November 2015
November 30, 2015 • Flights of Fantasy, monthly recap
It's officially the very last day of November today! I normally don't do a lot in November apart from celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones, but this year definitely broke the mold. I did a ton of things with so many friends, and I love that. If every month were as fun as this one (minus friends moving back to their hometowns and getting sick multiple times), I would be all for it!
WHAT I DID
The month kicked off with getting to see a second Jason Robert Brown show at Subculture, something I'd highly recommend you do if you like his musicals. I also got the chance to hang out with Gaby, Alyssa & Amy for a day up in Connecticut, filled with Book Barn bargains and delicious food. While Macky was away in San Francisco for a few days, I kept busy - a pre-birthday dinner for my cousin Clarissa at Taqueria with Jaymee and Mel, a girly sleepover at Jaymee's, another sleepover at Rachel's, and a day in West Chester with Rachel, Kelly & Betty, with book bargains and diner food to tide us over. I also got to cat sit the most lovable cat for my friends while they went off to London, and I celebrated a fun Friendsgiving with friends! All in all, it was definitely a month filled with people & things that I loved to pieces.
WHAT I READ
WHAT I POSTED
Personal | Autumn Adventures, Things I'm Thankful For
Reviews | I'll Find You Anywhere, Grey Sky, A Platonic Love, Abbreviations #17, Noise of a New Beginning, Brand New Gal, The Pleasures and Perils of Being a Hathaway, Quit Playing Games with My Heart, Flip a Coin, College Confessions, "Let's Carpe the Hell Out of This Diem.", "Come to the Dark Side. We Have Pop-Tarts."
Reviews | I'll Find You Anywhere, Grey Sky, A Platonic Love, Abbreviations #17, Noise of a New Beginning, Brand New Gal, The Pleasures and Perils of Being a Hathaway, Quit Playing Games with My Heart, Flip a Coin, College Confessions, "Let's Carpe the Hell Out of This Diem.", "Come to the Dark Side. We Have Pop-Tarts."
Features, Tours + Tags | I Love My Hair, Fictional Worlds, The Sunday Mix (18), 3 Questions for Lauren Smith, Book Bloggers + Books Tag, Books in Real Life, Episode 9: Since You've Been Gone, {Bookish} Style Files: Plaid Adventures, The Sunday Mix (19), Tunes & Tales: I Cry When I Laugh
We're nearly at the end of the year! But don't despair - there is still one whole month to achieve the reading goal you set for the Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge. Rachel & I have loved hosting the challenge so much that we're doing it again next year, so look out for the 2016 sign-ups! Anyway, I managed to read two novels The Impostor Queen and Uprooted, both of which were pretty great. Only eight more books for me till I hit 50!
We're nearly at the end of the year! But don't despair - there is still one whole month to achieve the reading goal you set for the Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge. Rachel & I have loved hosting the challenge so much that we're doing it again next year, so look out for the 2016 sign-ups! Anyway, I managed to read two novels The Impostor Queen and Uprooted, both of which were pretty great. Only eight more books for me till I hit 50!
Tunes & Tales: I Cry When I Laugh
November 27, 2015 • Tunes & Tales
How great is the title of this album? I would never have discovered the awesomeness that is Jess Glynne and her debut album, were it not for Rachel of Hello Chelly. From the very first time I listened to it, I just loved it. This is my kind of music, folks. Great lyrics, strong beats and just very uplifting melodies, which is the perfect combination to get listeners pumped and ready for the day! I often turn to this album when I need an extra boost in the morning or in the office, and it hasn't failed me yet!
VIBE: Pop + dance
WHY: It's the perfect album to dance and sing along to! Also, it's a great mood booster.
TRY: Hold My Hand is my favorite. I listen to that on repeat ALL. THE. TIME.
Gave Me Something / Chasing Impossible
I never thought I'd be the girl that walked away
I found my one true love
In me, you found it too
A path that ran to me and didn't make it hard to choose
'Cause you found me hiding with my heart hanging on the wall
You took a chance on me and didn't think that I would fall
You gave me hope and you let me know that
If I give it time it will all be mine and
You gave me something that I didn't have before
Hold My Hand / The Darkest Minds
No, I don't wanna fall when you're next to me
Can tell I'm not afraid to be
That you don't make me wait, and never let me break
You never let me fall
Darling, hold my hand
Oh, won't you hold my hand?
'Cause I don't want to walk on my own anymore
Won't you understand?
Ain't Got Far to Go / Just Visiting
I wasn't scared, I fought this on my own
You pulled me down and I let you go
I told you I would prove you wrong
And now I'm here and I'm standing strong
I know (I know, I know)
I know (I-I know, I know)
I know (I know, I know)
That I ain't got far to go, go, go
Take Me Home / Love in the Afternoon
Wrapped up, so consumed by all this hurt
If you ask me, don't know where to start
Anger, love, confusion
Roads that lead nowhere
I know that somewhere better
'Cause you always take me there
Came to you with a broken faith
Gave me more than a hand to hold
Caught before I hit the ground
Tell me I'm safe
You've got me now
Don't Be So Hard on Yourself / The Anatomical Shape of a Heart
I learned to wave goodbye
How not to see my life
Through someone else's eyes
It's not an easy road
But now I'm not alone
So I, I won't be so hard on myself no more
No Rights No Wrongs / Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Going through hell while looking at heaven
Found an answer looking for a question
Not enough words to make a sentence
It's not easy to find a way
How much water to kill a fire?
How many lows can take you higher?
The only road to your desire
It won't be easy to find a way
I don't know what I believe
I won't let my eyes be deceived
The winds whispering through the trees
That is not gonna be, not gonna be easy
You Can Find Me / Emmy & Oliver
Thinking about those nursery rhyming days
When it was all just fun and games
Never had a care in the world
When it all began to change
Go back to the merry-go-round
Laughing and acting like clowns
Stay in this moment 'till
We see the sun go down [...]
If the time between us gets a little uneven
Don't you worry 'cause you will find me here
My Love / Rules for 50/50 Chances
Control is such an open ended word for me
Something I used to think I owned
I'm standing here with none, I'm feeling so complete
You helped me understand to let it go
Rather Be / A Thousand Pieces of You
We're a thousand miles from comfort
We have traveled land and sea
But as long as you are with me
There's no place I'd rather be
I would wait forever
Exulted in the scene
As long as I am with you
My heart continues to beat
Saddest Vanilla / Past Perfect
This is the saddest vanilla that I've ever tasted
The saddest vanilla and I don't wanna waste it
Sat at an ice cream parlour
You went and broke my heart
Now I'm the saddest vanilla
Why Me / Making Pretty
You stole my happiness from underneath my nose
My insecurities left on the floor
And didn't think for a second, oh no, no-no
Drownin' in the darkest grey
With no answers to rescue me
I'm holding it down
Things I'm Thankful For
November 26, 2015 • personal
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photo credit |
The older I get, the more it feels imperative to try to keep up a daily attitude of gratitude. There are many things in this world that leave me anxious, angry or sad, but I've found it's easier to bear these things when I contemplate all the good things in my life. I'm truly blessed to be living a life that feels rich with joy and possibilities, and I try not to take that for granted. It is always at around this time of year that I start thinking about everything that I'm thankful for, and since it does happen to be Thanksgiving, I felt like sharing all the things that enrich my life:
- PEOPLE: I'm surrounded by so many people that love me. They encourage me, they comfort me, they make me laugh, and I'm truly grateful for each and every one of them, from my beloved, silly, wonderful husband, to my beautiful family (near and far) and my eclectic, thoughtful friends. Life isn't always easy, but it certainly helps to know you've got people who have your back and will always be there for you.
- PROVISION: While I've got a way to go before I can really say with confidence that I know how to handle my finances, I've gotten better at it. My finances are steady, and I'm slowly working out how to budget and save, with help from my husband. We've got just enough to cover our needs and occasionally, our wants, and that's blessing enough! We're also lucky to be living in a great apartment, and to be constantly confronted with opportunities for growth (in our jobs and in our passions).
- PASSION: I'm grateful for the hobbies that make me happy. Reading books, and acquiring the ones I love for the library I'm slowly building here. Blogging, and how it allows me to meet new friends, gush about books I've loved and share a little part of myself with the world. Writing, and how it's finally started feeling natural to me again, and how the ideas are coming steadily now. Travel, and how I've been able to go a number of places this year for trips and with excellent company. And faith, particularly how my relationship with God continues to transform and grow the more I try to connect with Him.
- POSSIBILITIES + PLANS: I'm a planner through and through (and my system for doing it in various areas of my life has changed over the years). But what really excites me, and what I'm really particular thankful for is the fact that all these possibilities and plans exist for the years to come. Everything from blogging-related plotting (like upcoming events I'm excited about, or new things I'm trying) to travel (my family is looking at taking a big family vacation, and I also am hoping to be at SDCC 2016!) is on my horizon, and I really do feel lucky.
What are the things you're grateful for?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Come to the Dark Side. We Have Pop-Tarts." • The Sword of Summer
November 25, 2015 • book review, By Alexa, middle grade fiction, Rick Riordan

Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: October 6, 2015
Source/Format: Bought || Hardcover
Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die...
I'd read thirteen Rick Riordan novels before I even started The Sword of Summer, and never once did I feel like he let me down in his storytelling. The count has now gone up to fourteen, because I enjoyed this one! It might not be Riordan's job to write stories that I love, but it may as well be, considering that each story he's added to the list of his published work has found a place among my favorites. To be sure, his stories are primarily geared towards readers on the younger side of the spectrum. But the humor and heart with which he writes these tales is universally understood by people of all ages, and I count myself lucky to be a part of his fandom.
The Sword of Summer follows Riordan's patented winning formula: a lovable main character who happens to be directly related to a mythological god + a life-changing moment + quest to prevent the apocalypse/end of the world/death and destruction. You might be wondering: what makes it stand out? I'm here to tell you that there are two things that make this story different from the ones before it: the mythology and the characters.
Riordan has tackled Greek, Egyptian and Roman mythology, so it was exciting to hear that he was going to turn his sights on Norse mythology for The Sword of Summer. I'm not nearly as familiar with the gods and concepts, but I never felt extremely lost while reading. (In fact, I found myself yearning to study Norse mythology for myself, just to enhance my future reading experience with this series.) As always, Riordan demonstrates a mastery of the basic tenets of the mythology. It's woven so well into the fabric of this novel; gods are personified, and concepts are tweaked to make sense in the context of our modern society. I definitely feel like I walked away with just a bit more knowledge of Norse mythology, and a curiosity about it that I might just have to satisfy before I pick up the next one. It's quite fascinating to read something that proves to be both entertaining and educational!
But Riordan really shines when it comes to his characters. Magnus Chase is different from Percy, Jason, Sadie and Carter. He's older (16!), and his real life hasn't been great since his mother died and he became a homeless teen. Still, he shares a few similarities with the rest: his lack of preparation or knowledge of how the supernatural happens to be a part of his life; he also extremely loyal, always willing to fight for the people he cares about no matter what the cost, another patented Riordan hero quality. But he's more easygoing and quicker to understand the "lay of the land". Plus, he's got this brand of sarcastic humor that I just love (mostly because it reminds me of my husband). He's joined on his mission by his friends Sam (a former Valkyrie who also happens to be a badass demigod fighter), Blitz (a dwarf with impeccable fashion sense) and Hearth (a deaf and mute elf); he meets the gods and other demigods along the way; he also encounters a familiar face, his cousin Annabeth Chase(!). Really, Riordan excels at writing ensemble casts, and The Sword of Summer is no exception to that rule.
The Sword of Summer is fast-paced and filled with enough excitement to keep you turning the pages until you reach the very end. I honestly had no idea what to expect, and it definitely made this reading experience even more fun! (This is also the reason I don't want to get into specifics about the plot.) It also is a funny story, filled with wisecracks, sarcastic retorts and clever chapter headings that made me laugh out loud. As always, it was a real treat to spend time with a Rick Riordan novel, and I can't wait for more!
"Let's Carpe the Hell Out of This Diem."
November 24, 2015 • Alexandra Bracken, book review, By Alexa, series review, young adult fiction
Series: The Darkest Minds #1-3
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Dates: December 8, 2012 / October 15, 2013 / October 28, 2014
Source/Format: Owned || Kindle, hardcover; Borrowed from Rachel || ARC
Imagine, if you will, a world where children develop a mutation that allows them to tap into unseen parts of their brains and do extraordinary things. But these children, instead of being celebrated for what they can do, are quarantined in camps and facilities. They are treated poorly, inhumanely, by those scared of what they can unleash and those high on the power they have been granted. Imagine, then, that there comes a day when it all becomes too much to take. Imagine that one girl is given the opportunity to be free, to fight for her rights, for her friends, for these children. This is the story of Ruby Elizabeth Daly. This is the story of her friends, her allies, her enemies. This is the tale of how one girl lit a spark, and set the world on fire to create it anew.
It all sounds a bit dramatic, I know. But the way that The Darkest Minds is told just demands such an extreme response. There's a level of mastery in the way that it is written that I haven't encountered very often in my reads, with Bracken striking just the right balance between exposition and revelation. We don't know everything about this world or these characters right off the bat. But Bracken carefully peels away at all the layers, until we learn what the bottom line is, what the truth is. It's one heck of a journey, and the initial uncertainty and lack of knowledge makes the reading experience all the more intense. This story is woven well, inviting readers to get to know these characters in their fullness, past, present and future, admirable traits or inevitable flaws. It slowly maps out a variety of relationships, all of which fall somewhere on the spectrum between necessity and desire. It exposes a world of utter strangeness permeated with familiarity and just on the line between what's real and what's not. The care and caution that went into the construction of this story, of this series really, is undeniable, and I truly admire the writing ability Bracken has displayed.
The true strength of The Darkest Minds lies in two things: characters and themes. Yes, the world-building is excellent, particularly because there is an obvious attention to detail. Yes, the plot is well-planned, with surprising twists meant to catch readers off guard and further ensure their investment in the book. However, without the overarching themes, without these characters, I wouldn't be able to lavish the same amount of praise on this series.
I love being entertained by my reads, but I also love being challenged by them. The Darkest Minds might be fiction, but it does bring some really interesting questions to the forefront of a reader's mind. What is right and what is wrong? Is there any situation where the end will justify the means? Why is it that we automatically assume that different is dangerous or different is bad? Is there more than one type of family? How far are you willing to go in the name of freedom? In the name of control? What will it take to make people understand? How much needs to happen before people take notice of injustice that is happening right in front of their faces? Why do people turn out differently in spite of having similar personalities and gifts? I have no clue whether or not Bracken intentionally wove themes of prejudice, relationships, injustice and more into her stories, but either way, it was really well done. It was really interesting to find myself thinking about these things, and trying to discern my own answers. I felt really challenged and empowered, and I love that these books inspired me to go that route.
Admittedly, the themes are point in favor of this series. But I don't think I would have felt them so keenly or examined them so well if I didn't care so deeply for these characters. Ruby. Liam. Chubs. Zu. The original Black Betty gang, and the group of kids that immediately stole my heart. Each one of them has experienced horrible things, has done horrible things, but each one manages to stay strong. True. Loyal. Vulnerable. Even if it doesn't seem like it, they always have the best intentions when it comes to their choices. They care deeply for one another, always acting in each other's best interests. More than friendships, more than allies, more even than the romance (which was pretty damn swoon-worthy and wrecked me multiple times), they were family. As the events in this series unfold, more characters join the fold - Jude, Nico and Vida, Cate and Cole. It took some time to really warm up to anyone outside the original four, but after reading all the novels, I can't imagine this story without all the rest in its pages. These characters felt real, as they flew up out of the pages and into my heart. And I know that they are the kind that will stick around for the long run in my mind and in my heart.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is this: The Darkest Minds is insanely amazing. It has all the elements I want in my stories: strong and flawed characters with complex relationships, detailed world-building, and an intricate plot. Every character, every moment pops to life off the page effortlessly, and it didn't take all that long before I was emotionally invested in the outcome. If you're looking for a new young adult series to binge read, if you want to be emotionally invested in characters whose lives and choices will wreck you on occasion, if you want to be transported into a terrifying, vivid new world, your search ends here. Pick up your own copy of The Darkest Minds (and you might want to make sure you have the other two on hand), and simply let the story take you away.
Through the Dark by Alexandra Bracken
Series: The Darkest Minds #1.5, 2.5 + 3.5
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: October 6, 2015
[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the content of my review.]
It might not be necessary to read these novellas in order to enjoy the series. But I can easily tell you that reading Through the Dark enhances the experience of Bracken's world, giving readers a chance to see what's going on in places other than wherever Ruby happens to be. I was fascinated by the glimpses of the country and camps that these novellas provided, terrible and horrible and scary and occasionally good. But I was even more thrilled to get to know two characters more intimately - Zu, the youngest member of the Black Betty gang who is selectively mute, and Sam, a Green kid that Ruby was incarcerated with at Thurmond. Both these periods in their lives are handled delicately, as their circumstances are certainly never ideal. Bracken succeeds at getting creative with her stories, even as she keeps things consistent with what is happening on Ruby's end in the novels. I read it in the recommended order (The Darkest Minds, In Time, Never Fade, Sparks Rise, In the Afterlight and Beyond the Night), and they fit together seamlessly. Fans should certainly read this bind-up, as these novellas are perfectly written to accompany the series.
College Confessions • Just Visiting
November 23, 2015 • book review, By Alexa, Dahlia Adler, young adult fiction
Just Visiting by Dahlia Adler
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Publication Date: November 17, 2015
Source/Format: Author || e-galley
[I received this book from the author. This in no way affects the content of my review.]
Confession: There is no one “right” way when it comes to college.
I don’t regret going to college and getting my degree; in fact, I consider myself lucky to have been given the gift of a great education. What I do regret, however, is the fact that I never once questioned my options. I could have studied in another country. I could have taken a gap year to travel. I could have volunteered for a year. I could have taken time off to really think about what I wanted out of life. Even though I know I would have eventually wound up in college at some point, I would have been equipped with more experience, more insight into myself and what I really saw in my future. It would definitely have made my own college experience a whole lot less terrifying and confusing; it would have grounded me in purpose with an actual goal.
Publisher: Spencer Hill Contemporary
Publication Date: November 17, 2015
Source/Format: Author || e-galley
[I received this book from the author. This in no way affects the content of my review.]
Reagan Forrester wants out—out of her trailer park, out of reach of her freeloading mother, and out of the shadow of the relationship that made her the pariah of Charytan, Kansas. Victoria Reyes wants in—in to a fashion design program, in to the arms of a cute guy who doesn't go to Charytan High, and in to a city where she won't stand out for being Mexican.
One thing the polar-opposite best friends do agree on is that wherever they go, they’re staying together. But when they set off on a series of college visits at the start of their senior year, they quickly see that the future doesn’t look quite like they expected. As both Reagan and Victoria struggle to learn who they are and what they want in the present, they discover just how much they don't know about each other's pasts. And when each learns what the other’s been hiding, they'll have to decide whether their friendship has a future.
If you’re anything like me as a reader, you’ll like Just Visiting. It is a recent addition to the group of YA contemporaries that feature excellent female friendships, and I’m personally thrilled to be able to say that it’s really good! Adler’s portrayal of friendship is incredibly spot on – fun and frank, with no hesitation to show the natural ups and downs as the relationship grows. (It really isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, even when you love your friend dearly!) But her story is not just about these two friends. It’s about their struggle to figure out what they want to do after high school, learning more about themselves and yes, there’s a bit of romance thrown in too.
It’s so rare to find an author who knows how to capture relationship dynamics perfectly, but Dahlia Adler certainly has a knack for it. Friendship, romance, family, enmity, attraction – all of these relationships can be found in Just Visiting. They were all written to be complicated, and their complexity made them seem real to me, and I loved that. I was happy to go along for the ride, watching as Adler explored and exposed different parts of these relationships to share with us. The highlight, of course, is watching Reagan and Victoria’s friendship grow as both girls do. They go through some tough times (balanced out by the fun they have together), and they definitely fight. But their friendship just gets stronger when faced with adversity, and I really, really loved that.
Readers will also appreciate how Adler shows the struggle of two teen girls trying to figure out what they’d like to do with their lives after high school. There are a lot of options out there, and I like that this story explored many alternatives. Add to that the college visits (which were fascinating to me), the diverse cast of characters, and a surprisingly dramatic turn of events, and Just Visiting gets even better. I really liked this one, and definitely think others will too!
After reading Just Visiting, I had a chat with Rachel of Hello, Chelly and it surprised her to learn that I had never gone on college visits ever. With that in mind, and with the desire to share a little bit of my own thoughts about college, I wanted to share my own college story with all of you!
Confession: I never had to do college visits.
In a big way, this had a lot to do with distance. The bigger schools were all in Manila, an island that requires a 45-minute plane ride from my hometown of Bacolod. There was not enough time (or funds) for school visits. And sure, there might have been some program designed to allow high school seniors to visit the schools the way that Reagan and Victoria did (though I wasn’t aware of it, mind you). But for the most part, representatives from the universities would visit schools all over the Philippines to talk about their alma maters.
Confession: This never really concerned me.
When I was a senior in high school, there were really only three schools that were options for my college education: Ateneo de Manila University (my first choice, and my alma mater!), De La Salle University (where my parents and most of my dad’s side of the family went to college!) and University of Asia & the Pacific (where my sisters went to college!).
I ran with it, submitting three sets of applications and taking three different entrance examinations, not even stopping to think about whether or not these places (and courses) were truly what I wanted to do with my life. I didn’t have a plan back then, nor did I really have any sense of what direction my life would take. I decided that it would be easiest to just go with the flow, take others’ opinions into account and then hopefully, magically, I would suddenly know what to do.
Confession: I had never really thought about college, or life after college.
I had no plans. I wasn’t like a lot of the college freshmen I encountered – those who were armed with a four year plan to jumpstart their adult lives, those who were ready to reinvent themselves for an entirely new experience, those who were ready to just enjoy their lives and coast through college. I had nothing going for me but my family’s expectations, my love of learning and the idea that this was the right thing to do. I’ll save you the long sob story (which includes an intensely crazy first semester) but with thanks to some really excellent people – my parents, my friends and some of my teachers – I found my way.

Still, I can’t say college wasn’t a life-changing experience. I learned plenty, in the classroom and outside it. And I certainly don’t regret the relationships I formed. (Fun fact: I met my now husband when I was a freshman in college! And I’m still very close with my roommates for all four years of my college life.) All in all, in spite of the fact that I might not have chosen for it to go the way it went, college turned out to be a turning point, a good one, and for that, I will always look back at those years with affection.
The Sunday Mix (19)
November 22, 2015 • The Sunday Mix
This year has simply been flying by! I've said that so, so many times already, but it's still true. In the last edition of this post, November had just started; in this edition, it's nearly at its end. I'm really looking forward to having Thursday (Thanksgiving meal, here we come!) and Friday off (I don't know if I'm doing any shopping yet), and just relaxing with my family and friends (and a book or two). And then it'll be time to put the Christmas decorations up, which I am madly excited about!
WHAT I READ
- Cee is hosting the YA Book Cover Choice Awards again! I love a pretty cover. The nomination round is over now, but the semi-final and final rounds of voting will be coming up, so keep an eye out for that. What's your favorite 2015 book cover?
- If you're on the hunt for some Christmas romances to read, Estelle has you covered. Here's her list of suggestions for this year! Have you read Christmas romances before? Share your recommendations in the comments!
- Jodi Meadows shares some ideas for how to write conflict into a story. It's always a struggle for me to let my characters suffer (which makes me Jodi's complete opposite), so I'm keeping this bookmarked to remind myself that it's okay, it's necessary and there are plenty of different ways to do it.
- Looking for some 2016 contemporary releases? Ginger put together a list of titles that she's excited to read (and she's hosting a giveaway!). Personally, I'm most excited to check out Emery Lord's When We Collided. What 2016 release, whether contemporary or another genre, are you looking forward to?
- Cee created wallpapers featuring her favorite quotes from books she's read this year. I'm particularly in love with the Six of Crows one! Which is your favorite?
- I always enjoy Rachel's Featurette posts, but I'm especially intrigued by the latest one featuring Lauren Smith. She recommended a French version of Beauty and the Beast, and I already know I'm going to do my best to find a way to watch it. Do you watch foreign films? If you do, what's your favorite?
- Josephine talks about reading in public. There are definitely moments where I spot readers in public, and I live for those moments! I always feel a sense of connection as a fellow reader. As for me, I'm generally reading a book whenever I commute or wait somewhere public. It's my preferred way to pass the time, and my favorite hobby, so it's a given that's what I'm normally found doing. Do you read in public or during your commute?
- I love it when I can learn something from the books I read. This Bustle article shares lessons you can learn from some well-known childhood reads, and I definitely found myself agreeing when it came to the ones I've read (Charlotte's Web, The Hobbit and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe).
- Dahlia Adler shares book recommendations for each member of the Babysitters Club, and I love the heck out of all of them (even the ones I haven't read). First of all, I love the BSC. I grew up reading about those girls (and guy, if you count Logan). Second of all, her reasons for each rec make so much sense. I personally love the Jessi/Tiny Pretty Things one best!
- "Writing isn't always easy. And that's totally okay. Just keep on writing." I really, really love Susan Dennard's thoughts on NaNoWriMo and writing; I always have! It was actually partly because of her (and Sarah J. Maas) that I ever tried my hand at NaNoWriMo in the first place, and I'll always be grateful for that.
- A Court of Thorns and Roses was optioned for film! Even though that's only the start of the process, it's very exciting stuff. And now, my only question is - who do you think they should cast in it?
- Ever wondered if your favorite Disney places were inspired by real life locations? This article puts the film location and real location side by side, and it is glorious. I just want to take a trip to visit them all.
- Who else is excited about Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? I loved seeing these first photographs of the film, and I'm even more excited to see it when it's out in theaters.
WHAT I ACQUIRED
bought: The Secret Garden + A Little Princess Classic Library / The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett / A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett / Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier / Me Before You by Jojo Moyes / Sandry's Book by Tamora Pierce / Book Three: Air + Book Four: Earth by Tamora Pierce / Cold Fire by Tamora Pierce / I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith / Granny Dan by Danielle Steel / Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas / The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes / The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley / Daja's Book by Tamora Pierce / Squire by Tamora Pierce / Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas / Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas / Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas / The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn / Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn / Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff (Kindle book)
for review: Loud is How I Love You by Mercy Brown
Autumn Adventures
November 20, 2015 • personal
It has been entirely too long since I've shared what's been going on in my life with you guys, and I miss it. Sure, I mention what's been happening over the last two weeks in The Sunday Mix, and yes, I also tell you all about the month in my recaps. But I haven't gotten the chance to actually write a whole post detailing some of my adventures since September, and I thought it was high time to remedy that! Signings, friends (bookish or otherwise), road trips, bookstores and food - this post has a little bit of everything. Get ready for a whirlwind tour of my life!
- Way back at the end of September, Rachel & I caught a Jana Kramer concert at Gramercy Theatre. (We featured it as part of Books in Real Life!) I'm still not over it. It was definitely one of the best performances I've ever seen. Jana has a great stage presence, and easily charmed me and the rest of the crowd with her stunning voice and friendly personality. (I'm also still obsessed with her albums. You should check them both out!)
- Also at the end of September, Rachel & I trekked up to the Barnes and Noble in the Upper East Side for a chance to meet Jojo Moyes. In my personal opinion, she's one of the best adult contemporary fiction writers in the business. It was really fun to hear her speak about her books, and the upcoming movie adaptation of Me Before You, and I was so glad I was able to tell her how much I loved her stories in person.
- My sister Mel has been on a baking kick recently. Initially, she did all the work herself, creating brownies (yum!) and cookies (these were especially delicious!). But when she started making cupcakes, she recruited me to be her right hand girl. My most important task was to frost the cupcakes, which is apparently something I actually can do. It's probably my steady hands that make it so easy!
- It's been a whirlwind of secondhand bookstores for me over the last month, and I've soaked up every single minute of my visits. I honestly love a good bargain, and when it happens to be for books I love or want to read, it's even better! I got some great deals (which you'll see in Sunday's post), and got to hang out with some awesome people in the process. This particular photo is from a visit to The Strand with my friend Danica.
- In October, Rachel & I went apple picking. (We also featured this for Books in Real Life!) I hadn't been to an apple orchard since I was a little girl and still lived in the US, so it was a bit of novelty to me. Even though we went late in the season, there was plenty of fruit for the picking (or gathering) and we were quite pleased with our apple haul by the end. Plus, we got to have apple cider donuts, and I love apple cider donuts.
- It's a hobbit home! While we weren't able to visit in time for second breakfast, nor did we encounter any hobbits, it was enough just to see this adorable structure in person. It can be found at the Book Barn up in Connecticut, a place I've been longing to go to for ages. Finally, after making concrete plans with Gaby, Alyssa & Amy, I spent one Sunday on the road, meeting up with the girls at the bookstore and just hanging out. It was so much fun!
- I finally got a chance to reunite with some of my friends! We had a pre-birthday dinner for my cousin Clarissa at Taqueria, where the tacos are delicious and the margaritas are a little too strong. It was fun to just spend the night catching up with the girls on what's been going on in our lives, what the future holds for us and making plans too. We were enjoying ourselves so much that we ended up grabbing a bottle of wine and hanging out at Jaymee's apartment!
- Speaking of Jaymee's apartment, Mel & I slept over the next day. In the tradition of sleepovers past, we had cute pajamas on, lots of snacks on hand and we watched a few movies (Rumor Has It, Love Actually and Listen To Your Heart). It was a really fun way to unwind, and Clarissa even joined us for a portion of it.
- Rachel drove us all the way down to West Chester so we could meet up with Betty and Kelly at Second Reading II, a secondhand bookstore I had heard about from Kim. Saturday is actually bag sale day, and that basically means you fill an entire bag with as many books as you possibly can and it's going to cost you only $15! You can bet I took full advantage of that, and I brought home some new books for my collection.
- I love that I was able to hang out with some of my closest bookish friends in person! It's so rare for me to get to see Betty, and even rarer to get to see Kelly (I see Rachel all the time, but I always love hanging out with her and never take that for granted), so I treasured every second. It's definitely different (in the best way) to see people in the flesh, and to really have conversations about anything and everything. Love these girls loads!
- We had a late lunch at the Market Street Grill, a cute spot that had a diner feel. I had to indulge in a vanilla milkshake and the classic Benny. Both were really yummy, and I was definitely just the right amount of full when we finished. Plus, doesn't it just look like such a happy meal?
- I did my first ever #SockSunday post last week on Instagram, and I'm excited to do more in the future! I do love a pair of cute socks, and these are a recent addition to my collection. I was reading The Impostor Queen then, though I finished later that day. (It was really, really good, in case you were wondering, and I'm hoping there's a sequel to come. Pretty please?)
Flip A Coin • Rules for 50/50 Chances
November 19, 2015 • book review, By Alexa, Friends with ARCs, Kate McGovern, young adult fiction
Rules for 50/50 Chances by Kate McGovern
Publisher: Farrar, Strous & Giroux (BYR)
Publication Date: November 24, 2015
Source/Format: Publisher || ARC
[I received this book from Macmillan. This in no way affects the content of my review.]
Publisher: Farrar, Strous & Giroux (BYR)
Publication Date: November 24, 2015
Source/Format: Publisher || ARC
[I received this book from Macmillan. This in no way affects the content of my review.]
Seventeen-year-old Rose Levenson has a decision to make: Does she want to know how she’s going to die? Because when Rose turns eighteen, she can take the test that will tell her if she carries the genetic mutation for Huntington’s disease, the degenerative condition that is slowly killing her mother. With a fifty-fifty shot at inheriting her family’s genetic curse, Rose is skeptical about pursuing anything that presumes she’ll live to be a healthy adult—including going to ballet school and the possibility of falling in love. But when she meets a boy from a similarly flawed genetic pool, and gets an audition for a dance scholarship in California, Rose begins to question her carefully-laid rules.
To put it simply, I really enjoyed Rules for 50/50 Chances.
Rose is one of the realest teen narrators I've read in a while, and not just because of her vernacular. It is actually quite impressive how easily McGovern manages the many things Rose is dealing with: her mother's Huntington's disease and what it means for her, a budding romance with artistic Chad, uncertainty about what her future as a university student is going to look like. She makes all these things fit perfectly into the puzzle of Rose's story, never missing a beat when it comes to making sure all these aspects are developed properly. While there were times I found her so frustrating, it is testament to how well-written her character is that I also understood where she was coming from.
It's even nicer to know that Rose is not the only memorable character. There's Chad, the boy who makes her laugh and understands her feelings about her mother's condition. There's Lena, her supportive, vivacious best friend. There's her grandmother, who came over from England to help out around the house; her father, who struggles to do his best in light of the situation; her mother, torn between who she used to be and who she's becoming at the hands of her disease. McGovern really takes the time to introduce these characters, and it certainly pays off!
But, more than anything, it's the raw authenticity that makes Rules for 50/50 Chances stand out. Yes, I loved the adorable romance that develops. Yes, the friendship was something I approved of. Yes, the depiction of Huntington's Disease is detailed and educational. Yes, I enjoyed the mentions of art, and trains, and ballet as a big part of these character's lives. But it is the way McGovern didn't hesitate to peel back the layers and show us the truth of what's underneath everything that really appealed to me. Rose's narration - how she feels, what she does, what she says - is laid bare for the reader, whether it happens to be good or bad, right or wrong. This is true from start to finish, and I really love that we're not given rose-colored glasses to view this situation. The disease is a tragedy, and the way that it is affecting everyone involved is terrible. There are good things, yes, but there are also bad things, and the fact that both are included in this story just made it even better.
If you're looking for something a little bit different in the contemporary YA genre, you should pick up Rules for 50/50 Chances. It's sad and frustrating; it's heart-warming and cute. And, most of all, it's one of the realest contemporaries I've had the fortune to read.
Are you a train person or a plane person?
Am I allowed to cheat and say that I'm both? I love traveling, and these are actually my two favorite ways to get to the places I want to go. I've ridden on many more planes versus trains, but I'd have to say that I'm pretty darn sure I'm a train girl. Even though it takes up more time to take trains, I love it. I love being able to sit by a window and watch the scenery going by, changing as we move along the track. I love the amount of space I have to stretch, and the freedom to walk around when I'm tired of sitting. I've also just felt more comfortable sitting on trains for long periods of time, feeling the easy, slight sway of the wheels carrying us forward. Plus, more transit time means more reading time! All in all, I don't mind a long journey; sometimes, it's just fun to take your time savoring the experience of getting to a new place.
{Bookish} Style Files: Plaid Adventures
November 18, 2015 • bookish style files
I'm really excited to put a new spin on {Bookish} Style Files! Even though I've never had any interest in creating an actual style blog chronicling my outfits, I do love the challenge of putting together a look that fits my personal aesthetic perfectly. So, I've decided to start pairing my outfits with book covers as a variation of this feature!
Whenever cooler weather comes around, I consider three things my outfit staples - a leather jacket, a plaid flannel shirt and boots. The weekend I went apple picking with Rachel, I wanted to dress up in my usual fall gear so I could share one of my go-to looks with you guys. Everything in this outfit is definitely a wardrobe staple! My leather jacket is an old one, so I don't remember where I got it. I got my plaid scarf, blue flannel shirt, black shirt and skinny jeans from Forever 21. My sunglasses are from the Philippines.
The Books:
1. Magnolia by Kristi Cook | This novel is, by far, one of the cutest YA contemporary romances I've read all year! I'm always drawn to stories set in the South and to stories where the relationship goes from love-to-hate and stories where the couple has some history. Magnolia ticks off all three of those things, and it was super adorable!
2. Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan | I was really obsessed with Ryan's zombie series (particularly the last book, which had me ugly crying by the end of it), so I'm eager to pick up this standalone novel. It's a revenge story, which is always fun to read, and I have faith that her writing will do this plot justice.
3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer | I'm a huge fan of the way that Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series puts a spin on fairy tale characters I grew up with! I've been eagerly anticipating the last novel Winter (which was out last Tuesday), but the entire series has been such an entertaining read from start to finish. It's a great ensemble story (with such memorable characters), and I highly recommend it!
Quit Playing Games With My Heart
November 17, 2015 • adult fiction, book review, By Alexa, Megan Erickson, series review
Changing His Game by Megan Erickson
Series: Gamers #1
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Publication: April 28, 2015
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle e-book
Series: Gamers #1
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Publication: April 28, 2015
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle e-book
Marley Lake is no stranger to awkwardness, but getting caught watching a dirty GIF by the company’s hot new IT guy exceeds even her standards. That is, until she realizes he's as turned on by it as she is. But with a big promotion on the line, she refuses to let her current dry spell be her downfall. Maybe.
Austin Rivers has no business lusting after the irresistible editor of Gamers Magazine. He's a secret partner in the business—and technically Marley’s boss. One look at that GIF, though, and he’s ready to install a whole lot more than just software…as long as she never finds out who he really is.
But reality’s not as virtual as it seems, and when Austin’s identity jeopardizes Marley’s promotion, he has to change his game or risk losing the only woman with the cheat code to his heart.
Watching sparks fly is one of my favorite things about reading romance, and Erickson shows readers how it's done really well in Changing His Game. The passionate, volatile relationship that springs up between Marley and Austin is something that truly tickled my fancy as a reader. Of course, it probably wouldn't have worked out that way, were it not for Megan Erickson's deft hand at creating characters that are complex and slightly eccentric.
Here are three important things to know about this story:
CHARACTERS | I really liked Marley a lot! Her determination to succeed in her field, in spite of it being dominated by men, was really cool, and her passion for her job admirable. I love that she's got more to her than meets the eye, a wild, passionate side hidden under her steady, smart, respectable "day" face. And then, there's sweet, awkward Austin, who I just wanted to scoop up and cuddle. He might not be the best at social encounters, but he sure as hell knows how to be romantic and extremely hot in the bedroom. Let's not forget the fact that's he's both intelligent and creative, yes? Apart from these two, there's a bunch of delightful secondary characters introduced (some of whom get will be getting their own book) who definitely steal the spotlight when they happen to be on the page.
PLOT | Girl and guy have meet-cute, where it just so happens that they both see a porn GIF that sparks curiosity and desire. They act on their desire, unable to resist the lure that draws them together. Guy, knowing the obstacles between them, lies by omission, even as he continues his pursuit. They start to fall in love, only to have the truth come out and become their setback. Even though it's a familiar plot, it becomes unique in Erickson's hands because of her handle of dialogue, character and sexytimes. I didn't mind the predictability at all, mostly because I loved seeing these two characters develop quite the relationship.
ROMANCE | Obviously, the heart of this book lies in the romance. It's true that Austin and Marley act out of lust initially. But it doesn't stay that way! The more they get to know about each other, the easier it is for them to actually begin to fall in love. It felt organic and wonderful, even though you know that that truth is hanging over their heads like a guillotine. They're good for each other, and I happily rooted for their relationship to work out, in spite of what lay in their way.
Changing His Game is equal parts sweet, awkward romance and steamy, sexy encounters. I really enjoyed it! It's one of those novels that's perfect for reading in one sitting, and I'm sure plenty of readers will enjoy the time they spend with Austin and Marley.
Playing for Her Heart by Megan Erickson
Series: Gamers #2
Publisher: Entangled: Brazen
Publication Date: August 11, 2015
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle e-book
Grant Osprey just had the hottest sex of his life. Sure, they were both in costume, and yes, it was anonymous, but he never expected her to bolt in the middle of the night without so much as a good bye, let alone exchanging numbers. Or names. All he's left with are her panties and some seriously X-rated memories...until he meets his business partner's little sister. Only Chloe Talley isn't the bold, sexy vixen he remembers. And she wants nothing to do with him.
Cosplay is Chloe's only chance to leave her boring, socially awkward world behind. To forget that she's failing at life and can't be with anyone, let alone a single-father like Grant. But the raw hunger between them is undeniable. With him, she can be a misbehaving maid. A sexy call girl for hire. Each scene pushes Chloe beyond her strict boundaries, until Grant demands the one character she can't play. Herself.
Raise your hand if you've ever thought cosplay or role play was a fun idea. *raises hand* It is my personal dream to attend a convention where I would be encouraged to dress up as a character I love. That, my friends, was one of the reasons that I loved Playing for Her Heart - role play and cosplay are both a part of this budding romance! I enjoyed this one even more than its predecessor, mostly because I immediately fell in love with Grant Osprey.
Anyway, here are three things you should know about this story:
CHARACTERS | Grant Osprey was completely irresistible, at least on a personal level. He's a great guy, a wonderful dad and he's got sex appeal that's off the charts. I already had a soft spot for him in Changing His Game, but I definitely fell head over heels in love with him because of this story! Chloe Talley is, without a doubt, a good match for him. She challenges him in a way no one else does (and he gives it right back to her). Plus, she's smart, independent and has so much love to give. But it's not just these two that readers are going to love; there are plenty of appearances from other characters we've already met in the first book, and it's really fun to see them all again!
PLOT | Chloe and Grant initially meet under the guise of the characters they are dressed up as, and sparks fly instantly even though they both treat it like a one night stand. But they happen to meet again in real life, sparks are still flying... and clearly, this means that this is a relationship that's bound to develop, whether they like it or not. Apart from the hot romance brewing, readers are treated to a closer look at each of their individual lives, in a way that makes you love each character even more than you already did.
ROMANCE | They might have been in disguise the first time they ever meet, but that just makes their sexual encounter even hotter. I love how role play was a big part of their initial attraction and fascination. But I also love that, when the roles are eventually dropped to reveal their real personalities, they happen to really like each other too. It's an interesting commentary on how a relationship is based on loving the real person underneath all appearances, flaws and talents and all. Watching the romance blossom between Chloe and Grant was absolutely wonderful, from start to finish.
I really loved Playing His Heart! It's my favorite of this series so far (and yes, I may be biased because Grant is my favorite guy so far). It's another take on the nerdy-slash-sexy romance from Megan Erickson, and she certainly did it justice. I highly recommend giving this one a shot!
Books in Real Life, Episode 9: Since You've Been Gone
November 16, 2015 • Books in Real Life
I'm ridiculously excited about this month's Books in Real Life. In case you didn't know, Rachel of Hello Chelly & I collaborate on this regular feature where challenge ourselves to do the things we read about in books... in real life. This month's outing came together quite organically, mostly because it's such a seasonal activity! We were inspired by Since You've Been Gone, a novel from Morgan Matson about friendship, first love and finding your own wings. In this story, Emily's best friend Sloane has disappeared without a word of warning; the only thing she's left is a list of tasks for Emily to accomplish. It's a finely crafted YA contemporary, and I'd highly recommend reading it to find out what happens to Emily!
As mentioned, Sloane leaves a list of things for Emily to do, and one of those tasks is "apple picking at night". That's an allusion to something entirely different, but it does involve an apple orchard. And so, we decided to go on an apple picking adventure! We visited Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery in New Jersey, and though we were a bit late into the apple picking season, there was still plenty of fruit to go around. I hadn't been apple picking since I was a little girl, so it was fun to experience it all over again, especially as an adult!
In order to get to the orchard, you can either take a brief, invigorating walk. Or, you can do what we did, and hop on one of the truck/tractors that will take you to the top of the orchard. As something that I always associate with apple picking, and because the opportunity presented itself, we just had to hitch a ride! Plus, you get a good look at most of the orchard and there are some pretty stunning nature views to behold.
You end your ride deposited at the top of the orchard, where the team gives you some brief instructions, including what apple varieties are available and how to locate them. And then you're off on your own! We took a little time to just wander through the orchard, admiring the gorgeous autumn views that this location treated us too.
It was as good a place as any (seriously, there was nothing but stunning views all around) to take a selfie together, so that's just what we did! I swear, most of my cutest photos are the ones I take with Rachel when we're off on any of our adventures.
Then it was time to get down to business and pick some apples! Considering how late in the season it was, I certainly wasn't expecting there to be a ton of fruit left on the trees - but I was wrong. There are, apparently, a few varieties of apple that are only really ready to pick at this time of year, so we had a lot to choose from. We wandered up and down the rows, stopping wherever we fancied to grab some apples to fill our bag!
We gathered a good amount of apples to take home with us. (Translation: We filled the bag to the point where it was quite heavy, and we had to take turns carrying it.) By the time we were done, the air had gotten crisper, and the day a little darker, but nothing could dampen our spirits at this point! We had successfully acquired apples, and really made the most out of our experience in the orchard.
We dutifully rewarded ourselves with some apple cider donuts. You guys, I love apple cider donuts. I'm not even ashamed to admit that I can eat a whole bag by myself in one sitting when the opportunity presents itself. We took our time munching on these glorious donuts, and talking about life and the future and other fun things.
1. What was your favorite part or a memorable moment? I just really enjoyed my apple cider donuts during our snack break. Plus, Rachel and I always have the most excellent conversations whenever we hang out together; this day was no exception to that rule!
2. Anything you wish you'd known beforehand? I wish I'd known about their excellent food selection! It would have been nice to have lunch there, so I wish we hadn't eaten such a full breakfast so close to the time we arrived. (We ate DD in the car!)
3. Would I do this again? Absolutely! I would like to go earlier, and see the trees filled with fruit. Plus, then I would get to have more donuts and I would be prepared to wine and dine a bit.
On a whim, I decided to record footage so I could make a video of our day out. All the footage was taken on my iPhone 5S, and I'm admittedly pleased at how well it turned out! I hope you guys enjoy getting a chance to see us in action ;)
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