Book-A-Holic: It's Monday..... What Are You Reading

It's Monday... What are you reading is a fun weekly meme hosted Sheila from Book Journey.

Books I read Last Week :

    Fade by Lisa McMann ( Review )

    Divergent by Veronica Roth ( Review )

    The girl with the dragon tattoo by Stieg Larsson ( Review )

Books I'm Currently Reading:

   

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Genre: Romance

Published: 30 September 2008  
 Goodreads:

     When U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman half-buried in the dirt during his third tour of duty in Iraq, his first instinct is to toss it aside. Soon Thibault experiences a sudden streak of luck—winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat that kills two of his closest buddies. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph—his lucky charm.
Back home in Colorado, Thibault can’t seem to get the photo—and the woman in it—out of his mind. Believing that she somehow holds the key to his destiny, he sets out on a journey across the country to find her, never expecting the strong but vulnerable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina—Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son—to be the girl he’s been waiting his whole life to meet. Caught off guard by the attraction he feels, Thibault keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate and all-consuming love affair, the secret he is keeping will soon threaten to tear them apart—destroying not only their love, but also their lives.
Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, The Lucky One is Nicholas Sparks at his best—an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

Books I have my eyes on:

     Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings (Threads #1) by Sophia Bennett (Goodreads)

That was mine !! What about you ? Leave me a comment down below which I'll be sure to check out ;)

xoxo, Mariam

PS: Haven't been posting book reviews lately as I'm currently getting for my final exams so studying is taking up all my time (unfortunately !!) but I'm working on it just as soon as I finish my exams. :D Follow me on Twitter for my latest updates though. @Multimemo33 Did I mention that I follow back? ;)

On My Wishlist #5

On My Wishlist is an awesome weekly meme hosted by Cosy Books ( originally by Book Chick City ), it runs every Saturday. It's a place where you can put up all the books you're desperate to read, but haven't actually bought them yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. And, even better, everyone can join in with too, because there's a Mr Linky so you can put your post up.

INSURGENT ( Divergent #2 )
Author: Veronica Roth
Expected Publication: 1st May 2012
Genre: Dystopian future

Goodreads Summary:

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.

After reading Divergent ( review soon ) which I absolutely loved, it became a must to read its sequel Insurgent. Veronica Roth enchanted me in her first book of this series and I just can't wait to follow Tris through her life in this world of hers in Insurgent.

Follow Veronica Roth:

• On Twitter for latest updates about her much-anticipated book, Insurgent.
• On Facebook
• On her blog 

That was mine !! What about you ?

Leave a comment down below which I'll be sure to check out.

And have a happy weekend :D

Or a happy weekend getting ready for exams like myself ;)

Top Ten All-Time Favourite Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme host by The Broke and Bookish

So my top ten characters are ( after being narrowed from hundreds of course and it was hard to choose, believe me ):

1. Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games.

2. Zoey  from the House of Night series.

3. Sam, ummmm.............. and Cole from the Wolves of Mercy Falls.

4. Elizabeth Woodville from the White Queen.

5. Lena from Delirium. 

6. Julian from the Vampire Academy series & Bloodlines.

7. Rose Hathway from the Vampire Academy.

8. Zane from the Uglies series.

9. Wanderer from The Host.

10. Newt from the Maze Runner series.

       So that was mine, what about your top ten characters ?

Leave me a comment down below, which I'll be sure to check it out :)

Book Review: Fade

    And the adventure continues, Janie found a way to develop her ability or more specifically found a guide. And as she struggles to solve the case in her hands, she and Cabel's sweet romance continues, although secretly. Yet, how will her struggle go on and to what point could she bear the exhaustion and what will be the consequences, what will she lose? Things are getting pretty hard and dangerous but what will Janie do.....

   The second book in Lisa McMann's Dream Catcher series. And Janie is still using her ability to enter other people's dreams, helping them and helping the police find criminals, yet there seems to be consequences, pretty bad ones. I felt really sorry for and was able to feel for, dealing with her biggest dilemma, her curse. 

   Janie and Cabel are so sweet together, but there were some perplexing things about their relationship at the end of the book that messed me up. However, Cabel's character seems to be the same but Janie, she has will-power and she is so brave, I admired her braveness at times but there was also recklessness.

   And as I'm getting used to McMann's style of writing as in a third person narrating the story. I can see that every page contains something exciting, an action rather than boring details. But the story seems to be going against the usual of the unusual, if you get what I'm saying. And again where is her absent mother and I sometimes wonder how can things be that easy when it comes to some obvious things that couldn't go by, because she isn't that invisible. 

   Honestly, I'm not that much of a fan of this series, I mean yes, the idea is new and I liked it, but I think it should be framed in the portrait of moderation. Perhaps this story is just not suitable for someone my age. Yet, being able to complete reading it this far means that it was acceptable.

  This series isn't for everyone and definitely not me. So, I don't like actually recommend it ( unfortunately ) but as I said this maybe not be for everyone but there are definitely so many people who would like it.

Author: Lisa McMann

Grade Rating: C

Followed by:

   First book : Wake 

  Third book:  Gone

On My Wishlist #4

On My Wishlist is an awesome weekly meme hosted by Cosy Books ( originally by Book Chick City ), it runs every Saturday. It's a place where you can put up all the books you're desperate to read, but haven't actually bought them yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. And, even better, everyone can join in with too, because there's a Mr Linky so you can put your post up. All you have to do is click on the link below:

Changeling
Author: Philippa Gregory
Genre: Historical Fiction YA
Expected Publication: 29th May 2012

Goodreads Summary:

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl. Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days. Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape. Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.  The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

Can't wait for this book to come out. Philippa Gregory's first YA debut.

That was mine, what about yours? Leave me a comment down below which I'll be sure to check out :)

Book-A-Holic: It's Monday.... What are you reading?

It's Monday... What are you reading is a fun weekly meme hosted Sheila from Book Journey.

Books I read Last Week :

     Wake by Lisa McMann ( Review )

Books I am currently reading :

    

Fade by Lisa McMann ( Book )

Goodreads Summary: 

 For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck.

Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd feared....

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (ebook)

Goodreads Summary:

Mikael Blomkvist, a once-respected financial journalist, watches his professional life rapidly crumble around him. Prospects appear bleak until an unexpected (and unsettling) offer to resurrect his name is extended by an old-school titan of Swedish industry. The catch—and there’s always a catch—is that Blomkvist must first spend a year researching a mysterious disappearance that has remained unsolved for nearly four decades. With few other options, he accepts and enlists the help of investigator Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius with a cache of authority issues. Little is as it seems in Larsson’s novel, but there is at least one constant: you really don’t want to mess with the girl with the dragon tattoo.

Books I have my eyes on for this week:

• Divergent ( Goodreads Summary )
• Skin Deep ( Goodreads Summary )
  
  

That was mine, what about yours? Leave me a comment down below with yours or a link to your blog post and I 'll be glad to check it out and I'll be sure to reply. ;)

xoxo, Mariam

Movie Thoughts: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games Movie.... My thoughts !?   

    The Girl on Fire - Katniss Everdeen, portrayed by the outstanding Jennifer Lawrence, came to light in the 2012 movie the Hunger Games. Film adaptation of the Hunger Games series written by Suzzanne Collins.

   

     As you may know I am a huge Hunger Games fan and this maybe written by the fangirly girl in me. Yet, and honestly I did enjoy the movie as I did with the book, perhaps the book a bit more ( I dunno know !! :P), there were things that was visualized better in the movie such as the Capitol.. and it's people. And if you're not familiar with the story at all, you can check a recommendations post of mine were I gave synopsis of the story.



Effie Trinket

     
     So moving on, there wasn't huge differences in the movie from the book, just bits and pieces. For example, the mockingjay which was supposed to be given to Katniss by Madge in the book, instead she got it from some sort of a market and later Prime returned it to her. Also in the book, the scenes of the arena where mostly all in the arena itself, but here they were showcasing some backstage scenes of Haymitch, their mentor and the game maker, changes which I'm totally cool with.

    

Peeta Melark

    
      Peeta Melark, portrayed by Josh Hetcherson who was, in my opinion,  capable of demonstration Peeta's character subtly. And also Gale, portrayed by Liam Hemsworth, along with Cato ( Alexender Ludwig ), the three of them are so cute !!  

 

   The scenes between Katniss and her sister, Prime, portrayed by Willow Shields, were all so emotional, especially the one when Katniss volunteered. Also, the the last scene with Rue ( Amandla StenBerg ) was well pictured. Overall, Jennifer Lawrance was adequate for the role and was able to wear the character.

Caeser & Katniss in the interviews

Their adaptation of the Capitol as I said before was brilliant, didn't expect it, as well as the arena, it was something that I wanted to see how will it turn out to be like in the movie They picked suitable actors, excellent choices. However, the worst thing that it was excessively shaky at some points, which got on my nerves.  



     Katniss's hair and all the the hairstyles in this movie, were all catchy and cute, and so if you want to check some of these hairstyles, their are tons on YouTube and here are a couple of my favs Katniss braids from The Hunger Games , Interview Updo & her Reaping braid. But one that I love most was Jennifer's movie premier updo. Sorry that it's sort of turning into a girl's hairstyle guide type of thing but thought I should mention it anyway.

    The ending wasn't the most enchanting, not as to hook up people who don't know much about the series. Nonetheless, I absolutely enjoyed every single moment of this movie, I was sitting at the edge of my seat through out most of the movie and I certainly recommend watching this movie even if you didn't read the books, don't miss it. 

   A reviting dark dystopian future of an emphatic series, spectacular perfomrances and it lived up to my expectations, it was gratifying.

   
Starring: Jennifer Lawrance. Josh Hetcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland,  Stanley Tucci & Woody Harrelson.
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 5/5

Did you watch the Hunger Games movie? If yes, what are your thoughts about it? And if not, will you be watching it?

Hope you enjoyed reading my movie thoughts.

And...

On My Wishlist #3

On My Wishlist is an awesome weekly meme hosted by Cosy Books ( originally by Book Chick City ), it runs every Saturday. It's a place where you can put up all the books you're desperate to read, but haven't actually bought them yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. And, even better, everyone can join in with too, because there's a Mr Linky so you can put your post up. All you have to do is click on the link below :

   

And for this week...... 

                                                                                         

THE LUCKY ONE

Author: Nicholas Spark

Published: 30 September 2008

Genre: Romance 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In his 14th book, bestselling author Nicholas Sparks tells the unforgettable story of a man whose brushes with death lead him to the love of his life.

After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck. Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in the photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the strong attraction he feels for Elizabeth, a divorced mother, and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret soon threatens to tear them apart -- destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

    I don't read for Nickolas Spark ( although I always intended to) but there's an exception here, The Lucky One, which is turned into a movie and will be hitting theaters on 20th April 2012 ( Yaaay !! ). And ofcourse it's well-known that the main character, Logan Thibault is portrayed by Zac Efron :o ( Yes, I used to be a huge High School Muscial at a younger age ) and then Elizabeth Clayton by Taylor Schilling. Can't wait.

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY

Author: Jay Asher

Published: 18th October 2007

Genre: YA

Goodreads Summary:

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

    So, again this book by Jay Asher is being turned into movie as well and Selena Gomez is partcipating as a main character, Hannah Baker. For more details check this article from MTV. Actually this book has been on my list for long time, heard so many good reviews about it.

Seems like this week's On My Wishlist is movie-themed for me. And I usually like reading the books before watching its movie. Is it just me? Share with me what's on your wishlist, link in a comment down and I'm sure to check it out ;) 

J.K. Rowling's New Book : Synopsis & Relase Date

THE CASUAL VACANCY
by J.K. Rowling

   Waiting and waiting and now J.K.Rowling finally announced the title of her new book "The Casual Vacancy".

   So, Little Brown Book Group releases J.K. Rowling's new novel for adults title The Casual Vacancy, which will be published worldwide hardback, ebook, unabridged audio download and on CD. And it will be released on 27th September 2012. And here is Little Brown Book's synopsis :

The Casual Vacancy

When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils...Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

What do you think ? Tell me what you think in a comment down below and I'll be sure to reply but personally and although I'm skeptical about it being "for adults", but it doesn't matter J.k. Rowling will always rock :P What would J.k. Rowling bring us this time? However, the book is actually going to be the modest ever as in 480 pages and it also seems something completely diverse. I will be reading it, what about you ?

Book Review: Wake

    Janie Hannagon gets sucked into other people's dreams and the only barriers between her and these dreams are doors. Privacy is lost and Janie having a normal life is a far cry. Yet, this darkest secret of hers is unrevealed to Cabel, a guy that she falls for. A disturbed, on & off relationship they have. But what about her wicked dreams, which seems to be driving her crazy. Is she to control them or it overcome her life?
   
  Wake revolves around Janie, this girl with a fantastic gift, yet a little bit creepy. I mean the idea is cool and new to the world of  paranormals and fantasy. So... she can get into other people's dream, yes, it may solve crimes and mysteries but it deprived Janie from a normal life, missed the mediocre teenagers experiences.
  
   The book wasn't written as in Janie telling it, but in a third position person narrating, which had a negative impact on me, it forced me to see the it from an outsider view rather than being able to feel for the character. And another thing was that I find it unrealistic regarding her mother, i mean she's always drunk and it seems to really bother me when finding a story of some teenagers with some absent minded parents, it's a lucid thing in life.

   Anyway, with Janie's state and her hopes for this university and working to raise the money needed, Janie has learned to be self-reliance. And although these made her always paralyzed, she ought to be watching people's nightmares and there darkest fears, but then there was Cabel. Cabel is a male character that I loved and hated at the same time, at times he may seem perfect but I also saw in his actions childishness.  Nonetheless, he compliments Janie's character well. Their love story was nothing abnormal, just the typical ones that you could see in any YA novel which disappointed me, though full of uncertainty and hesitation.

   The events of Janie's and Cabel's life seemed to be drifting towards illogical actions somehow, them working with the police and how once Janie was driving and had one of those dreams of hers', sort of crashed but then went on driving again normally after being centered again. However, the ending was good but left me with a few questions which shall be answered in the next book Fade.   

   Overall. it just came along with an idea away from the worlds of vampires and witches. Yet, it didn't seem like the best but I have learned a lesson, never to judge a series by it's first book (Haha !!). It was a good book but not fabulous ! I just had high expectations. 


Author: Lisa McMann
Grade Rating: B
Followed by :
   Fade
   Gone
Pages: 224

On My Wishlist #2

  On My Wishlist is an awesome weekly meme hosted by Cosy Books that runs every Saturday. It's a place where you can put up all the books you're desperate to read, but haven't actually bought them yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming. And, even better, everyone can join in with too, because there's a Mr Linky so you can put your post up. All you have to do is click on the link below :

   

THE FUTURE OF US

Author: Jay Asher & Carolyn Macker

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Published: 21st Nov 2012

Goodreads Summary :

 It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.
By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

 Heard alot about it and also the ideas apeals to me alot. ;)

SKIN DEEP
Author: Laura Jarratt
Genre : YA
Published: 5th March 2011

Goodreads Summary:

Ugly people don't have feelings. They're not like everyone else. They don't notice if you stare at them and turn away. And if they did notice, it wouldn't hurt them. They're not like real people. Or that's what I used to think. Before I learned... After the car crash that leaves her best friend dead, Jenna is permanently scarred. She struggles to rebuild her life, but every stare in the street, every time she looks in the mirror, makes her want to retreat further from the world. Until she meets Ryan. Ryan's a traveller. When he and his mother moor their narrow boat on the outskirts of a village, she tells him this time it will be different. He doesn't believe her; he can't imagine why this place shouldn't be as unwelcoming as the rest. Until he meets Jenna. But as Jenna and Ryan grow closer, repercussions from the crash continue to reverberate through the community. And then a body is found.

A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES (All Souls Trilogy)

Author: Deborah Harkness

Genre: Fantasy

Published: 8th Feb 2011

Symptons of Goodreads :

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together. Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.  

MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY

Author: Rachel Harris

Genre: YA

Expected Publication: 11th Sep 2012

  Goodreads Summary :

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore. Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

Honestly, the thing that attracted me to this book was its title and as I read the summary it didn't seem new but still I would want to give it a try.

 

There are so many books out there that I would like to read one day, but for now I just shared a few with you guys and I'd love to know yours. Leave me a comment down below with a link to yours and I would be sure to check it out. ;) 

xoxo, Mariam