This is definitely my favorite book I have read so far this year. I absolutely LOVED it!!! And I know that I will be reading it again (and there are very few books that I am willing to read a second time). The only irksome thing is now I have to wait until January to find out what happens next…

"Waiting On" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Book: Enshadowed (Nevermore #2)
Author: Kelly Creagh
Release Date: January 24, 2012


Goodreads Summary:
While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself “Reynolds.”

Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster’s ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger.

When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

In My Mailbox

IMM is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

Never Have I Ever

by Sara Shepard

ebook

"Waiting On" Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Book: Variant
Author: Robison Wells
Release Date: October 4
Goodreads Summary:

Benson Fisher thought a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.

He was wrong.

Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.

Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Top Ten Trends I'd Like to See Less Of/More Of

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly feature created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.




Less:

1. Love Triangles: These seem to be very popular in books today. They are extremely annoying and make books unreadable. I CAN"T STAND LOVE TRIANGLES!!!
2. Vampires: Yes, I know vampires are all the rage right now, but there are just WAY too many books about them. It seems like all anyone wants to write about is vampires. There are other topics/creatures to write about out there.
3. Never-Ending Series: I love a good series, but sometimes the stories just keep going on and on and on to the point where the content of the books seem forced and they are no longer fun to read.
4. Twilight Copy Cats: It seems like most paranormal books have almost the same plot as Twilight but with different creatures. Why must everyone try to compete with this series? It wasn't even that good.

More:

1. Dystopian: Lately I've become very fascinated by novels based in dystopian worlds. Ar first I was hesitant to read such books, but now I can't stay away from them.
2. Pirates: I read The Dust of 100 Dogs and loved it. There are hardly any books about pirates ou there (none that I have seen anyway). Who wouldn't like to read a good pirate adventure?
3. YA Mysteries: I love mystery stories. I was a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys addict in middle school. As with pirates, I do not think I have seen any YA mysteries.
4. Stand Alone Novels: It seems like every new book that comes out, especially in the YA genre, has to be part of a series. Why not write one book with the whole story instead of dragging it out for 3+ books?
5. Third Person Narrative:  It may just be me, but I prefer books written from the third person POV. There are very few first person narrated books that I have read and liked.
6. YA Male Protagonists: All the protagonists in YA books always seem to be the same teenage girl. I know there are a few with male protagonists, but there should be MORE!