Anna And the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

“For the two of us, home isn't a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.” 

We follow the story of a young American girl named Anna who gets sent away to Paris to study, she is torn away from her friends and family and is thrust into a new culture that is so far from her own. Although at first Anna struggles, she makes friends at her new school and one in particular takes her fancy; Etienne St Clair, a young man whom Anna can't help but fall for. The only problem is that St Clair has a girlfriend and Anna is tied up in relationship back in America. When feelings begin to arise within them we see the highs and lows of being a teenager in love and how even the most trivial of things can cause your world to come tumbling down

Don't pull out your torches and pitch forks, but I just thought this one was OK. It had its really cute moments, but this is another case where I feel the romance was drawn out way too much.  

It's basically 400 pages of two people who don't want to acknowledge that they've fallen in love.Anna could have easily been 70-100 pages less to make the point it was trying to make

I expected what Stephanie Perkins gave us: a beautiful setting, atypical characters, smooth writing and a satisfying final payoff. We see Etienne and Anna get together because that's what we've been waiting for, and Perkins made us wait for it. She knew we'd love this couple, because she knew the story she was telling had enough meat to make us care. 

I liked it I liked it even that Anna was a spoiled assface that complained about going to a rich fancy school in Paris and all she talks about are boys. Even that St. Clair's only sort of characterization is that he's really good-looking, so little that the author had to make drama happen in the family to make him more interesting.

The writing style was so clear, wonderful, and easy to read. The dialogue and events were so amazingly fun and very believable (with just the right amount of cheese). I've never been to Paris, but from the information I found, the research was well done.

Does it live up to the hype? Not really, but if you're looking for a cute contemporary read, then this book does that well. This book is extremely over-hyped and I know a lot of people who consider this their favorite contemporary. I liked this book, don't get me wrong, but it is not the best contemporary book I've ever read. I wish I could have liked it                                                                                                       more, but it got too complain-y/hectic/unrealistic in the end.

AMAZON: Anna And the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

The Ultimate Harry Potter Tag

Hello guys! I don't know if you know, but March was for me more like a Harry Potter Month, because I decided to start read the Harry Potter series. And I absolutely love it. I have no idea what I've been doing my whole life but now, here I am, talking more about my new favourite series of all time. Hope you enjoy and let me know down bellow your favourite Harry Potter book. :)

1) Favourite book?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2) Least favourite book?
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

3) Favourite movie?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. I even enjoyed some of the scenes in the movie more than in the book. I don't who directed it and who wrote the script but holy... These guys are geniuses!!

4) Least favourite movie?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I found this one very not similar to the book and lot of characters were missing, even that in my opinion they were too important

5) Favourite quote?
"You will stay with me?"
"Until the very end."

6) Favourite Weasley?
Fred or George. Never can decide.

7) Favourite female character?
Professor McGonagall. Do I have to say more?

"It is true that you shouted at Professor Umbridge?"
"Yes."
"You called her a liar?"
"Yes."
"You told her He Who Must Not Be Names is back?
"Yes."
"Have a biscuit, Potter."

8) Favourite villain.
Bellatrix Lestrange

9) Favourite male character?
Sirius Black. To the moon and back. I love him more than anything and it hurts. It still hurts so much that I can't even. 

10) Favourite professor?
Professor Lupin. I mean, also McGonagall, but Lupin..? Oh man..

11) Would you rather A) wash Snape’s hair or B) spend a day listening to Lockhart rant about himself?

Is it even a question? Of course I would wash Snape's hair!

12) Would you rather duel A) an elated Bellatrix or B) and angry Molly?

Did you see the last time someone crossed Molly? No one knows exactly what happened to her. So yes, I would definitely choose Bellatrix.

13) Would you rather travel to Hogwarts via A) Hogwarts Express or B) Flying Car?

There is no option against the Hogwarts Express

14) Would you rather A) Kiss Voldemort or B) give Umbridge a bubble bath?

There is no chance to can get me near to Umbridge. This woman scares the crap out of me

15) Would you rather A) ride a Hippogriff or B) ride a Firebolt?

*bow to the Hippogriff*

16) Is there a character you felt differently about in the movies?

Ginny Weasly and maybe Malfoy little bit. I think that he was much more meaner in the movies.

17) Is there a movie you preferred to the book?

Not exactly. Like I said, in DH2 were many scenes that I enjoyed more, but there is nothing better than the books were.

18) Richard Harris or Michael Gambon as Dumbledore?

Both. Richard's face was for me more warmhearted but Michael's looks more..well, I would say smarter, that he knows what he's doing..

19) Your top thing (person or event) that wasn’t in the movie that you wanted there the most?
That was not in the book and also not in the movie bu deleted scene where Draco throws Harry his wand. 
But the scene that was in the books and wasn't in the movie is from Deathly Hallows part 2 when Harry gives Kreacher the necklace because that was the time when their "relationship" changed 360°

20) If you could remake any of the Harry Potter movies which would it be?
The Goblet of Fire or The Half Blood Prince

21 Which house was your first gut feeling you’d be a part of?
Gryffindor. I could never be Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. And still Slytherin? There was a chance, but somehow I felt more like a gryffindor.

22) Which house were you actually sorted into on Pottermore?
Gryffindor. I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me.

23) Which class would be your favourite
Charms or also (obviously) the defence against the dark arts

24) Which spell do you think would be most useful to learn?
Accio. I'd never have to move again.

25) Which character do you think you’d instantly become friends with?
Luna Lovegood. I'm just as sane as she is

26) If you could own one of the three Hallows, which would it be?
The Invisibility cloak. I'd never have to do my makeup anymore.

27) Is there any aspect of the books you’d want to change?
NO TO REMIONE. YES TO DRAMIONE. 

28) Favourite Marauder?
I honestly can’t choose between the three (no warmtail please)

29) If you could bring one character back to life, which would it be?
Even if I can't imagine George without Fred, I have to say Sirius, because I think that Harry lost too many people in his life and so when he met Sirius he finally could tell he has a real family. That's the thing that hurts the most about their relationship. When they looks at each other, they both were hoping to see James. 

30) Hallows or Horcruxes?
Why become immortal when I can just become the Master of Death?

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

“Some mistakes... Just have greater consequences than others. But you don't have to let the result of one mistake be the thing that defines you. You, Clark, have the choice not to let that happen.” 

I need a hug. In fact, can someone just hold me for a week? I think I am just gonna curl up in a ball and keep sobbing now.

I know this book is very well-loved and well-known so I won't make my review super long but I just have to add to the hype by saying, in my book, it deserves all the praise it gets.

This novel is about Louisa Clark ( Lou for short ) a 26 year old woman living an ordinary life. She works at The Buttered Bun cafe, she has a boyfriend of 6 years, named Patrick, she lives at home with her parents, sister Treena and Treena's son Thomas and her granddad. She is content. 
Then without warning, her boss closes the cafe, leaving her without a job and without a way to contribute financially to the household. She comes across a job offer for care and companionship for a 35 year old quadriplegic man. She is hired on.

The man is Will Traynor.

I adored their relationship so much. Moyes really knows how to write fun, witty characters who the reader immediately falls in love with. I read this book in less than a day - the quickest I've read a book in who knows how long - and it crushed me when I finished it.The cool thing is that the book is not in the least preachy. Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, the author has created two witty and quirky characters who are very lovable and complex and who I wanted to read more about. It kept me turning those pages—fast.

Good characters, good dialogue, and a good, well-paced plot make this novel such a “goodread.” The author keeps you guessing till the end, and I was so pulled in. It’s an emotional ride. I can’t wait to read her other books, at least one of which has won awards. I’m not surprised. Highly recommend.

And despite what some reviews say, this is not a romance novel. There is romance in it, found in unlikely circumstances, but this is not a light and fluffy chic lit read.

What an important, heart wrenching book. I don't know if I'll ever get over it.

 

Amazon: Me Before You

MOVIE STARRING EMILIA CLARCK AND SAM CLAFLIN!! 

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

“I want to say yes, but I don't want to be with a boy whose heart belongs to somebody else. Just once, I want to be somebody else's first choice”

Sixteen year olde daydreamer Lara JEan has written love letters to all the boys she has ever had crushes on- These are not typical love letters but are more like good bye letters that help Lara Jean have some closure over the boys that broke her heart. When the letters are mailed without her knowledge, she is beyong upset. As her crushes begin to receive the secret letters, Lara Jean must provide and explanation to the boys, and romantic comedy soon begings to unfold..

This was a light, cute read that left me with a smile. It wasn't a book full of twists and surprises and the plot was fairly simple, but I really enjoyed it. It would be a perfect book for a summer read.

It was the first book by Jenny Han I read and I am definitely going to try her other books. 
Lara Jean was so relatable and the love interest IS ADORABLE! The characters have their flaws, but these flaws made them even better. 

The development between Lara Jean and Peter was really sweet. First pretending to date due to circumstances, it slowly turned into friendship until the feelings Lara Jean thought she'd gotten over returned. It definitely wasn't insta-love. There was a small triangle with neighbor Josh and at first, it was hard to choose but Peter won me over in the end. They match each other so well. They’re like opposites, but they balance each other so well. Kavinsky gets Lara Jean out of her safe bubble and really challenges her to live for herself. And Lara Jean keeps Kavinsky grounded and doesn’t take his bullshit. It’s such a give and take relationship, and it’s so wonderful to see. I just wanted more!

I also loved the contrast between the three sisters. Margot was the overly responsible one who acted like an adult most of the time, though she could have her own childish moments. Lara Jean was more immature for her age while Kitty was a mix of the two, she could be a brat at times and others she was very responsible. I also appreciated that their father, a very busy man, was still present in their lives and made an effort to make sure their mother's Korean heritage wasn't forgotten. I loved the relationship between the three sisters so much and found it really sweet and believable.

This is about a 3.7. I read this in one day. I honestly didn't want to put it down and I barely did. The way it ended was not how I thought it would when I started (the ending left me craving for more!), which is always cool. Sometimes with contemporaries I find the mundanity of daily activities in the stories boring, but that didn't happen here. Which was really, really nice.

This book is addictive right from the start, with Lara Jean easily carrying the story through to the end.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

"It's always nice to being wanted.  Even if it's by the wrong person." -Tabitha Suzuma

This is the story of a boy and a girl who fall in love. Lochan and Maya are best friends who have known each other their entire lives and have helped each other and fiercely loved one another through the many brutally painful experiences of growing up.
The thing is, they also happen to be brother and sister, and the unholy mess of the repercussions from their choices looms over this entire story.

The relationship between Maya and Lochan is complicated from the beginning. In my words, here’s how I see it: There’s a line between brothers and sisters. You can tell to each other your most intimate secrets, share a room, even sleep in the same bed for fear of nightmares; each other the half of a whole. But you never become more, because of that line. That label that says Brother/Sister. And that’s okay.

This may all sound so disgusting but I never felt repulsed during the book, and I think this is what made it Amazing. Tabitha Suzuma managed to make their love relationship seem so right and not once did I forget they were brother and sister. It wasn’t like “OMG! I had totally forgotten they were siblings!” No, I was conscious always of what they were and it never felt wrong.

By the ending my heart was beating so hard I thought it would just burst out of my chest, and in the last page it just stopped. I can feel that hollow. My shaking hands. And the amazingness of it all.

Obviously, many will disagree. Some will see this as the tragedy of neglect and abuse. Or a thought-provoking challenge to the parameters we put around “acceptable” love. Or a heartbreaking examination of society failing its young people. Or just a love story. There are plenty of excellent reviews that discuss these interpretations. 

Goodreads

January BOOK HAUL

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes            Alienated by Melissa Landers         Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

                                                                                                         

Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

The Heir by Kiera Cass

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Anna And the French Kiss by Stephenie Perkins

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Harry Potter And the Sorcere's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter And the Chamber Of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter And the Prisoner Of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling

6 Book I Want To REread In 2016

                                                     
1. Fallen by Lauren Kate (Fallen #1)


Luce is Daniel's soulmate. A real soulmate. But what if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?

First, Daniel is an angel. And not just any. The fate of the world lies on his shoulders. If he chooses the dark side, evil wins. But if he chooses the side of God, good wins. But it's never as easy it looks like.

Second, everytime they kiss, Lucy dies. Until now.

2. The 100 by Kass Morgan (The 100 #1)

No one has set foot on Earth in centuries -- until now. 

After a nuclear war, people tried to live in a space. But now their oxygen supply is reduced. And one hundred juvenile deliquents are being sent down. To recolonized the home. But the longer they are home, the more they realize, that someof them, could have never leave.

3. The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (Mara Dyer #1)

Imagine how it could to be to kill people with your mind. Have you got a bad grade on your test? Just imagine the teacher being hit by a car. And the theacher would be hit by a car. 

Mary Dyer has that gift. Or a curse. She believes that after everyting that has happened to her, after being almost raped by her boyfriend and the whole building subsequently knocking down, killing her friends, she can never love again. She's wrong. 

4. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto (Halo #1)

3 angels are sent by Heaven to bring good back to a world that is falling under darkness. 

But then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither one of them is able to resist the attraction between them. 

Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems to be strong. 

An Angel is sent to Earth on a mission. But falling in love is not part of the plan.

5. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (All Souls #1)

World of witches, daemos and vampires.

Diana and Matthew - the forbidden love at heart of it. 

Diana Bishop, a young scholar and a descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript, Ashmole 782, deep in Oxford's Bodleian Library. But Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library

6. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire (Beautiful Disaster #1)

Abby Abernathy begins to attend collafe far away from her home, to forget about the past. She runs away from her family, that due to alcohol and gambling, has made her life hell, and she tries to be exemplary student.

Travis Maddox's nickname is MadDog, and for his tuition he earns a fistfight. He has a reputation as the greatest seducer of women at university.

Travis and Abby attrackt each other, but they convince everybody, and each other, that of their friendship never made love. But then Abby looses bet and so she has to live with Travis for a month. Passion can no longer be masked by friendship