March Wrap-Up!

Whew! It has been a long and exhausting March. Most days were stressful and tiring due to the countless exams, projects, and requirements to be submitted in school.  Plus, I went on a minor eye surgery just a few days ago. That's why I haven't been able to post a lot this month. But on the bright side, my eyes are almost okay now and school is over!!! That means more reading and more blogging. Yay!

There have been quite a few things I was dying to blog about this month, but I haven't really gotten into typing or posting it. So, here it goes...

FIRST:

The books I have read in March.

Considering the piles of work to be done, I honestly don't know why I was able to read 9 books this month. Studying for exams and doing our thesis took up most of my time, and I really wonder how I managed to squeeze those 9 books in my busy schedule. I'm not complaining though. I'm quite happy with that number, actually. But I haven't blabbered  much about the books I recently read.

 

SECOND:

The books I have purchased.

March is the month of release of two of my most anticipated books of 2013: REQUIEM and CLOCKWORK PRINCESS. I already went to our local bookstore last February to reserve my copy of these two books. I just need to wait for them to contact me when the books arrive. But sadly, I receive no text, no call and no email from them. Meaning, the books haven't arrived yet. Yeah! Pityful!

What did I do? Spend the saved money on pre-loved books instead.

THIRD:

Cover Reveals!

FOURTH:

Book swags and goodies!

That's all for now!

BOOK BLURB: Eleanor and Park

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Goodreads:

TWO MISFITS. ONE EXTRAORDINARY LOVE. 
It's 1986 and two star-crossed teens are smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love--and just how hard it pulled you under.

 A cross between the iconic '80s movie Sixteen Candles and the classic coming-of-age novel Looking for Alaska, Eleanor & Park is a brilliantly written young adult novel.

***

Date Read: March, 16, 2013
Rating: 2.5 Stars

This is the kind of love story that does not reach out to me. I found it boring and everything else that I dislike about annoying teenage relationships.

It wasn't bad. I actually really liked it at first, especially the voiceless communication between Eleanor and Park. The unsaid words of gratitude that comes with the exchange of comic books and mixed tapes, and the six inches of space between thew was fun while it lasted. But when they started to talk more, it just did not do anything good to me. It was like an instant unofficial relationship. Then, from no good, it went a bit worse. The relationship was unstable, confusing, and complicated. It wasn't funny, or sweet, or romantic. It was plain and bland. I would love to love the story, but it didn't suit my taste.

I usually love unusual characters, like Eleanor and Park. They weren't the best looking people, they weren't popular, and they weren't exceptionally talented. They stood out the best way they can, and that's by being awkward. I liked that, but sometimes they just seem to be off and that irritated a bit.

Again, I liked it at first. I am starting to get used to dual point of views now, and the book was good with that. I loved the parts when Eleanor and Park constantly switched point of views (not 1st person, but 3rd person) with only a short lines to tell. That was the meaningful part for me. Too bad that a big part of the book wasn't that great. But there were still a few notable good parts. Well, 2.5 stars.

View all my reviews

BOOK BLURB: That Boy (That Boy #1)

Hi people of the world wide web! It's been more than two weeks sine my last update, and I'm terribly sorry for that. I have been busy with school requirements and final exams for the past few days. I'm just days away from the official start of summer vacation. Yay! That means more updates, more posts! 

***

That Boy by Jillian Dodd
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Goodreads:

That Boy is a contemporary romance about falling in love with the boys next door.

You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits. 

There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.

Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth.  Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me.  And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.

One boy will give me my very first kiss.
One boy will teach me to make out.
One boy will take me to prom.
And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.
They will both be my best friends.
But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.
Only one of them is That Boy.

***

Date Read: March 5, 2013
Rating: 2 Stars

That Boy, upon reading the blurb, will catch the attention of anyone looking for a sweet contemporary romance about a girl torn between two guys. It centers around the lives of three very close friends who grew up together. As time came and went, JJ (the girl) slowly realizes how her two guy friends changed from scrawny little boys to gorgeous young men. Then, the story begins.

The story was very disappointing. I was expecting something delightful, fun and worthwhile to read. But the sweetness, the tingles on the skin, and the knots in the belly I was hoping to feel was not there. The supposed love triangle was bland and boring. The story seemed to drag on due to the wide time frame it covers. To be honest, I felt it was too long because of some of the insignificant moments or parts in the story.

The characters, especially JJ, was unappealing. She was quite annoying, confusing and hard to relate to. And there's not much character development with her. With the guys, I was hoping to read something about a healthy brotherly/friendly competition to win the girl's heart. But none of the interesting and exciting parts of the sappy 'ol love story was present. They were okay for me, but crush-worthy? I think not so. They are tolerable.

I don't usually comment on the writing style because I'm not good at judging those kinds of things. But truth be told, this was not the greatest on the planet. It wasn't that good. It felt too conversational and informal. Not my kind of style, though I don't have any specific preference with the writing.

To sum up, I did not like it very much. But like I said, it was tolerable. But sweet, fun, dramatic and entertaining? No, not really. Well, not for me.

View all my reviews

COVER CRAZY: Isla and the Happily Ever After + New Covers for Anna and Lola

Presenting... the cover of Stephanie Perkins' new contemporary novel.

ISLA AND THE  HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Goodreads:

Falling in love in the world’s most romantic city is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year at the School of America in Paris, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to deal with the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever. Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Another fun-filled romance mixed with touches of drama and heartbreak. Plus, cross-overs!!! :)

But wait! It's not over yet. Apparently, Anna and Lola gets a make-over along with the reveal of Isla. Here are the before and after covers.

So, what are your thoughts? Comments? Are the new covers better or worse?

Personally, I like the new covers a tad better than the old ones. It looks simpler, yet it screams sophistication. It looks more mature while holding on to that YA element. I can't explain it clearly, but the new covers have my vote. :)

February Wrap-Up!

Two months down, ten more to go!

February has come and gone. Now, March is at our doorstep. HELLO there, March!

It has been a very busy February and I am expecting a lot more stress this March.

Well, for those residing in the Philippines, March is the last month of the school year. It is both a happy and a sad news. Why? Well, because in a matter of days, school will be over and summer is just a few weeks away! But before we get to that happy place, we must first endure the sufferings of a student. Yes, exams, projects, paper works, tons of requirements and a whole lot more. So, March is going to be tough month. Better be prepared. :)

Going back to the agenda, let's take a look back to the things I've cooked up this February 2013.

FIRST:

The books I have read in February.

This was not a good month for reading many books. As you can see, I have only read four books plus a short story, which is a bit far from the number I have read last January. 

The best book I have read this month is... *drum roll please* Ally Carter's Perfect Scoundrels and her short cross-over story Double Crossed. I am a huge Gallagher Girls fan, and these books officially made me a huge Heist Society fan as well. I just love how these books incorporate love, family, friendship, and humor into one fast-paced and thrilling roller coaster ride. The most disappointing book this February is, thankfully, none! Yes, that's how awesome my February reads has been.

SECOND:

The books I have purchased.

My trips to some book store have been quite unfortunate this February. It's either I don't find anything that pleases me or I find something good but I don't have enough money. So the result, I have purchased  only one book this month -  Wildefire by Karsten Knight.

THIRD:

Cover Reveals!

FOURTH:

Updates!

February has brought a whirlwind of teasers and updates. From the release date of Divergent's third installment to the first ever glimpse of Magnus Bane. And who would forget the book trailer of Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Princess?

There were also some casting updates on the upcoming TV adaptation of Lauren Oliver's Delirium and Keira Cass' The Selection.