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booksarethenewblack
I picked this book up last night and I could not put it down. I continued this morning and didn't look up again until I was done. This book was really good. It was an addictive story and really fast paced. I don't think I would call this a psychological thriller though.
Basically, this story is about Amber envying the 1% and thinking it's unfair that they live such a high life, while she does not. You never really know what the grass is like on the other side. Is it really green? or is it just decaying and brown? Be careful what you wish for! Amber thinks that Daphne and Jackson Parrish are living the perfect life. They are part of the 1%, have the perfect marriage, house, kids and so on. What she doesn't know, things are never really perfect. So, she hatches a plan to slowly become part of the family, in hopes to take over, as the last Mrs. Parrish.
The first 1/3 of the book is in Amber's perspective and the last 1/3 is in Daphne's perspective. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about re-hashing the story over in the second POV. Sometimes this can get quite boring but it was not the case. It was actually perfect to make the whole picture crystal clear.
WOW. Amber is diabolical. I didn't root for her from the very beginning. She was so good at being fake and evil. I was rooting so hard for Daphne. Then when I realized what was going to happen, I was rooting for Daphne even more. The ending was great and I really think that everyone got what they deserved.
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
Basically, this story is about Amber envying the 1% and thinking it's unfair that they live such a high life, while she does not. You never really know what the grass is like on the other side. Is it really green? or is it just decaying and brown? Be careful what you wish for! Amber thinks that Daphne and Jackson Parrish are living the perfect life. They are part of the 1%, have the perfect marriage, house, kids and so on. What she doesn't know, things are never really perfect. So, she hatches a plan to slowly become part of the family, in hopes to take over, as the last Mrs. Parrish.
The first 1/3 of the book is in Amber's perspective and the last 1/3 is in Daphne's perspective. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about re-hashing the story over in the second POV. Sometimes this can get quite boring but it was not the case. It was actually perfect to make the whole picture crystal clear.
WOW. Amber is diabolical. I didn't root for her from the very beginning. She was so good at being fake and evil. I was rooting so hard for Daphne. Then when I realized what was going to happen, I was rooting for Daphne even more. The ending was great and I really think that everyone got what they deserved.
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
I picked this up because a couple people recommended it, since I liked Moxie. It did not disappoint.
**TW**This book covers some very serious issues: Rape and Sexual Assault
Three girls take it upon themselves to start "The Nowhere Girls" and then the consequences they face after the fact. They want justice for Lucy, who was raped the year prior. All three boys walk around like they own girls and Lucy has left. Grace moves into her home and sees her words written on her walls, Help Me. These three girls start a huge movement that makes a big impact.
I really loved the characters in this book. Grace is a new girl at Prescott High and is portrayed as being "fat" and a Christian. What I love about her is the fact that she sticks to her beliefs. She pushes herself to do the write thing, when it puts her in the spotlight, which she doesn't want. I loved the fact that her faith plays a huge part in her life and decisions but she's really open minded.
Rosina is probably my favorite! She's tough and from a huge Mexican family. She is also into girls. She is going through a lot. She has to work a lot at the family restaurant and is trying so hard to find herself. It's hard though, when so many family expectations are on her shoulders. Her mom is tough and only her way is the right way.
Erin is has Aspberger's and anxiety. I loved her so much. She's coping with a trauma from before but then is trying to cope with her new relationships. We get to see how she feels and that really brought something to this book. I especially loved the fact when she learned to lie. Not because she was lying but because people underestimate her since she's on the spectrum.
The friendships these girls build is just so lovely and refreshing. It's so diverse and this ugly thing brings them together. I love how they grow and support each other. Not only these three but a lot of the other girls. They still have their clicks but are more open to each other.
Now, this book was a quick read but there was so much content. I think she might have taken off a little more than she could handle. I would have loved to learn more about the "US" characters and Amber. I feel like we didn't really get to explore more of her. I was also a bit disappointed that she didn't show more growth. I kept thinking she would come around but then she just kept hanging on boys. At times, the book felt like it was moving too slowly.
Overall, this was a great book and it has an important message to girls, boys, men and women. Thanks to the people who told me that I would like this if I liked Moxie. Both are great books and have strong messages. Also, makes you want to carry on the girl power!
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
**TW**This book covers some very serious issues: Rape and Sexual Assault
Three girls take it upon themselves to start "The Nowhere Girls" and then the consequences they face after the fact. They want justice for Lucy, who was raped the year prior. All three boys walk around like they own girls and Lucy has left. Grace moves into her home and sees her words written on her walls, Help Me. These three girls start a huge movement that makes a big impact.
I really loved the characters in this book. Grace is a new girl at Prescott High and is portrayed as being "fat" and a Christian. What I love about her is the fact that she sticks to her beliefs. She pushes herself to do the write thing, when it puts her in the spotlight, which she doesn't want. I loved the fact that her faith plays a huge part in her life and decisions but she's really open minded.
Rosina is probably my favorite! She's tough and from a huge Mexican family. She is also into girls. She is going through a lot. She has to work a lot at the family restaurant and is trying so hard to find herself. It's hard though, when so many family expectations are on her shoulders. Her mom is tough and only her way is the right way.
Erin is has Aspberger's and anxiety. I loved her so much. She's coping with a trauma from before but then is trying to cope with her new relationships. We get to see how she feels and that really brought something to this book. I especially loved the fact when she learned to lie. Not because she was lying but because people underestimate her since she's on the spectrum.
The friendships these girls build is just so lovely and refreshing. It's so diverse and this ugly thing brings them together. I love how they grow and support each other. Not only these three but a lot of the other girls. They still have their clicks but are more open to each other.
Now, this book was a quick read but there was so much content. I think she might have taken off a little more than she could handle. I would have loved to learn more about the "US" characters and Amber. I feel like we didn't really get to explore more of her. I was also a bit disappointed that she didn't show more growth. I kept thinking she would come around but then she just kept hanging on boys. At times, the book felt like it was moving too slowly.
Overall, this was a great book and it has an important message to girls, boys, men and women. Thanks to the people who told me that I would like this if I liked Moxie. Both are great books and have strong messages. Also, makes you want to carry on the girl power!
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
I was really excited to read this because I've seen so many people like this book. It had great potential but it just felt .. ehh.. to me.
I actually felt like the book was really predictable- I had mostly figured everything out. So, it could be what dropped the excitement for me.
The plot was slow going. It took more than half way before it actually picked up. Once it did pick up, I was really into the story.
I loved the mini stories between some of the chapters. You get a look at the past and the events that took place to get where we are now. I think I would have liked this a lot more if it was about the past. The sisters seemed interesting and and I would have loved to read more about them.
I didn't feel like I connected with the characters that much and I really didn't like the ending. I felt so bad for her. I don't really want to say too much about it, just that it makes me so sad.
It was a good story, I liked it. I think my hopes were a bit high for this one. I definitely get why a lot of people love this book. It's not bad, it's just okay.
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
I actually felt like the book was really predictable- I had mostly figured everything out. So, it could be what dropped the excitement for me.
The plot was slow going. It took more than half way before it actually picked up. Once it did pick up, I was really into the story.
I loved the mini stories between some of the chapters. You get a look at the past and the events that took place to get where we are now. I think I would have liked this a lot more if it was about the past. The sisters seemed interesting and and I would have loved to read more about them.
I didn't feel like I connected with the characters that much and I really didn't like the ending. I felt so bad for her. I don't really want to say too much about it, just that it makes me so sad.
It was a good story, I liked it. I think my hopes were a bit high for this one. I definitely get why a lot of people love this book. It's not bad, it's just okay.
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
3.5 stars
I was back and forth on whether I would read this book. I saw a lot of mixed reviews. I actually enjoyed it. There were only a couple of things that I didn't like, keeping me from giving it 4 stars.
Alosa, is a pirate and even better, daughter of the pirate king! She is on a mission to retrieve a piece of a map. She allows her to become captured and then spends time on the ship, trying to find this map. She plays a game of wits with Riden, the first mate. They of course, become enamored with each other. Will she find the map or will Riden discover her secrets first?
I loved Alosa! She was fun, witty and knew how to kick butt. I really liked that she was really caring. She didn't want people to be treated unfairly or unkind. I loved her banter between she and Riden. It was a lot of fun and made me laugh out loud at times. They were really similar and so I liked Riden as a character too.
What I didn't care for was the romance. It was just too instant and too forced. I feel like since this is a duology, why not let it be a slow burn? It's such a shame because I loved both of them and they are great together but I just didn't care for it. It just rubbed me the wrong way.
Okay, so I understand that her supernatural abilities are supposed to be hidden and then towards the end they are revealed. I wish she would have let US in on the secret before hand. It felt like there were two different books here. The first half, where she's a kick butt pirate, then the second half, where she's a siren. It just threw me off a little bit and it killed a bit of the flow for me. I see a lot of people saying she's like Jack Sparrow. Nah, I don't think so. She's fun and interesting but that's where the similarity ends.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Like I said, I was between 3.5 - 4 stars. So not bad at all. I just had some small issues. I totally plan on reading the second book! It was a fun, light read. :)
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
I was back and forth on whether I would read this book. I saw a lot of mixed reviews. I actually enjoyed it. There were only a couple of things that I didn't like, keeping me from giving it 4 stars.
Alosa, is a pirate and even better, daughter of the pirate king! She is on a mission to retrieve a piece of a map. She allows her to become captured and then spends time on the ship, trying to find this map. She plays a game of wits with Riden, the first mate. They of course, become enamored with each other. Will she find the map or will Riden discover her secrets first?
I loved Alosa! She was fun, witty and knew how to kick butt. I really liked that she was really caring. She didn't want people to be treated unfairly or unkind. I loved her banter between she and Riden. It was a lot of fun and made me laugh out loud at times. They were really similar and so I liked Riden as a character too.
What I didn't care for was the romance. It was just too instant and too forced. I feel like since this is a duology, why not let it be a slow burn? It's such a shame because I loved both of them and they are great together but I just didn't care for it. It just rubbed me the wrong way.
Okay, so I understand that her supernatural abilities are supposed to be hidden and then towards the end they are revealed. I wish she would have let US in on the secret before hand. It felt like there were two different books here. The first half, where she's a kick butt pirate, then the second half, where she's a siren. It just threw me off a little bit and it killed a bit of the flow for me. I see a lot of people saying she's like Jack Sparrow. Nah, I don't think so. She's fun and interesting but that's where the similarity ends.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Like I said, I was between 3.5 - 4 stars. So not bad at all. I just had some small issues. I totally plan on reading the second book! It was a fun, light read. :)
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
I LOVED this book SO much!!! I read it so fast because I could not put it down. It might be my favorite book of the year, so far!
Penny Lee is basically living a shell of a life. She didn't care about school, friends and her boyfriend didn't even know her. She's now going to college at UT in Austin, Texas. HOOK 'EM HORNS!!! (So, my team. I'm originally from San Antonio) Anyways, she's trying to deal with her new roommate, her mom, and classes. She then meets Sam and things start to change. She starts to come out of her shell. She and Sam swap numbers and almost all of their contact is through texting. They call each other their Emergency Contacts.
Mary Choi did a fabulous job with this book. I thought the writing was impeccable and the story was just amazing. It was a really fast read because I could not put this book down. I started it last night and the first thing I did this morning, was pick it up and immerse myself into this story. Good thing, I thought to set it on my night stand last night. This story is told in Penny's and Sam's perspective. It's amazing how these two introverted people bloom in their conversations with each other. They talk about everything and don't have up any walls. They go deep at times.
I loved Penny Lee so very much. She's awkward and can be really cynical. I loved that she's always prepared with her bags. HAHA! I'm so glad that she was able to really grow and find her place. You really got to see more of her personality when she starts writing. Sam was also wonderful! He was so complicated and I felt so bad for this poor guy. He's going through a lot and trying to become a documentary director. I wish we could have delved a little more into that. Anyone else really want to go to a bakery after reading this?! The things he made just sounded so good and made me crave some sweets! lol
Okay, now to get personal for a moment. Something that REALLY made me love this book so much more, is bringing TRYPOPHOBIA to life. I've talked to about this to several people and they think I'm crazy. Penny Lee, also has it and when she brings it up, I literally gasped! I couldn't believe it. I have posted it on all my social media accounts, if you follow me. You've seen it a few times. haha. It's real and it sucks. Trypophobia, is a condition where you get grossed out or scared/anxious of irregular or regular holes in clusters or circular patterns. It's very unnerving and it really stresses me out. For example, a lotus pod is one that really triggers it. Thank you, Mary Choi!
This story is really relevant to our world today. Everyone is so immersed in social media and we are always on our phones. A lot of people today, feel much safer talking through text, versus face to face. I know that I tend to do this sometimes. It's that barrier that makes you feel safe. I highly recommend this book. It was fun, sweet, deep and I enjoyed it so much!
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
Penny Lee is basically living a shell of a life. She didn't care about school, friends and her boyfriend didn't even know her. She's now going to college at UT in Austin, Texas. HOOK 'EM HORNS!!! (So, my team. I'm originally from San Antonio) Anyways, she's trying to deal with her new roommate, her mom, and classes. She then meets Sam and things start to change. She starts to come out of her shell. She and Sam swap numbers and almost all of their contact is through texting. They call each other their Emergency Contacts.
Mary Choi did a fabulous job with this book. I thought the writing was impeccable and the story was just amazing. It was a really fast read because I could not put this book down. I started it last night and the first thing I did this morning, was pick it up and immerse myself into this story. Good thing, I thought to set it on my night stand last night. This story is told in Penny's and Sam's perspective. It's amazing how these two introverted people bloom in their conversations with each other. They talk about everything and don't have up any walls. They go deep at times.
I loved Penny Lee so very much. She's awkward and can be really cynical. I loved that she's always prepared with her bags. HAHA! I'm so glad that she was able to really grow and find her place. You really got to see more of her personality when she starts writing. Sam was also wonderful! He was so complicated and I felt so bad for this poor guy. He's going through a lot and trying to become a documentary director. I wish we could have delved a little more into that. Anyone else really want to go to a bakery after reading this?! The things he made just sounded so good and made me crave some sweets! lol
Okay, now to get personal for a moment. Something that REALLY made me love this book so much more, is bringing TRYPOPHOBIA to life. I've talked to about this to several people and they think I'm crazy. Penny Lee, also has it and when she brings it up, I literally gasped! I couldn't believe it. I have posted it on all my social media accounts, if you follow me. You've seen it a few times. haha. It's real and it sucks. Trypophobia, is a condition where you get grossed out or scared/anxious of irregular or regular holes in clusters or circular patterns. It's very unnerving and it really stresses me out. For example, a lotus pod is one that really triggers it. Thank you, Mary Choi!
This story is really relevant to our world today. Everyone is so immersed in social media and we are always on our phones. A lot of people today, feel much safer talking through text, versus face to face. I know that I tend to do this sometimes. It's that barrier that makes you feel safe. I highly recommend this book. It was fun, sweet, deep and I enjoyed it so much!
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
Yesss! I love this so much that I’m going to buy it! So many yummy recipes!
I have a hard time writing this review. I am trying to get my thoughts together. Really, I loved this book. It was a lot of fun.
I really enjoyed this book. It was light, full of adventure and really funny. This is a big book but I didn't feel like it took away from the story. It flowed really well and I got though it rather quickly. I loved the characters so much. SO MUCH. This is where the length of the book really helped you know and love these characters so much.
Monty was my favorite character. He was hilarious and so much fun. You couldn't not love him. He was also very broken and has a very heartbreaking past. It made me just want to hug him. He puts on this act that he's cocky, selfish and doesn't care about anything. Really, it's further from the truth. He's bi and helplessly in love with his best friend.
Felicity was my second favorite character. She was such sassy, confident and really smart! She saves these boys butts over and over. From the beginning, it seems that she just keeps her head in books but there is so much more to her. It's so fun to watch her grow into herself. She kicks butt and I loved her so much.
Percy was so sweet and caring. This poor guy has to face so much but he handles it all so well. It's really inspiring. I loved the relationship between he and Monty. I was also heartbroken when I found out he had epilepsy and that he planned to spend his life in an asylum.
Together all three of these characters were perfectly balanced!
The author does a great job making a fun, adventure story but also touching on some really hard subjects. There's a lot about hardship, sickness, abuse and sexuality. These kid are trying to find their way and learn who they are.
My one issue with it, is the ending. I didn't really care for how it wrapped up. It's such a long book but the ending felt really quick and kind of unfinished. It might just be me but I expected a little more time with that ending. I am really looking forward to the next book, which I think is in Felicity's POV.
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
I really enjoyed this book. It was light, full of adventure and really funny. This is a big book but I didn't feel like it took away from the story. It flowed really well and I got though it rather quickly. I loved the characters so much. SO MUCH. This is where the length of the book really helped you know and love these characters so much.
Monty was my favorite character. He was hilarious and so much fun. You couldn't not love him. He was also very broken and has a very heartbreaking past. It made me just want to hug him. He puts on this act that he's cocky, selfish and doesn't care about anything. Really, it's further from the truth. He's bi and helplessly in love with his best friend.
Felicity was my second favorite character. She was such sassy, confident and really smart! She saves these boys butts over and over. From the beginning, it seems that she just keeps her head in books but there is so much more to her. It's so fun to watch her grow into herself. She kicks butt and I loved her so much.
Percy was so sweet and caring. This poor guy has to face so much but he handles it all so well. It's really inspiring. I loved the relationship between he and Monty. I was also heartbroken when I found out he had epilepsy and that he planned to spend his life in an asylum.
Together all three of these characters were perfectly balanced!
The author does a great job making a fun, adventure story but also touching on some really hard subjects. There's a lot about hardship, sickness, abuse and sexuality. These kid are trying to find their way and learn who they are.
My one issue with it, is the ending. I didn't really care for how it wrapped up. It's such a long book but the ending felt really quick and kind of unfinished. It might just be me but I expected a little more time with that ending. I am really looking forward to the next book, which I think is in Felicity's POV.
You can see my review here: Books Are The New Black
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