The Fault in Our Stars

Stars 4/5

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I read this book due to the constant persuading of a friend even though I don't normally read books about grief and death. As a reader, I know how it feels to be left wondering what happens next but Hazel took it to a whole new level and seemed a bit selfish and out of control. In her pursuit of something so frivolous and insignificant, she not only put her and Gus at risk but allowed Gus to use his last wish on her obsession. I never cried during this book as I know how these "girl meets guy > one/both are sick > they fall in love > one/both dies" tropes play out but Augustus Waters... you will always be in my heart! 

Salt to the Sea

Stars 5/5

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

This book was set during World War II and was about a group of refugees, from different countries, trying to make their way to the Baltic Sea to freedom. Historical fiction with splashes of authenticity.  The characters are so unique and play such different parts in the story line but it all comes together beautifully. As soon as I finished this book, it went on my 2017 favorites list, it was that good. I will warn you that it has it's heart wrenching moments and I was brought to tears a few times in the story. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is a must read.

The Monster Variations

Stars 5/5

The Monster Variations by Daniel Kraus
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

The story is about three boys dealing with childhood bullies, parents, clashing personalities, getting into trouble and really all that goes with growing up plus that terrifying silver truck. It focuses on that one summer when everything changes. I can't really give out anymore info as not to spoil it but it is a very good read. I feel it definitely captures the positive and all the negative traits of humanity at every age. I would recommend this book to everyone. 

Murder at 40 Below

Stars 5/5

Murder at 40 Below by Tom Brennan
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I must be honest and say that I do not read true crime books anymore. Reason is that they make me a bit sick to my stomach due to the graphic nature but I wanted to read this one because it was specific to Alaska. I appreciated this author's simple but factual description of sensitive information dealing with each crime and not fall into the overly descriptive gore that I do not like. The stories were intriguing and I found it took me double the time to read this because I had to google the crime after I read each case wanting to see a pic or two of the killer. I love books on Alaska and I am glad I gave this book a read. I very much enjoyed reading about these historical moments in Alaska's history even if they are the darker side of it. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes true crime. *I must make note that there is one story in the book that is a bit hard to read. It is regarding a death of two children.

I Text Dead People

Stars 5/5

I Text Dead People by Rose Cooper
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I am going to be honest in saying, I bought this book for the awesomely cute cover and just loved the story. This book is about a girl named Annabel that moves to a new town because her uncle dies and her and her mom inherit the old mansion. The house is near a cemetery and that is where the books starts with Annabel finding a mysterious cell phone. A story about finding yourself, new friends, lots of spooky and a new creepy life. The illustrations are to "die" for! I would recommend this book to everyone! *I read this book as a booktube-a-thon read* 

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde A Graphic Novel

Stars 5/5

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde A Graphic Novel by Robert Louis Stevenson

Illustrated by Andrzej Klimowski & Danusia Schejbal
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

I have always enjoyed the story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde but I just loved this book because the illustrations were amazing. The dark charcoal like drawings brought the story to life in a creepy, spine tingling way. It was just what the Doctor ordered on the stormy night I read this. This graphic novel will grace my bookcase for years to come. I would recommend to everyone. 

The Tea Dragon Society

Stars 5/5

The Tea Dragon Society by Kate O'Neill

*ARC READ*

*Releases Oct 31, 2017*
*Booktube-A-Thon Read*

Oh how I just loved this book. I would love to have all these little tea dragons! As a person who loves fantasy and loves tea just as much, this book was one that made me smile all the way through it. A coming of age story that follows Greta & her new friends and how they find themselves and their purpose in life. I hope there will be more. I can just imagine the adventures they could go on and so many more tea dragons. I will be watching out. I read this book for the Booktube-a-thon and would recommend it to everyone!

The Shark-Headed Bear-Thing

Stars 5/5

The Shark-Headed Bear-Thing by Barry Hutchinson

Illustrated by Chris Mould

I picked this book to read during Shark Week and it was such a different spin on sharks that I loved it. A fun coming of age book. The characters are very likable and you go on an adventure with them as they, not only search for the monster, but find out what powers they really carry. I would love to see a whole series of Benjamin Blank. I can just imagine how fun going on adventures in his world would be. I would recommend this book to everyone. You are never to old to enjoy a Shark-Headed Bear-Thing! 

Happy Birthday To Me

BookTube-A-Thon July 24-30

BookTube-A-Thon July 24-30, 2017

Books I Will Be Reading During This Event!

Shark Week July 23-30

Shark Week July 23-30, 2017

Books I Am Reading During Shark Week!

Romantically Disturbed: Love Poems To Rip Your Heart Out

Stars 5/5

Romantically Disturbed: Love Poems To Rip Your Heart Out by Ben H. Winters

Illustrated by Adam F. Watkins

What a fun short book of lightly disturbed poetry and artful dark illustrations. This book is for all ages. Not overly gruesome but enough to cause a fright. Such a wonderful collection that can be enjoyed by all. I would recommend this to everyone. My favorite poem was Decisions Decisions! I think I may have gotten in trouble at school if would of read that poem back then! 

Always and Forever, Lara Jean

Stars 4/5

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

This is the final book in the trilogy and I really enjoyed this series. Three sisters coming of age, friendships, love, finding their way, planning their futures and dealing with the separation. I have to say that I did find a couple things that I didn't care very much for in this book. I started seeing a change in Margot in the second book that I really didn't like and it spilled over into this book. I found her character changing from a loving, caring sister to a rude, immature young adult. I also grew a bit tired of hearing everyone in the book, including adults, making comments of how "hot" Lara Jean's boyfriend was... even her dad? That was a bit much for me. I would recommend this series.

The Blue Day Book

Stars 4/5

The Blue Day Book by Bradley Trevor Greive

This is a short inspirational picture book with text. Very cute pictures of animals and it does bring a smile to your face. This was given to me by my Mom and it definitely found a place on my bookcase. I would recommend it to everyone who likes animals and needs a little "pick me up".

The Girl in 6E

Stars 4/5

The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre

A cyber sex girl that has barricaded herself inside an apartment for years because she is really a killer. The book was entertaining and even though it was around 350 pages, it read quick because the story kept you on the edge of your seat. Very sexual and unique in story line. I did find a few things a little unrealistic but I enjoyed the book and am really anxious to read the rest of the books in this series. I would recommend this to everyone who loves lots of sex, sexual references, fetishes, gore and murder.

The Upside of Unrequited

Stars 5/5

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

I just love Becky Albertalli's writing style. It is so much fun and easy to read. Time just flies by as you are engulfed inside the story. This is a book about twin sisters coming of age, making life altering decisions, finding themselves and yet staying close with each other as they find their different paths. I have to be honest in saying I loved Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda a little more but I really loved this book as well. Recommend this for everyone.

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

Stars 5/5

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Oh what a most wonderfully awesome book! I just loved this coming of age, finding love, juggling friendships, overcoming hurtful people, bullying, family support and the "smiling all throughout the book" book. This story brought in many elements of diversity which I love and I will definitely be recommending this to everyone. 

P.S. I Still Love You

Stars 5/5

P. S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

I really enjoyed the second book in this trilogy. It continues on with Lara Jean and her boy crushes. I must say that I believe I liked this book even more than the first. I am excited to see how the story continues in the next book but will be sad to see it end. I would like to know more about what happens with Josh. I did miss him in this book. I would definitely recommend this to everyone. 

To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Stars 5/5

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

A beautiful contemporary story about sisters coming of age, falling in love, family and heartbreak. I just loved this book and can not wait to read the next two in the trilogy. The story leaves you on a huge cliffhanger so be prepared to grab up the second book. I would recommend this to everyone.