Books/Series I Most Likely Won't Finish

Every once in a while, I come across a book or a series that just doesn't mesh with me. And for one reason or another, it ends up returned to the library unfinished, or back on my shelf with a bookmark halfway through it. There could be many reasons, or just one, but if a book bores me, or just doesn't develop enough, I just never feel inspired to finish it. These are a few of the books/series' that I've started, but don't think I'll ever pick up again.

Percy Jackson- I know, I know, everybody and their dog has read this series and loved it. It filled the void for a generation longing to find the next big series to replace Harry Potter. But this just didn't do the job for me. I gave it a fair shot in my opinion, I read the first two books, but I just couldn't hop on this train! I liked the idea behind it, but something about it seemed too cheesy for me. Oh well!

Happily Ever After- This was one I picked up at half price books after looking around for forever and having no luck. I did like the premise of this story, one of a girl trying to make it in the publishing world, but it was filled with completely unnecessary sexy time scenes that added nothing at all to the story, and that I just couldn't get past. So, I got fed up with it and threw it away. Yep.

Betwixt-I had seen the ad for this book in the back of another book years ago, and it sounded so intriguing that it stuck with me until I found it at Half Price Books a few months back. I was really excited to start reading about these characters with super-secret powers and discover what would happen as their paths intertwined. But alas, I got about halfway through the bookand just totally lost interest. The characters weren't all that likable, it had a bad case of insta-love, and the thing they were building up to just seemed really dumb. So I don't think I'll be finishing that one anytime soon either!

Wicked-BEWARE. If you picked up this book because you loved the musical and thought it would be a fantasic read, DON'T DO IT!!!!!! The musical Wicked that we all know and love is the incredibly censored and family friendly version of this book. I learned some things I really could have gone my whole life (or at least my 13-year-old-at-the-time life) without knowing within the first few chapters of this book. I only got a few chapters in when I just threw it away. We're talking seriously graphic sexy-time scenes here people.

Matched-This is another dystopian type YA series that has been making its rounds lately. I read the first book in the trilogy, and just wasn't satisfied. I didn't like the characters, didn't like the plot, and I didn't like the love triangle. 'nuff said.

Uglies-Yet another dytopian series, this one had a pretty unique society. But I just didn't like it. I didn't finish even the fist book, because I couldn't stand how their society revolved. I know the whole point in a dystopian book is that they take down the oppressive government, but they didn't get to it nearly quick enough for me. Bye bye!

The Kill Order- This book was the prequel to the Maze Runner series (which I LOVED). So needless to say, when this one came out, I was pretty excited! But it just didn't deliver, at least, not in my opinion. Didn't finish it, probably won't.

Game of Thrones-And last but not least, Game of Thrones. This series is absolutely MASSIVE. I didn't get through the first book, everything was just so stinking complicated, I wasn't sure that I even was reading the first book through most of it. And there are so many characters, it's hard to keep up with them all! And of course he had to throw in a whole bunch of naked people, which wasn't enjoyable. So that ones a no go too!

And there you have it. For those of you who think that I just automatically like every book that I come across, here are a few that I didn't even like enough to finish. Yaay!

Review: Catch a Falling Star

Catch a Falling Star takes place in Little, California-a small town that's anything but glamorous-that's been turned into a Hollywood film set for a few months. The big "star" that invades their territory is named Adam Jakes, a disgraced teen celebrity trying to convince Hollywood that he's back on the right track. Enter Carter Moon, small town girl deeply rooted right where she's always been. Carter wants nothing to do with Hollywood or any of that fangirling stuff-having given up a dance scholarship to New York, all she wants to do is continue living her quiet Little life. But she's got problems too. Carter's brother John, has a serious addiction to gambling, and has gotten himself into some deep trouble. One day Hollywood comes barreling into their Little town, and Carter has less interest in it than the local residents of the town graveyard. But then somebody knocks on her door, offering her a mind boggling amount of money to pretend to be some washed up celebrity's girlfriend. This money could very well save her brothers life-how could she refuse? Carer enters the public eye as Adam Jakes' new girl, and is exposed to a bigger world than she ever knew, and gets to know the boy under the mask that Hollywood has created for Adam Jakes. But she can't get attached-it's all just to save her brother, right?

I'll admit, when i first started reading this book, I didn't like it. It seemed cliche, and lacking of any real plot. But I got a little further, and found myself actually loving the book! I quickly fell in love with the characters, especially Carter. I fell for the quirky, cheesy romance hard, and really enjoyed it! I loved watching all the characters change and develop, and seeing Carter and Adam's relationship grow into something a little more substantial, loved getting to see Adam take off that carefully created mask that he let the rest of the world know him as. And getting to see Carter develop ambition, and actually want to have more than a Little life... This really was an enjoyable summery, contemporary read, and  I definitely recommend it! 4 out of 5 noodles!

Available April 29, 2014

Review: We Are the Goldens

We Are The Goldens, by Dana Reinhardt, Is another book I got to read as an ARC before it came out. This book follows a teenager named Nell, as she starts high school, an deals with the changes it cause in her life. Having been inseparable with her older sister, Layla, since they were little, when she starts drifting away Nell takes it personally. Throughout the book, Nell makes it her goal to find out what exactly is going on with her sister. And she doesn't like what she finds out. Nell and Layla come across a fault line in both of their lives, and discover that the other one remains on the opposite side. Stuck in her childhood memories, Nell just wants to get her sister back. Layla wants something different. And so the story continues.

If you couldn't tell, this book wasn't one of my favorites. As it was very short, I finished it in a day, but not because I was enthralled by it. The storyline was lacking in my opinion, and I found it hard to like the characters. Nell and Layla got on my nerves, and development was pretty nonexistent. A lot more parts of the story could've been expounded upon, making it better. But alas, I just didn't flow with this book. If you happen to be browsing your local bookstore around the end Of May when this book comes out, I'd recommend passing it up. 2 1/2 noodles. Sorry folks!

Books That Have Made Me Cry

I tear up easily. I'm a very emotional person! Seriously,  I cry in every single movie that gets even the slightest bit sappy. There's even been a few commercials that have made me cry... BUT for some reason, I don't cry in books. At least not very often. These are the few books that have either made me actually cry, or get super choked up. How about you? Any books that made you cry?

-The Fault in Our Stars

-The Perks of Being a Wallflower

-Moon Over Manifest

-Eleanor and Park

-This Star Won't Go Out

-Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix/Half Blood Prince

-Throwaway Girl

Review: The Diamond Thief by Sharon Gosling

Remy Brunel is a circus acrobat. Flying through the air everyday like it's nothing, she's called the circus a home ever since she was a child. But there's something else... something you don't get to see at the circus- Remy is also an equally talented Jewel thief. Acrobat by day and thief by night, Remy has been forced by her circus master to steal the "Darya-ye Noor", one of the world's most precious gems. Remy finds herself cast into a whirlwind of adventure because of this stone, with tales of a cure, underground armies, and power hungry Lords, this is definitely an interesting read!
     I had the pleasure of getting to read this book as an advanced readers copy, through the website Netgalley. This book comes out in May of 2014 (I believe). I really enjoyed this book! It reminded me a lot of the night circus, which pretty much had me sold. I've always thought joining the circus would be AWESOME, but since I'l never actually do it, I'll just read books instead. Sounds good to me! This book was really enjoyable. It's geared toward a younger teen audience, but still great nonetheless! I'd reccomend this book to anyone who love a tale of adventure, love, the circus, and curse breaking. 4 out of 5 noodles!

Review: This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl

Esther's Story:
From thisstarwontgoout.org

Esther Grace Earl was always a spunky, energetic, creative kid, full of caring for her brothers, and a close companion to her sisters. Known for her blue eyes, dimpled smile, and fly-away blond hair, she loved monkey bars and climbing ropes, rescuing abandoned Saudi cats, skiing the Alps, impromptu photo shoots with her sisters, designing web pages, teaching herself to play the piano and making her family laugh with joy. She amazed us over the years as we watched her learn to read at four, saw her successfully maneuver immersion French in 5th grade, and observed her natural empathy. She loved to read and was an avid Harry Potter fan. Later, she became an online presence where she developed numerous close friendships, uploaded quirky videos, and began a burgeoning involvement in social justice issues. In every way she lived out the values of her namesake, the famous Queen Esther, who was beautiful and full of grace like our "Star."
Esther (Persian for "Star") Grace was born on August 3, 1994 in Beverly, Massachusetts. She was the bridge between two older sisters, Abby and Evangeline, and two younger brothers, Graham and Abraham. In November 2006, Esther was diagnosed with metastasized papillary thyroid cancer in Marseille, France, with extensive tumors already in her lungs. Following a thyroidectomy and seven months of treatment, her family moved back to New England for her continued treatment at Boston Children's Hospital and the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Esther patiently endured radioiodine treatments, x-rays, CT scans and MRI’s, a bi-pap machine, extensive medications, occasional stays in the hospital, and eventually experimental chemotherapy. As Esther's need for supplemental oxygen increased, her mobility decreased. Yet she found new avenues for meaning, investing herself in growing online friendships, creating videos and a cyber presence as "crazycrayon" and "cookie4monster4." She thrilled in her mild escapades into virtual stardom, embracing her self-proclaimed nerdiness as she dispensed advice, all-night talkfests, and free hugs.
On August 25, 2010, much too soon, cancer silenced Esther and stilled her slender fingers. In 16 years she packed a lot of living and loving into her life, and loved well those who surrounded her. Esther didn't let her light stop shining—This Star Won’t Go Out continues to remind us of her love for others.

　
I'd heard you were supposed to take this book slowly... that it's better read in small doses, as it's so emotionally investing... I ignored this(well founded) advice and finished the book in less than 24 hours. Needless to say, I was pretty much sobbing by the end of it. While the list of movies that have made me cry is endless, the list of books that have done that is pretty short! This is definitely on that list. Regardless, Esther's story is one I know I'll never forget. Some of you may recognize her name from the dedication page in the book The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green. She was a proud Nerdfighter and inspired much of the book. Esther touched my life deeply, and has inspired me in countless ways. If you're looking for an emotional read, this is definitely the place to go.There isn't really much to say about this book, other than the fact that it is absolutely phenomenal. It reminded me very forcefully that the time we have here is short- and we need to spend that time making as much use of that beating heart that God gave us as we can. We need to take every opportunity we have to let those around us know, that we love them, and that our life is better for having them in it. The main thing I got away from this book, was really just love. As I turned the last page, my heart felt much bigger than it did when I started. This story leaves us with two amazing Esther's to look up to: the beautiful, loving, shining example of Esther Grace Earl, and the brave, strong, courageous example of Queen Esther of the Bible, whom our Esther looked up to and admired deeply. This book has definitely left a deep mark on my heart, that I know I'll always have as a reminder to love, to live, and to shine to the best of my abilities. This book really sharpened my perspective on what it means to be living, what it means to love, and what it means to have been loved. Esther Earl has a huge heart, and the life that you read in these is pages is one we could all benefit from looking up to. Also, on August 10th of every year is the unofficial holiday called Esther Day, to celebrate he memory. Don't forget!
All in all, I'd definitely say that everyone should go read this book! 5 out of 5 noodles.

Esther's family members, the Earl family, having been through these hard times themselves, have set up a non profit charity in Esther's memory, called the This Star Won't Go Out Foundation. All proceeds go to financially support families that have a child with cancer, that need help making ends meet. To donate to this charity and learn more about Esther's story, you can go to thisstarwontgoout.org

Review: S by JJ Abrams and Doug Dorst

One book. Two readers. A world of mystery, menace and desire.

A young woman picks up a book left behind by a stranger. Its margins are filled with his notes, annotating every bit of this book, called Ship of Theseus. The author of this book is known only as V.M. Straka, and that seems to be all the world knows about him. The Stranger in the margins has devoted his life to finding out who this Straka really is. She responds to his comments in the margins, and the two begin a conversation unlike any other.
The book: Ship of Theseus. A man finds himself washed up on shore with no recollection of who he is, or where he is. It is written by V.M. Straka, a man whom the world knows next to nothing about.
The readers: Jennifer and Eric develop a relationship in the margins of Theseus, as they set out to help each other find out as much as possible about Straka.

S is the most unique concept for a book that I have ever come across. As JJ Abrams' "love letter to the written word", this book will make any book lover enormously excited when they see how truly in depth Abrams and Dorst went into creating this literary monument. The book is designed to look like an old library book-complete with the dewy decimal number, old, faded looking pages, and somehow, even the old book smell. In addition to that, the margins are filled with the two character's writing, in varying colors of ink (to represent the different times they read the book) that look like actual handwriting! Oh but wait, there's more. The pages of the book are filled with different add-ons to the story, like letters, postcards, newspaper clippings, a map drawn on a napkin, photographs, and more.This book is a creative masterpiece. The detail and effort put into this book is evident with the turn of every page. This is really two books in one. Two intriguing mysteries coming together into this beautiful gem of a novel. I really can't give this book enough praise. It's like nothing I've ever seen or read before, unique in every way! 5 out of five noodles!!!!!