Book #17 : To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Dates read:  July 27th - August 4th

Summary: Taking place after the Great Depression we see life through the eyes of Scout, a young girl still learning life lessons, over the course of three years. We meet her older brother Jem and her stern father Atticus. After Atticus takes on the job of defending a young black man in a disturbing case Scout starts to see the world as adults see it. Filled with the mystery of their hidden away neighbour, starting school and learning what is meant by "being a lady" Scout learns many lessons throughout. 

Genre: Childhood, Classic, Fiction

# of Pages: 324 pages

Did you like the book? Why? After reading this book for the first time back in high school, my own choice I may add, I have had a fascination with this novel so I decided to read it again. The second time reading it felt like it took longer to read than the first time, even though I knew what was going to happen I wasn't that interested in racing to finish it. I blame this view on it being a re-read. I do love the quotes and morals in this story however. This is what made me want to read it again.

Was this book made into a movie? Yes, back in the 1960s starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to a younger audience 14-17. 

Book #16 : The Silent Girls by Eric Rickstad

Dates read:  July 7th - July 23rd

Summary: After leaving the force and becoming a P.I. Frank Rath thought he was done with solving murders, until the police request his assistance with a missing girl. Coming face-to-face with the dark events of his past with the new case Frank needs to solve this case before anymore girls go missing or something worse.

Genre: Murder, Mystery, Crime, Violence, Family, Thriller

# of Pages: 371

Did you like the book? Why?  I loved this book! It's very gruesome and violent (for those with a weak stomach do not read) which turned me off a little bit but the plot line and twist and turns kept me reading.

Was this book made into a movie? No. If done right this would be a great film or mini series.

Would you recommend it? Yes! To anyone who likes crime and thriller novels.

Book #15 : The Heir by Kiera Cass

Dates read: July 3rd - July 5th

Summary: Following the storyline of the series "The Selection" this book takes place 18 years after. Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.

But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.

Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought. (Summary provided by GoodReads)

Genre: Young Adult, Royal, Drama, Romance

# of Pages: 342

Did you like the book? Why? Overall the whole series is really meant for younger teenagers but I enjoyed reading it. It's kind of a corny storyline but it's an easy read.

Was this book made into a movie? No.

Would you recommend it? Would recommend it to anyone who read the other three novels in the series as well.

Book #14 : Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari & Eric Klinenberg

Dates read:  June 17th- July 2nd

Summary: Mixed with comedy and subreddits this book tells it how it is in the modern age of romance - hence the title of the book. From online dating to being in committed and open relationships Aziz and Eric find out what is driving the younger generation to wait until their late 20's for marriage and children compared to even twenty minutes ago.

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Facts, Graphs, Poles, Reddit

# of Pages: 277

Did you like the book? Why? I enjoyed reading this. After every chapter I reflected back and thought to myself "Yeah I can see where their going with this."  It was nice to know that there are people all over the world going through the struggles of meeting someone.

Was this book made into a movie? No.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to the modern aged reader who wants to know more about how dating and all the topics that revolve around it has changed because of cell phones and computers. 

Book #13 : Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight

Dates read:  May 4th - May 17th

Summary: After being assigned to report on a crime scene reporter Molly Anderson finds out that there is more to the story than meets the eye. Over coming her depression and slowly getting back into the work force and being their for her family Molly has to decide if this story is worth the heart ache or if it is exactly what she needs to get closure on a personal matter. 

Genre: Mystery, Drama, Crime, Relationships, Secrets, Lies

# of Pages: 336

Did you like the book? Why? I did like this book. I have been more into crime dramas lately and this one did not disappoint. I read a bit here and there but today I finally had time to sit and read the rest of it - to good to put down. It does jump from character to character a bit but it is all vital information for big reveal/twist in the end.

Was this book made into a movie? No.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to anyone who likes crime dramas and needs a book for traveling. 

Book #12 : The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige

Dates read:  April 22nd - April 30th

Summary: Following the events in "Dorothy Must Die" Amy Gumm must get the three objects the Wizard has asked of her : the Lion's courage, the Tinman's heart and the Scarecrows brain. Only with these items will Amy be able to kill Dorothy. Conflict after conflict keeps getting into Amy's way and with the old magic returning to Oz Amy isn't so sure if she knows who she is anymore.

Genre: Sequel, Young Adult, Fantasy, FairyTale, Dark Matter

# of Pages: 293

Did you like the book? Why? I didn't like it. Even though I read it in a short amount of time I really did not like this book. The only reason why was because of the writing, it was very repetitive and it made the characters from the first book seem more prissy/annoying. I was very disappointed in this book.

Was this book made into a movie? No.

Would you recommend it? I would only recommend it if you've followed along with the series and wanted to read to find out what happens (rather than look online.)

Book #11 : I Must Say: My Life As A Humble Comedy Legend by Martin Short

Dates read: April 8th - April 21st 

Summary: Martin Short brings us his autobiography in only a way he can, through laughter and life lessons. From growing up in Hamilton to filming SCTV to marrying the love of his life Marty doesn't hold back on the true and lessons he's learned over his life.

Genre: Biography, Life, Love, Loss, Career, Acting, Movies, Tv

# of Pages: 317

Did you like the book? Why? I enjoy reading actors biographies when they are written by them, it feels like you are having a conversation with them rather than someone who researched them. It took me a bit longer to read because I did not dedicate a lot of time to reading this past month, which is very bad of me. It has nothing to do with the book itself, the book was an amazing read.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Marty or enjoys reading about other people's lives. 

Book #10 : As You Wish by Cary Elwes with Joe Layden

Dates read: March 27th-April 6th

Summary: Written by Cary Elwes (one of the main actors in the movie), "As You Wish" tells the story of how "The Princess Bride" was created from auditions, filming, set design, director inputs and stories from the cast and crew at their twenty-five year reunion special. This book if full of intrigue to comedic laughter! 

Genre: Biography, True Life, Movie, Behind the Scenes 

# of Pages: 247

Did you like the book? Why? Being a big fan of the movie I loved reading this book. It gave the point of view of Cary throughout the movie from audition to filming/acting and the success of the movie as well. 

Was this book made into a movie? This book tells the behind the scenes information for the movie "The Princess Bride".

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the movie, if you're not you may not find it that interesting to read.

Book #9 : The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

Dates read: March 16th-26th

Summary: After being stood up by her on-and-off again boyfriend Mia decides to leave with the guy she just met at the bar, Colin Thatcher. Little does she know that leaving with Colin will change hers, and her families life forever. Secrets, lies, and the search to find Mia consume her mother and Detective Hoffman. Will they find Mia safe from harm? Or will she be lost forever?

Genre: Drama, Detective, Thriller, Mystery

# of Pages: 352

Did you like the book? Why? I did but it took a bit to get into it, as you can tell from the dates that I started it and finished it. I am so glad that I stuck with it though. The way the author tells the story is very interesting, she does "Before" and "After" perspectives of the three main characters in the novel to tell the story.

Was this book made into a movie? No.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend this book to anyone who likes detective type novels with twist and turns throughout the whole book.

Book #8 : The Wizard Returns: A Dorothy Must Die Prequel Novella by Danielle Paige

Dates read: March 9th - March 11th

Summary: Continuing after the events in "The Witch Must Burn" we know learn about the Wizard's story and the events in his life that lead to his role in "Dorothy Must Die".   (I am going to leave this as a very brief summary in case anyone does want to read this novella, I think if I say anything more about it that it's get to complicated and I'll end up telling you everything that happens.)

Genre: Young Adult, Prequel

# of Pages: 75 pages

Did you like the book? Why? As I've stated before I do enjoy this series and love that the author wrote these novella's to elaborate more onto the story itself.

Was this book made into a movie? No. 

Would you recommend it? And again yes I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the series or love the Oz stories and want to expand onto something along the storyline. 

Book #7 : The Witch Must Burn: A Dorothy Must Die Prequel Novella by Danielle Paige

Date read: March 8th

Summary: Told from the point of view from Dorothy's head maid, Jellia, this novella takes place after the events in the novella "No Place Like Oz". Jellia is sent to work at Glinda's palace for the summer and while there learns more about Glinda and Dorothy's relationship, their true intentions for Oz and someone who might just be able to help Jellia through it all.

Genre: Prequel, Young Adult

# of Pages: 75 pages

Did you like the book? Why? Yes I did, for the same reasons I liked the first novella. I enjoy that authors expand on the worlds they create and give different backstories about other characters. Similar to how Veronica Roth wrote "Four", telling Four's side of things during situations in Divergent. 

Was this book made into a movie? No.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend this series. It's an interesting read and different view of how Oz turned out after Dorothy left, then came back. 

Book #6 : No Place Like Oz: A Dorothy Must Die Prequel Novella by Danielle Paige

Dates read:   March 4th - March 8th

Summary: Based on the events before "Dorothy Must Die" takes place. After being swept away to Oz again, this time with her Aunt and Uncle by her side, Dorothy must find where Glinda has gone to and what sort of magic is lying behind all the stories she's been told.

Genre: Young Adult, Fairytale, Classic PreSetting, Prequel 

# of Pages: 125 pages

Did you like the book? Why? I really enjoy this series so far and was excited to see that the author released three novellas before the second book comes out at the end of the month. It's not that long of a book but I had to find the time this past week to actually sit down and read. It was great learning about Dorothy before the events in "Dorothy Must Die" why she is who she is and why she's changed so much.

Was this book made into a movie? No, but I could see this being made into a mini series.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to those who enjoyed "The Wizard of Oz" and are looking for something more to the story. Start with "Dorothy Must Die" then read this. 

Book #5 : I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Dates read: February 14th - February 17th

Summary: After finding out her best friend Meg, has taken her life Cody goes on a mission to find out why her energetic and caring friend would do this to herself. Discovering a whole new side of her Cody begins to wonder if she even knew her friend at all.

Genre: Young Adult, Loss, Family, Love, Death, Suicide, Support

# of Pages: 270

Did you like the book? Why? I did like this book, I find Young Adult books still sort of relate to me (even though they are intended for teenagers). The themes of this book can relate to pretty much everyone, it deals with mental health awareness and dealing with the loss of someone who took their own life. It talks about the after math, the people left behind, and what Cody goes through and her thoughts and feelings throughout the novel can really hit you. Great book!

Was this book made into a movie? No, not yet. The author also wrote the book "If I Stay" - which was turned into a movie.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to anyone who likes reading young adult novels, who sometimes needs that reassurance that their are other people out there like them with the same thoughts and feelings about life and to whomever likes reading about rediscovering yourself after a traumatic event.

Book Recommendations

Hello all :)

I'd like your input now.

What is your favourite novel?

Why?

What books would you recommend that I read next?


Leave a comment :)

Book #4 : Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett

Dates read: February 2nd - February 7th

Summary: After deciding to take a year off before going to college Katie Kampenfelt starts writing a blog to document her life and telling the world all of her darkest secrets via her blog. Using fake names, even her own, to hide everyones identity Katie doesn't hold back. From sleeping with older men, to working for a man with a criminal record and trying to find out who she really is Katie's life tells an interesting tale.

Genre: Teen, Blog Style, Drama, Romance, Loss, Finding Yourself, Growing Up

# of Pages: 293

Did you like the book? Why? I did actually. I say it like this because it started off like your regular Teen novel - being confused, trying to find yourself - but it turned out to be much more than that. It dealt with real emotional and mental issues that I believe do not get enough attention.

Was this book made into a movie? Yes, renamed "Ask Me Anything". Released in 2015 and starring Brittany Robertson, Justin Long, Christian Slater and Martin Sheen.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to anyone who likes reading young adult novels as well as topics that can be related to personally.

Book #3 : Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Dates read: January 29th - February 1st

Summary: Sequel to "Divergent" by the same author, "Insurgent" continues after the events in "Divergent". Tris and Four now must put their full trust into each other if they want to make it through the events that are about to come. Dealing with loss and fear Tris tries to go on with life how it use to be before the tragic events in "Divergent" took place. There is a war going on, out in the real world and within herself as well.

Genre: Young Adult, Family, Love, Struggle, War

# of Pages: 525

Did you like the book? Why? This is my second favourite trilogy series (Hunger Games being the first). The ideas and concepts that take place within this series are something that I have never read before and found it really interesting that everyone is split up into fractions instead of living life how we do. It is an interesting read, and also covers the topic of teenage romance, which for any girl (or guy) if something they can relate to.

Was this book made into a movie? The first book in the series "Divergent" came out last March (2014) and this one is scheduled to come out this March (2015). Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort and Kate Winslet in their reprising roles along with Naomi Watts and Octavia Spencer being added to the cast, plus many more.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend reading "Divergent" first and then continuing with the series. These are very easy books to read but still have enough plot twists and detail to make it a great read.

Book # 2 : Veronica Mars : Mr. Kiss and Tell by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Dates read: January 22nd - January 27th

Summary:  Following Veronica Mars, Private Investigator, in Neptune, California she is asked by a hotel insurance company to look over a rape and assault case that involves the infamous Neptune Grand Hotel. After further investigation Veronica realizes she knows the victim from her past. After assisting the hotel insurance company Veronica continues the case to find the real criminal and help bring justice down on him/her. Veronica needs the help from her dad, Keith, her friends, Mac and Wallace, and the support of her boyfriend (won't spoil it for those who don't know) in order to find balance while working the case.

Genre: Crime, Suspense, Comedy, Romance

# of Pages: 330

Did you like the book? Why? I really enjoyed this book, it was an easy read. I say easy read because I am such a fan of the show and loved reading about other cases the Mars family have been solving. 

Was this book made into a movie? This is a sequel to "Veronica Mars and the Thousand Dollar Tan Line." It is also based off of the TV series "Veronica Mars" and continues the story after the movie they made about the TV show in 2014 - which was funded by the fans through Kickstarter, myself included.

Would you recommend it? I would recommend it to anyone who was a fan of the show and was sad to see it only get three seasons. People who have not seen the show or the movie may be confused about all the background information given but the authors do a good job of keeping you up to date with what has happened before.

Book #1 : Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Dates read: January 6th - January 17th

Summary: Divorced, loss of a loved one, dealing with heavy drugs and not sure where she is going in life 26-year-old Cheryl Strayed gets the idea to walk the Pacific Crest Trail in hopes that hiking it will help her find herself once again. 

Genre: Autobiography, Adventure

# of Pages: 315

Did you like the book? Why? I really enjoyed this novel. Cheryl was very truthful in her writing, which I was not expecting to be honest. You read in some summaries that the author dealt with drugs or loss but they totally bypass it in their novel, Cheryl does not which is what really drew me into it. She is very detailed - and either has an eidetic memory or documented everything along her way (the way the Earth felt, the trees moved, how the people she met made her feel) to be able to put that much heart and soul into her story. 

Was this book made into a movie?  Yes it was. Released in 2014 and starred Reese Witherspoon (played Cheryl Strayed) and Laura Dern (played Bobbi, Cheryl's mother) as the main titled actors.

Would you recommend it? To anyone who likes reading biographies and/or anyone who has felt lost in their life this is a great read for you.

2014 Book List

As I said in my first post I read 40 books over the course of January 1st 2014-December 25th 2014.

Here they are:

1) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
2) Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
3) Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
4) Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
5) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green *
6) The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
7) Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
8) Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
9) Never Let Me Go by Kazua Ishiguro
10) Ketchup Clouds by Amanda Pitcher
11) The Long Walk by Stephen King
12) Veronica Mars : The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
13) Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green
14) Looking for Alaska by John Green *
15) Love Life by Rob Lowe
16) Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
17) Austenland by Shannon Hale
18) The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks
19) The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
20) If I Stay by Gayle Forman
21) Where She Went by Gayle Forman
22) The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
23) At First Site by Nicholas Sparks
24) The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
25) The One by Kiera Cass
26) Speechless by Hannah Harrington
27) The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
28) The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
29) We Are All Completely Besides Ourselves by Karen Joe Fowler
30) The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
31) For One More Day by Mitch Albom
32) Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks
33) The Giver by Lois Lowery
34) The Maze Runner by James Dasher
35) The Scorch Trails by James Dasher
36) The Death Cure by James Dasher
37) Yes Please by Amy Poehler
38) Mockingjay by Susan Collins *
39) Paper Towns by John Green *
40) Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Page

* = have read before

First Post!

Hello all!

This blog is for me to record the books I read over the next year and my review of them.
I plan on reading more than 40 books this year, why 40+ you ask?  Last year I had read 40 books by December 25th so to challenge myself I want to read 40+ even if that means only 41 books in total. Some books may be ones that I have read before but, hopefully, most will be ones that I have never read. Please feel free to comment about what I'm reading, make suggestions about what I should read next and even question what I have to say about the books I'm read/have read (will be posting last years list in my next post).




Why a blog about reading?     

Because who wouldn't want to take a trip to a brand new place or time in the comfort of their home or library or where ever else you read.


Why even read?

To escape, to get a feel for the world, to understand other characters, to go through a situation without physically going through it.




Rated Yourself.

I am a Class A Bookworm and proud of it :)

Why the funny blog title?

My blog is named after my top 3 favourite books, in this order:

1) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

2) To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

3) The Green Mile by Stephen King

Any questions, comments or suggestions should be left in a comment on whichever post you are reading at the time. Enjoy!