Tuesday, September 26, 2017

The Creeps by Fran Krause

Synopsis
Title: The Creeps
Series: Deep Dark Fears Collection #2
Author: Fran Krause
Pages: 144
Published: September 26th 2017
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genre: Graphic Novel/Horror/Humor
My Rating: 5/5
Add To: Goodreads

A follow-up to the New York Times best-selling Deep Dark Fears: a second volume of comics based on people’s quirky, spooky, hilarious, and terrifying fears.

Illustrator, animator, teacher, and comic artist Fran Krause has touched a collective nerve with his wildly popular web comic series–and subsequent New York Times best-selling book–Deep Dark Fears. Here he brings readers more of the creepy, funny, and idiosyncratic fears they love illustrated in comic form–such as the fear that your pets will tell other animals all your embarrassing secrets, or that someone uses your house while you’re not home–as well as two longer comic short-stories about ghosts.
My Thoughts
★★★★★ Stars
I received this book in return for a honest review

I just got this book today and I couldn't help myself. I read it the second I got it.
It was a super fast read but memorable. This book will stay with you the rest of your life. 

I didn't know it was book two to a series which is a sad. Now I need to hunt down book one, because I don't want to miss anything. Haha. If it is anything like this, It is worth the read.

I like books like this... Not that I have ever seen a book like this before. I'm just saying if there are others like this, it's good. It shows that any crazy fear you may have, you're not alone. While reading this, I honestly couldn't help thinking that because I was called weird for so long with some of my fears. Now it turns out, I'm not alone. So that is a plus. Lol

I admit, some of these tickled me. I laughed a good bit. Like the parent who told their kid steam was the pig's ghost. Lol I couldn't help but laugh. I mean, who says that to someone? And where in the world did THEY hear it. 

Either way, I absolutely loved this book. I'm amazed how much I loved it really. 

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Synopsis

Title: Love & Gelato
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Pages: 389
Published: May 3rd 2016
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary
My Rating: 4/5
Add To: Goodreads

I made the wrong choice.

Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, but she isn’t in the mood for Italy’s famous sunshine and fairy-tale landscape. She’s only there because it was her mother’s dying wish that she get to know her father. But what kind of father isn’t around for sixteen years? All Lina wants to do is get back home.

But then she is given a journal that her mom had kept when she lived in Italy. Suddenly Lina’s uncovering a magical world of secret romances, art, and hidden bakeries. A world that inspires Lina, along with the ever-so-charming Ren, to follow in her mother’s footsteps and unearth a secret that has been kept for far too long. It’s a secret that will change everything she knew about her mother, her father—and even herself.

People come to Italy for love and gelato, someone tells her, but sometimes they discover much more.


My Thoughts
★★★★ Stars

Turns out there's a reason they call it falling in love, because when it happens—really happens—that's exactly how it feels. There's no doing or trying, you just let go and hope that someone's going to be there to catch you.


There are exactly two emotions while reading this book. They are:

and 


This book was so stinkin' cute! I admit for the longest time, I put off getting it because I really thought it would be terrible (because I really don't like contemporary mainly and it just didn't sound that interesting to me.) 

*waits for the angry crowd to quiet down* 

Horrible of me, I know. Happy to let y'all know, I was totally wrong about that. Lol. Everyone I know whether they were on goodreads, Instagram, Facebook, pretty much everyone who had the book long before me, absolutely loved this book. So I broke down and bought it. So. Freaking. Glad. I Did. 

Love & Gelato was beautiful. It's this magical thing (for lack of a better word) that makes you feel like you are really there. You are Lina. Every up and down she goes through just rips at your heart and doesn't let go. There is no possible way you can actually put the book down because .. well... there is just no way. Lol You want to know what happens. You NEED to know. 

Every character is unforgettable. I have never read a book before where I can remember every character big OR little because they made such a impact. 

I only had one single issue with this book and that was the whole Ren and Lina bit at the end. I hated that people all knew he had a girlfriend and they still told Lina to "go for it!" to try to win him. Like he is a prize or something. That just bugs me. The whole "go for it" bit was almost enough to ruin this book for me because you are legit telling her it is okay to flirt/hit-on someone who is already in a relationship. Which made me see Lina as a homewreaker. It turned my stomach. I wanted to stop reading but I am glad it all worked out in the end. But it still doesn't change the fact that these grown-ups were telling her that it was totally okay to pursue him. I can see WHY they did but that still doesn't make it right. 

That was literally the only problem I had with this book. Besides that, it was a gripping, heart tugging, unforgettable ride. I wish I could put my feelings into words about how the ending felt. It was bittersweet. Like seeing a friend off, who is about to start this amazing life. It gives you warm fuzzy feelings but is also kinda sad.

I loved this book. I would recommend it. 

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Synopsis

Title: Finding Audrey
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Pages: 286
Published: June 9th 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary/Mental Illness
My Rating: 4/5
Add To: Goodreads

An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.

My Thoughts
★★★★ Stars

Eye contact is a big deal. It's the biggest deal. Just the thought makes me feel sick, right down to my core.

I actually finished this book a few days ago but I have still been trying to process my thoughts on this book. The book was great, don't get me wrong. It's just that is was SO great that is the problem. Lol

I don't know what took me so long to read this. I remember seeing it around in a lot of stores and in the library and I always glanced at it but never picked it up. This time, I couldn't help myself and I am glad I got it because, oh my gosh, Finding Audrey is freaking amazing!

I want to say the problem I had with the book is that whatever happened to her wasn't addressed. The reader doesn't know what happened to her so it makes it kinda hard to connect with her. All we know is something REALLY BAD happened and everyone has to tiptoe to not trigger her. But as someone with severe anxiety, I get  why it was written that way. I understand how damaging and dangerous it can be. But on the other hand, I feel like someone who doesn't have anxiety or depression won't understand it so it would be harder for them to connect with her.
I'm really hoping that makes sense. Lol

At some points, I hated all the characters except Frank. On the other hand, I loved them all. Because to me, they all represented some form of mental illness. Though I doubt the author meant for them to be that, that is just how I see them. OCD, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bi-polar.... the works. Lol
And they weren't really ashamed of it. They were just "that" family. And I loved that.

Mental illness is such a sensitive subject. There is so much stigma. So it's always like a breath of fresh air when you read a book that hits the nail on the head that shows it's real. That is does happen. But it's also something you can work with and manage and overcome.

I really loved the ending of this book. I really hope everyone that reads it, finishes it. Because I admit there were times when I wanted to put it down for a while. (Mainly because of the mom and checked out dad) but i literally couldn't put it down. I needed to know how it would end. And the ending did not disappoint. This has got to be one of the most happiest endings I have ever read. Ever.

I would recommend this book.



***IN ADDITION*** 
(possible spoilers, be warned)

Because I know I will get some hate somewhere that she got "better" because of a "boy" and I would just like to say that is only part true. Here is my thought on it.
After what happened to her, I wouldn't doubt she has trust issues with girls. Even with her best friend. I think if Linus had been a girl, Audrey would still be in her din with her glasses on.

Linus was the key to helping her get better. Because her family and therapist couldn't. She said it herself that they were her safe place. So of course they wouldn't push her and if they did, she could easily ignore them or walk away.

At first I despised Linus. Because of all the things he said. I couldn't help but to hate him. But the more he came around, he helped set goals for her and she never had to do them alone. He also made them fun to do. He showed her "I can do it, you can too." and I think that is important to someone with anxiety. And if things went wrong, he helped. And by that, I do mean what he did in Starbucks. that was really awesome of him to do.

That's just my thought on it though.

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Top Ten Clues You're Clueless by Liz Czukas

Synopsis

Title: Top Ten Clues You're Clueless
Author: Liz Czukas
Pages: 304
Published: December 9th 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary
My Rating: 4/5
Add To: Goodreads

Top Five Things That Are Ruining Chloe’s Day
5) Working the 6:30 a.m. shift at GoodFoods Market
4) Crashing a cart into a customer’s car right in front of her snarky coworker Sammi
3) Trying to rock the “drowned rat” look after being caught in a snowstorm
2) Making zero progress with her crush, Tyson (see #3)
1) Being accused—along with her fellow teenage employees—of stealing upwards of $10,000
Chloe would rather be anywhere than locked in work jail (aka the break room) with five of her coworkers . . . even if one of them is Tyson. But if they can band together to clear their names, what looks like a total disaster might just make Chloe’s list of Top Ten Best Moments.

My Thoughts
★★★★ Stars

Before I can think any more about it, I lean into him and press my lips to his. I kiss him like I actually know what I'm doing. Like I've thrown myself at dozens off guys before - or, better yet, like dozens of them have thrown themselves at me[...]

I found this book at the library and thought "eh why not" - not like I would be FORCED to keep reading if I didn't like it. I really didn't think I would. But surprisingly, I really really liked it. 

Top Ten Clues You're Clueless was a cute and quick read. Though don't get me wrong, it had a few issues. Though I think they are more personal reasons than not. Because I'm sure others could read the same thing and it not bother them at all.

I didn't get the name of the book. It really doesn't seem to fit. But whatever. I mean Green Day had a CD called Dookie. So I guess it's whatever you feel that day, huh? Hahha! Anyway. 

I liked the characters. When it first started, I wasn't so sure about Chloe. But the more I read, the more I really did see her as the typical teenager. She ended up being a really good hearted (is that even a word? If not, sorry.)  person. 

As we read, we find out that Chloe is a diabetic and I was actually getting kinda mad because she always seemed to just brush it off like it was nothing. So at the end when it showed how dangerous it can be I was really happy about that. Not happy it happened but happy it showed that is can be dangerous and you should take good care of yourself. No matter what anyone else may or may not think. 

Another issue I had was around page 95 when she was talking about customers. While it talks about men and woman, when it gets to the mom, it points out that she was white. And I don't understand why. As if any other race would have done anything different. I don't understand why it was important for just her race to be pointed out and everyone else be plain "men" and "women" . She couldn't be just a "mom" she had to be a *white/black/brown/purple/blue/some unimportant detail* mom. 

Other than that, I really did like this book. I loved the divers characters and I love the bond and trials that grew between them. At the end, I really loved how something so bad can cause such a strong friendship bond. It's amazing how you can be around some people -whether it's working or at school and you never really talk to each other or you even have but don't like each other and something happens that draws you together. It's something you can't help but to love. Lol

As for who did it... I didn't see that coming. I thought from the second it happened I knew who did it and my thought NEVER changed till the second that all found out. That was mind blowing.

Mystery Blogger Award

Ello, hello, howdy, and ..well... hi.


As you can pretty much tell I was nominated. But who oh who sweet dearies lit the black flame candle? Hmmm. It really is no secret that I loved being tagged/nominated. Lol. I love doing these things for some reason. Why? I don't know. Maybe because it gives me many reasons to be as random as possible in a normally quite controlled professional setting. Lol. Not today though *runs wild eating cupcakes* - because what is life without cupcakes?! MINE! ALL MINE! ... kidding. you can have one. ONE! Mwahahah.... wait. Oh! Witches. Ghouls. Ghosts. and Totes? I welcome you, the wicked lovely Esther!! Yes! She is the one who nominated me! *happy dance*



For the ones who don't know what the Mystery Blogger Award is;
"Mystery Blogger Award" is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging; and they do it with so much love and passion.
- Okoto Enigma, the creator of this award

Rules


  • Put the award logo/image on your blog
  • List the rules
  • Thank whoever nominated you and provide a link to their blog
  • Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well
  • Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
  • You have to nominate 10-20 people
  • Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog
  • Ask your nominees any 5 questions of your choice; with one weird or funny question (specify)
  • Share a link to your best post(s)

3 Things About Me


  • I actually prefer questionnaires than someone asking me to tell them about myself. At least with a questionnaire you can tell them things they are actually interested in instead of boring them to death with facts that are really just off the wall things that you think is cool or something. Lol 


  • People often ask why I read mainly Young Adult books - so in case you wonder as well it's because Adult books suck. To me, they do. Because when you read straight fiction or something, it has a never ending flow of cussing and sex. I can't help but to think "It IS possible to keep a reader entertained and hooked without all the cussing and sex." I really wanted to add a Dawson's Creek quote here where Dawson was talking about he doesn't understand everyone's obsession with sex because if it was really important then it would have been in a Spielberg film (I don't know if there were or not, I'm just trying to quote Dawson, not Spielberg).... But I can't find the whole quote but hopefully you get what I mean. Lol


  • I have severe anxiety and depression that it actually affects my memories and causes time loss. It's not fun and it's the hardest thing to explain to someone who doesn't realize that it's actually a thing. that it happens and you have literally zero control over it. It makes you feel like you have no control over your life. 


  • And a random one to grow on - I have a odd obsession with New Orleans (home is where the heart is I guess. Lol) I also have a obsession bookish candles and other bookish things. I want them all! Haha


My Questions from Esther

  • If you could recommend me one book that I would HAVE TO READ one day, which one would it be?

Oh man. That is a tough one. There are literally so many I love. I want to say Rose Petal Graves by Olivia Wildenstein but that isn't always everyone's cup of coffee. So, I would go with the Grey Wolves series by Quin Loftis. Yes. Series. Because if you read book one and like it, you will binge read the rest of the series. Lol I've yet to meet a person who hasn't.


  • What's the last book that made you cry so hard?

Books don't make me cry so when I say The Fault In Our Stars made me cry, I mean I ugly cried for HOURS. Even after I finished the book. I was sobbing so hard my face was purple.
*I want to throw in Rose Petal Graves did make me tear up a bit at one part, does that count? Lol


  • What's the last book that made you laugh so hard?

The Grey Wolves series by Quin Loftis. Hands down. Jen's character will have you rolling.


  • What book/bookseries are you most proud to have on your shelves?

If you mean I have no shame repping them and showing them off proudly - that would be Twilight. I have all the books, the game, the journal, ect. Lol but if you mean just in general I'm proud to have them.... I can't choose. I love all of my books. And I admit, I don't have the most updated books, but I am glad for what I do have. I have been saving so many books for so many years. I've had 90's books like Goosebumps, Sweet Valley High, and Fear Street passed down to me, so they hold a special place. Even if some are falling apart. I love all my books.


  • What's the last book that you DNF?

Probably about to be the one I am reading now (or trying to read) The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenni Fagan. I received the book in return for a honest review and I always try my hardest to finish the books. But this one, I am still only on chapter two, and it just gives me a headache. It's heartbreaking because it had sounded so promising.

My Nominees
And anyone else who wants to do this. 

My Questions For You

  • What are your thoughts on Booktubes? If you like them, why? If you don't like them, why?
  • If a zombie outbreak happen and you could only have 5 books, what would they be?
  • What are your thoughts about racism in books? Should there be more books about it or do you think there is enough in our own lives?
  • Do you think book merch is important to show how big of a fan you are?
  • If you could give advise to any publishing company out there, what would it be?



My best post(s)
I honestly don't think I have any. If you have a favorite of mine, please let me know. I would love to see if anyone likes any certain post. Lol


Friday, September 1, 2017

{Review} Halloween Carnival Volume 1 by Brian James Freeman

Synopsis
Title: Halloween Carnival Volume 1
Series: Halloween Carnival Volume 1
Author: Robert McCammon, Kevin Lucia, John Little, Lisa Morton, Mark Allan Gunnells, Brian James Freeman
Genre: Horror/Short Stories
My Rating: 2/5
Add To: Goodreads

STRANGE CANDY by Robert McCammon
Chocolate bars and sour suckers are trick-or-treat staples, but beware the odd sweet at the bottom of your bag. You never know who it’s from—or what it might do to you.

THE RAGE OF ACHILLES by Kevin Lucia
Father Ward should have heeded the warnings about hearing confession on All Hallow’s Eve. Because a man is about to tell him a secret more haunting than any he has heard before.

DEMON AIR by John R. Little
Fear of flying is not uncommon. But on this transpacific airline, the real danger isn’t the flight itself. It’s whoever—or whatever—is up in the air with you.

LA HACIENDA DE LOS MUERTOS by Lisa Morton
Trick McGrew, former cowboy star of the silver screen, has never believed in tall tales. But down in Mexico, the land of La Llorona, he’s about to find out just how real urban legends can be.

#MAKEHALLOWEENSCARYAGAIN by Mark Allan Gunnells
Some people will go to any lengths to rack up retweets, likes, and follows on social media, no matter who they end up hurting . . . or even killing.

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