Queen Me

Confession? I didn’t blog last week. Another confession? Disney shows still make me laugh. No matter how cheesy. Anyway, I wanted to write a post that was concise since I really didn’t feel like blogging today. Is that confession number three?

 The Ruler of Books Tag

What book would you make everyone read?

Definitely The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson. I NEED someone to talk about that plot twist with! Plus, it is basically perfect in every way.

What would you abolish in book construction?

Prices. All books would be free. BOOM. Okay, but serious answer? All paperbacks would be semi-floppy. I hate it when the book makes you feel like it doesn’t want to be read because it just keeps trying to close on you. I mean, how rude is that?

What author would you commission to write you any book?

I would make Suzanne Collins re-write Mockingjay so that Finnick escapes and there would be a very long epilogue at the end about how he and Annie live happily ever after with their adorable baby boy. That would make my LIFE.

What book would you demote to the library basement to make room for new books?

               

            All books from the 20^th century sporting men with voluminous hair and low cut shirts. Yes, I’m talking about you 1970s Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers.

What cover artist would you commission to make a beautiful mural?

             

             Nicola Yoon’s husband is the artist behind the beautiful cover of her book Everything Everything. The colors and attention to detail would be absolutely stunning on a larger scale.

What character’s face would you put on a coin?

                

             I think Katniss is such a huge and inspirational character that she deserves her face on coin. And it would be so cool if there was a Mockingjay on the back like the eagle on the back of a quarter.

Who would you award the “Ruler of Books 2016” prize to?

              

            Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart reminded me of my horse crazy days and I loved every page.

               

That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed my book world. If only it was real. . .

Currently Reading: Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Next Post: ???

Books That Were WEIRD

For the record, I started this blog post yesterday but after trying to finish it before bed with an awful headache I decided it was best to just finish it today. So as promised: Books that were WEIRD.

The Love That Split the World by Emily Henri

             

                Magical Realism? Sci-fi? I don’t know how to categorize this book. All I know is that Native American legends told by an old woman only the main character, Natalie, can see, romance, and parallel universes made for a very interesting read. I really enjoyed this book and found that the concepts presented to be very original. The fact that the main character had a Native American heritage and was adopted made for a side of young adult fiction that we don't usually see. I was pleased that there was the story of Abraham and Isaac accurately told in the book. While most of the content is somewhat clean I was disappointed to read that in the last five pages of the book there is a line that talks about God's love for us and says he loves us "f****** well." It was very odd and I didn't appreciate it at all.

Language: Severe, everything else was moderate but for the F at the end

Alcohol/drugs: Several teens (not the main character) get drunk at a party and there are terrible 

consequences.

Violence: 2

Sexual Content: Some kissing, a short make out scene that doesn’t go too far, skippable.

Spiritual Content: This part is a bit tricky. As a sci-fi/fantasy novel there are some very weird concepts about life, death, and spirituality. All different ways of thinking are discussed and Natalie contemplates God and who or what he is. What I saw was a very lost and confused soul who wanted to have faith but struggled with believing in anything. It was very sad to read at times. In conclusion, the book had many spiritual aspects I just can’t summarize or categorize them properly.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

This was a stunning sci-fi survival book. The world building was done excellently and everything was easily pictured. A young war hero, Tarver, and the daughter the most powerful man in the universe, Lilac, crash onto a deserted planet after a star liner malfunction that causes the whole ship to plummet. Their journey as they navigate this eerie planet is well written. As their relationship changes it makes for even more drama to add to their plight. The romance was not original or creative and escalated way to quickly for my liking. The part of this book that was so weird was something you don’t discover until the end. Lilac starts seeing and hearing strange things as they trek to the star liner wreckage. It gradually builds towards the part when you discover what it is and when you do, you’re just like. . .what??

Language: Moderate

Alcohol/drugs: none

Violence: 5

Sexual Content: intimacy is referenced once with no more description that the mention of nudity briefly

Spiritual Content: None

You’ll Like it Here (Everybody Does) by Ruth White

                I read this middle grade book several years ago and absolutely loved it. Here’s the synopsis:

                While Meggie and David Blue are from another planet, they're a lot like Earth kids, with similar hopes and dreams. But, they also have GROSSLY UNIQUE qualities, such as blue streaks in their hair that pop up randomly and language skills that sound like nothing on this planet. The story takes these alien kids, along with their mother and grandfather, by accident, to a far planet in which the society is not only oppressive but hostile to individual freedom. People are kept submissive through drugs and brainwashing. The Blues, who have spent time in free societies recognize the upside-down-ness of this world. They're almost helpless to do anything, but do what they can, plan their escape, and vow to help others.

               

             This adventure story was so entertaining and well-paced. The story as a whole was very strange but in the best way possible.

Language: None

Alcohol/drugs: They use drugs on people to keep them submissive as the synopsis says

Violence: None

Sexual Content: None

Spiritual Content: None

I made a tag on Instagram inspired by this post. Link is in the side bar, go and check it out!

Currently Reading: Truth Be Told by Justine Johnston Hemmestad and Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes

Next Post: Mini Reveiws

*Finally* Back

Hello everyone! I’m back after a much needed (but I know, very long) break and ready to get back at it again with the white vans. If you understood that reference you’re definitely in my posse. If not, don’t worry about it, there will be plenty of other chances for you to join the club.

 Step one would be to subscribe. Just enter your email on the sidebar for updates on when I post. Step two, follow my bookish account on Instagram. You can see some of my feed on the sidebar and if you click on it, it takes you to my account. My first summer post (even though it’s the end of June) is my top five summer reads list.

1.       The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson

I have actually already finished this book as of last week. But, I wanted to put it on the list anyway so it makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something. Anyone else do that? I do it all the time. It’s great.

2.       The Shannara Chronicles Book 1: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

This is the book I am currently reading. I watched some of the TV show this winter and enjoyed it so I’m excited to see the differences in the book and explore the characters more.

3.        Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins

The second book in the Rebel Belle Trilogy. Hopefully I enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first book.

4.       The Land of 10,000 Madonna’s by Kate Hattemer

I tried to pick this book up in the beginning of June but was really in the mood for fantasy so I put it down. Reading Rule #1 : Don’t force yourself to read a book you’re not in the mood for. Unless, it’s for school. Then you kinda have no choice.

5.       The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages

Besides that fact that it’s a science fiction novel I have no idea what this book is about. But that’s my favorite way to go into a book; not knowing where it’s going to take you. Super cheesy, I know.

Normally, I have the end of my posts all planned out. But today, I’m a slacker so enjoy these Lord of The Rings memes.

 FYI: These are also a way into my posse.

Currently Reading: The Shannara Chronicles Book 1: The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Next Post: Full Review of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson

*Memes from Pinterest

Finch & Violet

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.

Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.

When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.

           I went into All the Bright Places knowing nothing about it. I have discovered I like books better this way. It’s more mysterious and surprising. I want us to look at this book in three different views. A) The Writing B) A Christian's POV C) and of course the reader.

The Writing

 This won’t be a very long discussion because I have nothing to critique. The writing was phenomenal. Perfect. Spectacular. It flowed smoothly and painted the perfect picture of Indiana. I’ve never been there but I could see it. Yet, it did have a certain cloud over it. Even in the happy moments it was there. That aspect of it was the strongest thing about Niven’s writing because it reflected the characters’ lives. They were trying to be happy and appear normal but because of their circumstances they weren’t.

A Christian’s POV

           As good as this book was it had moral downfalls that couldn't be overlooked. I think a more detailed account of those downfalls is necessary, so here we are. It had a lot of swearing. The F-word was said 12 times and though this is a deplorable word no matter how it is said, I should note that it was not used in the literal meaning of the word. It was used at its heaviest point, in the middle of the book.

 It also had a little more sexual content. There is a kissing scene that is detailed but goes no further than kissing. The two instances where they do go further are not detailed and are more of what might be in a PG-13 movie, more implied than described.

The Reader

Now, don’t think I’ve skipped the obvious. This section is dedicated solely to the suicide aspect. This may be a direct turn-off for some of you and that’s okay. But, I believe it’s a topic that should not be avoided. As a reader, I like to read fun, light books. But, I also like to read books that further my understanding and knowledge about a subject. All the Bright Places does so with suicide.

You are inside the head of a depressed, suicidal, teenager half the book. I came to understand suicide so much more. I don’t believe it’s right, but I don’t think it’s wrong to understand something that affects so many people.

 Sometimes we can see things like this and be too quick to judge, condemn, or look away.  But those people are worth just as much as us and if we do anything other than try to help them and love them, we’re just confirming the thoughts of worthlessness and encouraging the depression to spread deeper. This book made me look at suicidal people in a different light. Sadly, I wouldn't recommend this book because of  the content. 

Language: Severe

Alcohol/drugs: Drugs are mentioned and Finch overdoses once

Violence: 3

Sexual Content: Described above

Spiritual Content: Church and God are mentioned but that is about it

Currently Reading: Crown of Midnight (Throne of glass series #2) by Sarah J. Maas

Next Post: February Wrap-up

A Book Tag

I have taken a break from my normal review posts to bring you a book tag. As it is the day after Valentines I thought it fitting to do this one. I now realize that this is the first tag I have done on my blog so I’ll give you a brief definition of exactly what a tag is.

Book Tag- A series of themed questions pertaining to books, literary characters, themes, and worlds.

So there you go, a book tag. I will continue with my planned reviews next Monday. I hope you enjoy it!

The Mushy Gushy Book Tag

Valentine- A book with pink, red, and white on the cover

Just Beyond The Clouds by Karen Kingsbury. The picture doesn’t do the real cover justice. The clouds are pink and white pastel, almost like cotton candy.

 

Sweethearts- Book with the best Pick-up line

Carswell Thorne, a character from The Lunar Chronicles, is one of the best (although sometimes cheesy) flirters in any book I’ve read. He is so full of himself and he constantly points out how handsome he is.

 I am currently reading Cress, the third book in the series, and one line of his still hasn’t left my mind. He had recently had a concussion and was temporarily blind when one of the characters asked how his eyes were he replied:

“Well, I’ve been told they’re dreamy, but I’ll let you decide for yourself.”

Chocolate Covered Strawberries- Your favorite book couple

Definitely Finnick and Annie from The Hunger Games. Their love for each other is so beautiful and Finnick goes through so much to protect her from President Snow. He sacrifices so much and they’re reunion in Mockingjay was one of the best moments in the book.

Roses- Most romantic couple

Scarlet and Wolf from The Lunar Chronicles. I know, again, but I’m kind of obsessed with this series right now. I just think they’re whole relationship is so romantic. He needs her so much that it kills him when she’s not around. He’s so protective of her and her of him. He calls her his Alpha which in the world they live in is the brightest star in their sky. She is his brightest star. How romantic is that?

Teddy Bear- A book that makes you want to snuggle

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. This book is definitely one to make me want to grab my blanket, some tea, and snuggle . . . with myself.

Candlelight Dinner- A book you would take out on a date

I’ve read this book five times so it only seems fitting that I would date it. Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley is one of my favorite books of all time and I never grow tired of the characters or story. I think that we would have a long life together.

Pizza- A book for the single person

This is a book for the single person who is waiting for the right guy/girl to come along. In the meantime, he or she likes to obsess over fictional character’s relationships (A.K.A me). 

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon has such a cute romance in it. It warms your heart and you grow attached to the main characters quickly. It also has a unique format as there is handwritten journal entries and e-mails throughout the book as well as several doodles which makes it very interesting.

Currently Reading: Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

Next Post: Full Review of All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Photot taken from: http://www.titletrakk.com/book-reviews/just-beyond-the-clouds-review-kingsbury.htm