Breathing Books

Not a very good month and a very random selection!

Hitler's Forgotten Children by Ingrid Van Oelhafen & Tim Tate

In this book we follow the life of Ingrid. She is searching for her identity and family in the late 20th century after the Nazis took it from her. I learned about programs I didn't know existed under the Nazi regime. It was interesting and heartbreaking at the same time to follow Ingrid's life.

The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle

I loved the way this was written, but I didn't enjoy the story very much. This is a coming of age story about Quinn Roberts who is 16 years old. He writes movies that he makes with his sister, before she was killed in a car accident. His best friend decides its time for him to join the world again. I loved the humor that Quinn had however, the story wasn't really for me. 

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen

I enjoyed the idea of this one, I just couldn't get into the weird family dynamic and any of the characters. 

This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

I really liked this one. I enjoyed the writing and mood. I like that each book is a different story with the same enemy. 

The Siren by Kiera Cass

The first half was repetitive about Kahleen complaining about her life, and the sirens moving every few months. I liked the second half where things picked up. I enjoyed the relationship between the girls and the Ocean.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

I finally know what the Room of Requirement is! I enjoyed diving deeper into the series. I do have a hatred for Umbridge. 

What I Thought Was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Way too long without much of a plot. Only the second half of the book I finally saw why it was even written.

The Distance From Me To You by Maria Gessner

It had the potential to be this amazing book about feminism and overcoming obstacles while a girl hikes the Appalachian trail alone. Instead, she makes stupid decisions when she meets a boy. 

I was SO excited for this one. While I am no expert, I definitely love to hike. I have always been fascinated with the woods and exploring different trails. So I thought this one would be perfect for me. What also drew me to this book was the cover. Its so simple and pretty. I like the colors and the camping emojis. 

McKenna and her best friend Courtney have been accepted into college for the fall but they have decided to defer to hike the Appalachian Trail. When her best friend backs out, Mckenna is determined to make the dangerous trip alone. On the trail she meets Sam who has escaped his abusive father and has been walking with no goal or future in sight. They fall in love despite their opposite lives.

I liked this book because It mentions Harper's Ferry West Virginia being the halfway point. I love going to Harper's Ferry for the hiking and mountains so it was cool to see the mention. I liked this book because McKenna had such big plans for herself, she was very smart and studied for this trip for a long time.

I would have LOVED this book if McKenna had made smart decisions, and didn't fall in love with a boy who basically derailed her trip. I would have LOVED this book if it was about a girl who overcomes others doubts about her hiking alone, if the book focused on McKenna hiking and the states and places she stopped, it would have been great. 

As soon as she met Sam she started making stupid decisions to get him to like her and not run off. These decisions cause her to almost get herself killed and ruin the trip. This book had the perfect opportunity to write a story about feminism and girl power. Hiking the trail alone and overcoming everyone's doubts about her. Instead its about a girl who had big plans for herself who put them in jeopardy for a boy. 

 **SPOILER FREE**

While I liked My Life Next Door, her second book fell short for me. Halfway through the book I really didn't see a point for it being written at all. I didn't really feel anything for any of the characters.

Gwen Castle lives on an island in New England and works in her fathers restaurant and with her mother cleaning houses for the vacationers. Its your typical working class girl meets a rich boy, and then they defy what other people think about them. Cass Somers takes a job as a yard boy and suddenly they are constantly running into each other. 

The problem I had with this book was that it was way too long without much of a plot happening. Another issue I had was the flash backs. You never knew when they were going to happen and they got a bit confusing.

At the end of the story I took the title "what I thought was true" to mean  that Gwen reevaluated everything she thought about her friends, social classes, herself and the relationships she has with her family and friends. 

**SPOILER FREE**

Can I even say anything about this book without spoiling it for everyone? Lets see.

I really did like this one. I enjoyed the turns that it took, I was getting into the darker vibes and writing. I liked reading about the new places. I finally know what the Room of Requirement is!! We are introduced to Professor Umbidge and I absolutely hated her!! oh my god she infuriated me! This book has all of the characters in bad moods. I understand why this is, but I felt at times Harry's attitude was a little annoying. This one also had me realizing how much I love Professor McGonagall. Yes she is strict but she always has words of advice and she is always on Harry's side. Does anyone else love her? I also loved how Dumbledore reacts to the Ministry of Magic interfering with Harry and Hogwarts. While reading this I kept thinking how much I would love to see Harry become the permanent defense against the dark arts teacher once he is done with school. 

Overall I really enjoyed this one and am very eager to see where the series goes!

This tag is perfect for me! I LOVE Taylor Swift! This was created by TheBookLife 

1. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

*Pick a book or series that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with*

Storm by Donna Jo Napoli: A teenage girl stows away on Noah's Ark. It was actually boring and the writing was terrible!

2. "Red"

*Pick a book with a RED cover*

Sister's Red by Jackson Pearce: Bonus points for red in the title? Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. I found it meh.

3. "The Best Day"

*Pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic*

Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborn: I loved all of these books when I was younger and they all took you on an adventure! 

4. "Love Story" 

*Pick a book with forbidden love*

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma: Does It get anymore Forbidden than a brother and sister? I really enjoyed this one.

5. "I Knew You Were Trouble" 

*Pick a book with a bad character you couldn’t help but love*

Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines: Favorite bad boy Rush Finlay. 

6. "Innocent" (written b/c of Kanye West!)

*Pick a book that someone ruined the ending for*

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: They didnt tell me exactly what happens in The Deathly Hallows BUT Books-A-Million spoiled the entire store on Harry's future when they were advertising a pre-order for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. IM STILL MAD.

7. "Everything Has Changed" 

*Pick a character from a book who goes through extensive character development*

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman: Gretchen Muller, niece of Adolf Hitler. I really enjoyed this one!

8. "You Belong With Me"

*Pick your most anticipated book release*

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson: The second book in the Gold Seer Trilogy. I NEED IT

9. "Forever and Always"

*Pick your favorite book couple*

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks: Dawson and Amanda. It was a very close call between them and Noah and Ally from the notebook. 

10. "Come Back, Be Here"

*Pick the book you would least like to lend out, for fear of missing it too much*

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson: Book one in the Gold Seer trilogy. Historical fiction gold rush era, with a bit of a twist. My absolute favorite!

GUYS! 

Please enjoy this short story on the day when almost ten years of avoiding Harry Potter spoilers came to an end.

So today I decided to drive to the nearest Books-A-Million (if you can call an hour a way "near") My goal was to just browse around and maybe sit in their little cafe and read some of my book. When I was done making my lap around the store all of a sudden I hear over the loud speaker "Hey all you muggles!" I knew we were about to hear an advertisement for Harry Potter, so I started listening. 

What happened next you're wondering?

Well, the advertisement was for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The announcement included a synopsis of the book, which included exactly how Harry Potter's life turns out at the end of the series!! I probably looked like an idiot standing there screaming in my head "HOW DO I STOP LISTENING? I CANT UNHEAR IT! WHY?" I just don't know why they would do that!

Now, I know i'm twenty years old and I probably should have read Harry Potter about ten years ago, but I didn't. I have avoided spoilers this long and I figured it was time to start the series. Ten years of being spoiler free ended today.

**SPOILER FREE**

This is the second book in the Starbound trilogy so I cant say much without spoilers. 

We follow two new star crossed lovers, Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac. Jubilee is captain of the forces sent to crush a rebellion on the plant Avon. Flynn is a rebel. 

Three different stories. One enemy. 

The one thing I really enjoyed was the relationship between Jubilee and Flynn. They didnt fall in love and become stupid and obsessed. They both knew that they would never be able to love each other on different sides of a war. I really enjoyed the lack of insta-love. 

I loved the writing and the mood the authors depicted. I though the world building was done well and there was enough background information from the first novel. I loved seeing the characters from the first book make an appearance here it was nice to see how they ended up. 

Overall, I did enjoy the first novel more than this one but I am interested enough to finish the trilogy. 

**SPOILER FREE**

The cover is beautiful, the story fell short.

This was my first book about mermaids AKA sirens. We read from Kahlen's point of view, she was rescued by the Ocean from a drowning that killed her family. To repay her debt she has to serve the Ocean and become a siren. Sirens use their voice to lure in boats so they will sink. In turn, the Ocean gets a new girl. While she can never use her voice on land, she still spends her time watching people and waiting for her freedom. She eventually meets a boy Akinli who she falls in love with. The Ocean will do everything she can to keep them apart. 

I mostly enjoyed the second half of the book where things really stopped being repetitive and picked up. I felt like I wasnt really getting a story here, it repeated itself, Kahlen wishing for her freedom, her and the other girls moving every so often it wasnt really much of a story until the second half. 

I enjoyed reading from the Ocean's point of view. Kiera Cass painted her as lonely and trapped. Although it wasnt terrible and I did enjoy it, I felt like it could have been so much more. 

I came across this tag on My Little Book Blog

I have linked each book I mentioned to their GoodReads page so you can check them out yourself!

1.) What was the last book you read?

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen

2.) Was it a good one?

It wasn't for me

3.) What made it good?

Well, I liked the idea of  the underground compound setting in the aftermath of a nuclear war. 

4.) Would you recommend it to other people?

It's not my go to recommendation

5.) How often do you read? 

Mostly everyday!

6.) Do you like to read?

I LOVE reading

7.) What was the last bad book you read?

The last absolutely horrible book I read was Storm by Donna Jo Napoli

8.) What made you dislike it?

I had really high hopes for it. Its a Noah's Ark retelling and I just could not get into the writing or any of the characters.

9.) Do you wish to be a writer?

Its something I have thought about, but then I think I have too many books to read to write my own. But sometimes i'll get a creative moment. 

10.) Has any book ever influenced you greatly?

Many, but only one comes to mind. By the Time You Read This I'll Be Dead by Julie Ann Peters Its about a girl who wants to commit suicide because of the way she is bullied. I read this when I was in high school and I think that's why it had an impact on me.

11.) Do you read fan fiction?

No

12.) Do you write fan fiction?

Negative

13.) What's your favorite book?

It changes. So far this year it's Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson The first in a trilogy. It made me want to travel. And its historical fiction!

14.) What's your least favorite book?

I know I have some but nothing comes to mind

15.) Do you prefer physical books or to read on a device (like kindle)?

Definitely physical books

16.) When did you learn to read?

Whatever age you normally learn to read at.

17.) What was your favorite book you had to read in school?

By far, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

18.) What is your favorite book series?

Always and forever, The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

19.) Who is your favorite author?

I cant pick

20.) What is your favorite genre?

I would have to say YA (and the branches that spring from that) and historical fiction. 

21.) Who is your favorite character in a book series?

At the moment, Lee Westfall from Walk on Earth a Stranger

22.) Has a book ever transported you somewhere else?

Every one.

23.) Wish book do you wish had a sequel?

I Think im going with Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

24.) Which book do you wish didnt have a sequel?

The Compound by S.A. Bodeen

25.) How long does it take you to read a book?

Anywhere from two days to literally forever

26.) Do you like when books become movies?

yes, if I actually read it

27.) Which book was ruined by its movie adaptation?

I dont think any that I have seen

28.) Which movie has done a book justice?

cant say

29.) Do you read newspaper

I think I have only read one newspaper. I bought it from a flea market and its from 1942

30.) Do you read magazines?

I like them, but not usually

31.) Do you prefer newspaper or magazines?

Magazines

32.) Do you read while in bed?

Thats where most of my reading is done

33.) Do you read while on the toilet? 

Im not going to say I never have.

34.) Do you read while in the car?

Yes but not often

35.) Do you read while in the bath

Id love to, but I dont have that kind of set up

36.) Are you a fast reader?

yes

37.) Are you a slow reader?

no

38.) What is your favorite place to read?

Anywhere that it is sunny, warm, and has natural lighting.

39.) Is it hard for you to concentrate while you read?

not usually

40.) Do you need a room to be silent while you read?

Id prefer it, but not necessary. 

41.) Who gave you your love for reading?

Im not sure, I think my grandmother.

42.) What book is next on your list to read?

Sounds funny but, I bought it while in a Disney World gift shop. Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson

43.) When did you start to read chapter books?

Whatever age you normally do

44.) Who is your favorite children's book author?

Barbra Park for sure

45.) Which author would you most want to interview?

Laura Ingalls Wilder

46.) Which author do you think you'd be friends with?

no idea

47.) What books have you reread the most?

I don't reread

48.) Which books do you consider "classics"?

I tend to refer to my childhood favorites as classics

49.) Which books do you think should be taught in every school?

Nothing in particular, but ones that make you reflect on your life or the world.

50.) Which books should be banned from all schools?

Nothing I can think of

And that's it! If you read through all of my answers I tag and thank you! 

**SPOILER FREE**

This book just really wasn't for me. 

Basically, Eli and his family have lived in an underground compound for six years. His dad built this compound in the event of a nuclear war. No luxury was forgotten. He built an underground mansion. Eventually, some problems occur with their "home" Eli begins to question his almighty father. Eli begins to wonder is his family really safer inside or out?

I had some problems with this book. First being the pacing. We have no concept of how much time passes between events. It felt rushed and awkward. I also did not feel attached to any of the characters. We didn't get to see very much of their personalities or see any emotion from anyone. 

There is a sequel to this book, however this concludes with an epilogue that ties things up. I don't really see the need for another. 

I have no idea how I managed seven books this month!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling

I liked the turn this one took, it gave more of a darker feeling. I found pieces of the puzzle being put together. My favorite out of the series so far.

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

After reading this one I felt like my head exploded! It was fantastic! Although I didn't find myself becoming attached to any of the characters, I still enjoyed it. 

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

This one broke my heart! It didnt need to end like that! My first Rainbow Rowell. I loved the writing style. This was the most quirky and awkward thing I have ever read!

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

I enjoyed the writing style, and the multiple point of views. I loved the humor of Cassie. However, I felt like this one was too predictable. 

A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller 

I wasnt crazy about this one. Our main character basically uses everyone to get what she wants. I didn't like the way feminism was used. Overall, it was just alright. 

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

I LOVED the 90s references in this one! I enjoyed the jokes made about Facebook and the writing. I loved the multiple point of views. I enjoyed seeing our main leads personal development.

Catacomb by Madeleine Roux

I did not like this one. I loved the first in the series but each one is getting worse and worse. For me, it failed at being creepy and suspenseful. 

I hope everyone had a great reading month! 

**SPOILER FREE**

I really loved this book guys! 

So the year is 1996. Emma and Josh have been friends and neighbors their whole lives, until everything changed the year before. Emma has just been given her first computer, and when Josh gets an American Online CD-ROM his parents make him give it to Emma. When Emma downloads it on her new computer and logs in, she is automatically logged into Facebook. The only problem is, Facebook hasn't been created yet. Josh and Emma are able to see their entire lives 15 years into the future. They find that every move they make has the power to change their entire lives.

One of the reasons I loved this one was for all of the 90s references. Everything from the opening night of Toy Story to the Bill Clinton scandal. I loved the humor and sarcasm that was written into this book. It takes jabs at Facebook and how people literally write their entire life story on their page. 

I enjoyed reading from both Emma and Josh's perspectives. I found them both very relatable. I was rooting for them and their personal development. I loved how at the end we really saw Josh and Emma's development from the beginning. They learned to confront their feelings and what they are doing right and wrong in the present. 

Would definitely recommend! 

This book is too funny!

Ahhh the 90s

"Tyson's dad leans forward and presses the power button on the TV. Two men appear on CNN, arguing about President Clinton and sex."

"You ejected our blank tape to watch Wayne's World," my mom says, pressing her lips tight. 

I shrug. Maybe I ejected a tape. I cant remember.

"We were taping Seinfeld," she says. "We had it programmed."

"I'm sorry."

"We tape it every Thursday, Emma. You know that. Martin and I are concerned about your lack of respect for this house."

I LAUGHED SO HARD

I'm Loving the 90s references in this one! Friends, Papasan chairs, walkmans, and the opening night of Toy Story. Loving it so far!