It's Monday, what are you reading? (33)

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I didn't think I was going to have a post because up until earlier tonight (Sunday), I hadn't finished any books, but then I finished two. And none were on my list last week. Whoops. 

Last week I finished reading:
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I got caught up in Gone Girl which I started for a readalong and didn't get hooked on right away, but then about 160 pages in I did get hooked and then I couldn't stop over the entire weekend and I devoured it. Intense, dark, and well written. Not happy about the ending but the more I think about it, I guess it was kinda perfect. Maybe.

Hana by Lauren Oliver

A short story that takes place at the same time as Delirium but this time told by Lena's best friend Hana. I wish I remembered the first book better, I should really do a reread before book 3 comes out next month but I don't think I'll have time. At least this refreshed a little bit, and even though it isn't necessary to read it, I do think the shock at the end adds something you don't get from Delirium, though possibly it will be discussed further in Requiem. I hope so, because I need answers!

What I plan to read this week:
Boundless by Cynthia Hand

I really will! Contrary to what the past few weeks of these posts would indicate, I'm actually really looking forward to this. I'm also a little nervous... it's book 3 and that means the end and I really hope things turn out the way, I mean with the boy, I hope they will!

Annabel by Lauren Oliver

Also going to read this short story in preparation for Requiem. It's told from the perspective of Lena's mother, and again, should be interesting and also remind me of some of the many things I have probably forgotten. It takes place before Delirium.

What are you reading this Monday? 

This is a post by Zoë. You can find her here on Goodreads or on Twitter @strandedhero

It's Monday, what are you reading? (32)

Hosted by Book Journey

Well not a very productive reading week this time! I did manage to finish one book, so there's that. It actually took me a lot longer than expected, but maybe I wasn't focused very well. I also pretended I was focusing on my own writing, but didn't get too much of that done either. Anyway, they can't all be winners. Next time, right?

Last week I finished reading:
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

Conflicted over this one. I feel like I say that about every book I read, but seriously. I missed Anna, evil Anna that is. The ending was intense, but there were definitely some bits leading up that bored me. I guess I'll have to put my thoughts into proper words and write a review at some point!

What I plan to read this week:
Boundless by Cynthia Hand

I got it from the post office, but didn't actually start reading it yet. Definitely will this week.

The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon

Even though I've already started this one, it's going behind Boundless on the reading list because I know the first book is going to suck me and not let me go until I'm done. And I can't wait. If I have time after that, I'll definitely dig back into McMahon's novel. I was just getting to some interesting parts.

What are you reading this Monday?

It's Monday, what are you reading? (31)

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Overall a pretty good reading week. I didn't get much further the biggest book on my list from last week, The One I Left Behind, although I did pick it up tonight (Sunday) and make some progress.  I also managed to read the other three, plus another novella. I sometimes neglected writing, which I was hoping to do more of this week, for reading, so I'm not sure how my balance will be next week but I do have a few great books lined up.

Last week I finished reading:
Ruled by Caragh M. O'Brien

I know this was incredibly short, but I was still happy I finally read it. I think a part of me had been waiting, holding out for that last taste of the Birthmarked world, but considering it had been months since I finished the trilogy I figured it was probably time. Plus it helps boosts up my reading stats for 2013, which was already behind on my 100 book Goodreads challenge. So that was nice. The story itself was pretty good and it definitely made me miss Gaia and Leon. I'll definitely have to reread this series in the future sometime.

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Writing this blurb just after finishing, I'm a little unsure about this one. I really loved the scary bits, and it's kinda made me want to look into reading more horror since this may be the first novel that could fall into that genre that I've read. And I do love scary movies. But at some point it stopped being a scary book. Near the end, it regained some of that charm, but ultimately I just didn't like the romance storyline and the main character, Cas, was a bit too confident for me. Still, I think Blake's written an exciting novel, with vivid imagery and creepy ghosts. I'll definitely be picking up the sequel, Girl of Nightmares.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

A really interesting and insightful book on writing along with quite a bit of memoir type anecdotes that helps turn it into as much of a story as a guide. Hopefully some of the advice will pay off in my own writing; I'm not really convinced but it can't hurt. Besides even if things like telling you it's okay to write a bad first draft are fairly basic, it's still useful to have a reminder.

Radiant by Cynthia Hand

My copy of Boundless, the final book in the Unearthly Trilogy, is waiting to be picked up at the post office but it was snowing too bad today for me to go. So I spent the day reading this novella that takes place between Hallowed and Boundless and it definitely got me even more excited for the final book. I'm not sure if I'm right, but I feel like Radiant is different than a lot of short stories that get released online because it feels like it's actually adding something important to the novels. It's also just as well-written and well-researched as the rest of the series and had some interesting insight into Angela. I'll be curious to see how that plays out in Boundless.

What I plan to read this week:
The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon

Yeah, not going to beat myself up about not finishing this one. Until tonight I hadn't picked it up at all, but I did read some more tonight at least. Plus, I had a productive reading week. But I would like to pick it up again. McMahon always hooks me so that I can't put her novels down, I just haven't gotten to that point with The One I Left Behind yet.

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I love that this is a tiny, two-book, series that didn't feel the need to stretch itself out into a trilogy. And even though I disliked one aspect of Anna, I'm excited to see where Blake takes the story next in this sequel. I gave a brief test of the audio book and really disliked it, but I'm excited to pick up the print version this week.

Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Once I'm able to pick up my copy from the post office– thanks Ambur for the gift!– I will definitely be diving into this one. I'll be surprised if I get any sleep, because I already know I won't want to put it down. Also, there better be plenty of Tucker. Just saying.

What are you reading this Monday?

It's Monday, what are you reading? (30)

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So I haven't done one of these since, uh, August. You can find it here. Wow I used to read a lot of books in one week. But I honestly haven't read too much since then either. Still, my book buddy Ambur posted one today so I thought I would give it a try!

Last week I finished reading:
The Wine of Solitude by Irene Nemirovsky

I'm not sure I want to know when I started this book.... okay I checked. August 6th, the day after my last Monday post. Interesting. Anyway I had an e-galley that expired so it took me awhile to pick it up again but I was so glad I did. It was just as beautiful as I remembered, and I am officially in love with Nemirovsky's writing. This is the second book I've read by her, and I was meaning to pick up her most famous novel, Suite Francaise, last year but didn't. I own a copy and this year I have no excuses.

Bruised by Sarah Skilton

A 2013 YA debut I was really looking forward to, so when Skilton posted about review copies I jumped on the opportunity and was lucky enough to be sent an ARC. I rarely ever request them these days because of the lack of reading I've been doing, but I'm glad I made an exception. I'm not sure I agreed with all of it, but it kept me reading as I devoured it this weekend and Imogen's struggle was raw and real.

What I plan to read this week:
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

I started this last week after what I'm pretty sure is years of recommendations of it. I'm trying to edit my latest novel so I figured I could use some inspiration. Half done and it's really great so far... I would definitely recommend it too!

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

I picked this up yesterday after finishing Bruised because I'd heard such amazing things about it, and its sequel Girl of Nightmares is already released and I'm tired of starting unfinished series. Plus I wasn't sure I'd ever read YA horror, so the genre intrigued me. Now that I'm just over a third done, I'm definitely enjoying it, but the story may be headed in a direction I really hope it's not with regards to a romance... It seems inevitable, but I really want it to just stay creepy.

The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon

Just started this one last night when I wanted to read a print copy of a book and I happened to have an ARC of it. Plus, I really enjoyed the three books by McMahon that I have read. I'm only about 30 pages into this 422 page monster (I guess YA contemporary has me used to books in the 200-ish page range) but it seems interesting so far though it hasn't totally sucked me in yet. I'm sure it will though.

Ruled by Caragh M. O'Brien

I'm probably deluding myself by adding yet another book to this list– I mean I do have a lot of plans this week and I want to work on my novel, but it's a short story from a series that I love, so I figure even if I fail on the other 3 books I should be able to manage this 32 page one.

What are you reading this Monday?  

It's Monday, what are you reading? (29)

Last week I finished reading: 
Burn by Heath Gibson

I honestly almost gave up on this one, but then it got exciting and I stuck with it. In the end, I'm not sure if it was was worth it because I didn't particularly like the characters, but the story definitely kept my interest. Overall mixed thoughts.

My Life in Black and White by Natasha Friend

I was actually really excited to read this one ever since I first heard about– a girl who is used to being the pretty one goes face-first through a windshield. I'd never read anything by Natasha Friend before, but I found her style very easy and enjoyable. Nothing about the story was surprising, but it definitely made me willing to pick up another book by her in the future.

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

I really loved Han's writing in The Summer I Turned Pretty so I definitely had to pick up its sequel. It was different than what I expected, but I loved it. Belly has done a lot of growing up, which was refreshing, and Han's writing is just as lovely as ever.

The Forrests by Emily Perkins

For a book tour at the end of the month, the writing was really beautiful but the story itself fluttered from one event to another without being clear on the passing of time, or what happened in between, and that made it difficult to follow and sometimes had trouble keeping my attention. 

The Smooth Yarrow by Susan Glickman

I can't review this one because a family member wrote it, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful! I'm going to do a tiny post featuring it all the same... it's really lovely.  

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Well, I've got to admit I had incredibly high expectations for this book cause I had been looking forward to it for awhile. I did love it... there were a few things that felt like they happened too quickly in the short time frame (about two weeks) but overall it was a great book.

Collateral by Ellen Hopkins

It's been too long since I read an Ellen Hopkins book. Even though I didn't read her first adult title yet, I have an e-galley of this that expires so I wanted to get it in now. I'm a little uncertain about it, I didn't really like the ending, but it definitely brought up a lot of emotions– which is what a good book does.

What I plan to read this week:

Precious Bones by Mika Ashley-Hollinger 

I don't read a lot of middle grade, but I loved the sound of this one, mostly because it takes place in the Florida swamps. It's also historical, which isn't my favourite, but I'm feeling optimistic this time.

The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald

I've been meaning to read a book by McDonald for awhile... ever since Ambur reviewed Boys, Bears and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots on the blog. So I decided to start with this one! It looks cute, funny, and moving. Hopefully it is.

Eve and Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate

I love science twists and this one sounds great– about a girl who gets to create a simulation of the perfect boy.

When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen

Another book I've been wanting to read for awhile, but this one had trouble in transit getting to me. Now that it has, it's at the very top of my 'to read' pile and I can't wait to dig in.

What are you reading this Monday?

It's Monday, what are you reading? (28)

Last week I finished reading: 
The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

I liked this one, it wasn't earth-changing but it was a fun read with two narrators that I enjoyed and it gave me plenty moments of nostalgia.

See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles

Really sad but really well written. It's technically middle-grade as Fern, the main character, is only 12 but definitely has appeal for an older audience too. I really liked the complexity of Fern, and I'm interested to pick up another books by Knowles in the future.

All These Lives by Sarah Wylie

Beautifully written, I loved Dani's voice. The ending was a bit muddled, but not enough to ruin an incredibly powerful debut. On a personal note, I think it's so cool that Wylie just graduated (2011) from the university I just finished (2012) my degree at and I wish I knew before I moved across the country so I could have a stalker moment and get her to sign my book.

Before You Go by James Preller

Wow, so I'm reading a lot of sad books lately! This one wasn't quite as powerful as the last two. I swear the next one I'm picking up better be cheerful and perky.

What I plan to read this week:
Shine by Lauren Myracle

Still reading this one, it's emotionally heavy so I haven't been wanting to rush it and I have to be in the right mood. But it's beautiful and heart-breaking already.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

I'm listening to this one on audiobook but the audiobook cover is so ugly so I'm sharing the print edition instead. So far it's really perfectly, just, summery. I really liked the writing in Burn for Burn which Han co-write so I'm glad it finally got me to pick up this series.


Auracle by Gina Rosati

This is an e-galley with an expiration date I definitely don't want to miss– and look at that beautiful cover! It combines with a really unique plot. Only just started it but it's intriguing so far.

The List by Siobhan Vivian

I figure if I'm reading a book written by one author of Burn for Burn I should probably try the other author too, and I've heard really good things about this novel.

What are you reading this Monday?

It's Monday, what are you reading? (27)

I've been away from these for awhile because I haven't been reading much, but I'm going to try to change that, so here's this last week!

Last week I finished reading: 
Promised by Caragh M. O'Brien

Conflicted emotions about this book, yes it was awesome and satisfying, but it was also the last book in one of my favourite trilogies which means that Gaia's story is over. Definitely recommend it though!

Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross

The romance in this was a little weird, I didn't quite believe that so many guys would be desperate over Mira, even if they were "fated" to be together. But I loved the world-building and the darkness of the fairytale retelling, really original and wonderful to read. 

What I plan to read this week:
The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Going to be finishing this one today, I actually have been listening to it on audiobook at the gym. I'm enjoying it a lot, but I kinda wonder how special it would be if you didn't grow up during the 90s and have this nostalgia about VHS and dial-up internet.

See You at Harry's by Jo Knowles

I really don't like the cover of this book, but the story sounded intriguing. It's a middle grade I think, because the main character is 12, but it definitely has cross over appeal. I'm actually about a quarter the way in and loving it so far. I know there's a dark twist eventually though, kinda has my stomach in knots wondering what/when it will be.

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Just started this, really moving so far and I'm only one or two chapters in. It's one I've been meaning to pick up for awhile now, so I'm glad I've finally done it.

All These Lives by Sarah Wylie

This sounds really intriguing, I love twin stories, and I've heard the writing is quite lovely. I haven't finished 4 books in a week in probably two months but I'm going to be ambitious and see how it goes.

What are you reading this Monday?