Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim

Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Moments after Lisbeth is born, she's taken from her mother and handed over to an enslaved wet nurse, Mattie, a young mother separated from her own infant son in order to care for her tiny charge. Thus begins an intense relationship that will shape both of their lives for decades to come. Though Lisbeth leads a life of privilege, she finds nothing but loneliness in the company of her overwhelmed mother and her distant, slave-owning father. As she grows older, Mattie becomes more like family to Lisbeth than her own kin and the girl's visits to the slaves' quarters - and their lively and loving community - bring them closer together than ever. But can two women in such disparate circumstances form a bond like theirs without consequence? This deeply moving tale of unlikely love traces the journey of these very different women as each searches for freedom and dignity.

My Review:

Alright, so I started this book and immediately there was some detailed (and in my opinion, graphic) descriptions of birthing and breastfeeding. Being a woman with no children or desire for children, I was immediately uncomfortable. Yes I know it is a beautiful thing, and a miracle of God, I just have a hard time with it (my personal demon, no judgement on others from me). Anyways, I was starting to get worried that Mattie would be a wet-nurse the entire time. I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle an entire book of this. However, it wasn't long before Lisbeth, Mattie's charge, grew out of that stage. Soon, years seemed to progress quite rapidly, but at a comfortable pace.

I felt for Mattie and her situation, and I was amazed at how well she handled it, I could honestly say I'm not sure I'd have handled things that well. As Lisbeth grew up, I really enjoyed her love for Mattie, although her naivety started to wear thin.

Without wanting to give too much away, this was a great story, with great character development. I'm glad, no, I'm grateful, to have read this. I think Laila Ibrahim did a wonderful job on this beautiful story. If you haven't read this yet, get to it. I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.

Favorite Quotes:

“Focus on bearing, and beauty will follow. Your looks will not remain with you for life. But your bearing will go with you to the grave.”

“As far as I concerned, God loves ever’body so God forgives ever’body so ever’body gonna get to heaven.”

Read from December 15 to 21, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, American/Southern, Romance
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1) by Kristin Cashore

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

GRACELING IS A FINALIST FOR THE 2010 AUDIE AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION

Set in a world where some people are born with a Grace—a unique, sometimes uncanny, gift—this is the story of Katsa, whose Grace, demonstrated at an uncomfortably early age, is for killing. This makes her a perfect tool for her uncle, King Randa But Katsa chafes at the way she is being used—and even more at the injustices she sees around her.

Then she meets Prince Po, who has a Grace to match hers… perhaps.

Featuring FCA favorite Chelsea Mixon as Katsa, and sensational newcomer Zachary Exton as Prince Po, the most fascinating and praised fantasy debut of 2008 now springs to life in a sensational full cast recording.

A 2009 BOOKLIST EDITOR'S CHOICE AUDIO BOOK!

My Review:

I listened to this audiobook, and I found David Baker and the full cast audio amazing. Along with the writing of Kristin Cashore I was immediately transported to this amazing realm. Cashore was so simply descriptive I could easily imagine the vibrant setting. I love when an author can paint a picture with few words (overly descriptive tendencies make me feel like they are trying to meet a word count).

As for the main and supporting characters, I loved them or loved to hate them. Katsa was a strong female, who had her insecurities, but as the story progressed, she adjusted and overcame some of them. Po was amazing from the beginning and I was immediately drawn to his outgoing sense of humor and self-assurance. Yes, I know at times that could be annoying, but he presented it so well. I also loved Bitterblue, and felt she was a very smart young girl, who had to grow up way too fast. I really enjoyed Raffin (not sure how it is spelled since I listened to the book instead of reading it). I wondered on several occasions of his sexuality.

The story itself progressed well, had twists and turns, and although we could sometimes see what was coming, it didn't take away from the story. I am very happy with the ending, albeit not a perfectly happily ever after. Although I loved this story with every fiber of my being, I cannot say that I will continue on in the series. Just like Daughter of Smoke and Bone it was wrapped up so nicely, that I'm afraid to read on and see what other emotional roller coaster I'll be taken on. We will have to see!

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading, enjoys a strong female main character, and likes a little bit of blood and romance (without a love triangle).

Favorite Quotes:

“When a monster stopped behaving like a monster, did it stop being a monster? Did it become something else?”

“Mercy was more frightening than murder, because it was harder.”

Read from December 01 to 17, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Romance, Adventure, Fantasy/Magic, Young Adult/Young Adult Fantasy, Fantasy/High Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Warm Bodies (Warm Bodies, #1) by Isaac Marion

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

R is a young man with an existential crisis--he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams.

After experiencing a teenage boy's memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim's human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.

Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies is about being alive, being dead, and the blurry line in between.

My Review:

I saw the movie years ago, and immediately placed this on my reading list. I finally got around to it, and I'm glad I did. This was such a cute story, that had a much deeper meaning that just "zombies v. humans".

Admittedly, I listened to the audiobook and I thought that Kevin Kennerly was drab and dreary. However, as time went on, and we got to know R a little better, he was perfect. Way to make me a believer Kevin.

As for R, the main character, a "zombie" who doesn't want to conform to the "zombie" norm anymore, he was hilarious and lovable. I was really struck at how much he cared for his children. I could easily see how anyone could fall in love with him.

As for Julie, I thought she was more down to earth and open minded than a person in that situation could be. It was sweet and ridiculous at the same time. Either way, I liked her.

I thought the story was presented well, flowed well, and the cityscape/situation was explained quite well. Obviously, I think you should read this if you get a chance, I hope you won't be disappointed. I can't wait to see what else Isaac Martin writes.

Favorite Quotes:

“There is no ideal world for you to wait around for. The world is always just what it is now, and it's up to you how you respond to it.”

“What a massive responsibility, being a moral creature”

“We are where we are, however we got here. What matters is where we go next.”

“...wanting change is step one, but step two is taking it.”

“We're fumbling in the dark, but at least we're in motion.”

Read from December 11 to 15, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Horror/Zombies, Young Adult, Romance, Horror, Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh

Jepp, Who Defied the Stars by Katherine Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fate—is it written in the stars from the moment we are born, or is it a bendable thing that we can shape with our own hands? Jepp of Astraveld needs to know.

He left his countryside home on the empty promise of a stranger, only to become a captive in the strange, luxurious prison that is Coudenberg Palace, the royal court of the Spanish infanta. Nobody warned Jepp that, as a court dwarf, daily injustices would become his seemingly unshakeable fate. If the humiliations were his alone, perhaps he could endure them, but it breaks Jepp's heart to see his friend Lia suffer. After Jepp and Lia perform a daring escape from the palace, Jepp is imprisoned again, alone in a cage. Now, spirited across Europe by a kidnapper in a horse-drawn carriage, Jepp is unsure where his unfortunate stars may lead him. Before Jepp can become the master of his own destiny, he will need to prove himself to a brilliant and eccentric new master—a man devoted to uncovering the secrets of the stars—earn the love of a girl brave and true, and unearth the long-buried secrets of his parentage. He will find that beneath the breathtaking cruelty of the world is something else: the persistence of human kindness.

Masterfully written, grippingly paced, and inspired by real historical characters, Jepp, Who Defied the Stars is an awe-inspiring story of triumph in the face of unimaginable odds.

My Review:

This was an interesting read. I choose this book for two reasons, because it met the requirements for a book challenge (must have both a D and a J in the title) and it was readily available from the library. I didn't read the synopsis, nor any previous reviews, and I didn't pay attention to it's average rating. I came into this story completely blind (so to speak).

This was your run of the mill coming of age and adventures (or misadventures) of a young boy, who happens to also be a dwarf back in the turn of the 16th century. He leaves home in search of a better future full of knowledge and fortune, but soon realizes life isn't always fair.

Through a series of events that early on seem unfair, but later tell a whole new story, Jepp learns who he is, who he was, and who he is going to be. Through smarts and cunning, he shapes his own future, the future he could have only dreamed of.

I liked Jepp's character enough. He was so naive at first, and I found myself "face-palming" many times throughout, but he did show growth. He learned the ways of the world, and it shaped him. I suppose this is what is called good character growth. Nicely done Katherine Marsh!

Read from December 07 to 10, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Fiction, Fantasy
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Hero by Perry Moore

Hero by Perry Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

In the story comic book legend Stan Lee calls "spellbinding" and "totally original," Thom Creed has secrets. For one, like his father, he has super powers. Also, he's been asked to join the League—the very organization of superheroes that spurned his dad. Then there’s the secret Thom can barely face himself: he's gay.

But becoming a member of the League opens up a new world to Thom. There, he connects with a misfit group of aspiring heroes, including Scarlett, who can control fire but not her anger; Typhoid Larry, who can make anyone sick with his touch; and Ruth, a wise old broad who can see the future. Like Thom, these heroes have things to hide; but they will have to learn to trust one another when they uncover a deadly conspiracy within the League.

To survive, Thom will face challenges he never imagined. To find happiness, he'll have to come to terms with his father’s past, and discover the kind of hero he really wants to be.

Timely and inspiring, Hero tackles love, friendship, and the struggle to come to terms with who we really are in a sincere and suspenseful way.

This audiobook includes an exclusive introduction written and read by Stan Lee himself.

My Review:

This was a great concept, and I feel that Perry Moore did a great job addressing common struggles of a normal* individual coming to grips with their sexuality and where they stand in the world.

*By normal, I mean an individual who does not have super powers, as indicated people possess in this story.

However, in this case, he also struggles with the issue that his father is also prejudice against super powers. Thom deals with a myraid of complications trying to hide both the fact that he is gay and that he has super powers.

This story deals with loss, heartbreak, hope, friendship, family, love, self-worth, social stigma, etc. If you want to read a book about real life and superheros, give this a try.

Read from December 02 to 07, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Young Adult, Fantasy, GLBT, Fiction, Comics/Superheroes
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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The School for Good and Evil (The School for Good and Evil, #1) by Soman Chainani

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

At the School for Good and Evil, failing your fairy tale is not an option.

Welcome to the School for Good and Evil, where best friends Sophie and Agatha are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

With her glass slippers and devotion to good deeds, Sophie knows she'll earn top marks at the School for Good and join the ranks of past students like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Snow White. Meanwhile, Agatha, with her shapeless black frocks and wicked black cat, seems a natural fit for the villains in the School for Evil.

The two girls soon find their fortunes reversed—Sophie's dumped in the School for Evil to take Uglification, Death Curses, and Henchmen Training, while Agatha finds herself in the School for Good, thrust among handsome princes and fair maidens for classes in Princess Etiquette and Animal Communication.

But what if the mistake is actually the first clue to discovering who Sophie and Agatha really are . . . ?

The School for Good and Evil is an epic journey into a dazzling new world, where the only way out of a fairy tale is to live through one.

My Review:

This is a late review, and therefore will be kept somewhat short.

I liked the premise of this story, and the world created by Soman Chainani was very magical and I didn't have a hard time imagining the scenery. There were a lot of subjects broached within the text, the notion of self-worth and loathing, the idea of beauty is on the inside, that not all ladies need a man, that one should focus on learning rather than their looks, that we can choose our own destiny, etc.

I liked Agatha a lot, although she was so selfless that I found it somewhat unbelievable. Sophie was a perfect villain, a villain we could see coming from a mile away. Tedros was an important part of the storyline, but I never really cared for him. He had potential, but didn't live up to it.

Also, to Chainani's credit, there were a lot of twist and turns that I didn't see coming. Many times I felt the story was predictable, only to have my preconceptions turned upside down.

No promises yet as to whether or not I'll continue on in the series, but I wouldn't be opposed to it if the right situation presented itself.

Read from November 24 to December 02, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Childrens/Middle Grade, Fantasy/Fairy Tales, Fantasy/Magic
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Red Queen (Red Queen, #1) by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

This is a world divided by blood - red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance - Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart...

My Review:

I liked this book right away, although I was leery at first. Immediately Mare, the heroine, was with her guy friend, whom I could tell was "friend-zoned". Then I was leery about Cal right off, because I hate love-triangles in general. Anyways, this story had a love-(insert multi-dimensional-shape-that-applies-but-I-am-unaware-of-because-Geometry-wasn't-a-strong-subject-of-mine here). That being said, I was able to live with the romance.

I feel that Victoria Aveyard created an interesting world, characters you could get behind or loath, and a suspenseful journey. Not only did I care what happened to Mare and her family, but I cared about what was happening to the world around her. I became more vested that I originally planned to be.

As for Mare, I liked her immediately. I wavered a little bit towards the beginning, but as she became more familiar, I understood things more clearly from her point of view. I can't go into too much more detail about her situation or support characters without giving something away, and I definitely want you to be as impressed as I was at the right moments.

I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan strong but flawed heroines, and don't let the love-shape daunt you!

Favorite Quotes:

“I see a world on the edge of a blade. Without balance, it will fall.”

“If you know someone's fear, you know them.”

“There's nothing wrong with being different.”

“You should know the difference between secrets and lies.”

“What I need and what I want are two very different things.”

“The truth is what I make it. I could set this world on fire and call it rain.”

“Anyone can betray anyone.”

Read from November 05 to 13, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction/Dystopia, Romance, Fantasy/Magic
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Oddly Normal Vol. 2 by Otis Frampton

Oddly Normal Vol. 2 by Otis Frampton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Oddly Normal's adventures in the fantastic world of Fignation continue!

Collects ODDLY NORMAL #6-10.

In Volume 2, Oddly Normal's adventure in Fignation continues with new friends, new mysteries and new revelations about her missing parents.

Collecting Oddly Normal #6-10.

My Review:

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Graphics are still amazing! Case in point ↓



Story was lacking. This volume was used more to fill the reader in on everyone's background. No real plot growth occurred, unless Otis Frampton plans on having a big reveal in the next volume. My only concern, is that the reader will be too bored to move forward with the story line.

I will read the next in the series if it becomes available to me for the great price of free, otherwise, I won't lose sleep for letting this one go. Oddly Normal Vol. 1 was just so good that I had higher expectations.

Read on November 04, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Sequential Arts/Graphic Novels, Fiction, Sequential Art, Sequential Arts/Comics
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl, #1) by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius—and, above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories—they're dangerous! Full of unexpected twists and turns, Artemis Fowl is a riveting, magical adventure.

My Review:

I was drawn to this story because the synopsis intrigued me. The main character, Artemis Fowl, was young enough that I could follow his many adventures/misadventures as he grew up. However, after finishing this book, I think his age works against him.

Artemis is described as a genius, criminal, mastermind, hero? What I saw was a spoiled, selfish, rude, wealthy child. Yes his family has money, and he descends from a long line of criminal behavior, and he is obviously clever, but nothing seemed to make sense. This story line might have worked with a late teen but a 12 year old? My mind had a hard time wrapping around this concept.

The only redeeming part to this story was the magical side (as this story was told from two sides of the spectrum). Those characters were funny and enjoyable. The only character from Aretmis' side of the story that I remotely had an interest in was Butler. I did also have a hard time imagining a man-servant would be at a child's beck and call, and do the things he did with no questions asked.

I will read the next in the series, only because I already have it checked out from the library, but I'm hoping Eoin Colfer: turns things around - for my sake, as I really want/ed to enjoy this series.

Read from November 01 to 12, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship--the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

My Review:

This story was very poetic, had a great moral, and touched on some rather sensitive subjects. I think this was a lovely coming-of-age story that all youth should read. They will learn about being true to oneself, that things will get better, confusion or not understanding yourself is common, about respect, tolerance, and love.

At first I thought Ari was too hard on himself, but as I got to know his character, I realized he was just learning about himself. As the story progressed, he changed and grew into a stronger person, mentally and physically. It was like watching a flower bloom.

Dante was always so straight forward. He was quirky and funny, and very sure of himself. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and it made him a stronger person for it. I liked him, and his relationship with all the supporting characters.

The relationship between Ari and Dante was very natural, and just right off seemed to work. I felt the relationship went through some rough waters, much like any friendship, in a very believable way. It was beautiful to behold.

My only concern was some of the dialog. Sometimes it felt forced. The best way to describe this is to compare it to 2 Broke Girls. Their dialog seems written and preplanned rather then going with the flow, which makes this show tough to watch, and in turn made this story sometimes a little difficult to get through.

All in all, I think Benjamin Alire Saenz did a great job capturing the late 1980's "Tex-Mex" scene, and the then faux-pas issue of homosexuality. If you've ever considered reading this, please do, I doubt you'll regret it.

Favorite Quotes:

“I didn't understand how you could live in a mean world and not have any of that meanness rub off on you. How could a guy live without meanness?”

“Words were different when they lived inside of you.”

“It was good to laugh. I wanted to laugh and laugh and laugh until I laughed myself into becoming someone else.”

“I got to thinking that poems were like people. Some people you got right off the bat. Some people you just didn't get--and never would get.”

“Smiles are like that. They come and go.”

“Words could be like food - they felt like something in your mouth. They tasted like something.”

“We all fight our own private wars.”

“One of the secrets of the universe was that our instincts were sometimes stronger than our minds.”

“I don't always have to understand the people I love.”

“Scars. A sign that you had been hurt. A sign that you had healed.”

Read from November 02 to 04, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, GLBT, Contemporary, Romance
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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