Showing posts with label favorite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label favorite. Show all posts

Sunday, September 30, 2012

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella



<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 ...... X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ......


Full five stars with hearts and kisses to Sophie Kinsella for coming up with a new fantastic novel! This and "Can You Keep A Secret?" are probably my favorite Kinsella novels. Just like any other novel from the author, it has a simple but hilariously realistic plot, and a quirky lovable heroine, Poppy. I mean who gets into so much trouble just by losing an engagement ring? Well I'm not just talking about some it's-no-big-deal-we-can-replace-it-ring, it's the bloody family heirloom of her future husband! So how will she explain it to her fiancé? Or better yet to her in-laws who clearly do not approve of the marriage. But what you're all probably wondering is how Sam fits into the picture... Hmm don't want to spoil anything, it's for you to find out and for me to....*insert widest grin*...

 Anyway I recommend this to all Sophie Kinsella fans out there. I laughed, cried( well almost), swooned and I bet you'd also feel the same way. You'll love it especially the ending, it's sweet and priceless! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel!! Puh lease!!.. I want more of Sam and Poppy!

Well, this is how I pictured SAM.





My Rating: 5 of 5 stars!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

The fourth installment of the Mortal Instruments Series is, as expected, an exciting and praise-worthy one, typical of a Cassandra Clare novel.  

With Valentine dead and gone, the story turned into a new chapter.  what's going to happen next. New conflict, new villain, new allies, and probably more to come! 
Though, I STILL feel that City of Glass is better and more epic than this one, I'm glad it ended quite well. 

After the last scene, I thought "Not Again!" The ill-fated lovers, Jace and Clary, suffering another we-cannot-be-together-even-though-we're-madly-in-love problem. Their love story is so depressing.  Yeah. "To love is to destroy," 
I really hope that they'll prove everyone wrong. I admit I was a little bit disappointed in Jace's character development in this installment, because after everything else, he's become weak and vulnerable. But couldn't blame him either because as much as he feels that Clary's the best thing that's ever happened to him, he's also afraid of losing her.

I would probably mention how I liked that Simon has more appearance in this book than the previous ones. Reading his point of view is entertaining and interesting, sometimes I couldn't help but crack at his bland humor. It's hilarious to read about his own two-timing love story. Good to see some normalcy in him despite his being a vampire.

After reading 4 books of the series, I do and honestly feel like it could have ended as a trilogy with City of Glass, as this one's veering off to a totally different plot and conflict. But who wants that right? We want more of Shadowhunters! Can't wait for City of Lost Souls!

I give this 4/5 stars!

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Just when i thought I'd never find a novel comparable to Can You keep A Secret, well I was wrong! Lola and the Boy Next Door is even better. The story is amazingly sweet,refreshing, genuine, and perfect! This is everything I could ever ask for a Chick-lit. 


The heroine, Lola, is cute with her extraordinary fashion sense. It's a great relief just knowing that the bad boy is not the one she ended up with. It gets kind of lame when the protagonist is inexplicably drawn to the cool bad boy who doesn't have any direction in life, most young adult novels prefer that. But not this! here is where you'll meet the geeky nice guy who'll sweep you off your feet, did I mention his stunningly gorgeous and smells like soap and mechanical oil! ( still don't know what that smells like but who cares? There's no need to know.) He has the cutest name, Cricket Bell. At first I thought it's weird and makes me imagine an insect, but all that fades away when he gives the name a great reputation.


 The boy next door thing reminds me so much of the music video of  You Belong With Me with them both perched in their windows facing each other, exchanging cute glances. It made me wanna burst into one of those falling in love songs by Taylor Swift. Although I had a lingering regret that i didn't read the novel, Anna and the French Kiss first before this because it gives a bit of reference to it. It's like reading The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks when you haven't even read the Notebook. Anyway, I had a great time reading this. Stephanie Perkins is the new author I'll be looking forward to. Of course! anyone is willing to meet and read about a boy who'd not only love a girl unwaveringly but who'd give her anything, even if it is the moon and the stars. All smiles for this book!


I give this 5 stars with the moon!

Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella

I've read some of Sophie Kinsella's novels, so I can say that this is by far her best novel. I bought this because I've heard it's good, and it turned out great! 

The author has good sense of humor because I laughed throughout the novel. Honestly, I didn't expect it to be that way when I read the synopsis. It is one of those feel-good novels that you usually read when you want to relax and laugh your heart out. The story may be shallow and light but who cares? it made me laugh. 

I give this book full five stars! :)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

I just finished Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins and I can say it was a wonderfully satisfying experience!


While it's an easy read and has a simple plot, couldn't help but admire the author. She can leave the readers enthralled and breathless! I did read lola and the boy next door before reading this one, so i'm glad to finally discover the story behind Anna and Etienne. The fact that it's a love story that takes place in Paree! where love is always in the air. The novel's atmosphere compelling, stunning, and perfect! Also, the characters are so lovable. Anna Oliphant is interesting, funny, and not annoying like some chick-lit heroine i know. Let's talk about Etienne St. Clair, or as we would like to call him-the literary embodiment of perfection. He's nice, popular, handsome, and of course the English accent! The characters are great as well esp. Meredith, Ramshi, Josh and Bridgitt. I liked the mundane scenes of going to school, having classes, detention, and staying at dorms. Everything feels so light, familiar, and high school drama-ish. 


Although I'm not a French Savvy like Anna, or maybe even worse, I realized it doesn't matter. And because of the irresistible story, I loved it anyway. So I toured Paris with the same delight and fascination as Anna. Everything about this book is BEAUTIFUL! Stephanie Perkins has only released two books and I'm already considering her as one of my favorite authors. I'm so glad stumbled upon this beautifully sweet and entertaining novel. 


I would recommend this to all romantic souls out there. Yes, it's possible for home to be a person and not be a place.


I give this 5/5 stars!

Unwind by Neal Schusterman

This book is CAPS LOCK AWESOMENESS! 


The first time I read the synopsis, I thought it would cause sheer boredom and end up wasting my time. But a lot of reviewers praised it so i decided to give it chance. I'm glad i did, because it turned out great. Yes it's dystopian just like any other famous novels out there but what made it different is its unique plot and the engaging way it is told. I was already hooked while reading the first few chapters. The shifting point of views makes everything so exciting. 


I also like the characters, how they first met, how they managed to fight and survive their predicament, and how, in the end, they all got what they've been wishing for. The realities of life and the injustice acts and laws that they are facing during their era disturbed me so much. In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system. Who would want to sign a petition that entails their son/daughter's death? Who would be willing to donate their son/daughter's body parts? I guess it's unthinkable in our time. But during dire circumstances, you'd probably think otherwise. 


For this, I commend Neal Schusterman. He was able to tackle a very sensitive issue yet an interesting one. Being a teenager myself, I was horrified by their doomed fates at the same time sympathized with them. I wanted them to resist, to fight, to survive, and to thwart the law that everyone thinks is right. That's why I was satisfied with the ending. In fact, the author nailed it pretty well. I was happy with what happened to Connor, Risa and Lev. I also came to admire the admiral, I didn't like him at first but i realized how he feels as a loving parent of an unwound. 


Unwind by Neal Schusterman is a great novel that has a lot to offer. It's complete with action, romance, drama, humor, revelations and surprises. How I wish it has a sequel. It's no doubt I’ll recommend this to my friends...


I give this 5/5 stars!

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare


Reading the first two books, I thought it was okay. Theme was good. Mediocre storyline with few good fight scenes. I used to look at it displayed at bookstores and think of its undeserved popularity like some novels I've become tired of mentioning. Couldn't believe I'd eventually like the series. Because yes now it's true! 

After reading the first novel, it was good, a bit predictable, and depressing in the end. I didn't even want to make a review, not with disappointment in the back of my mind. Well, it's different now, all because of how I engrossed I was reading this. 

Praising this novel not just because of the good news everyone's been waiting for (Finally Jace and Clary are not related!) but also because of the complexity the plot has turned into. The ending was epic, the battles were great and exciting. I like that how everything tied up, wasn't at all disappointed with the well-written revelations. I also came to adore how the characters developed. Jace and Clary, their risks, and decisions. Simon who's always the good friend, mundane, but no more cause he's now a vampire! And Sebastian, who would have thought of a new character who plays a big part on the story. I was truly caught off guard by the revelation of his true identity. And of course, special mention to Jocelyn Fairchild, finally! That's a relief. I thought she'd be a sleeping beauty forever. I'm also glad that Valentine's already taken care of despite the questionable death/disappearance of Sebastian. Now, I'm looking forward to what will happen in the fourth book. The demons or enemies they have to face, the unexpected twists to their story, and the romance people can't get enough of.

"I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there's a life after that, I'll love you then."

I give this an epic 5/5 stars!

For One More Day by Mitch Albom

In life, committing mitakes is inevitable . Each day unfolds an unexpected turn that's enough to make you yearn for the old days and undo all the damages. Then, realization strikes you that you can never have the upperhand in this. But what if something peculiar happens and fate itself gives you a day to null all your follies? Would you be willing to accept you sinful deeds? For One More Day, a book by the bestselling author Mitch Albom revolves around this story.


 It is about treating your parents the way they should be treated and realizing that no matter how bad you mess up in life, there is this hope at the end of the road, waiting to be recognized. This heart-warming novel provides flashbacks from the protagonists. Charles "Chick" Benetto's life has been falling apart since his childhood. his struggle to cope up with the divorce of his parents together with his frustrations in baseball deeply affects his outlook. He grew up longing to see even the slightest attention from his father who abandoned them. Disregarding his mother's unselfsh and unconditional love, he lavished toomuch time trying to get the love of an absent father. but all of these changed when years later, his mother died. All the guilt and regret came flooding in. This brings him to a point when he attempts to take his own life. After that, the strangest thing happens. He gets the chance to be with his mother for a day which he has so yearned. That miraculous encounter gives him the wisdom to forgive himself. He finally realizes that in spite of his absences, his mother's undisputable love will never cease. The good thing about this book is its capability to touch the reader's hearts despite its simplicity. So you'll end up asking yourself "Did I fail to appreciate the ones i love? I liked how some of the chapters are titled " Times I Did Not Stand Up For My Mother" and "Times My Mother Stood Up For Me", he stressed the events when he treated his mother unjustly and his mother's heartfelt sacrfices for him. It also has some insightful lines that'll surely influence the readers. Just like this one, " I believe my mother saved my life, I also believe that parents, if they love you, will hold you up safely, above swirling water, and sometimes that means you'll never know what they endure, and you may treat them unkindly, in a way you otherwise wouldn't." 


I recommend this book to everyone. It will certainly make you stop and reflect for a while. Just think about the hours you can devote being with you mother- it's a lifetime. We might not get the chance to go back like Chick had. So it's important to show your presence to your loved ones and make them feel special. 


I give this 5/5 stars!

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson is unfreakingbelievable!


Actually, i didn't expect to like this for the plot itself is a giveaway that it talks of death, grief, or anything that would make a novel depressing. But reading it feels exactly the opposite! Jandy Nelson is such an incredible writer that even the simplest plot could turn into something beautiful, wonderful, touching and refreshing! The characters are so believable that although they have their own flaws and struggles bottled up inside, I was able to feel them, I was able to feel their grief for Bailey's death. I understood what Gram must feel- she feels alone, ashamed for what she's done, and longs for the return of her daughter. I wanted to remind her that she's not alone, that it's not her fault, and that she did a great thing in raising Lennie and Bailey. I wanted to tell Lennie that wherever her sister is, she's already forgiven, that she shouldn't feel guilty, there's no need to write poems for Bails in every candy wrapper, in every piece of paper and scatter them all over town because she'll always be by her side. I wanted her to soar and touch the sky, to do everything without hesitation and the lingering ghost of her past. That's how emotionally caught up I am in the story.

  I admire Joe, his Joelirius, and his batting eyelashes! Bat. Bat. Bat. I admire that he's like the sunshine that lights up everyone's sorrow. I'm just glad that Lennie ended up with him because it means that she's embracing the change. I also enjoyed reading Sarah's personality, she made me laugh with her hilariously exaggerated language -- “Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! That is so unfreakingfreakingfreakingfreakingbelieveable! Cows on the moon, Len! Cows. On. The. Moon!” -- I seem to forget about Lennie's dilemma whenever she spends time with her bestfriend.


I can say that I'm glad I read this novel because I learned so much, about life, about death, and about people. I feel enlightened after reading this emotional ride of a novel.




happy in love gifs Pictures, Images and Photos I'm just so in LOVE with this book..


I LOVE Joelirius!
















I give this 5/5 stars!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

I can't help but remember The Mortal Instruments series while reading this one,you get used to the way the characters of both series are alike, the concept, her writing style and plot development. However, what made me admire her was the incredible way she still keeps me glued to the story.

As expected, the first book of the Infernal Devices series didn't frustrate or disappoint me. Compared to The Mortal Instruments, it's as exciting, action-packed, romantic, and full of shocking revelations. In fact, it's even better. I can think of a few reasons why...

I liked that the setting used is Victorian London complete with Victorian houses, their clothes, horse-pulled carriages, and let's not forget their British accent! I adore the female lead, Tessa, she is less annoying than Clary. She has cool abilities, and of course, I like anyone who likes books. Will, for me is close to an anachronism, his attitude wouldn't pass for an English gentleman during their time. He's rude that sometimes you'd want to hurl him out of the books. Then he gets so sweet and kind that your heart melts with his, then he goes back to the bad boy image. So I'm kind of confused. He looks drop dead gorgeous but there's a mysterious side of him that he still keeps as a secret. I'm definitely going to watch out for it. Jem is the nice guy who Tessa magically bumps into when she's having a hard time and then gives her advice. Well, I'm sensing a love triangle.

Also, the story is more interesting. There are no spontaneous unimportant-to-the-plot attacks from demons that would make you think "What stroke of luck they have for always seeing one!" Every scene contributes to the overall plot or the revelation in the end. Speaking of the ending, it's great, exciting, and worth reading the entire book. The narrator's omniscient point of view helps a great deal in arousing reader's interest. Will definitely left me hanging by a cliff when he is meeting with Magnus Bane. He's about to tell what the problem is, then that's it, the next thing I know I was staring at a blank page. The novel ended with a question mark.

Could this be the secret Will is so worried about? The reason why he doesn't want any involvement with Tessa? I can't wait to read the sequel and discover it!

I give this 5 of 5 stars!