What I've Been Reading (3)

Yay! I'm back from another crazy (and very busy) week! It's astonishing how I even had time to pick up a book, let alone finish one! Congrats to me! *Claps myself on back*

Currently Reading:

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

There's No Place Like Home by Jen Calonita

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Finished:

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

Planning on Rereading Sometime Soon:

The Book Thief  by Markus Zusak

Yeah, so now as I stare at this list I see how lame it is...hopefully you guys have had better weeks than I have. Tell me about how YOUR reading went down last week and what you're planning on reading this week. Love hearing from you guys as always! :)

What I've Been Reading was created by Sheila at Book Journey. 

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad
L.A. Candy #2
Published by HarperCollins; February 2, 2010
Paperback, 336 pages
Borrowed from library

How Sweet it is?

Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend, Scarlett Harp, landed their own reality show, L.A. Candy. Now the girls have an all-access pass to Hollywood's hottest everything. But there's more to life on camera than just parties and shopping. . . .

When racy photos of Jane are leaked to the press, she finds herself at the center of a tabloid scandal. She turns to her co-star Madison Parker for help, unaware that Madison is scheming behind the scenes. She might be Jane's shoulder to cry on, but does Madison really have Jane's back?

Scarlett's working on a scandal of her own. She's fallen for someone who's strictly off-limits—which means Scarlett has a big secret to keep . . . from the L.A. Candy cameras, the paparazzi staking out her apartment, even from her best friend.

Of course, nothing stays secret for long for the stars of the newest hit TV series, and all this drama couldn't be better for ratings. But can Jane survive another season in the spotlight?

In television star Lauren Conrad's dishy, entertaining novel about young Hollywood, the lies are only as sweet as the people telling them.

- Description from Goodreads.com

Finally, I have finished! I've been so busy lately that it's shocking that I even have time to type out this! Anyway, Sweet Little Lies was a great companion to L.A. Candy. It was interesting and kept me on my feet the entire time.

There was a lot of drama and I liked the way Lauren managed to describe the reality scene very clearly. It was a very fast read and I'm so happy that things turned out well for Scarlett and Jane. The end was very surprising with a special someone (wink, wink) entering the scene once again. Usually, I would talk about how that's just a way for the author to keep the fans they have and to make more money and la la la la la la BUT these books are so splendiferous that I really don't mind if Lauren wants to continue writing books about Jane Roberts. In fact, I encourage it!

It's obvious to see that Lauren's writing has improved beaucoup since her first novel. I no longer think about how weird it is that I'm reading a book by Lauren Conrad and how she shouldn't be in the writing industry because, girl, with this new book, she definitely moved herself up the list! 

So yeah, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I totally encourage you to read it because it's so good!

Here's my review for L.A. Candy:

http://randomreads7.blogspot.ca/2012/10/la-candy-by-lauren-conrad.html

What I've Been Reading (2)

Whoo! Got a bunch of books from the library yesterday...unfortunately, I finished most of them in two days so now I must trudge back to the library. :( They should have library mailing service.

Currently Reading:

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Finished:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

What If...Your Past Came Back to Haunt You by Liz Ruckdeschel and Sara James

Ditched:

All That Matters by Wayson Choy

The Strawberry Picker by Monika Feth

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan*

Comment me your lists! Love to see them!

What I've Been Reading was created by Sheila at Book Journey. 

*BTW, this was not by will. This was because it was due and everyone else had a hold on it. :( 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Published by Razorbill; October 18, 2007
Hardcover, 304 pages
Borrowed from library

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. 

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

- Description from Goodreads.com

Whoa, this completely blew my mind. This book was so good. Like, a read-straight-until-you-finish type book which is  exactly what I did. If you haven't read it yet, read it. NOW. And I know I say that for practically every book but seriously, if you take one thing out of my blog, it should be that this is a good book and you should read it. 

OK, so  that was two things but give me a break, I stayed up 'til midnight reading this book. When I started this book, I actually didn't realize that it was Jay's debut book so when I finally realized that (just like how I finally realized the significance of the 1 and 3 in the title), I was so blown away. Jay crafted an amazing story and it's so shocking to think this was his first novel. Jay, where have you been before this book??????

The book deals with some very serious topics and this can be very overwhelming but the way Jay set it up, I didn't feel that. And I mean, not that I didn't feel sad or in a very melancholy mood - I did, just that it wasn't like gritty. It was more a story of how the little things you do can create a giant thing, even if you're not aware of it at the time. I liked how the story unravelled as we went along and we discovered, with Clay, who Hannah was and why she committed suicide.

It's a wonderful story and I learned so much more about bullying and suicide from this book than any of the workshops and guest speakers my school has invited. I felt very connected to this book and I could understand the emotions the characters felt even if I haven't been in their situation. 

Great book, guys! You should totally read it and if you have read it, I hear the audiobook version brings a whole new light to it. 

:) Annie

In My Mailbox (3)

Whoa, it's been so long since I did IMM! Well, at least I'm catching up on my lost weeks with a fair load today.

From the library:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

The Strawberry Picker by Monika Feth

There's No Place Like Home by Jen Calonita

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad

What if...Your Past Came Back to Haunt You by Sara James and Liz Ruckdeschel

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Top 10 Favourite Author in X Genre

I've done a lot of thinking and I really can't think of ten authors I like from one specific genre so I've divided it into two. Here we go! PS. Sorry for doing it a day late...I didn't have time to finish it yesterday. #toomuchhomework

Contemporary a.k.a My Most Read Genre

1. Sarah Dessen

Yes, so I've only read one book by her! Blah blah blah! I would totally read all her books in one sitting if I had the time. And you should know, that's practically impossible for me to do because I get bored so easily. It's saying a lot. I love how she's able to completely understand us teens. After all, we are a complex thing and for her to write about us in a way that we approve...WOW, is all I can say.

2. John Green

Gus and Hazel's relationship was a masterpiece and I would say that that automatically puts him on this list. I mean, I showed a wider range of emotion while reading this book than I did in a month. Like seriously. 

3. David Levithan

Again, a master at all things contemporary. He really understands teenagers and how they work (just like Sarah) and I appreciate that. Finally, something that understands me!

4. Maureen Johnson

The Little Blue Envelopes series was A-MA-ZING! I really hope she'll write another series similiar to Little Envelopes because...well, travelling around Europe, British guys, and envelopes? What more can I ask for? A-MA-ZING!

5. Susanne Colasanti

Again, understands me very well. Again, is put on this list because of that.

Fantasy a.k.a One of My Least Read Genres After Harry Potter

1. J.K. Rowling

Well, she created one of my favorite series of all time and so I think J.K. definitely belongs on this list.

2. Stephenie Meyer

To be honest with you, I hated the Twilight series. The idea was good but the writing style just didn't work for me. However, her redeeming point was the wonderful chemistry she crafted and so therefore, she is worthy enough to be added onto this list.

3. Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games were really good and Peeta and Katniss' relationship was so exciting!


4. Neil Gaiman

Coraline = Awesomeness
The Graveyard Book = Most Likely to be Awesomeness
Neil Gaiman = On my auto-read fantasy list


5. Rick Riordan

Now, I'm not a super fan of Rick but as long as he keeps publishing books on Greek mythology, I think he'll be okay. ;)



Comment me your lists and if you have any suggestions for authors I should try! :)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the gals over at The Broke and the Bookish.

What I've Been Reading (1)

Welcome to my first What I've Been Reading! I think this will be a great way for me to communicate with you guys the books we're currently reading and the ones we've finished. 

Currently Reading:

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan 

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

All That Matters by Wayson Choy

Finished:

Broadway Lights by Jen Calonita

So there's my list! Not very impressive but I'm working on it. ;)

Comment me your lists!

What I've Been Reading was created by Sheila at Book Journey. 

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
Little Blue Envelope #2
Published by HarperTeen; April 26, 2011
Hardcover, 282 pages 
Borrowed from library

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer travelling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack--and the last little blue envelope inside--she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure--one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits...and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

- Description from Goodreads.com

I was in love with this book even before I had read it! The first book was amazing and I sincerely thank my friend for introducing me to it. It was practically made for me what with the British guys and all the travelling and I loved it! The second book sounded as good as the first and when I finally managed to get it from the library, I screamed so loudly I'm sure I must have burst someone's eardrum.

So yeah, I was expecting a lot from this book. And did it meet my expectations? Hell, yeah it did!!! It might've even been better. One thing I liked was that there weren't as many characters and it wasn't all over the place. There was a solid plot and I love the character development in this book. By the end, I'm sure you'll notice some big changes in the main characters.

And there are definitely some shockers so for those of you who have started the series and haven't read this, do it now! You will not regret it! And if you haven't read the series, read it. Pronto!

XOXO, Annie

Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti

Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Published by Viking Juvenile; May 4, 2010
Hardcover, 268 pages
Borrowed from library

Best friends Lani and Erin couldn't be more different. Lani's reserved and thoughtful; Rein's bubbly and outgoing. Lani likes to do her own thing; Erin prefers an entourage. There's no possible way they could be interested in the same guy.

So when Erin starts dating Jason, Lani can't believe she feels such a deep connection with him--and it may be mutual. The more Lani fights it, the more certain she feels that it's her fate to be with Jason. But what do you do when the love of your life is the one person you can't have?

- Description from Goodreads.com

This was the first book I read by Susanne Colasanti and to be honest, I wasn't expecting it to be good. I mean, I had heard When It Happens was amazing but this one didn't get too much hype (or at least not any that made it to me) so I wasn't expecting to be blown away. And I wasn't.

It was a nice story and I enjoyed reading it and finding out how Lani and Jason managed to end up together. I loved the part where Lani explains her relationship with Erin, how it feels like they're bonded for life because of what they went through. I liked the purple couch at the ice cream parlour and how it made its way onto the cover. You know, the book overall was good. It just didn't blow me away.

While reading, I constantly thought about how seriously unlikely it was for Jason and Lani too have SOOOO much in common! I mean, it was just so impossible in my mind that it felt more like a fantasy. Like a "Whoa! Magic!!!" type book. And I think that's a good thing...when we're talking about fantasy and not a contemporary. 

However, I did still thoroughly enjoy this book which was like a pocketful of sunshine for me! It's so sweet and perfect and I suggest it for a rainy day...or your Dewey read-a-thon which BTW takes place tomorrow!!!

Love, Annie

Top Ten Rewind!

Yay! This week's topic is just what I needed! There are so many topics I would like to do...hmm...how about Top Ten Authors I Want at My Thanksgiving Dinner? To celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving!

1. Maureen Johnson

Maureen is HI-LA-RI-OUS and I would love to have her at my dinner! She'd offer some great laughs.

2. John Green

I adore him and his books (especially The Fault in Our Stars) and I would love to geek out with him!!! Getting shivers just thinking about that!!!

3. Elizabeth Eulberg

I love her blog and the two books I've read so far have been amazing. She seems so down-to-earth and I would be totally fine with playing The Beatles during our dinner. TOTALLY!!!! :)

4. J.K. Rowling

Now, why wouldn't I invite her? 

5.  Sophie Kinsella

Again, I would be crazy to not invite her!!!

6. Raina Telgemeier

Do graphic novelists count? They do in my book! Smile and her latest book, Drama were amazing and the drawings were so cute! I would love to have her over and discuss how to improve my drawing talents.

7. Sara Shepard

We could talk Pretty Little Liars!!! Finally, someone who will be able to stand with my constant PLL chatter! Hopefully.

8. Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson? Percy JACKSON????? Need I go on? Honestly, he's pure awesomeness!!!! Even if  I have some feelings about him...

9. Neil Pasricha

Fellow Torontonians unite!! I was actually very, very close to meeting him but then his security said that he had to leave. :( At least, I got a pic of the back of his head! Well, no matter! He's coming too and I will definitely DEFINITELY get his autograph this time!

10. Sarah Mlynowski

Another Canadian - though not from Toronto! Sarah is funny and I will definitely enjoy seeing her and Maureen go head to head in the Hilariousity Contest!

And so that's it! My Thanksgiving Dinner line-up! RSVP by Thursday! Thanks!!! xoxo

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the gals over at The Broke and the Bookish.

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
L.A. Candy #1
Published by HarperCollins; June 16, 2009
Hardcover, 326 pages
Borrowed from library

Los Angeles is all about the sweet life:

Hot clubs, cute guys, designer...everything. Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts can't wait to start living it up. She may be in L.A. for an internship, but Jane plans to play as hard as she works, and has enlisted her BFF Scarlett to join in the fun.

When Jane and Scarlett are approached by a producer who wants them to be on his new series, a "reality version of Sex and the City," they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please!

Soon Jane is TV's hottest star. Fame brings more than she ever imagined possible for a girl from Santa Barbara-free designer clothes, the choicest tables at the most exclusive clubs, invites to Hollywood premieres-and she's lapping up the VIP treatment with her eclectic entourage of new pals. But those same friends who are always up for a wild night are also out for a piece of Jane's spotlight.

In a city filled with people chasing after their dreams, it's not long before Jane wakes up to the reality that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it seems to be.

- Description from Goodreads.com

This book was a nice surprise for me! Like so many other readers, I was a little hesitant to read something by Lauren Conrad and I apologize for being so judging 'cuz DAMN, did I enjoy this book!!!!!!

But before you decide to read this book, let me give you a heads-up. It was poorly written and even though that should've bugged me, it didn't. I liked the premise so much that I stuck with it. Another thing, it starts off very slow so if that's another thing that you don't like in books, STAY AWAY. 

What I'm trying to say is this, if you're not interested in the premise, skip it. For me, that was the only thing that kept me flipping the pages. I enjoyed all the reality TV drama and though the writing was a bit more stilted than I'm used to and the beginning was slow, I still enjoyed it!

Hugs Hugs Hugs, Annie