Book Nook

You guys I feel like every time I get on here it has been forever. I feel terrible I haven't written, but I swear I have an excuse! I am currently in the midst of writing a novel.. oh snap, i know. Don't get too excited because it may not ever be public, but we will have to wait and see.

Anyway, on to what this post is about. I finally read a new book! It is "Zac and Mia" by A.J Betts. This book is about Zac and Mia, duh! But, these kids are both diagnosed with cancer. They are being treated at the same hospital in the rooms next to each other. They never talk until Mia runs away from the hospital and somehow ends up with Zac.

If I tell you anymore it'll spoil it, so looks like you're going to have to go read it for yourselves.

I loved this book. It was cute and happy even when it was based around such a sensitive and serious topic. It was lighthearted and serious at the same time, which is not always easy in writing. I loved the way this book was put together. The first half was all in Zac's perspective and then in the middle it was both of them. Lastly, in the final chapters it was Mia's perspective. They were split up like that to reassemble the title which I thought was extremely clever.

Favorite Character: I honestly have no idea. There isn't many characters in this book that you get to know deeply. But between Zac and Mia I can't choose. I see myself in both of them. Mia is very bull headed and wants to be extremely independent. Zac is logical and funny. I can't choose, it would hurt to much to pick one over the other.

Favorite Quotes: "Life doesn't favor the curious."

"Perhaps courage is simply this: spur-of-the-moment acts when your head screams don't but your body does it anyway."

"Courage is standing still even though you want to run. Courage is planting yourself and turning toward the thing that scares you, whether it's your leg or your friends or the guy who could break your heart again. It is opening your eyes and staring that fear down."

Book Nook

Hey guys new book for ya! I know it's only a few days after the last review but WHO CARES! More books for your reading pleasure. Today's book is "Yes Please!" by Amy Poehler. Amy Poehler is one of my favorite female comedians and actresses. She stars in one of my all time favorite tv shows, "Parks and Recreation." \

This book is a memoir of her life. It includes how she got into improv, SNL, and her parks and rec days. I love to read about people I love, so I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud and smile ear to ear. I think being a comedian helps out in not making a book all about you so dry. Because it certain memoirs it can get that way, but this one wasn't like that at all. It kept me interested throughout the whole book.

I learned about the BTS of one of the funniest improv shows, SNL and about my favorite tv shows. Did you know that in Parks and Rec the character played by Chris Pratt, Andy Dwyer, was only supposed to be in 6 episodes total. He ended up being in all of the seasons in almost EVERY EPISODE. HOW COOL IS THAT?! I never knew that and tbh if the character of Andy wasn't in the show I don't think I'd like it as much as I do.

If you enjoy a good laugh and some comedy and knowing the ins and outs of shows and tv then this is the book for you!!! Go pick up a copy today, if you dare >:)

Favorite Quotes: "Don't think. Get out of your head. Stop planning and just go."

"Emotions are like passing storms, and you have to remind yourself that it won't rain forever."

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

"That is the key to time travel. You have to be where you are to get where you need to go."

Book Nook

Hey guys new book!! Get excited! This one is called "The Seven Ways We Lie" by Riley Redgate. This book title caught my eye as I was casually shopping in Barnes and Noble, as one does. I loved the title and the cover and how it related to the 7 deadly sins.

This book is in 7 different perspectives, which usually confuses me, but this time it was perfect. The concept of this book was so interesting that when I started reading it I wanted to guess which of the seven sins each character embodied the most. This is what I came up with:
Olivia: greed
Juniper: lust
Claire: envy
Kat: wrath
Matt: sloth
Valentine: pride
Lucas: gluttony

If you end up reading the book, let me know if you thought differently.

This book is based in high school and follows the individual and cohesive stories of the 7 characters. They each have their own problems, but somehow they all seem to mesh together as well. It is a great book with an intriguing story line. I also loved how there were so many main characters, because each had their own unique take on their own problems and the larger issue of the novel. I loved it, it kept it interesting.

I would say you should give this book a try I loved the ending and everything in between.

Favorite Character: I have a few. I loved Olivia because I feel like I related to her the most. She felt lost and confused sometimes, but she always held herself together. I also loooooved Matt. He may have acted on the outside like he couldn't care less, but on the inside he had a huge heart.

Favorite Quotes: "I'm home, I say, more a defense than an annoucement -- because this place is not home anymore."

"Teenage years are the best years of our lives. They keep saying that. I don't know, though. I keep grasping for people, hunting for them. I take people and I write down, and I think about the ones I want to keep. And sometimes I find people, and I wonder - I don't know. I wonder, are these really the  best people we are going to be?"

"You don't have to worry for the rest of the world. The world will do its own worrying."

"They all pass in the hallways, smiling or blank-looking, preoccupied with their phones or laughing with their friends. It occurs to me how rarely people see each other afraid."

"Heartbreak reduces you to what a million other people have suffered a million times before."

"I don''t know, but just because you can't fix everything, that doesn't mean you shouldn't give a shit, and it sure doesn't mean you shouldn't try."

Book Nook

I HAVE BEEN DISAPPEARING TOO MUCH AND I'M SO SORRY :( I promise I will try better.
For this book I actually finished a couple weeks ago, but I just haven't had the time to sit down and write a post yet. But better now then never! So for this post it the book, "Everything Everything" by Nicola Yoon.

You may have heard of this story on the latest TV commercials. It just became a recent movie that is being shown everywhere!!!! I, as a novel enthusiast, did not go see it yet because I wanted to read the book first. Now that I have, I really really want to go see it. I heard great things and that it is a tear jerker, which is no surprise because so is the book.

It is about a young girl named Maddy who knows her life as having an incurable disease. This sickness keeps her inside the house at all times with air filters and no visitors. Then a boy, Olly, moves in next door and she can't stop thinking about him and if risking everything is worth it.

I won't try to give to much away, but you should all really read this. I love the writing style of this author. I haven't read any of her other novels, but I may start. In this book she has visuals that help you understand Maddy's internal thoughts that much more and it just makes it more fun. It is a quick read that keeps things interesting with every page. I recommend it a hundred times over.

Favorite Character: Since the main character, Maddy, was kept so isolated there weren't many characters to choose from. However, Olly probably wins my heart. He is fun, caring, and adventurous which is always good in a great character.

Favorite Quotes: "Just because you can't experience everything doesn't mean you shouldn't experience anything."

"I am OK, but, like Alice, I'm just trying not to get lost."

"It means one thing doesn't always lead to another. It means you can do every goddamn thing right, and your life can still turn to shit."

"Life is a gift. Don't forget to live it."

"Sometimes you do things for the right reasons and sometimes for the wrong ones and sometimes it's impossible to tell the difference."

"They said it wasn't worth my life, but I said that it was my life, and it was up to me to decide what it was worth."

"You're not living if you're not regretting."

"Maybe growing up means disappointing the people we love."

"Spoiler alert: You don't exist if no one can see you."

 

Book Nook

Hey guys this next book is one I hold close to my heart. It is by the one and only Connor Franta. He is my all time favorite Youtuber and one of my favorite people in the world. He came out with his second book called, "Note To Self." This book is specifically a book he wrote for not only us, but for himself.

This book is like an open diary that radiates emotions from every freaking part of himself. It makes me smile and it gives me the crazy good chills. It is filled with emotional stories that are things that have affected him in his life and filled with poems he has wrote about situations and again, his emotions. His poems are beautifully written and pictured with photographs he has taken that he believes relates to that poem the most. This book is filled with pictures he has taken which is just an extra personal touch that makes this book just that much better. '

I know this book is about a specific person, which may turn people away from checking it out, but this book can help so many people. The stories that are told can inspire and motivate people to believe in themselves and do more for each other. I love it. I think you should all give it a try, whether you know or heard of Connor Franta or not.

ALSO EXCITING NEWS!!! I went on his note to self book tour which i got to meet him! I met him for the second time in Cincinnati Ohio and it was one of the best days of my life! I got to go with my friend Rachel and we got to meet him and I told him how much I loved him and that I met him at the O2L tour and that I am so proud of him. He complimented my outfit, thanked me for sticking around for so long, and made me laugh. I couldn't imagine a better meeting with my favorite. I got my 20 mississippis' and I was so happy.

Then not long after I got to go to his second tour that was related to this book that included a keynote talk and an art installation related to stories from his book. I again went with Rachel and we had a blast. I bought a really cute hat from his merch table that I thought was so cute because it wasn't a concert but he still had t shirts that looked like concert merch, it made me happy for him. The art installation was beautiful! It included 3 rooms that represented different emotions and chapters from his book. Happy, sad, and feel good. It made everything inside of me feel good. It gave me good vibes. Then there was an hour keynote talk with connor and that just made the whole thing better. It was a question and answer that was full of serious topics, but also funny, uplifting comments that were mostly about food. I loved every single second of it.

Overall, this book has brought so much to my life since it has come out. Please go check it out if you haven't. It's beautiful and it is a great read.

OH AND ALSO HE FAVORITED AND REPLIED TO MY TWEET!! SO I WIN LIFE <3

Favorite Quotes: "Your brain might frequently speak with uncertainty, but your heart will lead you to your truth."

"I figure that if I flee as soon as things aren't working, then maybe I'll be all right. Maybe everything will become good again if I run away to somewhere better. By going to a new location on a new day in a new time zone filled with new people and new experiences, maybe, just maybe, everything will turn out better. Maybe."

"a monster in the closet
a beast on the edge
a burden to no one
yet his toes curl the ledge."

note to self, love yourself.... xoxo

Book Nook

GUYS I AM SO SORRY I HAVE BEEN MIA! I just finished my first year of college and I am settling into the summer. BUT HERE I AM, BACK and with a new book.

I have finally finished the final book in "The Dorothy Must Die" series, "The End of Oz." The story of Amy Gumm has finally come to an end. This book took me forever to read, but it wasn't because it was bad, I just didnt have time.

This final book had an intense ending! It was crazy and a good way to end the series. At the end I verbally said aloud, to myself, "WHAT IS HAPPENING?" It was insane, but it kinda left it open ended. Then BAM there was an epilogue in this version, which threw me for a loop!

PLEASE please please go pick up this series. It is such a interesting take on the classic wizard of oz and it'll keep you guessing for sure!

Favorite Quotes: "One good thing doesn't erase all the bad."

"My only love sprung from my only hate. You had to feel strongly enough about someone in the first place to hate them."

"If being in love felt like this all the time, then being in love kind of sucked."

"But if there was one thing I'd learned the hard way in Oz, knowing the truth was always better than being in the dark."

"But as you are learning my dear, we must come to terms with the wounds of our past if we are to survive the future."

"Power will always corrupt those who have not learned to serve it properly. What is happening now has happened before, and what has happened before will happen again."

"But knowing and doing are two different things."

Book Nook

YOU GUYS I FINISHED THE THIRD BOOK IN THE OZ SERIES. It really is getting intense y'all. I am 3/4 complete and I just started book 4. But that is not what I am here to talk about. I am here to review book 3: Yellow Brick War.

This book was so intense. It had dimension switches, battles, and a lil bit of love. All my favorite things. Amy thought the fight was over when she winded back up in Kansas, but the order had another idea in mind. Find Dorothy's shoes and get back to Oz. So that is what this is about. A mystery that introduces a new villain and brings back an old one.

This book was a great way to keep the series interesting. Usually by book 3 you get bored because it's not the beginning so it is not as intriguing and you just want to know what happens, but it isn't the end yet. However, BAM book third kept me going. Reading like 50 pages in like 20 minutes. I actually felt like I was a character. Feeling the emotions and seeing the sights as Amy, Nox, and the witches.

I highly suggest you start this series. The 4th book just came out this month and this year, so it's fresh off the press. And hey hollywood still has time to maybe pick it up as a movie. They've been loving sequels these days. I'm obsessed and you should be too!!!

Favorite character: Amy killing it always.

Favorite Quotes: "I was tired of everything. Of fighting, of running, of losing."

"Caring too much only meant you were that much easier to hurt."

"Good ahead and look, I thought. They should look. Because whatever they thought happened to me while I had been gone, the truth was so much crazier. And anyway, I wasn't here to run for prom queen. I was here to save the Whole. Damn. World. The only annoying thing was that these people would never even know it."

"The more things change, the more they stay the same."

"The world I grew up in is gone too, I said quietly. But that doesn't mean I'm going to give up on it. Because if you give up -- then what is there left to live for?"

"You always have a choice."

"Kindness can be a weakness too."

A Note To The Volleyball Player I Used To Be

I'd like to first start this out by letting you know I miss you. I miss you a whole lot. You were one of the biggest parts of who I was and still am today. Its been so long that sometimes I miss the soreness that makes my legs ache and the red burns that sting as soon as I take a shower. I miss sacrificing my body for the ball and running towards it even if I knew it was out of my reach. It sucks because I remember you like it was yesterday. It was a time where you were everything that I ever thought about. Without it I feel like a part of me is missing.

I remember the first time I picked up a volleyball. I was watching my sister play and she let me mess around with her while see practiced. I was so young, but I was so intrigued. I wanted to learn everything the sport had to offer. I never let you go after that. I continued to play and play till I got good enough to try out for a real team. 

I remember the joy of winning a match that you fought for with your blood, sweat, and tears. A game that you know you deserved. You are so out of breath but you can hear the screaming and cheering erupting from everyone. The glory is shining in your eyes and you're so proud. But I also remember being on the other side of the net disappointed with yourself and thinking of all the ways you could've changed the score. 

I remember day where I didn't want to go to practice because I was scared of coach making us run. Now that I look back I wished I wouldn't have missed a single practice because the practices that challenged us and made us work hard were the most valuable. They taught us to never give up and team work is the only way to win. I remember the practices were if a single ball dropped we would have to do 10 burpees or if we didn't communicate we had to run. Those practices were the ones that taught me that you also have to work hard to get better. You can have talent, but it means nothing if you don't put in the effort. 

I remember the tournaments that we had to be there so early you felt like a zombie our first game, but the second the whistle blew you were wide awake. The days after the tournament when you forget to wash your knee pads and you open your gym bag and you almost pass out. It may smell bad, but it's the smell of hard work. Everyone knew it when you didn't wash your knee pads or if you didn't wear ankle braces you were the odd ball. 

I miss the people I met throughout my time growing and learning. Without the people the experience would not be as rewarding. There is no win without the teammates out on the court. The ones you yell and scream "mine" to and the ones you cheer and high five with. The friendships you have given me are something I am forever grateful for.

I miss the feeling of putting on my uniform, sporting a number that I was proud to hear called on the lineup. The feeling of pride washes over you as you step out showing who you are and why you are there. It's one of the best feelings in the world. 

The thing is volleyball, you have taught me everything. You have taught me about perseverance and teamwork. You have taught me who I am and who I was supposed to be. If I had the opportunity to go back I would never miss a practice even if I was worn out or sick. I would give my all because one day it won't be that easy to get on the court again. These are the times I would relive again. 

If I could relive any moment it would be the moment when you step out onto the court into your position and it is completely silent. You are waiting for the first whistle to blow and the game to begin. It is one the best moments in the entire game. The determination in your eyes and the fire igniting in your soul. You are ready to win. 

Volleyball, you gave me everything I could've asked for. A leader that taught me all I know, friends that are forever, and memories that I could never forget even if I wanted to. I miss you every single day of my life volleyball. My greatest wish is that we meet again and I see the same determination in your eyes. But for now, thank you. I hope you continue to give others the same feeling and the same happiness you gave me for so many years. 

Love, 

Osburn #13 

Book Nook

Okay guys remember that Dorothy Must Die book I told you about I finished book 2. The adventure continues my friends. The second book in the series is called "The Wicked Will Rise" and if you read the first book that title is so fitting.

This book was shorter than the first one and I think is the shortest of all the books, however, the 4th book has not been released yet so I am not sure yet. Either way it was action packed and it felt like such a mystery novel because there was always a clue or a mission going on.

This novel just continues the journey of Amy and how her mission is to kill Dorothy except in this one things go awry AGAIN! Nothing seems to go right for her. Some die and some survive, but who will finally win?

Amy is such a fierce character. In this novel she goes a little wild and worries that she is becoming like Dorothy but we have faith she doesn't. I love Amy and reminds me of other characters like Katniss and Tris. She is an underrated character for sure!

I think this book is one of those books that everyone can read no matter age because everyone knows the story of the wizard of oz. This book can show you how crazy a fairy tale can truly be. I think that's what makes it fun! Read it, love it, and im so excited for the 4th book to release!!

Favorite Character: Amy and Nox are still making my heart beat.

Favorite Quotes: "Look, fear's not always rational, okay? Anyway, there's a difference between being afraid and being a coward. At least there was one thing I could take comfort in: if you're afraid, you must still be a little bit human."

"You can't just cover your eyes and pretend like terrible things aren't happening simply because you can't see them..."

"Some people spend their whole lives searching for the one thing that they can do to say, I changed the world. I had found that thing. I might not be able to accomplish it, but I was going to die trying. So call me selfish."

"Think of all the things you've already gotten to do; all the things you'll get to do. Okay, so maybe things could be better. But you have this life that's just sitting there, waiting for you to take it. It could be worse."

"Faith: everyone knows it's something you're supposed to have, but it's harder to put that into practice when your senses are telling you all hope is lost."

"I got lost. But I'm always lost, pretty much. Actually I kind of like being lost. When you're lost, you don't have to be responsible for anything."

"Not it, He. And if he's worth the risk, then who else is? Are you? Am I? Isn't there a point where we stop deciding to sacrifice anything and start saving people?"

Book Nook

Hey guys new book!!!! THIS ONE IS CRAZY. This is a book that is part of a giant series, the fifth wave. It is the final book to the series, "The Last Star" by Rick Yancey. When I tell you guys that I cried at the end of the book I'm not lying.

This book was non stop action. It took me forever to pick this book up to actually finish the series, mostly because I didn't want the series to end. Also because the beginning is slow, not gonna lie. But once it gets into the book IT IS SO GOOD. I swear I would at least read 50+ pages whenever I picked it up. Once I got to the end it was already midnight, but I didn't want to go to bed till I finished the whole thing.

I got so sad at the end though because of the death of a specific character. I won't tell you, but I was so sad and disappointed that they didn't survive. Overall, the book was fantastic. The book did such a good job on ending the series even if I wasn't the happiest with it. I loved how they were so many perspectives throughout the book because it lets you in on how everyone feels throughout the events.

You guys please go pick up this book. The series is very good and you won't be disappointed. But WARNING I recommend reading the series right in a row instead of waiting to read each book because that is what I did and I kinda forgot things that happened in the previous books. BUT ANYWAY READ IT!

Favorite Character: I have a love/hate relationship with all of the characters because they all are amazing but they sometimes do the dumbest shit!!!!!! If I had to pick I would pick Cassie because I see a lot of myself in her.

Favorite Quotes: "Without fear, life would not exist."

"The answer to the human problem is the death of what makes us human."

"Cogito ergo sum. More than the sum of our experiences, our memories are the ultimate proof of reality."

"Before I became Zombie, that meant prom and cramming for finals and the nervous chatter in the hallways between classes because graduation was coming, a different kind of apocalyptic event after which nothing would ever be the same."

"You know you've reached a very sad place when the only person who can make you laugh is yourself."

"...but you never lose those who love you, because love is a constant; love endures."

"Lying is like murder -- after the first one, each one that follows is easier."

"We bear the unbearable. We endure the unendurable. We do what must be done until we ourselves are undone."

"Love blinds more than it reveals."

"You can't mourn what you never had."

"Why must I always be the isle of crazy alone in an ocean of sensibility."

"We cannot love what we do not remember."

"So there you go. You can love the good in us and hate the bad, but the bad is in us, too. Without it, we wouldn't be us."

"For any of this shit to mean anything, you gotta live long enough for your death to matter."

"Because the universe has no limits, but life does."

"He had believed all their lies but he knew the only truth that matters. The one truth that mattered before they came, when they came, after they came. They had no answer for love."

"Love is forever. If it wasn't, it wouldn't be love. The world is beautiful. If it wasn't, it wouldn't be the world."

"To live is to risk your life, your heart, everything."

"Pain is necessary. Pain is life. Without pain, there can be no joy."

Sorry for all the quotes but it was just such a good book.
READ IT. xoxo

Book Nook

Hey you guys so I have been MIA since new years. School has started back up and I just haven't had the time to sit down and write. Ayway, no more excuses I have another book for ya! This one is an interesting one too. A twist on an old story: "Dorothy Must Die" by Danielle Paige.

YOU GUYS. This book was amazing. I swear to you this is how it goes; I walk into Barnes and Noble not needing one thing and just start searching around. Then I see this book and the title jumped at me. I have read some of the Wizard of Oz books and I've seen the movie so what is this about? So I read the back and it was intriguing. It said that Amy Gumm is the other girl from Kansas who is swept away to OZ by a tornado (figures...) and the people start to people she is the one to save OZ from Dorothy who is now evil.

Literally it is about the story the Wizard of OZ but totally redone! It is set in the time where Dorothy came back to OZ once she saved in from the wicked witch of the west. Dorothy fell in love with magic and became an evil tyrant so she can have all of it to herself, even Glinda the good witch is with her and the scarecrow, tinman, and lion! They have all turned bad even little toto. It is crazy so Amy is recruited to help the Wicked Order KILL DOROTHY! THEY WANT TO KILL HER YOU GUYS!

The beginning of this book is slow because it is mostly backstory but once the action begins I couldn't put this down. Now when I bought it I did not know it was a series, but now I do and because it is so good I am forced to read the 3 sequels, "The Wicked Will Rise," "The Yellow Brick War," and "The End of Oz." I am very excited to continue on with this story, it is a keeper.

I think if you know the story of the Wizard of Oz you'd like this. It is a creative and different take on what seemed to be a happily ever after. It is pure genius and I give props to Danielle. READ IT!

Favorite Character: There is sooo many good characters. I love Amy of course because of her gumption and bravery. I love Indigo because she is sassy and doesn't take anyboy's shit. I love Nox because he is power yet sweet and I love Star her pet rat just cause.

Favorite Quotes: "She looked so sad. It was the worst kind of sad, too -- the kind where you're sad about something that you know will never change. The kind of sad you can't even bother getting angry about anymore."

"No one does anything because it's the right thing."

"Now it was clear: I had nothing except for myself. No matter what happened, it would always be that way."

"You are not where you are from."

"It's your choice. It's not magic that makes you who you are. It's the choices you make."

"It always wants to be something different from what it already is. Now that made sense to me. It reminded me of myself."

"What's underneath is everything.... Beauty has its own kind of magic. And the appearance of something can have power, too."

"The ends do not make it okay."

"Maybe you haven't look around in my head enough. There are no good places."

"I can imagine a lot of things. That doesn't mean they're possible."

"Those who have sacrificed always have the most to lose."

"No matter how tough you think you are, there are certain things that just get to you, and they're usually the little things. The ones you don't expect."

"Haven't you learned by now that the real story is not always the whole story?"