2015 Manga/Graphic Novel Challenge

And I also read manga. I've never read anything that has been classified as graphic novel. (I'm being technical here. I usually read manga but nothing that is independent on its own.) I want to get back to my animanga roots so I'm signing up for this challenge. I'm doing the Modern Age level. One comic to read and review a month. Wish me luck!

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2015 Contemporary Reading Challenge Sign Up

Hi guys. You know I read romance right? Well I want to stretch my wings a bit. (Not much but normally I read historical and more often YA.) So I've decided to sign up for this challenge. I'm doing the 1st base level and trying to read 1-5 books. (I'm leaning towards 5. I know have books that fit this challenge and this will force me to read them. :P) So here's the badge.

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Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian Mini Review

Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Natalie reminds me a lot of myself. And that made me uncomfortable but understanding. I was extremely judgmental when I was her age and I regret that I slut shamed one of my close friends. But I grew up and in this story Natalie does too.

I liked Spencer a lot. I felt like she was Natalie's foil in a lot of ways. She was very woman positive but in a different way from Natalie and Ms. Bee. She didn't think that women need to be perfect to be accepted. Natalie's view is my view these days.

This was an extremely enjoyable book. It flew through the reading of it. I'm definitely going to keep my eye for more stuff from this author.



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Really enjoyed this book. I think I'm going to check out the List by this author.

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#scandal by Sarah Ockler review (Spoilers)

#scandal by Sarah Ockler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The title of this book is what drew me in initially. I mean a hashtag? Come on wouldn't you pick that up? But the whole concept of the book is what made me keep reading. I love books that take on our virtual culture. I remember I was reading a post on themillions.com In it they were talking about how books (particularly literary fiction) were slow to include things that are commonplace in our lives now. You know like Twitter, Facebook, texting, sexting, cyberbulling and all that.

But I've noticed that genre fiction book (Romance in my case since I'm most familiar with that genre) had embraced it.

I read the reviews on here and I have to agree that while romance is a part of this story it's not really one. I feel like this book was more a study on modern teenagers in this decade you know?

I thought at first that I knew who the culprit was behind Lucy's smear campaign and I ended up being right it was (view spoiler)[ Griff. I mean I suspected her a hundred pages in. When Lucy confronts her I could understand her reasoning. Who doesn't hate being the third wheel in a friendship. (hide spoiler)] But I liked the moral of this story. It was really well done.

Four stars. I really enjoyed this book. Didn't quite love it though.



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Like I said I really like the author's take on cyberbulling. I wouldn't necessarily call this a straight out romance though. More like a romantic subplot.

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Mad Girl's Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson Review

Mad Girl's Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this biography right up to the very end. I felt like it blamed Hughes for Sylvia's death. Look the biographer may know more about the situation from the letters and the archives but at the end of the day they know the same amount about Hughes and Plath's relationship as I do: nothing. Those two know what went down in their relationship. Of course you have recollection from third party sources but serious it was their relationship. And seeing as it's a biographer's job to be impartial (It should be anyway) that last bit really upset me.

But for the most part this was a well written biography. I like that it focused on the early years. I really enjoyed it up until the end.



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I guess going by the subtitle I should have known Hughes wouldn't come out smelling like roses but I did not pay attention to that. A really nice biography but not as impartial as biographer should be. At least with the end of the book and the afterword.

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A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger Review + A Little Brief Note

I haven't been updating much about the Fifty Days of Grey. I haven't forgotten about but I've take a little break. I intend to get back to it next year though so look out for the posts.

I just finished a book though. I've been in a young adult mood lately. I went to the library for the first time in months to check out some books. This is one of them.

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is my second Kody Keplinger and I enjoyed just as much as I did the first.

She writes family drama really well. I think that's one of the reasons I enjoy them so much. I empathized with Whitley a lot during this book esp. with the father thing. I didn't have the exact same situation as she did but I felt myself nodding along with her when she was describing her relationship with her father. Luckily I had a very present mother unlike she did but it hurts to know that your parent doesn't care.

And I agree with someone who said it was felt like Greg took to long to come around. But it was a good climax.

And strangely I didn't find the dating the stepbrother thing too weird. Maybe I've been watching too much Clueless.



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The Duff by Kody Keplinger Review

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I had heard about this book awhile back. I finally decided to buy it a few months ago.

What prompted me to read it now was a post on ONTD. I read about the casting of it. My internal monologue was like: "Don't I have that book? Yes you definitely have that book. Should I read it? Yes you should definitely read it."

I started it on Saturday night. I really liked it. Bianca is a nice narrator though she did kinda get on my nerves. She's abrasive but that's how she was written. She's a pretty realistic teenage narrator.

Her relationship with her friends is what really sold me on this book. I looked the little bit on how she became friends with Casey and esp. with Jessica. I've made a lot of my friends similar ways and it really touched me.

I thought her relationship with her parents was really well done too. I mean haven't we all held something in because we didn't know to approach the other person? I mean hell I still do that.

And Wesley. Alright I'm going to admit I was rooting for her to end up with him. My ideal type is cocky. But I'm glad that he mended his ways. And I like that they bonded over their family lives.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.



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Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt Review

Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I started reading this book this morning. Now I want to say that this is not the first book I've picked up over the past six weeks but it was the one that kept my attention. I think that says a lot about Ms. Hoyt's work.

I'm not particularly attached to either the hero or the heroine. I read Duke of Midnight with Artemis. I enjoyed her story more what with the plain companion and the duke and the like.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy this book. I really loved the bits with Daff and Indio. I think they were the best. I liked the reveal of his background.

With saying that I didn't quite love this book. It was nice to read but I didn't love it like I did with some of Ms. Hoyt's other work. It's a nice addition but it didn't quite have that POP! I'm excited to read the next Maiden Lane series.

And I like the snippets of Asa. I am dying to read his story.

Three stars. Entertaining story but lacking in that POP.



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Fifty Days of Grey: Chapters 13-14

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. Things have been kind of hectic in my life. Lots of confusion but good stuff too.

But I've resumed reading FSOG.

I don't remember much about the beginning of Chapter 13. I started it a few weeks ago. I do know that Ana and Christian are discussing the terms of their contract.

But I want to talk about what really made me think about this chapter.

Ana says she wants a relationship with Christian but he doesn't want that. He can't do that. She doesn't know what to call him. Would he be her boyfriend in this type of relationship?

As a certified member of Gen Y I feel like these questions have occurred to many of us at one time. Ambiguous relationships. It’s complicated. Friend with benefits. You know what I’m talking about.
I can understand where Ana is coming from. You don’t want to lose the guy but you aren’t satisfied with the relationship as it is. Yet you don’t want to lose them either. Conundrum.

In the next chapter Ana continues to think about this as her father comes for her graduation. When Kate introduces Christian she introduces him as Ana’s boyfriend and my god I would be mortified. But everything goes smoothly because Christian can charm anyone it seems.

At the end of the chapter Ana tells Christian she wants more. He says he doesn’t know how do it and she agrees that she doesn’t know much about relationships either but they’re going to try.
I like the ending of the chapter but I’m also skeptical. Can you really make someone settle if they don’t want to? There are numerous disastrous results saying that you can’t. Many have tried but only a few have succeeded. Perhaps Ana will be on?

And those ladies and gentlemen are my thoughts on these chapters. I’m enjoying this book more than I thought I would and I’m having fun analyzing the chapters. Future English major here what what!

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Fifty Days of Grey: Chapters 7-11

Now yesterday I had a problem. See I had made notes for chapters 10 and 11 which I had just read of the book. But somehow I was missing chapters 7-9...

I talked about chapters 5 and 6 in the vlog I posted but where did the entries about 7-9 go?

Don't ask me because I don't know either. But a quick google search tells me these are the chapters where the sex does down...ah yes I remember.

My thoughts on these chapters are that I like them. Christian shows her his red room. Then he figures out she's a virgin so he decides he's going to introduce her to sex.

These chapters are like the majority of romance novels. A little steamy but nothing in particular sticks out in my mind. I thought it was sexy though no doubt.

And then I believe chapter 9 ends with Mrs. Grey appearing and then we are caught up with my notes.

Chapter 10

My initial notes:

So this chapter sheds light on Christian's background. We get to meet his mother. She seems sweet. But what really interested me was Christian's introduction to the BDSM lifestyle. His mother's friend introduced him too. Now see Christian just sort of tells this like there's nothing wrong with this picture. But Ana calls it out for what it is: sexual abuse. This makes me think of men that have been abused by women. There are some people that think men can't be abused so I was surprised that Ana picked up on that fact. Kudo Ms. James


I really want to talk about this for a moment. I wasn't expecting to see this in this book. I've heard so much about how controlling Christian is. But I'm surprised no one has talked about this. Sexual abuse on males is touchy subject. It reminds me of when female teachers abuse their male students. I see a lot of commenters (mostly males) say that's the dream life. It reminds me of how Chris Brown doesn't recognize that his first sexual experience was actually rape. So it was an enlightening surprise to see that Ana recognize that what happened to Christian was abuse. I was pleased to read that.


Chapter 11

Initial notes:

So the next chapter opens with the contract. The full fucking contract. Let me tell you I usually like when documents are transcribed in fiction (weird I know) but my eyes were glazing over. But it was kinda shocking. Ana's reaction was my reaction. I can be shy but submissive? Bitch please. But like her I'm still eerily drawn to it.
The emails were much more fun to read. I wrote on GR that it annoyed me when he calls her baby. But apparently if it's prefixed by laters I'm all good. Something about that is cute to me.


I really thought the contract part could have been left out. I don't think I need to see the thing in full. It would have been fine with a summary by Ana. But I really enjoyed the emails by Christian and Ana. Ana comments that sometimes Christian seems his age. He does seem more mature at the beginning but I love the little glimpses that show him as a normal twenty-something man. Those are my favorite. I also like when it says laters baby but I don't like when calls baby by itself. I know it's such a trifle to be picky about but I am so whatevs.

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Currently Reading Week of Sept. 14, 2014

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Fifty Days of Grey: Chapters 3 and 4

So chapter 3 picks up with the photoshoot. I guess it's pretty standard since the only reference I have on photoshoots are ANTM. But Christian asks Ana out for coffee.

So what I'm getting from this chapter is that Grey gets all in her business and I like that she's sorta offended by this. She doesn't tell him to stop asking or anything but I'll give her points for recognizing this. And she is very persistent about labeling him a control freak.

Ana is clumsy of course and she nearly gets ran over by a cyclist. So she ends up in his arms and she DESPERATELY wants him to kiss her.

But he doesn't. He tells her he doesn't do the girlfriend thing. She takes this to mean that he doesn't want HER for a girlfriend. So she leaves angrily and broods over that.

She dreams about him and then the scenes cut to her taking her English exams. After that she returns home where Kate announces she has a package. Inside are first editions of Tess of the D'Ubervilles. Now I would be excited by something like that and she is but there is a cryptic note along with it. She's rightly frustrated.

So she, Kate, the regular photographer, and Jose celebrate their final exams. Ana gets drunk. Sloppily drunk and drunk dials Christian. He demands to know where is she and Ana is like haha no. She excuses herself to go outside and Jose follows a little later. Jose forces kisses on her and Christian shows up in the nick of time. Stare off. Christian is going to take her home but the girl faints.

So my thoughts on these chapters are is that I so don't like how controlling Christian is. Like even the MC realizes it. It hasn't overwhelmed me just yet.

And it's been awhile since I read Twilight but I don't recall Bella being so...snarky? I mean I vaguly that she was supposed to be sarcastic. I was fifteen when I first read Twilight but over the years Bella began to annoy me. Ana doesn't annoy me at this point but there are twenty more chapters to read.

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Thoughts about Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

So I finished reading Wallbanger yesterday. I absolutely loved it. My review wasn't very substantial so I'm not posting it here.

But I was thinking about the fact that the book is categorized as erotica. I mean it has sex in it but it's not like the other erotica I've read (Which admittedly is about two or three). The focus in this story was more the growing relationship between Caroline and Simon. I think it's more like a romance than an erotica. Hell perhaps erotic romance? The sex didn't seem to take up a substantial portion of the story. I feel like Caroline regaining her O was more of a subplot to the romance.

I would categorize Wallbanger as chick lit as well. It reminds me of the genre and I definitely think it's a romantic comedy.

I think way too much about labels.

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Fifty Days of Fifty Shades of Grey

Ok I'm not sure on the whole fifty days but that title is catchy no?

Since I don't live under a rock I've heard about Fifty Shades. I will be honest and say I judged this book hard. It seemed to go against my sensibilities. As a girl familiar with fandom it was an unspoken rule that you didn't publish fanfiction.

But one day I happened to start doing some digging. A very good link I rec is the Fifty Shades page. It has more information about the background of the book. It was after reading these links that I started to question my biases. I had judged the book before even reading it. I hadn't given it a fair a chance.

So that's what I'm doing now.

Here's the plan. I'm going to read a chapter (perhaps a day, maybe every two days it depends) and tell you my thoughts on it. Simple right?

Thoughts: Chapter 1

So the story opens with Anastasia complaining about her friend being sick. This is a little bitchy I admit but understandable. The story then fast forwards to Grey House. There are two blonde secretaries. Then Mr. Grey comes in. Tiny sparks. I honestly expected him to come in with flames or something but I digress. So he comes and she starts interviewing him. From what I've read online I expected Anastasia to be a weeping flower but she's kinda snarky which I like. No negative thoughts on Christian yet. He talks a lot about control for obvious reasons. Interview ends.

So so far the book seems pretty routine. I expected mis-spellings and just awfulness. It's not so bad so far.

I might have chapters 2 and 3 later on depending on how I feel. And a banner. I downloaded some brushes I'm dying to use.

Thoughts: Chapter 2

The major thing that I noticed about the beginning of this chapter is how short and choppy the scenes are. The scene will shift to her working and then like a paragraph later will switch again. That's a bit unnecessary and it really distracts from the story.

I don't really have a lot of thoughts on Kate. She's just sort of there. She's not really present. Jose seems nice. I was interested in Ana's background when she mentioned she had taken her stepfather's name. I wonder if the book will go more into that? I find that very interesting.

So while she's working Mr. Grey arrives. She notices that his hands are manicured and the only thing I could think is that this guy is so metrosexual. But I guess it makes sense that he cares about his image. He does like control after all.

And the last thing I noticed was what he bought. Cable wires, masking tape, ropes...oh yeah that's foreshadowing baby.

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Currently Reading Video

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Two Reviews and a Video

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The first thing that I really noticed was that I read the first few chapters. The time just seemed to fly by.

I really liked Cinder and I thought Iko was so cute. I liked Prince Kai and I found myself mildly annoyed with Adri and Pearl.

Story wise I thought it was good. The plot moved a really good pace. I liked the way things unfurled.

But what really had me fascinated was the worldbuilding. I'm a sucker for it. The whole world is so fascinating. I mean cyborgs, androids, and aliens? The moon as a planet? Count me in!

I really liked this book and I'm excited to read more.



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The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I had heard about this book even before I could grasp what an enigma Sylvia Plath was. I knew the book was about mental illness. But I put off reading it until now.

I feel that Esther as a narrator is very blank. She has personality but it's diminished. When I was going through my own illness I felt blank inside so I could relate.

I related to this book but the wow factor wasn't here for me. With her poems I feel there's so much talent but this book while good just didn't do for me. I feel if she had written another book then maybe her skills could have grown. I very much prefer.her poems and even her journals. I feel like this book is missing passion.



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I finally have my internet back and I have access to my Nook books now that I have a tablet though I kinda wish I would have bought a tablet in the first place. My poor Kobo is going unused.

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The Stranger I Married Review + Vlog Update

The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I picked up this book based purely on the cover. I glanced at the title and blurb but lbr the cover got me. Not the original one but the reddish one.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked Gray and Pel as the main. But partway through I grew more intrigued with Trenton and Abby. I legit enjoyed their bits the most. I'm sad this is a single title.

4 Stars. I really liked it but I didn't love it.



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I'm intending to change the layout around here. I also changed the name of the blog but I don't know if that's taken affect. I'll update the url change on the blogger list.

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Still Alive

Yes I am still around though I haven't even posted a weekly video in awhile. This is for two reasons. 1.) I go to school four days a week including Wednesday and I'm pretty tired when I get home 2.) Is that I unplugged my webcam to plug something else in. I don't know what happened but I can get video but I can't get audio anymore and I am too lazy to fix it.

But I am still reading. I have to say the school library has a lot of nonfiction which of course they should but the fiction pickings aren't much so I've only checked out nonfiction. But I have been reading some things though I haven't finished anything since at least early June or late May? Idk. I should be worried but I have been busy so I'm trying not to fret. I've gone longer without reading a book (Like a year or so) so as long as it doesn't get that bad I'm fine.

I'm still obsessed with Sylvia Plath and I'm doing a speech on romance novels. Yep.

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You've Got Time

I haven't posted much in the way of content. I've recently started my first year of college and on Wednesday I don't have the energy to post the videos.

But I am reading! I'm currently reading Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas. I love her books esp. the historical romance. She recently announced that she's returning to the genre with a new series. Woop!

I hope to have up some reviews as summer winds down so look out for them!

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Wide Sargossa Sea by Jean Rhys

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I had heard of this book before through it's connection with Jane Eyre. But I put off reading for awhile.

It was until I read a postcolonial criticism of that I really felt the urge to read it. I wanted to buy it but then I realized that the library had a copy.

So I checked it out and I think now after finishing it I will buy my own copy.

The prose reads easily. I feel like the word I would describe the writing as is smooth. I don't know if that makes sense but it just flowed along. The footnotes were really helpful as well.

I felt like I could get along with Antoinette. I felt like I could empathize with her and that is very important when I'm reading.

Strangely while I was reading Part Two I could I felt like I could empathize with Rochester as well and I still don't quite understand why but it was interesting reading from his POV. The only compliant I might have is that he didn't seem quite as...brash as he did in Jane Eyre. He seemed more subdued but I felt like the whole book felt like that.

Part Three was the shortest. I was waiting for the end and I felt like Rhys described it beautifully. This was a really beautiful book.



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I do rec this book but get the Norton Edition if you can. It has footnotes which gives the novel more context. I would have been lost when the narration shifted in Part Two without it. Definitely a good book.

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Currently Reading May 13, 2014

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The Bronte Sisters by Catherine Reef Review

The Brontë Sisters: The Brief Lives of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne by Catherine Reef

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is around the fifth biography I've checked out on a Bronte but only the first that I have finished. I have the massive tome by Juliet Barker but I was overwhelmed when I opened it. I've started and put down several more.

I felt I needed something light to introduce me fully to the sisters. Currently I've only read one book from Charlotte but it really made an impression on me. I've started both Shirley and Vilette but I haven't finished them yet. The same goes for Anne's Agnes Grey.

But reading this I felt like I got a good overview of them. And I reacted to it. Near the end with the family tragedies. I really felt upset. I don't know what it was about this particular book but yeah. I knew how they all died of course but I didn't really feel it until I read this.

I think this a good introduction to the family and it's easy to read. Four stars.



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I am all about biographies this year it seems. Hell I just ordered a book how how to write a biography so....yeeeah.

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Just One Day by Gayle Forman Review + Weekly Vid

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I will admit that when I started this book I thought about putting it down. It didn't immediately grab me but I kept reading.

I feel like the main theme of the book would be: finding yourself? I feel like Allyson had to learn to be her true self outside of her parents, Melanie, etc. It struck a cord with me because I'm trying to do the same thing at the moment.

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting. I like it. I don't love it but it does make me want to read more of Ms. Forman's work and I consider that a good thing.



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Good stuff yeah yeah.

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Attachments by Rainbow Rowell Review

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


If I had to rank Rowell's published books it would look something like this.

1. Eleanor and Park
2. Fangirl?
3. Attachments?

See while I was typing that I wasn't exactly sure where I should rank the last two. Fangirl enthralled me and made me want to read the rest of her work. But Eleanor & Park like solidified it for me.

So where does Attachments come in? Well I like it. The premise is a bit out there. I really liked Lincoln. I feel like I could relate a lot to his situation. The overprotective parent and feeling like you're stunted in life or something.

Weirdly I didn't find his email spying creepy. It's like I rationally know that is creepy as hell but within the fictive world it kinda makes sense? Idk.

I kept waiting for the moment when they would meet. They did. It was satisfying. But I have to admit I wished it had occurred earlier in the book. I wanted to savor it. This book wasn't like the romances I usually read but I really liked it.

So I give this book four stars. It was a really fun experience but also a bit disappointing end wise.



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So since the last time I posted I have become obsessed with this author's books. I mean I made three separate trips downtown to check out these books. I usually try not to overload myself on one author or series but that does not apply to Rowell. Oh and Hoyt apparently.

So yes I enjoyed this book. My favorite is Eleanor & Park. I can't wait for Landlines!

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Three Weeks with Lady X by Eloisa James

Three Weeks With Lady X by Eloisa James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So I want to confess before I start this review that I did not read the book featuring Thorn's father. I do intend to but I was so fucking excited when I found out that she was doing a series about one of the kids from the Desperate Duchesses series that I didn't care. I wanted that book and I have waited patiently for it.

It was often mentioned that Thorn was a lot like Villers. Again since I haven't read his book I'm not quite sure. But I feel like Thorn was less...cocky than Villers. Idk I can't quite put my finger on it. They were alike but different. I don't know. I am going off my impressions of Villers from four of the DD books so.

I really like India despite her ridiculous name. The grammar thing really endeared her to me. I also like that India and Thorn boned over their issues with their family. Family is a big theme with me. So I really liked those parts. And the parts with Rose! She really reminded me of an online friend with her somberness but acute eye you know? I really like that.

I give this book four stars. I really enjoyed it. I really did it. But I can't quite rate it five stars for some reason. But it is a really good book.



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I was just thinking as I got ready to post this about something the title made me think about? It was of my ranting points about the YA genre that the H/Hr seemed to fall in love out of thin air? It irked me. It still irks me. But as I was thinking about that title and the fact that it happened in three weeks I'm starting to wonder. Am I hypocrite?

I mean the relationship times are similar. But I guess with the YA romances I've read the plot may be focused on something else. The main plot of a romance is the developing of a relationship so I suppose that might be why I don't feel like the relationships are as developed in the YA especially since my main reading genre at the time was paranormal romance so of course there's stuff going in the background so perhaps the romance gets rushed? Idk I was just thinking about that.

What about you? Do you think relationships in romance develop too quick? It can be either in the adult or the young adult genre. I'm interested in hearing people's thoughts on this.

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Currently Reading April 2, 2012

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Currently Reading March 19, 2014

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Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen Review

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A little background on my relationship with Miss Austen.

I knew of Pride and Prejudice. It is like practically required to have read if you read romance particularly historical romance.

But see I hadn't at least not up until 2010

In 2010 I set out to read it. So I started it. I started. Then I stopped. I started. Then I stopped. I was about 100 pages in when I gave up.

Then I decided to pick up the Penguin Classics version of War and Peace. I had previously tried to read it but again I dropped it. But surprisingly with this edition the prose was clear. It didn't seem so dense and antiquated that I didn't understand it.

So then I thought: Aha! I shall try it with Austen. So I went out and bought all six books...again in the Penguin edition.

And I finished it in about a day. It was nice but I wasn't sure about how I felt about Miss Austen.

So then I tried Persuasion. I liked it but I still didn't love it. It didn't grab me. It was a lovely book to be sure but I wasn't obsessed with the book or the author like I became after I read Jane Eyre.

Fast forward to 2014. For some reason I wanted to read the book of extra stuff I had bought by Austen but I could not for the life of me find that book. So I looked over and I decided I would read one of her mature works. I chose the shortest because I wanted something light.

So I started Northanger Abbey and the most curious thing happened. I liked it. I kept thinking about it. I had recently picked up Vilette but I kept returning to this one.

What I liked the most about this book was that it showed me that teenage girls have not changed much in the past two hundred years though a lot about the world has. I felt I could empathize with Catherine.

What particularly stuck out to me was the peer pressure. Any teen knows that is a big issue. I felt myself getting angry about how much John, James, and Isabella were pushing Catherine. But I understood how she felt.

What also stuck out to me was false friends. I had thought Isabella was a good friend but once I saw how she tried to manipulate Catherine and then her subsequent behavior I realized she wasn't the best friend. I mean I know I have dealt with "friends" like that.

I only give this book four stars because of something I think is specific to Austen's work or perhaps to all the authors writing in that time period. She does a lot of telling and I wanted more showing! The end was nice but I actually wanted to see it. I am after all a reader of this time but the ending left me feeling nice but unsatisfied. But reading this book gave me a new view of Miss Austen's work. She's really funny and I like her insight. I definitely won't dread reading her books anymore.



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Currently Reading Mar. 12, 2014

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Mercy by Lucille Clifton Poetry Review

Mercy by Lucille Clifton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't remember exactly which poem I read by Mrs. Clifton first but I remember liking it. When it came time for me to buy books I thought of her and I ordered this collection.

It is marvelous. The poetry flows well and I particularly like the 9/11 sequence. I feel like that section in particular is still relevant to America post 9/11

The last section with the poems from the Other World where really great as other well. I feel like they were trying to impart some wisdom and I feel like I need to hear it.

I loved this collection and I will be looking into more of her work.



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I am just getting into her poems but I really enjoy her work and I feel like this volume spoke to me. I highly recommend trying some of her stuff.

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Belated Currently Reading (Mar. 6, 2014)

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Currently Reading Feburary 26, 2014

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Triangles by Ellen Hopkins Review

Triangles by Ellen Hopkins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My friend Sky had recommended Ellen Hopkins book. I believe that was four years ago. It wasn't until this year that I thought to look for them at my local library.

The thing that stuck out to me about reading this was how fast it seemed to go by. Before I knew I was 50 pages in. The story was gripping and I felt like each main character's voice was unique. I felt like there was a certain realism about these characters and I really loved that.

I was unsure about reading it thought because I didn't know how the format would work. I had never heard of a verse novel before. The book was sectioned by each characters and it would have poems that continued the story. I originally thought it was going to be one long poem but I really liked how it worked out since there was three different narrators.

The end was satisfying and I really want to read Tilt. I might just have to seek it out from the Hollywood Branch. I tried to go for a book there once before but I got lost. But I think I'll chance it again.



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I definitely rec this book! Try it out!

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Currently Reading Feb 19, 2014

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Currently Reading Feb. 11, 2014

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Maliciously Obedient by Julia Kent Review

You know sometimes I read different things. Sometimes I read contemporary romance. That's a big leap for me.

While I was on break during my adult education classes I decided to read something. I didn't want to read the hardback I bought for some reason so I turned to my e-reader. I flipped through the shelves until I came to this bundle I bought ages ago but I had never looked at besides when I bought it.

This is how I discovered Julia Kent. I like what I read. Here's my review:

Maliciously Obedient by Julia Kent

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Okay so technically this book was apart of a bundle I bought. But since it is it's own individual story I'm counting it as a whole book read because it is and I can so what.

So I started this while I was in class. I was jumping from story to story honestly on my ereader. But I opened this file and begin this story and what can I say I liked it.

The characters were really well done. I really liked Lydia and I like how she was portrayed. I have to say I really liked how the author included feminism but not like BEAT YOU OVER THE HEAD WITH IT! It felt like I was talking to one of my girlfriends or something you know.

This book was really entertaining and even though the premise is a bit outlandish I kinda think it worked. At least for me it did haha. I loved this and I'm bidding my time until I can purchase the next volume.



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Reckless Seduction by Jane Feather Review

Reckless Seduction by Jane Feather

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I started this book because of a challenge. Though I had bought the book beforehand I'm not sure if I would have picked it up otherwise. I mean obviously I intended to read it. But sometime in the near future which could be any time in the next five years.

So I started this. It was a bit strange at first. It took me a moment to get into the flow of the book. Like I wrote on my status I was initially interested because not only did it take place in America but also in Louisiana, which is my homestate.

So I started to read. I immediately liked Genevieve. She's my type of girl. You know feisty, hard headed. Dominic. It took me a minute to warm up to him.

What I loved about this book was how excited I was to pick it back up. I looked forward to reading it. I love it when that happens. While it focused on the characters I feel like the plot was very action orientated. It was a nice ride.

I've checked out another book by Ms. Feather and I'm planning on reading that next. Let's just hope that I can finished my challenge.



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It took me forever from when I originally bought this book to actually get around to reading it. I thank the challenge for that. I'm trying out some new stuff. This book is heavy on action but the characters are really well done. Dominic can get jerky at times I admit but I will say that I could understand why he was being a jerk. He just wasn't a jerk for the sake of being a jerk.

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Ariel's Gift Babbling and Today's Video

Ariel's Gift: Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath, and the Story of Birthday Letters by Erica Wagner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have become fascinated with this woman. It amazes me that if she were alive today she would be my grandma's age yet I like she's me. Idk I just feel connected to her. A bit too much I think.



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Currently Reading Jan 30, 2014

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Tues-Thurs Reading Schedule

Okay so today I figured out what the check out limit is at my library. It's 20. I had eight more books to pick up but on this impromptu trip I didn't take the books I was going to return. But at least now I know how many books I can get at one time.

So I have a lot of material to go through. On the way home I thought about making a schedule to read them. So that's what I did. Now of course the challenge is seeing if I'll stick to it. But I digress:

Tuesday 7-8 pm: Missing Mom by Joyce Carol Oates
Before Bed: Beautiful Fools by R. Clifton Spargo (30 minutes)

Wednesday During Break: Missing Mom by Joyce Carol Oates
Wednesday 7-8 pm: Missing Mom by Joyce Carl Oates
Before Bed: Beautiful Fools by R. Clifton Spargo (30 minutes)

Thursday Morning 9-10: Missing Mom by Joyce Carol Oates
Break: Beautiful Fools by R. Clifton Spargo
Thursday Night 7-8: Missing Mom by Joyce Carol Oates


I checked out two books by Ms. Oates while I signed up for Paperbookswap last night. I sent off two books this morning. I had planned out how much it cost but the envelopes were either too small or the books were too thick (Probably the latter) and I couldn't fit them into the cheaper envelopes. A very nice lady offed to pay the $1.50 for the second package. See that's what I love about Louisiana. Most people are willing to lend a hand. I wish I could pay her back.

So that is up with me my pretties. What about you? Any new checkouts from the library?

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We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates review

We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My journey to reading this book started back in December. I wasn't looking for this book necessarily but I was looking for a book by Ms. Oates. I had read her Wiki article. She fascinated me. She who wrote in different genres and was writing more.

So when I went to the library and I happened upon the fiction section I spotted this book in her section. I don't know what exactly made me pick it up honestly. There were a few others but I chose this one.

So I started reading it. My interest was teased when Judd says they had committed a crime? So my mind starts whirling. What crime? What did they do?

So I kept on reading. I think what most stuck out to me about this reading experience was how excited I was to turn the page. I love that feeling. I was excited to read this book. I didn't gulp it down in one sitting but I read it over the last three weeks. Quite awhile but I think I was savoring it.

I just finished it and the last harkens back to the title. And I feel like it fits. I really loved this book and I will definitely buy my own copy. I'm looking forward to read more Ms. Oates work. She certainty has talent.



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A quick note about this. I know it has an L in it but in my head I pronounce it as Mulhoney or something like that. I really rec this book. It was a good and satisfying read.

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Two Poetry Reviews

The Dead and the Living by Sharon Olds

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was my first of Sharon Olds. I picked it because I read an article where she was listed among the great modern confessional poets. I've recently found myself influenced by Plath and I wanted to learn more about the genre she helped make famous. These poems are intensely personal and a lot of them seem to center around the father figure. All in all I thought this was a good collection and it definitely gives me an idea of her work. I checked this out from the library but I think that when I cane I will add some of her work to my personal collection.



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What the Living Do: Poems by Marie Howe

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Second book of modern confessional poems. I liked these much better than Sharon Olds. I can't explain exactly why but it spoke more to me. I'm not even sure what I mean by that but I feel more satisfied after reading these than I did Ms. Olds yesterday.

I'm definitely looking into more of Ms. Lowe's poems.



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I came across these authors on a HupPages article about confessional poets. I have lately found my own poems been influenced by the confessional style especially Plath's work. Her Daddy poem really resonated with me.

I like Marie Howe's book better though the content was similar but sort of not. Both women have distinctive voices but I responded more to Howe's book.

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Currently Reading January 22, 2014

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Currently Reading January 15, 2014

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Currently Reading Video of the Week

I thought I'd try this out. Every week I will upload a video where I talk about what I'm currently reading. That sounds simple right? Let's see if I can keep my part of the bargain.

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Rough Magic by Paul Alexander Review

Rough Magic: A Biography Of Sylvia Path by Paul Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I started this book near the end of last year. I had bought the ebook a few months back but I didn't start on it right away.

When I started reading this I grew more interested in Sylvia. It's safe to say that I already had an interest since I bought journals, then the collected poems, and then finally this. But it wasn't until I dug into the bio that I really became fascinated with Sylvia.

Her life at the surface seems so different from mine. She's from New England, both her parents were professors. But I was struck how similar we seemed. Both academic and literary minded. While I was reading the bio I dug into the journals again. It literally felt to me like it was something I would write. I just connected with her.

This book has given me a greater knowledge of her and has truly made me appreciate her work. I also like Alexander's writing style. It was very readable and I liked the structure of it.

For my first book of 2014 I'm glad it was this one.



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2013 Book Roundup.

Well let's see according to Goodreads I read 60 books. Of that I read:

Fiction: 49

Nonfiction: 8

Graphic Novel: 3

I mean that's not bad at all right? I did want to read more but you guys know I got distracted for part of the year haha. I am hoping to do better this year. I'm reading a number of books and I hope to finish at least five this month though I'm going to be busy with starting up classes and volunteering. But I always make time for reading. Always.

Happy New Year's! May 2014 be fruitful for you!

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