30 Days of Books: Day 30 - Your Favorite Book Of All Time

Because this is me catching up, (see yesterday's post)  I don't believe Jenni has a linky up for this anymore.  However, if you'd like to join in, or get more information, visit Jenni's blog HERE.

Today's topic: your favorite book of all time

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Goodreads Blurb:

"Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.

In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge.

Doerr’s “stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors” (San Francisco Chronicle) are dazzling. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, he illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, a National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See is a magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer “whose sentences never fail to thrill” (Los Angeles Times)."

Why I love it:

This is just such a beautifully written book with such a great message!  This was a really hard decision but I would reread this book any day!

What's your favorite book of all time?

30 Days of Books: Day 29 - A Book Everyone Hated But You Liked

Because this is me catching up, (see yesterday's post)  I don't believe Jenni has a linky up for this anymore.  However, if you'd like to join in, or get more information, visit Jenni's blog HERE.

Today's topic: a book everyone hated but you liked

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Black City #1

Goodreads Blurb:

"A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-old Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths."

Why I liked it:

So I read this waaaay back in 2013 which could have contributed to my high rating but I still remember really liking it.  I plan on rereading to reassess though!  The average rating on Goodreads is 3.77 while I rated it 5/5.  Read my review HERE.

What book have you read that you loved that everyone else hated?

30 Days of Books: Day 28 - Your Favorite Title(s)

Because this is me catching up, (see yesterday's post)  I don't believe Jenni has a linky up for this anymore.  However, if you'd like to join in, or get more information, visit Jenni's blog HERE.

Today's topic: your favorite title(s)

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

Goodreads Blurb:

"She stole a life. Now she must pay with her heart.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever."

Why I love the title:

This title tells so much about the series without giving anything away!  When I first read this book, I just thought it was a clever title, but after I read ACOMAF, I saw the thorns part!  Yes, thorns play a role in the first book, but it makes so much more sense when you read the second book!  I love titles that tell you a little bit of the story and give you little hints.

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Goodreads Blurb:

"Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.

In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge.

Doerr’s “stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors” (San Francisco Chronicle) are dazzling. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, he illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, a National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See is a magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer “whose sentences never fail to thrill” (Los Angeles Times)."

Why I love the title:

This title just has such a profound meaning in the book and you don't understand until you've read it!  It's all about the small acts of kindness and 'light' that you can't see with your eyes but are ever present in the world.  This is just such a beautiful book.

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

Goodreads Blurb:

"The year is 490 AD. Fiery 16-year-old Elaine of Ascolat, the daughter of one of King Arthur's supporters, lives with her father on Arthur's base camp, the sole girl in a militaristic world of men.

Elaine's only girl companion is the mysterious Morgan, Arthur's older sister, but Elaine cannot tell Morgan her deepest secret: She is in love with Lancelot, Arthur's second-in-command. However, when yet another girl -- the lovely Gwynivere-- joins their world, Elaine is confronted with startling emotions of jealousy and rivalry. But can her love for Lancelot survive the birth of an empire?"

Why I love the title:

Again, this title plays into the plot so well!  The MC is referred to as a sparrow and this whole book is about her finding her voice and her place which is so amazing!

What titles do you love?

30 Days of Books: Day 27 - The Most Surprising Plot Twist Or Ending

Because this is me catching up, (see yesterday's post)  I don't believe Jenni has a linky up for this anymore.  However, if you'd like to join in, or get more information, visit Jenni's blog HERE.

Today's topic: the most surprising plot twist or ending

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Goodreads Blurb:

"A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE."

Why the ending is crazy:

Like the blurb suggests, this book has such a crazy ending!  I really didn't see it coming but when I reread it, I saw all of the hidden hints the author left which is why I wasn't mad at all about the ending!  It was so brilliantly planned out and it came out of left field in the best way possible!

What book has the most surprising ending or plot twist that you've read?

30 Days of Books: Day 26 - A Book That Changed Your Opinion About Something

Because this is me catching up, (see yesterday's post)  I don't believe Jenni has a linky up for this anymore.  However, if you'd like to join in, or get more information, visit Jenni's blog HERE.

Today's topic: a book that changed your opinion about something

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Goodreads Blurb:

"Winner of the Pulitzer Prize
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel.

In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge.

Doerr’s “stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors” (San Francisco Chronicle) are dazzling. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, he illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, a National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See is a magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer “whose sentences never fail to thrill” (Los Angeles Times)."

Why it changed my mind:

This book didn't necessarily change my mind on anything, more like it solidified my stance on how everything has two sides.  This book does a good job of showing both sides of the conflict.

Is there a book that changed your opinion about something?  And another question: are there any other books that show two sides of a conflict that you think I should read?

30 Days of Books: Day 25 - A Character Who You Can Relate To The Most

Because this is me catching up, (see yesterday's post)  I don't believe Jenni has a linky up for this anymore.  However, if you'd like to join in, or get more information, visit Jenni's blog HERE.

Today's topic: a character who you can relate to the most

This is actually such a hard question because I relate to a lot of characters!  One of my favorite characters, though, is:

Karou from:

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone series by Laini Taylor

Trilogy

Goodreads Blurb:

"Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?"

Why I love her:

In the first book, Karou is torn between her secret life working for a 'monster' and her human life on Earth.  She is constantly running off to do errands for Brimstone (her employer/father figure) and leaving her human friend behind.  It may pale in comparison, but I always felt this way with blogging.  I think my fellow bloggers can agree that it's weird to tell people about your blogging in real life unless they're other bloggers.  So I just wouldn't tell people and I would always have to leave or stay up really late to get my blogging stuff done and I couldn't tell anyone why.  It's because of that that I really identify with Karou.  She also feels really out of place which I can definitely identify with!

What character do you identify with?

30 Days of Books: Day 24 - A Book You Wish More People Would Read

I'm starting to do this again after a little hiatus called vacation.  I originally saw this on Jenni's blog (see her post HERE) and although I don't think the linky is still active, if you'd like, you can still make a post!  Just be sure to link back to Jenni!

Today's topic is: a book you wish more people would read

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

Goodreads Blurb:

"From Pulitzer Prize-winner Katherine Boo, a landmark work of narrative nonfiction that tells the dramatic and sometimes heartbreaking story of families striving toward a better life in one of the twenty-first century’s great, unequal cities.

In this brilliantly written, fast-paced book, based on three years of uncompromising reporting, a bewildering age of global change and inequality is made human.

Annawadi is a makeshift settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport, and as India starts to prosper, Annawadians are electric with hope. Abdul, a reflective and enterprising Muslim teenager, sees “a fortune beyond counting“ in the recyclable garbage that richer people throw away. Asha, a woman of formidable wit and deep scars from a childhood in rural poverty, has identified an alternate route to the middle class: political corruption. With a little luck, her sensitive, beautiful daughter — Annawadi's "most-everything girl" — will soon become its first female college graduate. And even the poorest Annawadians, like Kalu, a fifteen-year-old scrap-metal thief, believe themselves inching closer to the good lives and good times they call “the full enjoy.”

But then Abdul the garbage sorter is falsely accused in a shocking tragedy; terror and a global recession rock the city; and suppressed tensions over religion, caste, sex, power and economic envy turn brutal. As the tenderest individual hopes intersect with the greatest global truths, the true contours of a competitive age are revealed. And so, too, are the imaginations and courage of the people of Annawadi.

With intelligence, humor, and deep insight into what connects human beings to one another in an era of tumultuous change, Behind the Beautiful Forevers carries the reader headlong into one of the twenty-first century’s hidden worlds, and into the lives of people impossible to forget."

Why You Should Read This Book:

At first, I was going to put I Am Malala but then I realized that a lot of people have already read that.  If you haven't, you definitely should but this prompt is about the little lesser known books.  This book is slightly lesser known but it's still really good and it's something I think everyone should read.  While it isn't the funnest read, there are some things everyone should be exposed to and the conditions in India are one of those things.  Read my full review HERE.

Have you read this or I Am Malala?  Did you enjoy them?  What books have you read that you think more people should read?

30 Days of Books: Day 23 - A Book You Wanted To Read For A Long Time But Still Haven't

I'm starting to do this again after a little hiatus called vacation.  I originally saw this on Jenni's blog (see her post HERE) and although I don't think the linky is still active, if you'd like, you can still make a post!  Just be sure to link back to Jenni!

Today's topic is: a book you wanted to read for a long time but still haven't

Considering my TBR list is now 4,349 books long (I really need to go through it...), there are about 2,000 books I could list.  But here's the book I wish I had read a long time ago but it somehow slips my mind each time.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky #1

Goodreads Blurb:

"WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers."

Why I want to read this:

I've heard some pretty good things about this book!  I added it way back in 2013 and somehow, I still haven't gotten around to it!  It doesn't hurt that the cover is positively gorgeous.

Have you read this book?  What did you think of it?  What is a book that you wanted to read a long time ago but you still haven't gotten to?

30 Days of Books: Day 22 - Your Favorite Book You Own

Because this is me catching up, (see yesterday's post)  I don't believe Jenni has a linky up for this anymore.  However, if you'd like to join in, or get more information, visit Jenni's blog HERE.

Today's topic: your favorite book you own.

Why is this question a thing??  My philosophy for owning books is that I only buy them if I really want to read them and they aren't available at libraries or if I absolutely loved them and I'd want to read them again and again.  Therefore, a vast majority of the books I own, I love with all my heart!  So, here are a bunch of books that I love owning (in hardcover format):

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass #0.5

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass #2

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass #3

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass #4

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass #5

I still have to buy a hardcover copy of Throne of Glass but I do have the ebook version which I love!

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

The Young Elites #1

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Graceling Realm #2

I know, I know, that's way more than one.  And there are still some I want to put!  They all just look so lovely on my shelves and they feel like old friends to me.

What are your favorite books that you own?  Do we share any?

30 Days of Books: Day 21 - Favorite Book From Your Childhood

I'm starting to do this again after a little hiatus called vacation.  I originally saw this on Jenni's blog (see her post HERE) and although I don't think the linky is still active, if you'd like, you can still make a post!  Just be sure to link back to Jenni!

Today's topic is: favorite book from your childhood

When I was a kid, I was OBSESSED with this series!  I don't even know how many books are in the series, it's grown so much.  That series is:

The Animal Ark series by Ben M. Baglio

I don't even know how many I've read (a lot) or how many I have (probably like 8-10).  These books are all about this pre-teen girl who would go and save animals and she knew so much about animals because her parents ran a veterinary clinic in their little town.  Whenever I was upset, annoyed, craving reading, or anything else, I would grab one of these and would finish it in half an hour and instantly feel better.

Have you read this series?  What's your favorite childhood book?

30 Days of Books: Day 20 - Your Favorite Romance Book

I'm starting to do this again after a little hiatus called vacation.  I originally saw this on Jenni's blog (see her post HERE) and although I don't think the linky is still active, if you'd like, you can still make a post!  Just be sure to link back to Jenni!

Today's topic is:  your favorite romance book

Because I read so many books with romance, I decided to narrow the field to only books whose sole purpose is romance.  With that, my favorite romance book s (because who can ever pick just one) are

The Last Thing by Briana Gaitan

Hollywood Timelines #1

Goodreads Blurb:

"Plagued by past mistakes in both love and life, Quinn Bardot is in a bad place.  With nowhere else to turn, she escapes to LA clinging to the promise of a fresh start.

Chase Crowley is known for being selfish and unbelievably persistent.  All he's ever wanted is to become a successful actor.  But now that he is about to have it all, he finds that something is still missing.  Money and fame isn't what he expected.

After a fervent encounter, the two of them are thrown into a situation that neither is prepared for.  Can Quinn extinguish her fears and let Chase in?  Can Chase learn to put someone else's needs before his own?

The Last Thing is a novel about love, Hollywood, and accepting what life throws at you even if it is the last thing you want."

Why I love it:

Like the blurb says, this book is all about accepting your life, going with the flow, and finding love.  There are excellent POV's, characters, and plotline.  Just in general, I loved it!  If you'd like more convincing, my review is HERE.

Tomorrow is a Long Time by Tabitha Vohn

Goodreads Blurb:

"Cal Morrison is a Midwestern farmboy who was thrust into fame during the Old Hollywood era.  Now, at eighty-five, he sees his life as wreckage.  At the mere age of twenty-four, Eileen has seemingly little in common with Cal, except that she fell in love with him on screen.

When Cal and Eileen meet by chance, she discovers that her feelings for him are not without merit, and he sees her in a chance for true love and, more importantly, for redemption.

A controversial experiment offers the key to them both.  With the help of a German scientist, Eileen will enter Cal's memory and, together, the two will create an alternate reality within the realm of dreams.  Replacing the memory of his first wife (his leading lady in his most controversial film, The Last Tomorrow), Eileen will step into the 1960's and discover whether love can exist between her and Cal, and whether loving him unconditionally will be powerful enough to alter the course of his destructive future.

But there is one thing that neither has fully considered: what happens once they wake?

Tomorrow is a Long Time asks the question of how powerful one person's influence can be in our lives, the lengths we go to for love, and whether it is worth it."

Why I love it:

This book deals with two characters that vary vastly in age and that's something that I haven't seen in many other books.  While there are some science fiction elements in this book, it is all about the romance.  The age gap is executed perfectly and the flow of the words is a complete joy to read.  Need more convincing?  My review is HERE.

The Vagabond Vicar by Charlotte Brentwood

Goodreads Blurb:

"William Brook is an idealistic young cleric, desperate to escape dreary England for a mission adventure in exotic lands.  It's his worst nightmare come true when he is posted to a parish in a small backwater village, populated with small-minded people and husband-hunting mamas.  He's determined not to form any ties and to escape the country as an independent single man.

A free spirit, Cecilia Grant is perfectly content to remain in her family home in Amberley village - when she's not wandering the countryside at all hours painting.  Marriage options are few, but that won't stop her mother from engineering a match with one of the ruling family's sons.  Cecilia attempts to win the man, but what is it about the new vicar and his brooding ways that is so appealing?  Could he be the only one who has ever really understood her, and can she discover what he is running away from?

As William struggles not to fall in love with the lady's intoxicating beauty and mysterious eccentricity, he finds himself drawn into the lives of the villagers, despite their best efforts to alienate the newcomer.  When he makes it clear he's not sticking around, Cecilia strives to restrain her blossoming feelings for him.  Just when it seems love may triumph, dark secrets are revealed in Amberley and a scandal from William's past may see the end of not only his career, but his chance at finding an everlasting love.

The Vagabond Vicar is an unashamedly romantic historical novel you'll fall in love wth.  If you love Jane Austen and GEorgette Heyer, can't get enough of Downton Abbey or Cranford, or just prefer old-fashioned boy-meets-girl stories, try reading Charlotte Brentwood.

Sensuality level: sweet (only kissing)

Please note, although there is some mention of religious subject matter due to the hero's occupation, this is not an "inspirational" novel."

Why I love it:

If you've been with my blog for a while, you know I love everything historical fiction.  This is just such an adorable book with a sweet romance.  If you'd like more convincing, my review is HERE.

What is your favorite romance book?

30 Days of Books: Day 19 - Favorite Book Turned Into A Movie

I'm starting to do this again after a little hiatus called vacation.  I originally saw this on Jenni's blog (see her post HERE) and although I don't think the linky is still active, if you'd like, you can still make a post!  Just be sure to link back to Jenni!

Today's topic is: favorite book turned into a movie

The Martian by Andy Weir

Goodreads Blurb:

"A mission to Mars.

A freak accident.

One man's struggle to survive.

Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.

Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there.

After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate the planet while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded on Mars' surface, completely alone, with no way to signal Earth that he's alive.  And even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone years before a rescue could arrive.

Chances are, though, Mark won't have time to starve to death.  The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first.

But Mark's not ready to quit.  Armed with nothing but his ingenuity and his engineering skills -- and a gallows sense of humor that proves to be his greatest source of strength -- he embarks on a dogged quest to stay alive, using his botany expertise to grow food and even hatching a mad plan to contact NASA back on Earth.

As he overcomes one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next, Mark begins to let himself believe he might make it off the planet alive.

But Mars has plenty of surprises in store for him yet."

In 2015, a movie adaptation was released!

The Martian

PG-13

IMDB Blurb:

"An astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive."

Why I love it:

So I actually watched the movie first (I know, terrible) and I really loved it.  Matt Damon does a stellar job as Mark Watney and his humor is hilarious.  I read the book, expecting it to be just as good and it was!  I'm actually glad I watched the movie before because it was so much easier to visualize all of the things Mark was building to escape Mars.  The humor is just as potent in the book and all of the events and nuances are present in the movie adaptation.  If you haven't read the book or watched the movie, I highly recommend it!

What is your favorite book to movie adaptation?

30 Days of Books: Day 18 - A Book That Disappointed You

Because this is me catching up, (see yesterday's post)  I don't believe Jenni has a linky up for this anymore.  However, if you'd like to join in, or get more information, visit Jenni's blog HERE.

Today's topic: a book that disappointed you

This is actually a pretty easy decision.  I'm going with:

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Selection #2

Goodreads Blurb:

"The Selection began with thirty-five girls.  Now, with the group narrowed down tot he Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever -- and America is still struggling to decide where her own heart truly lies.  Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale?  Or with her first love, Aspen, who she always thought was the one?

America is desperate for more time.  But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want -- and America's chance to choose is about to slip away."

I actually really liked The Selection!  I loved the pretty dresses, the idea, the plot, the romance, everything!  Except, when we went to the next book, it felt like filler and I just couldn't get behind America's attitude anymore.  To see my review, click HERE.

What book disappointed you?

30 Days of Books: Day 17 - Favorite Quotes From My Favorite Books

I'm starting to do this again after a little hiatus called vacation.  I originally saw this on Jenni's blog (see her post HERE) and although I don't think the linky is still active, if you'd like, you can still make a post!  Just be sure to link back to Jenni!

Today's topic is: favorite quotes from my favorite books

If you've been on my Goodreads page, you'll know that I have SO many saved quotes.  I don't really want to do yet another Throne of Glass appreciation post, so I'm going to do a different kind of favorite book.  Actually, I'm going to do many favorite books :D

The Rose Society by Marie Lu

The Young Elites #2

"In the silence, I sit along on my throne and wait eagerly for all the satisfaction and triumph to hit me.  I wait, and wait, and wait.

But it doesn't come."

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

"Pity those who don't feel anything at all."

The Martian by Andy Weir

"Yes, of course duct tape works in a near-vacuum.  Duct tape works anywhere.  Duct tape is magic and should be worshiped."

"'He's stuck out there.  He thinks he's totally alone and that we all gave up on him.  What kind of effect does that have on a man's psychology?'

He turned back to Venkat.

'I wonder what he's thinking right now.'

LOG ENTRY: Sol 61 How come Aquaman can control whales?  They're mammals!  Makes no sense."

"Maybe I'll post a consumer review.  'Brought product to surface of Mars.  It stopped working. 0/10"

"Also, I have duct tape.  Ordinary duct tape, like you buy at a hardware store.  Turns out even NASA can't improve on duct tape."

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

"Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever."

Do you have any favorite quotes?

30 Days of Books (continued): Day 16 - Favorite Female Character

Check out my first post (HERE) for a whole explanation on this!  Jenni is hosting this round and she has a linky set up if you'd like to join in!  Check out her blog HERE.

So you may remember that I was taking part in this a while ago and I suddenly disappeared in the middle.  Well, this is me picking it back up again!  The linky isn't active anymore but if you'd like to do a post, just link back to Jenni's blog!

Today's topic is: favorite female character

This isn't even a choice for me!  Hands down my choice is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius (AKA Celeana Sardothien).  She's such a strong character and undergoes so much character development and really finds herself throughout the course of the series.

Aelin is a character is Sarah J. Maas'

Throne of Glass series

Throne of Glass (#1) Blurb:
"After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince.  Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men - thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council.  If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom.  Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating.  But she's bored stiff by court life.  Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her ... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead ... quickly followed by another.  Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim?  As the young assassin investigates her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined."

Who is your favorite female character?

30 Days of Books: Day 15 - Favorite Male Character

Check out my first post (HERE) for a whole explanation on this!  Jenni is hosting this round and she has a linky set up if you'd like to join in!  Check out her blog HERE.

Today's topic is: favorite male character.

30 Days of Books: Day 14 - Favorite Book By Your Favorite Writer

Check out my first post (HERE) for a whole explanation on this!  Jenni is hosting this round and she has a linky set up if you'd like to join in!  Check out her blog HERE.

Today's topic is: your favorite book by your favorite writer.

30 Days of Books: Day 13 - Your Favorite Writer

Check out my first post (HERE) for a whole explanation on this!  Jenni is hosting this round and she has a linky set up if you'd like to join in!  Check out her blog HERE.

Today's topic is: your favorite writer.