Monday, November 19, 2012

What I've Been Reading (6)

Yes! Finally! Three books finished in a week! Whew!


Currently Reading:

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley


Finished:

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
Thea Stilton and the Mystery in Paris by Thea Stilton
Pretty Little Secrets by Sara Shepard


Ditched:

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke



Have a great week of reading...and American Thanksgiving? Eat some turkey for me.


What I've Been Reading was created by Sheila at Book Journey

Sunday, November 18, 2012

In My Mailbox (5)

I've got some awesome books from the library this week! Here we go!


From the library:



The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (!!!!!!!)



Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad



A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger




In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.


Saturday, November 17, 2012

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg


The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
Published by Point; January 1, 2010
Hardcover, 290 pages
Borrowed from library

Love is all you need...or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice...and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways...which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like...


- Description from Goodreads.com




I've been waiting forever to read Elizabeth's debut novel and I should say that it definitely did not disappoint me!

Firstly, I really like the idea of having a Beatles themed book and I liked how Elizabeth incorporated the song lyrics of various Beatles songs. I never felt overwhelmed by the Beatle-ness of the book which is great because I would've definitely been put off if EVERYTHING was about the Beatles. I did like to laugh at how obsessed Penny's parents were but I understood that there really are some die-hard fans that will do anything for their idols!

Of course, when you swear off dating, you somehow always come across this really cute guy you really like and that's what happened to Penny! Ryan is awesome and awesome and awesome! I really don't know how else to describe him! Elizabeth sure does know how to make a girl swoon over a fictional character!

However, even with all the awesomeness of the Beatles and Ryan put together, the book did not wow me. It was quite normal and I liked it. I definitely would not suggest you go out and buy it immediately but the book is worth a shot. It's cute and funny and cute and it's sure to make you smile!

Great debut, Elizabeth!

BTW, can I just say how much I love the cover???????
And also, this book reminded me soooo much of Not That Kind of Girl by Siobhan Vivian which is a book you should totally read.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Secrets of My Hollywood Life Series Review

Recently, I have finished the Secrets of my Hollywood Life series. Well, actually a week ago. I promised you guys I'd write a review for the entire series and today, I finally decided to get around to it. Basically what I've done is I've separated the series by book and given you a short paragraph about what I thought about it and then at the end, an overall series review. 

First, some basics on the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series. The series centres around Kaitlin Burke who is a teen actress who has had much success in her acting career. She is on a show called Family Affairs (FA) and the story is told from her perspective. Throughout the books, she shares with us various secrets about working in Hollywood.


Secrets of My Hollywood Life

The first book of the series and very cute! Kaitlin decides to disguise herself to attend Clark Hall, the school her best friend Liz goes to, to see what being "normal" is like. Add in some drama with Austin, the super cute boy, Lori, his girlfriend, and Sky, Kaitlin's co-star on FA and enemy and you have an awesome first book! It's light and funny - definitely a book to cozy up with! However, the idea of a celebrity disguising herself and risking everything just to see what "normal" is like is kind of ridiculous, in my opinion but the secrets were super fun and I enjoyed looking into the life of a Hollywood star!


On Location

And now we're on book number two! Kaitlin has signed on to a new movie directed by her all-time favourite director, Hutch Adam starring her nemesis, Sky and her gross ex-boyfriend Drew. Seems like the perfect recipe for drama, right? Totally! At some points though, it seemed a bit repetitive, especially with the Sky-Kaitlin drama. It was cool, though, to see what producing a movie is like. The secrets were just as fun as they were in the first book - they really opened up some new ideas about Hollywood for me - but I found it a little disappointing that the only thing that made me commit to the next book were the secrets. On a side note, please start making cooler covers - this one was kind of tacky.


Family Affairs 

Family Affairs introduces a new character, Alexis Holden who joins the Family Affair cast. She brings some new drama to the show and shakes things up between Sky and Kaitlin. This book follows in the footsteps of the the first two books which, judging from how much I liked them, is a good thing but I definitely wondered whether the only thing these books are going to about is mean girls. I did like that we got to see a different side of Sky and that the cover is much better than the last two. I also enjoyed that while reading this book, I gained a better understanding what being a celebrity means.


Paparazzi Princess

In this book, Kaitlin deals with a MAJOR bombshell (shh, I won't say) which leads her to hang out with Hollywood's baddest girls, Ava and Lauren. Of course we all know what happens when you get caught up in the Hollywood party scene... Yay! I actually liked this book the most out of all the books so far! One major aspect of Hollywood and being a celebrity is the publicity you get and I think it's great for Jen to have one book focus solely on paparazzi. For me, that is one topic I am very interested in and this book really taught me a lot. I also really liked seeing Kaitlin's wild side. The past three books have all shown the picture-perfect Kaitlin and that's great but it's not realistic. As someone gets older, it is not uncommon to find them going a bit wild. Awesome book!


Broadway Lights

After getting into some trouble with the media, Kaitlin is back on her feet and on Broadway! Of course, like in all the other books, there is drama! This time with a new leading man, the super cute and British, Dylan and rival, Riley. Drama drama drama! I think this book was the first time I fully swooned since Kaitlin met Austin and it was awesome! I mean, I know Kaitlin and Austin are like perfect for each other but Dylan...he's British and he can act!!! What more could you want? Annnd...Broadway! Broadway! Broadway!



There's No Place Like Home

The final installment of the Secrets series! Kaitlin has just gotten off Broadway when something happens that changes her life forever! Dun dun duunnnn. I really won't tell you any more but I will say that this book was really cool! I was confused for a while but once I got it, I thought it was so smart! This book really saw Kaitlin grow up and work out some problems that should've been solved a long time ago! Kaitlin has grown into a very strong woman and I feel so proud! Though I'm kind of weirded out by the fact that Kaitlin is doing another production with Sky... and also the cover... a bag, seriously?



Overall Thoughts on the Series:

This is one of my favourite series and wow! I kind of sighed because the journey to get to this position was so long! It took me around a year and I feel so sad that I finished! The books weren't the greatest but I felt so connected to Kaitlin and I really did care for her. Jen's power to create connections is so strong and I enjoyed watching her grow and flower. At some points, Kaitlin seemed mature beyond her age (like in the first book...fourteen? No way!) and that threw me off at some points. Overall, though the series is very good and you should definitely give them a shot! 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
Hardcover, 320 pages
Release in March 2013 by Bloomsbury

When Mallory discovers that her boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend, she swears off boys. She also swears of modern technology. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to "go vintage" and return to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn't cheat on you online). She sets out to complete grandma's list: run for pep club secretary, host a dinner party, sew a homecoming dress, find a steady, do something dangerous. But the list is trickier than it looks. And obviously finding a steady is out...no matter how good Oliver (Jeremy's cousin) smells. But with the help of her sister, she'll get it done. Somehow.


- Description from Goodreads.com



Why I Am Waiting:

Um...did you not read the synopsis? Does it not sound absolutely PERFECT??? Well, for me, at least. I'll give you a little update on things I like. Vintage stuff. Check. Lists. Check. Boys. Check. What more could I possibly ask for? Oh, and the cover? So cute!!! Definitely a must-grab! :)



Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Top Ten Books I'd Want With Me on a Deserted Island


I haven't done TTT in a while so I'm quite happy to be back! Today's topic is pure awesome and I hope it to be as interesting as possible! Note my strategy to include as many series as possible since well, The Broke and the Bookish did it and I suppose that gives me permission to do it as well.


1. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Well, I can't really live without rereading the Harry Potter series. You can only get the FULL experience by reading it at least twice. And it'd totally supply me with tons of reading material.


2. The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella

I would've done everything by Sophie Kinsella but of course, I can't do that so the Shopaholic series it is!


3. The Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan

I can't live without knowing what happens to Percy either. I mean, I've stuck around so long! 


4.  Cherub Series by Robert Muchamore

I can't read all chick-lits! I need to get my fill on adventure too! Behold the Cherub series!


5. Pretty Little Liars Series by Sara Shepard

Again, I have to know what happens! I mean, seriously!


6. The Ellen DeGeneres Series by Ellen DeGeneres

OK, so I know this isn't really a series but Ellen! If I can't watch Ellen, then I should be able to read her books!


7. Neil Flambe Series by Kevin Sylvester

These books can help me get my daily fix of Food Network which I NEED!!!!


8. Charlie Bone Series by Jenny Nimmo

I need to finish this as well!


9. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Sounds so good and I have to read Stephanie!!! It's a must!


10. Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

A story set in Britland...my kind of book!



Now, if I do get stuck on an island, I am totally prepared! :) Check in next week...hopefully! 




Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the gals over at The Broke and the Bookish.

Monday, November 12, 2012

What I've Been Reading (5)

This week was actually kind of ok-ish! Definitely a step-up from last week but I'm so going to do better this week!


Currently Reading:

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour (Reread!)
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley


Finished:

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan


Reviews to Come:

A series review on the Secrets of my Hollywood Life




Happy Reading guys!


What I've Been Reading was created by Sheila at Book Journey

Sunday, November 11, 2012

In My Mailbox (4)

I'm b-a-a-a-a-c-k!!!!!!
Hey, did you miss me? *winks*
This week, I got some awesome books including The Lost Hero!!!
Yay, I can finally finish it!
Some other awesome videos and books are also currently being shipped to me!
Excited! :D


From the library:



The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan



Pretty Little Secrets by Sara Shepard



Inkheart by Cornelia Funke



The Lonely Hearts Club




In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Top Ten Tuesday Freebie


Today is TTT Freebie so I get to choose my topic! Yay! I know I haven't been doing this lately but I'm very excited to start it again! 

This week's topic is... Favourite Words


1. Supercalifragillisticexpialidocious

In my defense, it was added to a dictionary! Just don't ask me which one...Took me forever to learn how to spell this one!


2. Psychedelic

I have no idea why I find this word so fascinating but I just love saying it!


3. Fabulous

Reminds me of my old High School Musical days...Love Sharpay...


4. Delicious

Used constantly to describe glazed honey donuts! :)


5. Totally

I love this word too! I use it so often and it's so much fun to say!


6. Panini

Delicious and fun to say...what more could I ask for??


7. Wistful

Wistful reminds me of wishful and I think the close relationship between the two really pushed me to add this word on this list. I mean, no other word is like that!


8. Zest

Everytime I hear this word, I think instantly of lemons...


9. Magnetic

I don't know why but I adore this word. ADORE!

10. Awesome

Well, duh! I had to add it on this list cuz well, I'm awesome! :)



I'm very happy to be back again, Yay! Love y'all! :)




Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the gals over at The Broke and the Bookish.

Monday, November 5, 2012

What I've Been Reading (4)

Another busy week! Didn't really finish much but at least I'm getting somewhere with my NaNoWriMo!


Currently Reading:

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson (Reread!)
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley


Finished:

There's No Place Like Home by Jen Calonita




As always, comment me how your week went by! Happy reading!


What I've Been Reading was created by Sheila at Book Journey