Tuesday, January 2, 2018

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

<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/18169753/?claim=8pkv2mqqyzp">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Sunday, November 19, 2017

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













Wednesday, September 13, 2017

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












Monday, August 14, 2017

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




Wednesday, July 12, 2017

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
                                          










Saturday, July 8, 2017

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












Thursday, June 15, 2017

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