last day of the year.

Wishing you nothing but a good New Year's Eve tomorrow and a good New Year's Day.

I hope you had an overall amazing time in 2011. For me, it has been a crazy ride. There's been many ups and downs. Thankfully, this year is ending very, very well.

So Thanks for sticking with me throughout this year - reading with me, blogging with me, and sharing stories with me. I appreciate every conversation, and I hope to see you again next year <3

!!!! movie trailer alert !!!!

You guys!!! I've been a bad blogger. I told myself I was going to blog everyday this December, at least up to Christmas, but things have been crazy around here. A bad combo of finals week, weeks leading up to finals week, and an awful reading slump has restricted me from writing and checking your blogs too. So I'm sorry. I feel like this post will get me back on track though, because I'm pretty excited over this.

Sooooo...

I had to write this post really quickly because I know, nobody else would get more excited about this than you! The trailer for the Hobbit, coming out December 2012, was released yesterday, I believe. And can I just say... goosebumps! ;)



Enjoy!

Christmas Gift Idea: Bookish Jewelry

If you're not sure what to get a bookish friend or a family member of yours for Christmas, and you think they might like book-related jewelry things, check out just some of these finds from Etsy.

I personally love browsing at Etsy, as you find so many cool things over there! I have to warn you it can be dangerous though, because you might want to just buy everything.

buy here

buy here

buy here

buy here

buy here

buy here

What do you give someone who loves books as much as we do? Aside from actual books, of course... let me know!

Book Recommendation of the Week

I haven't done one of these 'book recommendations of the week' in a while, so I thought I should. And to be honest, with all the books I've specifically recommended before, I am not sure why I have never suggested Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, when it actually may be one of my favorites!

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Genre: Science Fiction

When I Read It: 2010

Initial Impression: I used to be not into science fiction as much for some odd reason. It's not like I didn't like the genre, because I obviously enjoyed sci-fi movies and shows. Unfortunately, as far as books go, I have just never found a read that I enjoyed. So, when I picked this up, mainly because of countless suggestions from guy friends (including my brother) I was a bit skeptical.

What I Thought: I LOVED IT.

Why I Loved It: It had everything I would want in a sci-fi/adventure/fantasy type of novel. It was intriguing and interesting, engaging and exciting. I had a hard time putting it down, and I was just so into the entire story and the entire world the author created. Also, I absolutely adored the main characters. And for such a character-driven story, that part was crucial. To me, I was completely immersed in what was going on. Simply put, it's an entertaining story, and it's told perfectly.

Who Should Read It: To be honest, I think everyone should pick this one up and try it out. It's one of those books that can be good for everyone. It doesn't really matter what type of reader you are - and how old or how young you are - it's still going to be a good story at the end of the day.

hello, December!

My favorite time of the year is finally here!

I can't even tell you how excited I am for this month! From little things like the weather to the clothes that come with the weather to other things like the parties and events with family and friends, the festive mood everyone seems to have, the non-stop Christmas music we hear everywhere, the yummy holiday drinks, the holiday shopping, gift giving, and of course, the free time we get to actually lounge around and get some holiday reading done.

I'm also planning to blog every day until Christmas day, which I'm excited about! It should be fun, especially now that I should get more free time! Feel free to join me if you'd like.

So... that being said, here's to December 2011. Tell me your favorite things about the month! And of course, here's me wishing you have an amazing, memorable one. Have fun, be safe, be happy. And as always, happy reading <3

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Genre: Young Adult - paranormal

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: I'm a sucker for creepy, eerie stories, especially when they're set somewhere with such a rich history. And the fact that it surrounds a mysterious figure such as Jack the Ripper makes it even more intriguing to read and learn more about. I was thoroughly entertained and was into the story all throughout.

I especially liked the way the author, Maureen Johnson, took a paranormal route to the story as well - made it even more surprisingly original and fresh. As for her writing, I think she did a great job painting a picture for her readers. As I was reading this book, I found it easy to imagine myself actually living where the story itself takes place - in a beautiful city like London, in a mysterious boarding school like Wexford. I also liked the way she developed the plot naturally. It didn't appear to be rushed, forced, or contrived in any way.

I have to admit though that while the characters are cool to get to know as I was reading the book, now, days after finishing it, I've come to realize they're forgettable to me. This doesn't make them bad characters; just not necessarily favorites or stand-outs to me.

Overall, I really loved the premise for this book. It was highly intriguing and interesting, suspenseful and exciting. Even though none of the characters stood out to me, I still enjoyed it. Is it as good as everyone claims it to be? Maybe not for me. I liked it, but didn't LOVE it. I would still, however, recommend it to anybody who likes eerie stories and the paranormal genre! I don't think you'd be disappointed.

your favorite love stories.

Lately, I've been reading about not so heartwarming things. Zombies, vampires, dystopian fiction, mystery/crime thrillers, horror... the list goes on. I thought I should use December, which is my favorite time of the year, to catch up on love stories for a change.

To be honest, I am not much of a romance reader, but if you have any suggestions and recommendations, please tell me! Contemporary love stories would be best, but I welcome any kind, really. You already know I'll be ready to list them all down and get them from the library. So thanks, as always, and I hope you all are having a great November so far :)

p.s. - I am aware that this is the second 'recommend me something' post this week! I am having a bad reading slump that I want so badly to go away before December arrives!

reading goals and recommendations

Last year, I was able to read 102 books, and to be honest, I didn't even have any trouble doing so. There were just too many books to pick up and I was excited to dig into all of them. Back in January, I told myself I'd read 100 books again this year. But if you look at my 2011 reading list so far, you can see that I'm not even close. Also, unfortunately, I have not found any particular books that I found that I LOVED. I liked and enjoyed most of them, but didn't really find any favorite.

That being said, I would like to ask you again for recommendations. Please recommend a favorite of yours! I would like to read good books for December, so please, suggest away!

Here's to me hoping you have already found a favorite so far this year! Happy Reading!

Hunger Games!!!

I can not wait for this. It looks like it's going to be really good!

I do hope that they capture and show the darkness and violence that the series has well, because I think that's one of the things that makes the Hunger Games work, at least for me.

And if you're like me, you have probably watched the trailer repeatedly since it came out Monday. What do you think of it?

this. is. what. I. WANT. for. Christmas.

It's very expensive for what it is, but it is just soooo lovely. If you want one, you can check out the shop. There are some more designs, but I love this one because it looks like a classic. Well, quite literally.

If I got the Harry Potter Bluray set (8 films) instead though, I wouldn't complain either.

the character tag.

I haven't done one of these in a while, so I thought I should do one. I honestly have no idea where this one started from, so let me know if you know. If you would like to answer these questions, go ahead and link them below. Or just leave a comment, really.

1. Which character would you throw out the window?

Bella Swan. So needy, self-conscious, self-important, and weak. My own opinion only, of course.

2. Which character would be your best friend?

Realistically, I think I'd most likely be best friends with Ginny Weasley and/or Percy Jackson. They're both confident, strong, courageous, and beautiful people, who loves family and friends, but would rather not have the spotlight on them if they had a choice.

3. If you could make a character come to life, who would it be?

Katniss Everdeen. I think she could be a really important person in our society today.

4. What traits do you look for in a character?

It obviously depends on who the character is; the important thing for me is that they are as realistic and believable as possible.

5. What would you change in your favorite character?

My favorite characters are Snape and Ron, and I do not want to change anything about them!

6. Favorite male/female character?

Male - Snape. Female - Jane Eyre

7. What two characters from different books would you put together?

Katniss Everdeen and Hermione Granger.

8. Favorite book couple?

Ron and Hermione, Jamie and Langdon (A Walk to Remember), Liesel and Rudy (The Book Thief)

9. Cutest character?

Luna Lovegood. I actually wanted her to end up with Harry. They'd balance each other out so well, I think.

***

Happy Tuesday, Happy reading, Happy survey-answering!

the Vampire Diaries.

When this show started about two years ago, I intentionally ignored it. For some reason, I had this vision in my head that it was going to be sameoldsameold - it was going to copy Twilight and was going to showcase a typical love story between a vampire and a human. I used to even laugh at it when I'd see commercials for it.

Then one day, I was sick and very bored. I logged on to my Netflix account only to find that they just added the entire show. So being the bored person that I was that couldn't think of anything else interesting to do, I decided to watch the Pilot episode.... after all, everybody kept telling me that it's really good, that I might like it...

so I saw the first episode, and continued clicking, watching the next episode... and the next and the next. And I have to say; it was awesome.

Two weeks later, here I am, done with Season 1 and 2, and I can't stop thinking about Season 3 (just saw episode 8!) to the point that I have decided to actually write a post about it.

Everything about it is just great. The writing, the plot development, the scenes, and of course, the characters. And while it can sometimes be cheesy at times, believe me, it's in a very good-guilty-pleasure-not-cliche kind of way. The best part is that they have actually brought back scary and evil vampires. And guess what? They DO NOT sparkle!

Anyway, my point is, if you like supernatural/paranormal shows, try this out. It's obviously geared more towards the 'YA crowd' - it's no True Blood if you know what I mean - but to be honest, I actually like that about it.

My other point is; Don't judge it like I did for two years. It's good. I really enjoy it. If you do too, let me know so we can gush about it.

P.S. - Damon... is... <3

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Genre: Young Adult - contemporary

Rating: 2 stars

Review: This book was a bit of a disappointment, for me, personally. I do not think it’s a bad read at all, because I quite enjoyed my time reading it, but for some reason, for me, it’s very forgettable. While the premise is interesting, the execution lacked, and while the writing is good, it didn’t “speak” to me. I also felt like the characters were not introduced or developed well enough, to the poifnt that I feel like I never got to know them that well.

Overall the whole story didn’t seem realistic and believable enough to root for. Maybe it’s because two writers worked on this – that could perhaps have had an impact on the story’s delivery and development? I’m not sure, but for some reason, the two sides of the story – using two narrators and all – didn’t seem to work. In fact, it seemed contrived and forced, and obvious that actual authors are speaking, and not necessarily the characters themselves, if that makes any sense at all.

I really wanted to like this. The idea of two strangers turning into lovers all because of a dreamy bookstore and a beautiful city sounds so wonderful. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.

halloweeenyyy

Hope you had a fantastic weekend and Halloween Monday!!

I look silly. Haha.

If you have pictures, I would like to see as well!!

Have a great week ahead.

Happy reading!

a costume, a shirt, and a book.

Can you guess what I'm going to be for Halloween?

It's probably not such an obvious costume to be honest - unlike my Snow White costume from last year - but I really like it nonetheless.

In other news, look at the shirt my sister got me!!! SO FREAKING COOL.

And that book? I'm currently reading it. So far so good.

What are you all up to this weekend and on Monday? And let me know what you are reading!

this blog in 5 years.

I had a very interesting conversation with a good friend of mine today. We were talking over the phone, and the topic of this blog came up. I try to NOT talk about my blogging with other people to be honest - I'm just naturally secretive when it comes to my bookish and nerdy side - but she did raise an important and rather thought-provoking question that I had to think about.

1. Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

I have to admit I haven't really thought of this blog's future. I kind of like the fact that I go through this bookish journey with you guys day by day, week by week... and not more than that. But it did get me thinking - where is this blog going?

I honestly still have no idea for sure. but I would like to think that:

• In 5 years, I'd still go through my day, excited to get to talk to you guys about some of my favorite things; books, life, inspiration, writing, literature... among many other things.
• In 5 years, I would still have the same enthusiasm that I have for this fun and inspiring hobby of mine.
• In 5 years, I would still continue to enjoy reading and recommending good titles, and continue getting so many ideas from you.
• In 5 years, I am still internet-friends with a lot of you, and that I can make more!

2. Do you ever see yourself NOT blogging anymore?

Honestly, right now, the answer is NO. Having been spoiled rotten with awesome conversations with you guys, I can't really see myself stopping!

So now... I'd like to ask you the same questions. Tell me! I'd love to know what you think.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Genre: Young Adult - contemporary

Rating: 4 stars

Review: John Green's one of those writers that you either really, really love, or you just don't get. I've discovered, after reading two of his books - and currently reading another one - that I'm most definitely one of those who simply love his writing style. It's certainly not for everyone, as it is quite different and unique. I enjoy it, and fortunately for me, that unique writing style was apparent in this book.

I found it smart, witty, and fresh. This made the character's voice really come through, which makes him sound unpretentious to me. And speaking of the character/s, I'm happy to say that they also came to life. They seemed like actual people to me - almost like they were just my friends that I talk to or hang out with everyday. They were likable and unlikable characters at the same time, which ultimately makes them believable.

If you are looking for a John Green book to start with, I'd still highly recommend Looking for Alaska first (I haven't read the rest, but will do so soon) before this one. Would I recommend this book exactly? Like I mentioned, it's an either you like it or you don't situation. Personally I thought An Abundance of Katherines was a fun and smart read. It didn't bore me, and I was thoroughly entertained. I also was able to take a couple of great quotes from here, which is always a good thing, and to be honest, have actually learned a thing or two from them. I'd say that's totally 4-star material right there.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Genre: Literary Fiction
Rating: 2 stars

Review: Here's the thing - this book offers its readers so many good things. Beautiful images, well-thought out characters, magical settings, and a poetic writing style. It's such an exceptionally gorgeous looking and sounding novel, and I commend the author for creating such a lovely world.

Unfortunately, I honestly felt like its magic and its beauty was only from the outside - the story itself didn't grab hold of me. It didn't make me fall in love. Even though I can see why so many people rave about it, there were a couple of reasons why I do not feel the same:

• it's excessively descriptive - The descriptions are beautiful, but they were just way too many of them. The descriptions and details just kept going on and on. I found myself getting extremely bored and annoyed with them! I constantly wanted something - some sort of action or event - to actually happen, but nothing does, because the author is still too busy describing.

• there's too many characters at once - I like a good cast of characters, but I felt like for this one, too many were introduced at once. It was almost hard to catch up with everyone, and it was hard to remember them due to lack of realistic personalities.

• plot and character development - To put it simply, I saw none.

• felt a bit misleading - Reading its intriguing synopsis, you'd expect an action-packed story about the circus, and the people who work there. You would also expect some sort of romance in there, when in fact, I actually could not see much of the romance aspect.

• a bit confusing - the timeline! I didn't get it, and I really, really paid attention to it. The narration felt forced.

So overall, I just felt like The Night Circus was all about setting the tone and the mood - which usually I would be perfectly okay with, if the story itself delivered as well. Unfortunately, for me at least, it did not deliver at all. I finished this book, feeling as if I have not really read a story, like I haven't really gotten to know the characters that well. So no, I do not recommend this to people at all. However, almost everyone that read this absolutely loved it, so I could be wrong. Sadly, even though its premise sounds like my kind of read, it just didn't go very well for me.

too early to talk about Halloween?

I think not!

Halloween's just around the corner, and I kind of want to start thinking about this already so I won't find myself procrastinating the last minute.

My friends and I sort of go all out during Halloween. We come up with ideas, plan fun stuff to do for the night... you get the point. However, we're a group of 'DIY' people and we'd rather make our own costumes or at least, come up with ones using clothes we already have. We promised we'd never resort to buying already-made costumes from actual costume stores - except for small accessories here and there that we may need.

Two years ago, I was a flower child hippie. Last year, I was Snow White. This year, maybe a 40-50s pinup? Rosie the Riveter? Hermione??

So here I am, coming to you guys for help, yet again. I want to find out what you're going to be for Halloween, who you have been the last couple of years, and if you any other suggestions. It needs to be unique, and no slutty costumes, please!! Very important. Haha. I'd love to hear your ideas!

the John Green project.

I recently re-read a little book called Looking for Alaska, written by none other than John Green.

I fell in love with the story and its characters once again, and discovered so many new awesome things about it. This re-read made me realize that I actually haven't read much from the said author, despite the fact that I adore him and his brother, a.k.a thevlogbrothers.

So I decided that I would read all of his books.

• Looking for Alaska - check
• An Abundance of Katherines - will read next!
• Paper Towns - on hold
• Will Grayson, Will Grayson - own it
• The Fault in Our Stars - coming soon; February 2012. Pre-order it and he will sign it!

Have you read any of these? Did you like them? I personally think his writing style stands out and his characters always seem to really shine through. So I am very excited to start discovering the rest of his work. Join me if you'd like!

parents punishing their kids with reading?

First, I'm not a parent. I don't know anything about parenting. I am only 22 years old, and can still be very immature at times, so I don't know if this opinion of mine really counts for anything. But I thought about this today through a long conversation with a friend.

We were talking about how some kids hate reading so much. How did they come to hate it? Why do they hate it?

Most of the time, the usual reason they have, is simply because they just don't enjoy it. They don't find it fun. This is pretty understandable, I think. But then there are the kids that hate books and reading, mainly because they are being taught to fear it - by their own parents or guardians.

Apparently, some parents use reading as a form of punishment. Let's say if the kids are too noisy or too loud, they're punished with an hour of reading. If they misbehave and disobey, they get sent to their rooms with a book. If they do something wrong, they're not allowed TV or toys - just books. The list of examples of scare tactics can go on and on.

I do not get this tactic to be honest. I feel like when you instill something in a negative way, it will become negative to the person. When a parent continuously uses reading as a threat or a punishment, the result would be obvious.

Again, I'm no parent and I really have no clue, but I was a child once after all. I was a child that was raised by parents and grandparents that promoted the act of reading - both as a hobby and as a form of learning. I would say if they didn't raise me that way, I wouldn't really be the reader that I am today.

So I guess as random as this post may seem to be, I would like to know your take on this. Do you know anyone that does this to their kids? Do you approve? How were you raised as a child, reading-wise? And if you're a parent yourself, what do you think of this? I'm very interested.

currently reading.

I'm taking my time with this book. Don't know why, but I feel like it's not yet fully catching my attention. It does have such an intriguing and original plot line though that I am willing to stick with it.

If you've read this, what did you think of it? *no spoilers, of course*

And I would like to know what you JUST finished reading and what you all are currently reading as well! Was it good? Would you recommend it to me? I'd like to hear from you.

yours, mine, ours: the weekend

This weekend, my family and I drove down to Southern California for a little 'getaway' of some sort. The drive took about 8 hours and we stayed just from Friday to Sunday. All I have to say is - I probably would never trade San Francisco for anything, and I would not want to really live there, but Los Angeles and San Diego are pretty wonderful.

What were you up to the past weekend and what were you reading?

Here's to me hoping you had a good one xx

Fall is here.

Autumn has always been one of my favorite times of the year. It's when the weather starts to get a bit cooler, while still having warm days. When trees change color, and when festive occasions take place. You all know I love my Winter (mainly during Christmas season!) but I feel like Fall is just so...

breathtaking.

There's also nothing better than being in bed, with a good book, while sipping some hot chocolate. Perhaps with the subtle sound of rain pouring outside.

Sounds great to me.

What is your favorite season?

The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride

Genre: Young Adult

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: This was alright. It's one of those books that I find hard to fully review since I thought it was just an okay read; I didn't LOVE it, but there's really nothing to hate about it either.

I believe that if you typically enjoy the YA genre, you might appreciate this.

For me, personally, I found it a bit forgettable. While the premise is interesting and intriguing, the writing overall didn't do it much for me. There were some parts that were drawn out that I thought could have just been edited out, and some parts when details lacked. I also didn't particularly root for the characters. Even though they were realistic and believable characters, I unfortunately couldn't connect to them. This of course almost always leads to me not really liking the book as a whole. So for that reason, I'm giving this 2.5 stars.

i'm baaaccckkk!

That wasn't really that long of a break, but it was just exactly what I needed.

I felt like if I didn't take a brief hiatus, I would've just posted depressing quotes and posts over here, and that's just not who I am as a person and as a blogger at all.

But I am back now, and I just want to thank everyone that left a comment on that post [edit: I officially deleted that said post] and sent me e-mails and tweets. You guys have been a huge help and have been a great addition to a wonderful support system that I have in real life.

Not a whole lot has changed, really, but like I mentioned previously, I have been doing many different projects. I feel like I'm most myself when I do creative things, however random they may be.

As far as this blog goes, I'm also really excited to be back. Thanks so much for sticking around! You guys are awesome.

everyone loves them... but me.

There's so many books out there that everybody seems to love and that everyone seems to adore. Sometimes I wonder why I don't share that feeling. It could just be because I'm totally crazy, or that I read something entirely different, but regardless, these are just some of the popular books I just really dislike.

• Moby Dick by Herman Melville - Ahh.. too many unlikable characters here! I never quite understood the love for this 'classic,' if I have to be truly honest
• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare - I'm really sorry. I feel like a horrible reader and book blogger for saying this, but I do not see why everyone loves this book, and this series as a whole. The characters I thought were one-dimensional, plain, and boring. They didn't come "alive" to me. They were just that. Fictional characters. And the concept of the series - been there, done that. The writing's sort of okay, but not spectacular. And why... please tell me why, everybody's crushing on Jace? He's a jerk!
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - She is a really good writer. I don't deny that. I've always thought her prose was perfect and just so poetic. However, the book itself - its story, the characters, the fantasy/paranormal world... I don't buy it.I don't feel for them. I don't believe it. It was just the same old werewolf story that I've heard so many times. And to be honest, it was simply boring.
• The Twilight series - I read all of these and liked the first one somewhat. New Moon was just zzzzzz and Eclipse got me all irritated because of Bella's weak personality. Don't even get me started on Breaking Dawn... everything about that book was just plain wrong.
• The Shack by William Young - probably one of the worst books I've actually ever read. It is incredibly preachy and annoying to say the least.
• The Secret by Rhonda Byrne - This one is a prime example of a popular, best-selling book that I dislike. I don't know about you - but while I was reading this, I felt my brain cells slowly deteriorating away...
• The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown - Cliche, cliche, cliche. Unfortunately.

I apologize for the mean-ness of this post, especially if you enjoyed reading them, but as always, these are simply my opinions. Please, please do tell me yours!

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Genre: Young Adult -fantasy/paranormal/contemporary

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Enjoyed this book so much! It's the perfect choice of read, especially because at the time I read this, I was looking for a sort of 'escape' from the real world. The world the author created in the book, while a bit dark, melancholic, and mysterious in nature, is a great one to live in even for a moment. I just thought the fantasy aspects were believable, the characters extremely likable (I do have a slight crush on the lead male character), and the writing is engaging and exciting - as it should be. I couldn't stop reading it. I couldn't put it down. It was fast-paced; a true suspenseful page-turner. The plot development, though, I have to say, was the winner for me. It was simply effortless!

So overall, while not exactly a 'favorite,' I still thought Forgotten was thrilling, exciting, entertaining, and well-executed. The concept for it is unique, and the characters are ones you'd want to get to know and want to actually care about. So yes, I highly recommend this to YA readers and fans. I would also like to say, I would most definitely be looking forward to reading more from this author, Cat Patrick. Very impressive debut!

quote of the week!!

Here's another stand-out quote from The Lover's Dictionary (a book I've come to realize is very dear to me) by David Levithan!

punctuate, v.

A key to a successful relationship isn't just in the words; it's in the punctuation. When you're in love with someone, a well-placed question mark can be the difference between bliss and disaster, and a deeply resonated period or a cleverly inserted ellipsis can prevent all kinds of exclamations.

I have nothing much to say - except that I agree with this 100 %.

created a random music video.

Hey everyone! I just thought I'd share this with you all. Last night and earlier today, I was feeling really inspired to do something creative. I wanted to write, but was too distracted. I started to blog, but couldn't think of anything at that moment. I wanted to read, but I wanted to do something else...! Something new, something in the 'creative department' that I haven't really done before. So I did this.

It's not that good or anything, and I absolutely fail at drawing (even stick figures!) but I thought it was kind of fun. Plus, I really like telling stories, in general and through music... it's not exactly a grand one, but it's a story nonetheless. Also, I LOVE this song.

So if you could watch, rate, and possibly subscribe, that'd be greatly appreciated. I might actually do more of these and see if I improve at all. Ha. Anyway, thank you as always.

movie recommendation: (500) Days of Summer

I've seen this movie countless times - and when I mean countless, I literally mean that I can't even count how many anymore. It has easily become of one my favorites. For some reason, I just love it so much!

Maybe it's the fact that the story itself was such a great surprise in the first place. Or maybe I love it because of the extremely realistic and believable characters, or the fact that the actors who played these people are some of my favorites. I've always had a huge crush on Joseph Gordon-Levitt ever since 10 Things I Hate About You and have also always just adored Zooey Deschanel! Or it could also be because of its amazing soundtrack, its fresh script, its unique way of story telling, or the number of quotable quotes that can be discovered. Perhaps, it's because the story is honest and true; perfectly relate-able. Or really, maybe it's because it's just so darn adorable and heart wrenching at the same time that despite the fact that I can't pinpoint the exact reason, I know I'm so in love with it.

Well, last night, I saw it again. And even though this is the millionth time I've watched it, I have to tell you, it just doesn't get old. The heartbreak, giddiness, and everything else that comes with the movie felt exactly the same.

If you haven't seen it and you like good stories... then this might be for you.

do books give you dreams?

I wonder about this a lot, if books cause your dreams to occur, because I know that personally, books have that effect on me. Now this could be a good thing or a bad thing. If it was just a normal, out-of-nowhere sort of dream, it's alright with me. If I am dreaming that I go to Hogwarts to learn magic or something - even better!

But then there are the nightmares. Unfortunately, I get these more often than I get "normal" dreams, and for the most part, I do blame the books and my habit of late-night reading. I don't know if it's because I just naturally have a wild imagination or what - I think generally readers and writers (and other types of artists) tend to have crazy imaginations! - I am not even quite sure why I get them, and I especially can't even figure out what they even mean. Most of the time, the dreams are completely pointless! Sadly, they are still nightmares. It's horrible, I have to admit.

So I guess I am wondering if it's just me that experiences this - I sure hope not! But surely this must be an odd thing? xxx

Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal

Genre: Young Adult - contemporary

Rating: 5 stars

Review: This was a great read. It's one of those rare books that seem to mirror real life situations perfectly - no matter how young or old the person going through it is. It talks about first love, heart break, disappointment, failures and triumphs, friendships, and individuality...among many others. And even though this book features a teenager as the main character, I do think everybody can somehow relate to her story, her world, and what she's gone through.

Sure, there were some factors in the story that weren't as realistic - like getting an unexpected inheritance that lets the character transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school and going to 21+ clubs and not getting checked for their ID.

But despite these minor details, I thought the ones that truly mattered - like the characters and their emotions and their actions - were extremely believable. I thought the overall plot and character development, as well as its conclusion, seemed very real as well, and did not seem contrived at all.

So yes, I do recommend this, mostly to mature YA readers (definitely pg13!)

As a whole, I just found it lovely and understated. It's not "spectacular" by any means, but it's a good read. Hey, it may even take you back to past memories and remind you of some things you may have already forgotten. Perhaps it may even shine a light on some things happening in your life right now! At the end of the day, it's just a simple coming-of-age story, and is identifiable in many ways. That I think is the book's greatest strength.

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

Genre: General Fiction

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: I am a huge fan of Lisa Genova's debut novel, Still Alice. I highly recommend that novel for anybody who likes Literary Fiction, as I thought it was a story that's wonderfully told. So I was excited to read her second novel, Left Neglected.

What I Liked: Reading its synopsis, I was immediately sold. The concept just sounds unique and original, like I've never read anything like it before. And it is indeed original. The way the author was able to mix in fact and information with fiction was effortless. I never felt like I was reading a textbook, or felt like I was being lectured. It also didn't hurt that it was fast-paced enough, and that the characters the author created were interesting as well.

What I Didn't Like: Lisa Genova's talented and skilled, and I don't deny that, but there were some parts in the book that I thought were just too repetitive. But the biggest flaw that this book has in my opinion, is its main character. Her behavior, personality, and internal dialogues that she has with herself, makes her character seem very shallow, which as a result, makes her difficult to empathize with. I just didn't really believe her and her moments of struggle, defeat, and even triumph. I didn't find myself rooting for her; I even found myself annoyed with her at times and rooting for her family members instead!

Overall: If the author's goal was to make her readers aware of the topic, then I am happy to say she exactly did that for me. The topic that the author chose for this fictional story is highly intriguing, and it's something I'm looking forward to learning more about in the future.However, the main character was not someone I can relate to, or root for, and so I didn't feel emotionally invested in her story in any way whatsoever.

I would still highly, highly recommend Still Alice, but would suggest for you to skip this. Although perfectly readable, it simply wasn't compelling enough for me.