Series of Books I Don't Plan On Finishing

I always give books a try, especially if it's highly recommended and well-loved by so many readers. If it's a series, then I will at least read the first book. However, there are times when the first book doesn't cut it for me, and I have to give it up. For me, there's just too many other good books to spend time on.

Just a disclaimer though: just because I don't like a book in particular doesn't mean YOU wouldn't. These are obviously my opinions only. 

These are some of the book series that I don't think I will ever try to finish. 

1. Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth

I know! Everybody adores this trilogy, and everyone is so excited for the movie adaptation coming up; I even loved the first book. It entertained me, and I liked the idea of the five factions. I do feel like I got tired of the whole dystopian sub-genre because of this book though, only because it just felt a bit repetitive to me. I am curious as to how the series ends, but I don't think I'll read them all to find out. 

2. Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy) by Maggie Stiefvater

I actually gave this book a 2 star rating when I reviewed it. I still feel the same; I felt as if it was overhyped, and everyone gushed about it, and I was left underwhelmed by the overall plot line. I also tend to dislike books that have characters that instantly fall in love with each other, even though they nothing about each other. I just don't like it when the stereotypical macho male protagonist shows off his amazing looks and the female character is all, "I don't care if you are a stranger, you can go to my house and we can be lovers forever." Maybe it's just me.

3. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

For me to love a fantasy, I need to believe in the story itself, its settings, and its characters. I have to be fully immersed in the universe the author created. Unfortunately for me, I didn't feel like I believed this book at all. To be honest, this was also one of the very rare times I did NOT finish a book. I was bored by it, and couldn't continue on. 

4. Matched trilogy by Ally Condie

This was another alright read. It was fun to read, but again, I don't care much about the characters. 

5. Beautiful Creatures (The Caster Chronicles) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

I enjoyed this one. I really did. But this is the perfect example of a book that entertained me, but dragged on a bit for me. I don't know if I'm that curious to know what happens next in the story. 

What do you think? Do you think I am completely crazy to give up on these crowd favorites? How about you, are there any series that you can't finish for whatever reason? I'd love to hear all about them! 

me... finally getting that tattoo I have been talking about.

Almost three years ago, I wrote a blog post on here about me dreaming and imagining about getting a tattoo. 

Well, it is official. I am almost 25 years old, and I figured that it is about time I finally went for it. I have booked my tattoo artist and everything. It took me a while to look for the perfect artist, but as soon as  I saw his work, I knew I had to get him to do my tattoos. 

I have had this idea for a few years now. I was a senior in high school when I first entertained the idea. I have changed over the years, but one thing has remained constant: my love for literature. For words. For the art of writing them and reading them. 

I've always aspired to become a published writer, ever since I was a child. Mostly, I have always been a reader, and books mean a lot to me. 

On my left wrist, it will be ONE shelf with books lined up. On my right wrist, it will be a quill and ink OR a fountain pen - it depends on the designs we come up with when I have a consultation soon. Also, I am getting a smallish tattoo on my outer forearm (possibly on the left side) of a quote I have always loved and believed in.

I am officially getting it done in May, and I will definitely share photos once they're finished. I am beyond excited. This is truly a big deal to me; it's almost liberating, to do something for ME and myself only. 

Do you have tattoos? Please tell me all about it/them! 

Follow Friday.

Question of the Week: 

Spring is in the air! Show off your favorite outdoors reading spot. If you don’t go outside...well where else do you read that isn’t inside your house? 

My favorite place to read is on my bed, but I do love reading outdoors, especially when the weather is just perfect. I have particularly fallen in love with reading near the beach, where I could listen to the waves crash, with the wind (and sometimes sun) on my face. Here are photos of three different instances when I was reading near the beach.

This was taken during the middle of winter. It was cold, foggy, but still wonderful. I didn't know the photo was being taken.

This was fairly recent, just a couple of months ago. It was in December in Northern California, and the sun came out to say hello. I chose this log as my seat. 

And here is a photo of me, with a book on a fairly cold, but sunny day. 

What are your favorite reading spots?

my blog... it's 4 years old.

The blog's anniversary was on January 10, but it really has just hit me today that this little blog is now four. FOUR!

When I first started this blog in 2010, I didn't think anybody would read my posts. Unexpectedly, people started visiting, following, and commenting, and I have gained so many internet-friends. Even though I am not active here anymore, I still appreciate the fact that I still am friends with those people until today. We follow each other on our personal instagram and facebook accounts, and we still gush about books. It's a wonderful thing really. 

To be honest, I do want to come back and get in the swing of things again. I won't make any promises, but I want to try... for myself. This place (not to be dramatic or anything) was my escape and I really learned a lot from just blogging and interacting with like-minded people. In a way as well, it really helped me truly discover my passions in life.

Four years ago, there was nothing I loved more than getting home after a long day and logging on to get to talk about my favorite things. And when I would wake up in the morning, checking my blog email was the best thing. More importantly, getting to read wonderful works of literature and share about them... it was incredible. 

I miss this little space I call my own. 

Happy Birthday, Random Ramblings.

new lifestyle/photography/personal/random blog.

I have a new blog, and I partnered with my boyfriend, Mike, who is a talented photographer with this little project. We are a long distance couple, who hopes to be in one place soon. In the meantime, we live in two of the best states: California and Washington. The blog is our space to share our thoughts, personal lives, our lifestyle, photos, and other forms of inspiration and randomness. We have lists, travel guides, gift guides, long distance relationship tips every now and then, and of course, Mike's photography.

Check us out by clicking on the link, and please follow us if you like what you see! 

Bridging the Gap

Catching Fire + how I hated Mockingjay and want to reread it now

I was able to see Catching Fire the day it came out, in the morning, so the theater was practically empty. It was wonderful being able to watch it peacefully. As far as the movie goes, it was so awesome! I can not stop gushing about how well it was adapted, in my opinion.

Jennifer Lawrence really does portray Katniss' different characteristics, and it's nice to see her character evolve from the first film. I also loved Johanna and Finnick so much! I thought they were perfect. 

Also, Josh Hutcherson, has proven once again for me, that he really is the best choice for Peeta. I feel for him, empathize, and truly root for him. 

I loved it so much I had to see it again with my sister two weeks later. It was still good, if not better, because I was able to notice little details I didn't notice before.

As far as Mockingjay goes, I am excited to see how they adapt it to a film again. I have no doubts they will do a good job, but here's where I have an issue: I feel very indifferent about the book. I liked it in a way, but I also hated it. To me, it was just lacking a bit. Something was definitely missing. In the end, I felt completely underwhelmed. I also just didn't like the outcome of it all: I understand that the point of the novels is pretty much to show what war does to both sides, but I didn't like how it was executed. That being said, I am thinking about rereading Mockingjay just to remind myself again of the story, and maybe, I will change my mind. Or I won't. I'll let you know. 

Did you see Catching Fire? What did you think about it? What was your favorite part? Did you like Finnick and Johanna? And what did you think of Mockingjay? Do you agree with me or not? Let me know!

Sort These Fictional Characters: Tag: Marvel Edition

I have a fun challenge for you fellow Harry Potter fans. I had this interesting conversation with a few friends a few weeks ago. If we were to sort some of our favorite fictional characters into Hogwarts houses, where would they go? Why would they go there? So I'll go ahead and ask you too.

Today I think we should sort our Marvel characters from the Marvel universe. It's a pretty expansive universe, and so I know there's so many more to list, but these are just some of the ones I can think of sorting. If you would like to add more characters to your own list, feel free to do so!  

I'll tell you what I think, and I challenge you to sort them yourself and explain your choices.

1. Iron Man - I think Iron Man/Tony Stark is a mix between a Slytherin and a Gryffindor, but I think that he will get sorted into Slytherin. He is naturally ambitious, clever, determined, and cunning. Those are the main qualities Slytherins have. 

2. Thor - Gryffindor. He is courageous, fights for the greater good, and is confident he will be able to do anything. 

3. Black Widow - Slytherin. She is a spy, she manipulates people, and she will do whatever she can to get what she wants. 

4. Bruce Banner (human form, not the Hulk) - Ravenclaw. I feel like Bruce Banner (in human form) is the epitome of a Ravenclaw. He likes to keep to himself, and he is a very smart, intelligent scientist. 

5. Hawkeye - Hufflepuff. I don't know much about Hawkeye, but I always feel like he is one of the most loyal of the bunch. He has stuck with Black Widow/Natasha for years, and he always stays with whoever he is sided with. 

6. Captain America - Pure Gryffindor! 

7. Loki - The most perfect Slytherin, hands down. 

8. Spiderman and Peter Parker - I think Spiderman is a Gryffindor, while Peter Parker is a Ravenclaw. 

9. Wolverine - I honestly have a hard time sorting Wolverine, because he is such a complex character. I do feel like he belongs in Gryffindor though. He is brave, and doesn't really fear anything. He will do what it takes to fight for what he thinks is right.

10. Batman - This is another one I had a hard time with. I think that Batman is a mix of all houses. He is smart, is loyal, is brave, fights for the greater good, and is also very ambitious all at the same time. I can't sort him confidently, but maybe he could go to Ravenclaw. What do you guys think?

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Do you agree with my choices? I tag you all to do this challenge! Post comments below, or link me to a separate post if you make one. If you want to sort other characters from the Marvel universe, feel free to do so. Next week, we'll try to sort Lord of the Rings characters! Have fun!

will always go back to this feeling I feel about books.

After a busy day at work and a good night watching the new movie, About Time, with my best friend, I finally got to go home and relax. Granted I work tomorrow (Sunday at 8:30am), but there are just some things I will never stop loving. 

I have been away from this blog for a long time - in a way, I took a long break unwillingly. I have always loved blogging, but life has been busy, and I have taken a step back. Lately though, I have been feeling inspired by so many things that it's causing me to discover new books, new blogs, and a new energy to blog again. I also have been rereading old favorites, which I think, always helps spark creativity. Tonight, these two precious books are keeping me company. 

No matter what, there is truly something about going back to pick up a familiar book. It almost feels like saying a little hello to an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while. It's such a comforting, peaceful feeling - being there in your version of a safe place.