Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Bookish. Lists galore, I can think of nothing better!

This weeks theme is Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get. Since I am not in the middle of many series, and none of the ones I am in the middle of have books yet to be released, I have changed it a little.

Top 4 Sequels I Can't Wait To Read

1. Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I loved Divergent so much that as soon as I finished it I went out and bought Insurgent and Allegiant. I read Insurgent in August and wasn't totally intrigued by the ending so haven't picked up Allegiant yet. I really would like to finish this series soon but I don't know if I am quite ready for it to be over just yet.

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

I read the first book in the series back in July and had planned to read the first three by the end of summer. Unfortunately that didn't happen but I really want to continue with the series soon.

3. Where She Went by Gayle Forman

If I Stay is another book I read this summer but I never got around to reading the second book in the duology, Where She Went. I have heard some really good things about the sequel so hopefully I can get to it soon.

4. UnSouled by Neal Shusterman

I have read the first two books in the UnWind series a while ago and for some reason never got around to picking up the third in the series. I can't really remember what happened in the first two books but I would like to finish the series at some point, probably after rereading the first two.

Top 6 Series I Can't Wait To Start

1. The Selection by Keira Cass

I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about The Selection series by Keira Cass but I really like the idea of it. The plot sounds good so I would really like to give the series I try. 

2. Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

Jennifer L Armentrout's Lux series is one I have heard amazing things about. I don't think I have read any Alien romance before so I really want to read something a little different. 

3. Ignite by Lily Paradis

This is a book that I have heard a lot about recently and have recently discovered it is the first in a series. I don't know much about it other than it is about a girl who is given responsibility for three children. I think that is a really great premise for a book so I can't wait to give it a read.

4. The Program by Suzanne Young

This is another series that I have heard a lot of great things about. I really like the premise of suicide being an epidemic and think it could be a really interesting read.

5. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants movies are two of my favourite movies and I would really love to read the book those movies were based on. This is one series I have been wanting to get to for a good few years now so hopefully I will get to it soon.

6. The Luxe by Anna Godberson

All I have heard about this series is that it is the historical fiction version of Gossip Girl. Anything that is compared to Gossip Girl is something I will want in my life as I adore the TV show. Hopefully I will get around to the series soon and it will live up to the hype.

That is my twist on this weeks Top Ten Tuesday. What books would be on your list?

Sophie :)

Tag | The Goodreads Tag

I had seen this tag going around Booktube a while ago and decided to do it one here. I use Goodreads constantly for keeping track of the books I want to read, tracking where I am in my current read and challenging myself to read more in a year with the Goodreads challenge. It is a very handy place for book lovers. On to the questions...

1. What was the last book you marked as Read?

I finished Knocked Out by my Nunga-Nungas by Louise Rennison, the third book in the Confessions Of Georgia Nicholson series, at the end of October and haven't finished another book since. This was a re-read so I don't know if it really counts.

2. What are you currently reading?

I am currently exactly half way (according to Goodreads) through Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. It is taking me forever to read because I have been so busy but I am enjoying it.

3. What was the last book you marked as To Read?

I don't have any idea what These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner is about but the cover is beautiful so I marked it as To Read.

4. What book do you plan to read next?

I mentioned in this weeks TTT that I am hoping to re-read Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins before the movie comes out later this month. That will probably be the next book I pick up.

5. Do you use the star rating system?

Yes, I rate every book using the star rating system after I read it. 

6. Are you doing a 2014 reading challenge?

I am. I originally had a relatively small (for me) goal of 25 books which I met back in July so I have since changed my goal to 40 and have currently read 33 books.

7. Do you have a wishlist?

I don't have a specific wishlist on Goodreads but I have three shelves of books that I want to read and I don't include books I own on these shelves so I guess those are kind of a wishlist.

8. What book do you plan to buy next?

I am hoping to restrain myself and not buy too many books before Christmas but I will most likely buy myself My True Love Gave To Me, the collection of holiday short stories edited by Stephanie Perkins. I can't wait to read this.

9. Do you have any favourite quotes?

I have a lot of favourite quotes but none that come to my head. I don't have any quotes on my Goodreads but I do mark them in my books.

10. Who are your favourite authors?

According to Goodreads they are Elle Fowler, whose books I have never read but I do like her Youtube channel, Nick Alexander, I have read one of his books but didn't love it, and Lynn Steward, who I have never heard of. 

11. Have you joined any groups?

I have joined the Booksplosion group and the Chick-Lits Books Club group. These are the two groups I read along with if they are reading a book I own.

12. Are there any questions you would like to add?

No, I'm good.

Do you use Goodreads? Have you done this tag?

Sophie :)

October 2014 | Wrap Up & Haul

October has been another crazy busy month so I've had very little time to read. Like I mentioned last month, things are only going to get busier.

My Life In October...

- I started watching Grey's Anatomy and it has taken over my life! We've managed to watch the first 5 seasons in one month.

- I managed one more weekend away with my mum before the crazy holiday season begins.

- I handed in my first essay of the semester and somehow managed to pass it.

- I spent more money than I should have on the best possible tickets for The Vamps tour next year with Union J supporting them. I am so excited!

- I went to the Big Reunion Boyband Tour and spent a lot of time fangirling over A1 and Gareth Gates, I'm a ten-year-old at heart.

Read In October...

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison -

I read this book a few years ago and loved it. I never got round to finishing the series so I decided to re-read the first few books and then finish the series. This series is written in the form of a diary of teenager Georgia Nicholson and follows her as she discovers the wonders of boys and deals with issues with friends. I loved this the first time through but now that I am a bit older I found it a little immature. 4/5

It's OK, I'm Wearing Really Big Knickers! by Louise Rennison -

This is the second book in the Georgia Nicholson series and I had the same issues with this as I did with the first book. I loved it originally but found a lot it a little immature. 3/5

Knocked Out By My Nunga-Nungas by Louise Rennison -

This is the third book in the series and another re-read. Again I had some issues with the immaturity of the characters but they are such quick, easy reads that it wasn't too much of a problem. 3/5

Weird Things Customers Say In Bookshops by Jen Campbell -

I had heard so much about this book that I decided to buy it on the kindle store on a whim and read it in about half an hour. This book is filled with funny stories of things customers have said and done while in bookshops. It is a really quick, easy read and I enjoyed it. I didn't love it as much as everyone else seems to have though. 3/5

Bought In October...

Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern -

I already read this book last month and reviewed it but when I saw the movie cover I just couldn't resist. I love Sam Claflin so I obviously needed his face on a book.

Stop in the Name of Pants & Are Those My Basoomas I See Before Me by Louise Rennison -

I bought the first six books in this series last month and so bought the 9th and 10th books in the series to complete my collection. I managed to get these on ebay for a really good price and they are in great condition.

What have you read or bought in October? Have you read any of the books I mentioned?

Sophie :)

Top Ten Tuesday | Books I Want To Re-read

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Bookish. Lists galore, I can think of nothing better!

This weeks topic is books I want to re-read. I never used to be much of a re-reader but this year I have managed to re-read four books and there are plenty more I want to get to.

1. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

When the Catching Fire movie came out, I decided to reread the book before I went to see it and when I did I realised there were a lot of details that I had forgotten with it being so long since I had read it. With Mockingjay Part 1 coming out this month, I really want to reread the book before I see the movie.

2. A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks

I read this book a while ago when I was going through a phase of reading Nicholas Sparks books and although I remember most of the details, the books have merged together a little as I read them all so close together. I know I loved A Walk To Remember so I would really like to reread it so make sure all the details I remember are actually from that book.

3. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time by Mark Haddon

This is a book I read a really long time ago. In fact, all I can remember about it is that I liked it. I really want to reread this one to see if I still like it as much as I did years ago when I first read it.

4. Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck

I have heard many people say you should reread a book you read for school to see if you like it when you’re not being forced to read it. I read Of Mice And Men for school and it was one of the less dull books we had to read. OF course, because I was forced to read it, I didn’t like it at the time but I would be interested to see if I liked it if I were to reread it.

5. Something Blue by Emily Giffin

This is another book I read a while ago but really loved. I don’t remember too many details but I do remember I really loved the ending. I would really love to reread this one.

6. Isla And The Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

I only read this in September but I really love this book. It’s my favourite of the Anna And The French Kiss series and I love Isla and Josh a lot. I have a feeling this will be the book to get me out of reading slumps in future. I wanted to reread it as soon as I finished it.

7. Where Rainbows End/Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern

I read this book in September as well and loved it (review here). This is another one I wanted to reread as soon as I finished it. Since I read Where Rainbows End and then bought the Love, Rosie movie cover edition, it’s almost like two different books. So that justifies rereading it straight after reading it for the first time, right?

8. Unwind & Unwholly by Neal Shusterman

I read the first two books in the Unwind series a couple of years ago so don’t remember them too well. I do want to continue with the series, since I loved the first book so much, but I will probably need to reread the first two before carrying on.

9. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

Don’t judge me for this. I reread Twilight earlier this year and it made me feel very nostalgic so I would like to continue to reread the series. I was originally wanting to see how it compared to the other book I have read since then and although it is really not as good as I originally thought it was, I still like the series.

10. The Midwife's Here! by Linda Fairley

I read this book a couple of years ago when being a midwife was just a dream that I wasn’t going to get the chance to pursue. Now, though, I am trying to pursue that dream and I would like to reread this now that it can get me excited rather then remind me of something I want but can’t have.

What books do you want to re-read soon?

Sophie :)

Review | Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Series: Anna and the French Kiss #1
Published By: Usborne Publishing
Published On: January 1, 2014
Genre: Contemporary
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ★★★★

Amazon | Goodreads


Anna has everything figured out - she was about to start senior year with her best friend, she had a great weekend job, and her huge work crush looked as if it might finally be going somewhere... Until her dad decides to send her 4383 miles away to Paris. On her own. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna finds herself making new friends, including Etienne, the smart, beautiful boy from the floor above. But he’s taken – and Anna might be too. Will a year of romantic near-missed end with the French kiss she’s been waiting for?

When Anna is forced to attend boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school, she is thrown into a life completely different from what she is used to. Despite having no knowledge of France and not able to speak French, Anna find friends and meets the boy everyone in the school wants, Etienne St Clair.

Stephanie Perkins is a literary genius. There are so many things that I love about this book and one of those is the way it is written. I love her writing style. She has managed to write the most adorable, yet slightly frustrating, book that will make you laugh and cry, possibly at the same time. She has become an auto-buy author for me after just one book.

I love all of the characters. Somehow all of the main and secondary characters in the book were relatable and likeable. From the feisty main character, to the confused love interest, to the jealous best friend, there is something in all of the characters you can relate to. Anna was a great main character and I loved that she was not afraid to stand up for herself or her friends.

The Paris setting was perfect. I have never been to Paris but having read this book, I feel like I have. It was full of descriptions of the city that were so beautifully written you felt like you were there yourself.

There was more to the story than just Anna and St Clair’s relationship. I really enjoyed the background stories to this book. Not only was there a focus on romantic relationships but relationships with friends and family were also an important aspect. These background stories added a more serious note in some cases and reminded readers that life can be tough. 

I loved the slow-building relationship instead on insta-love. Yes, this did mean angst and I definitely wanted them to just hurry up and be together but I did enjoy that they didn’t rush into anything. The fact that they grew to be best friends before there was any romantic involvement was refreshing to read about.

I am not entirely sure whether I approve of the “cheating” aspect. This is the only thing I didn’t really like with this book. St Clair has a girlfriend throughout the majority of the book while clearly developing feelings for Anna. I found this a bit unpleasant to read about as I felt for Ellie, St Clair’s girlfriend, and found myself wishing they would just break up, as that would have been more comfortable to read.

Overall, I love this book. Stephanie Perkins has done an incredible job of writing a cute and funny story, which will forever be one of my favourites. The characters were very fun to read about and they will always have a place in my heart.

Review | Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern

Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern
Alternative Name: Love, Rosie
Published By: Harper Collins
Published On: November 8, 2004
Genre: Chick Lit
Pages: 558
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: ★★★★★

Amazon | Goodreads

From naughty children to rebellious teenagers, Rosie and Alex have stuck by each other through thick and thin. But just as as they're discovering the joys of teenage nights on the town and dating disasters, they're separated. Alex's family move from Dublin to America - and Alex goes with them. For good. 
Rosie's lost without him. But on the eve of her departure to join Alex in Boston, Rosie gets news that will change her life forever - and keep her at home in Ireland. 
Their magical connection sees them through the ups and downs of each others lives, but neither of them knows whether their friendship can survive the years and miles - or new relationships. And at the back of Rosie's mind is whether they were meant to be more than just good friends all along. Misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck have kept them apart, but when presented with the ultimate opportunity, will they gamble everything for true love?

Rosie and Alex have been best friends since childhood, inseparable and always causing trouble. When Alex is forced to move from Dublin to Boston with his family, everything changes for the friends; but no matter the distance between them, these two can never be separated.

This book is written entirely in letters, emails, instant messages and newspaper articles. It is such a unique format for a book, not like any I have read before. This format makes it a very quick and easy read and does not take too much concentration, which is good for me.

This is a very character driven story. The book takes Rosie and Alex from small children right through until their 50’s, making the development of the characters during this time very vital to the plot. As the plot is so character driven, I developed a strong connection to the main characters very quickly. I loved that as the book went on the new characters, such as Katie, and their development became just as important as the main characters.

The plot should be very frustrating, but it was somehow done perfectly. It was clear from near the beginning of the book that Rosie and Alex both had feelings for each other and, personally, I really wanted them to get together. Usually all of the ‘roadblocks’ put in place of the relationship in books are frustrating to me but this felt more realistic. The frustration was more disappointment for the characters than wishing they would just get together soon. In fact, I found myself beginning to panic at one point when I felt there were not enough pages left in the book for the two to get together.
There were some very powerful backstories to the plot. While it may seem that it is all about whether the two will or won’t get together, there were many other things going on. This book covers everything from teenage pregnancy, to cheating, to death, and more, and it was all done in a very fitting way.

Overall, I thought this book was a very uniquely formatted and uniquely character driven novel, which touched on some difficult topics while still making for a quick, light-hearted read. I loved the characters, the plot and this book in general and has made me want to read more of Cecilia Ahern’s works.

Top Ten Tuesday | Books & Movies To Get Into The Halloween Spirit

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke And The Bookish. Lists galore, I can think of nothing better!

This week's topic is books and movies to get into the Halloween spirit. I am not great with scary things so this may be quite a mild list in terms of scare factor but they all get me in the Halloween mood.

Books

1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This book is just the right amount of creepy for me. While I didn't love this book (review here), I do think it is a good one for getting you into the Halloween spirit. Mystery and messed up characters, what more do you need?

2. Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson

This is slightly similar to Gone Girl in the sense that is is more of a creepy mystery. This is another book that I didn't love, I rated in 3 stars, but it is a great Halloween time read that will keep you guessing.

3. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

Harry Potter always reminds me of Halloween because what is more Halloween-y than witches and wizards? This is a great read for getting into the Halloween spirit if you are someone who, like me, is not a huge fan of super scary things.

4. Underworld by Cathy MacPhail

I read this book in school a few years ago and had nightmares for weeks. Five teenagers get trapped in an underground cave and strange things begin to happen to them. It was a pretty creepy book as a 13/14 year old and I haven't got much braver since then so I'm guessing it would still give me nightmares.

5. Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

This is another book I read in school but have since reread it and still really enjoyed it. A teenage girl finds out she is registered as a missing person while doing research for a school project. It is quite creepy and some parts did freak me out but it is not anything super scary. 

Movies

1. Halloweentown movies

I have seen all of the Halloweentown movies and I am not at all ashamed of that. I loved these movies when I was younger and still watch them around Halloween to get me in the spirit without scaring myself senseless. They are great family movies for this time of year.

2. Twitches & Twitches Too

Yes, more Disney Channel movies and no, I am still not ashamed. I loved Tia & Tamera when I was younger and used to love these movies. I haven't watched them for a couple of years but they are more great family movies for this time of year.

3. Shutter Island

I love this movie but it is damn creepy, to me anyway. This is the kind of movie I would class as scary, though many would probably see this is not at all scary. The movie very much revolves around the mystery aspect and you never know what will happen next.

4. Insidious

This movie genuinely terrified me, but I did actually enjoy it for the most part. It is not so much scary but the type of film to make you jumpy and I am that person who jumps at everything. I haven't seen the second film yet but that may be one for this year.

5. Dark Skies

I surprised myself by really liking this movie. Admittedly, it did also scare me half to death but I did enjoy it. It's not what I expected it to be but it is definitely creepy. For some reason, scary movies involving children always get me in the mood for Halloween by scary me senseless.

Those are my top 5 books and top 5 movies for getting into the Halloween spirit. What are yours?

Sophie :)