I love books. I always have. There is just something about them that I find so comforting; so endearing. If I ever have the pleasure of visiting you, I will likely scan for books. My friends can attest to this. When I would go to friend's houses, sometimes I would just examine their bookshelves, if they happened to have one, fascinated by what they were reading, or had read, or hoped to someday read. To this day, my favourite conversation starter is "What have you been reading?" It's just second nature to me. Books have always been there; my whole life. I also live in a house full of readers. My sister could read at two, in fact! While I might not have been so impressively young, I still caught the "reading bug" at a young age. My parents often read to us, even after we could read by ourselves. The first chapter book I ever asked for and was given was "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis. I knew the story already, but I wanted a copy of my own (that's another thing about me: I love finding just the right book and adding it to my collection).
While I've never really been a part of an actual book club, I still yearn to be. My problem is that I like to read what I want; not necessarily what others pick for me. goodreads is a great site for nursing my habit. Why am I telling you all this? Well, to put it simply, I want to talk about books. With YOU! With EVERYONE! I want to share with you what I'm reading, maybe my thoughts on some books, and, most of all, I want YOU (yes you, the one staring at this screen right now!) to tell me what books YOU'RE reading!
I'll start by telling you what I've read these past two months:
My favourites for January come hand in hand. If you've read any of my previous posts, you might have heard the name "Elle Fowler" mentioned. She and her sister, Blair, both have youtube channels. Being a fan of theirs, I soon found out they had written a book together; two in fact. The first is called "Beneath the Glitter".
Now, don't be turned away by what appears to be a book of "fluff" as my dad would say. I myself was skeptical at first. In fact, I had checked the book out of the library, then returned it, not having been read, at least three times before I said to myself Just pick it up and give it a shot! So I did. The first sentence was hard for me to get past. It talks about it being the "perfect day for kissing". Since I don't happen to be the kind of girl that enjoys romance books of any kind, it took a lot for me to continue reading (At least give the first chapter a chance!) After that first sentence, things went more smoothly. I still had my doubts, but I ventured on. And on. And on and on and on and on until I was done. Here's the thing: it was not what I expected. Here I was expecting some fluffy romance or a book about makeup (which, I'll admit, there is some), not at all realizing it would turn into a mystery I couldn't put down! I thought it was great! Instead of writing a long-winded "book report" of sorts, I will just give you the basic plot line. This is a story of two sisters (based loosely on the authors) that are making their way in L.A., being internet sensations, and trying to launch a new makeup line. However, sometimes fame can come with unexpected rivals, betrayals, and scandals. The real question is, can these two sisters remain close, despite what they're up against?
I've told you what I think of it. Be sure to check it out if you get the chance. This book was COMPLETELY out of my typical reading genres, and I'm glad I gave it a shot. Opened my mind to a whole world of books I might otherwise have missed.
The Second book is actually a sequel to "Beneath the Glitter". It is called "Where Beauty Lies".
Since the first book leaves you with a bit of a cliffhanger, I was really excited to read the second book. I began reading furiously, but soon found myself a little bit....hesitant, once again. This one takes place in New York, particularly New York Fashion Week. Now, being a sister to a fashion designer, I have seen my fair share of fashion weeks. What annoyed me initially was how easy it all came to these fictional characters. My sister was not simply "discovered" and then immediately whisked away into a professional career. It took a great deal of hard work on her part, and continues to be a very difficult business to break into. Therefore I found myself a little frustrated at how seemingly easy it was for the characters in this book. However, that aside, I really did enjoy it. There was a little more mystery to it, which intrigued me, as well as the overall story of two sisters making it "big" in the world made me happy. They also portrayed the more "ugly" side of fashion industry very well. It can be a little cut throat. What made it great? The fact that you don't quite know what will happen until the last page. I love that in any book.
Having a sister, I am a sucker for any story that involves sisterly love and devotion. However, I will try my best to be as impartial as possible while giving my rating to these two books. Before I do, here is how my rating system goes:
1 Star = did not like it
2 Stars = I endured it
3 Stars = I liked it
4 Stars = I really liked it
5 Stars = I loved it so much I want to re-read it over and over
I would give the first book 4-4 1/2 stars
Second book I give 4 stars
I would recommend these books to girls, particularly teen/young adult girls who either a)enjoy fashion, beauty, girly things, mystery or b)Are fans of Elle and/or Blair Fowler and would like a small insight into their lives (well, fictional lives, that is)
The last book I will mention is "Entwined" by Heather Dixon.
This book did not immediately grab me. But, being who I am, I ventured on and, sure enough, I was quickly devouring it. I hear that it is based on the fairy tale of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" (one of the few fairy tales I haven't actually read). I love fairy tales. I have and probably always will find them captivating. Usually I hesitate toward other renditions of classics, but since I hadn't ever heard the original fairy tale, I thought I'd give it a shot, since the description interested me. I will do my best to do it justice, but please keep in mind that I am terrible at summing up books (in previous years, my book reports would go on for pages, in my tiny handwriting too!) The main character, Azalea, is the oldest of twelve sisters. On the night of her twelfth sister's birth, however, he mother dies, leaving behind twelve girls who love to dance, and a very strict king who thinks such things foolish and not at all suitable, especially in the year of mourning, following the queen's death. Under his orders, all of them are to wear black, not go outside, close all the windows and shutters, and, worst of all, cease to dance. But there are traces of magic left in the kingdom; magic that was supposed to have been destroyed many years ago. Azalea discovers part of the magic when a passage is discovered in the Princesses bedroom; a passage that leads them to a Pavilion, where they are free to dance the night away, thanks to a mysterious man, known as the Keeper. But with such unexpected joy in the midst of tragedy, is there a price to pay?
I'll leave you with that. Now, my review:
Points go for it managing to keep my attention (as it is on the long side), as well as for the writing itself. While I didn't enjoy all of the particular traits of some characters, I feel no need to deduct anything for, as a good writer, one must make you able to hate a character while loving another. Therefore, I give it a solid 4 Stars.
If you love a good fairy tale, or dancing, or mystery, or bravery, then I think you will love this book. I was both sad and happy as it came to a close. Once again, I think girls might be more inclined to pick this one up, I still think it a good read for anyone.
With that, I draw to a close what was originally going to be a quick review of one singular book. I do plan to do more of these types of posts in the future, but I won't go into detail on EVERY book I read. If you would like to see a full list of what I'm reading, what I have read, and what I hope to read in the future, you can find me on my goodreads account where I frequently post updates.
Until next time then,
keep reading!
Love,
Morrigan Shay
I'll start by telling you what I've read these past two months:
My favourites for January come hand in hand. If you've read any of my previous posts, you might have heard the name "Elle Fowler" mentioned. She and her sister, Blair, both have youtube channels. Being a fan of theirs, I soon found out they had written a book together; two in fact. The first is called "Beneath the Glitter".
Now, don't be turned away by what appears to be a book of "fluff" as my dad would say. I myself was skeptical at first. In fact, I had checked the book out of the library, then returned it, not having been read, at least three times before I said to myself Just pick it up and give it a shot! So I did. The first sentence was hard for me to get past. It talks about it being the "perfect day for kissing". Since I don't happen to be the kind of girl that enjoys romance books of any kind, it took a lot for me to continue reading (At least give the first chapter a chance!) After that first sentence, things went more smoothly. I still had my doubts, but I ventured on. And on. And on and on and on and on until I was done. Here's the thing: it was not what I expected. Here I was expecting some fluffy romance or a book about makeup (which, I'll admit, there is some), not at all realizing it would turn into a mystery I couldn't put down! I thought it was great! Instead of writing a long-winded "book report" of sorts, I will just give you the basic plot line. This is a story of two sisters (based loosely on the authors) that are making their way in L.A., being internet sensations, and trying to launch a new makeup line. However, sometimes fame can come with unexpected rivals, betrayals, and scandals. The real question is, can these two sisters remain close, despite what they're up against?
I've told you what I think of it. Be sure to check it out if you get the chance. This book was COMPLETELY out of my typical reading genres, and I'm glad I gave it a shot. Opened my mind to a whole world of books I might otherwise have missed.
The Second book is actually a sequel to "Beneath the Glitter". It is called "Where Beauty Lies".
Since the first book leaves you with a bit of a cliffhanger, I was really excited to read the second book. I began reading furiously, but soon found myself a little bit....hesitant, once again. This one takes place in New York, particularly New York Fashion Week. Now, being a sister to a fashion designer, I have seen my fair share of fashion weeks. What annoyed me initially was how easy it all came to these fictional characters. My sister was not simply "discovered" and then immediately whisked away into a professional career. It took a great deal of hard work on her part, and continues to be a very difficult business to break into. Therefore I found myself a little frustrated at how seemingly easy it was for the characters in this book. However, that aside, I really did enjoy it. There was a little more mystery to it, which intrigued me, as well as the overall story of two sisters making it "big" in the world made me happy. They also portrayed the more "ugly" side of fashion industry very well. It can be a little cut throat. What made it great? The fact that you don't quite know what will happen until the last page. I love that in any book.
Having a sister, I am a sucker for any story that involves sisterly love and devotion. However, I will try my best to be as impartial as possible while giving my rating to these two books. Before I do, here is how my rating system goes:
1 Star = did not like it
2 Stars = I endured it
3 Stars = I liked it
4 Stars = I really liked it
5 Stars = I loved it so much I want to re-read it over and over
I would give the first book 4-4 1/2 stars
Second book I give 4 stars
I would recommend these books to girls, particularly teen/young adult girls who either a)enjoy fashion, beauty, girly things, mystery or b)Are fans of Elle and/or Blair Fowler and would like a small insight into their lives (well, fictional lives, that is)
The last book I will mention is "Entwined" by Heather Dixon.
This book did not immediately grab me. But, being who I am, I ventured on and, sure enough, I was quickly devouring it. I hear that it is based on the fairy tale of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" (one of the few fairy tales I haven't actually read). I love fairy tales. I have and probably always will find them captivating. Usually I hesitate toward other renditions of classics, but since I hadn't ever heard the original fairy tale, I thought I'd give it a shot, since the description interested me. I will do my best to do it justice, but please keep in mind that I am terrible at summing up books (in previous years, my book reports would go on for pages, in my tiny handwriting too!) The main character, Azalea, is the oldest of twelve sisters. On the night of her twelfth sister's birth, however, he mother dies, leaving behind twelve girls who love to dance, and a very strict king who thinks such things foolish and not at all suitable, especially in the year of mourning, following the queen's death. Under his orders, all of them are to wear black, not go outside, close all the windows and shutters, and, worst of all, cease to dance. But there are traces of magic left in the kingdom; magic that was supposed to have been destroyed many years ago. Azalea discovers part of the magic when a passage is discovered in the Princesses bedroom; a passage that leads them to a Pavilion, where they are free to dance the night away, thanks to a mysterious man, known as the Keeper. But with such unexpected joy in the midst of tragedy, is there a price to pay?
I'll leave you with that. Now, my review:
Points go for it managing to keep my attention (as it is on the long side), as well as for the writing itself. While I didn't enjoy all of the particular traits of some characters, I feel no need to deduct anything for, as a good writer, one must make you able to hate a character while loving another. Therefore, I give it a solid 4 Stars.
If you love a good fairy tale, or dancing, or mystery, or bravery, then I think you will love this book. I was both sad and happy as it came to a close. Once again, I think girls might be more inclined to pick this one up, I still think it a good read for anyone.
With that, I draw to a close what was originally going to be a quick review of one singular book. I do plan to do more of these types of posts in the future, but I won't go into detail on EVERY book I read. If you would like to see a full list of what I'm reading, what I have read, and what I hope to read in the future, you can find me on my goodreads account where I frequently post updates.
Until next time then,
keep reading!
Love,
Morrigan Shay
No comments:
Post a Comment
Any thoughts? Love to hear them!