Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Speak (imprint of Penguin)
Publish Date: January 1, 2009
Genre: YA, contemporary, paranormal
Pages: 259
Series: If I Stay
1. If I Stay
2. Where She Went (April 5, 2011)

*Read for book club.

Synopsis:
In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

From Goodreads

I read this book last summer and gave it 1 out or 5 stars on Goodreads. I realize that this book got TONS of positive feedback and I feel kinda weird being one of the ones who wasn’t crazy about it. That’s never me. So this year, I read it for book club. I was thinking that maybe my feelings would change after rereading it. I suppose it did. I moved the rating up from 1 star (didn’t like it) to 2 (it was ok).

To be honest, I just didn’t think this book was anything special. The story itself was heartbreaking, yes, but other than that, it didn’t do anything for me. If you’ve read it, you’re probably thinking I’m crazy. The first time I read this book, I was so irritated reading to the end because I just wanted to finish it to know what Mia’s choice was. This time, I was able to pay more attention to the incorporation of music in the story, and Mia’s life overall.

I liked Teddy, Mia’s little brother, and Adam, her boyfriend. The parts of the story with Teddy made me feel emotional, whether it was Mia’s memory or her present. I also really loved Adam. His raw emotion in the story was impossible to miss or feel. Yes, Mia was in a difficult position, one I never in my entire life hope to be in, but something about Adam and his love for Mia just took hold of my heart. He is the one reason I want to read the sequel, Where She Went, because it’s told from Adam’s point of view, years after the accident. I won’t tell you more about it than that, for fear of spoilers.

The vast majority of people who read this book loved it rather than hated it. I guess for once, I’m in the minority.

In My Mailbox (20)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that gives bloggers a chance to share what books they've received in the last week. It's hosted by The Story Siren and you can find out more info about it here.



Since I did an IMM last week, my mailbox is small this week. But, let me tell you it is no less exciting. I had a bit of a happy freakout when I was in the store. See what I got:

Bought
Passion by Lauren Kate {Goodreads | Book Depository}

The Book Depository has it in stock already, and apparently it's a copy with a poster and "Fallen story" inside it. Might be worth it to buy from there?

Gah, I'm so excited to read this!! I'm super tempted to drop everything I'm reading right now and just READ IT. But, alas, there has to be some kind of method to my madness, and so I must wait for a little while longer. Still, though. EFF I'M SO EXCITED.

What did you get this week??

Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Glass
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: March 24, 2009
Genre: YA, fantasy
Pages: 541
Series: The Mortal Instruments
1. City of Bones (review)
2. City of Ashes (review)
3. City of Glass
4. City of Fallen Angels (April 5, 2011)
5. City of Lost Souls (expected pub May 2012)
6. City of Heavenly Fire (expected pub Sept 2013)

***WARNING: Spoilers if you haven’t read Books 1 & 2 of The Mortal Instruments!***

Synopsis:
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her new found powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

From Goodreads

I am fully confident in saying that City of Glass is my favourite book of The Mortal Instruments series, so far. I feel like that probably had to do with the fact that it was a new setting, and also that there were a few new characters, both good and bad. It was a big adventure for all the characters, lots of questions were answered, and it was all very emotional.

If you’ve read my reviews before, you know that I love to get emotionally invested in the characters. Technically, I’ve been emotionally invested since the first book, but that’s not the point. I felt like this book was a bigger emotional roller coaster than the last couple. Yes, in CoB Clary and Jace were all lovey dovey, then in CoA they were all “Oh em gee, you’re my sibling.” But in CoG, it wasn’t just Clary and Jace’s feelings. I can’t remember anyone else’s feelings from the other books (except some flirtiness around Isabelle/Simon, Maia/Simon, and Alec/Magnus). This third book really shows us more than the one relationship. It shows more of Alec and Magnus, of Isabelle, Luke, Simon, and more. I’ve never had a problem with book focusing on one relationship (most are this way), but I feel like after two books centred on the Clary/Jace relationship, it was refreshing and exciting to see more of the other characters.

I’m always amazed at how much Cassie Clare packs into one book. I guess that’s why they’re all around 500 pages. There’s just SO MUCH that happens! I don’t want to give spoilers, but I do want to say that you need to be prepared for lots of ups and downs, lots of questions answered, and a very good ending. I loved the ending.

Sorry this is such a weird review, but I don’t know how to put anything into words apparently! I finished the book a week ago, and haven’t figured out how to write the review yet, so this will have to do. All I have to say is if you’ve been putting off continuing this series, at least finish up this book. It is a great way to finish off the first half of the series.

Wings of the Wicked Cover Reveal

I feel like the worst blogger ever. I apologize a million times to my awesome followers for the lack of posts. I'm trying really hard to find time for it between work and my summer courses, but it's being neglected. I'm such a failure *hangs head*.

To make up for this (slightly), I'm directing you all the the awesome contest Courtney Allison Moulton has going until tomorrow, to spread the word about her newly released cover for WINGS OF THE WICKED, the second book in her ANGELFIRE trilogy.

If you missed it, I LOVED ANGELFIRE. Like, so hard. Don't believe me? Check out my review here. I talk about Audis, Twitter, and one-liners. Trust me, you want to read it (and leave me a little note ;) ).

Now, onto the cover of WINGS OF THE WICKED:

I love it. It totally fits with the cover for ANGELFIRE:

I'm so excited for this to come out and see what other storylines Courtney has up her sleeve. The only downside is that we have to wait until the winter to get our hands on this book! At least that's one reason to look forward to the cold weather...

I mentioned a contest before! Hop on over to Courtney's blog and enter for a chance to win some awesome stuff, including a signed ARC of WINGS OF THE WICKED! And if you haven't read ANGELFIRE yet (WHY NOT??), head on over to The Book Depository, or your favourite bookstore and snatch up a copy!

To all my wonderful and amazing followers, I promise more reviews and other posts soon!

In My Mailbox (19)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that gives bloggers a chance to share what books they've received in the last week. It's hosted by The Story Siren and you can find out more info about it here.



Mostly more review books that I'm super excited to read!

For Review
The Dream Crystal by Mark O'Bannon {Goodreads}
Thanks to the author for the ebook copy!
Wildefire by Karsten Knight {Goodreads}
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the egalley!
The Lost Crown {Goodreads}
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the egalley!
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout {Goodreads}
Thanks to Spencer Hill Press for the egalley!

Borrowed
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare {Goodreads}
Thanks to my friend Jen for lending this to me!

If you follow me on Twitter, first you know that I've been neglecting it, and second, you know that I was super excited to get an egalley of Wildefire from GalleyGrab this week! I can't wait to read it! Same goes for Half-Blood. I can't wait to read how mind-blowingly awesome these books are gonna be. I also just finished City of Glass by Cassandra Clare recently, so my friend lent me City of Fallen Angels. I don't know if I'm going to read it any time soon, but I have it in case I want to!

I think I got some pretty great books this week!

What did you get in your mailbox??

Review: The Giver by Lois Lowry

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publish Date: March 23, 1993
Genre: YA, dystopian
Pages: 179
Series: (Companion Novels)
1. The Giver
2. Gathering Blue (October 1, 2000)
3. Messenger (April 26, 2004)
4. Untitled (expected pub 2012)

*Read for book club.

Synopsis:
Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

From Goodreads

I love reading dystopian stories. Although they seem like paranormal stories in a sense, they also have this feeling of “My God, this could actually happen.” That’s how I felt reading The Giver. I was surprised with how monotone the Community was, and as I read along and found out the people chose this life, it felt real to me in a sense. If this life was a possibility, I wouldn’t be surprised that people would chose it: It’s a life with no hurt or pain, no anger or sadness, nor any negative feelings/emotions of any kind. The sacrifice is that people also feel no happiness, love, or any positive emotions. That was the choice. To live in Sameness.

Because this was a book club read, my head is chocked full of questions with half-answers, and debates about the book. We had a lot to talk about with this one. It’s hard to give any examples without giving spoilers, so I apologize that I can’t really explain. I will say that it is definitely a book that will get you thinking, if you allow yourself. If you really think about the world they live in, how they function on a day-to-day basis, and then how Jonas shown the “way things once had been” and has to take it all in stride, it will have you feeling some strong things.

As for the characters themselves, I thought that Jonas and the Giver were deep, thorough characters, while the rest were all the same. Considering the fact that the Community’s number one goal was Sameness, I have to say that the characters were written perfectly. Aside from the two main characters, there were maybe 1 or 2 other characters that I felt anything towards, and that was because of the way Jonas felt about them. Lois Lowry definitely did a good job writing her characters so that you felt what Jonas felt.

Whether you have to read this for school in Grade 7 or choose to read it years later, The Giver is a great dystopian that will open your eyes to the way things might be if we finally break and are too afraid to be different.

Random Acts of Kindness - May Wrap-Up

Random Acts of Kindness (R.A.K.) is a feature created by Book Soulmates. Find out more information about it here. You can sign up each month with your wish list and participate by sending some RAK love, too!

Here's what I received for May RAK!

From Sierra

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White {Goodreads | Book Depository}
(ebook)

I sent two books back to Sierra, HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins, and THE IRON KING by Julie Kagawa, both in ebook format as well. I didn't realize this last month, but it's super easy to send ebooks. All you have to do is attach them to the email you're sending. For me, it means I can still send some love without having to spend the money I'm supposed to be saving.

I'm going to switch gears here a bit.

I also got a whole slew of ebooks from someone else. They were all books on my wish list, and I really want to read them, but I made sure to delete them. Let me explain. I'm pretty sure the books that were sent to me were downloaded or pirated from the internet. Their formatting was messed up, the title and author were coming up as "Unknown" or random other names. Basically, I didn't trust that these books were BOUGHT, or even acquired through trustworthy means. I was thinking of keeping the books, but my morals and values won out, and I'm glad for that.

I don't want to point fingers at the person who sent the ebooks to me. The point here is that even though giving and accepting ebooks through email is pretty easy, BE AWARE of what you're accepting and giving. If you have any reason to suspect that the books are not from trustworthy sources, use your brain. Would you like it if you created something magnificent and wanted to share it with the world, only to find out that people have been stealing it from you? I'm betting that's how these authors feel and I don't think that's right.

Sorry to go all sombre and serious on you for my RAK post, but it needed to be said!

Did you participate in RAK for May? What did you get? If you didn't participate, make sure you check out BookSoulmates and share some love in June!

Waiting on Wednesday (25)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that showcases upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!
I first heard about it from PageTurnersBlog.




There are two books I want to read that are coming out next week. Today they're featured on my Waiting on Wednesday for the week!

Possession by Elana Johnson
Publish Date: June 7, 2011

Synopsis:
Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.
From Goodreads

Hereafter by Tara Hudson
Publish Date: June 7, 2011

Synopsis:
Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.
From Goodreads

Both of these books have awesome covers: The first has a butterfly in an ice cube and the second one has a see through girl and really interesting colours. I can't wait to see HEREAFTER in reality and see how those colours look. I'm super excited to read these stories and see if they really are as good as they sound!

What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?