Rebels by Accident by Patricia Dunn Review

Rebels by Accident, by Patricia Dunn
Published On: October 1, 2014 by Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Pages: 290
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 

 A Troubled Teen Sent to Cairo Finds Revolution is Everywhere, Including in Ourselves. When my first party ends in jail, I think things can’t possibly get worse. But then my parents send me to my grandmother in Cairo, and I’m sure my life is over. My sittu is Darth Vader’s evil sister, and I’m sure the only sites I’ll get to see in Egypt are the rooms in her apartment. Turns out she’s not so bad. We ride camels by the pyramids and ice skate at a mall. As Sittu says, “Sometimes a moment can change your life.” But it can change the life of a country too. When a girl named Asmaa calls the people of Egypt to protest, I find myself in the middle of a revolution, running from tear gas and guns. Oh yeah, and I meet the cutest guy I’ve ever seen. Fall in love for the first time. And have my first kiss.

    *Review copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

       From the moment that I set eyes on this book, I knew that I was going to be captivated from the first page. Firstly, the cover is utterly gorgeous and so simple that it suits this contemporary-diverse novel perfectly, and second—everyone'll want something to brighten up their days once in a while, right? Thankfully, this book is it. Rebels by Accident was a really good read that kept me up all night until I finished it.

             Honestly, now that I think about the whole experience of reading this, I've come to realize that this was one of the most diverse and unique books that I've read this year. And yes, we do need more diverse books. I'm a total leader and I stand up for that cause, since I feel like we don't get to read enough of those books so often.

              This is about an Egyptian-American, Mariam, who's parents decide that she should go on a trip, away from school to Cairo, Egypt where her grandmother/sittu lives. Thankfully, she has her best friend Deanna by her side and is able to try to connect with her "evil" grandmother. At the same time, this book covers issues that we don't mainly think about when we hear the word, "Egypt." Who would think that there is so much unfairness and unjustness in a country where some of the world's greatest sights are found? Of course, in order to see that, you'll need to see between the lines and figure that out.

             What really made me smile while reading this was that Dunn has captured the attention of readers by dealing with issues that we can easily see on the news anytime now. Feminism, poverty, political affairs, crime, just about anything in an once in-a-lifetime trip that two best friends took together. 

              I have to say that the concept and the plot were both there, strongly. I was captured and unable to let go from this masterpiece-like concept. I tear up because I'm so overwhelmed with happiness that an author has chosen to go through this direction by writing such an inspiring story that deals with subjects that many people can relate to. If you want a story that relates to your self-problems, I'd probably recommend booking an appointment with Patricia over here. ;)

               

                What I did have a problem with and what brought my rating down to a three star was the characters. Both Mariam and Deanna weren't relatable to me. Sure, they did have an adorable friendship that will make you squeal and blush when you realize that these characters were always there for each other from the start to finish, but each of them specifically were bland creatures. I just wish that I was able to relate to them even more. Maybe then, my opinion would've been much more positive and happier than it already is. They didn't care about anything except being rebels and about some issues. What about family? What about how lucky they are? Nada.

No romance?

                 No romance. :) And that was another great thing about this book. 

              But in the end, I guess I rather stick with a 3 star rating since the characters' attitudes were ferocious. Rebels by Accident was a witty funny story that really popped out at me, especially since the plot was simply there.

The Book Thief Movie Review

           After re-watching this movie a few weeks ago, I've come to realize that I've never have written a review for this gorgeous movie—yet. So here, let's talk about this gorgeous movie that will shed you to tears—like a waterfall.

          

              A little over a year ago on a bright and chilly Saturday, I decided to pick up the book that everyone was talking about at the moment—The Book Thief, and little did I know that my life was about to change forever, reading in the point-of-view of Death, who is speaking about a little German girl named Liesel Meminger who only wanted to have freedom and read.

             That's what it's mainly about, if you haven't read it yourself. Liesel is now an orphan, and has come to live with a foster family who are Nazis and believe in something that Liesel sure wouldn't approve of in her old "life" before everyone died around her. What keeps her going is books, including The Gravedigger's Handbook and the Jew that has come to live with her foster family in a state of horrible time.

               

             YES. The thing that upsets me the most in this situation is that there's a lot of hate on this movie when there really shouldn't be. This is such a heartwarming but tragic story that will shatter you and leave you close to dead. I watched it twice, and bawled both times since the emotions and storyline is always there.

             The great thing to keep in mind here is that it's better if you read the book before watching the movie. I obviously cried in the book as well, and it's so difficult now to choose between book or movie, because they were both done in such a spectacular way. They both deserve more fame than anything else.

              Liesel, played by Sophie Nélisse, was an excellent young actress. The way I imagined Liesel when reading the book was Sophie. I'm stuck on not knowing what else to say here because all of the characters suited my imagination—and hopefully, every other readers'.

              World War II is a subject that I'm very fond of, because there are so many loads of different tragic stories and survival stories, and this was just one that was fictional, but for sure took place in many people's lives. Liesel was a memory and a keepsake of different lost lives all smushed together in one young character who inspired all of us to not forget about the things that matter the most in our dark times.

                 The ending... Well you'll have to see that for yourself, because it's too tragic to even think about because I'm already tearing up. Let me just tell you...

                That this was an amazing film that more people need to see. It's definitely one of the best book-to-film adaptations ever.

Twisted Fate by Norah Olson Review

      

Twisted Fate by Norah Olsen
Published On: January 20, 2015 by HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Mystery/Thriller/Murder, Contemporary
Pages: 259
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Rating: ½

When Alyson meets Graham Copeland, the new boy next door, she instantly feels like he’s a kindred spirit—shy and awkward like her, someone who has trouble making friends. It’s impossible to resist having a crush on him. 
As usual, her sister, Sydney, sees things differently. In Sydney's mind, Graham's odd personality and secretive past scream psychopath, not sweetheart. Her gut is telling her to stay away from him, and to protect a love-struck Alyson from her own naïveté. But despite her instincts, Sydney is surprised to realize that a part of her is drawn to Graham, too. 
And the more Sydney gets to know him, the more she realizes just how right—and wrong—she is about everything.
Perfect for fans of Michelle Hodkin, and E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars, Twisted Fate is an unputdownable novel, teeming with suspense. 

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much!*

   

         And just like that, my experience of reading this gorgeous novel came to an end. I'm sitting here, 10 minutes after finishing the book, thanking and praising the book lords for granting me such a blessed journey with this book. My heart is still racing and I am unable to stop shaking. 

          "Then she told me the worst part. Every night she went over there and he made another film of her. She was becoming his most popular subject, she said. His girl-next-door series. He said he wanted to have a thousand films of her. To film her entire life."

            Twisted Fate has honestly left me with and beyond words. I'm like Eddie Murphy in that hilarious movie, A Thousand Words. I feel like I can only say a few words without spazzing out or wishing for more from fantastic author Norah Olson. She has captured my attention with her fantastic writing and deep storyline that truly is not expected.

            It's really funny, because I actually received this book yesterday in the mail (as I'm writing this) and I was so captivated, thinking about it all during the day today, feeling the need to read it because I needed another psychopathic story to brighten up my day, as they always do. After this, I'm sure that 2015 will be the hit for dark contemporary-thrillers.

         

              If you honestly close your eyes and imagine this story in your mind's way, you won't picture it as it is written. How is that possible, you may ask? It just is—because it's Norah Olson. This is her debut YA novel, and I've felt like I've never read anything like this. It's so easy to describe her work by not spoiling anything because there's just so much to say. I could be sitting here writing and talking for hours and hours and gushing about this excellence and I still won't be even close to finished. 

               "And the films. I can barely describe them to you... It makes me want to... It makes you sick to think that this is the world we live in. That all this was going on in this beautiful treelined neighborhood among all these decent people."

              As many stories begin, we're introduced to a small-town setting—where most dark contemporaries happen. Sisters Allyson and Sydney don't really have a connection, as they are both complete opposites. Allyson is the pale beauty of the duo and quiet while Sydney smokes, and is a complete gothic rebel. But what happens when a boy gets in between them and pushes them even farther apart? What happens when he's not even close to their fate.

             

                I'm just going to give you a hint here—you'll need to brace yourself for a loss. And it's tragic, horrible, but fitting and unexpected. I just am not able to speak a word and hint about my love for this concept. It began off so simple and sweet, and you'll probably be starting off thinking that this is a regular contemporary romance novel. But there's so much more to it and what happens later... you'll end up realizing that the hints all led up to something.

                 "I remember it so clearly, the day that would change our lives forever: watching the moving van pull out of the driveway of the big old post-and-beam house across the driveway. It was the nicest house in the neighborhood."

                 After reading, I've come to realize that this book was all about fate and luck, as the title notes. You never know if one encounter will change your life forever—and if one situation will put you in an even-worse situation that will stun you forever.

               I must say that this book was like an artistic piece—certainly not like something Graham would come up with. It was sweet, sour, bittersweet, and sculpted to perfection, minus a little chip on the nose. But as the cheesy thing is always noted, imperfections are perfections. So why not choose to read such a gracious novel? Why would you let it go because of one small miniature problem of not enough suspense? The thing is, you won't let it go. 

                The utterly most brilliant thing in the book were the characters. I found that I built a bond with both Sydney and Allyson, and Olson has given us a mixture of two different blends of personalities that just suited this book perfectly. Sure, they made mistakes, but that's why I must say that we had a blend of fantastic characters that fitted the masterpiece. Even sure, the psychopath was a nice diverse character for a change. Just kidding, he gave me panic attacks.

         

       




          I must say, this book was everything I was looking for in a perfect dark contemporary. There were so many points-of-view that made sense, and I was captivated from the inner first page, no, let me say outer. Forget about the half star, let's rate it a 5!

Joe by H.D. Gordon Review

Joe by H.D. Gordon
Published On: June 30, 2012
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Rating: 

From the author of the Alexa Montgomery Saga, comes a book that will take you into the mind of a genuine psychopath, the lives of six ordinary people, and the world of a very special girl named Joe. Joe is seemingly an ordinary college student. She works, studies and reads. But in between these activities Joe has a gift that promises to add a dose of color to her life at any given moment. Joe sees things before they happen. Bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. Someone is planning a massacre at the college university that Joe attends, and the only person with a hope of stopping the psychopath is her. Oh, the beauty of foresight. More like a curse. Joe has four days to figure out the mystery, make plans to take down the psycho, and save the lives of people. People like you and me. Ordinary people.

    *Review copy provided by Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*

     As I began reading Joe, I expected an indie thriller that I've heard millions of great things about. Isn't there always a book that you tend to not like as much as the rest of the general public and you always seem to wonder why? Is it a reading slump? Probably not. But it could be the general idea itself, or even its clichéness. (Too bad that's not a word either.)

"First, I should tell you I am no hero. At some point I feel you may come to the conclusion that I am, but this would be a misconception, and though I am not heroic, I am not a liar, either."

       Joe was your ordinary thriller story that could eventually end up being a low-paid movie that sadly wouldn't make it to the theatres because everyone's already seen something like it forty times. It's low-budget—it's a misconception read for me. I'm sitting here, simply thinking, "meh" since that's basically the only proper way to describe my enjoyment.

        The idea started off like something magical. It had the potential and the ability to captivate me and maybe, just maybe would I given it a 5 star rating. Maybe. Too bad we didn't get too much suspense and plot twists, because this book seemed like it needed to have those. Really, I'm sitting here wondering, "What was the main idea of the story?" although nothing really seemed to pop out at me.

         Joe is a girl, by the way. Haha, not to be sexist or anything, but I just expected this to be in some sort of killer's point of view who was named Joe, that's all. Nope—this was all about Joe and her life's craziness. You'll honestly end up feeling sorrow and guilty for the misconception you may have had on her character's personality in the beginning of the book. I know that I do, after all.

          As stories usually begin, we start off by meeting an ordinary character, who will soon grow up to be our main protagonist. Obviously, in this situation, this was Joe. But by the way, there were many points-of-views in this book, as I ended up finding out. And Joe was simply one of them—one of which took place in the life of an ordinary college schoolgirl who accidentally found out something she wasn't supposed to, which changed her life forever.

           How would you react if you came upon a mastermind plan of a psychopath? This is the junk that Joe got herself into by not minding her own business. Sucks for her, you may say. But as you add Joe's thoughts together with the psychopath's mind, this book did create an action-packed adventure, minus the real-captivation and realism.

          I guess that since everyone feels different things when reading, people tend to fall into two categories with minor thrillers: the bored-out-of-their-minds stage, or the omg-I-love-this stage, as things usually flow for most books. But this book only would have this, since there's the good and the negative reviews. Thankfully, I decided to stick with a 3 star rating, and I made it through, finishing the book quick and span.

           My honest-to-dear reaction was happiness with the ending. The characters did suck and I found that I didn't really feel anything with them whatsoever, but I did enjoy the plot and thankfully, I had better positive thoughts than bad.

 

     

      Joe can be your best friend or your enemy, that's all I'm going to say here. I, personally, enjoyed it less than most, but it's definitely recommendable when thinking about the aspect of indie, since those don't get much attention—but we all wish that they do. This didn't have a unique concept or set of characters, but I wasn't as bored I was planned on being, thankfully. Take the shot.

Top Ten Tuesday #19: Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I've Read in 2014

-Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme where readers exchange their opinions

and needs through bookish lists with 10 choices. Created by Broke and Bookish.-

Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I've Read in 2014

      I honestly love reading and finding new books with authors I've never discovered before. The feeling of reading something new and that certainly has a taste that you've never touched upon before is absolutely gorgeous. Here are the ten new authors that I'm so glad I've discovered this year, as we edge closer to 2015: (click on covers for Goodreads links)

1. Paula Stokes, author of The Art of Lainey and Liars. Inc

        I'm honestly so blessed to have discovered Paula's books. *tears up* I loved them both so dearly much.

      2. Michelle Madow, author of The Secret Diamond Sisters and Diamonds in the Rough

        After reading this series, I became obsessed. This gorgeous Vegas-inspired series kept me up all night. 

       3. Sarah J. Maas, author of the Throne of Glass series

     I don't really have to say anything, because I'm sure that you all know that I'm so deeply obsessed with this series and that it's my life at the moment, and every moment there will be, tee hee. 

       4. Livia Blackburne, author of Midnight Thief

       Assassins are a subject that I deeply love to read about. I remember getting an ARC of this book, and becoming obsessed right away. I can't wait to read the next ones in the series!

       5. Kieran Scott, author of Only Everything

          When reading this book, this was the first time that I actually read something by Kieran Scott with her original name here. I've obviously read the Private series by her pen name, Kate Brian.

         6.  Kevin Emerson, author of Exile

             I LOVED THIS BOOK. And after becoming obsessed with it, I went out and got The Lost Code also by him. :)

          7. Sarah Fine, author of Of Metal and Wishes

                This was the first ARC I ever received! *looks back at memories* This book was fantastic, and I'm so glad that I was brought and intrigued by Sarah Fine's other works.

            8. Colleen Hoover, author of Hopeless

             Colleen is my favourite new-adult writer. Her books are definitely super-starry and ugh you'll feel like you can never get enough of her.

              9. Mindy McGinnis, author of Not A Drop to Drink

                After reading this book, I realized that dystopia can have another different gorgeous side of the story. I LOVED THIS. I need the sequel!

              10. Lily Paradis, author of Ignite

                  NEW ADULT PERFECTION, LET ME TELL YOU. Lily Paradis is an author that stuns readers, and everyone needs to pick up a book from her. :)

What authors have you discovered this year and 

loved books from?