Alyssa's Bookshelf

Really accurate picture of WHat i look like right now


I honestly don't know how I should rate this book because it only got me by the ending. My actual rating is somewhere between 3 and 4 but it's constantly changing so... I really don't know.

This was an extremely difficult story to read. I'm still pondering over the reason why Ty went into the depths of abducting Gemma. You start to wonder whether it was really for her own good.

This book was beautifully written and will leave you in a perplexed and anguished state after you finish it and one that will linger on your thoughts for a long time. There are alot of questions that perhaps will never be answered. One thing I really liked about this book was the way it was told. How Gemma had written down in letter form about what she really feels towards Ty during her abduction. Telling him why she did what she did to survive. An excellent read yet a bit of a downer.

I love that this book was about two people who were both successful and not the poor girl with the billionaire guy. The chemistry between Simon and Caroline was flawless. It all started with slight bickering, budding friendship and sexual tension, until they got close to each other and started hanging out. It's the type of relationship that everyone would like to have. To feel so comfortable around each other that you won't get conscious about what you do and you can just be yourself. 

I loved all the characters, especially Caroline. Her sense of humor could surely knock a guy out, and her confidence, which I think, is one of her strong assets. I also like that Simon was concerned at first about doing "it" with Caroline, he's worried that it could ruin their friendship, that things would get weird between them, and if he let himself do something about the attraction things may never be the same again. Alice Clayton's choice of the personality of each of the protagonists friends was also amusing, I could almost assume that she planned it very carefully.

This book was hilarious, an easy read, uputdownable and just really superb. I really loved it!

Along for the Ride is a story about second chances. Family problems, boy meets girl and then a happily ever after. Typical, but no worries, because Sarah Dessen has got a way of story telling that will surely make you fall in love. All the characters were interesting and each of them has their own personality. I really love Auden's character because I could totally interpret all that's going on inside her head. I like reading through her point of view, understanding her wit and how she think things through.  It has a perfect plotting of the events causing you to not put it down until you've finished reading.

This is my first time reading a Sarah Dessen book and I was precisely engrossed while reading Along for the Ride. Reading her [Sarah Dessen] is like you're lying on a cloud at night watching the moon and stars glimmer, enjoying the quietness and peacefulness, it was such a total comfort. I was blown away by the writing style and how the emotions constantly being thrown at you felt believable. I loved how the ending turned out well for Auden. How she finally got to experience the teenage life she missed out on. Meeting Eli, creating a social bond with her new friends, and how she puts up with her broken family. It was satisfying. 

Overall, this book was pretty good. Delightful, sweet and refreshing. That was what I felt while reading Along for the Ride. It's wonderful how the title is fitting to the whole story, I love it. I am so looking forward to reading Sarah Dessen's other works.

EVERYTHING

WAS

ABSOLUTELY

PERFECT!!!!!!!


The story not only revolves around love and sappy romances. And that's what I liked about it. It was also about the protagonist, Amy, who had a problem recovering from the tragic death of his dad and the eruption of sorrow that was thrown into the family after the accident, how distant they all become from each other: her brother in a rehab and the misunderstanding with her mother. When suddenly she found comfort from someone special, Roger, a childhood friend of hers. Their roadtrip that was supposed to take them to Connecticut (to Amy's mother), but it ended up in a detour. I was devastated when the book ended because I wanted to know if Roger called Amy and if they did got together in the end. But even though it left me hanging on it was still a satisfying read.

I especially liked the author's play with balancing the right amount of romance and adventures. The blast of emotions that is constantly being thrown at you wasn't what I was expecting how it would be. It was just too much to take. I am so looking forward to read other works of Morgan Matson.

I don't know whether I should love or hate this book, so I gave it 3 stars. But 3.4 to be exact.First off, I HATE KIERA SO MUCH. SHE'S SO FRUSTRATING AND SHE'S PROBABLY THE MOST UNLIKABLE PROTAGONIST I HAVE EVER READ. I WISH SHE'S A REAL PERSON SO THAT I COULD FIND HER AND KILL HER. HOW COULD SHE LEAVE DENNY SO EASILY?!?!?!?!??! SHE'S A CHEATER BITCH. AND I HATE THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT HAS GOT CHEATING, BUT I STILL LOVE IT. THIS IS DILEMMA, I DON'T FUCKING KNOW ANYMORE.

I actually cried buckets especially the part where Kiera has to make a decision whether she should choose Denny or Kellan. The heartaches when Denny caught them making out. It hurt alot. I'm the one who's being affected with everything stupid Kiera is doing, the one who's feeling guilty for Kiera's utter idiocy and indecisiveness. Denny is such a kind man so why would Kiera cheat on him!??!!??! GOD, I HATE KIERA SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!! SHE IS SUCH A BABY. I'm thinking maybe Kellan is somehow right, Kiera is a whore.Sorry, but honestly, that's what I think she is.

But what I liked about this book is the blow of emotions being thrown at you while you read. I like the author's writing style. The twists she made in the book was fitting to the whole story. The intense passages were written beautifully, you could almost actually feel the affection. Don't doubt reading this because it actually is a really satisfying read.

After reading this book, Melina Marchetta has landed onto my list of favourite EVER authors. I absolutely adored Saving Francesca. I've felt extreme emotions while reading it. Melina creates truly wonderful characters and the way she writes situations pulls my heartstrings.

Francesca is such a brilliant and endearing character. Reading through her point of view was a thrilling journey. I'd like to think she's a female version of Charlie from TPoBaW. hihihihi :"> My fave line from from her:

                 

                   "I want to be an adjective again.

                    But I'm a noun.

                    A nothing. A nobody. A no one."

At the start of the novel, we can see how uncomfortable Francesca feels at St. Sebatian's. It seems as though Francesca has changed herself into what she thinks her friends want and need her to be that she's lost who she is. The journey in which Francesca finds her real self felt very natural and believable. Francesca's friends and each of their personalities also made up for some interesting reading. Their transformation throughout the book was wholesome. From annoying people circling around Francesca to being her close friends.

I adore her relationship with his little brother, Luca. Let me quote you a passage from the book where it shows how Francesca is a really valuable sister and how she cares deeply for him.

    "I look for Luca at lunchtime to see how he's coping at my aunt's place. He's                    looking miserable by the cafeteria, and when he sees me, his little face lights                  up, which makes me want to cry."

See? Who wouldn't love her character?!?!?! I wonder if my sister ever felt like that whenever she sees me in a state of anxiety.

The problem inside their family were the very intriguing and emotional parts of the book. Her mother's depression over her miscarriage ripped my heart out. Notably the part where she was confronting her father about the certain problem. Blaming him for the sudden miserable appearance of her mother. Their family was slowly falling apart into pieces.

And then there's Will Trombal. I liked how he transformed from an arrogant bastard to an absolutely swoonwworthy character. I absolutely liked the tension between Will and Francesca. With all the budding romances, dilemma inside their family, and the ups and downs between Francesca and her friends I just really couldn't put this book down. It was a beautifully written story. I've felt every emotions while reading this book, from sorrow to laughter, it all seems real to me. There was never a dull moment while reading this. And I am really looking forward to reading Marchetta's other works.

First of all, I am surprised to know that this book was self-published.I am happy that Susan Ee's Angelfall has become so popular and received its own official publishing deal with Amazon.

The action in this novel is one of it's strong points. The characters were very intriguing and I like how they have gradual development. I really like Penryn. She is a very strong protagonist, and as always, I liked female protagonists with angst, determination and has a tough frame in them. Penryn never backs down from a fight, she always try to go as far as to when she had started. Her team-up with Raffe creates a fierce combat as she tries to get her sister back, but simultaneously she feels as if she is working with an enemy against her own kind.

I also appreciated the fact that this book hasn't got any sappy romance details written for teenagers in order for them to "swoon", or in other words, to capture their attention. I deeply hope that Ee maintains that kind of pace. If not, then Angelfall could have been easily fallen into a paranormal romance cliche. Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with romances in paranormal books.

Angelfall is a well-written book, features a strong portrayal of characters, and presents a unique take on the angel apocalypse.

While I was reading this book, a tiny amount of annoyance hit me. The constant reaction of Clay to everything Hannah said during the tapes was a bit confusing, there were times when I had to look back and read again some of the passages, to check if it were Clay's thoughts, or Hannah talking. I also expected that this book would affect me emotionally, after all, it's a novel about suicide and depressions and other teenager problems. But unfortunately, the force of sadness I was anticipating for didn't come. I guess I was expecting too much.

Moving on. As I got further into the story, I finally realized the true meaning of this book: It wasn't about who's popular or who hooked up with who. It's about a girl, struggling to make people understand what she was going through, but sadly, no one was able to grasp what she was trying to express. No one was able to help. It seemed dismal to me that there was never any person she could turn to in time of her need.

I gave it 3 stars because I just find it hard to understand how Hannah could give up on life so easily, (or maybe it's just because I've never had any suicide thoughts so I didn't completely perceive her "reasons why") I mean, sure, you get bullied everyday and problems do come in our life, but you just have look on the positive side and try to not get aggravated with it all. And if you think there's no one who cared about you at all, there's God to hold on to. He never leaves. Just endure everything because in the end all the obstacles you've gone through will be your guide and path to a great life. Let all the worse experiences you've encountered lead you to be a wonderful being.

Although I wasn't impressed with this book that much, the lesson I learned from reading Thirteen Reasons Why is of a great extent. It shows us how every person, whether it be at school, at home, or even through the internet, and the things we do can have a great effect on someone else's life. Also, we should take time to try and understand people who is currently dealing with great problems, not just them, but also every people we meet. Make them feel that you care, don't let them slip away, get them into talking, because, we might not know it, but we could change somebody's decision to ending his/her life.

I know I finished this one days ago but I usually write my reviews days after I read a particular book.

So, to start off, I think The Evolution of Mara Dyer was more interesting than the first book. Everything that's happened was vividly told. I liked how Ms. Hodkin writes her books, I personally think she's a witty woman because of how she twines words. And she's a law student, so no doubt she's really an intelligent person.

Moving on. The plot of the Mara Dyer series is amazing, that I assure you. Every chapter will keep you hanging on your toes. Especially the parts where creepy things are happening and you're thoughts would be like "What the hell! How could that possibly happen!" and "Oh my god, what's going on?!"

The only problem I had with this book/series is the characters, specifically the two protagonists. I didn't like Mara that much, I think she's a weak character and I hate that kind of girl protagonist. I prefer stronger ones. But I don't know, maybe she's supposed to act like that because of her "disorder"? The only thing I like about her is that I can somehow relate to how she feels when someone doesn't listen to her when she talks. I also didn't like Noah's character either, he's too secretive and I think he's a jerk, but I like how he's very supportive of Mara.

Also, regarding Mara and Noah's relationship, I kind of dislike it. I know there's something weird that's happening to both of them and I adore how they help each other solve the dilemma. But I think there's something missing with their affair, I don't know how to say it. hmm... it's kind of like you want to turn on the lights but there's no electricity. OH! YEAH! I found the right words. There's no spark. There are some swoon worthy exchanges between them, yes. I just don't know if their affair is solid or what because there were certain parts where their relationship got strange and awkward. Further, I find it comical when they're about to make love (it happened twice), but it never happened.

I think that's it. Maybe all these negative reviews will change after I read the third installment.

This is a really fun read. Everything was adorable. From the book cover itself to the characters and the story plot.I love how everything started when Graham Larkin accidentally sent Ellie an email. The characters were flawed. I love how simple this story is but it's perfectly well-written. JUST... ugh everything is perfect. And the ending oh my gosh, I want to know what would happen to them.

It's cool how Tobias sees Tris as strong and brave. He's honest with his thoughts and how he perceives Tris and that's what I like about him. Whereas other male protagonists in some books sees their love interest as pretty and kind and petite and... ugh I hate when guys are like that. I am pleased to read a story in Four's POV. Fourtris ftw!!!

It was during May 2012 I could remember the first time I read The Book Thief, and the reason for not writing a review about this novel is that I couldn't pluck up the courage to do so. I'm afraid that what I would write would not be something that's entirely the feeling I've felt while reading this book. It left me in such a mess that I just couldn't think properly. Forthwith, I'm going to write down my thoughts.

A glimmering 5 star, without hesitation.I've always been reluctant to read The Book Thief when I first saw it. But then when I finally had the time to devour the story of it, I wondered why I've waited so long.

The Book Thief is narrated by Death, himself. Unfolding a story of a girl named Liesel Meminger, how she was adopted by the Hubermanns, and befriended a Jewish fist fighter named Max. Met Rudy, a young boy with lemon-colored hair. And among everything, how she became 'The Book Thief.'

I love how the characters in this novel are authentic and real. The passages were full of emotions and were broad that I had to stop and re-read again for a minute or two in order to understand it. Here are some of my favourites:

   "I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right."

   "I wanted to tell the book thief many things, about beauty and brutality. But what            could I tell her about those things that she didn't already know? I wanted to explain        that I am constantly overestimating and underestimating the human race-that rarely      do I ever simply estimate it. I wanted to ask her how the same thing could be so ugly      and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant.”

Oh my god, this one!!!

   "She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Leisel kissed her best friend,         Rudy Steiner, soft and true on his lips. He tasted dusty and sweet. He tasted like           regret in the shadows of trees and in the glow of the anarchist's suit collection. She       kissed him long and soft, and when she pulled herself away, she touched his mouth       with her fingers...She did not say goodbye. She was incapable, and after a few more     minutes at his side, she was able to tear herself from the ground. It amazes me what     humans can do, even when streams are flowing down their faces and they stagger         on..."

The Book Thief is surprisingly a magnificent work of literature. It overrun my expectations, left me in a perplexed state and taught me something unfamiliar. The way Zusak entwine words together is exquisite yet tragic. The Book Thief is an unforgettable novel about the calamity of life, a love that awaits, and the power of words.