Tag: books

Book Review: The Darkest Minds

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

I’ve had this book on my book shelf for so long and I’m so glad I finally got the chance to read it. Dystopian fiction has become one of the hottest genres right now so you’re hard pressed to find a dystopian novel that really stands out but The Darkest Minds does just that.

Alexandra Bracken has crafted a novel that weaves together a rag tag group of characters that in a normal world probably wouldn’t make sense but works perfectly in this dystopian world where children are either dead or outcast. There is Liam, the hopelessly hopeful hero, who just wants to save and protect everyone. He cares for everyone and always looks for the good in people even when it’s not there. He’s optimistic but not in an annoying way.

Of course in a dystopian world where children are being hunted down by the government, bounty hunters (also know as skip tracers) and an anti-government terrorist group, being optimistic isn’t always helpful. That’s where Charlie “Chubs” Meriweather steps in. He’s a realist that’s untrusting of strangers and always guarded. He doesn’t like taking risks and prefers calculated plans. He’s the kind of kid that knows how to cross stitch in case someone needs stitches, which is handy but isn’t something you expect from a kid.

Rounding out the group is little Zu, the youngest and smallest of the group, that everyone wants to protect and keep safe. What’s great about Zu, though, is she doesn’t actually need the group’s protection. If anything they need her. She’s got the strongest ability out of the group, right after Ruby, and can handle her own when need be. The fact that she is mute and afraid of her powers makes her the perfect mirror image for Ruby who has been running scared from her abilities since the age of 10.

Ruby, herself, is the type of heroine that you want to root for. She makes mistakes but they’re mistakes that can be expected of a sixteen year old girl that’s been locked up for almost half her life. What I loved about Ruby is even though she can’t see it herself she is one of the most, if not the most, selfless character in the novel. All she wants to do is protect the people she cares about and she does that in any way she can. Although I didn’t always agree with her choices I respected her for them. I cheered with her when her plans worked and cried when they fell apart.

Following these four on their journey as they tried to find East River, the Promised Land for “freaks”, and everything that happened after I laughed, screamed, had butterflies, went back to reread, and cried. There are so many elements in this novel that you have to be paying attention to keep up. No one can be trusted and nothing is ever as it seems and just when you think you have it all figured out Bracken hits you with another curve ball and you’re floored. It’s brilliant!

If you haven’t checked out The Darkest Minds yet you really need to. Meanwhile, I’m going to get started on the next book.

Favorite Line:

‘The darkest minds tend to hide behind the most unlikely faces.’

Stars: 5 out of 5. No doubt about it.

Borrow or Buy: Buy!!! I’m so glad I own this book!

Other Reviews

The Book Smugglers

Between My Pages

Cuddlebuggery

POPSUGAR’s 2015 Reading Challenge

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Books

I’m super excited to participate in POPSUGAR’s 2015 Reading Challenge next year. To keep track of all the books I have to read I’ve decided to make a list. If you’d like to join me in this challenge please make your own blog post about what books you plan to read and put the link of your post in the comments. There’s a Goodreads group that you can join for the challenge. Check my sidebar for the link. Here’s my list:

  1. A book with more than 500 pages: In the Afterlight by Alexandra Bracken
  2. A classic romance: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  3. A book that became a movie: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
  4. A book published this year: Fall With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout
  5. A book with a number in the title: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
  6. A book written by someone under 30: The Kissing Booth by Beeth Reekles
  7. A book with nonhuman characters: The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead
  8. A funny book: I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max
  9. A book by a female author: The Heir by Kiera Cass
  10. A mystery or thriller: Rooms by Lauren Oliver
  11. A book with a one-word title: Angelfall by Susan Ee
  12. A book of short stories: Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
  13. A book set in a different country: PS, I Love You by Ceceila Ahern
  14. A nonfiction book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  15. A popular author’s first book: Where Roses Grow Wild by Patricia Cabot (Meg Cabot)
  16. A book from an author you love that you haven’t read yet: All Fall Down by Ally Carter
  17. A book a friend recommended: Lovestruck in London by Rachel Schuring
  18. A Pulitzer Prize-winning book: The Hours by Michael Cunningham
  19. A book based on a true story: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
  20. A book at the bottom of your to-read list: YOLO by Lauren Myracle
  21. A book your mom loves: Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan
  22. A book that scares you: Revival by Stephen King
  23. A book more than 100 years old: Emma by Jane Austen
  24. A book based entirely on its cover: Top 10 Clues You’re Clueless by Liz Czukas
  25. A book you were supposed to read in school but didn’t: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
  26. A memoir: Travelling to Infinity by Jane Hawking
  27. A book you can finish in a day: Something True by Kieran Scott
  28. A book with antonyms in the title: The Light and Dark by Mikhail Shishkin
  29. A book set somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarity
  30. A book that came out the year you were born: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
  31. A book with bad reviews: Uninvited by Amanda Marrone
  32. A trilogy: Legend by Marie Lu
  33. A book from your childhood: Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  34. A book with a love triangle: Down to You by M. Leighton
  35. A book set in the future: California by Edan Lepucki
  36. A book set in high school: Wicked Games by Sean Olin
  37. A book with a color in the title: Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
  38. A book that made you cry: Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
  39. A book with magic: Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder
  40. A graphic novel: Watchmen by Alan Moore
  41. A book by an author you’ve never read before: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
  42. A book you own but have never read: Where We Belong by Emily Giffin
  43. A book that takes place in your hometown: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  44. A book that was originally written in a different language: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
  45. A book set during Christmas: Ex-mas by Kate Brian
  46. A book written by an author with your same initials: All Natural by Zack Jones
  47. A play: The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer
  48. A banned book: Lolita by Vladmir Nabokov
  49. A book based on or turned into a TV show: The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
  50. A book you started but never finished: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Books

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

“ I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.”January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.

Besides the crazy long title I absolutely loved this book. I loved the letter form (and sometimes telegraphs and journal entries) and I loved the characters.

The story follows Juliet Ashton, this quirky author who has a love for books and writing (like me!). She’s looking for inspiration for her next book and after writing about World War II throughout the war she’s searching for something different.

Little did she know that what she was looking for was on this little British island that was occupied by the Germans during the war. After she receives a letter from a man named Dawsey who found her copy of a book by Charles Lamb, Juliet is led on this awesome adventure discovering the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and the wonderful people in it.

If you don’t want to get spoiled stop reading here. This is your warning!

After much letter correspondence Juliet finally goes to Guernsey and discovers not only an awesome novel idea about the society now deceased leader, Elizabeth, but she also finds a family in her love with Dawsey and Kit, Elizabeth’s daughter.

The only thing I wanted more of from this novel is Dawsey’s point of view. I could kind of see that he had feelings for Juliet but he’s so quiet and shy that we don’t get to really hear him say anything about it until the very end and then the book’s over.

Otherwise I thought the book was brilliant. Also, I have a theory about the way this book is written. First, the fact that Dawsey’s name sounds very close to Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice leads me to believe the authors did that on purpose. Especially since the book is brought up in the novel and it is Isola who falls in love with it and then it is later Isola who finally leads to Juliet and Dawsey being together. Also, when discussing Pride and Prejudice Juliet says, “[Isola] might actually die of suspense before she finished it” and that’s basically how I felt when I was (impatiently) waiting for Juliet and Dawsey to finally admit their feelings for each other.

That’s just my theory though. I want to ask the authors if I’m right though because I’m pretty confident I am.

Overall, this book was great and I’d definitely recommend it. It’s also not that hard to get through because it is in letter form and the characters are hilarious and will keep you laughing the whole way through even though the tale is kind of sad.

Favorite Line: 

Men are more interesting in books than they are in real life.

Stars: 5 out of 5. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book because I’ve never been a big fan of historical fiction but I truly enjoyed it and would read it again (if only to get clues about Dawsey’s feelings for Juliet).

Borrow or Buy: Buy! So good and definitely worth a reread.

Other Reviews:

The Book Smugglers

All About Romance

BlogHer

Book Review: Fifty Shades Darker

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

51+-uGIDqELSynopsis from Amazon:

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

*WARNING: This review will be filled with spoilers*

First if you haven’t read my review of the first book, Fifty Shades of Cray Grey, definitely go do that then come back.

As I was reading this book I felt multiple types of ways and had to tell my friend who got me sucked into these books all about it. Here’s some highlights:

The Beginning

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The freaking hair salon

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Pay my tuition!

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FINALLY!!!

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Leave Mrs. Robinson

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Christian = Submissive???Screen Shot 2014-10-18 at 12.12.07 PM

“The richter scale”?

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*faints*

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I was right! Sort of.

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Overall I did enjoy this book. There were a lot of ups and downs and plot twists I just wasn’t ready for. If I wasn’t in school I probably would’ve finished this in a day, I was that hooked.

What I loved most about this book was it wasn’t focused on all the “kinky” freaky stuff that these books are known for. Instead Christian actually stops being so possessive and crazy and becomes a pretty loving guy. Plus we finally got to learn more about his scary childhood and it did make me sympathize with him a little bit more.

I still hate Ana’s inner goddess versus her subconscious thing. If they don’t put that in the movie I’ll be a very happy camper. Also Ana’s insecurities got a little annoying as well. Her struggles to believe Christian could really love her were incessant. I was like girl he’s changing his whole way of being for you. Just let him love you.

Besides that I was really concerned with how E L James was going to write a third book when this one seemed so finished. But then she went and made Ana’s former boss, Jack, a psycho who’s now trying to kill Christian. Well that will definitely keep the story going. Crazy. But also I love it because now it’s Ana and Christian against this other force and it really reemphasizes their strong relationship now. I’m excited to see how this will all end.

Also, I’m so glad Mrs. Robinson is finally out of the picture and Christian finally recognized how crazy she is. And also that his mother now knows the truth (some of it anyway). That was driving me crazy. More accurately, Mrs. Robinson was crazy.

There was definitely still a few parts I didn’t understand or like. For example, when Christian gave his ex-submissive, Leila, a bath. I didn’t get that nor understand why that needed to happen and it just seemed like E L James was trying to make Christian more messed up than he needed to be. Or the fact that he brought Ana to the hair dresser Mrs. Robinson owned. It seemed like a huge misstep in character development. Shouldn’t Mr. Cray be smarter than that by then?

Even so, I really enjoyed this novel which is very hard for me to admit because I thoroughly wanted to hate it. But now I’m hooked up so I might as well go pick up the third book now because I won’t be able to resist for long.

Favorite Line:

‘I love you, Anastasia. I will do everything in my power to protect you. I cannot imagine my life without you.’

Stars: 4 out of 5. I enjoyed it but there were still a lot of things I didn’t like and a few parts that I just skimmed.

Borrow or Buy: Buy. This is a tough call but I could see myself rereading this book. Maybe not the whole book but definitely certain parts are worth a second read. For example the house or the “hearts and flowers” scene. Totally worth a second glance.

Other Reviews

Lara’s Book Club

The Romance Bookie

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Book Review: Cursed

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

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Synopsis from Amazon:

Dying sucks–and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things–including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden’s adopted father, a man she’s sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister’s hand again. And hell, she’d also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn’t? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not’ve been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

I got this book for two reasons: one, it’s written by the same author of the Lux series that I’m obsessed with and two, it was free.

That being said I didn’t love this as much as I loved Armentrout’s other books. It was okay but it wasn’t exactly thrilling and the main character, Emma, annoyed me a little bit.

The story centers around Emma and her sister Olivia who has the ability to bring the dead back to life which comes in handy when their family gets in a car accident and Emma dies. However, bringing Emma back from the dead has it’s consequences. Everything Emma touches dies. Talk about a superpower.

This of course makes life especially difficult for Emma who’s treated as an outcast by her classmates and is only left with her one best friend, Adam, and her little sister, Olivia. She can’t even talk to her mother because ever since the accident her mother believes Emma is dead and has gone into a comatose like state only leaving her room for food and to use the restroom occasionally. Emma is thereby left to take care of herself and her little sister.

Emma’s life is thrown into even more upheaval when she meets Hayden Cromwell who tells her she’s gifted and so is her little sister. Emma has trouble believing her “death curse” is a gift but is thrown into a new world where she’s offered the chance to learn how to control her ability and have a chance a relatively normal life while also living amongst other gifted kids and people she doesn’t trust.

Unfortunately for Emma nothing comes easy and while learning to control her abilities she also has to deal with dead animals popping up in her locker and someone trying to kill her. Again.

This book had a lot of mystery going on although I was very suspicious of the culprit from the beginning and wasn’t exactly surprised by the ending. Of course there’s romance between Emma and Hayden that’s forbidden as all romances are. It found it interesting the twists and turns the book took including the mystery of what really caused the car accident that killed Emma’s father and herself and also what exactly Cromwell (Hayden’s adoptive father) wants with all these kids with special gifts.

Additionally, there’s a lot of typical drama and teenage angst as Emma, Olivia, and their mother (mainly Emma) adjust to their new life.

Overall I didn’t think this novel was fantastic but the love story between Emma and Hayden is cute. I found myself constantly frustrated with Emma however but in her defense she’s definitely goes through a lot and I can understand why she has trouble trusting anyone.

Although the novel seems to have some finality to it I think there could also be a sequel as the novel does leave us with a few unanswered questions. Even so this book came out years ago and is listed as an individual book on Armentrout’s website so a sequel probably won’t be coming, at least not anytime soon. We shall see.

Favorite Line:

“You quoted Oscar Wilde.” I smiled.

Hayden laughed. “Yeah, that was, like, the height of geekdom.”

“No. It was kind of cool.”

Stars: 3 out of 5. It was good but not spectacular.

Borrow or Buy: Borrow. It’s not worth a second read.

Other Reviews

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The Best Silver Shadows Reactions

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Books

Having read Silver Shadows a little whiles back I am so excited to have so many people to fangirl with. This book was my favorite in the series so far and I’m so glad so many people loved it as much as I did. Here’s some of the best reactions to the book I’ve seen so far. Obviously, beware the spoilers.

Many fans were ecstatic.

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Many were in tears

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Others just can’t let go

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Some were angry (but in the “How could you write this awesome book and then leave me hanging?” way)

 

Others learned a few things

And a few just didn’t know how to feel

If you haven’t read this book yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a good one. Also make sure to check out my review of the book and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Book Review: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews

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Synopsis from Amazon:

Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?” 
 
Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly!
 
In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.

Like many other girls my age I am in love with Mindy Kaling. She is so down to earth, funny, and just real. She literally says all the thoughts I have on a regular basis but in a more coherent and hilarious way.

Because I was late on The Office train I didn’t really fall in love with Kaling until The Mindy Project where she plays an OB/GYN who loves rom-coms and has plenty of dating woes. In summary, she kind of plays herself.

Kaling is much more than an actor though. She’s most well known not for acting on The Office but for writing for the show. If you haven’t watched the show that’s a shame and you should get on Netflix and watch that right now. If you have watched the show then you know it’s freaking hilarious and Kaling is a bit of a comic genius. This isn’t to say she’s responsible for every episode written. That’s not the case. However she did play a big enough role for me to say she’s a comic genius.

Now to her book. I absolutely loved it. I got the audio book because truthfully I got the 30 day trial of Audible and I figured who’s voice is better to listen to on the Subway than Mindy Kaling’s. Answer: no one. Well maybe Tina Fey but I didn’t think about that until after I bought Kaling’s book.

Either way I didn’t regret using one of my free Audible credits on Kaling’s book because as I suspected she kept me laughing the whole time. From addressing listeners directly telling us that it shouldn’t really take us that long to finish the audiobook and if it takes us months we have a problem, to just being very open and honest about her life. I truly enjoyed this book.

What’s great about this autobiography is Kaling keeps it real in a way that’s not self-loathing or self-pitying but is more like, “These are the facts and they were actually pretty funny in hindsight.” For example, when telling us how an exchange student made fun of her for her weight she didn’t say it in “feel bad for me way” or a “this is why you must always ignore bullies” teaching way. Instead she says this guys sucks and he later got what was coming to him when he broke his leg and was no longer the soccer star he once was and dropped out of high school.

Basically, Kaling says everything you’ve probably thought but out loud. She’s rude, aggressive, and somewhat abrasive but all in fun. She gives it to you straight and doesn’t sugar coat things. She’s also pretty strange. For example, she tells readers exactly what she wants at her funeral and has her friend, Mike Schur (creator of Parks and Rec, amongst other awesome things), even write (and read) a eulogy for her.

Besides just generally talking about her life Kaling also gives some sound advice although she lets you know early one that she probably shouldn’t be trusted to give advice. Maybe the whole “the best revenge is acid in the face” thing isn’t so great but the not worrying about being popular in high school is definitely gold. She’s also all about being confident and loving you for you which is something I can definitely support.

If you haven’t read this book you should definitely get to it especially since she’s currently in the process of releasing a new one (thank God!). There are definitely benefits to the audio book as you get to hear Kaling, along with Schur, B.J. Novak, and Brenda Winters tell the story but there’s also drawbacks such as not seeing all the photos in the book. However, as Kaling herself states you can just run to a bookstore real quick and flip through the book to see the photos she discusses in the book. Either way definitely a must read and worth every cent (or Audible credit).

Favorite Line:

One friend with whom you have a lot in common is better than three with whom you struggle to find things to talk about.

Stars: 5 out of 5. Absolutely loved this book. Awesome!

Borrow or Buy: Buy, duh. You’ll definitely want to refer back to some of these quotes at some point in your life. Make sure you have the book close at hand when that happens.

Other Reviews

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Book Review: Insurgent

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Books

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*This book is part of my Dystopia Book Challenge*

Synopsis from Amazon:

Now includes an excerpt from the upcoming Four: A Divergent Collection.

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris’s initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful.

Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth’s much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

If you thought Divergent was good, you’ll be blown away by it’s sequel.

Insurgent begins right where Divergent left off with Tris, Tobias, Peter, Marcus, and Caleb arriving in the Amity camp looking for refuge. Although the Amity is willing to help them there’s some conditions: they can’t fight with anyone and the Amity will remain neutral in the conflict between Erudite and every other faction.

Obviously for three on edge Dauntless refugees keeping the peace is easier said than done. I won’t go into anymore detail in an attempt to keep this review spoiler free but Tris and Tobias are forced to confront their own fears and multiple obstacles throughout this book.

Tris is still recovering from killing Will and is having a heard time dealing with her guilt and grief and Tobias has been keeping way more secrets than just his true name. These two struggle with being honest with each other and it puts major dents in their relationship. They just could not keep it together. They were very up and down the whole book but I enjoyed every second of it.

Besides their relationship drama this book was filled with betrayals, surprises, plot twists, great fight scenes, and finally a fantastic cliff hanger. Thanks for putting me on an emotional roller coaster Veronica Roth. I really appreciate it.

Honestly what I loved most about this book, especially, was after reading so many dystopias this book was still a little on the depressing side but was also so packed with action, romance, and funny quips that I really liked it and didn’t feel like curling into a ball and crying when it ended. Actually, I did want to curl up in a ball and cry when I finished it because I realized I was number 60 on the wait list for Allegiant and I’m very impatient.

Overall, definitely a must read. I greatly enjoyed Insurgent even more than Divergent and I’m very anxious to learn what happens next and how this will all end.

Favorite Line:

I am his, and he is mine, and it has been that way all along.

Stars: 5 out of 5. I really enjoyed this book. I don’t remember how long it took me to finish exactly but I know it wasn’t long because I couldn’t put it down. This was one of those books where I caught myself smiling at it on the Subway and quickly changed my face so people wouldn’t think I was crazy.

Borrow or Buy: Buy. I don’t think I would actually sit down and read this WHOLE book over again but there’s definitely some scenes that I just need to read 100 more times before I can truly be satisfied.

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Rachel Turns Pages

Book Review: Plague

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Books

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*This book is part of my Dystopia Book Challenge*

Synopsis from Amazon:

It’s been eight months since all the adults disappeared. Gone. They’ve survived hunger. They’ve survived lies. But the stakes keep rising, and the dystopian horror keeps building in Plague, Michael Grant’s fourth book in the New York Times bestselling Gone series.

A highly contagious fatal illness is spreading at an alarming rate, while sinister, predatory insects terrorize Perdido Beach. Sam, Astrid, Diana, and Caine are plagued by a growing doubt that they’ll escape—or even survive—life in the FAYZ. With so much turmoil surrounding them, what desperate choices will they make when it comes to saving themselves and those they love?

Just when I think these books can’t get any crazier or darker they do. After reading this and then Insurgent I had to take a break from dystopias. Too depressing.

Even so, I did enjoy this book. It brought me down because it was so nerve racking and crazy but it was overall well written.

In the fourth installment of the Gone series the FAYZ kids are struggling to keep it together. Between the Brittney/Drake monster breaking loose, a plague hitting kids left and right that Lana can’t heal, and new bugs that are very difficult to kill these kids are being attacked on all sides.

In Lies  Sam lost it but this time it was Astrid who completely crumbles and with good reason. She has a lot on her plate. Even after walking away from the council people still look at her as the Genius. Also, her boyfriend really wants to have sex but it goes against her morals. And she has to take care of her autistic brother who has these crazy powers and is also getting sick. Of course, she’s going to be stressed.

This book really broke my heart and I felt for these kids. I wanted to just reach into the book and save them. Plus sometimes they would genuinely have happy moments and then everything would just come crashing back down again and they’d be crushed and then I was crushed. I was on an emotional roller coaster throughout the whole novel.

Despite it’s gloomy parts this book still had the comic and loving moments that have been in all the other novels and that’s what made this book enjoyable for me. Even with all the bad these kids were going through they still found it in themselves to laugh, have fun, and love.

So far this was the darkest book in the series and I can’t even begin to imagine what’s going to happen next or how this is all going to end. I just hope my favorites (Astrid, Sam, Dekka, and Diana) make it all the way to the end of the FAYZ. If it does end that is.

Favorite Line: 

“Yeah. A feeling. Like the whole point of my life from the alleys in Bangkok to the yachts and private island to coming here like a crazy person trying to fly a helicopter like all of it from birth to here point A to point Z was all some big cosmic trick to get me to meet you.”

Stars: 3 out of 5. This book was a little too dark for my taste. It was greatly written but I need to read something a little more up lifting.

Borrow or Buy: Borrow. I didn’t love this one as much as I’ve loved some of the others.

Other Reviews:

The Book Smugglers

Teen Reads

Cuddlebuggery

Author Spotlight: Katie Sise

Posted on by Zakiya N. Jamal in Author Spotlights
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Source: Twitter

Katie Sise is multitalented. She makes and sells her own jewelry, been on TV, and has written both nonfiction and fiction books. I had the pleasure of talking to her and learning about her writing, her newest books, her jewelry making, and much more.

What first inspired you to start writing?

“I’ve always loved to write. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing, even as early as seven and eight-years-old. Writing [is] how I understand the world. I always loved stories as a little kid, and still do today. That need to tell a story is what inspires me to write.”

What was the transition from writing a nonfiction book (Creative Girl) to a fiction novel (The Boyfriend App) like?

“Writing fiction is so different from writing nonfiction, which I learned the hard way. I practiced writing fiction for years before The Boyfriend App clicked. Writing fiction every day was how I learned what worked plot-wise, how to create characters, and how to pace a story. I’m still making mistakes and learning with each new book.”

What was the inspiration behind The Boyfriend App?

“I wanted to create an intelligent heroine whose smarts get her into trouble, and then gets her out of it. I also love exploring the effects that technology has on our lives, and this was a fun way to do it.”

What is the sequel to The Boyfriend App about?

“The Pretty App is a companion novel told from Blake Dawkin’s perspective. Blake is Audrey’s sort-of nemesis in The Boyfriend App, so it was a lot of fun to get inside her head and write from her POV. The Pretty App is the story of Blake’s wild and crazy journey to a reality television show in LA based on the premise of The Pretty App, which is another out-of-control app that makes users their most beautiful selves but in a controversial way.”

Are you working on any other novels right now?

“I’m working on a brand new series – I can’t share too much about that one yet, but I’m hoping readers who liked The Boyfriend App will like this one, too.”

Besides writing you also make jewelry. What first got you interested in that profession?

“I’ve always loved creative projects, and when I was in my early twenties I especially loved fashion. I was working in a clothing boutique, and a customer asked how much the necklace I was wearing cost. I’d made the necklace myself but she still wanted to buy it so I quoted a price, she bought it, and the rest was history. The owner of the boutique was very supportive; she cleared a shelf for me and allowed me to start selling my pieces there. Being in her store (Dernier Cri) led to all kinds of fun creative work: I started doing television hosting for style segments, then wrote Creative Girl because of the combination of jewelry and television work, which really then led to writing fiction. I owe a lot to that boutique owner, who I’m still close friends with today.”

Where can fans buy your jewelry?

http://www.katharinesise.com

Outside of writing and jewelry making, what do you do in your free time?

“I read, obsess over movies and my favorite TV shows, and spend time with my family.”

Who are your favorite authors and what are some of your favorite books to read?

I love Kieran Scott’s writing, and particularly love her new book, Only Everything. I also can’t wait for Anna Carey’s Blackbird. This summer I brought Jen Calonita’s Summer State of Mind to the pool and Tana French is my favorite adult writer.”

Do you have any advise for aspiring writers?

“Keep writing! Every day. Set a word goal for yourself ([try] 1000 words per day) and stick to it. You can write an entire book that way in less than three months.”

Is there anything else you would like to add or say to fans?

“Thank you for reading!”

 

Follow her on Twitter and check her out on Facebook.