Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance
Published: December 2, 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 372
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My Thoughts

Before I read Anna and the French Kiss I thought most British men looked this way:


Ok, kidding, but I was for sure certain that almost all French men resembled this person:




(Actually I was going to post the image of Pepe the Predator skunk from Loony Toons on here, but that puppy is more protected than the Pentagon! Literally, the copyright laws are insane.)

But the point is, Etienne St. Clair didn't look like that at all and yet he was this wonderful mix of both nationalities, how cool is that? Man, he was sweet, funny, reliable, trustworthy, loyal, passionate, handsome and very kind. He is essentially the perfect man, ladies and he was like the next big character after the protagonist - Anna - for me. Which I think is what Perkins was going for so it's great that it worked out that way, and oh, did I happen to mention that I officially love her?

Because I so do, she's the new Meg Cabot for me and I'll explain what I mean by that later. First off though, let me get into this review!

Setting: The story takes place predominantly in Paris, France and because it does I admit I was skeptical. Why? Because so many people over-exaggerate France and I thought I'd read every cliched description of the, "City of Lights," and, "Home of Romance," before. I didn't believe that anyone could make it seem exciting or fresh again.

Boy, was I wrong! Slap that misconception all the way out to Utah, right now! Perkins is a wiz at description, she has magic synonyms and dialogue dripping off her pores. Girl could go to Hogwarts and beat Harry Potter's behind backwards with her eyes shut, she has impressed me that much. Not that I read Harry Potter or anything...I just thought I'd try my hand at being pop culture saavy. Are you feeling me my Wizards!

Yeahdidn'treallythinkso, WELL I'm still buck,Yo!

Inner voice: "No you're not. These people can tell you're as lame as that Sheen fellow."

Me: "Don't mess with me, Powerless! You are in my head and you will live by my rules. *Sighs* You always bring me down.

Inner voice: "See what I have to live with? Moving on..."

Paris was the perfect backdrop to "...The French Kiss" because it really fit well with the characters, and for once the female protagonist wasn't there on holiday! Who would have believed it possible?! She's actually shipped there against her will for this exchange-type school, remarkable! I think at that point I was already in love with this book, the beautifully described scenery, sweets and buildings just hooked me further. That I didn't have to suffer through another read about a love-sick tourist was my greatest relief.

Plot: Well I'll say this for Anna, she speaks her mind. She can't hold much back and her honesty is what I like most, making her one of the most laid-back female protagonists I have ever read about. Anna's like this mix of girl and boy - she freaks like a girl but acts like a dude - which is cool because the entire book is told from her perspective. I positively hate picking up a novel and having it sit on my "currently-reading" shelf for months simply because I discover that the main heroine is either lily-livered or an idiot.
It. Slays. Me. Every. Time.

I'm thankful that this was not the case with "Anna," I really enjoyed devouring the pages and had the worst case of withdrawal following its completion. I can't wait for Lola! And from now on I'll buy all of Perkins's books if I can help it, because her plot's in my opinion are golden. She's a writer to watch and I can see this debut climbing quickly to the tops of all the Bestseller lists.

I never felt like the pace was dragging and everything flowed. It wasn't formulaic and yet every move made by the characters was purposeful, am I making sense? Anna dealt with some teen issues as well as some very atypical ones with the same sense of maturity. Her thoughts were also written deeply reflective and I very much enjoyed that, she was like my best friend for the two days I read about her.

Characters: So I fear that If I begin talking again about Etienne I will swoon and pass out on my keyboard - again, kidding - but it may be wise not to begin there suddenly. Let me start with:

Anna: Was this teen on the verge of change and while she did have her bad moments she had even more redeeming qualities. She is smart and picks up on the details - which makes sense since she wants to be a film-critic - she has the personality that is wholly infectious.

She cracked me up with her sharp remarks and witticism, making this gondola ride of a read just a breeze. It wasn't nearly as tacky as a diary but very personal in a way that made you feel as though you were experiencing that time with her, Perkins took you closer to the character. She had a lot to deal with, what with a dad almost the mirror image of Ken Barbie, (can you believe the doll isn't man enough to keep his own surname), dressing in polos and dinner shirts with an unbelievable tan. Did I mention that he makes his living off of cheesy cancer novels? And the douche-bag of the year award goes to upstanding citizen of the year award goes to...Douche Barbie James Oliphant-Elephant Ashley. He really does deserve it.

Like I said, girl has a lot to deal with, not to mention a traitorous best friend and being away in a foreign land. My respects to Anna!

Rashmi,Meredith,Josh,Isla: When visiting foreign places, finding good friends is essential, friends who make you forget your home-sickness, invite you out to dinner and take you in as one of their own. These four were that! I loved how accepting they were of Anna's joining their group, (except Isla, she comes in later), and think they are the best supporting cast of characters ever. Rashmi and Isla grew on me and so did Josh, not sure I'm much of a fan of Meredith's, but I want those three in the next books to come!

Etienne: Gorgeous French/British/American boy extraordinaire, I am truly and deeply in love. If you are reading this Perkins, know that I want to marry him. Give me your blessing? He wasn't perfect and his unwillingness to leave Ellie made me a little mad, but that is the beauty of him. He didn't need to be perfect - he still (adorably) bit his thumbs and pinkies and he's a little passive (which isn't all bad) and I liked him that way. Yes, I do want to steal him!

Overall these were the characters that made this whole journey worthwhile, and I would read them again and again and again.

P.A.(problem areas:( Remain largely non-existent.

H.M. (honorary mention:( Goes to Stephanie Perkins, my new author crush. Who would have thunk that it wouldn't be someone in the book, but the one who wrote it?

As for what I was referring to earlier when I said she was the "new" Meg Cabot, allow me to elaborate: from the time I was 13 I have flung myself at everything Cabot, but recently I think I'm outgrowing her writing (no offense, Meg!) The problem may lie with me, but I find that her books do not connect with me the same way that they used to, and it makes me sad. Everything must come to and end, and the fact that I could find an author similar, but with a fresh new style, reassures me and I am overjoyed once again.

This is not meant as a dig to Mrs. Cabot, and honestly it happens with everyone at some point that they cannot read much of what they used to, and I believe it is normal. I still adore The Mediator series as well as Pants on Fire, but at this time, finding Perkins has been the best surprise.

And if you couldn't guess by now, this book got five flaming kisses from me. I think I may even visit Paris now...

Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: Young Adult, Science-Fiction, Dystopian, Romance, Adventure, Action
Published: January 11, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 416
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

My Thoughts

Across the Universe was brill, simply and wholly brilly. For that bit of terminology translated in greater detail you're going to have to grab a copy of Revis's consuming galactic novel, but let me just say that when I say 'brilly' I mean perfect, full and completely. Okay so where to begin? Maybe at my final thoughts because close to an hour after laying it down, I cannot get the book and characters out of my head.

I want more, more of Amy and Elder and more of Godspeed! If you're listening Revis, please make a sequel! As a side not however, I do not usually go for intergalactic stories or space novels usually, or at all for that matter. I don't know why, but they have never been me. I'm the girl eating Godiva by the fireplace with a warming romance in hand; the genres certainly vary but I almost always gravitate towards romance, I'm just that way. Or so I thought! That was before Across the Universe totally captured me with its alluring cover and title, trust me when I say I've stood in the bookstore debating whether to buy this work many times. I wasn't willing to invest in a book that might, for all I knew, Suck. So I borrowed it from my library!!! Awesome Little device, right folks? Speaking of which My debt is paid off so I can walk the library lanes without feeling like all the cameras are on the girl who owes 100 + dollars.

Yes, 100+ Don't ask me how that happened, just know that it did and I've paid it off and will NEVER allow myself to be stink-eyed by Lady Mac'Grady 2.1!

Never. Again.

That stink eye changes a person...it does THINGS. O.o

*Looks around embarrassed and groans.* I suppose I've just embarrassed myself via internet again...

*Ahem* Well it can't be helped! Nuts will be nuts, I suppose. Right? Right...? So leaving my library troubles aside, Back to the book!

The first thing about this novel is that it is not in any way, restrictive. ANYONE could pick this up and read it, it's amazing! The whole world is brand new and carefully laid out, the people frightening And by that I do mean scary, bone-curling scary. I wish the reality in this book never comes to pass for anyone, because boy does it look painful! Across the Universe was full of heartache but also little joys that made it worth-while and I. Just. Kept. Flipping.

This wasn't strictly a romance, just strictly real and honest. That is why this book deserves a 5-genie rating in my eyes, because I got everything I wanted. See that kid at Christmas with all the presents littered around her? The one who believes her daddy can get her everything, let she only ask? Well that's me with a very important distinction.

Through the reading of her impeccable novel Revis WAS my Daddy, and I didn't even need to ask.

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Published: October 31, 2008
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 374
Source: Stolen from my Sister
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Ramblings

There are two very urgent things I must address, well three if you count this:

HOW HAD I NOT LOOKED AT THIS BOOK BEFORE NOW?!?

It is fantastic! Like hoy-grail good. Dang, was it good!

Collins has pretty much blown away much of what was my brain with her awesomeness; that said, I will need a few days to recover.

And I guess thirdly: most probably if you are on this page news of the upcoming movie to this book has reached you. If not? SURPRISE!!! It comes out soon. And if you are anything like me, you're probably searching for some general consensus for The Hunger Games. Well, you want to know what I think?!

You really need to get this.

Not even kidding, grab a copy before the movie hits theatres, now. I don't care how hot the guy they got for Peeta is even though he is smoking F.I.N.E. or that Katniss's Katnip's character is spot on appearance-wise. Usually movies suck, that's just the way it is, and I would hate for any part of this wonderful series to be marred forever Like Twilight by some overshot piece of production designed strictly for the sake of the acquisition of money.

The directors do not care that you get a general feel for who the character is, who the authors intended for them to be, or their motivations; instead all they need to do is make something beloved enough to merit a film, fit in an hour thirty/two hour time frame. How many times has plot been sacrificed for the sake of simply creating the visual, mainly for profit? Personally, I wouldn't risk it.

Admittedly it can be annoying hearing how great this series is, over and over again and especially if you're one usually to go against the tide. However, if you happen to be even the littlest bit curious I encourage fully the reading of The Hunger Games. You will not be sorry; there is sufficient amount of adventure, well developed characters and plot to keep anyone interested, not to mention the pages turning! At least give it a try so when the movie comes out, you'll know what to compare it to: something so incredible that millions of people are raving!

Read the book for you. And also so we can gush about it later and together.

Full review to come soon...

-------UPDATE---------------

January 17, 2012

I'm weird in a sense, I like having everything done in one sitting - the review, that is - I often forget to come back. Fortunately as of late it is almost impossible to escape The Hunger Games. Hence why I returned, that and my love for this site/reviewing, of course!

And speaking of which? My reviews will never be conventional. Go ahead and slap yourself if this was what you believed; why would you think that? I have an unusual affinity for the oddities of life and I very much enjoy entertaining others as well as myself.

But you know what really entertains me, makes me giggle? gif's. Funny ones, silly ones and the very best kind, the Kitty's!!And hot men.

So. What. If it isn't an outline step-by-step guide to the internal workings of the novel read? As long as it makes sense and are my opinions expressed, by pure virtue of the fact, those comments/snippets/ramblings qualify as reviews.

I don't write for journals. I don't write to make this huge deal about a book, promoting or demoting the literature, and I most definitely do not own a blog; it is purely fun, I don't care that my thoughts are random at times, I'm random in real life too. Because I'm weird, and that's allowed.

No one has the right to turn up their snouts to the structure of said reviews because they don't have strict thesis and conclusions. You want thesis's maybe even a university-level conclusion? Pay Up. Because let's face it, I get nadda for expressing my reviews but the pure satisfaction of having been heard. Unless some might count the recent crap from authors who don't justify random scribblings as reviews, but that's just bull.



Apparently not...

I persist because I love what I do. This is why whatever nonsense people spout does not bother me, because there is a bigger picture and I cannot possibly imagine not opening my mouth and essentially sharing my views with anyone who will listen. Cheers to that?

A Summary

Basically, this book has strong scores in all elements; from Setting to Plot and Character development it was stellar as a whole, hence the solid 5 genie rating in all. I enjoyed very much the concept behind the Hunger Games and the desperation these people from the seam live with on a daily basis is shattering. It made me wonder over and over again why they did not just rebel. In fact, the only time I felt a kinship to Gale was when it was revealed that he grew fed up with the way things were also and wanted better for himself. Thank goodness for one person with insight and the guts to actually contemplate busting up the system! District 13 was annihilated because of their rebellion, but honestly? The life they live at present isn't much better!

The games are brutal and they are an unfair way to punish people, keeping them entrapped in an essential dictatorship. I hate president Snow.


And as for Katniss, she will always be Katnip in my mind, that is just what she sounds like, even Collins made note of that. I refuse to spell it with a 'C' It will be Katnip or no 'nip' at all! *Laughs evilly* And Peeta! (Anyone else can't help but say his name in a jacked up British accent? Yeah, me too.) Peeta was freaking adorable!!! I'm serious whenever I thought of him I just went, Aw! He is such a genuine character and quite honestly, I got sick and tired of Katniss not seeing how madly in love he really was with her. Get it together, girl! The boy's kind, fine, bakes bread - STAY IN THE KITCHEN, BOY - and he does whatever you want him to, essentially? What is your deal??

Peeta was like:



And then like this sometimes:



And all he got from Katniss was this:



Nadda. [And a few fake kisses, but who's counting really? (hide spoiler)]

Don't get me wrong, I get that this is a life or death scenario, only one person can live, but Peeta never once acted as shrewdly as Katniss did in the arena. Maybe that makes her a stronger competitor even, but she was not so often a girl to me. She provided for her family, was intelligent enough to survive even the most trying of circumstances, compassionate to some extent but not female enough. I'd like to see her become more feminine but still maintain her individualism because woman can be vulnerable but determined as well.

I admire her strength and determination to persevere, she has my respect, and yet she let me down because she never really understood herself too well. The story is told from her point of view and Katniss could, to an extent, at least divulge what everyone else was thinking, but when it came to herself? Not quite as easy the job... I'm invested into seeing this character grow, she's talented and driven and there is so much potential. Don't fail me, Katnip!

The society isn't one I'd ever want to live in nor wish onto my worst enemy, this dystopian is so complicated...It has complicated me in return and I just know that having the sequel isn't an option, it's a necessity.

That's not all, Folks! Don't forget to comment :)

XX

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Published: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 454
Source: Purchased 
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

My Thoughts

This book blew my mind, a definite favorite, I cannot imagine ever not reading this! I encourage everyone appropriate - there is sensuality, be mindful of that - to pick Ms. Higgins stunning debut up! Rest assured that Sweet Evil is not a debut to be missed!! This is a good book. Actually, correction, this is a great book. This is the book that blows minds all over the place. My congratulations to Ms. Higgins, your debut is officially hot shiz.

Moving On...

What can I say of this experience? Well, I literally sat there on my bed moments after finishing Sweet Evil thinking, "Smokes! What do I do now?" Because I kept flipping the book looking for more story and pages, and there was none! My reading heart begged for more; the ending, and that it happened at all, quite frankly upset me. It never should have come, really, a "Never Ending Story" would have been the way to go. WHABAM!




The plot was engaging and the concept so original that to date, I often catch myself thinking back to the book on particular occasions. For example: these children of the fallen basically have to be bad influences to guarantee their worth, and thus they encourage others to be naughty too. So, say this is me during the day and I want a second ice-cream sandwich after finishing the first, all I have to do to discourage myself is think back to what happened when that girl overindulged in Sweet Evil and my appetite disappears! Weird, I know, but this is the way my mind works, apparently. I am losing weight because of you, Higgins!



And speaking of weight loss, you know who didn't need to lose weight? Kaidan, because the boy was F.I.N.E. all on his own, Anna was pretty great too. I adored all of the side-characters. They all had this round quality to them that made each and every one endearingly real somehow. Like when they would actually work - these kids take their jobs of screwing over everyone else super seriously - you don't end up blaming them, due to their unfortunate parenting, it really is a misfortune. Granted, some actually do enjoy their evil deeds but in regards to Blake, Mara, Ginger and Kapano, you understand largely that they are compelled to do bad things and think of themselves as less than even human. Life stinks, or at least for these poor kids it does.

I felt Kaidan's pain especially and understood predominantly from him how hard of a struggle they all must face every day. The thing that cannot be faulted about his and Anna's relationship is that he did care for her, he loved the girl so much that he couldn't be around her without asking basically for some kind of Underworld death sentence. It's still in the early stages, but these two, Anna and Kaidan, are rockstars together. However, the romance did not overshadow the story - thankfully - and Higgins does convey a convincing plot as well as setting.

My heart was one big mess, and I couldn't help feeling compassionate towards people and their circumstance, mainly because Anna Whitt is so sweet and kind; imagine reading a story told through her perspective - the kind of person who reads emotions and feelings/intent - and then try truly hating anyone...Not possible. She just has this heart and character that makes me all warm on the inside. I love you, Anna. Her eventual relationship with her dad was adorable too, the way they find a way of meeting just warms me to the core, and seeing both of them in the next book ranks top on my list of 'most-anticipated.'

Closing Words

I pre-ordered my copy and am very pleased with the decision. You know when you have expectations for something and you pray that they are at least partially met? Well, mine were exceeded, nothing disappointed me. The only sad thing? The wait time until the next book. Hit me baby!

**Disclosure: Book summaries were taken from Goodreads, thanks!**

Review: Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Published: May 8, 2012 by Entangled Teen
Pages: 299
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary
Starting over sucks.When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.And then he opened his mouth.Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me.You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.

My Thoughts

I have no explanations to offer, and certainly little excuse as to why it took me so long to read Obsidian. I should have jumped on the bandwagon months ago. What is important is that I am on it now, and have no plans of ever getting off. Jennifer Armentrout is a beautiful, beautiful woman for what she has given me, thank you for Daemon!

Oh, baby!

Excuse me while I make some [lame] jokes about his hotness right now:

(1) "Is it hot in here, or did Daemon just walk in?"

(2) "I could swear the heat is turned up all the way. Nope, just Daemon."

(3) "Daemon lets the sun have a break now and again, because his hotness is enough for the world."

Whoo! Hey, I told you they were bad; you were warned. Take it from me, I was warned! Over and over again friends kept saying how much I would love Obsidian, how great of an author Ms. Armentrout was, and how Katy would make me feel like she wasn't even in the book but sitting next to me. I should have listened, but then again, I am glad that I didn't take these praises to heart because by the time the book was through my eyes were wide as saucers.




Yeah...

I can't really say anything more than, this was a very, very, very enjoyable read. I loved everything!


Characters: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Setting: 5/5

Writing: 5/5

H.M. (honourable mention): Goes - surprisingly - to Katy. She is so like me, everything she did I totes would have done too. Her having a blog is pretty much icing on the cake, genius on Ms. Armentrout's part as not only is this girl more relateable because of her actual hobby, she feels human.

There are no points of concern, I only wish that I had more Daemon! The banter is witty and so very entertaining, and the chemistry? Do not get me started.

If only I knew where to begin. Everything worked, it was all a melting pot of genius. Take it from me, it is two days later and my mouth still hangs at the mention of Daemon, Katy or the book in general. I need to get me a Street Team and fast! Onyx cannot release fast enough, I already placed a pre-order like a day into reading this book. So yes, it is that good. *Sigh* The thing is, he was far from perfect, I mean he looks incredible, but Daemon's attitude leaves much to be desired.

At first I was giving him just about as many middle fingers as Katy did, but let it be known that this boy grew on me. What else should I have expected? He's an alien, completely out of this world. And...I am through gushing, this is getting embarrassing! But yes, I was impressed and cannot wait to read more books by this author. Give Obsidian a try, it will not disappoint.

5/5 genies

Favourite Quote:

"Holy Hawt Chemistry, Batman!"