Beach Reads Top Ten

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they provide a Top Ten topic for you to create your list, then you share it on their post so others can find you. :)

  ♥ Top Ten Books for the Beach♥

I don't do beaches often, but these are all books I could imagine reading at one. I thought about this as not just lighter reads, but reads that really engrossed me. Since I can be easily distracted, and there's lots to be distracted by at a beach, I felt that was key. :)

What would your beach reads be?

Smiles,

B

Cover Love: Top Ten Tuesday Favorite Covers

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they provide a Top Ten topic for you to create your list, then you share it on their post so others can find you. :)

  ♥ Top Ten Favorite Covers of Books I've Read ♥

I had fun going back and looking on Goodreads to browse covers of books I've read. I also tried to think about books I read prior to using Goodreads. That being said, since not all books seem to hit me, this probably isn't a comprehensive list. ;)  Nonetheless... in no particular order...

Splintered by AG Howard

I love the colors and how it all just 'pops' out at me. It's simply breathtaking, really. 

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Creeptastic! This was the first book I ever bought based solely on the cover - I had *no* clue what the book was about, I just knew I had to own it.

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

This was a gift from Malissa, but I probably would have done the same as with the previous Yovanoff book - had to own it. :)

 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I love the simplicity. The mockingjay is a character all on its own and it's just perfect. No other cover could do this series justice in my eyes.  

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

I love the masquerade look and once you read it you see a glimpse into part of the story. I love it.

 

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

I love this. I mean, really, who doesn't want to be laying with a ghost over you in the mist?

 

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Simply gorgeous. All four of these are wonderful and I'm sad to see them redone. As they usually are when movies are made. :(

 

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

*This* cover. This is the one I have on my shelf and I still love it. I really wish they had kept with this theme when making the rest of them.

 

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Another simple one, yet so meaningful again. I liked it before I read it but loved it after I read it.

 

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

This cover is so haunting to me. Her eyes are so sad, and she has no mouth exposed. Perfect cover for a perfect book. 

What books have you read whose covers you just adore?

Smiles,

B

Review • The Last Little Blue Envelope • Review

Title: The Last Little Blue Envelope
Author: Maureen Johnson
Series: Little Blue Envelope #2
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: April 2011
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars


~ The Scoop from Goodreads ~

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack--and the last little blue envelope inside--she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure--one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

 

I actually enjoyed this one more than the first one. I wasn't sure, going in, what to expect to get from this. I liked 13 Little Blue Envelopes, but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would, so I left it a bit disappointed. However, I left this one quite happy with where the story went and how it was all tied together. 

I really like Maureen Johnson's writing and how she incorporates wittiness and sarcasm into her characters. The storyline was a smidgen predictable, in the broadest of the term, but there were still some nice surprises along the way.  

This isn't a heavy read, or a life-changing, thought provoking read. Yes, there are some nice insights made, revelations to be had, but overall this is an upbeat story that I felt fairly light after reading it. I like that. 

Have you read it? What'd you think?

Smiles,
B

Review • 13 Little Blue Envelopes • Review

Title: 13 Little Blue Envelopes
Author: Maureen Johnson
Series: Little Blue Envelope #1
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: September 2006
Source:  Library
Rating: 3.5 stars

~ The Scoop from Goodreads ~

When Ginny receives thirteen little blue envelopes and instructions to buy a plane ticket to London, she knows something exciting is going to happen. What Ginny doesn't know is that she will have the adventure of her life and it will change her in more ways than one. Life and love are waiting for her across the Atlantic, and the thirteen little blue envelopes are the key to finding them in this funny, romantic, heartbreaking novel.

After reading Requiem, I really needed a breather from seriousness. From death and destruction and the heaviness of the world ending and all. This seemed like the perfect pick.

I've read four books now by Maureen Johnson. While the first, Devilish, still remains my favorite of hers, this one didn't fair too bad either. It's cute, whimsical, and fun.

While it was an adventure, I did have some problems with it. She is 17 years old. And I'm not sure it matters just how mature that child is, as a mom myself I cannot fathom letting my 17 year old daughter traipse across Europe without contact, without a buddy, without something. Maybe it's the way some people live, but for me I just can't imagine it. But once I got past that (I maybe, possibly, pictured as a college student... that's definitely possible), I was able to enjoy her ride a bit more. 

I also struggled with how naively trusting she was. I realize that she trusted her aunt and so knocking on whatever doors Aunt Peg told her to was perfectly ok with me. But the random strangers she meets and just automatically trusts them not to, I don't know, murder her in her sleep, seems a bit extreme. It would be awesome if our world was that nice, but it's really not. I know, I know, there was the one shady character, but even that didn't seem to be a big deal to her. She just brushed it off like, "Oh, that happened. I'm not freaked out at all." 

Overall, I did enjoy the story. We get to see Ginny grow little on her adventurous side and come to accept that her aunt is gone. It's a fun, light read, and I look forward to seeing what happens in The Last Little Blue Envelope.

Have you read it? What'd you think?

Smiles,
B

WWW Wednesday ♥

WWW Wednesdays was started by MizB over at Should Be Reading,

To play along, simply answer the following three (3) Questions:
1. What are you currently reading?
2. What did you recently finish reading?
3. What do you think you'll read next?

Currently Reading

The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr
Malissa sent me her ARC of this to read. I am really enjoying it. :)

Recently Finished

 

 
 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
Divergent by Veronica Roth

While I enjoyed all of these for different reasons, I loved Divergent and am anxiously waiting for Insurgent to come in at my library so I can read it. :)

What I Might Read Next

  Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Mystery Book by ? 

While I am stupidly excited for Insurgent to come in, I am equally excited about my mystery book Malissa sent me. In case you missed it and care to know... you can find out about our mystery books here.     

What about you? What have you been reading?

Smiles,
B

It's Not You, It's Me... Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they provide a Top Ten topic for you to create your list, then you share it on their post so others can find you. :)

  ♥ Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like More/Less♥

It's not you, it's me...

These I really anticipated enjoying more than I did. This was based on either having read the author before (such as John Green), it being a sequel to one I did rather enjoy, or the description just sounding really good. Alas, I did not enjoy them as much as I thought I would, so here they are on this list.

 An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

 In which preconceived notions were wrong...

These are ones I was impressed with after thinking that I wouldn't enjoy them that much. Some, such was the case with Code Name Verity, I figured the setting would throw me off. Others the description just didn't sound up my alley. But I went for it anyway and I'm glad I did. 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Devilish by Maureen Johnson

Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert

What about you? What books surprised you, one way or another?

Smiles,
B

Memorable Monday ~ The Last Little Blue Envelope

Memorable Monday is a meme hosted by Escape in a Good Book. I'm excited to join in on this one because I love quotes, which was the driving force behind the creation of Memorable Mondays. I thank the ladies at Escape in a Good Book.

So... how do you participate? It's simple ~

1) Share a quote that has captured your interest lately in a Memorable Monday post on your blog.

2) Come back here and leave the link to your post in the comment box below. If you don't have a blog, I'd still love to hear read your quote. Leave it in the comment box instead of a link to a non-existent blog. :)

3) Visit other participants if you have time. It's always nice to have visitors. There's no overstaying your welcome this way, and they don't have to offer the obligatory drinks. Or clean.

4) If you tweet your posts, feel free to use the hashtag #MemorableMonday.

This week's choice:

"It means 'the stain on the page.' We both loved that idea. Painting. Writing. Both just stains on the page."

~The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

 

I agree.  Everlasting stains. On your heart sometimes, too.  :)  


Anything strike you lately?

Smiles,
B

Memorable Monday ~ 13 Little Blue Envelopes

Memorable Monday is a meme hosted by Escape in a Good Book. I'm excited to join in on this one because I love quotes, which was the driving force behind the creation of Memorable Mondays. I thank the ladies at Escape in a Good Book.

So... how do you participate? It's simple ~

1) Share a quote that has captured your interest lately in a Memorable Monday post on your blog.

2) Come back here and leave the link to your post in the comment box below. If you don't have a blog, I'd still love to hear read your quote. Leave it in the comment box instead of a link to a non-existent blog. :)

3) Visit other participants if you have time. It's always nice to have visitors. There's no overstaying your welcome this way, and they don't have to offer the obligatory drinks. Or clean.

4) If you tweet your posts, feel free to use the hashtag #MemorableMonday.

This week's choice:

“I am a mass of contradictions.”

~ 13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson 

  

When I read this I thought, "Aren't we all?" ;)  That's why it stuck with me.

Anything strike you lately?

Smiles,
B

Review ~ The Madness Underneath ~ Review

Title: The Madness Underneath
Author: Maureen Johnson
Series: Shades of London #2
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: Feb 2013
Source: eBook from NetGalley
Rating: 3 stars

~ The Scoop from Goodreads ~

After her near-fatal run-in with the Jack the Ripper copycat, Rory Devereaux has been living in Bristol under the close watch of her parents. So when her therapist suddenly suggests she return to Wexford, Rory jumps at the chance. But Rory's brush with the Ripper touched her more than she thought possible: she's become a human terminus, with the power to eliminate ghosts on contact. She soon finds out that the Shades—the city's secret ghost-fighting police—are responsible for her return. The Ripper may be gone, but now there is a string of new inexplicable deaths threatening London. Rory has evidence that the deaths are no coincidence. Something much more sinister is going on, and now she must convince the squad to listen to her before it's too late.

In this follow-up to the Edgar Award-nominated The Name of the Star, Maureen Johnson adds another layer of spectacularly gruesome details to the streets of London that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Forewarning: There may be spoilers from the FIRST book in the series. But I can guarantee no spoilers for this book. :)

Color me semi-sad. The color... gray. And that's my reaction to this book. I'm sad because I wanted oh-so-much to like it more than I did. I hadn't heard much about it, and I liked the first one (albeit probably not as much as I had hoped as well). I guess I was hoping this one would leave me waiting and wanting for more. Alas, it did not. Like the time my car was stuck in the snow in my driveway and I kept hitting the gas trying to get out... I kept waiting for the story to propel forward.

We start with Rory after the Ripper incident, the one that nearly killed her. She's healing, physically and emotionally. (Now, I've never been knifed, so to speak, but I have had a cesarean, and they cut you open for that. It seemed to me that Rory was moving normally awfully quick for someone who was sliced open and left to bleed out. That was a minor distraction to me.) She's in therapy but she can't address the real issue. She can't tell anyone about her new sight nor can she talk about what really happened in the bathroom back at Wexford. All of that makes sense.

With her new role as a terminus, however, her being away from the Shades is not conducive to their work. She's the only person that can make the ghosts go away. So her therapist is manipulated into suggested Rory return to Wexford. There's a lot of filler about her return; she's failing most, or all, of her classes (not a shocker). She has an insignificant relationship with a boy. Insignificant in the fact that it does nothing, really, to move the plot along, except maybe help her realize just how not "normal" her life. But did she really need a boyfriend to tell her the fact that she can evaporate ghosts now makes her life not "normal"?

Overall the story didn't pick up for me until maybe the last quarter. That's when things really started happening for me. Most of it was fairly predictable (in the fact that I said, aloud, "Really? You didn't see that coming? C'mon!"). There was a bit of a shocker at the end that I was really impressed with.

I will read the next installment, but I won't be rushing to get my hands on it. I was left with a lukewarm feeling with this one, so who's to say how I'll feel about the next one when it comes around.

Have you read this one or the first in the series? What'd you think? If you haven't, do you think you will some time?

Smiles,
B

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesdays was started by MizB over at Should Be Reading,

To play along, simply answer the following three (3) Questions:
1. What are you currently reading?
2. What did you recently finish reading?
3. What do you think you'll read next?

Currently Reading

 

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

I'm liking this one, but not *loving* it. 

Recently Finished

  

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

I really enjoyed this one. Review to be posted tomorrow. :) 

Might Read Next

 

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

I *have* to know what happens. I'm going to throw my anxiety over it out the window... anxiety defenestration. :)  Alex... Julian... Lena... What happens to them all? Where do they stand in the end? Does love win out?

What about you? What have you been reading?

Smiles,
B

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesdays was started by MizB over at Should Be Reading,

To play along, simply answer the following three (3) Questions:
1. What are you currently reading?
2. What did you recently finish reading?
3. What do you think you'll read next?

Currently Reading

 

Splintered by AG Howard

I am about halfway thru this one and loving every word of it. I swear, it's like it's seeping into me as I read.

Recently Finished  

 

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver 

I love Lauren Oliver. Ever since I was thrust into Lena's world in Delirium. This one was no exception. She is a great author and I can't wait to read more by her. :)  (If you're interested, you can my review of this here.) 

Might Read Next

 The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

I have had this one for a while; I received a NetGalley copy of it. I keep putting it off for some reason, even though I did really enjoy Name of the Star. Others just grab my attention quicker, I guess. I'm sure no one everyone else can relate.

OR

 

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

I got this as a fantabulous Christmas present from my bookish secret Santa - Gillian at Writer of Wrongs. So it's been gathering dust on my shelf for almost two months. TWO MONTHS. Now, given my literary love affair with Maggie, one would think I would have picked it up and devoured it immediately instead of lovingly pulling it off my shelf, caressing the cover, and putting it back. But I can't lie. I'm scared. What if I crack that spine and I don't love it as much as I did the others? I need to just bite the bullet and read it. 

What about you all? What are you reading, plan to read, etc? 

Smiles,

B

Name of the Star: Review

 

Title: Name of the Star

Author(s): Maureen Johnson
Series: Shades of London, Book 1

Publisher: Putnam Publishing

Publication Date: October 2009

Source: Own (Bought)
Format: Kindle Edition

Rating: 4 stars

~Goodreads Description~

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

“Keep calm and carry on.
Also, stay in and hide because the Ripper is coming.”   

I have owned this book for quite some time. It was the first book I purchased when I received my Kindle as a present. I finally picked it up and read it. I am SO glad I did. I don't know what took me so long; it's not like I'm not a fan of Maureen Johnson. I have enjoyed everything I've read by her and her twitter feed amuses me regularly. Whatever the case, I'm just glad I finally read it. :)

“It was like the entire world was colluding to make me feel insane, and it was doing a really good job.”

It took a little bit to get into it. I think, as is usually the case, it was a lack of time I could devote in one sitting to be swept away by the story, the characters. About halfway through, though, I had trouble wanting to put it down when need be. (For some reason, my kids have the worst timing when they wake up... lol).

“I decided to deflect her attitude by giving a long, Southern answer. I come from people who know how to draw things out. Annoy a Southerner, and we will drain away the moments of your life with our slow, detailed replies until you are nothing but a husk of your former self and that much closer to death.” 

I felt like Rory was strong in the sense that she left America to attend a school in a country to which she's never been. The times others were trying to make her feel uncomfortable she killed them with kindness, and family stories. I thought this was very well done. I felt the story was a bit slow going in the beginning, building up to the 'action', but it was very well written so it didn't bother me too much. I love a good story, so I don't mind trudging if need be. Also, just like the people in the story, serial killers (especially those who have never been identified) intrigue me. So the concept had me at the start. I was very interested to see what she was going to do with it.

My plan is no spoilers. I can say, however, that the ending... I did not see coming. I saw some things (ha! pun not intended, actually) that I wasn't sure I was supposed to see 'yet', but that... I didn't guess, predict. Made total sense, but still. As soon as it happened, I was like "Oh... that makes perfect sense. It fits." Plus, I was starting to wonder where she would go with a follow up. Now I know. I'm very curious to see what happens with Rory and her friends in The Madness Underneath.



“Fear can't hurt you," she said. "When it washes over you, give it no power. It's a snake with no venom. Remember that. That knowledge can save you.”

Have any of you read it? If so, what did you think? If you haven't, do you think you'll read it?

Smiles,
B

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesdays was started by MizB over at Should Be Reading,

To play along, simply answer the following three (3) Questions:
1. What are you currently reading?
2. What did you recently finish reading?
3. What do you think you'll read next?

Currently Reading



I've had this book for a while, but I'm now reading it and loving it. ♥

Recently Finished

   

Both of these are wonderful. Code Name Verity is probably is beautifully written and amazing. Let it Snow is fun and light-hearted (definitely a change of pace from the other!)

Might Read Next

  

Paper Valentine & The Madness Underneath both I received from Net Galley. I want to read and review them soon. I have had Before I Fall for nearly a year now and I want to read it! :)

What books are you reading right now?

Smiles,
B

Review ~ Let it Snow

 

Title: Let it Snow

Author(s): Maureen Johnson, John Green, Lauren Myracle

Publisher: Speak

Publication Date: October 2009

Source: Own (gifted to me via Kindle)

Rating: 5 stars

~Goodreads Description~

Sparkling white snowdrifts, beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you see only in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would not normally end with a delicious kiss from a charming stranger. And no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks. Thanks to three of today's bestselling teen authors - John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle - the magic of the holidays shines on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

I'm not even sure I read the description, ever, before adding to my to read list. I love Maureen Johnson and John Green, so I added it without thinking. And I'm so glad I did, and that Malissa gifted it to me. :)

So. Much. Fun. Despite the heartache, the drama, the intense snowstorm, it was so much fun to read. The characters felt real. I loved how they came to life for me. Not only in one author's portion of the story, but throughout the entire book. It was seamlessly tied together. It was a light read, as far as books can go, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn't want to put it down. 

"I can't really think of an easy way to say this. Um, in your opinion, what would be the ideal number of wheels for Carla to currently possess?... Because to be honest, I think the best possible number of wheels for Carla would be four. And right now there are three wheels physically connected to Carla herself, a nonideal number. Fortunately, the fourth is just a very slight distance away, but unfortunately I am not an expert in wheel attachment."

~John Green, Let It Snow

I add this quote because the sarcasm and wittiness of the character. :) Fits perfectly within the story and the character himself.

Have you read it? Did you like it? Want to read it? Leave a comment! :)

Smiles,

B

 

WWW Wednesday

WWW Wednesdays was started by MizB over at Should Be Reading,

To play along, simply answer the following three (3) Questions:
     1. What are you currently reading?
     2. What did you recently finish reading?
     3. What do you think you'll read next?

Currently Reading

 

I am loving both of these, for very different reasons. The Curiosities are great for work - short stories make it easier to stop when I have to go back from lunch. Plus I love the side notes from the authors.  Code Name Verity is engrossing, beautifully written, and I'm so looking forward to more of the story every time I'm forced to put it down.

Recently Finished

 

I recent finished The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. You can read my review here if you want. I absolutely loved it. Amazing writing, story... the whole package. Can't wait to see how the story continues.

Read Next

        

I've wanted to read Let it Snow for some time now. My best friend, Malissa, bought it for me not too long ago so I'm excited to read it now. :)  Name of the Star has been on my to-read list for some time and I've owned it for some time (by some time, I mean nearly a year since I've owned it... sad, but true). I received a Net Galley copy of The Madness Underneath (the sequel to The Name of the Star), so I figure to review that one I must read the first one soon. ;)

What about you? Leave a comment with a link or just your answers. :)

Smiles,

B