Night School by C.J. Daugherty (2012)

Title: Night School
Author: C.J. Daugherty
Series: Night School #1
Pages: 454
Published: Jan 1st 2012
Publisher: Atom


I liked this book so much! My  friend recommended it and said it was amazing when we were in the school library one day. It was a not the kind of book that I imagined at all. Honestly, I thought it was going to be a paranormal, well, vampire book. I had passed my vampire obsession so I wasn't really up for another vampire book. This book had nothing to do with vampires or paranormal stuff. It was like serious stuff. Complicated stuff. Unanswered questions. Like actually believable, realistic.

I absolutely loved the characters. Carter is like OMG. Why was Sylvian even an option?! The part after the skinny dipping was cute and when Carter helped her out of the horrible situation (you have to read to to get it, it's and A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! part).

A fun fact is that the book is inspired by the Bullingdon Club at Oxford University. Some of you may better know it as the Riot Club which is the film based on the play Posh based on the Club. The film stars Max Irons (Red Riding Hood, The White Queen), Sam Claflin (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Love Rosie), and, Douglas Booth (LOL, Romeo and Juliet). Shouldn't get off track now. The members of the secret club belong to wealthy families or notabilities, royalties, politicians and business men. The book, you will find, is much more interesting than that though. Enjoy!

Plot Summary:

Allie's world is falling apart...

She hates her school. Her brother has run away. She's just been arrested. Again. And now her parents are sending her away. But instead of hating boarding school, Allie is happy. And there is Carter, a brooding loner with whom she feels an instant connection. Cimmeria Academy is no ordinary school. Her classmates - and maybe some of the teachers - are hiding a secret. And soon it begins to feel like a very dangerous place...

Favourite Quote:

'He stood so close to her that she could feel his breath on her cheek. He smelled of spice and coffee'

I don't know why, but this quote has just stuck in my head since, for no particular reason.

My Rating:

9/10

More books in these series:

Night School

Night School - Legacy

Night School - Fracture

Night School - Resistance

Night School - Endgame

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (2012)

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits #1
Pages: 392
Published: Jul 31st 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen


I got this book for free on iBooks as book of the week and at first I only read now and ten because I'm not really a fan of eBooks. But then I started reading it more often, when I had nothing to do. Like, when I was in the car on my way home (cause I can't carry around a book all the time in my already super heavy bag) or when I was waiting for mum or friends. And then I read it like crazy, even at home. It was a real page turner.

The emotions of the characters were all over the place and it was interesting to read a book that was both from a girl's and a boy's point of view. Both Echo and Noah are having such hard times in life and their problems are capturing ones. It's not the cliche, falling for the dangerous boy (yes, that part is in it too, but that's not the point). Echo has suppressed a memory about a night with her bipolar mum that almost killed her and is trying to remember. After Noah's parents' death he and his younger brothers were split up and now he's fighting to win custody over them. Admits all of this they do fall in love, and yes it's lust. But it is a lot about caring and understanding and trust.

Plot Summary:

They say be a good girl, get good grades, be popular. They know nothing about me.

I can't remember the night that changed my life. The night I went from popular to loner freak. And my family are determined to keep it that way. they said therapy was supposed to help. They didn't expect Noah. Noah is the dangerous boy my parents warned me about. But the only one who'll listen. The only one who'll help me find the truth.

I know ever kiss, every promise, every touch is forbidden. But what if finding your destiny means breaking all the rules? A brave and powerful novel about loss, change and growing up, but most of all love.

Favourite Quote:

"I must have killed a lot of cows in a past life for Karma to hate me this much" - Echo

My Rating:

8/10

Total page turner, and some serious emotions, but not

There are more books in these series where the books focus on other characters each time.

Other books in these series:

Pushing the Limits (Noah and Echo)

Breaking the Rules (Noah and Echo)

Crossing the Line (Lila and Lincoln)

Dare You To (Ryan and Beth)

Crash into You (Isaiah and Rachel)

Take Me On (Hayley and West)

Pan (Wright, 2015)

Everyone went to see Mockingjay Part II last weekend, but spending time with my Mum and 9-year-old sister we went to see Pan instead. It was absolutely wicked and I didn't want it to end at all. The special effects and costumes were wicked and the sets were amazing.

I loved the fact that Hook and Peter were friends to begin with, but the fact that when Peter asks 'Always be friends, Hook. Are we?' Hook answers 'Always. It can't possibly go wrong' messed me up so much. What on earth is that supposed to mean? Was it just a cliffhanger and I got to make up my own bridge from the film to the traditional Peter Pan where they are enemies or was there a possibility of a second film (I highly doubt it, it seemed like a stand alone film)?

For those of you that have watched 'Once Upon a Time', a series available on Netflix (spoiler ahead) Peter Pan is portrayed as the bad guy. A twist which I quite liked. However, throughout the film I was almost convinced that Peter had to turn bad sometime, but he never did and I was happy to learn that he really just is a good boy (although I already knew this). Another funny thing is that Hook isn't actually called Hook in 'Once Upon a Time'. His name is Killian Jones and isn't called Hook until his hand gets cut off. Here, he is called James Hook although he has two hands throughout the film.

What did confuse me a little was where Neverland started and ended for I thought people didn't get old in Neverland, but they did get old for Blackbeard had to inhale pixie dust in order to stay young and Hook was and adult. Did he come there as a kid and grew up there or did he come as an adult? If so, why did he come as an adult? Things like that didn't make sense to me, but I always have loads of questions after watching films and it drives me mad haha.

My final point and I have seen this across the internet. Tiger Lily is white. And she's supposed to be a native american. And none of the other natives in the film are white. No criticism to Rooney Mara, she's an excellent actress, it's more up to the casting director and the film makers for it's their decision and this one just doesn't make much sense. I think she portrays the role of Tiger Lily very well and the role suits her. It's just a question as to how the film makers really thought about the term natives.

Plot Summary:
12-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and danger, and ultimately discovers his destiny - to become the hero that will forever be known as Peter Pan.

Favourite Quote:
If you don't believe, Peter, neither will they.

My Rating:
9/10
Just because there were so many unanswered questions.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (2014)

Title: Forever

Author: Maggie Steifvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3

Pages: 388

Published: Jul 12th 2011

Publisher: Scholastic Press

I started reading Forever just after Linger, but for some reason I put it down. A weeks ago or so, I decided to finish the books I had and having started Forever, I thought that I wouldn't get anywhere unless I started with that one. No matter how unmotivated I was (because I like to start new books) I knew I had to finish that one.

Therefore I was a bit confused when I started a hundred pages in. I had to remind myself of what happened in the end of the last book (or at least the beginning of this one). I convinced myself that I wouldn't know exactly but I do remember the main events and things will be revealed again. As soon as I started I didn't have problem with catching up and I so badly wanted to finish it. Because I was hooked or because I just wanted to finish the series? I don't know. Both probably. But, like with many books I read, I was thinking about it constantly.

I absolutely love the relationship between Isabelle and Cole. I know they aren't the protagonists but I can't wait for another Isabelle chapter or another Cole chapter because their relationship (and forgive me if you disagree) is so much more exciting than Sam and Grace's. Sam and Grace were really interesting in Shiver, but then they didn't have problems with loving each other. Isabelle and Cole do. Their emotions are so much more confusing and tangled and I love it.

Plot Summary:

'Gace,' I whispered. 'This isn't how it ends.'

Sam has always loved Grace. As a wolf, he watched her from afar. As a boy, he held her in his arms.

Now facing the possibility of a life without her , he will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means facing his demons. Even if it risks everything he has.

Anything, as long as their love can survive...

Favorite Quote:

Please ask me in - Cole

My Rating:

8/10

Other books in this series:

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2)

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3)

Other Books by Maggie Stiefvater:

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3)

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Book of Faerie #1)

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Book of Faerie #2)

The Scorpio Races

This review is also available on YouTube here.

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4) by George R. R. Martin

Title: A Feast for Crown
Author: George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #4
Pages: 1061
Published: Oct 17th 2005
Publisher: Bantam Books


This book is thick. But good. It focuses only on the characters that are Kings Landing which I think was good and bad. It made one understand what was going on in one place and things made sense. But I missed Deanarys and John Snow and the rest of the characters in this colossal story. At least Tyrion was present throughout and his story was the most thrilling.

The ending was absolutely thrilling. I really started to like Oberyn Martell and I really miss his cocky attitude now. It added some spark to King's Landind I thought. Tyrion's ending is incredibly exciting to read and I can't wait till his next book.

I find it quite hard to write about these books because so much happens in them and I don't know where to starts without spoiling things. Because that would be a shame I think and then you wouldn't want to read them, which I understand.

Plot Summary:

The Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne.

The war in the Seven Kingdom has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life. The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell seek revenge for the dead. Euron Crow's Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles.

From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel. As plots, intrigue and battle threaten to engulf Westeros, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.

My Rating:

9/10

It's terribly long and I missed some of my favorite characters, but the ending was wicked!

Other books in this series:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1)

A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 2)

A Storm of Swords 1: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 1)

A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 2)

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4)

A Dance with Dragons 1: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 1)

A Dance with Dragons 2: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 2)

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (2010)

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Pages: 360
Published: Jul 13th 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press


I read Linger when I was on summer holiday in Florida. I read it surprisingly quickly because I had gone further than halfway through when I thought: well this is an odd way to start a book. Only, I wasn't at the start of the book anymore.

It's just so cosy to read just for the sake of reading you know.

Steifvater has really thought the plot through, like many authors. The plot just makes sense with the potential cure and the enigma of the wolves in the first place. I also like the introduction to Isabelle and Cole. They are both complicated characters, yet simple. I'm glad that they are given attention, or I'm worried I would get tired of Sam and Grace (because their relationship is too perfect, if you subtracted the wolves from the equation). They are lovely characters too, but their relationship needs a contrast. I like the twist at the end. I was surprised and confused in the way that I had no idea what was going on, but I wasn't surprised in the way: why is this happening? Of course it had to happen; ir it would be too simple. But why?

It's an excellent book if you don't want to concentrate too much but simultaneously want something to happen. The four narrators unfold as you read and all the relationships and their opinion of each other is great.

Plot Summary:

I felt the weight of the pack's gaze...

Grace and Sam must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping dangerous secrets. For Sam, it means grappling with his warewolf past... and figuring out a way to survive the future.

But just when they manage to find happiness, Grace realizes she's changing in ways she could never have expected.

Favorite Quote:
'she made her home in between pages of books'

My Rating:
8/10

Other books in this series:
Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)
Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2)
Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3)

Other Books by Maggie Stiefvater:

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3)

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Book of Faerie #1)

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Book of Faerie #2)

The Scorpio Races

This review is also available on YouTube here.

Envy by Anna Godbersen (2009)

Title: Envy

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #3

Pages: 405

Published: Jan 27th 2009

Publisher: Harper Collins

Third book in the series. Oh dear, the gossip is spreading. I am dying of excitement cause it is so good!!

I'm gonna spill the beans so be sure you've read the book cause it's about to go downhill for you if you haven't. 

Penelope has blackmailed Henry. Will is dead. Henry and Penelope are married. Diana is heartbroken. Lina is becoming rich. They all take a trip to Florida. Penelope's brother falls in love with Diana. Elizabeth is pregnant with Will's child. Henry enlists in the army. Penelope spreads more rumours. People sleep with the wrong people for revenge. Elizabeth plans a new wedding. It all gets complicated. 

Plot Summary:

New York City, 1900.

In high society nothing is more dangerous than a scandal. Two months have passed since the esteemed Holland family's shocking fall from grace and those watching the impetuous Miss Diana Holland are beginning to whisper again.

Further uptown, notorious cad Henry Shoonmaker and his new bride are the city's most celebrated couple. But the glittering diamond she wears hasn't yet brought her all she desires.

Manhattan's most envied residents appear to have everything, wealth, beauty, happiness. 

But in a city ruined by reputation, sometimes the most practised smiles hide the most scandalous secrets...

Favourite Quote:

'To look in the face in hard things and keep moving forward - that's what one has to do.'

My Rating:

9/10

It's getting complicated. 

I hope I haven't said too much. I swear I have. 

Other books in this Series:

The Luxe (Luxe #1)
Rumors (Luxe #2)
Envy (Luxe #3)
Splendor (Luxe #4)

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

Bright Young Things (Bright Young Things #1)
Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)
The Lucky Ones (Bright Young Things #3)

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstones

Book Purchase (Arrival) November 2015

The Infernal Devices

The Mortal Instruments

They finally Arrived!!!!

They came much quicker than promised, but I don't mind that do I. 

The first thing my mum said was: when are you going to have time to read them anyways?

My answer: I won't. I already have.

I love owning the books I've read. Especially if they're series and I really love them. I really love these series. So I'm not going to have a go about how I bought them and all, cause you've already heard it. If you haven't then have a read here. I explained my dilemmas and my amazing purchase of nine books for 24 pounds!!

I'm so pleased you have no idea. They're beautiful. Truly. Beautiful.

I already had the Bane Chronicles so he got a place next to them. It feels so crazy good.

By the way, don't think I only have four Game of Thrones books on the bottom picture. I do have all of them, but I'm leading them out. Also the books to the left are the Swedish Harry Potter books together with the first four in English.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages:180

Published: Apr 10th 1925

Publisher: Scribner

I saw this book at Waterloo train station with my mum one day in London and she knew exactly which book it was. I had no idea. She new of the new film by Baz Luhrman as well (the book had the film cover) and I urged her on to buy it. Why wouldn't I. She did and I started reading it on the train home. I loved it.

I must admit that I haven't really given classics a chance or much time, but I didn't even know this was a classic. Leonardo diCaprio was on the cover and that was good enough for me. I managed to finish the book before the premier and I went to see it, as expected, with my mum - I cried.

The year after we started studying the book (my copy now has a hundred notes in it in every possible colour), but imagine how much a teacher can influence your opinion of a book. I didn't stop loving the book, but I hated what she had to say about it. I did not agree, and I think I was so negative of everything she had to say because 1) she questioned all my opinions, 2) I loved this book, I read it for pleasure and she made me analyse the minor details that I'm sure F. Scott Fitzgerald didn't bloody care about right then and 3) she was a horrible teacher overall (the only English teacher that I have ever disliked). I hated studying it. It ruined the pleasure of reading the book. A lot of people I know had to study it for their A-levels and hated it. Poor souls.

I'm happy I convinced my mum to buy it that one time at the train station (even though it had the film cover, I usually prefer the original cover), and that I managed to read it before it was too late!! Before my teacher started coming up with ideas and theories I didn't agree with. I'm happy I had enough time to go into WHSmith with my mum that one time sat Waterloo train station. I wonder what I would've thought of the book otherwise.

Plot Summary:
The Great Gatsby follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the midwest and comes to New York in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stock. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin Daisy, and her philandering blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, love and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Favourite Quote:
He threw all those parties hoping she'd wander in one night...

My Rating:
10/10
One of the few classics I truly love.

Don't miss the 2013 film by Baz Luhrmann!!

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green (2012)

Title: The Fault In Our Stars

Author: John Green

Pages: 313

Published: Jan 10th 2012

Publisher: Dutton Books

Like everybody else I love this book. It's sad, happy and everything in between. It made cry and laugh, but then again, I'm really emotional when it comes to books.

Maybe I got super excited about the book because everyone was talking about it so much. But it wasn't extraordinary, except it is, because it's so... ordinary, believe it or not. (This is probably not making any sense whatsoever). Two young adults with fairly normal lives, except they're not normal, if you know what I mean. They presents it as if it is. This is life, and it's not changing, and it's like for me and I've never really known anything else. It's their relationship that makes it so extraordinary, and I love it. I LOVE IT.

John Green has somehow managed to understand and teenage girl with lung cancer. And I can't say if he's succeeded or not because I don't know what that's like, but he seems to have managed quite well cause we're all sitting here crying.

It is not the best book I have ever read because there are some serious books I'm addicted to but it truly is a wonderful book about friendship and love and life it self.

Plot Summary:

The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring and funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive and in love.

Despite the timor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Favourite Quote:

'That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt.' - Augustus Waters

My Rating:
9/10
It truly is an amazing book. But if I gave every book a 10, I wouldn't be able to keep my absolute favourite book apart.

Don't miss out on the film. I'll write about that some other time.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Columbus, 2001)

I was babysitting the other night and the kids voted for us to watch Harry Potter. The youngest being five, we chose the first one as we thought it would be the least scary one, but also, because it's my favourite. Well, truth is, I don't know which one my favourite is, but I never get tired of the first one.

I've been to the studios three times so I'm starting to get the hang of what is used when and I almost think I can recognise it here and there. Where they're using the green screen and which one of the two Hagrid actors are on screen at that time and when they use the model of the castle. It's quite cool when you think of it. You can also tell, that although Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was extremely well done film making has improved over the years and it can be compared in the first and the eighth film. Nevertheless, I'm surprised by how well the film was made, for being made in 2001.

One of the times I was there I heard Columbus say (probably on one of those audio guides) that he they had to make the film amazing. Even if they were doubtful. They had to put down all their energy on it. Because if the first one is great then they'll want to make another. But none will buy it if it isn't great! I thought that was very clever, for they had no idea if the film was going to be such a success. They put down their souls and all the money and just hoped that people would love it. They did.

I will include a short plot summary just because I always do, although I don't think many of you will bother to read it.

Plot Summary:
Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
- as on IMDb

Favourite Quote:
'I shouldn't have said that. I should not have said that' - Hagrid
(I haven't chosen the same one as in the book for two reasons. It's performed so well here by Robbie Coltrane and because in the books it means so much more because it sets of the whole thing. Both lines are said by Hagrid though. Lovely giant of a man.)

My Rating:
10/10
I think that's obvious.

The Book Thief by Mark Zusak (2005)

Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Pages: 552

Published: Mar 14th 2006

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

We'd have this book lying around the house for some while. I know my mum had tried to read it but didn't really get caught up in it. I considered it for a while, but I've never really been into WWII books. We then got a list from the school about books to read over the summer and it was on that list. So I thought well, why not.

I was captured. I cried so much during this book. So much. But I laughed as well. If only Rudy could have gotten that one kiss. If only Max had not gotten so sick. If only that bomb hadn't dropped just then. If only...

Full with emotions, ideas and messages this book is worth a read. No matter if you like the genre or not. It is not actually that much about the war, but more about the relationships built up in the novel and they're not boring but full of joy and heart break. Definitely worth a read. Definitely.

Plot Summary:

Here's a small fact

You're going to die.

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding it's breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family of Himmel Street. Her parents have been away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants on her street when the bombs begin to fall.

Some important information

This novel is narrated by Death

it's a small story about:

a girl

an accordionist

some fanatical Germans

a Jewish fist fighter

and quite a lot of book thievery.

Another thing you should know

Death will visit the book thief three times.

Favourite Quote:

The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy who loves you.

My Rating:

10/10

I know I say this a lot, but I feel very strongly about this book. 

Divergent by Veronica Roth (2011)

Title: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Series: Divergent #1

Pages: 487

Published: Feb 28th 2012

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

I was at my friends house on a sleepover when I wanted to read something. We were three other people on a sleep over at her place and she and I decided to have a read. I always enjoy looking at her bookshelf. It's cramped. Having forgotten my book at home, I picked up Divergent and got to bring it home to finish it.

After that I borrowed the second book at the library and the third book I got to read on a friend's Kobo account because the library didn't have it available.

I love Tris' first person narrative (if you think about it The Hunger Games are written by a female first person narrator). It is very personal and her description of the events are crystal clear. The characters are very well developed and carefully picked out for a reason.

The idea that society would be divided into sections scares me and that other people would use one another like that. Not just manipulate them or brainwash them, but skipping that step and only injecting them with serum just to force them without even telling them, without warning. It scares me a lot. Just absolutely terrifying. Because they turned on each other. The fact that Tris had to go to the point and kill her friend, hurting other friends in turn - for not having another choice.

Plot Summary:
She turns to face the future in a world that's falling appart.
Three Flying Birds... One for each member of the family I left behind.
Sixteen-year-old Tris is forced to make a terrible choice. In a decided society where everyone must conform, Tris does not fit.
So she ventures out alone, determined to discover where she truly belongs. Shocked by her brutal new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to booth threaten and protect her.
The hardest choice lies ahead.

Favourite Quote:
Be brave.

My Rating:
10/10
I was hooked from the first page.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999)

Title: The Perks of being a Wallflower

Author: Stephen Chbosky

Pages: 2013

Published: Feb 1st 1999

Publisher: MTV Books and Pocket Books

You know when you go into a book shop and you find people like you. That like the same books as you. Well, funny story. I was at Windsor's Waterstones and standing in front of the YA section I picked out 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. So I stood there, looking for a second book, when this girl started talking to me. Maybe a year older than me. We got carried away talking about books and when I asked for a book she recommended she pointed to the second copy of 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' on the shelf. Standing there with my copy in hand she laughed. I don't remember which book I ended up buying apart from 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. I think it was a new copy of 'Divergent' because because I read my friend's version and I like to have my own copies of the good (and amazing) books I read.

When I recommended this book to my friend she said she didn't like to read books about characters that were mentally awkward. I was about to flip. NOOOO!!! It's not like that. He's just a little socially awkward.

I absolutely love this book because it just explains... everything! He explains the feelings all of us are feeling as teenagers (well, I've felt them sometimes and I think, or hope that you agree because otherwise it means it's just Charlie and me, and I don't think that's meant to be). But he explains things we go through, feel, understand. I want Charlie to be my friend!! I want to be his friend! He's so likeable, loveable. I don't really know how to praise this book without flipping out. If you haven't read it you just have to take my word for it.

IT WILL UNDERSTAND YOU!!

Plot Summary:
Charlie's not the biggest geek in high school, but he's by no means popular. Shy, introspective, intelligent, yet socially awkward, Charlie is a wallflower, standing of the threshold of his life whilst watching everyone else live theirs. As Charlie tries to navigate his way through uncharted territory - the world of first dates and mix tapes, family dramas and new friends - he realizes that he can't stay on the sidelines forever. There comes a time when you have to see what life looks like from the dance floor.
- as on the book cover

Favourite Quote:
'You can't just sit there and put everyone's life ahead of yours and think that counts as love'

And all the other amazing quotes:
'We accept the love we think we deserve'
'Love always, Charlie'
'And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.'
'This moment will be just another story someday.'

'Why do I, and everyone I love, pick people who treat us like we're nothing?'
'You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand'
'Enjoy it. Because it's happening.'

My Rating:
10/10

Don't miss out on the film staring Emma Watson and Logan Lerman. I think the film is great. The one thing I noticed the most was that in the book Sam has long hair and Emma Watson has short hair in the film. Now I happened to see the film before I read the book and Charlie doesn't comment on her hair until the end so I kinda (like many others) imagined Sam with Emma's short hair all the way through the book. Otherwise, I quite enjoyed the film. The point (trying not to spoil anything) of Charlie's discomfort throughout the book is explained much better and clearer in the book. In the film I was left hanging guessing. Assuming. Anyways. I think it would be better if I reread and then watched again and I'll make a review then.

Shiver by Maggie Steifvater (2009)

Title: Shiver

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1

Pages: 390

Published: Aug 1st 2009

Publisher: Scholastic Press

My mum bought all of Maggie Steifvater's five books (the ones she'd written at the time) for my friend's birthday (she reads a lot), and because it was like, only 5 pounds I got one too. So I started reading Shiver three years ago. I had read Twilight a bit before and a bit of Vampire Diaries so I guess I was still open for more, well, blood.

It wasn't the best book I've read. But it was a cute book to curl up with in the sofa and read just for pleasure. The plot was well thought through, but it wasn't complicated in the way that I had to think. I just went with what was said and accepted it. Nothing to question if that makes sense and sometimes it's not to bad to just have a book that easy to read through without complications and plot twists and what have you.

I like the chemistry between Sam and Grace because it's so simple. Like the rest of the book, there is nothing that hard to accept or doesn't make sense. Sure, he's a wolf, but they like each other and they stick together. Nothing like in Twilight where Team Edward and Team Jacob or Delena and Stelena in Vampire Diaries. I quite like it, because again, you don't have to think and there isn't that tension all the time (not that I don't like it), but it's just nice that once in a while have romance that isn't that complicated. Feelings are returned, lets keep it that way.

Plot Summary:

The pack circled around me, tongues and teeth and growls. When a local boy is killed by wolves, Grace's small town becomes a place of fear and suspicion. But Grace can't help being fascinated by the pack, and by one yellow-eyed wolf in particular. There's something about him - something almost human. Then she meets a yellowed-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away...

Favourite Quote:
Now I have this written up somewhere but I can't find it and I don't know what to search for on the internet so I'll edit this post when I find it!

My Rating:

8/10
Because it isn't that amazing thriller that keeps you hooked, but it's cute.

Other books in this series:

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)
Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls # 2)
Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls # 2)

Other Books by Maggie Stiefvater:

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3)

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Book of Faerie #1)

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Book of Faerie #2)

The Scorpio Races

This review is also available on YouTube here.

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen (2007)

Title: The Luxe

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #1

Pages: 433

Published: Nov 20th 2007

Publisher: Harper Collins

Now, I first read this book in Swedish when I was twelve years old, after finding it in a library while still living in Sweden. I loved it, although I think I was a bit too young for it at the moment.

I then, a year later found myself in Waterstone, now living in England, buying my first proper book in English. When I found The Luxe, I just thought: another reason to reread it, and this time I got to actually have it, for myself.

I read it again and when being told we had to make a presentation about a book in English I picked this one. Our teacher, being as crazy and wonderful as she was wanted us to make these presentations as unique as possible. I dressed up in a huge dress. Deep red like the one on the sequel's front page that went down to the floor. My mum sewed it once for an unknown reason. Anyways. I was really into it. My presentation made my best friend read it as well. Guess if she liked it!

The book is a typical girl book, not saying that guys can't enjoy it, but saying that the target audience isn't girls is a lie. The book is set in the millennium between 1800's and 1900's. It's full of triangle dramas, romances, beautiful dresses, balls and gossip. The world of New York is clearly painted and one is drawn into the world automatically.

Plot Summary:

Imagine if you will, New York City, 1899...

Society's elite: the gmalour, the grandeur, the glittering parties, the most handsome beaux, the most beautiful debutantes... the rich girl, the humble boy, the forbidden love, the stolen glances, the whispers, the scandal, the mystery, the revenge.

You are cordially invited to step into The Luxe where the secrets are dark and the sins are delicious... R.S.V.P.

- as by the book cover.

My Rating:
9/10
Oh, it felt like a 10 at the time, but I wonder what I would feel now.

Favorite quote:
'I've always believed in savoring the moments. In the end, they'll be the only things we have'

Other books in this Series:

The Luxe (Luxe #1)
Rumors (Luxe #2)
Envy (Luxe #3)
Splendor (Luxe #4)

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

Bright Young Things (Bright Young Things #1)
Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)
The Lucky Ones (Bright Young Things #3)

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstones

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1998)

Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter #1

Pages: 223

Published: Jun 26th 1997

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Uhm. Favourite series. Favourite book in series. Don't know what else to say. I love the ghosts and the part with Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback and I think it's a shame that it's not included in the films. I absolutely love this book because although half of the book is not even taking place at Hogwarts that much half of the story is about how Harry gets to Hogwarts in the first place and I love that part. I also absolutely adore the friendship that builds up in this book. I don't think I have more to say. You know it all.

I read it first in Swedish when I was nine. We had the first three ones at home and when I picked it up I was like: WOW, what I challenge, this is gonna be solo cool!! I was so proud of myself when I finished the first page I had to call on my mum. Then I finished a whole chapter. I finished the book late at night a few weeks later (I don't know how long it took me). I have finished all of the books late at night. Just a coincident you know.

Plot Summary:

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

Favourite Quote:
You're a wizard, Harry! - Hagrid