So I've read Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell a few weeks ago and I didn't feel like writing a review. But since I now feel like doing it, I'm gonna do it ;) I guess I won't remember everything in detail but I hope you don't mind. I always fail with taking bookstagram pics as well bc I forget to take them when I have the copy I've borrowed and afterwards it's too embarrassing to lend it another time just to take that picture (I will post a pic of the next few books I'll be reviewing bc they are all mine). And now, let's get started!
Cath Avery and her twin Wren did everything together. But not anymore, because Wren had decided that she wants to go to college alone to meet new people. Therefore Cath has to deal alone with her new and kind of strange roommate Reagan, Reagan's cute ex-boyfriend Levi and all the other problems she has while being in college. The only thing she is really interested in is writing, or more precisely, writing Simon Snow fanfiction. At first Cath hates college bc of her fear of talking to strangers (actually people in general) and she's only caring about her fictional-writing class. There she meets Nick, another nice boy who seems to understand her, and her boring life gets a little more exciting...
“Sometimes writing is running downhill, your fingers jerking behind you
on the keyboard the way your legs do when they can’t quite keep up with
gravity.”
So I've enjoyed reading Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell so much. I guess a main reason besides the good story is that I can see parts of myself in Cath. Like she loves reading (just like me), she loves staying up all night alone in her bedroom (like me), she is really shy when she has to talk to strangers (well, again just like me) and the most obvious point is that we are both fangirls. Because of that I was able to understand her feelings pretty good (at least I think so). I also liked the parts when I could read her fanfic about Simon Snow and I'm really looking forward to reading Carry on as soon as I can. (By the way, Leah did a review of it and you can read it *here* )
Some chapters were a bit boring when Cath did the same stuff all over again but bc of the interesting characters like Reagan and Levi I didn't mind that much. I just wanted to go on reading and to learn more about Cath's life.
Rating: 5/5 *
That's it for today. I hope you guys liked it.
Have a nice day!
Vicky
Showing posts with label leah and vicky. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leah and vicky. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
The mortal instruments tag
Since I've finally finished reading City of heavenly fire by Cassandra Clare a few days ago, I thought it'd be interesting to make the Mortal instruments series tag. I don't know if there are official questions, so I just picked a few I like and I'm going to answer them. And yes, it took me over a year (actually almost two) to eventually read Cohf and I don't even know why I didn't read it earlier but I'm glad I finally did.
1. Who is your favorite character?
Well, I like a lot of characters and I can't settle down on one but if I had to, I would choose Izzy or Jace. Jace is just the perfect mix between bad-ass, caring, funny and hot and I totally fell for him. The reason for naming Izzy is that I think she's really tough. Like she's been through a lot but she still looks out for her friends and she is such a strong young woman and I really appreciate that. And I love the way she treats Alec (it's like there's a strong band between the two of them and I'm also pretty close to my brothers and that's a good thing).
2. Who is your OTP?
Clace and Malec! I ship them soooo much and they are both my OTPs and their relationship is just perfect. No need to say more.
3. If you could have any shadowhunter last name, what would it be?
I actually like the sound of the name Shadowwalker or Nightshade but since all German shadowhunters have stupid names in the books it would probably be something like Fishblood.
4. What downworlder would you be?
Hard question... I guess either a vampire or a warlock or a werewolf. I would certainly not be a fairy. Being a werewolf actually sounds good bc I could walk around in the daylight but I could still defend myself against my enemies. And I feel like I'd be a crappy warlock and always mess around with spells and all that stuff. So for the world's sake it would be best if I became a werewolf.
5. Who is your most hated character in the series?
I don't hate any of the evil characters and I actually liked Sebastian, so I can't name a villain here. So I go with Maureen bc she was the most annoying person in the book (especially after she became a vampire) but I don't like Simon in many situations either bc he always fails but he still is overpowered. And he's annoying as well (e.g. when he turns Maureen in a vampire or when he manages to get kidnapped by the vampires in the beginning of City of bones).
6. Jem or Will?
Even though I really hated the love triangle in the whole TID series, I can't say who I like more. When I started reading the books I loved Will more but then Jem did something cute and I changed my mind. And I changed it so many times that I chose to love both equally so I don't have to settle down on one.
7. If you could spend a day with any character, who would it be?
Definitely Magnus. He would show me some of his magic tricks and after that we'd go to one of his parties and have a lot of fun there and then we'd talk the rest of the day about a lot of things. I mean, who wouldn't like to speak with an immortal warlock?!
8. Your favourite book of the series?
All of them?! I only have great memories of all those books and they were the reason why I really got into the world of fandoms and fangirling and all that stuff. So it's impossible for me to name only one!
I hope you enjoyed this tag and have a nice day!
Vicky
1. Who is your favorite character?
Well, I like a lot of characters and I can't settle down on one but if I had to, I would choose Izzy or Jace. Jace is just the perfect mix between bad-ass, caring, funny and hot and I totally fell for him. The reason for naming Izzy is that I think she's really tough. Like she's been through a lot but she still looks out for her friends and she is such a strong young woman and I really appreciate that. And I love the way she treats Alec (it's like there's a strong band between the two of them and I'm also pretty close to my brothers and that's a good thing).
2. Who is your OTP?
Clace and Malec! I ship them soooo much and they are both my OTPs and their relationship is just perfect. No need to say more.
3. If you could have any shadowhunter last name, what would it be?
I actually like the sound of the name Shadowwalker or Nightshade but since all German shadowhunters have stupid names in the books it would probably be something like Fishblood.
4. What downworlder would you be?
Hard question... I guess either a vampire or a warlock or a werewolf. I would certainly not be a fairy. Being a werewolf actually sounds good bc I could walk around in the daylight but I could still defend myself against my enemies. And I feel like I'd be a crappy warlock and always mess around with spells and all that stuff. So for the world's sake it would be best if I became a werewolf.
5. Who is your most hated character in the series?
I don't hate any of the evil characters and I actually liked Sebastian, so I can't name a villain here. So I go with Maureen bc she was the most annoying person in the book (especially after she became a vampire) but I don't like Simon in many situations either bc he always fails but he still is overpowered. And he's annoying as well (e.g. when he turns Maureen in a vampire or when he manages to get kidnapped by the vampires in the beginning of City of bones).
6. Jem or Will?
Even though I really hated the love triangle in the whole TID series, I can't say who I like more. When I started reading the books I loved Will more but then Jem did something cute and I changed my mind. And I changed it so many times that I chose to love both equally so I don't have to settle down on one.
7. If you could spend a day with any character, who would it be?
Definitely Magnus. He would show me some of his magic tricks and after that we'd go to one of his parties and have a lot of fun there and then we'd talk the rest of the day about a lot of things. I mean, who wouldn't like to speak with an immortal warlock?!
8. Your favourite book of the series?
All of them?! I only have great memories of all those books and they were the reason why I really got into the world of fandoms and fangirling and all that stuff. So it's impossible for me to name only one!
I hope you enjoyed this tag and have a nice day!
Vicky
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Me before you (Jojo Moyes)
Okay, I've just finished Me before you by Jojo Moyes and I really need to talk about it. And I'm sorry that I don't have a pic of it but I only have a crappy German version and you can't take a cute pic with it.
Louisa Clark has everything she needs: a job that she likes, a boyfriend and a lovely family. But after losing her job her whole life changes. Because then she meets Will.
Will Traynor, a once successful business man, had everything he wanted until the day of the accident. Now he has quadriplegia and is forced to live in a wheel chair, unable to move his arms and legs.
Two years after the tragedy, Louisa starts her new job as Will's personal assistant. Instead of serving people in the small bakery like only a few weeks before, she now has to take care of the disabled young man who is always grumpy and mean. But Louisa doesn't know the whole story behind her six month contract and when she's discovered it, a race against time begins...
Firstly, the topic of this book is really serious and difficult and in my opinion Jojo Moyes dealt with it in a fantastic way. Secondly, it's not only a romantic book about love but also about the point of living and the question what a happy and wonderful life looks like. Thirdly, I'm actually destroyed right now bc the story was beautiful and cruel at the same time.
So I loved that you could see the difference between the two families. On one side there was Will's, a noble family, rich, but not that warm and loving towards each other (at least that's what I think). They cared about Will but they didn't let him make his own decisions. On the other side we had the Clark family. Although they are poor and in constant fear of losing everything, they look out for each other. They were always there to help each other (e.g. with Thomas, the son of Lou's younger sister). I mean, they are obviously chaotic and people may see them as weird but I personally really like them.
The plot was really heart-braking but in general it was a good story to read (maybe not the most unique story I've ever read but still not as boring as some other romance books).
The writing was fantastic bc you were taken with emotionally but you also started to make an own opinion about the topic assisted suicide. I could see their character development (especially concerning Lou and Will) as well and I guess that's part of why the book is so good.
Jojo Moyes wrote a sequel called After you and I'm really looking forward to reading it even though I'm not quite convinced that it's gonna be as good as Me before you. Anyways, as soon as I bought and read it, I will let you know what I think about it.
All in all, I totally recommend this book to everybody who enjoys reading dramatic love stories. But be prepared for a lot of crying, heart-breaking moments and laughing in tears.
Rating: 5/5 *
I'm really sorry for not posting for such a long time but I was on a reading break bc I had no motivation for reading or doing anything but laying on my bed all day (it was pretty stressful at school and a lot of other stuff had to be done). But now I'm back and I found my motivation again. I hope that I can at least post one review/tag per week and you also get something from Leah weekly.
I hope you have a nice day!
Vicky
Louisa Clark has everything she needs: a job that she likes, a boyfriend and a lovely family. But after losing her job her whole life changes. Because then she meets Will.
Will Traynor, a once successful business man, had everything he wanted until the day of the accident. Now he has quadriplegia and is forced to live in a wheel chair, unable to move his arms and legs.
Two years after the tragedy, Louisa starts her new job as Will's personal assistant. Instead of serving people in the small bakery like only a few weeks before, she now has to take care of the disabled young man who is always grumpy and mean. But Louisa doesn't know the whole story behind her six month contract and when she's discovered it, a race against time begins...
“You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”
Firstly, the topic of this book is really serious and difficult and in my opinion Jojo Moyes dealt with it in a fantastic way. Secondly, it's not only a romantic book about love but also about the point of living and the question what a happy and wonderful life looks like. Thirdly, I'm actually destroyed right now bc the story was beautiful and cruel at the same time.
So I loved that you could see the difference between the two families. On one side there was Will's, a noble family, rich, but not that warm and loving towards each other (at least that's what I think). They cared about Will but they didn't let him make his own decisions. On the other side we had the Clark family. Although they are poor and in constant fear of losing everything, they look out for each other. They were always there to help each other (e.g. with Thomas, the son of Lou's younger sister). I mean, they are obviously chaotic and people may see them as weird but I personally really like them.
The plot was really heart-braking but in general it was a good story to read (maybe not the most unique story I've ever read but still not as boring as some other romance books).
The writing was fantastic bc you were taken with emotionally but you also started to make an own opinion about the topic assisted suicide. I could see their character development (especially concerning Lou and Will) as well and I guess that's part of why the book is so good.
Jojo Moyes wrote a sequel called After you and I'm really looking forward to reading it even though I'm not quite convinced that it's gonna be as good as Me before you. Anyways, as soon as I bought and read it, I will let you know what I think about it.
All in all, I totally recommend this book to everybody who enjoys reading dramatic love stories. But be prepared for a lot of crying, heart-breaking moments and laughing in tears.
Rating: 5/5 *
I'm really sorry for not posting for such a long time but I was on a reading break bc I had no motivation for reading or doing anything but laying on my bed all day (it was pretty stressful at school and a lot of other stuff had to be done). But now I'm back and I found my motivation again. I hope that I can at least post one review/tag per week and you also get something from Leah weekly.
I hope you have a nice day!
Vicky
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
The lying game (Sara Shepard)
So The lying game by Sara Shepard is about Emma, a girl who has to live the life of her twin Sutton after her sister was murdered. She doesn't know who has killed Sutton but everybody is a suspect. And the only person knowing that Emma's twin lost her life is the murderer himself.
I heard different opinions about this book series. Some people say that the story is pretty bad while others think that the book is brilliant. I have to admit that I was confused when I started reading it bc the book is written in first person view but the narrator is the ghost of the dead twin Sutton. So a few times she tells about Emma (who is obviously called Sutton by everybody) and in the next sentence she talks about herself. But as soon as you understand the scheme, the book's really easy to read and less confusing.
About the plot I can say that it's nothing especially good or exciting but there are a few chapters which I did enjoyed reading.
I actually don't have a theory about the murderer and the motive. That's why I'm looking forward to reading the next book and I hope that the story behind all this won't be disappointing.
In general I'd recommend this book to people who like this kind of mystery books. But honestly you have to make an own opinion about this book series bc I'm actually not sure whether I like it or not.
Vicky
I heard different opinions about this book series. Some people say that the story is pretty bad while others think that the book is brilliant. I have to admit that I was confused when I started reading it bc the book is written in first person view but the narrator is the ghost of the dead twin Sutton. So a few times she tells about Emma (who is obviously called Sutton by everybody) and in the next sentence she talks about herself. But as soon as you understand the scheme, the book's really easy to read and less confusing.
About the plot I can say that it's nothing especially good or exciting but there are a few chapters which I did enjoyed reading.
I actually don't have a theory about the murderer and the motive. That's why I'm looking forward to reading the next book and I hope that the story behind all this won't be disappointing.
In general I'd recommend this book to people who like this kind of mystery books. But honestly you have to make an own opinion about this book series bc I'm actually not sure whether I like it or not.
Vicky
Monday, October 26, 2015
My life in books! Book Tag
We really enjoy doing book tags at the moment, so here's another one that looks like a lot of fun. Let's do this!
1. Find a book for each of your initials.
Leah: I chose Love letters to the dead and Red queen for my first and last name. Since I also have a middle name I quite like, I decided to add in Heir of fire for it. I enjoyed all these books, so I'm happy with my pick.
Vicky: Vampire Diaries and Breaking Dawn. Of course, I have a more or less beautiful middle name therefore I added The Shadow Kiss.
2. Count your age along your bookshelf - which book is it?
Leah: I'm fifteen and landed on The winner's curse. I love that book, it's set in a quite unique world (at least in my opinion), and deals with a lot of politics and intrigues.
Vicky: I'm fifteen as well and the 15th book on my shelf is The Hunger Games which you probably all know (It seems like everybody has a copy of that book).
3. Pick a book set in your city/state/country.
Leah: I'm not sure if The book thief takes place in Munich, where I live, because I haven't read it yet (but it'll actually be the next book I'll read after I've finished Great expectations), but it's definitely set in Germany.
Vicky: In case you didn't know: There are not many books taking place in Germany or even Munich! After considering for minutes I finally came up with a famous german author called Erich Kästner. So I chose Emil and the detectives bc I loved it when I was a little girl?!
4. Pick a book that represents a destination you would love to travel to.
Leah: Anna and the french kiss really made me wanna visit Paris! It sounds like such an amazing city, with so many special sights (and amazing food. Never forget the food.).
Vicky: There is not a special book but every single one that takes place in London makes me wanna go to London. I've never been there by now but it's a city I really wish I could visit anytime soon...
5. Pick a book that's your favourite color.
Leah: My favorite colors are probably black and white (especially for clothes) and dark shades of red. So the absolutely perfect cover is Crown of midnight! It looks completely stunning and badass, but is yet quite simple without a lot of decorations. It's honestly just perfect (just like the rest of the series!).
Vicky: Since I love food and my favourite colour is black as well, I have to go with Twilight. I was really looking forward to reading this book bc of its beautiful cover and I think it looks simply good!
6. Which book do you have the fondest memory of?
Leah: Probably Harry Potter. I loved this series the second I started it about eight years ago. I honestly can't even really remember a lot of other books I've read as a child (but I definitely did read plenty of books!), since most of them were historical fiction ones and I recently gave them away. And I absolutely loved the magic treehouse series, but that was in like first and second grade. And who didn't read and liked them at that age?
Vicky: There are so many books but as a child I was crazy about a series called Rainbow Magic. I don't know if you know it but it's basically just about two girls who need to help protecting their fairy friends against the evil Goblins and their master Jack Frost. Okaaay... I just saw that there are like 120 books from this series... When I stopped reading it there were only about 30 books published! Oh and btw, in the German version the Violet Fairy`s name is Vicky (like mine) and because of that it was my favourite book out of them and the book with the fondest memory.
7. Which book did you have the most difficulty reading?
Leah: I read A christmas carol by Charles Dickens last year to get into that christmas mood, and it was by far the hardest story for me to read so far. It's a pretty short book, but the font was quite small and because I'm not a native speaker, I always had to be concentrated while reading to understand everything.
Vicky: I read an original version of Dracula this summer and it was harder to read than I thougt. There were two points that made it difficult to read: At first it was written in very old english and I didn't know too many of the words and secondly, I was destracted by the pictures drawn into the book. They showed strange scenes and yeah... I'm not sure why I even finished it but bc of that it was probably the most difficult book I've ever read.
8. Which book in your TBR pile will give you the biggest sense of accomplishment when you finish it?
Leah: Great expectations by Charles Dickens! I'm about a hundred pages in and I'm really enjoying it so far. But I have the exact same problems as stated above with this one. Anyway, this is such an important book in literature and I'll probably be pretty proud of myself once I've finished it.
Vicky: I recently found out that in my library is a book including four stories written by Charles Dickens. So soon I will be reading it and since it's an english version I'll be pretty proud of myself once I've finished it!
We hope you enjoyed the My life in books! book tag and thanks for reading it!
Have a nice day,
Leah and Vicky
1. Find a book for each of your initials.
Leah: I chose Love letters to the dead and Red queen for my first and last name. Since I also have a middle name I quite like, I decided to add in Heir of fire for it. I enjoyed all these books, so I'm happy with my pick.
Vicky: Vampire Diaries and Breaking Dawn. Of course, I have a more or less beautiful middle name therefore I added The Shadow Kiss.
2. Count your age along your bookshelf - which book is it?
Leah: I'm fifteen and landed on The winner's curse. I love that book, it's set in a quite unique world (at least in my opinion), and deals with a lot of politics and intrigues.
Vicky: I'm fifteen as well and the 15th book on my shelf is The Hunger Games which you probably all know (It seems like everybody has a copy of that book).
3. Pick a book set in your city/state/country.
Leah: I'm not sure if The book thief takes place in Munich, where I live, because I haven't read it yet (but it'll actually be the next book I'll read after I've finished Great expectations), but it's definitely set in Germany.
Vicky: In case you didn't know: There are not many books taking place in Germany or even Munich! After considering for minutes I finally came up with a famous german author called Erich Kästner. So I chose Emil and the detectives bc I loved it when I was a little girl?!
4. Pick a book that represents a destination you would love to travel to.
Leah: Anna and the french kiss really made me wanna visit Paris! It sounds like such an amazing city, with so many special sights (and amazing food. Never forget the food.).
Vicky: There is not a special book but every single one that takes place in London makes me wanna go to London. I've never been there by now but it's a city I really wish I could visit anytime soon...
5. Pick a book that's your favourite color.
Leah: My favorite colors are probably black and white (especially for clothes) and dark shades of red. So the absolutely perfect cover is Crown of midnight! It looks completely stunning and badass, but is yet quite simple without a lot of decorations. It's honestly just perfect (just like the rest of the series!).
Vicky: Since I love food and my favourite colour is black as well, I have to go with Twilight. I was really looking forward to reading this book bc of its beautiful cover and I think it looks simply good!
6. Which book do you have the fondest memory of?
Leah: Probably Harry Potter. I loved this series the second I started it about eight years ago. I honestly can't even really remember a lot of other books I've read as a child (but I definitely did read plenty of books!), since most of them were historical fiction ones and I recently gave them away. And I absolutely loved the magic treehouse series, but that was in like first and second grade. And who didn't read and liked them at that age?
Vicky: There are so many books but as a child I was crazy about a series called Rainbow Magic. I don't know if you know it but it's basically just about two girls who need to help protecting their fairy friends against the evil Goblins and their master Jack Frost. Okaaay... I just saw that there are like 120 books from this series... When I stopped reading it there were only about 30 books published! Oh and btw, in the German version the Violet Fairy`s name is Vicky (like mine) and because of that it was my favourite book out of them and the book with the fondest memory.
7. Which book did you have the most difficulty reading?
Leah: I read A christmas carol by Charles Dickens last year to get into that christmas mood, and it was by far the hardest story for me to read so far. It's a pretty short book, but the font was quite small and because I'm not a native speaker, I always had to be concentrated while reading to understand everything.
Vicky: I read an original version of Dracula this summer and it was harder to read than I thougt. There were two points that made it difficult to read: At first it was written in very old english and I didn't know too many of the words and secondly, I was destracted by the pictures drawn into the book. They showed strange scenes and yeah... I'm not sure why I even finished it but bc of that it was probably the most difficult book I've ever read.
8. Which book in your TBR pile will give you the biggest sense of accomplishment when you finish it?
Leah: Great expectations by Charles Dickens! I'm about a hundred pages in and I'm really enjoying it so far. But I have the exact same problems as stated above with this one. Anyway, this is such an important book in literature and I'll probably be pretty proud of myself once I've finished it.
Vicky: I recently found out that in my library is a book including four stories written by Charles Dickens. So soon I will be reading it and since it's an english version I'll be pretty proud of myself once I've finished it!
We hope you enjoyed the My life in books! book tag and thanks for reading it!
Have a nice day,
Leah and Vicky
Monday, October 19, 2015
To all the boys I've loved before (Jenny Han)
During fall (which is my most favorite season by the way) I love to read contemporary novels that just make me feel all happy and warm inside. And what's better than being snuggled in blankets, drinking tea or hot chocolate, eating freshly baked muffins and reading an adorable book by candlelight? Yes, you're right: nothing.
To all the boys I've loved before is about 16-year-old Lara Jean, who wrote a secret love letter to all her previous crushes, but kept them hidden in her room. When her older sister Margot leaves for college, she has to take responsibility for the household and care for her little sister Kitty, since their mother died years ago and their father is busy with work. But that's not her only problem: someone sent her hidden love letters, so her past crushes start confronting her. To make things the least akward as possible she agrees with one of them called Peter, who wants to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, to be in a fake relationship. Over the course of this book you see her struggling to figure out what she really wants, while she's trying to keep her family over the great distance, but also her friendships together by attempting to be the best possible sister, daughter, friend and, suprising herself, girlfriend as well.
Honestly, this book (and the sequel called P.S I still love you, too) deserves a way better summery than the one I just wrote. I hope I got at least your attention with it, because you shouldn't miss reading these books for anything in the world. There are so many things I love about the story. First of all basically every character is really likeable and - more important - relatable, especially Lara Jean. I simply couldn't help but not to think she's similar to me, probably because she's pretty ordinary: she's rather shy and smart, doesn't have that much, but really good friends, loves baking, painting her nails and stuff like that. I really enjoy it in books, especially contemporary novels, when I can relate to the characters since that makes me feel close to them. Another great thing about the story: it doesn't only focus on the aspect of love, but way more on family, siblings and friendship, and what's it like to lose daily contact to someone who's incredibly important to you. The book just showed me how crucial family, and especially siblings are, and definitely made me appreciate my brothers a lot more. I loved the writing and the way the letters were worked into the story, and - of course - the so so cute and adorable covers!
Rating: 5/5 ✹
So if you're in need of some reads, which are especially great for fall and winter, you have to check these books out. They made me fall in love with Jenny Han's writing and I'm looking forward to reading the The summer I turned pretty trilogy in spring/summer because I've only heard great things about it. If you do pick up these books, I hope you enjoy them (I'm actually really sure you will) and thanks for reading my hopefully not too confusing review!
Leah
To all the boys I've loved before is about 16-year-old Lara Jean, who wrote a secret love letter to all her previous crushes, but kept them hidden in her room. When her older sister Margot leaves for college, she has to take responsibility for the household and care for her little sister Kitty, since their mother died years ago and their father is busy with work. But that's not her only problem: someone sent her hidden love letters, so her past crushes start confronting her. To make things the least akward as possible she agrees with one of them called Peter, who wants to make his ex-girlfriend jealous, to be in a fake relationship. Over the course of this book you see her struggling to figure out what she really wants, while she's trying to keep her family over the great distance, but also her friendships together by attempting to be the best possible sister, daughter, friend and, suprising herself, girlfriend as well.
"Love is scary: it changes; it can go away. That's the part of the risk. I don't want to be scared anymore."
Honestly, this book (and the sequel called P.S I still love you, too) deserves a way better summery than the one I just wrote. I hope I got at least your attention with it, because you shouldn't miss reading these books for anything in the world. There are so many things I love about the story. First of all basically every character is really likeable and - more important - relatable, especially Lara Jean. I simply couldn't help but not to think she's similar to me, probably because she's pretty ordinary: she's rather shy and smart, doesn't have that much, but really good friends, loves baking, painting her nails and stuff like that. I really enjoy it in books, especially contemporary novels, when I can relate to the characters since that makes me feel close to them. Another great thing about the story: it doesn't only focus on the aspect of love, but way more on family, siblings and friendship, and what's it like to lose daily contact to someone who's incredibly important to you. The book just showed me how crucial family, and especially siblings are, and definitely made me appreciate my brothers a lot more. I loved the writing and the way the letters were worked into the story, and - of course - the so so cute and adorable covers!
Rating: 5/5 ✹
So if you're in need of some reads, which are especially great for fall and winter, you have to check these books out. They made me fall in love with Jenny Han's writing and I'm looking forward to reading the The summer I turned pretty trilogy in spring/summer because I've only heard great things about it. If you do pick up these books, I hope you enjoy them (I'm actually really sure you will) and thanks for reading my hopefully not too confusing review!
Leah
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
The 100 (Kass Morgan)
First of all, I'm sorry if I get anything wrong or mix storylines with
the show, but I read the books some time ago (back in April, I think)
and have read a lot of other books and rewatched the tv show since then,
so I might mess this up a bit, even though I'm trying my best.
The books, which are called The 100, Day 21 and Homecoming, follow the four teenagers (and POV characters) Clarke, Wells, Bellamy and Glass. At the beginning of the series, all of them are on the colony, a spaceship whose inhabitants are the last living humans who managed to escape the nuclear war centuries ago. But supplies, most of all oxygen are running out, so the government decides to send one hundred teenage criminals down to earth to see wether the earth is survivable again. Among these delinquents is Clarke, Well's first love, so he commits a crime in order to accompany her, as well as Glass, who manages to escape back onto the colony last-minute. Bellamy however wants to get onto the transport ship to protect his little sister Octavia, whose relationship had to be a secret all their lives because of the one child rule on the colony. Once they arrive on earth and realize earth in fact is survivable again, they have to fight for not just their survival, but also the survival of mankind. While the unfamiliar environment holds a lot of dangers, the teenagers need to build a new society whilst they still have to deal with secrets from their pasts and unexpected relationships are developing. Glass hopes she got away from all these risks with her escape, but soon realizes, her life is in as much danger as it would be on earth. Everyone of them has to deal with the decisions they made or they will haunt them forever.
I just realized I wanted to put too much information in this summary, but I hope it still made kind of sense to you. Anyway, I really enjoyed this series, and especially amazing was following those four really different characters and their storylines. At the beginning they all were in the more or less same situation, but during the series thanks to character development and a lot of events they differ more and more from one another. While you learn more about each person through flashbacks and memories, which are done soo good, you can see where they are all connected with each other. Apart from that, the books aren't really special, but definitely a great read if you're into sci-fi or dystopian books.
Now you may ask me wether I prefer the show or the books, I honestly can't give you an anwser. The storylines and characters are nearly completely different, so you'll have a hard time comparing those two. The show made a lot of changes, but I'm glad they did since the book just wouldn't work as a tv show, because it's focus is more on relationships and there's just not enough action and death in there. But reading the book really made me wish they would've included Glass' storyline in the first season. In my opinion it would've fit quite well and added definitely something interesting to the story. Anyway, the great thing about those two versions is you're actually able to experience two very different stories about the similar characters and the world they live in. And if you don't think that's awesome, I don't know what's wrong with you.
Rating:
The 100: 3/5 ✹
Day 21: 3.5/5 ✹
Homecoming: 3.5/5 ✹
Wow. This just became waaay too long. But, my point is, if you enjoyed the show (which you definitely did because it's AMAZING), you should check out the books, and the other way round. I'm quite sure most of you will like the show a lot more, but please give the books a chance, they'll be a nice "addition" to the series and will help get you over the looooong hiatus.
One last thing: Why the f*ck would whoever designed the covers (don't get me wrong, I actually like them a lot, especially the one for Day 21) put Finn on two of them, if he doesn't even exist in the books?
Thanks for reading all of this, I hope you're having a great day!
Leah
The books, which are called The 100, Day 21 and Homecoming, follow the four teenagers (and POV characters) Clarke, Wells, Bellamy and Glass. At the beginning of the series, all of them are on the colony, a spaceship whose inhabitants are the last living humans who managed to escape the nuclear war centuries ago. But supplies, most of all oxygen are running out, so the government decides to send one hundred teenage criminals down to earth to see wether the earth is survivable again. Among these delinquents is Clarke, Well's first love, so he commits a crime in order to accompany her, as well as Glass, who manages to escape back onto the colony last-minute. Bellamy however wants to get onto the transport ship to protect his little sister Octavia, whose relationship had to be a secret all their lives because of the one child rule on the colony. Once they arrive on earth and realize earth in fact is survivable again, they have to fight for not just their survival, but also the survival of mankind. While the unfamiliar environment holds a lot of dangers, the teenagers need to build a new society whilst they still have to deal with secrets from their pasts and unexpected relationships are developing. Glass hopes she got away from all these risks with her escape, but soon realizes, her life is in as much danger as it would be on earth. Everyone of them has to deal with the decisions they made or they will haunt them forever.
"You couldn't expect anyone else to share your suffering. You had to carry your pain alone."
I just realized I wanted to put too much information in this summary, but I hope it still made kind of sense to you. Anyway, I really enjoyed this series, and especially amazing was following those four really different characters and their storylines. At the beginning they all were in the more or less same situation, but during the series thanks to character development and a lot of events they differ more and more from one another. While you learn more about each person through flashbacks and memories, which are done soo good, you can see where they are all connected with each other. Apart from that, the books aren't really special, but definitely a great read if you're into sci-fi or dystopian books.
Now you may ask me wether I prefer the show or the books, I honestly can't give you an anwser. The storylines and characters are nearly completely different, so you'll have a hard time comparing those two. The show made a lot of changes, but I'm glad they did since the book just wouldn't work as a tv show, because it's focus is more on relationships and there's just not enough action and death in there. But reading the book really made me wish they would've included Glass' storyline in the first season. In my opinion it would've fit quite well and added definitely something interesting to the story. Anyway, the great thing about those two versions is you're actually able to experience two very different stories about the similar characters and the world they live in. And if you don't think that's awesome, I don't know what's wrong with you.
Rating:
The 100: 3/5 ✹
Day 21: 3.5/5 ✹
Homecoming: 3.5/5 ✹
Wow. This just became waaay too long. But, my point is, if you enjoyed the show (which you definitely did because it's AMAZING), you should check out the books, and the other way round. I'm quite sure most of you will like the show a lot more, but please give the books a chance, they'll be a nice "addition" to the series and will help get you over the looooong hiatus.
One last thing: Why the f*ck would whoever designed the covers (don't get me wrong, I actually like them a lot, especially the one for Day 21) put Finn on two of them, if he doesn't even exist in the books?
Thanks for reading all of this, I hope you're having a great day!
Leah
Sunday, October 4, 2015
TV Show Tag
We know this isn't really book related, but we hope you don't mind that much. Because of our love for tv shows we knew the instant we stumbled over this tag we had to do it. So, here we are and we hope you enjoy it!
Question 1: What was the first tv show you watched?
Question 2: What is your all time favourite tv show?
Question 1: What was the first tv show you watched?
Leah: The first one I watched was probably H2O: Just Add Water when I was still in elementary school. But the show that got me obsessed with tv series was definitely Sherlock. I still love it and I'm obviously really excited for the christmas special they're doing this year.
Vicky: So the first series I watched was H2O: Just Add Water as well (but it doesn't really count bc I was like 9 years old...). In fact the first actual tv show I watched (and got obsessed with) was Sherlock. I got the first episode for free on my phone and I watched it literally ten times and after finishing season one I fell in love with watching series all day...
Vicky: So the first series I watched was H2O: Just Add Water as well (but it doesn't really count bc I was like 9 years old...). In fact the first actual tv show I watched (and got obsessed with) was Sherlock. I got the first episode for free on my phone and I watched it literally ten times and after finishing season one I fell in love with watching series all day...
Question 2: What is your all time favourite tv show?
Leah: The 100! I just love everything about it, from the dangerous post-apocalyptic world it takes place in to the variety of complex characters. The show doesn't have this black and white/good and evil kind of view and is because of that unpredictable and not afraid to kill of important characters. While I have the feeling that shows like Game of Thrones (especially in their fifth season, which was so disappointing for me as a book reader) only want to shock the viewers, The 100 makes you question the character's decisions and think about morals and responsibilities. So, in case you haven't watched the 100 yet, you should do it right now! I promise you, you certainly won't regret it!
Vicky: I can't really decide but if I have to I'd probably say Teen Wolf. I just love the world they were creating and the character development. Like, just look at Lydia! In the beginning she was the stereotyped it-girl and when you look at her now you see that she would do everything to save her friends. I also like that not always everything has a good ending (like certain deaths... #stillnotoverit) because that's realistic.
By the way, I can totally agree with Leah. If you haven't watched The 100 yet, you better go watch it now bc it's so worth the time!
By the way, I can totally agree with Leah. If you haven't watched The 100 yet, you better go watch it now bc it's so worth the time!
Question 3: What is your ultimate OTP of all tv shows?
Leah: This is a really hard question for me, because I suck at picking favorites. But some of my favorites are Francis/Mary (Reign), Kira/Scott (Teen Wolf) and Dany/Drogo (Game of Thrones).
Vicky: I think picking only one OTP is impossible because in my opinion there are so much couples who are fitting perfectly together. So some of my all time favourites are Chuck/Blair (Gossip Girl), Klaus/Caroline and Damon/ and Elena (both from TVD).
Question 4: Which character would you like to take out on a date?
Leah: Another difficult question! There are so many hot guys in tv shows, but if I have to settle on only one, it would be Robb Stark from Game of Thrones. First of all, he's incredible good looking, but he's also one of the few at least kind of honorable and good characters in the show. And let's be honest, if you see all those Talisa (is that what she's called in the show?) and Robb scenes, wouldn't you like to have such a cute and caring husband?
Vicky: Stiles Stilinski or Damon Salvatore! I guess they would be perfect boyfriends bc they're funny and sarcastic and at the same time they're sweet and caring and obviously damn hot!
Vicky: Stiles Stilinski or Damon Salvatore! I guess they would be perfect boyfriends bc they're funny and sarcastic and at the same time they're sweet and caring and obviously damn hot!
Question 5: Which shows are you watching at the moment?
Leah: Actually, all my shows are on hiatus right now, but these are the shows I'll definitely continue watching once they're back:
The 100, Pretty Little Liars, Teen Wolf, Sherlock, Reign, Agent Carter and Game of Thrones. (I hope I didn't forget anything.)
Vicky: Most of the shows I'm watching are currently not on tv but I watch Gossip Girl at the moment and I'm going to continue with Pretty Little Liars, Teen Wolf, The 100, Sherlock, The Vampire Diaries and The Originals once they're back.
Vicky: Most of the shows I'm watching are currently not on tv but I watch Gossip Girl at the moment and I'm going to continue with Pretty Little Liars, Teen Wolf, The 100, Sherlock, The Vampire Diaries and The Originals once they're back.
Question 6: Which ended tv show deserves an extra season?
Leah: So far, none of my favorite shows have ended yet, but I already know I'll miss Pretty Little Liars a lot after the seventh season has aired.
Vicky: Gossip Girl! I'm currently watching season 5 and there are just 20 episodes left and I don't know what to do with my life when I can't go back to the upper eastside :(
Question 7: Which tv show do you want to watch?
Leah: I'm really looking forward to watching Shadowhunters in January and hopefully I'll manage watching The Originals until all the shows come back from their hiatus(es?!).
Vicky: I really wanna watch Breaking Bad (I started watching it with my older brother but we almost never have the time to go on) and I may start Game of Thrones someday but I'm not sure yet.
Question 8: Have you ever watched an entire tv show again (or watched episodes multiple times)?
Leah: Both. I watched the entire two season of The 100 twice (some episodes even three or four times), and I watched most of season one and two of game of thrones twice. Apart from that, I only rewatched "special" episodes like pilot and season finales from basically all shows I like.
Vicky: Don't judge me but whenever I'm bored because all series are on hiatus, I start watching an old series again (I just love to see how the characters have changed within the seasons). These are the shows I watched at least twice: Teen Wolf (I actually re-watched all seasons except the fifth four times), The Vampire Diaries (Season 1) and the Hundred (by now just season 1 but I'm going to continue with season 2 with my mum next week).
Vicky: Don't judge me but whenever I'm bored because all series are on hiatus, I start watching an old series again (I just love to see how the characters have changed within the seasons). These are the shows I watched at least twice: Teen Wolf (I actually re-watched all seasons except the fifth four times), The Vampire Diaries (Season 1) and the Hundred (by now just season 1 but I'm going to continue with season 2 with my mum next week).
Question 9: Which tv show did you watch but gave up on after a while?
Leah: I watched How I met your mother till around season three, but stopped because in my opinion it wasn't that funny and it just started to bore the hell out of me. More recently, I watched Once upon a time until episode 3x14 or so, and it was just way too predictable for me and I didn't really like the concept of clearly good and evil characters. I know, it's like that in fairy tales but I just don't like it at all. Anyway, the new trailer for season 5 looked actually quite interesting and different from the seasons I've seen so far, so maybe I'll give it another try.
Vicky: I once started watching Glee but now I'm stuck in the middle of season 2 and I just have no motivation to go on. But I know all of the songs and I'm truly in love with them!
Question 10: Which character would you want to be for a day?
Leah: I have honestly no idea. Probably Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones because DRAGONS (and I'd be really beautiful as well). I mean, who doesn't want to have three badass dragons? But that's probably the only reason since Dany's life kind of sucks apart from the fact she owns dragons.
Vicky: I guess I'd like to be Serena van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl (but just for one day... Her life isn't as easy as some people think) because I'm really interested in the life of New York's high society and of course it would be fun to visit one of the extraordinary parties on the Upper Eastside.
That's it, we hope you enjoyed it!
Leah and Vicky
Monday, September 28, 2015
Taylor Swift Book Tag
I've seen this tag all over booktube and decided to give it a try, since it looks like a lot of fun and I hope you'll enjoy reading my answers as well! (And I'm really sorry for being so inactive, but I'll try to post at least once a week from now on.)
Question 1: We are never ever getting back together (pick a book or series that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with)
I have to go with Insurgent and Allegiant by Veronica Roth. I absolutely loved (and I still do) Divergent, so the first time I read those two books, I adored them as well. But when I re-read them last summer, I didn't liked it at all. I realized the story isn't good, it really annoyed me to read it.
Question 2: Red (pick a book with a red cover)
A court of thornes and roses by Sarah J. Maas! It looks simply stunning, and the story is even better than the cover (which is hardly possible).
Question 3: The best day (pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic)
I know it's quite a mainstream anwser, but I have to pick the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling for that one. It was such a big part of my childhood, and I still make sure to reread at least one book every year. (And yes, just like you I'm still waiting for my letter...)
Question 4: Love Story (pick a book with a forbidden love)
I'm gonna go with Kestrel and Arin from the Winner's curse series by Marie Rutkoski. I really like both of these characters and think they make a pretty amazing couple. I'm really excited where the story will head to with those two!
Question 5: I knew you were trouble (pick a book with a bad charakter you couldn't help but love)
Petyr Baelish from the A song of ice and fire series by George R.R. Martin. He just adds so much to this fantastic story and you can't help but be intrigued by this character. I kind of hate him for all the stuff he's done, but at the same time I love him for the way he did them. (I hope I make sense?)
Question 6: Innocent (pick a book that someone ruined the ending of)
The ending of Allegiant was spoiled by countless instagram and tumblr posts for me. But I honestly didn't even care that much, because I saw that ending coming anyway.
Question 7: Everything has changed (pick a book that has a character who goes through extensive character development)
I really don't want to, but I have to choose Juliette from the Shatter me series by Tahereh Mafi. I hated that book so much (and feel like I'm the only person in the whole universe who did, since everybody else seems to love those books). Anyway, Juliette managed to become from the scared, slightly insane girl a really badass warrior, who basically rules her world now. I don't like her as character, but I have to give credit for that.
Question 8: Forever and always (pick your favourite book couple)
Lara Jean and Peter from the To all the boys I've loved before series by Jenny Han or Mia and Adam from the If I stay series by Gayle Forman. I just love both of these couples, they're incredibly cute and amazing together, but the most important thing for me is they feel like a real couple.
Question 9: You belong with me (most anticipated book release)
The sixth and seventh books in the A song of ice and fire series by George R.R. Martin called The winds of winter and A dream of spring. I'm completely obsessed with this series and can barely wait any longer for TWOW to be released. The time I'll spend waiting for ADOS is gonna be horribly long, because George R.R. Martin really takes his time for writing books (like, five years).
Question 10: Come back, be here (pick a book you wouldn't lend out to anyone for fear of missing it to much)
I'm in general not a big fan of lending out books (except to my best friend) because I'm just too afraid they won't be treated right. But the books I'll probably miss the most are those from the Throne of glass series from Sarah J. Maas. I honestly can't even describe how much I love this story, the characters and the world it takes place in.
Question 11: Tear drops on my guitar (a book that made you cry a lot)
Books in general just make me cry a lot, but one where I was sobbing the whole time while reading it is Where she went from the If I stay series by Gayle Forman.
Question 12: Shake it off (a book that you love so much you just shake off the haters)
I know, I've mentiond these books a lot, but definitly ToG and AsoIaF. These are my all time favourite books and I think they shaped my character and my view on the world so much more than most of the other books I've read.
I hope you liked reading my anwsers to this book tag (and I'm sorry for using the word series all the time!). I'll try to post another time this week (probably either a book review or another book tag because I really enjoy doing them). Anyway, I hope you're having a great day!
Leah
Question 1: We are never ever getting back together (pick a book or series that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with)
I have to go with Insurgent and Allegiant by Veronica Roth. I absolutely loved (and I still do) Divergent, so the first time I read those two books, I adored them as well. But when I re-read them last summer, I didn't liked it at all. I realized the story isn't good, it really annoyed me to read it.
Question 2: Red (pick a book with a red cover)
A court of thornes and roses by Sarah J. Maas! It looks simply stunning, and the story is even better than the cover (which is hardly possible).
Question 3: The best day (pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic)
I know it's quite a mainstream anwser, but I have to pick the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling for that one. It was such a big part of my childhood, and I still make sure to reread at least one book every year. (And yes, just like you I'm still waiting for my letter...)
Question 4: Love Story (pick a book with a forbidden love)
I'm gonna go with Kestrel and Arin from the Winner's curse series by Marie Rutkoski. I really like both of these characters and think they make a pretty amazing couple. I'm really excited where the story will head to with those two!
Question 5: I knew you were trouble (pick a book with a bad charakter you couldn't help but love)
Petyr Baelish from the A song of ice and fire series by George R.R. Martin. He just adds so much to this fantastic story and you can't help but be intrigued by this character. I kind of hate him for all the stuff he's done, but at the same time I love him for the way he did them. (I hope I make sense?)
Question 6: Innocent (pick a book that someone ruined the ending of)
The ending of Allegiant was spoiled by countless instagram and tumblr posts for me. But I honestly didn't even care that much, because I saw that ending coming anyway.
Question 7: Everything has changed (pick a book that has a character who goes through extensive character development)
I really don't want to, but I have to choose Juliette from the Shatter me series by Tahereh Mafi. I hated that book so much (and feel like I'm the only person in the whole universe who did, since everybody else seems to love those books). Anyway, Juliette managed to become from the scared, slightly insane girl a really badass warrior, who basically rules her world now. I don't like her as character, but I have to give credit for that.
Question 8: Forever and always (pick your favourite book couple)
Lara Jean and Peter from the To all the boys I've loved before series by Jenny Han or Mia and Adam from the If I stay series by Gayle Forman. I just love both of these couples, they're incredibly cute and amazing together, but the most important thing for me is they feel like a real couple.
Question 9: You belong with me (most anticipated book release)
The sixth and seventh books in the A song of ice and fire series by George R.R. Martin called The winds of winter and A dream of spring. I'm completely obsessed with this series and can barely wait any longer for TWOW to be released. The time I'll spend waiting for ADOS is gonna be horribly long, because George R.R. Martin really takes his time for writing books (like, five years).
Question 10: Come back, be here (pick a book you wouldn't lend out to anyone for fear of missing it to much)
I'm in general not a big fan of lending out books (except to my best friend) because I'm just too afraid they won't be treated right. But the books I'll probably miss the most are those from the Throne of glass series from Sarah J. Maas. I honestly can't even describe how much I love this story, the characters and the world it takes place in.
Question 11: Tear drops on my guitar (a book that made you cry a lot)
Books in general just make me cry a lot, but one where I was sobbing the whole time while reading it is Where she went from the If I stay series by Gayle Forman.
Question 12: Shake it off (a book that you love so much you just shake off the haters)
I know, I've mentiond these books a lot, but definitly ToG and AsoIaF. These are my all time favourite books and I think they shaped my character and my view on the world so much more than most of the other books I've read.
I hope you liked reading my anwsers to this book tag (and I'm sorry for using the word series all the time!). I'll try to post another time this week (probably either a book review or another book tag because I really enjoy doing them). Anyway, I hope you're having a great day!
Leah
Monday, July 27, 2015
An ocean apart, a world away (Lensey Namioka)
The book follows a 16-year-old Chinese girl called Yanyan in 1921, who always wanted to become a doctor. To achieve her dream she leaves not only her family, country and the surroundings she's comfortable in, but also her first love Liang, a Manchurian rebel, behind to study medical science in Ithaca, New York. That's a quite unusual decision to make for a young woman in that time, so she has to deal with different problems during her stay in America such as racism and sexism.
I can't even tell you how much I love this book. I got it about four or five yearsago, read it several times since then and enjoyed it so much every time I picked it up. The writing isn't even that good (don't get me wrong, it's not bad, just nothing special), but the story is fantastic. First of all, I really liked reading about characters with Asian background in a historical fiction novel since I know nearly nothing about historical Asia (thanks to the german history classes which only focus on Germany, Europe and sometimes America). The main character Yanyan is simply amazing. She's such a strong and independent young woman, she's able to defend herself (she knows some kung fu moves, so she's badass as well) and fight for her dreams. She encouraged me so much to take the classes I'm really interested in, even though it meant to be seperated from most of my friends. Sadly its still rather unusual for girls to work in technical jobs and it's sometimes really hard to be only surrounded by boys, but I'm really glad I made the decision to take chemistry and physic and I'm not sure I'd been confident enough to make it if I hadn't read this book.
Rating: 4.5/5 ✹
So you should definitely pick this book up if you're into historical fiction because it's a really short book with a so beautiful, touching and inspiring story. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do!
Leah
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)