I know I missed November Favorites, BUT here is my first monthly favorites!
These items are the things that I have loved this past month. Of course these include my favorite books, but also any other items! Hope you enjoy and feel free to write down any of your favorites in the comments! Book Related- Fiction Freak: As most of you know this blog has barely been started but my main inspiration to even begin was from a girl I'm lucky to call a friend, Nicole. I've never really found this bookish world until I read through her blog. Then I was lucky enough to have her introduce me on twitter and go through how to use twitter (haha I know I'm a newbie). Anyways not only is she an incredible and nice person, she also writes and an amazing book review blog. fiction-freak.com GO CHECK IT OUT. Girl Online On Tour: Zoella's second book came out! However, the MOST exciting part about this book is that I got a SIGNED EDITION! I wish someone taped what I looked like when I saw that Barnes and Nobles was selling signed editions (if you wanted to know... I was practically crying) This book definitely didn't disappoint. Although I haven't written a review yet follow me on instagram to keep updated on when a review is posted! INSTAGRAM After You by Jojo Moyes: Also a second book, (to Me Before You check out its review here: REVIEW) This book was more than I could imagine. Again Jojo Moyes wrote a beautiful book with twists and turns you never saw coming. I could NOT stop reading. I felt like I was in the story myself and everything gripped me and when I finished the book all I thought was that there better be a third book. I haven't written a review yet but if you follow me on instagram you can keep updated on when the review is posted! INSTAGRAM Seelieknight: After joining instagram I feel in love with Seelieknight's account. It's beautiful and aesthetic and has many amazing books too! Just check it out and you'll see what I'm talking about! Crimeofrhyme: Another account I fell in love with is Crimeofrhyme. It's also incredibly beatiful but I had to give her extra points for the love of Taylor Swift and the fact we have the same blanket! Go check her out too! Beauty- Urban Outfitters: I've always known of UO, but I've never really been much till recently and after going on their website I also downloaded the app. So when I got to the store I was absolutely excited! Everything they have is great quality and although so of the items are quite a bit pricey I think it was really worth it. I know holiday season is over but if you're ever in need of a present they have SO many choices of little stocking stuffers or larger scale presents too that anyone would love! Glossier: Anyone that knows me knows that I have been absolutely IN LOVE with this brand and that I boast about it to EVERYONE. I swear my family rolls their eyes every time I say Glossier. Their prices aren't crazy and their aesthetic is absolutely beautiful and admittedly I'll sometimes just go on their site because it's so pretty. Besides these two things, I have two products the Boy Brow and the Soothing Face Mist and I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. The Soothing Face Mist is incredibly relaxing with it's rose scent (another confession: never used a face mist before so the first week I kept on flinching I KNOW I'm weird ;P ) Then there's the Boy Brow, I have mediocre brows. They aren't very filled and it's shape isn't terrible but not beautiful either but with Boy Brow I have to say they look SO much better. I bought Boy Brow in brown and it was already pretty dark for me but Glossier provided multiple pictures you can base your color off of. You can check them out here: glossier.com Minimalistic Nails: I'm not even close to being a nail artist but finding this style was pretty amazing. It's so simple but at the same time it looked like a style you would pay for at a salon. With just two strips of tape this style can easily be replicated. This style could also easily be matched with my clothing and if you'd prefer you can always change the color of the triangle to one that matches your outfits more. Other- Troye Sivan - Blue Neighborhood: My obsession. Seriously I am IN LOVE with this album. When Wild came out I was already in love but Blue Neighborhood is just ... AMAZING. I'd have to say my favorite song is Youth and then probably ease? However, I literally love every single song. I know Troye is never going to read this but if he did I would like to give him an internet hug and tell him that these songs will be my lifeline throughout 2016 (or the rest of my life ) because everything is just so real but beautiful and there really are no words to say how absolutely breathtaking these songs are. Kingsman: I hate scary movies because I'm easily scared so after hiding my eyes from the bloody scenes the rest of the movie was honestly so amazing. The whole concept of this movie (and the book) is just incredible and so unique. Plus I loved their accents (especially Eggsy's) so that was also a part of it, but most of all I loved how the movie felt like a book (sorry I didn't read the book first). I felt like it was a book because it gave me the same feeling as a page turning book that you just couldn't put down. Just like that, I couldn't press pause because I was so deep into the world of Kingsman I didn't want to come out. The Intern: Super duper amazing. I loved the way they finally found each other's friendship. Don't get me wrong I loved this movie, but the ending felt too sudden? However, maybe I just wanted it to go on forever. This is a great movie to relax to and just understand more about friendship between all ages. Refinery29: THIS WEBSITE. Most of you may have already heard of this website from snapchat of from other people, but I loved this website for SO long and everything they do really helps me keep updates with what is going on with everything everywhere. I hate news because again, I'm easily scared so I don't like the hourly updates of deaths, but Refinery29 honestly has been one of the best sources of news of all kinds. It shows lots of fashion and media and also world news (but that part is a bit toned down with I prefer). So these were my December Favorites. Feel free to tell me what yours are because I'd love to hear! Thanks to anyone who goes on my site because you have made my 2015! Now go have an amazing start 2016 and I can't wait to hear more from any of you!
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Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid
Summary:Never date your best friend.
Always be original. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken. Best friends Dave and Julia were determined to never be cliché high school kids—the ones who sit at the same lunch table every day, dissecting the drama from homeroom and plotting their campaigns for prom king and queen. They even wrote their own Never List of everything they vowed they’d never, ever do in high school. Some of the rules have been easy to follow, like #5, never dye your hair a color of the rainbow, or #7, never hook up with a teacher. But Dave has a secret: he’s broken rule #8, never pine silently after someone for the entirety of high school. It’s either that or break rule #10, never date your best friend. Dave has loved Julia for as long as he can remember. Julia is beautiful, wild and impetuous. So when she suggests they do every Never on the list, Dave is happy to play along. He even dyes his hair an unfortunate shade of green. It starts as a joke, but then a funny thing happens: Dave and Julia discover that by skipping the clichés, they’ve actually been missing out on high school. And maybe even on love. Review: Did that summary hook you? For me, I couldn't wait to start reading. Both Dave and Julia really intrigued me. I loved how the views switched back and forth (sorta reminded me of All the Bright Places) and I enjoyed that a lot especially because Julia is such an unpredictable character so it was nice to hear her thoughts and understand her better. Once I got to know her I actually really liked her, because she's adventurous and fun (unlike my preference of staying home and reading ahahah) and that makes her someone you can depend on to chill with. Then there's Dave who has to be the most down to earth guy I've read about. He's always calm and kind and pretty much the exact opposite of that bad boy vibe many other books portray. He shows the other side to guys so instead of guys always lusting for girls Dave shows a deeper kind of love and devotion. He's also someone I'd want as a friend because he's so honest and kind and loyal, it's sort of hard not to want a friend like that. Even though both characters were great, my favorite part was the whole idea of the cliches and getting through them before the end of high school. This is because my school is SUPER tiny so we actually don't have many cliches at all in our school so in a way my life is similar to Dave and Julia's before the list. *scroll down for spoilers* Overview: I really enjoyed this book! It was well written and full of love, laughter, and hints of reality. (Julia and Dave are friendship goals!) Includes:love (lol what YA book doesn't), friendships, things you didn't expect ;) Cover: 4/5 Rating: 4/5 Favorite Quote: “Love traveled, it ran, it covered ground, eager to see more, do more. It was two people keeping pace with each other.”
Opinion Spoilers: When Gretchen came into the story I knew things were about to be shaken up. Even though I secretly wanted Julia and Dave to be together, by the end I saw how well Dave and Gretchen fit together. There were so many twists and turns in this book and I loved every second! So yes for those who don't like to read, first of all you're missing out! and second yes Julia and Dave don't end up together ;(
Tonight the Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales
Summary: "Recklessly loyal. That’s how seventeen-year-old Arden Huntley has always thought of herself. Caring for her loved ones is what gives Arden purpose in her life and makes her feel like she matters. But lately she’s grown resentful of everyone—including her needy best friend and her absent mom—taking her loyalty for granted. Then Arden stumbles upon a website called Tonight the Streets Are Ours, the musings of a young New York City writer named Peter, who gives voice to feelings that Arden has never known how to express. He seems to get her in a way that no one else does, and he hasn’t even met her. Until Arden sets out on a road trip to find him. During one crazy night out in New York City filled with parties, dancing, and music—the type of night when anything can happen, and nearly everything does—Arden discovers that Peter isn’t exactly who she thought he was. And maybe she isn’t exactly who she thought she was, either."
Review: Tonight the Streets Are Ours' summary really reeled me in and so when I received the book I was SUPER excited to read it. It was definitely a book that didn't disappoint because everything about it was just.... great! The best thing about this book is that I feel like every single person can in some way relate to Arden because we all feel that way about someone... like you are the one that's constantly giving but almost never receiving, maybe not as much as Arden but possibly a couple experiences in life. Then there's Lindsey and Peter, both adding so much more to the story. Although Lindsey isn't the main character she also changes a lot throughout the story. Whereas Arden learns to treat herself, Lindsey learns to appreciate Arden more. Then there's Peter. In order to not give anything away I'll just start with what I first thought of him. I honestly saw Peter as a super cool, nice guy that would fit well with Arden. *scroll down for spoilers* This Book Contains: love, heartbreak, truth, friendship, life Cover: 100000000000/ 10 (I'm going to be honest and say that 50% of the reason I got this book, was for it's cover.....) Rating: 5/5 Favorite Quote: "I used to think that loving somebody meant sacrificing anything for them. I thought it meant writing a blank check. I thought it meant that you would die without each other. But it turns out that Peter was right about that, too: death and a broken heart are not the same. These days I think that love is not so dramatic as all that. Maybe loving somebody means simply they bring out the best in you, and you bring out the best in them-so that together, you are always the best possible versions of yourselves."
Opinion Spoilers: I didn't like Peter AT ALL after Arden truly met him. Though I did like Bianca a lot more! Peter's version of reality on his blog was so opinionated and biased that I almost couldn't believe the truth. Although I really liked this book the ending didn't leave me the kind of satisfaction I was looking for, but maybe because it was more realistic than I thought. Overall, this was a GREAT read and the amazing plot definitely had me hooked throughout the story.
Everything Everything by Nicole Yoon
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.
Review: Within the first 10 to 20 pages or so I was in love with book. Maddy is such an interesting character and Olly fits with her perfectly. When I first read about Maddy's situation I honestly thought "woah that sounds so relaxing! just getting to read books all day" but I did think more about after and saw her case of complete boredom and lack of human interaction. It was pretty depressing. Then Olly came into her light and everything really started to change. This had to be my favorite part of the whole part (Olly and Maddy's texts to one another). The plot of Everything Everything was incredibly well planned and although I actually somehow guessed the ending (it was just one of those thought where you are like what if?! .... nah it couldn't be).I still cried on the ending anyways. I felt sucked into Maddy's world whenever I opened the book. Not only was the story amazing, but the extra details Nicole Yoon added to make this book really pop was incredible. The multiple text pages and the inserted art all helped really enhance the story.*scroll down for spoilers* Read if you like books with: plot twists, love, fighting sickness, everything(see what I did there) Cover: 100/10 (seriously one of the prettiest books I have ever seen!) Rating: 5/5 Favorite Quote: "The greatest risk in not taking one. " (on the cover still counts though right?)
Opinion Spoilers: That blackout page actually really freaked me out. Now as an extra warning if you have NOT yet read this book SERIOUSLY DON'T read this spoiler because this book is so worth reading!! Anyways I can NOT believe the ending at all and I have to say that by the time I believed in what was happening I was in tears and fuming at Maddy's mother. Maddy didn't deserved to be trapped like that and she could have lived such a normal life without her mother's doing. THANK YOU NICOLE YOON FOR THE ENDING THOUGH! If Olly and Maddy never met I honestly would be even angrier at Maddy's mom. Anyways, the way it all tied together was so adorable and at that moment I couldn't feel happier for Maddy.
Paperweight by Meg Haston
Summary: Stephanie, aka Stevie, wants to die. Her mother left her and she killed her brother. Now all she has to do is control her needs and her body and she can leave the world too. Stevie is a bulimic girl and because of a complicated accident with her brother Joshua, she blames herself for his death. She believes that the only way to free herself is to die and so she sets herself on a mission to die by the day Josh died. What she didn't count on is that her dad would notice and send her to a school where she was supposed to be nursed back to health by some shrink. However time passes and things happen and maybe Stevie doesn't want to die anymore, and maybe that's still ok.
Opinion: When I first read the summary on goodreads and on the back of the book I was pretty intrigued and then I read the book and my heart sort of fell. It's a bit weird to be reading about someone with your same name, gender, and somewhat same age except them wanting to die. So that was a bit... freaky at least for me, but putting that aside I thought that this book really taught me how people with eating disorders thought and the process for them to get back to being healthy. Stevie was incredibly brave to face her fears and I by the end I was truly touched by her strength. Stevie is such an intricate character and Meg Haston created her well. From her crazy back story to her conflicted emotions, it seems hard to believe from just my word that someone live Stevie could exist but when portrayed in Paperweight it felt like this story could have easily been a real person going through this process of getting better from a very real disease. Read if you like books with: health problems, life issues, learning to love yourself Cover: 5/5 (really beautiful I have the paperback one where the hand is downward but the other versions are really pretty too!) Rating: 4/5 Favorite Quote: "We're meant to be part of a we. Something bigger, something outside of ourselves."
Opinion Spoilers: Not much to spoil... Stevie does live and I was SO glad she did. If she didn't I don't even want to know how I would feel. Stevie really became so brave at the end and that is what I really admire about her. This is a great book for anyone who feels lost sometimes because Stevie's strength shines through and I think she passes it on to anyone who reads this book.
Sweet by Emmy Laybourne
Summary: Laurel was invited to the cruise by her friend Viv. Although Viv seems incredibly excited at the prospect to lose weight, Laurel doesn't really want to because she was brought up believing being a bit bigger doesn't mean you are less valuable. While all the other celebrities love the new fat reducing sugar packets it seems that only Laurel and the famous Tom Forelli don't mind their weight. Then things start to get weird. *scroll down for spoilers*
Opinion: The first thing I thought when I picked up this book was -Wow! this is so beautiful! -... then I noticed the little red trail coming out of the T and I decided to read the inside of the cover. It seemed pretty interesting and so I brought the book home. . I was very much mistaken and I definitely had NO idea that this book would end the way it did. It started out pretty much the way I imagined. Even though this book was quite the thriller I have to say that it wouldn't be one of my favorites mainly just due to the gore. However the idea of this book is actually pretty relevant to our current society and if this were to exist I truly think this book would become a nonfiction book, and that is pretty scary... This book definitely addresses one of the worst possible outcomes of negative body image and so really summary of this story should just be "BOYS AND GIRLS YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER WHAT" because you are and don't you forget it! Anyways although this book isn't for everyone, I would still recommend it to those who want to see what it would be like if too many people trusted the wrong person to help them. *scroll down for spoilers* Read if you like books with: gore, futuristic ideas, love, sci-fi (i guess... sorta?), thrillers Cover: 5/5 Rating: 3.5-4/5 (sorry can't decide) Favorite Quote:"People would kill to be thin."
Summary Spoilers: It turns out that the sweetener is actually highly addictive and soon people can't stop eating it and people are starting to look like zombie/skeletons. Tom and Laurel start to stick together fearful of what's happening. Then things get worse when the sweetener is running low and people start killing other to drink the sweetener from their blood. This is when Laurel and Tom try to escape with the help of the cruise staff and go back to warn the rest of the world of this deadly sweetener.
Opinion Spoilers:SUPER GORY. I was literally frowning at the book when I read what was going on. At that point I couldn't stop reading pretty much because I was FREAKING OUT. This is definitely a thriller and the ending definitely makes you think!
Legend by Marie Lu
Summary: June and Day are supposed to be opposites in society. June is the smartest kid the Republic has ever seen and therefore she is able to afford a rich lifestyle and go to school. Meanwhile, Day is supposed to be dead due to his failure of the exam or at least incredibly poor like his parents. However, when Day, a now infamous criminal mind to the Republic, is supposedly the suspect that murdered June's brother, Metias, June is set out to kill him. However, accidentally June learns Day isn't the malicious murderer he is set out to be and that the Republic may be hiding secrets from her. *scroll down for spoilers*
Opinion: I cannot even begin to explain my love for this book. The charactors and the plot were all AMAZING. However... I do think that I may have read too many books similiar because I was able to guess the plot pretty accurately?? That didn't lessen my liking for this book though. I was still just as enthralled because this story seriously just kept me addicted and I couldn't seem to stop flipping the pages. If anyone is on the edge between choosing to read this book or not reading it PLEASE read it! I promise it's worth it! (at least to me) *scroll down for spoilers* Read if You Like Books With: dystopian societies, thrillers, romance, plot twists, Cover: 5/5 Rating: 5/5 Favorite Quote: "Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time."
Summary Spoilers: It turns out Day actually also passed the exam with 100% just like June. June and Day also find out that the Republic has been keeping a lot of things hidden from everyone else. June's whole family has been killed just because they found out things they weren't supposed to. It turns out that the Republic has been hurting the poor and testing things on them, as well as annually spreading self made plagues. In the end, June and Day are able to get away safely.
Opinion Spoilers: As the story unfolded I guessed what the Republic was doing, but I was hoping I was wrong. I was incredibly sad when Day's brother gave his life to help Day get away. As well as the fact that now both Day and June are pretty much companionless and without any family. I can't wait to read the next book!!!
Joyride by Anna Banks
AlSummary: Carly and Arden should never have met. Carly can't afford distractions from working and her education and Arden is the sheriff's son and one of the most popular guys at school. Even when they first meet not everything is as nice as it seems. Carly is determined to stay focused on trying to get her deported parents back to America while Arden is determined to get Carly to help him with pranks in memory of his dead sister. Arden hates his father for ignoring his sister just because she was sick and how he acted like it was nothing when she passed away. Each with their own family problems, Carly and Arden soon bond and eventually both learn of each other's hidden secrets. *scroll down for spoilers*
Opinion: I enjoyed reading this book and I have to admit there were a couple points where I just couldn't put this book down. However, this book was SO SIMILAR to a book I read awhile back: Perfect Chemistry by Simon Elkeles. In fact it pretty much just a gender swap. Although they are so similar, I have a bit more of a preference to this one. This book was definitely thought through and I loved that because when certain parts clicked together there was this OOOHHH moment. *scroll down for spoilers* Read if You Like Books About: pranks, love, family secrets Cover: 4/5 Rating: 4/5 Favorite Quote: "I like the idea of feeling small. Sometimes life can seem bigger than you, you know? But knowing you're less than a speck in the whole scheme of things takes the pressure off, sort of.”
Summary Spoilers: Through the experiences they fall in love. Things take a wrong turn when she finds out Arden's father is not only the sheriff, but also the man her brother is trusting with (A LOT OF) their money to bring back her family. When Arden finds out he decides to help Carly anyways and after near death/prison experiences Arden and Carly are finally able to help bring back Carly's family.
Opinion Spoilers: I was really glad Carly got her family back, but during the process Arden learned what his father did and had him arrested. I got that he was happy, but at the same time I felt bad he no longer had a father anymore. Overall it was a good read and I enjoyed the many twists and turns of this joyride. (see what I did there ;) I tried )
The Improbable Theory of Ana & Zak by Brian Katcher
Summary: Ana and Zak could not be anymore different. Ana aims for perfection and knows she has to be the perfect daughter and maintain perfect grades even if it means she'll never have a social life. Zak practically gave up on school and he just tries to be happy and the only thing that really makes him happy is Washingcon. Even though they are so different they are able to bond through their previous experiences with pain. Ana's fear of being kicked out because of what happened to her sister and Zak's grief of his father's death from cancer. Together they experience 1000 adventures in the span of 24 hours and earn each other's respect and love. *Scroll down for spoilers*
Opinion: I really enjoyed this book; it was fast paced, packed full of adventures, and overall really touched me too. When I originally read this book's summary I wasn't even so sure I wanted to read it, but once I did I felt all in. There were just SO many twists and turns and after not being able to read books for a whole week (thanks to school....) this was just the book I needed.*Scroll down for spoilers* Read if You Like: books that make you happy, love, adventure, cons, sci-fi ish , close to death, new understandings Cover:3.5/5 Rating: 4/5 Favorite Quote: "'BECAUSE - DUKE, I AM YOUR FATHER.'"
Summary Spoilers: Ana and Zak safely come to terms with their problems and even fix their bad relationships with their parents. In the end, everyone is safe and sound. (YAY HAPPY ENDINGS)
Opinion Spoilers: At some points in the book I was honestly scared for Ana or Zak and by the end I was just INCREDIBLY relieved both of them were alive. (yea I KNOW who'd have thought they could DIE at a con?!) Anyways, I really enjoyed this and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a fast paced romance/ adventure!
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Summary: Jude and Noah are twins, but they aren't similar at all. At the age of 13 Jude and Noah are still pretty close siblings, but as they grow up they fall apart from one another. At the age of 13, Jude and Noah were already had incredibly different personalities and interests. Jude is popular and brave. Meanwhile, due to Noah being gay he tends to try and hide himself and recluses himself to art one of the only places he can find himself not being judged by who he loves. They begin to fall apart when their mother, who has never chosen a favored child, chooses Noah. At this point, although Jude has always been her father's favorite, she feels jealous. Then she does something that impacts Noah's life. Jude and Noah's parents agree to send them to an art school the next year and although Jude isn't very excited Noah cannot wait to go. Until Jude becomes jealous and ... *scroll down for spoilers*
Opinion: I loved this book SO MUCH. It may be the fact that I'm a twin myself so I feel a bit closer to this story? ANYWAYS Jude and Noah are pretty representative of my twin sister and I. Although we're identical we're pretty different. I really enjoyed this book not only because of Jude and Noah, but also because the plot is so amazing. In the beginning I have say I may have favored whoever was speaking, but slowly I could see parts of myself in both Noah and Jude so I really liked that. Being able to see both Jude and Noah's perspectives. My absolute FAVORITE part of the whole book is how Jude and Noah used to "split up the world. " It just really reminds me of things I would do and things little kids talk about when you're really young. It was just really touching to see Jude and Noah bond even after they've had their differences. *scroll down for spoilers* Read if You Like: twins, plot twists, sibling relationships, love, family, life Cover: 4/5 (cute I love the colors!) Rating: 5/5 Favorite Quote: "I gave up practically the whole world for you,” I tell him, walking through the front door of my own love story. “The sun, stars, ocean, trees, everything, I gave it all up for you.”
Summary Spoilers: ... and doesn't turn in Noah's application. However later a tragedy happens. Their mother passes away, but before that Noah saw something he wasn't supposed to and didn't tell Jude. On the day their mother passed away, Noah saw his mother cheating on his father with another man and kept it from his family. Noah is also been able to reunite with his childhood love. After a long adventure, Jude admits to her secret and Noah tells her as well and they find out that Jude's art teacher is actually the man their mother was cheating on. However, everyone soons finds peace with one another now that all these secrets are told.
Opinion Spoilers: I was pretty pissed at their mother. I also couldn't believe such a nice man , Guillermo (the artist and man the mother was cheating with ) could try to take away the mother of Noah and Jude. I was, however, pretty relieved when they were finally able to all finally tell their secrets. I was also super happy for Noah at the end, because for a while it seemed like he wouldn't give in to what he knew he was, but he realized he is who he is and I was so happy/proud for/of him?? Overall I was just really happy with the ending and how it all tied together.
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Stephanie C.A fan of anything fiction, furry, & fun. Archives
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