July Wrap-Up 2013

This is a look back at what I read in July.

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
Really loved this one. Received if for review. Will post my review up soon.
5/5 stars

Pretty Witches In A Row by Lisa Olsen
Read this on my kindle. Was an interesting read.
5/5 stars

The Audition by Rachel Hartman
It's a little prequel before Seraphina. Loved it, was awesome to be back in this world again.
5/5 stars

Didn't get to finish Beautiful Darkness or Born Wicked because they had to go back to the library. But I plan on buying them at some point down the road. I went through a bad reading slump for most of this month. I have been battling strep throat, so that plays a part in my not really reading much. But I do hope to read more in August.

Currently reading:
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (rereading to refresh my memory for the movie)
The Color of the Water In July by Nora Carroll
Groom's Complete Fairy Tales

Not going to do a August to be read pile. Just because I don't know what I'll be reading but the books Ousted above that I want to finish.

If you have read any of these books, please let me know. Or if you are planning on reading them. Sorry for my absence. I will be posting more soon.

Happy Reading, Ashley

July To Be Read Pile 2013

I'm taking part in the 30 day reads with a book club on Facebook. My goal is to have read 20 books by July 16th. So far I have read 4. It started June 20th, I believe.

Here is the books I want to read for that:
From the library:
1. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
2.My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
3. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Books I Own:
4. Grimms Complete Fairy Tales (currently reading, slowly)
5. The Host by Stephanie Meyer (reread)
6. City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare (reread)
7. Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard (reread)
Kindle Books:
8. A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest ( currently reading)
9. Ashes and Ice by Rochelle Maya Callen
10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
11. Anthem by Ayn Rand (reread)
12. Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
13. The Eclective Collection by Various Authors
14. In the After by Lindsey Fairliegh
15. Her Wicked Ways by Darcy Burke
16. Remembrance by Michelle Madow

A lot of reading to do. That is my list. May change or I might read something else. Let me know what you are reading in July.

Happy Reading, Ashley

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Released: February 26st 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Page Amount: 325, US Hardcover Edition
Source: Library

"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under."
-Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
This book gave me teareyed moments. Gave me the feels. I related to some of Eleanor's story. The heavy set girl never fitting in with anyone. Being made fun of by everyone. Expect the day things change with Park. I loved how their relationship grew throughout the story. I loved the music references. I loved reading from the year before I was born.

I loved how Park was her champion. But the ending broke my heart. I loved Rainbow's writing.

4/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Released: May 7th 2013
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Series: The Fifth Wave, Book One
Page Amount: 457, US Hardcover Cover Edition
Source: Library

"The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up."
-Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:

Having heard rave reviews, had to check this out for myself. I was not disappointed. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey is told in the point of view of the main female character Cassie Sullivan, a sixteen year old. Her high school crush Ben Parrish, and her little brother Sammy. This is a dyspotian sci-fi world. Where there has been 5 waves taken place. To get rid of the human species for the aliens or are they already here. After being separated from her brother Cassie is determined to keep her promise of finding Sammy. Along the way she meets Evan Walker. Who is more than meets the eye. He helps her break into Camp Heaven. Where she comes face to face with Colonel Alexander Vosch. I was on the edge of my seat. During the crazy ride in this amazing novel. This has to be my favorite book of 2013!!!! Need the 5th Wave part 2 now!!!! Why are you still reading this go get it now!!! 5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

June Wrap Up 2013

Hello My Awesome Book Peeps,
June was an alright reading month for me. Think the warmer weather has me nit wanting to read as much. But I still managed to get some books in. Here they are:

1. Burn Bright by Marianne Dr Pierres
After hearing nothing but awesome reviews was so excited for this. However it didn't hit the mark for me. 3/5 stars
2. Ascend by Amanda Hocking
The third and final book in the Trylle series. Sad to see it end. 5/5 stars
3. The Bad Queen: Rules and Instructions For Marie-Antoinette by Carolyn Meyer
Loved learning more about Marie-Antoinette. 5/5 stars
4. Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James
After all the hype and fuss over this wanted to see what it was all about. To my shocking surprised I liked this. 4/5 stars
5. The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Such a charming modern classic. Loved it very much. 5/5 stars
6. Reality Check by Jen Calonita
Felt like I was reading an episode of The Hills. 3/5 stars
7. Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin
This is the sequel to All These Things I've Done. Had high expectations for this one. 4/5 stars
8. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
OMG, This book was beyond words. It is everything you have heard and more. Freaking loved this and it is my favorite for 2013. 5/5 stars
9. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
this is such a heartbreaking and touching story. Gave me the feels. 4/5 stars

9 books didn't know I read that many!!!

That is all I read in June. Let me know what you read. If you read any of these books or if you plan to.

Happy Reading, Ashley