Happy Finch Day! #IAMHERE.

Happy Theodore Finch Day!!!

For those of you who don't know who Theodore Finch is, he is one of the main characters in Jennifer Niven's All The Bright Places. He is a lovely, inspiring, and creative character that teaches someone to learn how to live and love life even though he struggles with that himself. Throughout the story, Finch struggles with mental health and is never fully able to overcome it.

In 2015, I, fortunately, found a group of young adults, like myself, that loved All The Bright Places as much as I do. Together we created a fan account called The Lovelies and today we use it to promote self-love and use it as a safe and creative space for fans. We wanted to create an environment that Finch would have wanted for himself, a place where people could go and were able to appreciate themselves and one another.

Three years ago The Lovelies created the I AM HERE campaign. We asked that people posted an image with All the Bright Places or a positive image with the hashtag #IAmHere. In the novel, Finch leaves marks on the places he visits with "I was here." However, today on Finch Day, we celebrate that we are here and acknowledge that together we can overcome any struggle.

I wish I had the words to tell you how much All The Bright Places means to me, but I will try my best with the words I do know. All The Bright Places truly changed my life and opened my eyes to a world in which I had no idea about. As a person with a lack of knowledge about mental health, it taught me about those around me who are constantly struggling and it allowed me the opportunity to experience a new perspective. Through Jennifer's beautiful writing and beautiful characters, I was inspired to make a change, which is what any great book should do for you, and what The Lovelies are trying to do.

Finch Day is a day that celebrates mental health but also celebrates the power of a fictional character and the importance of literature because beautiful fictional characters and amazing works of art bring some lovely people together to create even more loveliness!

I hope that you celebrate Finch Day by acknowledging that you are here! It is so amazing to be inspired by a book, but it is even more inspiring to actually do something about it. Please share that you are here and acknowledge your ability to overcome your struggles because we all have them.
Please remember that you are never alone and it is okay to reach out for help!

You are wanted. You are loved. You are here.


All the love,
Channy

One Small Thing by Erin Watt

Hello!

Y'ALL I have yet to read an Erin Watt book that disappoints me! I'm not kidding. I received an ARC of One Small Thing and I started it and finished it so quickly. I will be honest, I was quite hesitant about the plot of this book but I AM SO OBSESSED OML!

Summary:
One Small Thing follows Elizabeth Jones or Beth who is trying to get her friends and family to stop calling her Lizzie. Her parents have gone super overprotective since the loss of her big sister, Rachel. Beth's parents have crossed a line in their overprotectiveness. As a way to get back at them, Beth decides to go to a party across town and hook up with a guy. Beth's plan works well and everything until she shows up to school and realizes the boy she hooked up with is the same boy that accidentally killed her sister those short years ago. Even though Beth should hate Chase she can't help but fall for him.

My Thoughts:
One Small thing is very different from all other Erin Watt books. I felt it was much darker than Ella's story even in Paper Princess. There was something about this book that made me cry so hard and love it with everything. What I love most about this story is that each character struggled with something. No one was perfect and everyone had bad things they had to deal with but they all also had good things! Each character was able to come together and help each other out which made me so happy.

Beth is one of my favorite characters in literature ever because she made some poor choices but she is only 17. We all make bad choices when we are young and old! I felt for Beth this whole book. I didn't feel different from her I felt very similar. Beth's parents were irritating me as well. I could feel my own anger in their arguments. I understand her feelings because I felt them too. All Beth wanted was a chance to start fresh and go off to college which is understandable considering her sister and her parents. Her plan sounded good to me but of course, no matter what she did she could never be what they wanted her to be... which was basically isolated.

Now Chase and Beth. I just loved him the whole time. He was never rude or anything. I think he was a perfect gentleman. He cared so much for Beth and tried to keep her away and he was so sorry about Rachel. The entire book he felt that the comments from other students and juvie weren't enough. Chase wanted to redeem himself but he felt like he needed to suffer more than he did. I loved that he never forced her into anything and he was always pushing her away but he wanted her to be okay. To me, he never felt like a criminal, just a boy who was struggling and cared. Plus, Chase had the best advice in the story and I appreciated that about him.

I hated Jeff from the moment he walked in. He is such a loser I can't even begin to start this because I will just rant. Jeff was such a moron and a barf bag. All he did was boss people around and invite himself over. I was done with him when he forced Beth to eat the nachos then he freaking left her at the party. He is a piece of trash and if you know anyone like this getaway or try to get them to see the light because NO ONE deserves to be treated like he treated everyone in this story!


This book though got me out of a big book slump so thank you for sending me this ARC. I loved reading about Chase and Beth. This story is so beautiful, it is more than just a girl falling in love with a criminal...it's about second chances and redemption. It's about not judging a person by their actions and allowing yourself to struggle and finding a way to make your situation better. The scenes in this book were adorable and understandable but they make you appreciate people and that's the best.

Much Love,
Channy

Books to Read After Seeing Love, Simon!

Hello Lovely People,

If you are like me you are still in awe of seeing Love, Simon! I can't even express my love for this movie and novel. Seeing it come to life on the big screen and finally seeing people who don't read express their love for it is so incredible! If you haven't seen the movie-- you should! The movie was absolutely incredible and so perfect for young adults but also adults!

The response to this film has been amazing to see. Love, Simon has such a great vibe to it that it just sticks with you and makes you happy but not just happy but aware. I loved being able to see people being so accepting and feeling like they have a voice to speak up about who they are is SO outstanding! I even felt free after it! My generation gets a lot of hate but for once I was so proud to stand beside and finally see/ be apart of something that matters! I'm so happy everyone loved it!!

So the question is what do you do after seeing and loving Love, Simon? Don't worry I have the perfect cure to your movie hangover! I have put together a couple of books similar to it that have great vibes, good messages, and are super cute and worth it! Here you go!

1. I have been talking to some people and they didn't realize Love, Simon is actually based on the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. If you haven't read the book yet, I highly encourage it. It is still super adorable and cute and an easy read! Pick it Up!!

2. Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum is similar to Love, Simon in that it deals with anonymous emails being sent between two people and we are trying to figure out who is sending them. Jessie has just switched schools after her Mom's death and she keeps getting emails of tips about how to survive high school. Jessie soon begins to rely on the tips and the friendship that forms within the emails.
This book is one of my all time favorites! It is so adorable and it made my heart full! (Waffle :) ). Pick it Up!!

3. The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis. I just read this book and it is still hanging with me. Like Simon, Evan Panos is gay. The story is so beautiful and deals with Evan trying to understand himself while also trying to survive in a household that doesn't get him at all. It will make you cry but it will also make you smile but most importantly it will make you feel alive and important! Pick it Up!!!

4. History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera. It wouldn't feel right if an Adam Silvera book was not on this list. I read this book right after Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and it is so beautiful and sad but I'm sure you gathered that from the title. The story follows Griffin after his ex-boyfriend, Theo, passes away. They are no longer together but Griffin goes back to tell their story and seeks comfort in Theo's new boyfriend, Jackson. Honestly this story made me so sad but opened my eyes. Pick it Up!!

5. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli. Why not pick up another book but the author who gave you Love, Simon right? The friendships in this story are similar to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda but also it deals with present issues like image and what other people think. It has two cute OTPs in it so you should Pick it UP!!!



Thank you so much for reading and I hope these books help you escape your movie hangover :)

Love,
Channy
(^^see what I did there)

The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis

Hi Lovely People,


I haven't read a book this good since 2015 when I read All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. Y'all I love this book so much! It deserves every award and every ounce of love you can give it! This review is going to be so hard to write because I honestly loved it so much and there aren't enough words AHHH!!! 

Summary: 

Evan Panos is struggling to find his place in this world. His Mother thinks that he is a constant disappointment and she makes sure Evan knows that. His Father just remains quiet and tries to make everything up for Evan's Mother's behavior but not much can anymore. Especially when Evan comes back from Bible camp to his best friend looking more attractive than ever before. The good news is Henry has the same feelings as Evan but then there is Gaige who Evan kissed at camp :( Evan is just trying to survive his life while trying to figure out who he is at the same time.

We need more stories like this. I'm still in book hangover from this one. I legit could not put this book down! This story had me wanting more. I had to put it down while I went to practice and it was sad. It was tragic when I finished it and I had to put it down because I felt like I was a part of this world. I was sad to leave Evan and Henry because I felt like I had been through all that they had been and it was odd leaving that place that I was so invested in.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK:

1. EVAN AND HENRY ARE SO ADORABLE 

2. MAKES YOU APPRECIATE PEOPLE AND WHO THEY ARE

3. MAKES YOU AWARE 

4. ITS SO FREAKING CUTE

5. REALIZE WHAT TRUE FRIENDS ARE

6. ITS SO GOOD THAT YOU WILL HAVE BOOK HANGOVER

7. YOU WILL WANT TO READ IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN

8. MAKES YOU BELIEVE IN TRUE LOVE

This book is life changing! 

This was the first book that I read about parental abuse and the emotional restraints it puts on a person. Evan is one of the strongest people I have ever read about. I felt like I was experiencing this with him and I felt completely helpless because I couldn't do anything. Now I feel differently because I did do something; I read this story, and I am aware, and I have been impacted by it.  I will never understand what it is like to live under his roof but I know his story and I appreciate and respect him. I am aware at how uncomfortable it makes people and how the people you trust are the ones that often let you down. I’m so honored to have read Evan’s story and his story has given me something new to think about. You can’t choose who you are and to be in an environment where you are not accepted is cruel. Evan is a character that I believe will be with me for the rest of my life because he has showed me how to be yourself when people don't support you.



I'M SERIOUSLY SO IN LOVE PLEASE GO READ IT AND SUPPORT THE DANGEROUS ART OF BLENDING IN!





Much Love,
Channy

Books to Read When You are in a READING SLUMP :(

Hello Lovelies!!

Happy 2018! If you have never been in a reading slump then you are so lucky but if you ever get in a reading slump then here are a few of my favorite reads to help you jump out.

Whenever I am in a reading slump I tend to go to authors that start their plots quickly or get straight to the point. I hate waiting for 100 pages just to finally know why a character is in the situation they are in. Sometimes I love books like that but it doesn't help when you just want to read what you signed up for. If I have read all of those authors books, I go right to cute romances that I know I will love.

- THE ROYALS SERIES BY ERIN WATT

I'm not sure if they want to call it a trilogy or a series because three books deal with Reed and Ella then Fallen Heir is about another Royal in the family. I love Erin Watt novels if you scroll down my blog most of my reviews are about them because they are so good and plot twisty! I love a good romance with some heavy drama. These books are about Ella and how she moves in with the Royals who are wealthy boys that everyone knows. Ella falls in love with Reed Royal and it just so good. Go read them!

- DIMLY BY ESTELLE MASKAME

This is a trilogy that I had to wait for but you don't WOHOO! I read these so quickly and then went into withdrawals because I needed the next one so badly because they are so good. It is about Eden who moves to Santa Monica to spend the summer with her Dad (they aren't on very good terms). His new wife has kids of her own and Eden starts falling for her step-brother. It sounds kind of creepy but it is so good. Eden ends up helping Tyler become his own person and they help each other fight against labels. They really are amazing books with super big plot twists!!

- THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER BY JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT
Jennifer writes stories that take off quickly which I love because she is a reliable author for slaying your reading slump. Jennifer writes all different genres so I'm sure she has something that would call to you. I loved The Problem with Forever because I love reunions and best friends who have been in love. The main characters have been through the a terrible experience in the foster care system where they both protected each other but finally they are rescued but split up. Years later, they find each other again at school and together they help each other heal and let go of once was for a promising future. I honestly loved it because it broke my heart and put it back together. Such a beautiful story about never giving up hope. Go read it!


- THE SELECTION SERIES BY KIERA CASS

This series is perfect and quick. It it the bachelor meets hunger games and it is worth everything. I read this with a group of friends in 8th grade and it was so much fun because we are liked different genres but we all fell in love with these characters. I suggest getting some friends and all read it together because it is such a great story. America is part of the selection where prince Maxon must find the perfect princess in order to stand beside him as Queen. Maxon goes on dates with all the girls but falls for America but the thing is America doesn't want to be there because she has eyes for the body guard who is also her BFF from home. It is SO good!! READ IT!!

- THE HEARTBREAKER CHRONICLES BY ALI NOVAK
There are only two books out but who doesn't love a famous boy band! The Heartbreakers is a popular band and everyone knows who they are. Each book is set on one boy and a love story with a girl they meet. I love reading books about famous people falling in love with common people. Great stories to get you out of the slumps.





Well here you go! Those are a few stories that should get you back into the reading spirit! Please let me know what you think!! Happy New Year!

Much Love,
Channy

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A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck

I'm shocked. That is all that comes to my mind because this story is deeply real. This story sheds light on a boy, Matt, hopelessly in love with his best friend and his neighbor, Tabby. Tabby is basically apart of the family. She participates in Matt's family's Thanksgivings and Halloweens. Tabby and Matt are the greatest friends but Tabby gets a senior boyfriend and Matt feels Tabby's absence in his life but Tabby tries to fit both boys into her life and make it worth it. This story is about friendship and learning how to deal with life.

Before I continue this blog post anymore, I will be spoiling so if you have not read this book then read it and come back it is VERY good.

As a high school student I am perfectly aware of the teenagery behavior I see in this novel. The constant crush, the need of attention, and the losing everything to get what you want concept but this book truly took me to a place that I did not expect and reintroduced me to why I love reading so much. Jared Peck has written the truth. He legit wrote a moment so terrifying horrible and unexpected that  I can't deal.

The thing I love most about this story is how impactful it has been on my life. I am very fortunate to have not have not lost anyone extremely close to me yet but as I grow up I am noticing that the same people I have seen before are no longer there for my friends or parents. The world is constantly changing and I don't believe anyone will be entirely ready for it.

I don't cry when I read novels but Mr. Reck made me cry for the first time. He introduced me to a character that everyone in the story loved and that I grew to love. She meant something to everyone and I grew to love her simplicity. Never would I have expected to see her end in the middle of the story. Tabby's death was incredibly real to me and book-altering. I have never read a story where death is like it is. Jared Reck put Tabby's death in the middle of the story not the end but the middle which I think is incredibly profound. Not only did I get to read about losing someone close but I got to experience it through words. I had to set down the book in order to stop crying. Tabby's death is the realist thing I have experienced in literature and in life.

The scariest thing in this book for me is that I was waiting for Matt to confess his feelings to Tabby but he never got the chance. This story opens your eyes at the complete horrendous fact that life isn't perfect but you have to find ways to keep going and keep living. I love how we are able to see Matt's reaction and how he choses to continue on. I especially love the relationships in this novel. Everyone has a place in this book whether it is a passion or a friendship I feel like everyone was there for one another.
Mostly, this book has made me appreciate books and how they expose me to the world that I haven't experienced yet in my own narrative. I may have not actually known Tabby but I know what it is like to know a person that means the world to you and that you would do anything for them. I am overwhelmed with emotions because I know that this novel is too true and it has made me open to the fact that life is short so make sure to live in the present and experience every moment because you never know when it will be your last.

Shoutout to Jared Reck for his beautiful story and words. I can't wait to read your future work!

Thank you so much for reading!


Much Love,
Channy

My Top 15 Summer Reads of 2017!

Hi Lovely People,

Summer is my favorite time to read every book that I didn't have time for during this school year. The past school year was very hectic and I was unable to read as much as I wanted to, so this summer I picked up every book I wanted and went to reading! Here is my top 20! These are in order of when I read them!

1. Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Abertalli:

If you liked Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum as much as I did then this book is for you! Simon is taking with an anonymous student, Blue, over a blog and when someone finds out he is sending these messages, Simon is blackmailed into helping Jackson get a date.
This story is so sweet and I loved reading about Simon's struggle with high school students judging him but it is also a love story about learning who your true friends are.


3.  Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley:

If you love book stores and romances then definitely read Words in Deep Blue! The story follows Rachel who has not kept in touch with her old friend, Henry, after she moves away but years later to moves back to hometown and reconnects with her long lost friend and love interest. Henry's parents own a second hand bookshop where people leave love notes in between the pages. Henry and Rachel soon reconnect between the pages.
This book is truly adorable and sad. It is a story about growing up and learning how to love even when the person is gone. It is also learning what matters in the world and learning how to love yourself before loving someone else.

4. History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera:

If you love sad love stories this one is for you. Griffin's ex-boyfriend, Theo, has just passed away. Griffin with the help of Theo's boyfriend, Jackson, reminisces over his time with Theo and the time he lost while Theo was with Griffin.
I love this story so much! Griffin's perspective is so interesting and sad. You follow how Theo and Griffin fell in love but what Griffin loved about Theo and what made him so special. It is about learning how to let go but also learning how to accept the truth.

5. Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith:

If you love classic love stories then this is it! Alice has bad luck but when she gives her best friend, Teddy, a lottery ticket for his birthday and he wins the two figure out how to spend his new fortune on things they always dreamed of. Although this new fortune is wonderful, it has consequences on the relationships around him.
So adorable! I love this story because these two have only ever had bad luck and now with this new beginning they learn how to forgive the past and look towards the future. It is also about learning how to identify the loyal people around you and what the meaning of family is!


6. The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout:

If you love long lost love stories this is it! Mallory's past is not a good one with growing up in foster care with an abusive family she has only ever relied on the one boy who constantly saved her life when they were young. When Mallory starts at a new high school four years later, she reconnects with the boy who saved her life, Rider. The two reconnect and realize they have both changed!
OMG I LOVE this book with all my heart. I am so obsessed with it. Sometimes I just think about it and it makes me want to read it all over again! This book is a love story but mostly forgiving and forgetting!

7. A Court of Thorns and Rose Trilogy by Sarah J. Maas

If you love fantasy then these are for sure for you! I'm not a big fantasy reader, so picking ACOTAR up was a little iffy but I devoured them. I read them all within a couple of days! I don't even know how to summarize them all but basically it is about Feyre, a human girl protecting her family, who accidentally kills a Faerie over the wall that was built to separate the two. Feyre has to go live in the Faerie realm with the Fearie and the whole story starts from there. There is so much romance and action! They are so entertaining! I was hooked! Definitely for new adult readers.


8. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson:

If you love contemporary novels about loss then pick this up! I am a big contemporary reader and I have heard so much about this story, so I finally picked it up! The story is from the points of views of twins, Jude and Noah. Noah is very close with his Mom and Jude has always envied Noah for it. Noah is the artist in the family and Jude is working on it, so they apply to the art school down the road. When their Mother passes away, Jude is sad but she can't figure out why Noah isn't sad about the person who he was once close to. The story switches perspectives and timelines which is so incredible. You notice how the twins slowly switch places with one another as they grow! It is very sad and dramatic so have some tissues near. The story mostly reflects learning how to forgive, grow, and being their for one another. Such a great story!

9. Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley:

If you love Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon this book is for you. A long time ago, Soloman had a panic attack at school causing him to strip down in the school water fountain. A girl named Lisa watched him jump into this fountain and years later she is still thinking about that traumatic moment. Lisa's goal is to get into college but she needs to write about an experience she has had with mental health, so she tries to find the boy who jumped in the fountain all those years ago. With the essay in mind, Lisa tracks down Soloman,who hasn't left the house since that day, and befriends him. By the time her essay is due, Lisa wants to get Soloman out of the house and cured from his mental illness. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! It is all about learning how to overcome obstacles, facing your fears, how to be a friend, and what it means to be yourself! So, So, So amazing!!

10. Rosie Girl by Julie Shepard:
If you liked We Were Liars you will like this book. Rosie and her best friend Mary are trying to make money to hire a private investigator so Rosie can find her birth mother. Since the sudden death of Rosie's father, Rosie has been living with her step-mother and her step-mother's too young boyfriend. All Rosie wants to do is find her birth Mother but all Rosie can think is why has she been lied to all this time? Why hasn't her Mother come to find her yet? When Rosie meets with the PI he hands her case off to his nephew, Mac. Mac is sweet and fun and might be able to find the answers to all her questions. Such an interesting read. I actually didn't meant to pick this book up but I am glad I did. The end had me shaking!!

11. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell:

Since I started getting into fantasy this summer I decided to pick it up. I would not really say this is pure fantasy it is contemporary with a fantasy vibe. Simon Snow is the Chosen one at least thats what they tell him. When one night, a monster that looks just like Simon attacks his school and puts everyone in danger it is up to him and his vampire roommate, Baz, to stop the attacks. This is a love story but also a story about family and magic.

12. Velva Jean Learns to Drive by Jennifer Niven:

I am obsessed with anything Jennifer writes but this story was incredibly empowering. Velva Jean has grown up with a dream of going to Nashville and singing. It has always been her dream but when she meets Harley Bright her dreams are kept safely away. Harley puts a dent in her dreams as they both follow his. As Velva Jean grows older, her brother is the one that takes her to an audition that leads her closer to her dream. This story is SO amazing! I love inspiring stories and this is one! This is about learning how to love yourself first and following your dreams. It is about putting yourself out there and trusting yourself.

13. Dare to Fall by Estelle Maskame:

If you loved DIMLY I'm sure you will love this too!! I was so excited to hear that Estelle was releasing another book! I ordered it immediately! Jaden has had a hard year losing his parents in a car accident and losing friendship with the girl he likes. MacKenzie has her reasons for steering clear of Jaden because she has had her own losses to deal with but as the two start reconnecting they can't stay away from each other but they can't forget why they fell apart in the first place. This story has a big plot twist, love story and many family relationships. This is a story about not letting the past change the future and trusting the greatest people around you.

14. One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus:

THIS BOOK!!! Oh my goodness! If you love murder mysteries this is it for you. Simon has the biggest gossip blog around and he is constantly releasing information that is scarily true. The day before Simon is set to post the biggest scandals in school, he is put in detention with the kids he is about to post about. By the end of detention, Simon is dead. But who killed him? This book GOT me! I was trying to read so fast because I was so interested to know and my goodness it was so good! Please pick it up!!

15. Fallen Heir by Erin Watt:

I love ErinWatt's novels so when they were releasing another book in the Royals series I was crying. This story is all about Easton. Easton is kind of a mess but a good mess. All he does is drink and fight but when the new girl comes to town he wants to be with her. He wants to be with her but she just wants to be friends! I loved it! If you want to know more I have a review all for it!

Thank you all so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed these books as much as I did!

Much Love,
Channy