Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

4 stars

“Phones are distracting. The internet is distracting. The way he looked at you? He wasn't distracted. He was consumed.”  

Awh, I love this so much. I reread this in anticipation for the pending arrival of my copies of Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door. I've been waiting a good year or so for these babies so you have to understand my excitement at finally having ordered them. Anyway, I adore this.

It is so cute, I can't find anyway to be mad at it because it is so bloody cute. Also, hello? It's set in Paris which makes it the most romantic book I've ever read. I can't get over the literal sweetness, I am always down for a fluffy read like this. But then again, it kind of ripped my heart out for a while. Which was not cool.

I thought Isla was a pretty relatable character, to me at least. I like her, have an autistic friend and people give me a lot of shit for it but I don't understand why he can't have friends like everyone else. I liked that this was represented in the book. Kurt reminds me a lot of my friend and it kind of hurt a little to see him being treated like he was in the book but I love that Isla understands. Isla, also, has a tendency to run her mouth off and subconsciously ruin things. But, I get that, it made her more relatable to me because I've been in similar situations, not as severe yet but I understand it.

Josh is an absolute babe, even when he kind of screwed things up or said things so mushy that they made even me cringe. Artistic people just make me swoon always, never have I ever been in anyway artistic but it's characters like these that make me with I could draw more than a stick figure. I also find it incredibly attractive when he draws Isla, before I die a boy better draw me. Please form a single file line, fellas. He was just super sweet and concerned about Isla. He was just trying to do what he thought was best for her the whole time, it was lovely.

I am beyond thrilled to start reading the rest of the trilogy and it'll be interesting to compare books. I've heard Anna and Lola were even better than this but honestly, I don't know if I'm prepared for that amount of fluff. So, you'd better stay tuned for those reviews to come.

Optimists Die First by Susin Nielsen

3 Stars

"Part of me wanted to fling myself on the bed and hold him. Part of me wanted to fling myself on the bed and pummel him."


I received a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have a few issues with this book. Which is a definite shame since I wanted to love it. The cover is gorgeous, it sounded great. It just wasn't so great in execution.

Firstly, I don't suffer from anxiety or anything but I'm at least 95 percent sure that Petula's anxiety wasn't well written at all. It was like it was written to add quirks and things for readers to find 'relatable'. I don't know, it seemed strange and very exaggerated to me. I don't think the author intended for Petula to be presented this way and in the acknowledgements she talks about the research she did in writing the book so, I think the author had her heart in the right place. I just hope she can learn from it.

It described itself as a love story for cynics which totally appealed to me, I'm a huge cynic in real life. Not so much when it comes to reading but that's different. But, nevertheless, I thought this was perfect but I didn't really get a whole lot of it. It didn't feel to me like the romance was the big theme here. Which is strange because it was a big part of the book but it I just wasn't really feeling it.

I think the idea for the plot was lovely. I loved how the kids all united to help each other get better but again, I didn't quite like the way it was done. I felt like the book was perhaps a bit short and therefore rushed. So we didn't get much on the other characters and for me it almost defeated the purpose.

I'd have liked Petula's impulsiveness to have been touched on more but instead it was all her 'quirks' because they were cuter and easier to like. It seemed to be pushed to the side. Which seems funny to me because I thought the book was supposed to be about those sorts of issues.

I loved the cats. They were probably my favourite characters. It made me want more cats, they really stole the show and I loved their book inspired names. I'm totally going to give my next pet a book inspired name.

Anyway, I think the book was good in theory. I don't think any harm was intended so I am hoping the author will improve. It was a quick read and it had it's cute moments and a big theme was friendship so that was nice. I'm pretty undecided on this. I've given it a meh rating because I really can't make up my mind.

The Infinite Moment Of Us by Lauren Myracle

3 Stars

“It's what you feel, and guess what? Feelings are like three-year-olds. They're not rational. They're just there.”

Ugh, this book. I feel like I have a lot to say about. I probably don't but I feel like it. First, I just finished it 10 minutes ago and I have that weird feeling in my stomach where I feel like crying. I don't know why I feel like crying really, well I mean I do, it's a very raw book but, I can read death scenes without feeling anything. Also, when I first got this book a few years ago, I won't lie, I wanted it because the cover is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

I'm going to start of with the thing that we all secretly want to talk about. Sex. There was sex in the book, yes, yes, yes. Now, this is cool, this is fine. It's about 18 year olds and love so there's probably sex but I feel like I need to discuss this because it was very much in detail. I don't mind a sex scene, they're usually well done and subtle enough that you don't know every detail but you still know it happened. Not to say this wasn't well done, I'm more talking about it for the benefit of anyone who want's to read The Infinite Moment Of Us because it's so detailed and it made me a little uncomfortable to read but in another way I was glad it was so thorough because I liked to know that sex isn't always perfect and that it hurt and it was kind of awkward. Too many times in books, sex is displayed (I mostly mean when girls lose their v-card) as perfect and wonderful but they don't talk about some of the pain or awkwardness. Anyway, my biggest point in mentioning this is so if you aren't comfortable reading about sex then this might not be the book for you. Although, if you want my opinion, I liked how straight forward it was.

I feel like that was a long talk about sex but moving swiftly on, I really like the book. It is so raw and I love raw. Also, Wren and Charlie have their issues because they're 18 and it won't be perfect. I like that this book exhibits that. It was a bit sudden and I, perhaps, would have liked more build up. Maybe a slower burn but it's whatever really, I don't particularly mind. Wren is such a sweet soul and reminds me of me, I over react over literally everything. Just like her. Charlie is really lovely too. I loved Tessa, why can't we all have a Tessa in our lives? She is such a gorgeous friend. I love her. She really wants the best for Wren and that is so precious and I love to see such lovely friendships in books.

I like it, it's a nice read. It's got the right amount of fluff (although, let's be real, there can never be too much fluff) it's got a little bit of drama. The end is fricking lovely. Possibly a little bit cringe worthy. What is there not to like? I couldn't tell you.

Also, take this masterpiece of a review I wrote when I was 14.

So sweet, so cute, so adorable, so much awkward sex scenes. If it weren't for how awkward the sex scene was I would love it I'd probably be giving it more stars.

I felt as though it was a bit too in depth. People have sex, we know, it just seemed like that was so much of the book.

I also feel that Charlie and Wrens relationship started too soon in the book and was too easy, it seemed like a dream come true. It wasn't exactly realistic, I would've enjoyed it more if the relationship was more realistic.

I think it was a very cute story, awkward but cute. I did like it, not as much as I had wanted to like it but I did like it

Ahh, look at me go. My precious lack of correct grammar and my extensive vocabulary. Oh, how my feelings have changed.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

5 stars

“A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”  

I may have lost count of all the rereads I've done so far this month so I wouldn't be able to tell you what number this is, although the months dwindling to a close. As I write this, it is the 23/9/16 which I understand this will actually go up in February of 2017 but I have so many reviews to post, it's insane. Anyway, when I first read this, I was 12 and it was on recommendation from my English teacher who I had so much respect for, I would've sold her my soul. I lost a tiny bit of respect as she became my history teacher but anyway, she told me I'd probably enjoy it because I loved Heidi. The first time I read this was an absolute blur so of course, I had to reread it. It turns out, I retained very little of it.

It's kind of pointless to do a review on Pride and Prejudice but honestly, it's more of a discussion and I like to discuss each book I read. It's good to be able to come back and say 'oh, that's what I thought of that'. It makes for easy reference for myself and somewhat interesting content. So, I guess I'm 'reviewing' Pride and Prejudice.

As far as classics go, this is one of my favourites. Jane Austen is one of my favourite classic authors. I don't always like classics though, for example, I absolutely hated Wurthering Heights and could barely finish it. I love Jane Austen's writing style though, the characters are more three dimensional than some characters tend to be in classics. Elizabeth has a lot of personality and she's fun to read.

I love that Elizabeth stands her ground, especially towards the end. She is a great representative of the early strong literary women. Marrying was not a priority for herself and she knew she didn't want to marry for the sake of money, which is great. I think Elizabeth is a great character.

Mr Darcy is just gorgeous, especially once he proposes and we really get to see him more as a character. That's the one shame with classics, I find, we never get to know a huge amount of the love interest and we don't get all that we get in romance type novels now. This is obviously because romantic relationships are much different now than they were when a lot of classics were published but it is a shame nonetheless.

I give it a five stars because I really like it and think it's probably the most likable as far as classics go. It's one of my personal favourites and I know it's a favourite upon many.

Things I'm Grateful For

Today I'm feeling really grateful for a lot of things so I thought it would be nice to write about all the things I'm grateful for. This'll probably be split into a few posts because there's so many things I could list. I hope this inspires you to look into what you're feeling grateful for and write your own post (or posts).

1. My Parents
I have two beautiful, loving parents who I wouldn't exchange for the world. They're always so supportive of me and what I want to do. They allow me to live the lifestyle I want to live and they are my best friends.

2. My Kitty Cat
Louis is the most annoying cat I've had the pleasure of meeting. I have no problem saying out of all four cats I've had in my life, he is the most annoying. But, I adore him. He's like my little baby and he always knows how to cheer me up. I wish I could give him the world.

3. The Beatles
Because I really love their music and it gives me goosebumps which I haven't really experienced before. They inspire me and they give me a certain escape. They have a song for every emotion I'm feeling and I'm really glad that they are a thing.

4. Books
Obviously, this had to be one. I love books and I love the way there's a book for everyone. I love that they help educate me and give me somewhere else to go. They've opened up so many worlds to me and given me a lot of opportunities so far.

5. The Opportunity To Have An Education
I complain about school 90% of the time but deep down, I'm so grateful for it. I know there's a lot of people who would die to have the opportunity to go to school like I do. I tend to think a lot of people take it for granted but I aim to make the most of it because I am really lucky.

6. Socks
I love socks. My feet are perpetually cold so socks are one of my favourite things. They're so cosy and lovely. I have countless pairs of fluffy socks and I still feel like I need more. They're a simple thing but they're really nice to have.

7. The Opportunity To Have A Musical Education
I'm really grateful that the schools I have gone to have had awesome opportunities for musical studies. I really doubt I'd have gotten into it without those opportunities. The city I live in is notorious for it's music programs and I know living where I do I have so many more opportunities.

Andddddd, that's all for this time. I think it's really important just to let yourself appreciate even the littlest things every now and then. Even if it is just your favourite pair of socks or the tea you drink of a morning or a favourite song. Remember what's good and what matters.

February 2017 Wrap Up

I feel like at the beginning of every single wrap up I do I make a comment about how fast the year is going. So, this time I won't. But, I will make a prediction. I predict this year will go by in a flash.

Feb has been a busy month for me. I went back to school which is simultaneously awesome and not awesome. I started college which is really different but somehow easy to slot into. I've found it really easy to make a new routine and settle in. I can already tell, just four weeks in, that it will be non stop work but I think it's going to be so worth it. I'm doing four pre-tertiary classes which I do not recommend because it's going to be a whole crap load of assignments and essays and tests. And, four exams to study for at the end of the year. It's a bit of a long and boring story of how I got to doing four pre-tertiary classes so I won't bore you with that. I'm looking forward to all of them though (except maybe maths), the syllabus sounds pretty good and most of them lead me straight into what I'm hoping to do at uni. I'm most looking forward to my music class because I don't do much solo work so it'll be a lot of fun. Also, I get an excuse to go to performances?? Brilliant.

It's also been so good to have so many new faces. It feels like a really clean slate and I'm so excited about that. It means I've been able to make new impressions and I feel more comfortable being the person I've become over the past year or so because I am most certainly a completely different person. I've been really happy and I'm just really loving the change of faces. I think it's so exciting and I can't wait to see what sort of relationships I've formed at the end of the year.

So, aside from school. The blog-sphere has been so crazy. Crazy good, though. I'm feeling really optimistic about this year in blogging. I have less time for it but, it's still incredibly enjoyable and rewarding. I feel like I'm doing so many things with the blog now and I'm just really excited about it all. I'm really looking forward to what else is to come.

Now, it seems like time to talk about what I read. I read quite a bit, although I am actually in a bit of a slump right now. So, that might effect my March reads. This month, I read:
-Under The Lights by Abbi Gline
-The Upside of Unrequited by Beck Albertalli (e-arc)
-A Million Worlds With You by Claudia Gray
-Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
-The Inconcievable Life of Quinn by Marianna Baer (e-arc)
-King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard
-Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas

So, it was a pretty interesting month. There were some loves and some not so much's. Overall, fairly good I'd say. It was really nice and it doesn't really feel like I read that many books.

I'm hoping all of you have a fantastic March. And. do tell me, how was your February?

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

4 Stars

“Time passes. That's the rule. No matter what happens, no matter how much it might feel like everything in your life has been frozen around one particular moment, time marches on.”  

No doubt about it, this is a stunning book and a perfect reread. I think it deserves all the praise. Books about loss aren't spread too far but this is one that really sticks with me.

The thing that makes The Last Time We Say Goodbye different to other books about loss and death, is it's bluntness. It is so blunt, it doesn't make it sound romantic or anything. It could be described as morbid, which I guess it is, but essentially Lex just says it how it is. Other books I've read tend to sugar coat it but I personally don't think death can be sugar coated. So, this book really stands out to me and gives me all the sad feelings.

I've always had an odd fascination with grief and the grieving process of individuals, so you could say this book is right up my alley. It definitely has a big focus on the way Lex recovers from the loss and how it changes the way she interacts with others, and the way others interact with her. I like that it doesn't focus on some huge love story by trying to add romance where unnecessary. There is love story but it is appropriate and it adds to the story by helping us better understand Lex's grief and situation.

I also like that we can see how such a horrible event has given Lex the opportunity to change for the better and become a more thoughtful person. I think some times we forget that admist the bad, there are oppurtunities to better ourselves so it's nice to see that little reminder in Lex. I really appreciate the development she went through.

All in all, it's probably one of my favourite contemporaries. I love all the ideas it gives and it made me look at death just a little differently. It provoked quite a few thoughts and questions of my own about death and the afterlife. I love how it focuses on grief and we really get to look in to how it affects not only those grieving but those around. It's a good book, it's a very good book. I would absolutely recommend this.