Friday, August 17, 2012

Introducing : Polls

  Well to spice up my blog a bit, I think it would be nice to add a weekly poll! Topics will be based loosely around polls of course, and a new one will be posted every Friday. Feel free to leave some questions for future polls! For the first weekly poll I ask you this; Which is your favorite vampire book series? The poll will be off to the left, go ahead and leave your answer!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

My New Nook Tablet!

Recently, I have gotten my hands on my mom's Nook Tablet! Since she had gotten the iPad today, she decided that she would let me have the Nook. I am so excited, I can finally read ebooks! Although I would prefer reading paper/hardbacks, at least I have an option. And if I can access free ebooks, then of course I'll read them on my Nook! So I am really excited, and I hope to start reading on there soon. I am in the middle of Fever by Lauren DeStefano, and I have a lot more to read after that. I don't know if it will get much use in the near future, but it will definitely soon! I also splurged today, and bought two books. I have been wanting The Selection by Kiera Cass from the moment I saw the cover. It instantly intrigued me, and when the plot was to die for, I knew I had to have it! I also heard that they shot a pilot for a possible T.V. show at CW so it must be good. The other book I bought was Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James. I honestly have missed reading about Anastasia and Christian, and I think I'm hooked! The book has been on my mind since I stopped reading it, so I know I had to buy the second one in the trilogy. I had a nice line up of books that I planned on reading, but I think I'll be reading Fifty Shades Darker next! If you've read any of the books mentioned, let me know! Also if you have a Nook Tablet, tell me some interesting things about it. Do you love it or hate it? Next time you'll see me posting, I plan on having a Fever review ready. Until then!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Review #2 : 50 Shades of Grey

Title : Fifty Shades of Grey
Author : E.L. James
Published : June 20th, 2011
Pages : 514
ISBN : 978-1612130286

  Today I finished reading Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. I have mixed feelings towards this book. It's like the horror movie you can't turn away from, it's too dark and addicting. On one side, this book is very romantic and suspenseful, yet it is very twisted and sick. Continue reading if you want to see my full review!


When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires. (GoodReads).



  The book starts with Anastasia Steele going to meet Christian Grey on an errand for her friend Kathryn. She is supposed to interview him for the school newspaper. Of course they hit it off, it is somewhat of a romance novel after all. From that moment, they start bumping into each other and their relationship evolved from there. Christian is basically a stalker, I'm sure the times they've met were no coincidence. He was drawn to her, and he wanted to know more about her. Ana is always so intimidated by him, constantly blushing and acting clumsy whenever he is around. I really did not grow to like her, she was no heroine at all. She is just a foolish girl in love, and would do anything for him. Their relationship really takes off when she learns more about Christian's dark side. I'm sure most people know this, but he is into BDSM. Ropes, chains, toys, cuffs, you name it. He isn't looking for love, just rough sex. Of course the naive Ana, although weary of it, doesn't consider this a deal breaker. At this point I would be get away from his as fast as I could, it's just too sick. Plus Ana is portrayed as this innocent virgin, yet she doesn't seem to mind that this guy is messed up in the head.  

   The main conflict in the story is when Anastasia starts putting down her limits, and that is when the book starts getting better. I was beginning to think she'd succumb to anything, but she doesn't. I was proud of her. Although agreeing to some terms of his contract, one which states the things their relationship would entail, she draws fine lines. Of course Christian doesn't like this, he wants to be her "Dominant". He wants her to do as she's told, and obey his every command. I really did not like him for this, although I know it's not his fault. Later on in the story you find he's seduced into this lifestyle and has been victim to it since. He agrees to her negotiations, but she doesn't fully accept yet. I find it funny that throughout the whole book, the contract was not signed once. They just come to a mutual agreement. Anastasia tries to go along with the whole Dominant torture sex acts, while she tries to convince Christian to give her more in this relationship. He doesn't want love, and she wants it more than ever. Even though you can tell he is so drawn to her, he never admits how much he loves her. He cares for her deeply, and it is so apparent. Towards the end of the book, they come closer and closer to each other's agreements. He is letting her into his sad background, and showing more and more of how much he truly feels about her. In return she agrees to opening up more to his kinky lifestyle. The book ends on a deal breaking decision that may or may not ruin their relationship. With much progress they've made, how do you think their relationship is at the end of the first book of this three part trilogy? I won't spoil it, read for yourself if it interests you!

Rating : ★★★☆☆ 3.5 Stars
  I think the biggest turn off, were the explicit sex scenes. Without them, I think this book would easily be a 4 for me. Looking past the sex scenes, I really do enjoy this book. It's a dark and romantic book that is very addicting. The whole idea of Anastasia trying to change this sad, twisted man that she's in love with is a great read. There's a lot of suspense to this book, the darkened vibes make me want to read more. I find myself wanting to see what's going to happen next in their relationship. I do see a lot of Twilight by Stephanie Meyer in this book as well. (Fun Fact : Fifty Shades of Grey started off as an erotic fan fiction of Twilight,  under the name of Snowqueens Icedragon). I plan on reading the next two in the trilogy, because I did enjoy it somewhat. Let me know what you think! If you aren't sure if you want to read it or not, keep this in mind. If you can look past the sex scenes, I say it is a good book. If not, then you may want to pass this one. 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Just a thought!

Just curious, how many of you read more than one book at a time? I don't think I could ever do that! When I'm reading a book, I want to be 110% interested in it. If I am busy between books, I don't think I could do that for two at the same time. Plus information would probably get scuttled in my brain, and everything would get fuzzy. If you can read more than one book at a time, more power to you. It's honestly just too hard and weird for me. Let me know how you feel about reading two books at a time! Also, tiny update, I haven't had much time for reading due to traveling, but I think I'm going to devote this night to some quality book time. 50 Shades of Grey review soon to come! Until then.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Updates!

Alright well, I just thought some updates would be nice. I am ten chapters into Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, and I have mixed emotions. On one hand it is a suspenseful, mysterious kind of book. I constantly wonder where Ana and Christian's relationship is going to go, and what will happen to them next! On the other hand, I am totally grossed out about his 'hobbies'. Let's just say to those who haven't read it, he's into some twisted, kinky things. I'm sure everyone knows already though. The dark and mysterious part of Mr. Grey is appealing, but once you know what the mystery is, you are really repulsed. I thought more of Anastasia, but she is surely giving into him. And the contract he is making her sign, which declares the basic rules and such of their relationship, is really stupid. I don't think I'd ever let somebody boss me around, Anastasia is just a mess. I still have high hopes, and I'm looking forward to the twists and turns. Not looking forward to more of the sex scenes!

Secondly, I bought a new book! I am currently visiting my family here in L.A. & I picked up Fever by Lauren DeStefano. I read the first book in the trilogy, Wither, last year. It has been quite a gap, but I finally purchased it! I think I'll put that higher up on my reading list, since it has been such a big gap from Wither. I have high hopes for this one, since Fever was such a good book. The plot is definitely interesting, seems like it will be a good one. Going to have to wait and see. Buying this book was a big deal too, because it was the first Barnes & Nobles I've been to in months. Where I live the closest, decent book store is 30-45 minutes away. I don't want to travel so far every single time I want to get a book! I mean most Targets & Wal-Marts carry books, but I want the satisfaction of being surrounded by books. So being around all those books was amazing, I can't believe I managed to only buy one. So for now, I'm going to continue to read Fifty Shades of Grey. I'll either update in another 10 chapters, or just post my final review when I'm finished. Until then!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Review #1 : Mockingjay

Title : Mockingjay
Author : Suzanne Collins
Published : August 24th, 2010
Pages : 390
ISBN : 978-0-439-02351-1


Alright, this is officially my first review! I am so excited, I feel like once I post this my blog is officially up and running. So here is the first of many, enjoy! Let me know of what you thought of Mockingjay by commenting below.

Note : Mockingjay is the 3rd and final book in The Hunger Games trilogy. Start out with The Hunger Games and read your way up if interested!

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

First off, let me say that I think the Hunger Games series is if not the best, one of the best series I have ever read. It is so unique, and full of surprises and great emotions. It is a page turner for sure, I could not put it down. It has it's slow parts here and there, but the suspenseful parts were so great. Coming into Mockingjay I did not expect a good book at all. I've heard so many friends say it was the worst of the three. I completely disagree. It was an amazing ending, to an amazing series.

Katniss has to really tackle a sense of leadership throughout this book, facing many hard decisions. The rebels are counting on her. She is the Mockingjay, the face of the rebellion against the Capitol. With her leading them to victory, they believe it's a sure win for the rebels. She comes to many obstacles, some they can climb over, and some that wrench your heart. Collins packed this book with emotions alnd leaves such strong thoughts in your mind. Mockingjay is not all about fighting and war between the two opponents. It has a such a stronger meaning, one that questions and boggles your mind. Even as I sit writing this review, I am still thinking what I would do if put into this situation. Dealing with death, struggling for power, and having to sacrifice so much. Such a brilliant, unique book. I give props to Katniss, she is so brave and strong. She isn't the typical damsel in distress who has to depend on a man to get her out of a sticky situation. Although stuck between two guys, she constantly relies on herself and gets herself out of any problem she faces. Katniss is a very inspirational, independent role model that girls could look up to.

Rating : 5 stars!

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who hasn't read it yet, and tell those just starting that you won't be disappointed! If you enjoy a suspenseful book, this is definitely for you. There are so many surprises and exciting twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat grasping and fidgeting for more. Even as the book comes to an end you don't want to put it down. I absolutely loved this book, and I'm sure most do too. Give it a try, you will love it just as much!