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

Fallen Heir by Erin Watt

Hi Lovely People!!!


OH MY GOODNESS!! OH MY GOODNESS!! OH MY GOODNESS!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! This might be my favorite Royals book!! First of all, major thank you to Erin Watt for sending me an ARC of Fallen Heir! If you have seen any of my previous posts, you know how obsessed I am with the Royals series. Last summer and fall, I seriously fell in love with Ella and Reed and all the Royals! When I found out Erin Watt was writing Easton's story, I started crying because I love the Royals SO MUCH!! I am going to list my favorite moments/scenes!!

                       
                             ---SPOILER FREE---





FAVORITE MOMENTS IN FALLEN HEIR

1. Easton is such a mess but so is Hartley!
2. Hartley is so unique and ordinary it made the book so much more interesting!
3. There is a TON of drama which puts you on the edge of your seat!
4. Ella and Reed are present in the novel as well as the events in the past book!
5. Easton chases Hartley and it makes me smile!
6. Easton really cares for Hartley.
7. Easton and Ella are still good friends!
7. THE ENDING!! HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!!!
8. READ IT AUGUST 28, 2017!!!
9. Thank you again to Erin Watt!!!!

I hope you all read it and let me know if you agree with my favorite things or want to add to it!!

Much Love,
Channy

What To Love About What To Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

"It's nice to sit with someone and not have to think about what to say next."

Hello!!

I'm so excited to review What To Say Next! I loved Tell Me Three Things by Julie Juxbaum so when she said she had another book coming out in July I freaked out! Not only was I obsessed with the summary but have you seen the cover? It perfectly captures how I feel about July! Definitely 10/10!

Summary:
Kit has recently lost her father and finds she needs a change in her life. What better way to change than to go sit with the kid who sits by himself, David. David is dorky and smart but has trouble lying. David's older sister, Miney, high school legend, tries to help him fit in but it has been hard since she left for college. When Kit starts sitting at David's table they start to develop a nice friendship that turns into finding the truth in what happened to her father's accident and many milkshakes.


"The world is shitty enough without people being shitty to each other."

What To Love About David:

1. David is the sweetest human in the world. He always says the right things except when he doesn't.
2. He is constantly listening to the best tunes to avoid the noise of high school. He reminds me of Baby Driver (excellent movie go see it!)
3. He writes in a notebook that contains information about many of the students and teachers and who to trust. Personally, I think that is a great idea everyone needs a good journal.
4. He is brutally honest which is refreshing but sometimes too much to handle.
5. He can stand up for himself and for others when he feels it is necessary. He gives fair warning before he kicks butt!
6. He is so passionate that it makes you want to listen- even if you have no idea what he is talking about!
7. I love his sister and his relationship. They help each other be stronger in the world.


What To Love About Kit:
1. Kit is just trying to find herself since the devastating accident.
2. She noticed David before anyone else.
3. She stands up for David when no one else will.
4. Kit isn't afraid to flirt a little.
5. She is a very cautious driver and offers a ride to David even though he has a car! I was crying!
6. She has good taste in guys (as of now).

What To Love About Kit and David:
1. David loves Kit so much and it makes me cry every time. He left her little notes and letters that are beautiful.
2. Kit challenges David to get out of his comfort zone.
3. Their first kiss is probably the greatest moment in history.
4. My favorite part of this story is when they go on an ice cream date and Kit licks David's ice cream cone. I almost had a heart attack.
5. David ran after Kit when she almost had a breakdown in class. They share a perfect spot on the bleachers because of that moment!
6. Their lunch table conversations get me in my feels!

"I forget about the barrier between the inside of my head and the rest of the world."

Honestly, I love this book so much! I'm in love with David and Kit's relationship. I love the idea of helping a friend find a missing piece to a big puzzle. But this book wasn't about finding the cause of the accident, it is about forgiving yourself and learning how to resolve your mistakes. It is about going out of your comfort zone and trying to be your best self in the worst place, high school. I truly believe everyone will love this novel and be able to relate to the cringy moments of high school while understanding loss and learning how to appreciate the different people around you.

Much Love,
Channy
                                          

Six Reasons Why I Loved Paper Hearts by Ali Novak

  Hello!

Two summers ago I read The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak and I absolutely loved it. It was such a perfect beach read. I found out the other day that she has written the second one to The Heartbreakers called Paper Hearts. I rushed over to Target right then and read it in one sitting!!! Super cute summer read!

Summary:

Paper Hearts is based on the bass player in The Heartbreakers band, Alec, and his new love interest Felicity! Felicity hasn't seen her troublemaker sister in years after she ran away from home. Ever since then, it has only been Felicity and her Mom. Felicity's dream is to go to Stanford and become a lawyer just like her father. Felicity works day and night trying to make the money necessary for her education and studying non-stop. Felicity works a shift at the CCA's masquerade ball and meets Aaron, a quiet yet lively boy. Only Aaron isn't some ordinary boy he is the bass player in the Heartbreakers named Alec. Felicity and Alec spend time listening to the playlists he makes and hanging out. Felicity, getting ready for her date, stumbles across an old guitar case in her Mom's room full of letters from her sister. Alec, Felicity, and her friends travel on the ultimate road trip across California and Washington in search for Felicity's long lost sister in hopes of getting answers. Along the way, the fall in love and have the best playlist!


Six Reasons Why I loved Paper Hearts:

1. An ordinary girl and famous band member fall in love.













2. There is an EPIC road trip.



3. The band member basically makes mixed tapes for her.


4. Alec inspires Felicity to find who she really is.


5. Alec and Felicity play a cute game of tag with the band.












6. Alec dedicates a song to Felicity and they dance together!





I love books that are super easy to read and you don't want to put them down! The Heartbreaker Chronicles is something everyone needs to look out for because they are perfect reads to get you out of a slump and hit the ground running from the first page! I strongly suggest picking this up for your day in the sun!


Much Love,
Channy

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley

Hi!!

I feel like I haven't posted in a while but I have had so much going on that reading has been difficult. It feels super good to be typing again with good thoughts! So yesterday I went to Barnes & Noble because I have been waiting for Words in Deep Blue to come out because I could just tell from reading the summary and seeing the cover I would really like it and lets just say I was wrong-- I LOVED it!!

From my experience, the best books that I read have the most quotable lines, make you consider life, and make you cry. Honestly, I don't like to give books five stars because I feel like I only have a handful to give. I feel like five stars are reserved for the books that really dig down and make you feel terrified, loved, and important. Words in Deep Blue really hit me with all three of those things. It is books like this one that make reading so much better and pushes you to keep reading to find another story just like it.

In my own words, Words in Deep Blue tells the story of Rachel and Henry and how before Rachel moved three years ago she left a letter inside a book at Henry's family's bookshop confessing her love for him. Now three years later, Rachel is dealing with a tragedy and comes home to escape it while uniting with Henry again. Henry is mad at Rachel for not writing him anymore and he has no idea about the loss in Rachel's life but the two best friends come back together, and Henry reminds Rachel of the life she once had before while also learning more about herself and how to overcome such a big tragedy.

As I said before, Words in Deep Blue really hit me in a good spot. I feel with these words, I have a new and improved perspective on the world. I love stories about stories that have changed others and I love how it is set in this bookshop. It reminds me of a bookshop I visited one summer and it just feels so magical by the way she discusses it but I also love how to each of these characters this bookshop means something to them. Every single one of the characters has an importance and a way they have been transformed by the words in between the pages.

The book starts off with the letter Rachel to Henry which really gets you because you are like so cute. Then, there is not really mention of the letter so obviously Henry didn't receive it and we are introduced to his loser girlfriend, Amy. I also enjoyed how we just jumped right into the story and how we are in this clouded spot with Rachel. We feel almost as empty as she does because all we have is this letter and Cal's death. At first, we are along the coast and then we move home to the city. We meet Lola and Rose who both seem pretty cool. Then finally, we meet Henry when he sees her at the Laundry. I absolutely love that scene. We just get to catch a glimpse of their friendship and all of that.

Mostly, I am in love with this story because it takes a sad thing and turns it into a good thing. We meet George and fall in love with her letters and so learn that the letters were from Cal. I love how Crowley added this because we got to see Cal's personality and watch him fall in love with George while also having Henry and Rachel fall in love in a similar way. The words in this novel were so kind and loving it made me want to cry at the good moments too because it was just so well done. Also, I loved how almost every character at the bookshop had their own love story. I hope we get a Fredrick and Elena spin off!?! PLEASE!!

Overall, I loved the meaning of this story. I loved how Crowley took these characters and made them fall in love between the pages. Each word was perfectly used and each character had their own kind of moments that were beautiful and exciting. The characters found beauty in the tough moments and  helped each other. I love stories that give the world meaning. Words in Deep Blue is a story that is on my faves shelf and I can't wait to hear how everyone likes it!!

Much Love,
Channy

When It's Real by Erin Watt

Hello Lovely People,

Okay if you have read any of my previous posts you know how much I love Erin Watt's The Royals books, so when I got an email saying they were writing a new book I actually started crying because I love Erin Watt's books so much! Anyway, I cried even harder when I received an advance copy of their new book, When It's Real, on Net Galley so I'm about to give you my thoughts! Whoop Whoop!!


Summary:

Meet Oakley Ford-teen celebrity, renowned pop star, child of famous movie stars, hottie with millions of fangirls… and restless troublemaker. On the surface he has it all, but with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry, and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley’s team decides it’s time for an intervention. The result: an image overhaul, complete with a fake girlfriend meant to show the world he’s settled down.

Enter seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett-devoted sister, part-time waitress, the definition of “normal.” Under ordinary circumstances she’d never have taken this gig, but with her family strapped for cash, she doesn’t have much of a choice. And for the money Oakley’s team is paying her, she figures she can put up with outlandish Hollywood parties and a team of publicists watching her every move. So what if she thinks Oakley’s a shallow, self-centered jerk? It’s not like they’re going to fall for each other in real life…right?

(I got this on Erin Watt's website! http://authorerinwatt.com/project/when-its-real/ )

My Thoughts:

This book made me SHIVER!!! I can't even begin to explain my love for this story. It was like one big, giant, amazing Fanfiction but in book form which killed me! All of Erin Watt's YA books are so amazing and different I love it! They need to come to Texas and do some book signing because I would be there. Anyway so I love this book- I don't know how else to describe it! If you are like me, and haven been watching the TV series The Arrangement on E! and you are loving it, then you need to read When It's Real ASAP!

Oakley is my new fictional boyfriend! He made my heart swell so many times! So he is this washed up celebrity at first but actually he is just a boy who wants to share his passion for singing and songwriting. When you first meet him, he is just this cocky idiot but he is actually so sweet and thoughtful. You can just tell how much he loves Vaughn even when they are faking he got irritated when she said they were faking and when he kissed her for himself not for the papers. He truly loved her which really got me in my feels!! Mostly, I loved how Vaughn inspired him enough to break his writer's block and break out of his comfort zone. Oakley grew up so much after he realized that he was in love with Vaughn and he was good for her because he pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her find her passion. I do feel bad for Oak because he had all these people in his life and some were amazing and some of them were actually horrible people who didn't care about him. It was really nice to see Oak's true personality with Vaughn and how his true colors show when he trusts someone. AND THE END!!! HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!

Vaughn is a strong character because you can tell how important supporting her family is and that is the whole reason why she agreed to dating Oakley. I hated her boyfriend, W, but I understood why she needed him with her. Vaughn is supportive of Oak and inspires him in all the best ways and I loved that! Vaughn and Oakley both brought so many broken pieces and flaws together that it made this great couple. If Oakley and Vaughn were real, I would have a fan account- I am so not kidding! Also, Vaughn's family is so adorable and she was a breath of fresh air to Oakley's life. I am so happy that she was kind of rude towards Oakley at first because I think she needed to set her expectations and it made Oakley appreciate her even more!

When It's Real is so different from The Royals but they both are so GREAT I CAN'T!!! The one thing they both have in common is that they both have the greatest plots and the cutest couples. They also both have strong female leads, which makes me happy, but also the cutest and supportive boyfriends and guys. You all NEED to get this story MAY 30th! You will not regret it!!

Much Love,
Channy

Genuine Fraud by E.Lockhart

Hello Lovely People!

I am shaking in my boots because I got a copy of E. Lockhart's new book, Genuine Fraud, which comes out September 5, 2017. I had the opportunity to go to the North Texas Teen Book festival this past weekend and I literally had the time of my life! I love meeting fellow fans and chatting with authors about their lovely thoughts over literature. Anyway, I went to the First In Line Book Buzz Panel where they discussed new YA books they were excited for this year, and I almost fainted when E. Lockhart's book popped up on screen and nearly had a heart attack when they said we were getting an ARC like what? So major shoutout to the First In Line girls I love you both with all my heart <3

Basically, the story is about Jule and Imogen and it is told backwards, so the story begins with what happened and progressively tells the story of how they got into this situation. This storytelling is very interesting to me and got easier to follow once you were in it, but there were points where I had to think back to what happened near the beginning to truly understand the moment before. Anyway, it is basically about these girls and a mystery of what happened to Imogen. I feel like I am going to give too much away because the beginning and end are two of the same thing. 

I'm not going to spoil but I am giving away my thoughts. This book reminds me of With Malice by Eileen Cook because it has a dark, suspenseful twist. Genuine Fraud is intense. Each chapter is revealing a key element to understanding the beginning of the book. As the YA genre grows, I love seeing the different ways of storytelling and E. Lockhart does a great job of finding another way to tell a interesting story. The end is always my favorite part about a book and the fact that the first couple pages are the end is fascinating because now it is what happens to make the beginning so special. (I hope that made sense lol!) This is a great book club read because the ending of the book is mind twisty. I read it with a friend and we both are still trying to interpret how. We are shook is all I am going to say. There is a great plot to this and it is very mysterious as to what happens, so if you are into thrillers and chaos I would suggest this book, but even if you aren't I still suggest this book because I think there will be a different ending for everyone who reads it! 

I'm going to blog about my trip to NTTBF later and discuss all the authors and friends I met. I hope you buy E. Lockhart's book in September and then come back and talk about it! 

Much Love,

Channy 

The Hush Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrik

Hello Lovely People!!

OMG! OMG! OMG!! Everyone, I am years too late but the Hush Hush Saga is actually one of the greatest group of books I have ever read! I'm so excited to talk about this I can't type fast enough!! For those of you who don't know what Hush Hush is about... it is basically the hottest bad boy and a normal girl falling in love except it is a YA book so he is a fallen angel and she is apart of the Nephilim race therefore it is a forbidden love story! :)

I have had Hush Hush on my shelf for a couple of years now but just kind of left it there. Then, I had this strange urge to read a fantasy novel and my eyes drifted over to my shelf and met with Hush Hush's beautiful shiny, red title and I was drawn to it like Patch and Nora! Anyway, I picked it up thinking I'll read just a little before bed-- well a little before bed turned out to be a little before waking up and going to school because I ended up finishing it and having withdraws. My entire school day was awaiting for the time where I could bolt out the door and go to any bookstore closest to me. I ended up finishing all the books that Friday night which is incredibly impressive considering I had school and multiple tests to study for!

The entire Hush Hush saga has everything dramatic I love in books
Hush Hush- bad boy falls in love with good girl
Crescendo- boy and girl have a rocky relationship
Silence- memory loss but will remember boy
Finale- A full on war but lots of love

I mean that pretty much sums up my favorite plots in four books!

BOOK HANGOVER ALERT:

Patch is on my fictional boyfriends list because he is so perfect but he really isn't. I mean he is a fallen angel meaning he broke a few rules but hey, whatever. Patch and Nora are forced to be lab partners *screams* and have this "I don't want to have anything to do with you" relationship, which makes Patch's comments towards Nora the funniest and best. Always him always calling her Angel made me so happy, sometimes I couldn't breath I was swooned.
As the story moves forward, their relationship becomes so nice and protective. It isn't too overprotective because there is still a great deal of womanism (!!!!) but also you have a love interest, so it is a win-win. Although Patch is a fallen angel, I love how this story also shares that he is still a good guy and looks out for others. I'm obsessed with Patch's protectiveness for example when Nora went to Dante's and Patch said he didn't like seeing her at another man's house-- I started to laugh like how nice of him and the tracking device he put on her was quality!
Hush Hush was a great beginning novel because it was very no big deal but a great plot and it was very ordinary/introduction to new life. Also, I think you have to warm up to this book because there were some creepy moments with the car and the rollar coaster, but we must not forget about the tacos and the pool games!
Crescendo had me on my toes because everything was going so well and then the ship just tore apart because Patch and Nora are both so stubborn! Anyway, the only way he could talk to her was in her dreams (ahh!) but Marcie Miller ruins everything. Honestly, she is so annoying. When they kissed I was reconsidering Patch (Jk never) but I knew he still cared for Nora because he gave her all his earnings to make sure she was safe (swoon!). Scott was scaring me for a 1/3 of the series.
Silence might have been my favorite of the four because it reintroduced Patch and Nora's love story along with better relationships except I am so angry because Vee and Nora's friendship started to not be as prominent :( The entire Miller family twist shwished me up- I loved it.
Finale was so different and enjoyable that I am so thankful that is the way the saga ended. Scott's death saddened me but I loved to see Nora struggle after she takes this big leadership role because she is described as independent to dependent with her guardian angel to now being in charge of an entire race and I loved to see her confidence but also insecurities arise. This was a big leap for Nora compared to the last three novels and she has changed due to these big moments in her life, but her addiction to devilcraft was a common human moment if you will. I see it as, she wants to be perceived as a good leader and if it helps then great. Then she lies to Patch and her guilt is so strong I feel bad for her because there is this burden of needing to be the best when she hasn't been exposed to this race long enough to meet their needs. It also must be tough for your boyfriend to be apart of the other side, but I thought that was an interesting POV because we had two sides but one goal which was interesting!
I loved all the introduction of characters there were quite a bit but they all served a good purpose. I mean I hated Rixon and Dante but they were great plot twists. Scott's death hurt my heart because he ended up being one of the loveliest people watching out for Nora. Detective Basso ended up being one of my favorite off side characters. Dante was awful but his character served importance, so ehh. Vee's ending shocked me but the epilogue had tears in my eyes especially because she married a mortal <3

TO TREAT HUSH HUSH HANGOVER:

* I strongly suggest watching fan made videos dedicated to the Hush Hush series on Youtube because there are some very talented people out there who have great casting ideas, and it is so fun to watch people's interpretations.
* Fanfiction is like Advil it numbs the pain until you find another story to love (maybe not as much).


Thank you all so much for ranting with me! If you want to discuss please comment I'm always up for a good 'ole book chat!

Much Love,
Channy

Happy New Year!

Hello Lovely People,


I can't believe that it is already 2017 and that I have started a new Goodreads Reading Challenge! My goal for 2016 was 42 books, but I ended up with reading 53 books! I am really proud of myself. I hope you all met or surpassed your 2016 challenge.

As it is a new year, my goal was to not only read many books but to diversify the books I read. I believe that the first book you read sets the tone for the new year. With that said, my first book for 2017 is If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo. This is a story that I picked up because I wanted to broaden my reading styles and be exposed to stories I wouldn't typically pick up. If I Was Your Girl was a recommended book on Ibooks, and I saw it as a perfect opportunity to meet my goal.

If I Was Your Girl explores Amanda's story as she moves to a new town and falls in love. The biggest complication in her life and falling in love with Grant is that in her old town she went by Andrew.

Russo's story introduces the topics that people are commonly afraid to bring up but it is populating. I am fascinated by this novel because it sheds light on feeling like you are not alone and becoming familiar with being yourself. I praise YA novels for being a genre that is free enough to discuss these topics that adults are afraid of. It is stories like this that need to be read to appreciate a new perspective. Our world is growing and who are we to judge if we aren't brave enough to share these topics? Meredith Russo deserves a round of applause for being able to share a story that demands to be read. I am better for reading this story and you will be also!

As a sixteen-year-old girl I am not familiar with transgenders I have not experienced this situation, but when I opened up Amanda's story on page one I was fascinated by her tale. The chapters alternate between Andrew and Amanda. Amanda moves to live with her Father and it broke my heart at how uncomfortable he was with this transition. When he called her Andrew I could hear my heart cry. I mean you have a mentor and he has not accepted who you are yet has to be difficult. Amanda's new school is pretty good, but I felt the same panic that she did when she felt that people knew about her. As we learn more about Grant, I think she transitions smoothly and he is always so kind toward Amanda. I was not a fan of Amanda's friends, they were not helpful or interesting to me. They were too much of a mess for me to handle. Although I did not like Amanda's friends, I enjoyed the perspective on Andrew. I felt more sympathetic to the situation and was there with Amanda. The displays between Andrew, Amanda, and the Mom were insightful. Honestly, I can't explain my favorite parts because they were all so sad, but I learned so much.

This story needs to be read by people who want to appreciate literature and commemorate Russo's work. This is not a story for everyone but it is a situation that people need to become aware of. YA is growing to be a liberating genre that explores topics that others are afraid of. I love that we are the audience authors are writing to. We are the group that cares and wants to make a difference. I am elated to know that I am a person reading a work that is a difficult subject and I loved it! As YA people we need to expand these topics because our world will be better because of it.

Much Love,
Channy