Currently..

Doing a Paper for School on this beautiful morning.

I guess, I have to start on it now and there is no use procrastinating!

So here I am,

Listening to Ludovico Einaudi and Sipping Mama's special Tea while trying to structure a paper for school. Did I mention it is a lovely and beautiful morning?

Oh wells.
Better get started


Maybe After reading the first chapter of "The Perks of being a Wallflower"

Whoever said reading was procrastinating? 

Can't Stop this Feeling

I cannot explain the feeling I had - after reading the last page of this fantastic book (Clockwork Prince)

I love this book so much there are no words to describe it. 
There are few books that have made me feel this way. These books are one of them.
I am simply obsessed with the world within the pages of this novel.
I am crazy about Will and Jem so much so that I pray and wish that they are REAL! Am I mad? I think I am! 

One of my favourite moments in the Infernal Devices Series.

"Mizpah" He had said.
"Mizpah? She blinked at him."And Mizpah for he had said, the Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another"

If you have not read the Clockwork Angel/Clockwork Prince
 (omgee you are missing out!)

 - What are you waiting for?
GO READ IT. GO GO GO. 

DISCLAIMER: There will be a lot swooning, gushing and drooling  after this. 

TEAM WILL or TEAM JEM?

Can I be TEAM WILL CARSTAIRS?

I love both the guys, they make Infernal Devices an amazing series - definitely a great friendship!

I definitely love Will a lot more! Especially after Clockwork Prince - and I think so do a lot of other fans!
My heart goes out to him! (Seriously.. )

But I did enjoy reading his parts in Clockwork Angel, he was funny, witty and cocky. Just the type of guy that cracks me up. There were moments in Clockwork Angel, I just went "awww" and Will just surprises you with his tenderness.
How could you not be Team Will?

And I personally- LOVE his last name- Herondale. So heroic-sounding. 

But Jem, Sweet Caring Jem. He has been so sweet, caring and lovely ... and (what did I say about the gushing).

He has been the same sweet guy since Clockwork Angel. 
How could you not be Team Jem?

It seems so unfair that the next book is coming out NEXT YEAR. I don't think its humanely possible to wait for so long. The cover of Clockwork Princess looks Fabulous. 

So the waiting continues....  

ARE YOU 

TEAM JEM?

 TEAM WILL?

 OR TEAM TESSA?

A Girl with Green Dress

Matched.

On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia Reyes is introduced to her "Perfect Match". But what if her "Perfect" match is not so "Perfect" after all.

Plot Summary: (Thanks to Goodreads)

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow

My thoughts 

Rule #1: Don't compare this to the hunger games.

The idea of a  "Society" might remotely remind you of the Capital in the Hunger Games, but just Read Matched as it is.

The plot is interesting and well thought of. In a "Society" which controls every cell in your body, imagine having the Government choose your Soul Mate?
 (**Runs around in circle.. HORROR**) 

I thought the book started off amazing. But the characters, though well developed, did not tug my heartstrings! Probably a reason why this book did not rate as high as the others. 

I found Cassia, quite whiney and annoying at times.

(Sorry Cassia but a girl is entitled to her opinion, no?) 

I just wanted her to get a MOVE ON with Life. Maybe its just me.(Such a low threshold for Patience)

A reason why I advised all readers out there, not to compare this book with the Hunger Games because sub consciously you will! I did! I constantly compared Cassia to Katniss. That is why i did not get the whole point of the plot! 

Katniss Everdeen lives in a similar world, where the Capital takes over every aspect of your life, but this is not THE HUNGER GAMES people. THIS IS NOT THE CAPITOL!

Cassia Reyes, is someone who is still searching for her purpose in the Society whereas Katniss knew exactly where she stands in her World. So please cut her some slack. Give her a chance to tell her story!

The male characters had no effect on me either (surprised?) Perhaps it is wise to wait for the other two books in the trilogy, to grow closer to the characters. The story, however, was well thought of. And perhaps, the trilogy is worth giving a try.

I recommend this to

I would recommend this to anyone, who like Dystopian novels. As for me, I would definitely give this trilogy a go, just for the idea behind the plot.

Don't you just love this quote?

“We could have been happy. I know that, and it is perhaps the hardest thing to know.” 

Rate:

7/10

A thought:
Another Dystopian novel under my belt (woohoo!). Reading Dystopian novels is perhaps like escaping Reality. Something about this world does not sit easy with me, that i run looking for the answers in the Dystopian novels? But then again, Dystopian do not have the answers, for it does not represent the BRAVE NEW UTOPIAN world? Then why do i keep running? WHY?

It's better than the Bachalorette!

This book is not just a chick flit- all about dresses, make-up and tiaras. This is much more than that.

Ever wondered what would happen if Hunger Games met the Bachelorette? 
Well you get the Selection!
Selection is an easy but delightful read. I got this on IBooks and reading it on the IPad was erm... interesting! 
I got to bookmark the pages I wanted to read again which was convenient cause book-marking several pages on a book is quite hard!!

But I still missed reading a book, like A physical book, I missed flipping the pages and I missed the (this is going to sound weird) but I really did miss the smell of books and the the sound the pages make when I turn them! (Okay now I sound nuts but hey reading is a holistic experience!)

Plot Summary:

Reading this book was like watching a reality tv show! And essentially it is kind of like a reality tv show. Kind of like hunger games plus the bachelorette. Each girl is chosen from a province to compete in (sound remotely familiar??) no no, not to compete in the hunger games but in THE SELECTION!

 This is basically a competition(don't get me wrong, there is nothing BASIC about this competition), whereby Prince Maxon chooses his future Queen! America enters the Selection much to her annoyance(forced by her mom and a certain someone), and there she catches the eye of the Prince. But sadly her heart is with someone else (or is it). But will charming and dashing Prince Maxon win her over with his good heart and ..... Gorgeousness? Not forgetting the fact that this is indeed a competition for the crown, things get ugly between the competitors, between the girls who are vying for the Prince's heart and the crown!
There are (7 or 8) classes in the society. Those who are upper class are in Class 1 while the lowest class is in Class 8. Those who enter the SELECTION, will be "promoted" to Class 3, while America is born in Class 5-- wohooo or is it really something to be happy about?

DOWN WITH CASTE DIFFERENCES!!
I hope there is a solution for this in the next book!!!

My thoughts:
This book is actually the first book in the series! I did not know this and was utterly dissapointed when I was left hanging on thread! I wanted to know who she chose in the end! I wanted to know so many things! But all I got in the last page was, END OF BOOK ONE! I thought it was a joke and there was a mistake when downloading! Silly me!
It is one of those times, when you are watching American Idol or SYTCD or X factor and you are eagerly waiting for the results show! Unfortunately, I have to wait more than 24hrs! The next book is only set to be released next year! 

I was a bit hesitant when I started reading this book, I was abit unsure about how the book would turn out. I loved the plot but I did not want it to be "all about lip gloss and glittery dresses".  This book is much more than that- I can assure you. Some themes like castes differences and poverty are discussed in this book which gives it a mature outlook on the world. I love how the author tries to include these themes into the plot! Quite Clever!

You will grow to love the characters; Prince Mason, America and a certain someone. I loved America's younger sister- SHE IS TEAM MASON and she is all so cute!

I recommend this to:
I do recommend this book for anyone who is looking for an easy but captivating read!

Don't judge a book by its cover:
I love the dress on the cover. I have to ay the cover attracted me to the book! One of the prettier covers of this summer! 

Rating:
7/10

Jodi Picoult's Lone Wolf

Okay yes yes, I know what you are thinking..

Why is it stories about Wolves.. AGAIN?

Is she obsessed with wolves or what?

I thought it was only fair to continue my "wolf" obsession and review a book I read last March 2012- Jodi Picoult's Lone Wolf.
Before I begin, here's something to a'ww at

Aww, look at that!

Plot Summary: 

You want to save your father's life

Your brother wants to let him die

What would you do?

This story follows a daughter Cara and son Edward while they cope with the tragedy that has recently struck their family; their father has met with an accident. Luke Baxter, is a wolf guy (he grows wolves, studies them and he has even lived with wolves.. yes yes THE WOLVES accepted him in their pack-- WOW!) and is currently in a coma. The doctors have given up hope and would like to end his life support and donate his organs. But ultimately the decision lies with the family; his daughter and son. 

Son Edward ran away from home at a young age after Quarrelling with his Dad. Recently returned from Thailand, he wants to end Life support as he believes this is what his Dad would have wanted. But Cara, who has spent all her life with Dad, knows him as a fighter. She believes he would survive this trauma. 

This is a fight. A Fight for their Dad's life.

My thoughts:

I am a loyal reader. Therefore when I saw this book on the shelves, my legs just started walking towards them while my hands reached out to get them!

And when I saw the "Half Price" sticker on it - it was a complete no brainer. I have got to get it! 

As a medical student, this book was really interesting as it shed light on the whole ethical issue of "ending life support". What good timing it was- as we were studying about "Life support" in our Medical Ethics the week I started reading this book! It definitely enabled me to understand the plight of the relatives of the patient; and my oh my what a plight that is!

Each Chapter in this novel is dedicated to one character. A Jodi Picoult Signature. Therefore we never fail to see the perspectives of each individual. In this book, it is hard to take sides and become TEAM EDWARD(is it me or is Edward always involved with a wolf?) or TEAM CARA. Your heart goes out to both of them which makes this book- heart tugging AWESOMENESS. 

The whole "wolf" element is fascinating as it helps us understand how Wolves and Human are in-fact similar. Wolves are just so amazing creatures (I know know, you are saying- "there she goes again! but..) they truly are! The bond they share between them is one that is mesmerizing. If only I were as Brave as Luke Baxter, I would actually go live with them, no just kidding, I am happy in my human form, thankyouverymucho! We also get to know Luke better, as he recounts his days with the wolves and explains why he prefers being with wolves to with his fellow human counterparts. 

Jodi Picoult never fails to engulf her readers into the world she creates. The dilemma that the characters go through suddenly feels like a dilemma you are facing in your own life. I was so involved in this book, I read it between lectures, while waiting for the bus, in the tube, at nights. I just could not put it down. The emotional roller-coaster this book offers is one which will leave you in tears. I just loved this book to bits. I even teared in the tube whilst I was reading this; people just stared at me. Oh wells.

Okay this is going to sound so shallow but I LOVED the fact that there are small illustrations in this book; snowflakes, leaves, wolf-paws. They add a little something to the whole experience of reading a book, don't you think?

I recommend this to:

This book is not for the faint-hearted. If you looking for a pleasure read, one that would make you laugh and feel all gooey and good inside, then this book, I'm afraid my friend, is not what your are looking for.

 If you are not afraid to be sucked into a world filled with secrets, lies and heartbreaks. If you are not afraid to tear up and heave a sob when reading. Then this is the book you are looking for.

Jodi Picoult fans' will not be dissapointed at all! 

If you are thinking about reading this book- DON'T THINK, JUST GO READ IT.

Don't you just love this quote?

"There's an honesty to the wolf world that is liberating. There's no diplomacy, no decorum. You tell your enemy you hate him; you show your admiration by confessing the truth. That directness doesn't work with humans, who are masters of subterfuge. Does this dress make me look fat? Do you really love me? Did you miss me? When a person asks this, she doesn't want to know the real answer. She wants you to lie to her. After two years of living with wolves, I had forgotten how many lies it takes to build a relationship.” 

Oh amazingness.

Rate:

8/10

Mercy Wolves Trilogy

Oh my my, what a mystical read!

Plot Summary:
A wolf saves a young girl; dragged into the woods by his other pack members. The girl, Grace remembers the wolf, her wolf and his piercing yellow eyes. Little did she know, that the wolf also remembers her. And that the wolf can shape shift into a boy, Sam. They share a special bond- a bond so endearing; a bond between a girl and boy-wolf.
The trilogy revolves Grace and Sam; their love and the challenges they face as a couple and as the few people who know about the mystical werewolves; They fight desperately to save the wolves (or themselves and their loved ones) from the hunters; who are desperate to exterminate them as a whole!

My thoughts:
I have to say, I wasn't a great fan of the plot. A wolf and girl falling in love, screamed TWILIGHT! But the way this book is written is magical and endearing; its crazy. The words are stringed in such a way; it never falls to tug your heart strings and make you feel all *woobly hungamamaz*, yes i just made that up!
I am obsessed about werewolves; with my favourite wolf being.... SIRIUS BLACK duh? I just thought this book, made me love wolves more; and has urged me to read about their way of life!!

And a big woohoo! (*fanfare!) to Grace who i simply adore for keeping it all together throughout the story and for Sam for being the best boyfriend one could ever be. Their love was so poignant; it seemed so unreal; and moved me to tears so many times!!

Don't be repulsed by the plot; read this trilogy anyway; just for the characters and the way the story has been written. You will love it; i am sure of it!

Don't you just love the quote"
There are so may quotes and paragraphs I loved in this book; its crazy to pick one. But here is one of my favourites anyway!

“I'd found heaven and grabbed it as tightly as I could, but it was unraveling, an insubstantial thread sliding between my fingers, too fine to hold.” 
― Maggie Stiefvater, Shiver

Don't judge a book by its cover:

I think the cover is so pretty and depicts the tory very very well. I love the fact that the colour of the fonts in the book, follow the colour of the cover!

I recommend this to:
Are you into poetry? Do you love music? Do you write lyrics? DO you love wolves? Did you like Twilight? Are you Team Jacob? DO you love a heart-warming love story?
If you answered yes to any of the above? Then this series is for you!

Rating:
8/10

Best Female Characters!

This list is not exhaustive. But here is Part 1!
A list of my Favourite Female Characters:

1. Beatrice Prior from Divergent 
Don't' ask me why, but I really do look up to Tris. I think it's because she i so sure of herself. She knows what she wants and she knows what her purpose in life is. In Divergent especially, she never failed to leave me in awe! She never gives in. She never gives up. She strives on. 

2. Hermoine Granger  from the Harry Potter Series
Who wouldn't want to be Hermoine? Who wouldn't want to be a smarty pants who simply knows about EVERYTHING in the ENTIRE universe? Who wouldn't want to be a gorgeous girl who is brave and somewhat fearless? Who wouldn't want to be a Witch in Hogwarts. Who wouldn't eh?

3. Anna from Anna and French Kiss. 
I think i want to be her, because I am jealous OF HER . Two words. 
Paris. 
St Clair. 
That would suffice.

4. Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter Series
I know she is Looney BUT I think this world needs a few Looney people like her. She sees things in a different light, doesn't she. Nevertheless, SHE believes in the Good. And she has sure taught me a whole lot of stuff about LIFE. She taught me to be TRUE to my identity, no matter how people look at me, weirdly. I love Luna. 

5. Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games
If you tell me, you don't like Katniss, you must be from outer space, seriously, no kidding. She is an inspiration to us all. Stand up for what you believe in, be selfless. She is so handy when it comes to bow and arrows and she is such a daredevil in the woods. Given, my "natural ability" to be fragile and brittle, I would love to have her skills!! If i were living in the Capital, i would have adored Katniss. Even though I don't, I still do adore her!

6. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. 
When you think about Pride and Prejudice. You think Darcy Darcy Darcy. But I do love Elizabeth Bennet, she is not your typical Victorian-aged- woman is she? She is hard headed, and some say arrogant. But the time came, she shed all her pride and ego and she embraced her true love. I like hard headed arrogant heroines, I think she believed in whatever she stood for and in my opinion, I think she was the pillar of the Bennet family. I really enjoyed reading this novel because of her!

7. Tessa Gray from the Infernal Devices Trilogy
Tessa. What an unique power she has. Shape Shifting. I love how she cares for the Shadowhunters; even though she may not be one of them! I love how she loves Will and Jem; How she is selfless at times; How she draws inspirations form characters of books. I love how she grows to become a little dare devil herself. She has gone through a lot in life, but you know that they say, what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger!

Hush Hush Sequence

Crescendo and Silence. The second and third books in the HUSH HUSH sequence by
Becca Flitzpatrick

I have finally finished reading the second and third books in the hush hush trilogy- crescendo and silence. I think I am going through a whirlwind of emotions right now but...

Plot Summary:

The fight between the Fallen Angels and the Nephilim take a different turn. It becomes more mysterious and dark. Obviously you know more about the Nephilim/ Fallen Angel world. Learn more secrets. You would know more about the Fallen angels and Nephilim. Since these are the second and third books in the series, talking about the plot would certainly be a SPOILER!

My thoughts:
 I think the second book offers the reader a roller coaster ride of emotions! You will be thrilled with so many emotions, twists and turns!
All I have to say is, I liked this book more than the first! I have grown to like Nora a whole lot more and though she does annoy me sometimes.
Obviously Patch becomes more mysterious than ever! The plot becomes darker and more eerie!

Having said that, I found myself reading these books, to know more about what happens in the end. I was not really drawn to any of the characters per se. Patch was mysteriously and charming but in the third book, became annoyingly Cheesy. I don't do cheesy sadly.

After sometime, i was emotionally detached from the book, i could not understand what the characters were trying to do, and there were times I just wanted to freaking YELL at NORA. Yes i did.

*Face-Palms*

Don't you just love this quote?

"Hang on did you just call me Angel"

"If I did?"

"I don't like it."

"It stays, Angel"

Don't judge the book by its cover:

I loved the cover for the second book.
Nora Grey look at the imminent storm, waiting for impending gloom.

Cover for third book really reminded me of Steven Strait from the covenant. Why oh why?


I imagined him/her as:
Caitlin Cassey as Nora Grey - From the sleepover's club

Steven Strait as Patch - Wasn't he all black in The Covenant?

I recommend this to:

Err.... 


Rating:
5/10

Divergent/Insurgent

Now I understand why everyone was raving about this trilogy. Cause its amazing, duh?
Finished reading both the books and I am left waiting for the last instalment and I hate waiting!

Plot Summary:
Divergent opens a whole new post apocalyptic world. There are five factions in this society

Abnegation- The Selfless
Candor- The Honest
Amity- The Peaceful
Dauntless- The Brave
Erudite- The Knowledgeable

Beatrice Prior, 16, has to choose the faction that she will belong to for the rest of her life. She is a born Abnegation, but now, she has the choice to live her life differently. There's one catch. If she does not choose Abnegation, she has to leave her family behind. She has to live with the consequences and she has to get through initiation, if not, she will be one of the Factionless, in current terms, she will be begging on the streets, without identity.  This book follows Beatrice's journey as she chooses THE faction.

My thoughts:  

I loved this book to bits and pieces, not only because of the intricate world that Veronica Roth creates for the readers, but all because of the characters! I love Beatrice. She inspires me in so many ways.  Her journey throughout the novel somehow reflects my journey as I moved from Singapore to the UK for Uni. Okay, enough said. I do NOT WANT to be spammed as a SPOILER.

I also loved loved Four. Yes, that's his name. But read the novel and you will know why he got the name Four. He is so hard headed and arrogant, but yet he is soft and vulnerable. I liked how he is portrayed as the invincible but yet there is a dark history of his, which makes him ever so vulnerable.

The world that Beatrice lives in, was very well thought and crafted by Veronica Roth. It leaves me in awe but gets me thinking, if this is the best way to avoid war. Surely, if everyone lives by the factions, one will never feel the need to wage a war, or will it not?

It ties in with the world one lives in today. The world where the rich gets richer, the poor gets poorer. No one cares. But what would happen, when there is a FACTION(abnegation)  just for caring. Will it help? A perfect Utopia,  don't you think?

Don't you just love this Quote? 

“A brave man acknowledges the strength of others.”
―Divergent 

How true, if only all of us understood this. 

I imagined him/her as....

Beatrice Prior : Saoirse Ronan- loved her in Lovely Bones and Atonement
Four: Logan Lerman- after Percy and the Lightning Thief, I think he is quite the Dauntless fellow!

I recommend this to 
I have a feeling the whole entire universe has already read this book.
If you haven't read it, then...
GO READ IT
NOW.

Rating:
9/10

Galaxy's Romantics

Is Stephanie Perkins an ultimate love guru or what? Both her books make me yearn for more!
Every Girl's must have book

Plot Summary;
Lola or Dolores, is a quirky teenager, who fancies costumes. She breathes, lives and exudes fashion. All is going well, in a oh so perfect life, until her past comes creeping back. Her neighbours of the past move back in. And with them comes the Bell Twins; (one of them a BOY: CRICKET)
Now, Lola has to face her past, with a boyfriend in hand. Not an easy journey, but its a journey worth taking, a journey where she is forced to be honest with her self; honest about love.

My Thoughts:
Swoon alert! Oh my gosh. In this book, there's not only Cricket to swoon over, but the oh so charming, British Accented, American-French gorgeousness, Etienne St Clair, is back. He charmed his way throughout this novel, making me smile whenever I saw his name on the page (I don't think I am alone in this, am I right?) Cricket- Now if you don't fictionally fall in love with this guy, you are simply heartless. He is so perfect. He is just the ultimate next door boy you would yearn to have.
Should I even comment about the moments, I just gasped and smiled and thought, "if only?". Stephanie Perkins holds power over me, she is one of the rare authors, who has that magic to make me swoon over  FICTIONAL CHARACTERS. Oh the Joy?

This novella is a pleasure and easy read. It does not take too long to read. In fact, I don't think you would want to stop once you've started. Which is why i finished the book in a day. Yes, in A DAY.

I recommend this to:

TO YOU. TO YOU. TO YOU. AND YOU.
All you girls out there. READ THIS.


Don't you just love this Quote?

"I know you aren't perfect. But it's a person's imperfections that make them perfect for someone else" 

- Lola and the Boy Next Door

Say WHAT?

Don't judge the book by its cover:

I love the colors of the cover. Light blue, purple, pink and a lovely turquoise for the hard cover. Lola is so pretty on the cover, with her purple hair. But i did not associate Cricket to the guy on the cover, (don't kill me), for me Cricket was like... ANDREW GARFIELD or am I nuts????

I imagined him as:

Andrew Garfield as the perfect Cricket. 

 P.S: Harry Styles as the Perfect Etienne? Or am I nuts, once again???


Rating:
8/10

Shhhh, it's Hush Hush

After browsing for,what seemed to be a long time, I chose to read “HUSH HUSH” which is part of the hush hush hush trilogy. I could not find all the other books I had in mind. But I have to admit, I was spending quite some time – looking at the Infernal Devices series section. Oh the cover is just so pretty, isn’t it? (okay I should stop blabbering about that, this is ALL ABOUT HUSH HUSH)

Plot summary

This book is about a…. guy who is mysterious, dreamy yet annoying and a girl(surprise surprise) Nora, who is being stalked by someone. Even though Nora hates this guy, Patch(what a name?, now I thought my name sounded weird!), she is somewhat attracted to him. AWKWARD! But Patch also has a mysterious side to him, something that is not quite right and Nora is curious, (you know the typical “oh-it-might-be-dangerous-but-i-shall-do-it-anyway sort of heroine, **coughs Bella **coughs**) The story revolves around how Patch and Nora’s lives are entwined and what the future holds for them.

My thoughts
And guess what? I finished this book in a day. It’s your typical 400 page novel but it is filled with suspense and is truly a page turner. I sat down at 4 and finished reading the book at 8. Pausing in between to go make myself tea! (turns out I hate the tea I make, not as good as mom’s) Psssht!

I know what you are thinking- “there you go again, another twilight sheezbam! ” Ah there you are wrong! This is nothing, I REPEAT, nothing like twilight! I thought the female character was all very Bella-ish, no she is not THAT annoying, not all the time anyway! It’s all very very VAMPIRE DIARIES meets SUPERNATURAL sort of thing. A delightful and exciting read.

I was NOT COMPLETELY crazy about this book. The idea of it was beautiful and unique. There were moments when i just "face-palmed" myself- asking myself "WHY oh WHY". The story however, is quite fast paced and thus it keeps you wanting to find out more at every turn of the page. I would definitely read the next book to find out what's happening and how it all ends.

 I recommend this to

 All those out there who love paranormal stuff. If you like twilight, you probably will "dig" this.

Don't you just love this quote:
No quote stood out for me in this book! Oops.

Rate:
6/10

T'was simply swoon-tastic

Drinking Starbucks and Reading the last bits of Anna and the French Kiss!

Finally got my hands on this fantastic summer 2012 read. The 4 weeks wait was not 4 weeks after all. I went into the bookshop and I was just looking at the book arranged right at the entrance of the bookshop Kinokuniya when something caught my eye. I gasped and screamed for my friend and I picked up the book and started jumping! Yes you may think, I am exaggerating a tad bit, but no, this is the drama queen you are talking about, therefore no exaggeration at all. A school girl beside me smiled and said, “great book”! Wow, another reader who thought this book was great! More the reasons to buy it
I first heard about this book when I stumbled upon a YouTube book vlogger giving it a high rating. But she was not the only one! Most of the youtube book vloggers absolutely loved this book and raved about the fantastic plot! I have been desperately trying to get my hands on this book ever since and it has been amazing to be able to read finally in the summer.

Plot summary
Anna is a American senior in high school and is forced to attend a boarding school in Paris for her last year! Annoyed and Glum that she has to leave her best friend and heart- throb crush behind, Anna reluctantly goes to Paris! Only to find out that perhaps moving to Paris was the best thing that ever happened to her! And yes the best thing comes in the form of a English/French gorgeous looking boy who she happens to have a thing for! But sadly he is in a serious relationship! (cue in music: dam dam dam!) This story follows Anna’s journey in Paris- as she transforms from an outsider into a true blue Parisien who finally realizes that she is living in the City of Romance!


My thoughts:
You know the kind of book that makes you laugh, cry, gasp, yell and curse regardless of where you are reading the book? Well Anna and the French falls in that category! It is the type of book which makes you desperate for more! I was reading this in Starbucks the other day, and I said “oh no!” (a bit too loudly) and a few heads turned in my direction! I could not help it!
I have this habit ( bad?) of taking a long time to finish the book just so that I live in the characters’ world for a while longer! I do not want the book to END!!!I could have finished this book in a night, but I kept prolonging it. I finished it in three days! I wanted it to be longer! And now, I am suffering from withdrawal symptoms. BOOHOO!

I recommend this to:
Again, highly recommended- for those who love a swoon-tastic love story!

Don't you just love this Quote?:

“Will you please tell me you love me? I’m dying here.”
― Stephanie Perkins, Anna and the French Kiss

Gets me laughing all the time! 

Rating:
8/10

The Fault in our **Stares!

Have you ever read books which just make you go speechless? Well I have read a few, and one of them is "The Fault in Our Stars". This is my second John Green Book and after "Looking for Alaska", I was quite excited to read tFiOs, and Omgosh, what sheer brilliance.

My friends sometimes describe me as a Sadist because they always find me reading books with depressing plots, so, when I was reading a book about two Cancer patients, they just raised their eyebrows giving me "THE look". But man, are they wrong!

Plot Summary 
Two Cancer Patients, Augustus Waters and Hazel, meet in a Cancer Support Group. Hazel is terminal (practically waiting for THE death verdict) and is pretty much cynical about everything in life UNTIL she meets Augustus Waters (another Cancer Patient)! Together they embark on a journey so special, moving, heart wrenching and thought provoking-- IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!

My thoughts 
I think the gushing and the high spirited rambling would have said it all- I THINK this book is MIND BLOWING, no i think it is MIND BLASTING! I constantly kept going, "wow, i never thought of that at any moment of my existence, EVER!".
**Spoliler alert** (if you have not read the book, I hope you get up and go get the book.. NOW!)

I think the whole idea of existing in this world and what it means to us, is something we never think about much. Most of us, myself included, just take Life as it comes(not that is a bad thing), but what is our purpose here in Life? Why are we here? Will people remember us in time?

I had this really crazy thought after reading this book: "What if I died in sleep tonight, will my family and friends still remember me after say, 20 years? Or will be a just a blurb in their memory?

(**"Oh wasn't there this girl we used to know? Like she used to jump around and spazz out all the time... Oh yea poor thing, died in her sleep. NOW WHAT WAS HER NAME???***)

It sends shivers down your spine doesn't it?

The romance in this book. Ethereal. So beautifully crafted and incorporated in this book, it just gives me goosebumps. Its just so divine and for the lack of a better word, jaw dropping- the way they slowly fall for each other. Just thinking about it- triggers an adrenaline-infused increase in heart rate!

I read this book in three days, reading between classes and during lunch breaks. I still remember walking out of my room, having finished the book, with eyes filled with tears and puffy with water retention. (do you get that when you cry alot?). Looking back, I do not know why I cried?

1. Was it because the possibility of the world not remembering me after I died, terrified me?
2. Was it because I felt so sorry for the characters? 
3. Was it because  I FINISHED A FREAKING AMAZING BOOK, I WANT TO RE-READ IT AGAIN, WAAAAHH!! 

I recommend this to

If you always run away from "Depressing plots" (*yup, you right there, yup you're the one!), run no more my friend--Read this book. 

If you want to read a book, that will make you feel something, anything, some small bit of emotions, then Read this book. You vill naat be dissapointed!

If you are John Green fan, well you probably would have read this book zillion times. So i shall not "recommend" this to you. Cheers

 Don't you just love this Quote?

I am," he said. He was staring at me, and I could see the corners of his eyes crinkling. "I'm in love with you, and I'm not in the business of denying myself the simple pleasure of saying true things. I'm in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we're all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we'll ever have, and I am in love with you.”

― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars 

Don't judge a book by its cover?

HardCover!!! (*does the woohoo-- i-got-a-hard-cover-version dance)

The blue, black and white reminds me of heaven- or is just me and my weird imagination?

Rate:
11/10!!!

Sarah's Key

Sarah’s Key. Magnificent. One word would suffice.

If you  love these genre of books, then its a MUST BUY

You will not be Disappointed! 

Plot Summary:

It is set in two time periods. 1942 France and 2002 France. During the Velodrome d’hiver, thousands of jewish families were arrested and sent to Auschwitz. One girl, Sarah locks her four year old brother up, desperate to save him from the brutality. She promises to come back for him. But does she?

My thoughts:

After reading this book, i had nightmares for several days, no kidding. I finished reading this book in 2 days. I just sat down and was determined to finish it. I wanted to know how it all turned out. Although not completely historical, the Velodrome d’hiver (or the Swift of Spring Breeze) did happen in Paris in 1942. The Jewish families were transported to the extermination camp under the orders of the French Police. I did not cry or sob reading this book, I must admit, but there is a sombre feeling in me that i simply cannot get rid off. This is a different type of emotion, one that i have never felt before. One that I am terrified of.

Though this book affected me in ways, I cannot imagine. It has changed me. Ignorance is something that I condone now. Sitting back and saying, "That's not my problem" is not a way to go about in this world. We are a family. Different races, religion, countries, languages, but the color of our blood is one and the same: it is red. And it is not worth shedding. We need to work together hand in hand and let us love, forget hate and live together as one.

Peace begins with a smile. 

How does the blood of thousands of young people and the tears of loved ones solve the problem at hand? Instead it puts fuel to the fire, a vicious cycle between hatred and violence.

I am not asking one to be neutral. I am not asking one to “not care” or “not get involved”. As Elie Wiesel, the Nobel Peace Laureate and the author of “Night” says,

“Neutrality helps the oppressor never the oppressed. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. ”.

Interfere. By speaking up in conferences. Writing in journals. Not killing thousands of innocent people. What do you achieve by that?

Today, I bow my head in silence, in respect to all those who lost their lives and loved ones in these genocides and wars. I may not share the same country, language or culture with them, but we are all part of this beautiful home, Planet Earth.

Let us all keep them in our prayers. Let us pray for world peace. Let us stand up for what we believe in. Let us choose love over hatred. Let us choose. diplomacy over violence. Let us live as one human race.


 I recommend this to:

If you are someone who loves reading historical fiction and plots about war/genocides and would not mind being taunted by heart wrenching stories, I would recommend this to you.

This novel is not for the Faint-hearted.
But a heart moving, awe- inspiring, life changing read, nevertheless



Don't you just love this quote?:

"I had looked at him straight in the eyes.
Sorry for not knowing. Sorry for being forty-five years old and not knowing.”
― Tatiana de Rosnay, Sarah's Key

"Zakhor. Al Tichkah. Remember. Never forget.”
― Tatiana de Rosnay, Sarah's Key 

Don't judge the book by its cover?

When I first saw this cover art, i thought the photography was absolutely stunning. The contrast of the yellow and the girl's red dress was eye catchy. It did have a vintage feel to it. But after reading this book,  my perspective on the cover art changed: it was heart-wrenching. 

Rate:

9/10

The Art of Racing in the Rain

As the raindrops go "pitter patter" against my window sill, I cannot help but reminisce about the book which made me tear while riding a bus- "The Art of Racing in the Rain"

Plot Summary:

Written in the perspective of a pet dog, this plot promises to bring hope to every reader. It is about how Enzo, the pet dog, perceives his Owner's life and how he forces himself to change as his owner faces some unfortunate circumstances. It is a story about how a dog stands by his owner, even when, his human friends forsaken him. And I assure you, after having read this book, you will never look at a dog the same way!

My Thoughts:

After having read this book, I really wanted a dog as well. Dogs are absolutely amazing friends and reading this only makes me wonder how 'Gareth Stein" has thought things through. Such a genius! I could not put the book down at all, and at every twist and turn, I found myself writhing in pain, angry at a character or just in love with Enzo. Oh my little four legged friend, how you mesmerize me!


I recommend this to:

If you are a Dog Lover, you would absolutely love this book. And trust me when I say you will grow to love your dog even more after this one. If you are someone who wants a moving, awe-inspiring read, I suggest you pick this book up, for it will truly move you, in ways you cannot imagine!


Don't you just love this Quote?:

“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.”
― Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain 

Don't judge the book by its cover? :
And the cover art for this book is absolutely cute---- don't you think that dog deserves a hug?

Overall this book is a MUST BUY!

 One that you MUST HAVE IN YOUR BOOKSHELF

For you never know when you will pick it up again to gain inspiration from it!

Rate:

9/10