Pages

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Best and Worst of 2014

Sadly, I read hardly any books this year but there were some great ones. Since I read so little I won't name the top 10 best books but the top 5. And...just because it's me, I'll name the top 5 worst books I read too. Enjoy! 

Top 5 Best Books

 The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
This was one of those books that everyone loved so I went into it very skeptically. There was no need. I adored it. I know it's cliche to say but it was such a page turner! 

 

Mind Games and Perfect Lies by Kiersten White
Holy moly! I loved theses ones! I was so entranced by them and utterly heartbroken when it ended. I want more!!! 


Cruel Beauty by Rosamud Hodge 
I just now noticed that that's a rose coming out of the stairs on the cover. Anywho, this was the most beautiful, resonating book for me this year. I adored it. Read this book!!! 


The Ghost and the Goth (ghost and the goth 3) by Stacey Kade 
I love Will and by the end I even liked Alona. I'll miss these guys. Such a fun series! 


Odd Interlude by Dean Koontz
I really don't think I have to explain myself on this one. ;)

Top 5 Worst books


The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr
This one wasn't THAT bad but just because I usually love Sara Zarr's books and this one was so...yick, it's going to have to go on the list. 


Into You by Riley J. Ford
Ugh, this one, you guys, this one was just so...awful. It was completely unbelievable. And not the mind reading thing but the relationships and interactions etc. 


Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Sorry. I know there's those of you that loved this one. I liked the creepy pictures and at first it started off so promising and then...it felt like a freaking middle grade book. Ugh, just shelf this one in middle grade. I don't hate middle grade books I just don't like to think I'm reading a YA book only to find out it's written more for 10 year olds. Yuck! 


The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
Way too long and way too much telling not showing. 


I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
This one actually had some good things about it. It wasn't very exciting and hardly anything happened but there was something about the monotony, poor shell shocked Robert Neville and the ending that made me almost like it but when all is said and done, I'd recommend the move. At least it offers some hope. 


There you have it! Here's to a great reading year ahead of us. Happy New Years! 

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Rest of the Year Mini Reviews

Well, I'm going to try to do better on this blogging thing. I miss you guys! So I thought I'd catch you up on the pathetic number of books I read since my last post and commit to doing more blogging and reading in 2015. 

The World's Strongest Librarian
I read this one for book club and had the opportunity to have the author himself come to our little book club and talk to us. While the book its self was entertaining and easy to read I had a hard time liking the author. He seemed so whiny and hopeless. When I met him it definitely helped to make me like him a little better. I'd recommend this one. 

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy 4) 
Still enjoying this series but this one actually drove me quite crazy. It was too long and too slow. Rose became complacent for way too long. It was like, come on already! Finally she starts making some progress again but the big "twist" at the ending...meh. I saw it coming from a mile away. 

I Am Legend
Wow. Totally different than the movie. Almost nothing happens in this one and it turns out to be utterly hopeless at the end. I was sadly disappointed. Just stick with the movie on this one.


Pope Joan
The idea of this one, they myth behind it...utterly fascinating. The actual execution...eh. I had a hard time giving a dang about the characters. I wanted to be more invested in them but I just didn't care. The afterward was probably the best part in the book. Not sure if that's a good thing. 

 The Fault in Our Stars
Hold on to your hats, people. I didn't hate this John Green book! I know, I know, I'm just as shocked as you. I actually enjoyed this one. However, and this isn't a reflection on the book...I don't think, anway, I didn't cry. Not one tear. Not one lump in the throat. Maybe I has just been too pre-warned I'd cry or maybe I'm a cold hearted...well, anyway. Either way I didn't shed a tear and I saw the twist coming  long before I read the book. 

Mad Love
While the story and characters in this one were very cute, I thought the writing felt slightly amateurish. Still, I'd recommend it for the fun story.  There's also a good dose of issues that make it pull a few more heartstrings. 

The Shepherd, The Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog
This short, fast read is a must around Christmas time. I read it in a half hour a few days before Christmas and laughed and cried. It's absolutely adorable. 


And there it is folks, the few books I read since my last post. I did do a reread of Catcher in the Rye and highly recommend it. I love it! Here's to a better book blogging and reading year to come. See you around!