I Like Big Books & I Cannot Lie

I Like Big Books & I Cannot Lie

May 15, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every week they post a new topic/Top Ten list and invite everyone to share their own answers. I'm so obsessed with lists!

This week's topic was originally about what ten authors we'd like to see on a reality show, but it was recently updated to be a freebie week. While I actually like the reality show topic (and hope some people still do that), I could not think of anything for that list for the life of me. So, I created my own topic this week.

I have a confession about my reading habits. I love really fat books, but I also put off reading them. I let them linger in my TBR pile for so long because I can never quite commit to the amount of time it will take me to read them. But, once I finally do, I almost always fall head over heels in love with the book and regret that I didn't get to it sooner. So, in honor of that, I present this list:

Top Ten Chunksters on My To Be Read (Or Re-Read) List

 

1. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo - I recently bought the Julie Rose translation of this book after hearing wonderful things about its readability. I'm dying to read - I just haven't yet worked up the courage to actually start it. I've seen the musical and the movie, so I know the general storyline, but I know neither will compare to the book itself. Plus, it's a favorite of Lorren at The Story Girl so I have a feeling I'll love it because she's got great taste in books! 

2. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy - I read Anna Karenina and loved it. Anna is a difficult character, Tolstoy likes to take some looong tangents and it's intimidating, but I still want to read this book. Not even to brag about it. Okay, well maybe a little. But it really does sound good!

 

3. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - I accidentally bought this on my Kindle with the whole 1-click buying button, but I would have probably ended up getting so I wasn't too concerned. I have read awesome things about this one, and April at Good Books and Good Wine wrote an awesome review of it. I'll basically read anything she says she enjoyed because we have similar book soul mates.

4. East of Eden by John Steinbeck - I haven't read anything by Steinbeck, but I bought this on a whim at a used bookstore because it was so cheap. Now it just stares at me and reminds me that I still haven't picked it up. But, again, Lorren recently included a quote from it on one of her Top Tuesday posts so that convinced me it needs to get moved up on my list.

  

5. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell - I really love this mini-series. It's just so dang good! But, my goodness, this book is big. And I always pick it up and stop after like two chapters because I can't quite convince myself to commit to it. But I will! I promise. Because I need further proof that the book is always better than the movie.

6. Middlemarch by George Eliot - I've heard this can be a challenging read but that it's also really worth the effort. After seeing several quotes from it, I'm convinced I'll love it. I just have to get in the quaint and slow country life kind of mood first.

 

7. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons - This cover is gorgeous. I don't even need to read the description to know I want to read it. And then I kept hearing good things about it, so that further convinced me it needed to be read. It's set in Russian. And it's a love story. Sounds good to me.

8. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - I believe this is a favorite of Jess at Gone with the Words, which originally made me think I might want to read it. And then I saw that there are a bunch of bloggers doing a read-along of it this summer. I don't know what to do! I know I'd like to read it, but that's one big fat book.

 

9. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray - This is going to sound so lame, but I basically want to read this because of the Reese Witherspoon movie. Yes, I just said that. Can you blame me?

10. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins - There was recently a group doing a read-along of this book, which is what made me add it to be to be read list. Is it a mystery? A ghost story? I have no idea. I just know it's long, and I want to read it.

Bonus: To Re-Read

 

11. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly - I devoured this book like two years ago, but now I can't remember anything that happened. It's the first in a trilogy, and my best friend bought me all three for Christmas so I think I want to read all three in a row. Then, I think of all the time that will take, and I second-guess my decision. But I know I love Jennifer Donnelly's writing so these books will definitely be happening soon.

12. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - This is one of those big books that takes no time at all to read because you can't just put it down. I know because I read it in middle school, and it immediately jumped on to my favorites list. I realized recently I haven't read it since then, and I'm thinking I might need a little Scarlett in my life soon. You can't go wrong with a Southern girl, even if she's a total pain sometimes.

So, here's where you come in: which one should I read first? Any books on here you'd highly recommend? Help convince me that it's finally time to take the plunge and commit to one of these chunksters! I'm begging you... and so is my TBR pile!

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There's Beauty in Being Alive

There's Beauty in Being Alive

May 14, 2012

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Release Date: November 2011

Publisher: Harlequin | Harlequin Teen
Pages: 322 pages

Source & Format: Library; paperback

Amazon | Goodreads

Sum It Up

Harper Scott's older sister, June, took her own life a week before her high school graduation. Not only is Harper devastated, but she's also confused. June was the poster child for good behavior. Harper never felt like she could measure up, but now she's wondering if she ever really knew her sister.

Her divorced parents want to split June's ashes, and Harper hates the thought of it. So, she decides to take off across the country with her best friend, Laney, to take June to the one place she always dreamed of going: California.

She never intends on including Jake Tolan, a bad boy with a major attitude. One moment he's charming and the next he's infuriating. But he's got a mysterious connection to June that Harper wants to figure out. Since he knows about Harper's secret road trip, he has to be included or he'll spill the beans. The trip to set June free ends up changing Harper's life, too.

By Its Cover: Sets the Tone

I've got no complaints about this cover. It's not cheesy, and it's not depressing. I like the scattered petals and the figure walking away in all black. I think it helps set the tone for the rest of the book. Bonus: it's not embarrassing to read in public. This cover definitely doesn't scream YA, which is a plus for me.

Amen, Sister Friend: Hard to Love But Glad to Know

I thought Harper was kind of a hard character to love, but it was still worth getting to know her. Does that make sense? She's rough around the edges. She pushes people away. She breaks the rules and gets in trouble. But she also sticks by the people she loves and blames herself for things that are out of her control.

She's lived her life being compared to June and never measuring up. When June commits suicide, it changes Harper's identity, too. She's no longer the only daughter that has disappointed her parents. As her mom falls apart under her grief, Harper manages to keep moving and living.

Even though she's prickly, I liked getting to know her. I don't know if I'd want to be her friend, but she grew on me more as the book progressed.

Literary Love: Not My Kind of Bad Boy

Harper meets Jake on the day of her sister's funeral. He's definitely, without question, a bad boy. I've read several reviews that really praised Jake (and the romance) in this book. However, I'm not big on the bad boy, and Jake just wasn't doing it for me. He has his sweet and sensitive moments, but he was also kind of a jerk and total pain in the ass for a lot of the book.

His relationship with Harper has lots of sexual tension, which basically meant they argued a ton and were pissed at each other. And then they weren't. And then they were. And so forth and so on. I think there are a lot of readers who will eat this romance up. Just because I wasn't all swoony doesn't mean you won't be!

Word Nerd: Sarcastic & Realistic

There were two things I really liked about the writing in this book:

1. Harper's sarcasm. In a book about grief, it can be easy to veer into cheesy territory. Even when Harper's being obnoxious, she's still pretty funny. I liked that Harrington wrote a book that felt like it was an authentic look at a teenager's grief - both its angst and its moments of snark.

2. The role music played. The characters in this book love music, and they love talking about it. There are even playlists included at the very end of the book so you can experience it for yourself. I loved how Harrington made music important in the book, and it was fun to read about different bands (and then go look some songs up on my own).

Extra, Extra: Road Trips & Playlists

I have to give it bonus points for the fact that there is a road trip - and playlists for the drive! 

So Quotable

"Some people think that a place can save them... Like if they could just be somewhere else, their lives would be totally different. They could finally be the people they always wanted to be. But to me, a place is just a place. If you really want things to change, you can make them change no matter where you are."

Bottom Line: Frustrating but Interesting

I think my main problem with this book was the characters. Because they were driving me crazy the whole time I was reading, I didn't completely connect to the story. I also read this immediately after The Sky is Everywhere - another book about a girl losing her sister - which I really loved. I think that reading that one first affected my feelings about this book because it was like I was comparing the two in my head. Despite my frustrations with it, Saving June was still an interesting read and I know it will be great for certain readers. 

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So Quotable: Jandy Nelson

So Quotable: Jandy Nelson

May 13, 2012

Photographer Jonas Peterson

“When he plays

all the flowers swap colors

and years and decades and centuries

 of rain pour back into the sky” 
― Jandy Nelson, The Sky is Everywhere

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The Sky Begins at Your Feet

The Sky Begins at Your Feet

May 12, 2012

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Release Date: March 2010

Publisher: Penguin | Speak
Pages: 288 pages

Source & Format: Library; Hardcover

Amazon | Goodreads

Sum It Up

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker is a bookworm and a band geek. She's always lived in the shadow of her older sister, Bailey, but she liked it that way. And then Bailey dies unexpectedly. Lennie is falling apart in the aftermath, and she doesn't know how to handle her overwhelming grief.

She's also gone from a nonexistent love life to struggling between two. Toby was Bailey's old boyfriend, and he completely understands Lennie's grief. Joe is the new guy in town, and he's got a magical grin and music in his bones.

My favorite part of the Goodreads summary: "For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, and the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding."

Lennie has to figure how to live without her sister, and where she fits in to the story of her life.

By Its Cover: It's All About the Title

I really love this cover! I love that the title is bold, graphic and takes center stage. It would have been so easy to make this cover totally cheesy, and I will be forever grateful that they didn't. I was proud to carry this book around!

Amen, Sister Friend: I Love You, Even When I Don't Like You

Lennie is grieving. She's falling apart. And in her grief, she makes some decisions that really drove me crazy. In fact, I wanted to knock some sense in to her head. But I also wanted to give this book a hug in some parts, as if I could somehow reach Lennie through the pages. Because even when she drove me crazy, my heart still went out to her. I was interested in her journey, and I cared about the outcome.

I was grieving for Lennie while she was missing her sister. I was celebrating with her when she found love. It's a great book that makes me care that much about a character's journey.

Literary Love: Holy Swoon, Heathcliff & Cathy!

Lennie's favorite book is Wuthering Heights. I find that very fitting because when she falls in love, she falls really hard. It's intense, all-consuming and full of passion. Now, did I want to see more of a friendship first? Maybe. But did I pretty much fall for the fella, too? You bet I did. Lennie might have an over the top falling in love experience, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. When Lennie falls in love, it's like the sky opens and she falls in. It's very Heathcliff and Cathy.

I like Wuthering Heights, but I don't love it. I think the love story is kind of creepy and a little too intense for me. Thankfully, I didn't feel that way about the love story in The Sky is Everywhere.

However, there was one storyline that I absolutely hated. I kind of understood why Lennie acted a certain way, but I was so ready for her to wise up. Thankfully, she finally did!

Word Nerd: Sweeps You Away

It's the writing that totally sold me on this book. It's honest, poetic and packs a huge emotional punch. The writing was so good that I loved the book even when I didn't love Lennie. And you know it's a good book when I'm frustrated with the main character but can't put the book down. I really don't think I'm doing the prose justice... so just trust me when I say that this is what takes the book beyond just a "good" read.

Extra, Extra: Paper Trail

Lennie pours her heart out on scraps of paper and then releases them into the world. This scattering of her heart was so beautiful, so heartbreaking... it was absolutely one of my favorite parts of the book. Her notes are scattered throughout the novel, and I grew to love "finding" a new note when I'd turn the page. 

Extra, Extra: Forest Hideaway

There is a sort of outdoor bedroom hidden away, and I think it sounded so cool. I mean, wouldn't you think it was really interesting if you stumbled upon something like that while walking in the woods? 

So Quotable

"My sister will die over and over again for the rest of my life. Grief is forever. It doesn't go away; it becomes a part of you, step for step, breath for breath. I will never stop grieving Bailey because I will never stop loving her. That's just how it is. Grief and love are conjoined, you don't get one without the other. All I can do is love her, and love the world, emulate her by living with daring and spirit and joy."

Bottom Line: I Want to Own It & You Should Read It

I checked this book out from the library, but this is one I want to add to my personal library as soon as possible! While there were a few things Lennie did that bothered me, I understood that she was acting out of grief. And honestly, the writing was so absolutely lovely that it is just calling for a re-read. This book is gorgeous and heartbreaking. This picture of life, love and loss is a book I won't soon forget. 

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I've Caught the Travel Bug!

I've Caught the Travel Bug!

May 10, 2012

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Release Date: March 2012

Publisher: Random House | Delacorte
Pages: 352 pages

Source & Format: Library; paperback

Amazon | Goodreads

Sum It Up

Bria Sandoval wants to be a global vagabond. After a failed relationship that leaves her questioning herself, she's ready to escape. On a quest for independence and reclaiming her identity, she embarks on guided tour of Central America. You can imagine her disappointment when realizes that she'll be surrounded by middle-aged tourists in fanny packs that have no sense of real adventure. When she meets Starling and Rowan, she sense the chance to go off the beaten path. Bria's a good girl trying to be bad, and Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay on the straight and narrow. As they visit Mayan villages and Belizean islands, they discover that they're both trying to escape old versions of themselves. They both think the only way to avoid the past is to keep moving, but they'll soon learn they have to face the past if they want the best version of the future.

By Its Cover: Wish Upon a Petal

We've got Bria on the cover, and it looks to my like she's making a wish. While I like the cover, I would have loved something that spoke more to the travel aspect of this novel. It's definitely a backpacker book, and I wish the cover reflected that a little better.

Amen, Sister Friend: We Could Totally Be Friends

I'm a good girl. I follow the rules. I don't just take off on my own. And neither does Bria... usually. Until she finally decides to go out on a limb and take a chance. And I loved seeing her do it! She's struggling to find herself, and not in a cheesy way. She gave up so much of her identity and her love for art in her relationship, and now she's like a little girl lost. You can see her confusion and her desire to reclaim what she had hidden away. I'd also like to direct you to Lisa's review for an absolutely fabulous look at what was so great about Bria and her journey.

Literary Love: Face the Past to Embrace the Future

Bria and Rowan may butt heads a lot, but it's pretty obvious that they have potential. My favorite thing about them was that they develop a friendship. It's not just some magical travel potion that causes them to fall head over heels, and that made me happy. I was scared that it would be Bria just falling for Rowan for no reason, but it wasn't. They actually become friends. They talk about their issues. They avoid their pasts. They are opposites, but you can see that they are drawn to each other. Neither really knows what to do about the other, and I enjoyed reading about this type of relationship. It felt realistic and honest, and I thought that made for a really great read.

Word Nerd: Journal Entries

Wanderlove is written like a journal so you're getting to hear (or read, I guess) Bria's thoughts firsthand. You also get to enjoy seeing some sketches scattered throughout. I thought Kirsten did a great job of making Bria relatable. Her questions about her past and her struggles with her identity and how it related to guys were honest and thought-provoking. I definitely thought that the journal entries worked well for this coming-of-age novel.

Extra, Extra: Wanderlust

What am I doing? Oh, you know, just packing my backpack and putting on my shoes. I was ready for an adventure after finishing this book. I've never been to Central America, and I hope to remedy that someday. I've read that Kirsten Hubbard likes to travel, and it definitely shines through in Wanderlove. Honestly, parts of this book read like a love story to travel. And I fell for it hook, line and sinker. Bria's journey was incredible because she's experiencing new places and discovering herself at the same time. I loved that aspect of this book!

So Quotable

"What you love the most is what you have to fight the hardest to keep."

"Wanderlust is like itchy feet. It's when you can't settle down. But Wanderlove is much deeper than that... it's a compulsion. It's the difference between lust and love."

"You got to find your own places. The places you get, girl, the ones that stick in your heart. And if you're lucky, you find people to share them with."

Bottom Line: A Great Escape

I really enjoyed Wanderlove, and it was a great escape read. If you like to travel, I think this is definitely a book you'll want to pick up. I have read some rave reviews of this one, and I can agree that it's a wonderful read. It wouldn't be one of my all-time favorites, but I'm glad to have read it. Bria's personal journey is authentic and relatable, and her travels had me ready to jet off on the next plane.

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