Review of These Broken Stars

Hello again, back for another book review.

These Broken Stars promised me a wild space adventure with high stakes and, generally, the types of things you would expect from a YA dystopian (corrupt government, advanced technology, etc). I was disappointed. Unlike many of my favourite dystopians such as Hunger Games and Legend, this book lacked the excitement I was looking for. The whole plot can basically be summarised by one word: Titanic.

I will not insult your intelligence by retelling the Titanic/book's storyline. The main deviation is that the crash happens early and then turns into a little adventure on an unknown planet until help arrives. I try to read books generously and I will admit that it was an alright way to spend an evening, but it did not challenge my worldview or surprise me in any amazing way. It was a romance with a bit of sci-fi thrown in. The characters Lilac and Tarver were futuristic versions of Rose and Jack. If you prefer romance to dominate a storyline then this may be the perfect book for you, I just expected different.

Best parts: the title is perfect. The cover is pretty. One book down for my Goodreads challenge. In conclusion, I gave this a 3 star rating on Goodreads. So what book are you reading this Easter? Leave it in the comments. Ciao!

Review of The Distance Between Us

Hey guys! Welcome to another little book review of The Distance Between Us by Kasie West (click here to see Goodreads). Sorry I haven't blogged in a while because apparently law school means a lot more textbook than novel reading. Sigh.

I read this in about 3 sittings because it is one of those books that just makes you feel happy and alright with how life is playing out for you. It is the story of Caymen Meyers who works in a doll-shop in a town of rich people while not actually being rich. Her mum's experience with Caymen's father has taught her one thing: rich boys are trouble. Lucky for us, trouble strolls in, all arrogant and handsome by the name of Xander Spence. This is a slightly Cinderella story with a very cute prince, a lot of hilarious characters and a whole bunch of awwwwwww.

The story-line is quite straightforward and is fast-paced. This is one of the main reasons I got hooked so easily, that and the aforementioned awwwwwwws. It is perfect for a light read with a bit of humour, a bit of unbelievable things that we all wish could happen to us and a crisp ending. It felt finished, I had fun and I could forget about how hard life actually was for a while.

Like Sarah Dessen, the author chose to introduce some depth into the story through the college dilemmas of someone who can't afford it and a single-parent family struggling to make ends meet. It was by no means a Dessen masterpiece but this book was a solid effort. I had a little bit of issue with the ending but, you've got to be expecting a little bit of corniness.

All in all, this was a light-hearted read which is great for unwinding after a long and hard day. I gave this book a 4 star rating because it made me awwwwwww. Let me know if you've read it and how you're going on the Goodreads Challenge (I am failing miserably >.< ) Ciao

Favourite quote:
"Caymen."
Please don't turn it into a nickname.
"Good to meet you. Caymen."
Five points.

Valentine's date with my book

Happy Valentine's day 2014! Got no one to see or nothing to do tonight? Never fear. Books are the best things to cuddle up with anyway (they don't hog the bed OR snore) as anyone will admit. Here are a few suggestions for whatever mood you may be in...

Period Romance
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. The timeless story of Lizzie Bennet and William Darcy, two people always caught between loving and hating each other as well as entangled in old English culture such as arranged marriages and social stratification. If this sounds interesting but you find the book a bit challenging may I direct you to the Emmy-winning web-series the Lizzie Bennet Diaries (follow the link). This is an Amazing modern and interactive adaptation. Literally, amazing.

Sexy times
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles. Lately, there has been a bit of a bridging genre between young adult to adult. This is one of these books that I would only really recommend to a mature audience of about 16 years up due to the mature themes and content which weren't really hinted at in the blurb. It is a really great book and very romantic if you're up to this. Follow the link for more info.

Awwwwww.
This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen. Being a die-hard Sarah Dessen Fan, it was not easy to choose just one that really made me SA-WOON (The Truth About Forever reference). This is the book which Dessen always calls her most romantic as most of the story revolves around the romance however you can pretty much guarantee that any Sarah Dessen book will be a great romantic read. The story starts when a band member named Dexter crashes into Remy -a serial dater and too cool for him girl- and declares they are fated to be together. The book is absolutely hilarious and cute.

For the Single Ladies
The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg. Trust me, it isn't nearly as depressing as it sounds. This is one of my feel-good books whenever I'm having a bad day, and it's short enough for one sitting. Penny Lane (yep, born into a family of Beatle fans) has given up on boys for good. Determined to make this year fantastic without any relationship dramas, she employs her friends on her quest but no one can really escape love, right?

I read this til 2am and cried until 3.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. What more is there to say, one of my favourite books ever written. Ever. The writing is beautiful and it delves so much deeper into mortality and love than most other young adult books. Okay? Follow this link to see the trailer.

Click the book titles to find them on Goodreads and do leave a comment telling me which Valentine's day books you recommend. Ciao!