I hope you enjoyed reading this series as much as I enjoyed writing it. It got me thinking a lot about the books I've been reading and also about the books I'd like to read. It reminded me that I really need to blog more. I actually like blogging, and I'd like to keep this sort of thing up. No more one post a month. At least, I hope not.
Below is my whole list, with links to the entry. You know, in case you missed it, or in case you're looking for the 30 Day Book Challenge list.
Day 01- Best book you read last year
The Hunger Games
Day 02- A book that you've read more than 3 times
Anna and the French Kiss
Day 03- Your favorite series
The Infernal Devices
Day 04- Favorite book of your favorite series
Clockwork Prince
Day 05- A book that makes you happy
Will Grayson, Will Grayson
Day 06- A book that makes you sad
If I Stay
Day 07- Most underrated book
Wanderlove
Day 08- Most overrated book
Shiver
Day 09- A book you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving
Across the Universe
Day 10- Favorite classic book
The Secret Garden
Day 11- A book you hated
The Trylle series
Day 12- A book you used to love but don't anymore
Twilight
Day 13- Your favorite writer
Meg Cabot (plus honorable mentions)
Day 14- Favorite book of your favorite writer
Forever Princess
Day 15- Favorite male character
Cricket Bell from Lola and the Boy Next Door
Day 16- Favorite female character
Hermione Granger
Day 17- Favorite quote (from your favorite book)
"And in that moment, I swear we were infinite."
Day 18- A book that disappointed you
Carrier of the Mark
Day 19- Favorite book turned into a movie
Pride and Prejudice
Day 20- Favorite romance book
The Sky is Everywhere
Day 21- Favorite book from your childhood
Tuck Everlasting
Day 22- Favorite book you own
The Fault in Our Stars
Day 23- A book you wanted to read for a long time but still haven't
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Day 24- A book you wish more people would've read
Shatter Me
Day 25- A character who you can relate to the most
Lily from Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
Day 26- A book that changed your opinion about something
Born Wicked
Day 27- The most surprising plot twist or ending
Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Day 28- Favorite title
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Day 29- A book that everyone hated but you liked
Breaking Dawn
Day 30- Your favorite book(s) of all time
Harry Potter and the Awesome Series of Books
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Day 30 – Your favorite book(s) of all time
Day 29 – A book everyone hated but you liked
SO THIS WAS TOTALLY DUE YESTERDAY.
But I (obviously) didn't do it.
Why? There are a few reasons. One, I felt turrible, and I couldn't even think about looking at a computer screen for longer than I needed. I'm actually in the middle of creating what I think is a Great Idea For A Book, and I would have loved to start outlining\drafting it up, but instead, I took a wicked long nap. Like... wicked long. As in I went to bed at about 9 pm (and that's being generous with my guess as to what time I really fell asleep).
The other reason I didn't write this yesterday? There was this article in the NY Times (that I refuse to link to because I don't think it should receive more traffic) that said adults should only read books for adults and stop reading books written for and about teenagers. It was poorly researched (as in the author panned The Hunger Games while admitting to not reading it nor will he ever read it because it's a "children's book") and openly snobby.
Sadly, though, it kind of worked as in I felt a little ashamed that I was about to defend this book. BUT, whatever, I dealt with that, I've moved on, and now I'm here to defend myself for actually liking a book that I feel all of my YA Mafia friends will mock me about for a long, long time.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
First things first: I am not stating that I think this is a particularly great book. In fact, I think it's the giant sore thumb of the entire Twilight "saga." The first three novels fit together as a nice little trilogy with just a few strings left unresolved. Those threads could have been resolved without going into this story, but I do understand it. I would have left at least one Big Bad besides the Volturri to deal with in this one, but that's just me.
I've started and restarted this paragraph way too many times now, so I'm aware of how much I've overthinking this. BUT, I'm also realizing that what I like about this book isn't the book itself, but more of the concept of it. How Bella Swan goes from this wholly awkward weakling to a fully formed awesome vampire who can do awesome things and needs to do said awesome things in order to keep her family from being slaughtered by a group of really, really old guys. I like the concept of Jacob & Bella being so drawn to one another because of the imprint in her DNA. I like the concept of the Volturri wanting Edward and Alice and Bella, so they create a reason to come after them before they actually have a reason to come after them.
The problem is in the execution of these concepts.
HOWEVER, I'm here to talk about why I like this book rather than dislike it. I think I give more credit to the concept than most because, again, this novel really falls short in the execution part of things. When I first read these, my sister-in-law said that she felt this was the only book of the series that felt like a grown woman speaking rather than a teenager, and I see that, definitely. Bella may be an "old soul," but she loses all bit of teenager in this story.
Ugh, I'm still not defending this, am I?
Alright, fine. I can't. I just like it. I don't know why. I like it more now that the movie made me laugh to the point of stomach hurt. I REALLY like the fact that the second movie will give Lee Pace some work (OMG EYEBROWS). I so get the reasons why people do not like this. I'm just not one of those people.
But I (obviously) didn't do it.
Why? There are a few reasons. One, I felt turrible, and I couldn't even think about looking at a computer screen for longer than I needed. I'm actually in the middle of creating what I think is a Great Idea For A Book, and I would have loved to start outlining\drafting it up, but instead, I took a wicked long nap. Like... wicked long. As in I went to bed at about 9 pm (and that's being generous with my guess as to what time I really fell asleep).
The other reason I didn't write this yesterday? There was this article in the NY Times (that I refuse to link to because I don't think it should receive more traffic) that said adults should only read books for adults and stop reading books written for and about teenagers. It was poorly researched (as in the author panned The Hunger Games while admitting to not reading it nor will he ever read it because it's a "children's book") and openly snobby.
Sadly, though, it kind of worked as in I felt a little ashamed that I was about to defend this book. BUT, whatever, I dealt with that, I've moved on, and now I'm here to defend myself for actually liking a book that I feel all of my YA Mafia friends will mock me about for a long, long time.
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
First things first: I am not stating that I think this is a particularly great book. In fact, I think it's the giant sore thumb of the entire Twilight "saga." The first three novels fit together as a nice little trilogy with just a few strings left unresolved. Those threads could have been resolved without going into this story, but I do understand it. I would have left at least one Big Bad besides the Volturri to deal with in this one, but that's just me.
I've started and restarted this paragraph way too many times now, so I'm aware of how much I've overthinking this. BUT, I'm also realizing that what I like about this book isn't the book itself, but more of the concept of it. How Bella Swan goes from this wholly awkward weakling to a fully formed awesome vampire who can do awesome things and needs to do said awesome things in order to keep her family from being slaughtered by a group of really, really old guys. I like the concept of Jacob & Bella being so drawn to one another because of the imprint in her DNA. I like the concept of the Volturri wanting Edward and Alice and Bella, so they create a reason to come after them before they actually have a reason to come after them.
The problem is in the execution of these concepts.
HOWEVER, I'm here to talk about why I like this book rather than dislike it. I think I give more credit to the concept than most because, again, this novel really falls short in the execution part of things. When I first read these, my sister-in-law said that she felt this was the only book of the series that felt like a grown woman speaking rather than a teenager, and I see that, definitely. Bella may be an "old soul," but she loses all bit of teenager in this story.
Ugh, I'm still not defending this, am I?
Alright, fine. I can't. I just like it. I don't know why. I like it more now that the movie made me laugh to the point of stomach hurt. I REALLY like the fact that the second movie will give Lee Pace some work (OMG EYEBROWS). I so get the reasons why people do not like this. I'm just not one of those people.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Day 28 – Favorite title
I've apparently been going through something of a mental crisis, where I'm like WAAAAAAAH WHY IS LIFE LIKE THIS one minute and then OMG I KNOW THE FUNNIEST PEOPLE EVER the next. So my post-challenge blog entries should all be REALLY GREAT... and NOT AT ALL CRAZY.
Just, you know, something to look forward to.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
This was a book I was dying to get my hands on for months and month prior to its release. I read a very small excerpt, and it intrigued me so. However, before I even read that little excerpt, I knew I wanted to read this just because of the title.
I just love the sound of the words together. The name Mara Dyer is so... mysterious. And the use of "unbecoming." That's not a word that comes up in everyday conversation, and, for me, it brings up such lovely imagery. I think it works perfectly with the cover (one of my favorites!!) as well as the actual plot. Sometimes, I think titles reach too much to sound cool rather than be relative to the plot. This one does both, and that's why I like it!
Only 2 more challenge days left! I think I'll post a wrap up blog on Saturday, in case you don't feel like clicking through every day. Though you should. Because I'm hilarious! And incredibly modest!
Just, you know, something to look forward to.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
This was a book I was dying to get my hands on for months and month prior to its release. I read a very small excerpt, and it intrigued me so. However, before I even read that little excerpt, I knew I wanted to read this just because of the title.
I just love the sound of the words together. The name Mara Dyer is so... mysterious. And the use of "unbecoming." That's not a word that comes up in everyday conversation, and, for me, it brings up such lovely imagery. I think it works perfectly with the cover (one of my favorites!!) as well as the actual plot. Sometimes, I think titles reach too much to sound cool rather than be relative to the plot. This one does both, and that's why I like it!
Only 2 more challenge days left! I think I'll post a wrap up blog on Saturday, in case you don't feel like clicking through every day. Though you should. Because I'm hilarious! And incredibly modest!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Day 27 – The most surprising plot twist or ending
I think I'm in a post-Hunger Games depression, where we have to wait, like, A YEAR AND A HALF for Catching Fire to come out, and it just seems so... far. November 22, 2013? I will be 32 by then! THIRTY.TWO.
Perhaps I've revealed too much...
Book challenge?
Book challenge.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
I've had an extremely hard time explaining this book to people, and I know I'm not alone. I didn't read it for a few months after it was released, even though I heard ALL KINDS OF GOODNESS about it, like everyone was just flipping their sh!t over it. The strange thing was, I couldn't find a decent plot description anywhere. It was usually something like, there's this girl Karou and she's got blue hair and she runs errands for this chimera and OMG READ THIS BOOK.
Which... what?
So I decided to read it. And now, when I describe it to people, I say almost that exact same thing verbatim.
I say that this had the most surprising plot twist because, really, I didn't see it coming. Honestly, I didn't see the last third of the book coming until it was already happening and I was like... what on Earth am I reading? When you start, the initial story reads like it belongs in a supernatural category. You know there's something not totally normal about what's going on, especially with the chimera involved, but whatever, it's written so exquisitely well that you cannot stop even if you tried.
And then, the craziness starts, and we go from kind of supernatural to FULL ON HIGH FANTASY, which isn't my kind of scene. Yet... you're already in it to win it by then, and also that exquisitely delectable writing that cannot be ignored...
Sooner than you can wish upon a tooth, you are knee-deep in one of the most otherworldly and beautiful stories ever imagined, and nothing but wild horses could drag you away. So, thanks, Laini, for turning me into so much of a raving lunatic that, when I tried to explain this book to The Hubs, he stopped me and (very sweetly) said, "Hon, I love you, but I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about anymore."
Perhaps I've revealed too much...
Book challenge?
Book challenge.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
I've had an extremely hard time explaining this book to people, and I know I'm not alone. I didn't read it for a few months after it was released, even though I heard ALL KINDS OF GOODNESS about it, like everyone was just flipping their sh!t over it. The strange thing was, I couldn't find a decent plot description anywhere. It was usually something like, there's this girl Karou and she's got blue hair and she runs errands for this chimera and OMG READ THIS BOOK.
Which... what?
So I decided to read it. And now, when I describe it to people, I say almost that exact same thing verbatim.
I say that this had the most surprising plot twist because, really, I didn't see it coming. Honestly, I didn't see the last third of the book coming until it was already happening and I was like... what on Earth am I reading? When you start, the initial story reads like it belongs in a supernatural category. You know there's something not totally normal about what's going on, especially with the chimera involved, but whatever, it's written so exquisitely well that you cannot stop even if you tried.
And then, the craziness starts, and we go from kind of supernatural to FULL ON HIGH FANTASY, which isn't my kind of scene. Yet... you're already in it to win it by then, and also that exquisitely delectable writing that cannot be ignored...
Sooner than you can wish upon a tooth, you are knee-deep in one of the most otherworldly and beautiful stories ever imagined, and nothing but wild horses could drag you away. So, thanks, Laini, for turning me into so much of a raving lunatic that, when I tried to explain this book to The Hubs, he stopped me and (very sweetly) said, "Hon, I love you, but I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about anymore."
Monday, March 26, 2012
"Katniss makes me as sad as I am hopeful for her."
So my buddy Miguel (subsequently known as "Migs") has been following all of my Hunger Games coverage (aka he is my friend IRL), and he went to see the movie this weekend, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Migs had always told me that The Hunger Games reminded him of one of his favorite books, Battle Royale. This afternoon, we met for lunch and decided to trade favorite books. I have his copy of Battle Royale burning a proverbial hole in my purse, while he had the day available for diving into Panem. He texted me just now to let me know he'd finished Part 1, and he gave me a short review thus far.
After I read it, my heart swelled with pride to consider him my friend. He nailed exactly why this story resonates with so many people, and personally, I'm super glad my book is in such worthy hands.
"Katniss makes me as sad as I am hopeful for her. Her unending suspicion and defensiveness, while entirely understandable, are really upsetting. I enjoy the plainspoken way she expresses herself, though. I personally have never been a fan of overly flowery writing from the first person, especially when used to describe dire situations such as this. But overall, I feel bad for her and the circumstances that led her to be the socially naive, awkward, angry, sullen survivor that she is. I sure hope she wins! Go, Girl On Fire, go!"
You guys, I heart my friends.
After I read it, my heart swelled with pride to consider him my friend. He nailed exactly why this story resonates with so many people, and personally, I'm super glad my book is in such worthy hands.
"Katniss makes me as sad as I am hopeful for her. Her unending suspicion and defensiveness, while entirely understandable, are really upsetting. I enjoy the plainspoken way she expresses herself, though. I personally have never been a fan of overly flowery writing from the first person, especially when used to describe dire situations such as this. But overall, I feel bad for her and the circumstances that led her to be the socially naive, awkward, angry, sullen survivor that she is. I sure hope she wins! Go, Girl On Fire, go!"
You guys, I heart my friends.
Day 26 – A book that changed your opinion about something
I'm pretty much having a very Garfield-y reaction to today and thus I'm feeling very angry with the being awake and functioning like a normal person and having conversations and such. This should really be a great entry, huh?
Actually, it will, because I'm talking about a book that I enjoyed so much!!
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
This story has lots of things that I like- witches and strong female leads and hot boys who read and seriously great writing. There is also the added bonus of being written by someone I know, which somehow makes me more impressed. Like, how am I allowed to be friends with such talented people? And so MANY talented people? Lucky me!
So what did Born Wicked do to change my opinion about something? Well... it takes place in the late 1890's, technically making it historical fiction. And me? I'm not a big fan of historical fiction. Not at all. Even Meg Cabot couldn't get me to enjoy it, which is really saying something. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it; it's just not usually my cup of tea.
However, if more historical fiction were written like this, I might read a lot more of them. This is the good stuff, people. Also, with the War on Women that seems to be happening as of late, this novel has become eerily relevant. Even Jess thinks so!
Actually, it will, because I'm talking about a book that I enjoyed so much!!
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
This story has lots of things that I like- witches and strong female leads and hot boys who read and seriously great writing. There is also the added bonus of being written by someone I know, which somehow makes me more impressed. Like, how am I allowed to be friends with such talented people? And so MANY talented people? Lucky me!
So what did Born Wicked do to change my opinion about something? Well... it takes place in the late 1890's, technically making it historical fiction. And me? I'm not a big fan of historical fiction. Not at all. Even Meg Cabot couldn't get me to enjoy it, which is really saying something. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it; it's just not usually my cup of tea.
However, if more historical fiction were written like this, I might read a lot more of them. This is the good stuff, people. Also, with the War on Women that seems to be happening as of late, this novel has become eerily relevant. Even Jess thinks so!
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