Fave Fifteen of 2015

Hi Reader! Is your holiday good so far? 2015 is almost over in a matter of days and I think it has been a great year for me. Two things in particular, first, I got into blogging and I’ve met such amazing people who love the things I love to do 😉 . Second and definitely the best thing that has ever happened to me in my entire existence here on earth is finally getting into med school. So YAY to 2015, thank you Daddy God for this year and with fingers crossed Hi 2016!

Now contrary to those wonderful things, I have read a total of 40 books out of 80 this year which means (if you know me in goodreads) that I haven’t completed my reading challenge. *hides in shame.

Why you ask? LIFE HAPPENED.

But even though I didn’t make it, I believe I’ve read more than a handful of great books this year and so I present to you a list of my fave fifteen books of 2015. TA-DA!

15. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Genre: Science Fiction

I believe I’ve said enough about how cool this book is in my past posts but if it’s your first time hearing it, you can check out my review here. Also, this one’s going into a movie directed by Steven Spielberg.

14. Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Genre: Adult Fiction

This book talks about a story of a woman, a wife and a mother who tries to live her life the way it used to be even after being diagnosed of a  neurodegenerative disease.

13. Where Rainbows End by Cecilia Ahern

I think everyone have heard of this book of course since it was adapted into a movie entitled Love, Rosie with stars Lily Collins and Sam Claflin (omg ❤ ) . Now I don’t think I can fully express how frustrating yet beautiful this story was unfold. Grab it and see for yourself. Full review here.

12. A Dance of Dragons by George R.R. Martin

Genre: Epic Fantasy

It’s the latest book from the series A Song of Ice and Fire. I know that a lot of people have seen the TV show but have not read the book yet because well, it is a big book. There is just so much that this book has given and oh Jon Snow.

11. Everday by David Levithan

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

This is one helluva of a book. The premise is totally unique and it taught me so much. Gosh, I love David Levithan. A genius he is.

10. Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Genre: Science Fiction

This book reminded me of X-men which is not bad. It’s totally wicked and I really love the conflict between the two protagonists.

9. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Genre: Young-Adult

A book that talks about serious subjects such as depression and suicide. It opens up a more realistic view of people suffering from such mental issues. Full review here.

8. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian

I’m so glad I picked this up before the year ends. It’s one of those books that reveals its secret in the most perfect way.

7. It’s Kind of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

Genre: Young Adult

Another book that talks about mental health issues. You know when a book has authenticity in it because it manages to touch your soul. I believe that this book realistically depicted what a person suffering from depression is actually going through. My respect to Mr. Ned Vizzini. Full review here.

6. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age

I’ve recently known this author through a friend and now Haruki Murakami is one of my all-time favorite author. This is the first book I’ve read from him and I can’t stop recommending it to friends. Full review here.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Genre: Coming-of-age

Everything about this book is thought-provoking and reading it was like a journey of a lifetime in the eyes of girl. Woah right? So yeah, this one isn’t just my favorite for 2015, it for a lifetime as well.

4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Genre: Romance

Oh yeah, every girl (probably) have swooned over Mr. Darcy and why not? Really this is a classic I will forever love.

3. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire-Saenz

Genre: coming-of-age

I’ve said this before and I’m saying it again. I am in love with Ari and Dante. They’re probably one of the best characters I’ve read so far. This book could teach a lot of people into what a person’s identity and individuality really is. Full review here.

2.  A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Genre: Contemporary, coming-of-age

I could just talk about this book for hours but of course I cannot. But in just a few words let me tell you that reading it has been an eye-opener. The story of the kid with a nightmare and a monster may seem simple but in its simplicity it has shown the truth about life.

1. The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

Genre: Coming-of-age

It’s a debut novel and I think this book is responsible for why I am into blogging right now. After reading it, it was like WOAH! I’ve recommended it to almost every one I know and I couldn’t stop talking about it. I only read it this year but I’ve reread it twice already. So you see, saying I LIKE this book is an understatement. The protagonist here has a mental disorder and the whole experience of reading it was different. Full review here.

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Thank you for reading that long list of mine. You may have noticed that I’ve read a couple of coming-of-age and science fiction genres this year because well I love those genre. And If you may recall, I’ve posted a list of the series I should get into this year here but unfortunately, I only started a few and never completed any.

Why you ask? LIFE HAPPENED.

So that is the reason why I only have one book in a series in this list. And hey, ’twas an epic book. 😉

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How about you? Do you have any book in this list that also belongs in your top reads this 2015? Let me know down below and share it with everyone else too. Cheers to 2015. Bye for now, readers.

A book with a color in the title: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

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Publisher: Scholastic

Published on: August 2002 (first published on 1908)

Format Owned: Paperback

Genre: Child Literature, Coming-of-age, Classic

Overview (via Goodreads): 

Everyone’s favorite redhead, the spunky Anne Shirley, begins her adventures at Green Gables, a farm outside Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. When the freckled girl realizes that the elderly Cuthberts wanted to adopt a boy instead, she begins to try to win them and, consequently, the reader, over.

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You know that moment when a child’s mouth opens up and words come rushing out of it. Words that are pure and raw yet insightful. Words that caught you off guard and you become momentarily dazed until realization kicks in and everything starts to take shape.

Reading this book is refreshing and will make you look at life worth living. The words in particular are simple but somehow it manages to embrace you–heart and soul and its just so beautiful. Anne with her wild thoughts and ideas will make you realize life is serious enough, it doesn’t need your help in adding to its seriousness and so a sprinkle of imagination you have since you were a kid would do no harm. [ as long as you return back to reality 😉 ] Imaginations make life more interesting and livable. They make you see things, brighter and wonderful and great. It’s basically like reading fiction, as most people say, reading is a bit like hallucinating, you imagine things, things that are far more interesting than reality will ever be. So you see, imaginations could be our temporary escape from this crazy labyrinth of reality when life gets tough.

Another thing this book teaches is how easy it is to find happiness in our daily lives if only were not so engrossed with odd side of life.  Days would become hard to live by when we only focus on the bigger things because sometimes, it’s the simple things that makes the journey less stressful. Like seeing a flower on the side of a lonely road, having ice cream on a hot sunny day, witnessing a rainbow after the rain, taking a glimpse of your crush or even realizing you’ve got money tucked on your to-be washed jeans (which is enough for yet another ice cream). All these things, will always put a smile on your face and so you realize, life is still beautiful after all.

There’s so many things I’d like to commend on this book, like how it talks about growing up and the realizations you have once you reach a certain age that is definitely not childlike anymore. Or those things Anne taught us like how it was okay to become ambitious and competitive as long as you do it for yourself and the people you love and that no one should be harmed while doing so. And the most important thing this book talks about is the unconditional love form a family, blood-related or not. I adore every character in this book especially Matthew and Marilla. Those last few chapters managed to stir my heart. It made me want to buy a ticket instantly, go home, crawl into my parents bed and hug them so tight.

Reading this book made me feel nostalgic about the once easy life I had as a child-no big worries, no deep pains, no hard decisions, nothing complicated just right and wrong, black and white… Maybe when life is getting so stressful, we could awaken the inner child in us for a while, try to look things through a child’s eye and then maybe we could see the beauty there is in this things we call life.

So there, i just did a review on a classic novel (exhales deeply…..then freaks out) HAHAHA, you guys know, I don’t do classic reviews, but this one just had a big impact on me especially on where my life is right now. So I just have to talk about it.

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P.S. I know most of you have read this book but come on, we all fall for the trap of good book and so we reread it. And its always great the second, third and fourth and nth time around. I hope you have/had a great day today. Keep your imaginations working kiddo! 😉 God bless. 

May Wrap-up and June TBR!

Maybe you’ve noticed the silence so let me tell you that its because I’ve been away from home lately. I actually got a surprise detox from the internet while I was away because I’ve been really busy processing my application for medicine. I barely even got time to read and write reviews or even check social media. But now, lets get back on track with the things I love ❤

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So I have read a total of eight books for the month of May, four of it was from my May TBR Challenge! If you happen to read my post about it, there was a total of 5 books right? But then I realized that the readalong for Gone With The Wind runs from May until August so I kind of took a pause from it and picked up other books. So without further ado here’s the list of books I finished in May:

1. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I think by now you guys know that I’m not into romance novels but that does not mean they completely go unnoticed by me. So I pick this book as a part of my 2015 Reading Challenge and I think I will talk further about it there.

2. Everyday by David Levithan

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Now this one was recommended to me by a friend and it was amazing! I like the premise, the writing and the characters. It was simple yet thought-provoking indeed.

3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

It took me days to finish this book but don’t get me wrong, I actually liked it. I love the premise of this book– the disease (got me hooked), the cyborgs, androids and lunars (WOW) and the touch of fairytale in it. it was kind of badass in its own little way and the romance was something I adored because the book does not dwell on it entirely. It was definitely my cup of tea and I will be writing a full review on it soon.

4. Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Oh gooooooosh! Everything was so ridiculously amazing! Its not my kind of sci-fi but it was definitely my kind of humor. I’d pick this book up anytime I’m feeling sad, bored or alone or whatever emotional negativity I will have HAHA Seriously this book is a work of a genius 😉

5. The 100 by Kass Morgan

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Ugh it pains me to rate a book this low but I have to be honest right? I just didn’t like it, I was disappointed by how it turned out with such an amazing premise. If you have read my review on it then you’d know what my thoughts are exactly but if you haven’t go check it out if you’re interested Click HERE!

6. Day 21 by Kass Morgan

Rating: 2 or 2.5 out of 5 stars

Yes, I picked up the next book in The 100 series and this one was actually getting there. I know that I have made a point like I’d rather watch the show instead of reading this book. But that would be unfair and horrible to say to a book and I felt like I should read the entire series just so my thoughts about it is reliable and credible (HAHA) Again, ugh! my thoughts did not waver a bit. but actually I think I prefer this book than the first one because at least here something did happen. Not that big but at least there was a progress in their journey to earth.

7. A Fox’s Love by Brandon Varnell

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I don’t really know much about animes or mangas and so I don’t get much of the references in this book. So ecchi? nope, didn’t get than until I was halfway through and felt like it meant something that tells me more about this book. Glad to have a friend who know so much about animes, he explained it to me. I’m kind of familiar with kitsunes as I have watch and love a Korean TV show about it. This book was hilariously satisfying but I was kind of looking for more on its urban fantasy genre. I will be writing a full review on it soon so I hope you check it out by that time 😉

8. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Rating: 4 or 4.5 out of 5 stars

WOW that was brilliant! Like wow it was so perfectly planned that its freaking me out. It was disturbingly amazing and completely engrossing. So yeah, I finished this book and finally I can get to watch the movie! I will be writing a full review on it probably soon.

So that was it! I believe I did great for the month of May although not much on the blogging part. I’ll get into the reviews soon so I hope you check them out too 🙂

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I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT!! I won’t be continuing with the “TBR challenge thing” because as I have mentioned above, I will be studying medicine and classes starts this month. I won’t of course give up entirely on reading and blogging, its just that I will have to do it during my free time only, like when I need to get off the stress of med school maybe. So enough with the talking lets get on with my TBR list for the month of June!

1. The Ocean at The End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

I recently bought this book and I am so excited to get into it. Also, its not a really big book so I think I’ll get it done quickly 🙂

2. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

So yeah, after reading Gone Girl I was sure as hell that I will be reading the rest of Gillian Flynn’s novels. The synopsis of this book really got me so curious too.

3. P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

As you know I am a fan of Jenny Han and I have been anticipating this sequel to her To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before for ages. Actually, I’m done reading so await for my review! ❤

4. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

YES! another from Ms. Austen. I think it is about time to pick up one of her books now.

5. The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

I told you how I got hooked with The Raven Boys and how I so much wanted to pick up the next book in the series right? Also as a part of my series TBR for 2015, I am finally getting into this book.

6. Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

Of course, after The Dream Thieves I have to pick up Blue Lily, Lily Blue

7. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

This one is part of the readalong from May to August so yeah I really hope to finish it on time! 😀

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So that’s my JUNE TBR and I do hope I get to read most of the books I’ve listed above if I don’t get to read all of it. I hope June will be an awesome month for me

Nostalgic

April Wrap-up and May TBR challenge! plus the READALONG book!

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I AM VICTORIOUS!

Okay! So obviously I finished my April TBR and I am feeling euphoric over it! Well, for one thing I did it as a challenge and so if I fail to finish the list, I AM DOOMED! like literally because the punishment is that I am not allowed to buy books this MAY! I know that you know how disturbing and painful that would be. I shudder from the thought alone! But I did not allow that predicament to befall on me and so I emerged victorious! YAY! 😀 Okay so here’s the list of books!

1. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

This is beautiful memoir of an African American child living in the 1960s and 1970s. The story was vividly shown in between the lines of the poem. It is inspiring, informative and important.

2. The Rosie Project  by Graeme Simsion

If you’re a sucker for romantic comedies then maybe you’ll enjoy this book. Click here to read my not-so-full review on it.

3. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

OH MY GOSH THIS BOOK! at first, I thought I’m just one of those who wouldn’t like this book but I was mistaken.

I did a full review on it so if you’re interested check it out here.

4. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

My emotions when I finished this book was all over the place. My heart got broken and I have to pick up the pieces for me to get on with the story and with my life. That’s a bit of an exaggeration but if you’re interested click here for my full review.

5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I have yet to write a review on this and I am still gathering my thoughts about it.

6. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To those who told me that I will love this book– YOU WERE RIGHT! I love it, I adore it and I enjoyed every page of it. So I talked a little about this book here if you’re interested go check it out.

So that’s it! Those are the books that accompanied me throughout the whole month of April. I AM SO HAPPY I DID IT!

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Okay, now let’s move on to my May TBR Challenge!

WOW! It feels like April happened so fast and I was able to finish my TBR list for the month. Now that May has finally arrived, let me show you the books I am getting into this month! If you are not aware, I’m going into my monthly TBR books with a challenge. So if you’re interested or just curious just click here to know how it goes. Without further ado, here it goes:

1. Everyday by David Levithan

I have a confession to make, I haven’t read any of David Leviathan’s book. I’ve heard good things about him and a friend of mine recommended this book of his to me so I’m picking it up this month. Also, my 2015 Reading Challenge approves!

2. Gone Girl by Gyllian Flynn

Okay, I’ve heard a lot of things about this book. I swore to never watch the movie adaptation unless I finish the book. So now is the time to read it then watch it. I felt like I’m the only one who hasn’t read this yet so I’m more determined than ever to get out of that feeling.

3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I recently purchased this book and since I’ve heard a lot of people talking about it I might as well get into it. But actually, I heard its sci-fi so yeah. Although, I’m quite wary with the fairy tale retelling part and the romance thing. Anyway, I’m still quite excited about this.

4. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Now this book, I haven’t heard of before *cringes in shame UNTIL a certain blogger, feralc4t recommended it to me saying its sci-fi and then “sci-fi” just did it for me.

5. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

I’m so excited over this! Corinne invited me to join the readalong with this book. If you’re interested just click here for more information! Ive said before that I have decided to read as much classics as I could this year and I am so happy to be invited to join this thing 😀 So yeah, I’ll try to post updates regarding this book. weeeee!

PUNISHMENT:

(again, I am still thinking but I’m open to suggestions XD!)

Have a great day and God bless :*