Cover Reveal - Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi and Fragments by Dan Wells

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi - Release Date: 8th January 2013 

Fragements by Dan Wells - Release Date: 26th February 2013

What do you think of these covers? Which is your favourite? Are you looking forward to reading Through the Ever Night or Fragments?

Six Months of Books Worth Remembering

It has officially been six months since I created Books Worth Remembering! I really cannot believe it, it seems like only yesterday I was excitedly making my blog on that December evening, too impatient to wait until the 1st of January.

You may be sitting there thinking Yay! let's celebrate this! And whilst I'm proud of the length of time I've stuck to this I don't feel like I've been blogging for sixth months. Whilst Books Worth Remembering was created on the 29th December due to my illness this year I feel like I've only really became serious about blogging from 11th March, which is the date I'll use when to mark my sixth months of blogging celebration.

But still there is lots to be thankful for and I thought I'd use this post to talk about my goals and accomplishments.

Things I'm proud of:

- Have learnt a lot about designing a blog - about HTML and making my own button and so much more.

- Great weekly features -  There are lots that I love doing and hope others enjoy them too such as my YA Watch List, Classic Corner, Let's Talk Books and a new addition - Trailer Thursday.

- Have developed a system and style for reviewing and think that as I've been writing more I've gotten better at getting my points and views across.

Goals I want to achieve:

- I want to become much more of an active part in the blogging community - I love so many blogs but normally don't have the courage to say that I do. I'm more of a book blog stalker! So I want to comment more and just join in!

- Become a more active participant in memes, this is once again the same problem, I'm still a very shy person, even online so I really want to put myself out there and sometimes with memes I become lazy and just only comment on those who comment on my blog which obviously defeats the purpose of doing the meme. I definitely need to work on that!

- Utilise the other types of social networking sites that I use - I'm trying to get into Network Blogs, I've recently joined Book Blogs and think that I could really use them to become more active in the community.

- My review style - although I feel like I've gotten better at writing reviews there is always room for improvement and I want to provide the best version on my opinion to help those reading my blog.

Now, I believe there is some thanks in order!

I'd like to thank:

- You, sitting here reading this post, your time and attention are greatly appreciated! You are an amazing person and I love you!

- Anyone who has followed my blog, I also love you wonderful people!

- Anyone you has taken the time to comment! I love you too!

And now some wonderful bloggers who've welcomed me into the community! An enormous thank you to:

Small Review

Andrea from Cozy Up 

Saz from Saz101 

Kristin from GrowingUp YA 

Paige from Comfort Books 

Anna from Pocketful of books

The Nerd Girls from Books to the Sky 

Now I'd like to ask a little help from all those wonderful bloggers or readers of this blog out there. I'm always looking for constructive criticism and would love to here your thoughts!

To everyone!

What are you favourite things about my blog?

What feature do you like the best?

Anything you think I should include on my blog?

To bloggers!

What do you think would help improve the quality of my blog?

What do you think is the most helpful features to have on a blog?

Is there advice you think you wished you had when you were starting blogging?

What are good ways to become more active in your blogging community?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog, visit my blog, comment on my posts and just thank you for being amazing, awesome and kind people! I can't wait to continue on this journey and as they say 'The only way is up!'

Trailer Thursday #2

Trailer Thursday is a new feature I wanted to try out. It is, hopefully, going to be a regular feature in which I show you book trailers or book to movie adaptations that I've seen and think look really exciting. 

I have two picks this week, you lucky, lucky people. The first of which is the trailer for The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

I know this isn't a recent release (it was released 7th February 2012) but I'm planning on reading it next and think that this makes it look incredible and beautiful. I love the cinematography and all that fancy stuff. Also how it's more about showing an excerpt than telling you what the story is. 


The second trailer I have to show you is for Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson



I like the simplicity of this one, I also love the music and can't wait to read this new take on Peter Pan falling in love with Tiger Lily, when it comes out on 2nd July 2012. What do you think? What's your favourite part of the trailer? Are you excited to read Tiger Lily? Have you read either of these? What's your opinion on book trailers? 

Book Review: Empress of the World by Sara Ryan

Title: Empress of the World

Author: Sara Ryan

Pages: 216

Publication Date: 26^th May 2003

Publisher: Speak

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | The Book Depository

Nicola Lancaster is spending her summer at the Siegel Institute, a hothouse of smart, intense teenagers. She soon falls in with Katrina (Manic Computer Chick), Isaac (Nice-Guy-Despite-Himself), Kevin (Inarticulate Composer) . . . and Battle, a beautiful blond dancer. The two become friends--and then, startlingly, more than friends. What do you do when you think you're attracted to guys, and then you meet a girl who steals your heart? (Goodreads)

I should probably start of by saying that I borrowed Empress of the World from my local library, although I had seen it in there previously. The first time I saw it was a good couple of years ago, after reading the blurb I instantly put it back – Why you may ask. Because in my younger and more vulnerable years I was an idiot. I didn’t read many ‘issue’ books, especially about sexuality because at 13, I was stupid and thought that by reading something about lesbian/bisexual characters I would somehow become one. I got over that not that long after I saw this book, but hadn’t seen it until now. So if you are one of those people who don’t want to read this because of the sexuality of the characters, just read it and you’ll find an amazing story about self – discovery.

So after I got over the humiliation/embarrassment of my younger self I quickly devoured Empress of the World, it’s just over 200 pages which just flies by. I loved how Nicola’s ‘field notes’ were interspersed throughout the story, which added another dimension to what she was thinking/feeling.

The characters! They were felt so real – I know that gets said A LOT, but it is true. They weren’t perfect, they got on your nerves sometimes but after another couple of pages were making you smile and laugh (And by laugh and smile I mean that literally, there were so many scenes that were hilarious and I loved the frequent use of topical references and humour) Making them all feel like real friends. They were also diverse and I couldn't help but love them all; Battle, Isaac, Katrina and of course Nicola all brought something different to the story and I also liked how they were kind of a band of outcasts.

Another thing that felt real was Pruncher Hall, where the story takes place. I love how different places represented different things, like the hill and the lake – I also liked how most of the emotional scenes took place outside, how when the characters were out in nature they were able to show their true selves.

Another theme, besides nature, that I loved was the wheel of fortune, which was pretty apt for most of the ups and downs of the story. I also loved Battle’s mantra of ‘words don’t always work’ which I find incredibly true.

With all of these things Empress of the World reminded me of another of my favourite books – Looking for Alaska by John Green. Not only because it’s set in a boarding summer school but because of how real it feels, how similar I find Pudge and Nicola’s narration and how they both idolise these people, Alaska and Battle (who both have unique names) respectively and can’t believe when they accept them. I think it’s the realism and realistic voice that reminds me of Looking for Alaska, so if you’re a fan I definitely think you’ll like this book.

The plot, whilst more emotionally driven was enjoyable, and you may be sitting here thinking that it’s an ‘issue book’ but it wasn't. It was simply Nicola discovery of who she was and being open to the idea that she could be more than one thing. I also loved how instead of making it about choosing what sexuality you identify as it was more about getting rid of labels – anti – labelling and pro – individuality.

My only problem with the story was the use of the term of ‘dyke’ not only is it a derogatory term but I just don’t like the word in of itself. Also, probably the biggest issue I had, maybe this is just because I’m English but I’ve never heard someone called that. Being in high school I’ve obviously seen many people labelled or assumed as being a lesbian but they’ve only been called gay. So every time I read it, not only did it make me angry, it made me cringe.

I loved Empress of the World; it’s simplistic but simply amazing. I definitely think there need to be more books with LGBT characters so that maybe what I had when I was younger wouldn’t be so common.

So if you love good, realistic and relatable contemporaries that will make you laugh, cry and leave you feeling optimistic than Empress of the World is for you. 

Blogspiration #12

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

I think this picture speaks for itself. Books are a form of addiction which I'm proud to say I'm dependent/hooked on. Although it's nice to see that others are just obsessed as you are, it makes you feel apart of something - the main reason I started book blogging. 

I also love the kittens in this pictures, they are so cute! 

Quote of the Week #15

"If only we could see the endless string of consequences that result from our smallest actions. But we can’t know better until knowing better is useless." - Looking for Alaska by John Green

I'm pretty sure everyone, more than once in their life, has wished they could have seen the outcome to things before they occurred. I know I do frequently. Ah hindsight, what a wonderful idea you are, 'tis a shame we can only have you after the fact. 

Books Worth Remembering #2 - Books that are worth the tears

Books Worth Remembering is a new feature on this blog. I'll be picking a theme each week and telling you up to five books with that theme that are worth remembering and why. This week I wanted to talk about books that, whilst being incredibly sad and heartbreaking, are worth the tears. (These are in no particular order)

1. Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

What more can I say about Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour than that it is definitely worth the tears. It’s raw and heartbreaking yet optimistic. I love Amy’s recovery throughout the book, it was so realistic and the is one of the best (along with No. 5 on this list) presentation in a book of how to deal with grief. How there is a vast range of emotions and reactions and you don’t have to feel all at once or none at all. Morgan Matson did an impeccable job at dealing with all that happens to Amy, which is one of the many reasons why it is one of my favourite books.

2. The Girls by Lori Lansens

I first read The Girls about five years ago and ever since I finished it, it has been one of my favourite books of all time. It is such a unique story – the life of Rose and Ruby, who are conjoined twins. It tells their story of growning up in a small town referred to as ‘The Girls’. I have never read anything like it. It is hauntingly beautiful and compelling and it really makes you think what it would be like to be attached to someone who you love permentatly. And is an incredibly unique look at the bond of sisters/siblings.  I think this is best summed up with as Rose introduces us about their life. The first line of the book is - “I have never looked into my sister’s eyes.” Something so ordinary as being able to look your sister in the eye, or have a bath on your own, or go for a walk alone. Something that seems so ordinary to you and me is something strange and unachievable to Rose and Ruby.

3. The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Anyone who has read The Fault in our Stars doesn’t need to be told that it is worth the tears. On page it could potentially be just another issue book or just another cancer story but this is John Green we’re talking about. Hazel and Augustus don’t want you to pity them, and that’s the main message I got from the book - those who have cancer or are ill don’t need pity. They are strong, everyone is and we all have the potential to do anything we want to despite all that has happened to us such as just because we have cancer doesn't mean we can't fall in love. Also it also being hilarious is always a bonus! (Also to all you Nerdfighters reading this – DFTBA)

4. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is the master of tough subjects. I love how she tackles a lot of difficult questions such as ‘What would you do if your son started a school shooting.’ I love Jodi Picoult’s style of alternating perspectives, and also jumping forwards and backwards in time to show all sides of the story and give you the best presentation of all the facts. As a topic, school shootings have always fascinated me (a little morbid I know) I find it interesting how someone who has been bullied endlessly would let the instigators turn into victims.

5. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Sarah Ockler is amazing. That is all I have to say. Once again this book would technically fall under the category of an ‘Issue book’ but it is so much more than that. It is so truthful and thoughtful and, like I said about Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour, handles the topic of grief so realistically and beautifully. It’s not clumsy or slapdash, it is an honest look at the heartbreaking story of a girl, Anna, trying to get over the loss of her boyfriend, Matt. I love the journey that we see Anna take and her dealing with trying to love someone else yet trying not to forget Matt. I always identified with this part of the story. There is this one quote from the book that I think sums it this up.

“Nothing ever really goes away--it just changes into something else. Something beautiful.” 

If you have a chance to read any of these books I strongly encourage you to do so. They are so beautiful, truthful and heartbreaking and are definitely worth the tears.

Stacking the Shelves #2

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual.

Bought:
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare - This was the only book I got this week but I'm glad I finally own it and now have the whole of the Mortal Instrument series sitting happily on my shelf! 


I hope everyone has had a good weekend. What books did you get this week?

Melissa's Book Recommendations: Part 1

Today is my sister, Melissa's Birthday! She's 19! And as a special reward for being awesome she gets to take over this post. 

Melissa was the one who introduced me to the book blogging world so I'll always been grateful for that. We were going to have this book blog together but it didn't work out but hopefully she'll be guest posting on here soon! She's an awesome sister and has always been an avid reader and has been the reason for me reading loads of my favourite books.

So without futher ado I shall now hand over this post to Melissa and she'll talk about some of her favourite books.

Finding Cassie Crazy/The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

The Year Ten notice board at Ashbury High is full of crazy messages. One of them is Mr. Botherit’s ‘Joy of the Envelope’ Pen-Pal Project. Best friends Cassie, Em and Lydia are forced to write letters to three unknown boys at downtown Brookfrield High – where the kids are all psychopaths, drug – dealers, tattooed bunny-killers, etc. 

Naturally, this leads to all-out war between the schools, plus secret meetings and some surprising snogging. (Blurb Summary)

Why I loved this book/think you should read it:

·       Unique Format  

Finding Cassie Crazy is told entirely through correspondence such as letters, emails and diary entries. Ah, those days before Facebook and Twitter… This means you really get a good idea of the different character’s “voices” and they each feel very distinctive without it feeling forced or unnecessary.

·       Good portrayal of friendship and romance

I don’t know about anyone else but two of my pet peeves when it comes to YA are unbelievable friendships and just plain bad romances. And I’m not talking about any Lady GaGa song. Sometimes they just suck. Thankfully, Finding Cassie Crazy has neither. Yay!

The friendship between Em, Cassie and Lydia is one my favourites in YA. Ever. I understand why they’re friends. They worry about each other and bunk off school together and plan revenge against the dude who was a complete douchecanoe to Cassie. I mean, c’mon, that’s a real friendship.

Also, the romance. Okay, so Matthew doesn’t count. Obviously. But Seb and Lydia’s as well as Charlie’s and Em’s interactions and the development of those relationships are freakin’ amazing.

·       Hi-wait for it- larious 

Read the story Lydia writes in the notebook that’s gonna turn her into a world famous author about a girl turning into a lamppost and that’s all the explanation you’ll need. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard books been described as ‘laugh out loud funny.” Usually, I roll my eyes and say “whatevs.” But Finding Cassie Crazy makes me literally laugh, in a really loud embarrassing way even after I’ve read it so many times. And even more surprising than the fact that it’s actually hilarious is the fact it’s incredibly moving. I cried the first time I read it. The portrayal of Cassie copying with the after math of her father’s death is real, sad and so unique that it’s also the part of the book I remember the most. 

It by Stephen King

DERRY. A Small city in Maine, a place as hauntingly familiar as your own hometown. Only in Derry the haunting is real… 

They were seven teenagers when they first stumbled upon the horror. Now they were grown –up men and women who had gone out into the big world to gain success and happiness. But none of them could withstand the force that drew them back to Derry to face the nightmare without an end and the evil without a name…(Blurb Summary)

Why I loved this book/think you should read it:

·       Scary as hell

IT is literally the scariest book I have ever read. Even years of reading horror (including the Beast House Trilogy by Richard Laymon which is, to put it lightly, severely messed up) left me unprepared for It. Some things keep you up at night, thinking about, y’know, the freaky possessed girl from The Exorcist, The Candyman, the possibility of a plane that’s flying overhead crash landing into your house… er, yeah. IT definitely tops that list.

·       Awesome characters

Stephen King is obviously a hugely popular author. Why is that? I don’t know if “because he’s awesome” is a justifiable answer but to me the key to writing good horror is creating great characters.

Why else should you care that these characters are fighting for their lives or that they’re hurt or that they’re grieving the loss of someone that they love? If you don’t care about any of the characters then why bother reading? That’s not to say all the characters in IT are likeable or “good” but sometimes reading to find out that the annoying/evil/bad/douchey characters get what’s coming to them is just as satisfying as seeing your favourite characters happy in the end.

Beverly, Bill, Stan, Richie, Eddie, Ben, Mike and even Henry (the “bully”) all feel real. They are complex and complicated and funny and mean. Also, as the book flashes between different periods of time (the characters as kids/teenagers and them as adults) you get a much better idea of who they are. It’s really fascinating to see the progression of the characters from “kids” to “adults.”

Ultimately, you really care about these characters. You enjoy reading about them and rooting and hoping for them and are sad to say goodbye when you’ve finished reading.

·       If you only read one Stephen King book…

Yup. That old cliché. I hear you though “but Melissa you haven’t read all of Stephen King books. What if you find another book of his that you like even more than IT?” And while that is a completely understandable response the simple answer is “I don’t think I will.” Not because the other books Stephen King has written aren’t as “good” as IT but because IT is special to me.

I remember how I felt when I first read IT. Yes, all the nights I spent awake, completely freaking out, but also all the hours I was thinking about Bill and George and Beverly and Richie and Pennywise and the history of Derry. All the times when I wasn’t reading when I couldn’t get back to it fast enough. IT is also one of those books that I can go back to and re-read and enjoy it just as much as the first time. Coming back to IT again and again I gain something more each time. I remember how it made me feel the first time I read it but it also makes me feel new things, different things. And that’s why if you’re only going to read one Stephen King book it should be IT.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Come back tomorrow to see Part 2 of Melissa's book recommendations!

YA Watch List June 22nd - 30th

YA Watch List is a feature on Books Worth Remembering. In order of release date here are my personal picks of YA releases that you should watch out for and add to your TBR pile this week! (Click on the pictures to be taken to their Goodreads page)

Which new releases are you looking forward to this week? Are any of these on your TBR list?

Cover Reveal - Rise by Anna Carey and Everbound by Brodi Ashton

The new cover for the final instalment of the Eve Trilogy by Anna Carey (Expected release date - April 2013) was released recently and as I'm currently reading the first I thought it was appropriate to post! I really love the consistent theme throughout the series, all of them are beautiful and cohesive and I love the colours used for the backgrounds of all three that make them look especially beautiful. I'm also a big fan of the font that is used.

The new cover for the second in the Everneath trilogy, Everbound, has been released. I really love the consistency with the smoke and the beautiful dresses that blend into that smoke. And like Rise the font is beautiful, however I find that it's still just another girl in a dress cover; even if it is a beautiful girl in a beautiful dress. You can read my review for the first in the trilogy Everneath here

What do you think of these covers? Which is your favourite? Are you looking forward to reading Rise or Everbound?

Waiting on Wednesday #7

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another 

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.” 

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself? 

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.(Goodreads)

I've heard quite a lot of good/positive things about this book and it sounds like just the kind of thing I would like - a good romance that is full of real issues that are tackled well. I can't wait to read this?

Blogspiration #11

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

What can I say I'm on a Lemony Snicket/ A Series of Unfortunate Events kick. I'll never get over just how clever/witty/hilarious these books are. This quote is from The Vile Village (book 7 in the 13 part series) and this picture is from a-series-of-unfortunate-events-quotes.tumblr.com where there are lots of other beautiful pictures such as this. 

Quote of the Week #14

"The sad truth is that the truth is sad," - The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket

I've been really into looking through A Series of Unfortunate Events stuff, like watching videos with Daniel Handler and trolling through the tag on tumblr. It makes me realise how great a series it it and how much it impacted my life and love of reading. They were one of my first book obsessions and I will be forever grateful for them. Me and my friend have this joke that I like depressing things and I suppose A Series of Unfortunate Events is that (the name seriously lives up to its expectations) but I think it's more realistic than depressing. I find that they showed the world for it truly is - sad, dark, scary and unforgiving yet also hopeful and that they're is always something to look forward to or some way to find joy in this unfortunate world. 

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

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author:  Jennifer E Smith

Pages: 236

Publication Date:  2^nd January 2012

Publisher:  Poppy/ Little Brown

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | The Book Depository

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 18C. 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 (Goodreads)

WARNING: Do not read this book when you are supposed to be studying! For you will not be able to put this book down.  If I fail my History exam it’s Jennifer E Smith’s fault for writing such an addictive book.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is one of those books that are unexpectedly enjoyable, which surpass your expectations and are incredibly easy and quick reads. Those books don’t come by very often but when they do, they are like this one.

I love the condensed style of the book, set over the course of one day and how the chapters were titled with the time both EST and GMT. I love how this short time period intensifies everything and, for me, made the book and the pages, fly by.

Another great aspect was the humour, I was literally laughing out loud, I loved Oliver and Hadley and the great banter they had together; my favourite scene for this was when the lady they were sitting next to asked how they met. I found that their relationship had such a natural and enjoyable dynamic that any possibility of thinking that this would be an insta-love story was immediately dispelled.

Speaking of insta – love, don’t worry, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is probably the furthest thing you could get from insta – love. Whilst I love Hadley and Oliver’s relationship I don’t feel that they are in love. To me the book was more about being open to the crazy possibility of love or falling in love with someone you meet on a plane, taking a chance on those serendipitous relationships.

My only problem was the unique third person style of narration; it wasn't the normal kind so it was hard to get used to and took me a little while to really enjoy.

I found that overall the book was open and realistic with a optimistic ending; it just made a great surprise from what I thought it would be. An example of this would be that I was shocked at the breadth and depth of the character development for a 200 page book, every character, even Hadley’s new step mother, had hidden depths and felt like a real person. I found that that was incredibly impressive. 

Also don't go thinking this book is just another silly love story, there were many subjects tackled, all of which were just as poignant and key to the story as Hadley and Oliver's romance.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a quick read that’ll make you laugh, make you feel and leave you smiling. I can't stress enough how much I loved this book. It is definitely worth the read.

My favourite quotes:

‘In the end, it’s not the changes that will break your heart; it’s that tug of familiarity.’

‘It was his fault, all of it, and yet her hatred for him was the worst kind of love, a tortured longing, a misguided wish that made her heart hammer in her chest. She couldn’t ignore the disjointed sensation that they were now two different pieces of two different puzzles, and nothing in the world could make them fit together again,’

Stacking the Shelves #1

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. Stacking the Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual.

I've missed having a meme in which I can go find other book bloggers at the weekend and see more new books so I thought I'd join in with Stacking the Shelves. 

Borrowed:

Bought:

Looking forward to reading these! What books did you get this week?

Book Review: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen

Title: The Fine Art of Truth or Dare

Author: Melissa Jensen

Pages: 380

Publication Date:  18^th February 2012

Publisher:  Speak

Buy: Amazon UK | Amazon US | The Book Depository

Pretty in Pink meets Anna and the French Kiss in this charming romantic comedy

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl? (Goodreads)

Looking at the cover and reading the blurb this book doesn’t really inspire you to think it has much more content than a cheesy love story with a sickly sweet ending. We’ll I’m glad to say you’d be wrong. I was expecting that and was pleasantly surprised when I found myself loving the characters and where the story was going.

Starting off I disliked Ella and found her narration a little grating but as I read and learned more I found myself warming up to her. As a child Ella was severely burned leaving her with scars that disfigure her upper body making her insecurities even more believable and when I read what the other people at her school called her, it made me incredibly empathetic and I wanted to give Ella a big hug.  But instead of making this a pitiful tale Melissa Jenson turns Ella into a believable heroine – not the typical all guns blazing with bravado type but the one whose not afraid to put her heart on her sleeve.

As for Alex, what’s not to like? He was charming and genuinely funny, and like Ella talented at art. I loved how despite wanting to be with Ella he seemed to put her need for self belief first. I also applaud him for knowing the French fry is from Belgium. Another plus point was the progression of their relationship, I was glad it took a backseat sometimes to Ella’s self discovery, but when it was in the forefront it was realistic and natural. 

As for Ella’s best friends Frankie and Sadie; I loved Sadie’s progression, she, like Ella, seemed extremely shy and introverted – something I can definitely relate to – but by the end she was coming out of her shell. Frankie I found a little grating at times, he seemed the caricature of a gay best friend but I saw that he had Ella’s best intentions at heart and I couldn’t help but love him – warts and all. My favourite characters however had to be Ella’s family, especially Nonna, and the crazy antics of their family restaurant.  

Plot wise, despite seeming predictable, they’re were many twists and turns that I was pleased to see and unable to guess their intentions. Another great dynamic to the plot was the shadow plot with Ella discovering the truth behind Edward Willing, her dead crush/obsession. I loved that Ella was a fan girl for this dead painter and felt so enthusiastically about it – we all have that one thing that we love dearly (Can anyone say books?) and I found this added another realistic dimension to her character.

Open endings are one of my favourite ways of seeing a book finish – The Fine Art of Truth or Dare didn’t disappoint with a realistic, yet optimist, end. The main message I got from the book was that despite you feeling scared that everyone hates you, you need to be brave enough to put yourself out there.  So yes it was a love story but I found it to be more about being truthful to yourself and daring to take a chance for you never know what might happen.

I’d recommend The Fine Art of Truth or Dare to anyone who love a good contemporary and would love to read about a bittersweet discovery of embracing yourself for who you are and facing your insecurities.

Summer Reading Recommendations

I just thought I'd make a video with a couple of books that I think you should read over the summer. Not only because they are brilliant but because they are full of summer-y goodness!



What is your favourite summer read? What are you planning on reading this summer?

Trailer Thursday #1

Trailer Thursday is a new feature I wanted to try out. It is, hopefully, going to be a regular feature in which I show you book trailers or book to movie adaptations that I've seen and think look really exciting. 

My pick this week is Changeling by Philippa Gregory, I'm super excited to see what her first historical book for young adults is going to be like.

I love the drawing style and the way the pictures fade in and out through the ink that they are being draw in. Also the font is beautiful and overall the trailer does a good job at summing up the plot. 

Changeling came out 24th May 2012

What do you think? What's your favourite part of the trailer? Are you excited to read Changeling? What's your opinion on book trailers? 

Let's Talk Books - What I Want to See More of In YA

YA fiction is packed full with any topic under the sun, some get more attention than others, some appeal more to me than others so today I thought I'd share my thoughts on what I want to read more of in YA books.

1. Family Dynamics - I would love to see some more unique or different kinds of family dynamics. Not only different family types but the family members playing a more significant role to the plot and more emphasis on their development. I hate when protagonists can go on these crazy adventures without a second thought about their families because, especially for me, I don't find that realistic. 

2. Little or no romance - I know what you're thinking, "What are you talking about Hannah? Why would you not want romance?" I, like most people, love a good romance but more often than not lately I see it creeping into plots unnecessarily and putting me off / distracting me from the other key plot points.

3. Realistic issue books - Saying this I recently read 'Empress of the World' by Sara Ryan and loved it but issue books are seriously underrated, or at least I don't see more of them, yet I find them to be incredibly engaging and insightful. I've also seen issues handled really badly so I'd love to see realistic yet interesting reads.

4. Unique concepts - I know this is incredibly vague and broad wish but I love when I read a book that seems unlike any other. This probably has more to do with themes, how many more books on vampires or fairies do we need? Or I'd love a unique look at these themes that seem so prevalent in YA. 

5. Great contemporary - I've read a couple of great contemporary reads lately and I really loved them so I want to read more and more because they just seem to me to be a great, underutilised source of entertainment. 

What do you want to see more of in YA? What do you look for in your books? Any favourites themes/ trends? Any recommendations to fit these categorises?

Blogspiration #10

Blogspiration is a Brand Spankin' New weekly meme hosted by both GrowingUp YA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

I found this on tumblr, I can't remember where, and I thought it not only looked pretty but had a good message. Yesterday kind of sucked for me but today I tried again, I took the chance that today would be better than yesterday and it definitely was. Today was kind of an awesome day. I, like most people, need to take chances more often. So I'm going to try.

Quote of the Week #13

"The books that the world calls immoral are the books that show the world its own shame." -Oscar Wilde

I've got to do an English essay comparing any two books, which is fun and I realised all the books I thought sounded really good had been banned. I thought of this quote. Book banners or anyone not prepared to read anything seems to me unprepared for the world. The world is full of darkness and light, it isn't what we read but what we do that matters. 

YA Watch List - June 11th - 21st

YA Watch List is a feature on Books Worth Remembering. In order of release date here are my personal picks of YA releases that you should watch out for and add to your TBR pile this week! (Click on the pictures to be taken to their Goodreads page)

Which new releases are you looking forward to this week? Are any of these on your TBR list?