The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion Review

The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1), by Graeme Simsion

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Chick-lit

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Publication: May 21, 2013, by HarperCollins

Format: Paperback Edition (borrowed)

Narrator Don Tillman 39, Melbourne genetics prof and Gregory Peck lookalike, sets a 16-page questionnaire The Wife Project to find a non-smoker, non-drinker ideal match. But Rosie and her Father Project supersede. The spontaneous always-late smoker-drinker wants to find her biological father. She resets his clock, throws off his schedule, and turns his life topsy-turvy.

Review:

 “I asked you here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

    The Rosie Project has been on my mind since the wild bookworms have began to fangirl and scream over this gorgeous hilarious story in the POV of a Gregory Peck lookalike who is also a genetic obsessed dude who has barely no experience with love or even kissing. And he's 39. 

      Every time I go to the bookstore, this book is featured somewhere. And I always see at least 2 people holding it, standing in the line, or looking at other books. It's pretty funny if you ask me. And now when I've finally gotten to read it, I must say that I totally understand the craze and the raving over this hilarious cutesy story that will stun millions of other readers to come. It is chick-lit excellence, if you ask me.

       In many ways, this story was cliche and not for me. I used to be the type who'd enjoy every kind and sort of chick-lit, but I feel like this time around, I gladly chose to read this to see what everyone was talking about. And now that there's movie news on the way, the buzz will probably grow 1o thousand times more. It's been probably a matter of a year and a half and everyone's talking and being obsessed with Don Tillman. 

        Don Tillman is your average "nerdy" 39 year old guy, except he's single and not really interested in love, romance and all of those glitzy things until he meets Rosie. In ways, she changes him for good ways and for bad, but inside, there's something that he still doesn't understand and that thing and feeling could effect their whole relationship as a whole. He tries to find love, but in ways, it's super duperly difficult for him. And the way he meets Rosie? Through the Wife Project he came up with. 

        

           Hard to admit, I rarely laugh out loud in books. It's difficult for me! But then when there's a story that's has a strong sense of humour, I let the laughing come out. This book was supposed to be funny—at least I hope so. Mr. Don Tillman is now one of the strongest and wisest male protagonists in modern day. He has a quirky personality and he fit Rosie like two peas in a pod. 

            The Rosie Project was cliche, but unique at the same time. Maybe it's because I don't read many adult books? Surely, there's a lot of readers who feel the same way as me or they wouldn't have given the book a 5 star rating. 

             But at the same time, look at my 3.5 star rating. Something's wrong, aren't I right? Although the sequel has now released and the buzz has begun all over again, I'm not quite sure if I'll go on and read the sequel, because I have a feeling in my guts that we'll get a replay and things will brighten up and change a teensy bit. Other than that, we'll have a weird Don and a crazy Rosie, trying to find romance and love in their lives together.  

         The plot wasn't as great as I've heard it was for others. There weren't those moments when I went "aww" or "omg this is adorable" or anything like that. It was a cute read, but the characters didn't classify as "cute" together for me. Where were the sparks when this was supposed to be a romance novel? That's why I chose to read the novel, for the sparks and fireworks! But sadly, I didn't get any of that—nada. 

           “Humans often fail to see what is close to them and obvious to others.” 

        Surprisingly, this story had a very deep message behind it and actually went through a variety of subjects in the about 400-pages. Surprisingly, it made me happy. It got me giggling, and I enjoyed it as a Friday night read. 

       Don was hilarious and the joker, but of course at the same time he had his own personal demons wearing him down. His life wasn't everything he thought it'd become. He was lonely, and depressed. His sister died and his parents' love died down when he really needed it most. I felt like he deserved a million hugs. But he got all of that from Rosie, thankfully.

        Rosie was very similar, in many ways. Her outside personality seemed full and happy and wild, but on the inside, she was sad as well. There were a lot of influences who were pushing her down.

        Don and Rosie could've been better together, if the author decided to add more sparks and cute moments. More moments where they could've talked about their lives. In NYC, they went around like tourists–why not make them like a couple getting married? Why no gorgeous conversations? There were a few, but not enough for me to classify this as one of modern times' best romance couples. They're on their way, but not really close to Darcy and Elizabeth.

         The Rosie Project was cute and special. It showed me visions of adult romance that I've never went through before! I'm so glad that I've given it a chance and it fairly impressed me.

Glory O'Brien's History of the Future, by A.S. King Review

Glory O'Brien's History of the Future, by A.S. King

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Feminism

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Publication: October 14, 2014, by Little Brown Books

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed)



Goodreads Summary: Would you try to change the world if you thought it had no future?

Graduating from high school is a time of limitless possibilities — but not for Glory, who has no plan for what's next. Her mother committed suicide when Glory was only four years old, and she’s never stopped wondering if she will eventually go the same way... until a transformative night when she begins to experience an astonishing new power to see a person’s infinite past and future. From ancient ancestors to many generations forward, Glory is bombarded with visions—and what she sees ahead of her is terrifying.

A tyrannical new leader raises an army. Women’s rights disappear. A violent second civil war breaks out. And young girls vanish daily, sold off or interned in camps. Glory makes it her mission to record everything she sees, hoping her notes will somehow make a difference. She may not see a future for herself, but she’ll do everything in her power to make sure this one doesn’t come to pass.

In this masterpiece about freedom, feminism, and destiny, Printz Honor author A.S. King tells the epic story of a girl coping with devastating loss at long last—a girl who has no idea that the future needs her, and that the present needs her even more. 

Review:

"Maybe this meant something. Maybe it didn't. You choose. Maybe I was avoiding death at the same time as I was obsessed with it. Humans are weird, right? We're walking contradictions. We are zone 10 and zone 0 at the same time. We aren't really sure. Or, at  least, I wasn't. But that was a secret."

   For the past few summer months, I've been finding myself reading many ARC reviews of this book, and I've gotten jealous, I have to admit. Everyone's been saying that this book "represents feminism and diversity," that it's one of "the best new modern books of the century." And I've been just sitting here, like a bug on the side of the road, missing out. And I've always been looking for unique. Now, I've finally gotten it.

   I've had a bad relationship with A.S. King's books in the past, or should I say, "book." Ask the Passengers was a catastrophe for me in the past, around 2012 when I first saw the cover and became obsessed. I felt like I made a mistake to pick it up. I actually didn't know that this was a book written by King until I already surpassed 100 pages of this book. I looked at the back cover, and "BAM" I saw ATP. 

      But let me give fate here a round of applause for its excellence at the moment. Thankfully, I didn't realize that earlier or there would've been a slight chance that I'd forget about wanting to read this book. Although a 3.5 star shows okay, pretty good, this was such a relaxing, unique book that made me chill out and read some philosophy told by a young adult author who sure has a ton of smarts on her hands and in her mind.

      What was this book about? Fate and history. Glory O'Brien does something with her best and only friend Ellie that really struck me and I felt like I had to re-read a few paragraphs over and over to really realize that this was the truth—they drank out of a bat. Now, you must be thinking:

         But you shouldn't be thinking that because everything's alright here. The coast is clear. That was mainly the weirdest and most strangest part of the book; the rest was fine. They did it because they're young and reckless and wild, and this was Glory's graduating year, so why not? Especially since she's mostly cooped up in her own little shell and world most of the time. Photography is really all she has and needs, but it keeps her sane. 

          "It would seem from this that I was popular, and with my camera, I was. My camera kept me safe. Kept me in good standing with people who wanted a picture of themselves. Kept me behind the camera rather than in front of it."

        From that moment that Glory drinks from the bat, everything suddenly changes. She begins to see people's pasts, and their futures. Who this person will marry. Who their grandson will grow up to be. What their great-grandfather once accomplished. Who was related to who, secretly. At first, it all seems unreal, obviously, but as she begins to believe, she begins to take notes and tries to find out why is this all happening, and especially, to her. 

      Feminism, diversity, a gorgeous storyline, no romance. This was honestly the most unique thing I've read since... I can't even remember. A.S. King stunned me, and it was definitely for the good. I mean, where else can I read a story that balances everything around me, and really gets me to think about the truth behind everything and life itself? Nowhere, I tell you, except in the most wildest and unexpected moments. Okay, now I sound too philosophic myself, hehe.

       Surprising to admit, this book has a little science-fiction in it. I mean, her visions tell it all. A Second US Civil War? This sounds too much like The Hunger Games and Panem, if you ask me. Dystopia is definitely a key, but it stayed far behind the mist, in the shadows, and you only could realize it if you thought about it, that's all.

        What was lacking in this situation was depth. It was unique and fluffy. I wanted sorrowing and feels. The book felt like it was flying on the surface of things. We didn't get barely any questions answered, and we were sitting in the middle of "nowhere" for half of the time. What was the main idea of this novel? I don't really recall to know or understand. 

       Glory O'Brien is honestly a character and protagonist that I know I will remember for ages. Her story did lack depth, but at the same time I was able to understand her situation and why she did what she did. She had a mix of all kinds of different people in her, and that just made her who she was. I was happy that for once we didn't have a character who didn't know who they were or where they belonged.

        As for the romance? There wasn't any except for Ellie's scenes. *cheers* This focused on the beauty of unique YA. Outstanding and breathless.

Blog Designing: The Works

Blog Designing: The Works

          By having a fresh, clean, and gorgeous at-the-same-time blog design! 

       A lot time ago, in a land far away (okay, not literally) I was the type who used to search for free blogger templates. I mean, what newbie to blogging wouldn't start off with that? After more than a year and a half of hosting and being part of this amazing blog of mine (isn't it? Just kidding, hehe), I decided that it was time for a change and to go pro.

        Sadly I don't have any photos of how my blog started off looking at first, but what I can tell you is that it was hideous and to the minimum. After a while, I fussed around with titles, and the look, and eventually I came up with this "temporary" A Thousand Lives Lived.

        As you can maybe possibly tell, the blog currently isn't clean and fresh. I sure do love the theme, thanks to Lori @ Imagination Designs, but I'm only saying that it's temporary because I'm gearing up to get my own design sometime this month. And trust me, it's going to be fantastic.

        HOW DOES BLOG DESIGNING WORK?

         Most people say that it's simple, but it takes a lot to process. I guess you'll need to make a budget and research and see what you're happy with and able to stand by with. There's so many designers that create such gorgeous designs, it's literally crazy to choose which suits you and your blog best.

         Basically, you can either go with pre-made templates (and then just fizzle and create it as your own) or go all custom design. Keep in mind that pre-made designs are usually always available to get automatically, while in custom designing it's more of a process, and you'll probably be put on a waiting list for a couple of months according to season and the designer, of course.

         I'm keeping my new blog design a secret, but what I can tell you is that I'm going the pre-made way and will then learn some new things by fiddling and playing with it afterwards.

        WHO SHOULD YOU BUY FROM?

        I'm going with Etsy, and a designer on there has her pre-made designs for sale. I can't even tell you how many BEAUTIFUL designs I've found on that website to purchase, and they're all great prices. ($15-$60 range)

         One of the biggest things I am excited for is the columns, the media buttons, and my own headers and such for reviews. After my new design kicks in, I'm going all out and will have awesome plans for this blog. 

         For example, I'm thinking of getting my computer and photography skills improved and will do something like this per review:

        

I can't wait for you guys to see the outcome!

Have you went through some works of blog design for your blog?

Any troubles?

Tsarina, by J. Nelle Patrick

Tsarina, by J. Nelle Patrick

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Historical-Fiction, Romance, Adventure

Rating: 2/5 stars

Publication: February 27, 2014, by Razorbill

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: Natalya knows a secret. A magical Faberge egg glows within the walls of Russia's Winter Palace. It holds a power rooted in the land and stolen from the mystics. A power that promises a life of love for her and Alexei Romanov. Power, that, in the right hands, can save her way of life. But it's not in the right hands.

Review:

"Saint Petersburg was a city of illusions. There were the little ones, the sorts of illusions that most people would simply call lies: The couples dressed in finery, invited into fancy shops only to quietly slip jewellery and silver spoons into their pockets."

   As you may have known, I hate historical fiction. There were only a few rare times where I actually did enjoy a book that fell under that genre, and the only one that I can think of is A Mad Wicked Folly. Darn, I ADORED THAT BOOK. *giggles* What I do have to say about Tsarina is that it did show a bright point of view of a dark period in Russia, a period where the Romanovs did live in. This was a book that mixed with fiction and fantasy, and it basically circled around the idea of a magical egg.

   

        Yeah, a magical egg. Now although that totally sounds majonkers, it kind of made sense at the right time. The fantasy aspect of this whole book made sense and worked out well. What I had a problem with is how the author captivated us with the concept. What was the real point of this book? I don't know. But what definitely makes sense in this situation is that there's a mystery and the egg is captured which holds romance and love for Natalya and Alexei for the rest of their lives.

         What next? Not much. This was a story with about 300 pages that just revolved around that egg. Now I guess I understand why so many people enjoyed it and gave it 5 star ratings, But I knew it from the beginning that I wouldn't fall for this massacre. I skimmed through the ending because I just had enough of this sadness after 2 hours.

            The perks and the positives that this book had was that the characters seemed real and for once, their love had passion and was bittersweet. Alexei was absolutely adorable, as he was in other books I read that dealt with his family, and Natalya was kick-ass and they suited each other perfectly. The whole book itself was posh and smart, at times.

             "But mostly I was jealous of how easy it was for you and Alexei. It was like you didn't even mean to be in love, you just were. I grew taller, my hair grew longer, my French grew better—well, a little better, anyhow—and you and Alexei grew more and more in love."

            Aw. Instalove? Does that even exist in Russia? xD

            The rest of the book went downhill, fast, and I lost contact with its excellence that it somehow got going. I really don't know why I kept going with this book, especially since I really got annoyed by the end. It probably was because of the gorgeous setting of Russia. *sings Moscow in head*

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness Review

The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1), by Patrick Ness

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Dystopia, Science-Fiction, Adventure

Rating: 3/5 stars

Publication: May 5, 2008, by Walker

Format: Paperback Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is just a month away from becoming a man, but in the midst of the cacophony, he knows that the town is hiding something from him -- something so awful Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World? Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.

Review:

   I fell in love with Patrick Ness's writing back early this year with A Monster Calls. That was probably the most heartbreaking, charming, and special story that I ever read, and that I'll probably ever read. This time around, I came back to the story that really began his fame and the story that captivated every YA reader, The Knife of Never Letting Go. So many people came to adore this trilogy, and I finally decided that it was my turn to come into this world of lies and mystery, in a dystopian setting full of all men, until a girl shows up and changes Todd's life forever.

     Out of my little over 200 friends on Goodreads, 118 of them have reviewed this book or added it onto their TBR shelf. And from those who've read this, almost all of them (except 2) have given this a 4 star and above rating. That's wacko, if you ask me. But at the same time, that really shows the kind of fandom and stardom Ness has in the bookish world. And this book was published in 2008. This is probably the oldest dystopian book I've ever read to date! 

       I'm sorry that I didn't enjoy this as much as other people did, but Patrick, you sure deserve a brilliant round of applause for writing such an unique story that let me thinking.

         This story all begins with us getting to know Todd and his dog, and the atmosphere that they're in. From the start, we can already guess that this is featured in a dystopian setting, and that immediately boosted this book's mega excellence points up by 500. This premise is unique and shows that the Chaos Walking trilogy obviously began the era and genre of dystopia. From there on, look at the kind of stories that authors have created! *cheers* Todd is last not-man in his tribe, and where he lives in the New World. Todd, and the rest of the men in his town were infected with the Noise germ, and now he can hear everything that the others think. What they think is called their "Noise," and this basic idea is really what started the rest of the book and really got it going to a whole new level. One day, Todd is forced to flee away from the town, a month before he's supposed to turn into a man, and all he has is his dog with him. That's where everything basically begins.

         Mind-reading, a messed up setting, deserts, something like The Maze Runner, we have a bunch of different scenarios all squashed up together to form this wonderful story. Firstly, I must have to say that this book definitely could've been better. It could've ended up better in so many ways. But at the same time, Patrick's writing is what brought this story to a whole different level and is what kept me going. He gave me a chance to experience the "story and life" of a young boy who's all alone.

        

           You don't even know what kind of guilt and sorriness you'll feel for Todd by the end of this story. He was a poor soul. :( I imagined him like an 11 year old walking alone in the desert, somewhat like the characters in the movie Up.

              The feelings were there. THE FEELS WERE THERE. In this chunky large book, I did shed a few tears, three or four times overall. I must say that this was a strong story that wasn't fluffy whatsoever. I was left captivated over and over by every chapter, but there were many things missing that I wish were there.

             More action. At some points, I felt like the story was dragging on and on, although the end of chapters were exhilarating. And more unique characters. I felt like we got a bunch of characters who were in sticky-situations. That's obviously okay, but they didn't deal with it well. It was droning on and on and nothing was happening that had to do with them. One minute we see them the other we don't. I don't know what was happening half of the time because it was all confusing.

               This was a great book, don't get me wrong, I just wish that there was more to the story. I wanted something special, but instead I just got a regular 3 star book. Where's my 5 star?