Short Review: Karma by Cathy Ostlere

Synopsis: On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi is gunned down by two Sikh bodyguards. The murder sparks riots in Delhi and for three days Sikh families are targeted and killed in retribution for the Prime Minister’s death. It is into this chaos that sixteen-year-old Maya and her Sikh father, Amar, arrive from their home in Canada. India’s political instability is the backdrop and catalyst for Maya’s awakening to the world. KARMA is the story of how a young woman, straddling two cultures and enduring personal loss, learns forgiveness, acceptance and love.






Book Details: 
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Pub. Date: 3/31/11
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 528


My Review:
Well this is going to be a really short review for a really long book. I liked that it was written in verse, and because of this I actually felt like I was reading it pretty quickly. There was only one problem I had with this book, it took me forever to get into it. When I did get into this novel I really liked it. The subject matter is based on true events and the story was just sad. It made me appreciate the life that I have. There was a little love story in this book and the connection between the MC and the boy was sweet. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a book written in verse. Nice debut from Cathy Ostlere. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Synopsis: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18B. Hadley's in 18A. 

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Book Details:

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Poppy)

Pub. Date: Jan 2, 2012

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 236

My Review:

When I first saw the cover and read the synopsis for The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, I knew immediately that the statistical probability of loving this debut novel would be pretty high. And guess what, I was absolutely right! 

As soon as I got this book I quickly sat down to read it. The story was fast paced, and oh how I wish the book was longer than it was. In my opinion the book was too short. Well, really it was the ending that was too short. It has me begging for a sequel. I'd love to spend more time with all the characters. 

Jennifer E. Smith did a fantastic job on her debut. She excellently told a story about love. This is one of the many reasons why I love her book. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is not only about the romantic kind of love, but it's also about the love between family members. The dialogue between the characters was fun, flirty, serious, sad, and angry. The love interest, Oliver, made me laugh a lot because he was just so cute, charming, and funny. I can tell how Hadley fell for him. I mean come on he is BRITISH! Hadley was a great MC too. I was able to relate to her and sympathize with her. I was rooting for everything to work out for her. 


After reading The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight I am now a believer of chance and love at first sight. There were many great lessons I took from this book, like tell people how you really feel about them or you'll end up living with regret. Another lesson; there is always more to the story than what people believe too. If you're looking for a fun and cute book to read then this is the book to read. 

Review: Are You Going to Kiss Me Now? by Sloane Tanen

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): Being marooned on an island somewhere off the coast of Madagascar with five celebrities sounds romantic and glamorous, right?

Wrong.
You couldn't find people with fewer survival skills if you tried. Seriously. Cisco may have centerfold abs, but he can't even spell SOS. At least super-sexy Jonah seems to have a clue (too bad about the purity ring). If I'm stuck here much longer, these self-involved head cases might drive me crazy-assuming they don't insult each other to death first. It's like a group therapy edition of Survivor.

At this point, I'm pretty convinced that all celebrities should be caged in Hollywood and confined to the pages of US magazine. And, btw, if you're there, God, it's me, Francesca, and I really want to go home.
Help!


Book Details:
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pub. Date: May 1, 2011
Format: Paperback
Pages: 354

My Review: The first thing I have to say about this book is that everything about it was misleading. The cover, the title, the synopsis... they are pointed to a fun, romantic comedy. In reality, what I got was a book full of bickering and I would say zero romance.

Its has been about a month or two since I finished reading Are You Going to Kiss Me Now? and I can honestly I say there is still a ton of mixed feelings present about this book. While it was not at all what I was expecting, I found myself glued to the pages. For some reason I can't explain or put my finger on while I didn't really like the book I just could not stop reading it! I don't recall a time where this has ever happened to me. So kudos to Sloane for accomplishing this feat.

Now, I'm about to talk about a mild spoiler! The ending was like the only best part of the story. While all the secrets the celebrities held are revealed and they all become close like a family, those two things almost made 300 pages of bickering and griping worth it. But I do understand how celebrities could be so miserable stranded on an island without all the luxuries they are use to having. Oh, and the actions of most of the celebrites and the main character were just awful. I really didn't like how they all took advantage of each other. I didn't like how and why the main character gave up her virginity.

Also, I felt that there was no plot. Sure they all wanted to get rescued but still I couldn't find any major or subplots. I don't know about anyone else, but I need a plot! If I were the publisher I would seriously consider changing the title of this novel.

Aside from all the things that were bothering me with this novel, I did find it somewhat enjoyable when I accepted the fact that it was not the book I was expecting to read. By the end I was able to sympathize with most of the characters. I found Jonah and his dad to be the most sincere people out of the bunch. Everyone was a wreck, but I was glad to see that they all took their experience on the island and changed themselves and their lives for the better.

Where does the time go?

Hi everyone! Boy does the time fly by. It feels like just yesterday that I was celebrating the new year. Yet, another new year is right around the corner. It has been too long since I last posted on this blog. For that I am greatly sorry. I never wanted to leave you guys hanging. I just really felt like I needed break. One of the reasons as to why I have not been blogging lately is that I'm more into trying to reach my goal for year of 50 books. Last year I had read 56 book! I felt defeated, because at the start of the year I had made my goal 56 but school has been kicking my butt so I had to lower it to 50. Yet, I'm still finding it hard to keep up with the lowered reading goal. Right now I'm basically 4 books behind. So in my rush to try to read as many books as I can to catch up blogging has taken a back seat. 


I do have so many books to gush about and discuss with you guys. I've read an equal amount of books I totally adore and books that were just okay. Also. have you seen the book trailer for Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi? Well I saw it when they released it and was blown away it was so awesome. I wasn't even expecting an updated trailer. What are your thoughts about it? If you have yet to see it here it is: 



Also, today I saw the trailer for Everneath by Brodi Ashton. I feel like a little kid, because I was absolutely fascinated by the use of smoke in the trailer. 




There is one book that is about to hit shelves very soon. This book would be The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. If you didn't know I reviewed this fun and adorable book. You can check out my review here. The trailer for the book was released three days ago. I think the trailer is cute but there was one thing that was bothering me. The person doing the voice over did not sound like a teenager or a even a young adult to me. No offense to the person! The voice just sounded like it came from someone more mature and sophisticated than a teenager would be. Anyways here's the trailer and when you're done watching please tell me what your opinions are on any of the trailers.



Last but not least, Wednesday, 11/16, was my blog's two year anniversary! So happy birthday to my blog! Yay! I'm looking forward to another wonderful book year with you guys. :) 

Eve Book Trailer + A GORGEOUS Book Cover

The book trailer for Eve by Anna Carey was just released today. Take a look at it here:


I love the book's trailer. It really does capture what the book is about. In case you missed my blog tour stops for Eve you can check them out here and here.

While browsing Goodreads I saw that the cover for Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock was revealed. The cover is simply gorgeous! I love the color scheme, the beautiful purple dress, the pretty blue flowers, the background, and the model's hair style. I can't wait to read Hemlock! I just don't know if I'll be able to wait until next year, Hemlock is expected to be released early summer 2012. For more information about Hemlock you can check out its Goodreads page.

Blog Tour Book Review: Eve by Anna Carey

Synopsis: 

Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

In this epic new series, Anna Carey imagines a future that is both beautiful and terrifying. Readers will revel in Eve’s timeless story of forbidden love and extraordinary adventure.

Book Details: 

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pub. Date: October 4, 2011

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 336

My Review:

To begin this review I want to say that Eve by Anna Carey was everything I expected it to be and then some. When I first sat down to read Eve I was only going to read the chapter one. Boy was I wrong, because I ended up reading 13 chapters. I had to force myself to quit reading that night due to homework and sleep. Ok, I guess the fact that Eve immediately gripped me was a surprise.

I enjoyed every single step of Eve's journey for a new life. What would you do if you found out everything that you've been told your whole life was a lie? Eve discovers the truth about what really happens to girls after they graduate from school. Instead of having others tell her what her life will be, she decides to take her future into her own hands. I really loved how this is a story about independence and new discoveries. 

Eve's journey for the life that she wants is not an easy one. The fact that she is not just any girl on the run makes the journey that much more difficult. Along her journey she makes alliances and friendships. Because when you're out in the wild you sure don't want to be alone to find shelter, food, and face enemies. The plot of this book will have anyone hanging on the edge, and reading like there is no tomorrow just to find out how it all works out for Eve. 

Aside from the plot, I loved all the characters. I loved Eve's friends at her school even if they were barely in the book. I loved Arden even though I didn't really care much for her at the start. Arden does prove that there's more to a person than what they project. I LOVED Caleb, he is such a kind and caring boy. The relationship that he forms with Eve is the true kind. I also love the boys who Caleb lives with. Especially the little ones, they were adorable! Although there was one boy who I didn't like from the start and I still don't like him after reading Eve. 

Before I conclude this review, I do want to point out that the lies the girls were fed to about boys were very interesting. Yes, boys do cause trouble but they are not something girls should avoid like the plague. The lies Eve grew up memorizing makes her all the more hesitant to accept help from Caleb. So it was fascinating to see how she eventually gets comfortable with Caleb. Not to mention an entire cave full of the opposite sex. 

The ending literally had me saying, "Why the ending? WHY? I need book to now!" I'm totally serious I need book two now! haha! I have to know whats going to happen next with an ending like that. There's not even a website that tells me when the next book is expected to be released. :( 

Whatever you do do yourself a favor and read Eve by Anna Carey. There's love, danger, friendship, suspense, and moments where I found myself cheering Eve on. A wonderful dystopian to be read. I absolutely loved it, and hopefully you will too. 

*I want to thank The {Teen} Book Scene for the opportunity to be on this book's tour. I also want to thank The {Teen} Book Scene and HarperTeen for the privilege of reading and reviewing Eve early. Thanks a bunch! <3*

Review: The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Synopsis: It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.

Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

Book Details:
Publisher: Razorbill
Pub. Date: November. 21, 2011
Format: Hardcover 
Pages: 320


My Review:  The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler was pure brilliance. My only regret that I have is not having read any of the authors’ previous novels. Collaborations novels are so fun to read. I thoroughly enjoyed Josh and Emma’s story. 

Since The Future of Us is set in 1996, the reader can reminisce about the 90s. That is if the reader is old enough to have experienced that time period. Haha. I’m not trying to make anyone feel old! I was born in the very early 90s, so I have a lot of favorite 90s memories to look back on. I remember getting the AOL CD-ROM all the time in the mail. I remember the fuzzy and staticy sound of the modem dialing up AOL. I remember having to be quick about how much time spent online because there was just one phone line. So I totally understood what Emma had to through. It was also exciting whenever other 90s things got mentioned. Oh, I just love and miss the 90s. Well, I’m certainly glad that the internet is easier to access and cell phone are not as big as bricks!

Anyways, The Future of Us is told from the perspectives of Josh and Emma. A lot of people always complain about books being told from multiple POV, but I loved the way the others made this story come together. There was hardly ever a dull moment in this novel. The plot was pretty fast paced, and had me gripped all the way till the very end. I love how one of the themes was that one cannot control the future. Also one shouldn’t focus too much on the future, and to just live in the now. 

All the characters are awesome! I loved them all; from the main characters to the secondary characters. Each character had their own personality and quirks. Seriously, I can’t find one flaw about this book. I loved how they actually made the Facebook posts look like actual posts. I looked forward to seeing what the future Emma and Josh had to say about their lives. I also looked forward to what Emma and Josh would do, which was basically the whole book! The Future of Us is one book that simply can’t be missed. Get your copy as soon as you can, because you’ll be reading this book as fast as I did. Yes, The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler is that good!