Holiday Gift Guide 2015

Hello and happy holidays! Here is a little gift guide for your bookish gifting needs this year.

For the trend follower
Colouring books, most people will admit to owning one these days. To make your gift special though, choose a themed colouring book such as the Harry Potter colouring book for the Potterhead or a famous landscapes for the traveler.

For the series lover
There are heaps of fantastic series ending this summer. The final books of the Obernewtyn chronicles and the Lunar Chronicles are top picks for my YA loving friends.

For the internet kid
All of the Youtubers are releasing books at the moment. I'm most looking forward to reading Tyler Oakley's Binge and Miranda Sing's Selp Helf, two books sure to provide a bit of backstage access to fans and much laughter.

For the classics collector
Keepsakes are often overlooked as gifts but getting someone a story that they already love is a foolproof gift idea for a collector. The Harry Potter illustrated edition was released recently as well as many classics,

For the knick knack friend
Go into any good bookstore's gift section and you are sure to find a nerdy gift. Whether it's a miniature Game of Thrones figurine, a waterbottle with the orange Penguin Classic cover of Lost Girl, or a calico bag with the eye of Big Brother. I love so much of this merchandise.

For the funny one
Comedien books are also a great gift idea. Some of my favourites include Amy Poehler's Yes Please and Miranda Hart's Is It Just Me. A recent bestsellers I would love (hint hint family) is Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance.


If you have any more suggestions, leave them in the comments. Enjoy the festivities :)

Mockingjay Part 2

I went to see the final HG movie with my sister this week. This final film promised big action, a final hunger games with the Capital as the field, and some decisions about Peeta and Gale. Katniss has just recuperated from a near fatal attack from Peeta and now must take her place as the Mockingjay on the frontlines of the war. However, President Coin has other ideas for her as does President Snow.

It was a fantastic adaptation from book to screen keeping the important scenes untouched, like the ending, and strengthening minor storylines, such as with Gale, through the movie format. Fans of the book will be impressed, as will fans of the movie franchise. As a loyal fan of the books, I was just so happy to see the final battle realised and Katniss and special someone fall in love.

Jennifer Lawrence is inseparable from Katniss Everdeen onscreen. She is fierce and selfish. Scared and kind. Katniss is one of the most complex heros you will find in young adult fiction. The cast of secondary characters including wonderful Primrose, sassy Haymitch, and cruel genius of Plutarch populate the realistic dystopia. I always recommend the Hunger Games books to non-readers as thrilling and complex storylines sure to interest a wide audience.

Review of 1984 by George Orwell

Status: read and returned to friend.
Rating: 3/5.

I love a good dystopian, particularly one created by a master. 1984 is a dark dark place for Winston and his fellow comrades. Winston feels isolated from the messages of Big Brother; his work "correcting" records at the Ministry of Truth, which actually involves Winston erasing history, prevents him from swallowing the Party's preaching. Simply by doubting the Party, Winston commits thoughtcrime. He must be caught.

Orwell injects fear into each scene, a feeling of being watched by Big Brother and the inevitability of capture. The beginnings of love in the meadow scene was like the drip of light in a dark forest. He uses words precisely. For instance, Winston describes himself as gelatinous; tired, transparent, nervous, shaking. Orwell certainly uses juicy language to keep you entertained throughout a relatively slow-moving plot.

Orwell's world is so thorough, it includes new language, government, ways of thinking. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the world. The ending, however, left me unsatisfied. I didn't expect a happy ending - Winston's pessimism did not lead me to hoping - but I did not really understand the ending. I think it requires a reread at some stage.

Favourite quote:
Almost as swiftly as he had imagined it, she had torn her clothes off, and when she flung them aside it was with that same magnificent gesture by which a whole civilization seemed to be annihilated.

Review of Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

Status: read and sitting next to my other Princess Diaries books.
Rating: 3/5.

Mia Thermopilis, POG (Princess of Genovia) herself, is back in the building! Long time no see Mia and Michael! Hiiii Lilly, I have missed the sass. Aww Tina, hello lovely. And Lana... well, I haven't missed you. The crew is back together! As I acknowledged in my latest book haul, I knew this was a money grab book from the start, a novel not intended to change the ending but to build a bridge for the Princess Diaries fandom to the inevitable spin-off series.

Mia's family drama is as always a delight to read. Oh the first world problems and the humour that ensues. Grandmere and Mia's father also play key roles in this book which I really enjoyed. Grandmere has also bought a new lady friend for Rommel the poodle, which doesn't really work out as she had hoped. And of course, as the title reveals, we do get a beautiful proposal and wedding :) *Sigh* Eleven books later and here we are.

In this book we also have quite a bit of romance however it was mostly alluded to; I expected a bit more maturity from the themes in this book but most problems and sexual themes were kept very surface, despite Mia's age and the expected maturity of the fandom. The plot wasn't exactly brave or surprising, thus, while I enjoyed the novel, I would not place it highly compared to the other books. Book 10 is one of my favourite finale books and so it has stayed.

Favourite quote:

I'm completely demanding an autopsy on my grandmother's brain when she's dead so I can see what I'm in for as I age.

Review of I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Status: read and back on my shelf.

Rating: 5/5.

I am Malala had me hooked from the first page. The story begins as any great story begins, with a birth and a family. From the outset, it is clear that Malala's relationship with her father is integral to her life story. Respect in their relationship, is always mutual. 

The thing that most impressed me was Malala's confidence. No not her confidence, her no nonsense honesty. In interviews, when asked how she has the boldness to confront world leaders about controversial topics, she says she doesn't do it for her, it is bigger than her. She finds the confidence because she must step up for her fellow people. 

What's more, she shows that everyone can learn from others. Malala is insatiable for knowledge. She is never satisfied with herself and often looks to her father and other great leaders on how to improve herself. Her father learns from his daughter too (though her brothers seem to not learn all that much haha from her). I feel I have learned to love learning through Malala. 

My favourite parts of the book were when Malala describes her life in Swat Valley. Malala captures the essence of her valley and explains it simply, aware of the possible cultural differences between herself and her readership. The importance of stories, particularly religious stories, is emphasised. She perfectly describes the real fear of your home becoming a dangerous place at night. The anxiety of her fellow classmates sneaking to school. 

That is what the book says. There are rules worth breaking despite threats and there are things worth saying despite nerves. Just as there are books worth reading despite the time of night. I highly recommend this book as an important an amazing story.

Favourite quote:

'It doesn't matter if I can't smile or blink properly,' I told her, I'm still me, Malala. The important thing is God has given me my life.' Yet every time they came to the hospital and I laugh or tried to smile, my mother's face would darken as if a shadow had crossed it. It was like a reverse mirror - when there was laughter on my face there was distress on my mother's.

A book to watch

Book review of I am Malala coming very soon. In the meantime, watch the trailer and be awed. Is it strange that I read the book hearing Malala's voice reading it to me?

Pre-Final-Exams Book Haul, where I regret nothing.

Recently I was invited to a Dymocks VIP event for Dymocks members. Not only was there wine and cheese involved, but there were also some enticing books I caved in and purchased. Here is my pre-final-exams book haul.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Plath’s notoriety precedes her. In one of my introductory units we were given an essay on Plath’s life and its resemblance to The Bell Jar, which I now see was a ruse to get us to read Plath. After a year of picking up this beautiful book at every bookstore I entered, I found a hardcopy version I didn’t have the heart to replace on its shelf. It now graces my bookshelf besides my hold and white version of Gatsby. I am looking forward to reading this scandalous tale.

Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

The Princess Diaries saw me all through my adolescence. Book 10 was one of the greatest finale books ever. Though I am a little skeptical of this book as being the publisher’s last grab at my expendable income, I will admit I am excited to revisit some old friends and laugh at the antics of Mia’s life.

Ariel by Sylvia Plath

In the spirit of discovering classics, I also picked up a copy of Ariel. Plath’s writing style beautifully lends itself to heart-wrenching poems. I am excited to read this in a darkened coffee-shop like the literary nerd I am.

I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

I have heard nothing but praise for this contemporary YA. It sounds like the perfect summer read, complete with romance, coming of age, humour, and a hopeful ending.

With that, let the holiday reading commence!

Review of Bossypants by Tina Fey

Status: read.
Rating: 5/5

Oh Tina, oh you. You wonderful, intelligent, fellow-ethnic woman. Bossypants is Tina Fey's comedic memoir detailing her life from her childhood, to writing and acting days. There are some lessons you cannot learn from your parents without much discomfort. You can only learn them from comedians.

You may be familiar with this comedic memoir genre; for me, this is my first book in this style. Tina is an unapologetically funny human, who doesn't need to be constantly funny. Humour sometimes comes from Tina and sometimes it comes from the people around her. Either way, she is evidently very observant, the way I wish I was. Let's be honest, she does surround herself with awesome people. She writes, "In most cases, being a good boss means hiring talented people and then getting out of their way." Tina has perfected the art of watching and listening, and adding things when they are necessary. This careful commentator is -finally- the star of the show.

And what a show! Critics called it, "Quite the best" - Yanery Ventura, the Unironic Nerd

This book would make a great gift and was such a quick read. The chapters are self-contained articles, poems or stories. Even the table of contents was a joy to read, a taste of the russian roulette. My only complaint was that this book wasn't longer.


Favourite quote:
(From a Mother's Prayer for Its Daughter)

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance.
Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes
And not have to wear high heels.
What would that be, lord? Architecture? Midwifery?
Golf course design? I'm asking You, because if I 
knew, I'd be doing it, Youdammit. 

This girl's back

Well hello to you, welcome back!

*But you were the one who was gone*

It's all in the past. I'm back now. Take a seat, relax. I will have some new posts up very soon.

Review of Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Status: read and on my bookshelf.

Format: paperback.

Rating: 4/5 stars.

Darcy Patel is a debut author whose first book Afterworlds has been predicted to be a bestseller. She is receives a hefty advance and a one way ticket to New York, the Disney castle of any aspiring author. I had heaps of fun learning all the secrets of the young adult publishing industry and seeing some of my favourite authors reflected in fictional characters like John Green’s appearance as Standerson, author and internet-cult leader.

But that’s only half of it! The book alternates chapters with Darcy’s life and her unpublished book Afterworlds. Her real-life experiences sneak into the protagonist Lizzie’s story. The opening – as Darcy’s publisher noted- was nail-bitingly scary. Lizzie is in the airport when the first person is shot by a terrorist operative. The helpline woman’s words “Well, honey, maybe you should pretend to be dead,” become Lizzie’s portal to the world of the dead.

Essentially Afterworlds is two fantastic storylines spun into one chunky book. The format feels experimental and artistic. Westerfeld expertly exploits the strengths of paranormal and contemporary youth fiction. I would recommend this book for aspiring writers or readers curious to see some behind-the-scenes of how writers become award-winning authors. I am extremely impressed by the endings of both storylines especially after experiencing Darcy’s angst when writing the conclusion of Afterworlds. I think I actually clapped aloud.

Favourite quotes:

“I’m a tin soldier. Steadfast,” Darcy said tiredly. But the word had lost all meaning. Maybe she would use it somewhere in her rewrites, just to remind herself of this endless day.

“[…] Awards don’t matter in YA heaven, because you get to write all day. No bills, no cooking, no cleaning. Just writing and talking about writing, and everyone has cover approval.”

“Writerly superpowers. Tiny but potent.”

Review of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Status: re-read.
Format: my own paperback.

"Dear friend..."

Charlie is a high-school freshman after a very difficult summer. And it is going to be a difficult year. Unlike many other coming-of -age young adult novels I have read, Perks is one story which I can re-read and re-read. It is a book less reliant on its surprise ending than the writing. Sincere. Poignant. i have never read from a more pure perspective.

Much of Charlie's memory is marred by anxiety and his brain's attempt to block trauma. It comes to him in undecipherable pieces. When he sees his sister with an abusive boyfriend he remembers his Aunt Helen. When he sees his friend Patrick being bullied he remembers his brother's wrestling training. Chbosky impresses with his ability to gently introduce us to Charlie without scaring us off.

The characters are antique pieces not cardboard cut-outs. From Patrick's intensity, Sam's kindness and Mr Anderson's honesty.I highly recommend this book to any one wanting an introduction to YA fiction. It will transport you to a time when you felt weak and happy and infinite.

Favourite quote:
"We accept the love we think we deserve."

Bookish Pet Peeves

A ranty sort of post to break up all the reviews.

Sourced from reviewsfromabookworm

10. When the cover designs change midway through a series you are collecting. Why do you ruin my bookshelf so?
9. When the author posts book teasers so the funny dialogue isn't as funny when you actually read the book.
8. When they don't kill off any characters in a war/battle sequence.
7. When a character loses their memory. Suzanne Collins and Marie Lu, I'm looking at you.
6. When you get tear stains or sweaty fingerprints in the book.
5. When you reserve the same book at multiple libraries to see which one delivers first but then you have 4 copies you don't know what to do with.
4. When the release date gets pushed back.
3. When the author stops writing midway through a series.
2. When there is a cliffhanger.
1. When there is a cliffhanger, the release date is a year away and then a year later it gets PUSHED BACK. This is the absolute worse.

So what did I miss? Let me know in the comments. Ciao!

Review of Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

Status: read elibrary audiobook.
Rating: 3.5/5
Blue Lily, Lily Blue is the third book in the Raven Boys Quartet by Maggie Stiefvater. Since its birth, I have been a massive fan of the series. The books are very focused on a group of unlikely friends who cross paths at the eve of Blue's 16th year. She and her raven boys are looking for a sleeping king hidden on the ley line. In this book, the group encounters other sleepers on the line and get ever

closer to the discovery Gansey's king and the day of Gansey's predicted death. Full of twists, gorgeous writing and stolen moments when Blue and Gansey fall in love, this novel made me long for magic.

The book was enjoyable however I came away disappointed by a few things. Foremost, Ronan's storyline which was dominant in Dream Thieves practically disappeared from Blue Lily. You do grow attached to Stiefvater's characters so its sad when they stop appearing in the books. For instance Ronan's friend, brothers and Gansey's family make no appearance in this book. The male antagonist, though extremely prominent throughout Blue Lily, is taken out of the picture by the end of the novel. Maggie's character development though wonderful and unique seems almost unsustainable.

No one can fault the writing style however. There were many passages so delicious to read (or hear in the audiobook) particularly when describing characters or the magic. If you want a books you can truly savour I would recommend this series.


Favourite quotes:

Blue was perfectly aware that it was possible to have a friendship that wasn't all encompassing, that wasn't blinding, deafening, maddening, quickening. It was just that now she'd had this kind, she didn't want the other.

She stood on the ledge of his smile and looked over the edge.

They were not creating a mess. They were just slowly illuminating the shape of it.

Let me know what you thought about the book and any theories as to the last one. If this sounds interesting click the book title for its Goodreads page or if you'd like to read my review of Dream Thieves click here. Ciao!

Review of The Giver by Lois Lowry

Status: returned to elibrary to much dismay.
Rating: 5/5 stars.

In a futuristic society Jonas reaches the age of maturity where his career will be decided. Instead of being awarded a career, Jonas is selected as the society’s new Receiver of all human memories of the past. Though exempted from society’s rules against curiosity and dishonesty in his new position, Jonas vows to never lie. But he must lie. With the Giver’s training he sees the true world and cannot share it.

This novel kept surprising me. Like many adult readers, I lowered my expectations due to the book's classification as children’s fiction. However the book challenged me intellectually and morally beyond what a child may grasp. I came to realise how a totalitarian society can flourish without its citizens noticing how controlled they really are. The twists were seamlessly interwoven with world-building and clear dialogue. I would recommend this book for non-readers or lovers of dystopian or introspective literature. Think Animal Farm crossed with If I stay. An odd mix, but it works.

Let me know what other children’s stories you enjoyed as an adult. Have you seen the film adaptation of the Giver? Ciao.

Christmas Book Haul

Happy New Year to you lovely folk. We are well into 2015 and I still haven’t posted a Christmas book haul. I got a lot of books both given to me and purchased by me so I wanted to share my nerdy excitement here!

1.       Scarlet and Cress by Marissa Meyer

My sister heard me cry out and came running to my room, asking me what was wrong. I said, “Cinder finished. And I don’t’ have the second one.” She bought me both sequels. My sister is the greatest. (Read my Cinder book review here.)

2.       I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

Sometimes the world is horrid. I am saving this book for when I need to know how to survive human cruelty. Malala is a young woman standing up against the Taliban by going to school and speaking out on behalf of oppressed young women. At 17, she is possibly the greatest human alive with a Nobel Peace Prize under her belt and a survivor of brutal gun attacks. I already know this is going to be a massive book for me particularly as feminist literature.

4.       Landline by Rainbow Rowell

If you haven’t yet picked up a Rainbow Rowell book I really don’t know what you’re doing. I am seriously excited to start this one. This author has taken the young adult and adult contemporary genre by storm, particularly in 2014. Her novel Eleanor and Park remains my favourite youth fiction romance ever. Fangirl –omg Fangirl-  is incredible. Go read Rainbow Rowell.

5.       Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

A fantastic new addition to my bookshelf (one that I bought myself) in the form of a teen urban fantasy-suspense. I remember reading Westerfeld’s Uglies series in my early teens and being enchanted by his world-building and plot driven storyline. This is one book to watch.

6.       Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

I purchased this by suggestion of a friend who promised me a mighty heroine and a premise which would blow my mind. I’m hesitantly excited but I trust Richelle Mead – author of Bloodlines which I love - with my fragile fangirl life. I am always excited to start new series.

As always, you can follow the links of the books you like the sound of to Goodreads. Now the only question is: where to begin? Ciao.

Mockingjay Book and Movie Review

Status: read all the books and seen all the movies. 
Rating: 7/5 stars

*** Warning contains movie AND book spoilers. Do not be spoiled ***

After seeing the movie, I decided it was time for a reread of one of my favourite trilogy's conclusion. Collins' words are harsh and bleak. They speak of the pain and greed which scars the victors of the Hunger Games.

The story unfolds in the depths of District 13's underground bunkers which are about as cheerful as they sound. Although I was slightly unimpressed by the lack of imagery of 13 when compared to the lavish descriptions of the Capitol and District 12, the setting reflects Katniss's caged feeling as she refuses the role of rebel symbol.

I loved the role of minor characters such as Hatymitch and Finnick in the novel. This was something the movie definitely lacked. It was in these intimate interactions between the victors that readers truly appreciate the effects of the "circuses" of Panem have had on individuals. Finnick and Haymitch's stories add a depth to their characters which is downplayed in the movie. Particularly Finnick's story which is used as almost background noise to the real action is sorely missed by fans of his character. This downplaying of the victors' roles may decrease the emotional effect of some characters' deaths in part 2.

Katniss's sarcasm and bluntness shines when she grates against Plutach's optimism and enjoyment of the war. As a character, she has unprecedented complexities as a young female protagonist in youth fiction. Her assassination of the President shows balanced on the weight of a profound promise of honesty shows her rebellious nature and her struggle with accepting hard truths.

I loved this novel more this time around particularly after seeing the first half of the story played out on a cinema screen. I am very very very very excited for the last film.

Let me know what you thought about the movie adaptation. Ciao!

Cinder by Marrissa Meyer - Book Review

Status: Have already purchased books two and three.
Rating: 7/5 stars.

I haven't had a book completely blow me away like this since The Fifth Wave or The Hunger Games. I went into this thinking it was a retelling of Cinderella and boy was I wrong. I was hooked from the first page. We are immediately introduced to a mechanic who has just detached her own foot. This is not your classic Cinderella. This is Cinder.

Cinder is a mechanic girl adopted by a horrible stepmother and living in New Beijing. She is first approached by Prince Kai to fix his personal android which contains important information not available on the imperial internet. Just a normal boy meets girl scenario. Except that Cinder is cyborg, 36% machine and a servant to society at large. She is volunteered by her stepmother to become a vaccine tester for medical research undertaken to cure the plague spreading to the Commonwealth. What follows is an epic adventure through a new world, government system and some bad ass  non-Disney princesses.

The novel was heavily reliant on dialogue to keep a fast pace. Not many witty one-liners but certainly lots of chemistry with Prince Kai and Iko. And the pace was what made this book for me. I was never bored and was always ready for the next mystery to present itself.

In short I ate this book up. I reveled in its creative homage to the classic fairytale and the fantastic twists and turns I never saw coming. The world-building was truly amazing and akin to the dystopian worlds I hope I can build for my stories in future. This is one series to keep on your YA fiction horizons.

Favourite quote: 
It was not her fault he had liked her. 
I was not her fault she was cyborg.
She would not apologize.