Reading challenge update

It's September 2nd and I'm almost finished my 49th book for the year. I have about 100 pages left.

My reading goal for the year was 100.  With only 4 months left, I'm not so sure I can accomplish my goal.

I know it shouldn't be bout the numbers but the books I'm reading and to be honest, it's killing my reading fun a little bit.  Sure it make me read books I didn't want to read originally but it got my numbers up.  On the downside, a lot of the books I wanted to read this year haven't been read yet.  The size is part of the reason.  I also know that when I finally get around to them, I'll have the time to tilt enjoy them. 

I can put the challenge aside and get to them but damn I really want to complete the challenge.  Hopefully a few of the books at the top of my to be read list will show up on the 100 list. 

Part of the reason too is that some books put me in reading slumps and I don't usually read more than one or two books at a time.  Book slumps/ slow/ boring plot points are the worst!

Anyway, almost half way there is a big deal to me. 

Bout Of Books 11.0 | Day 5, 6 &7

On day 5, I didn't read a single page. This is my worse read-a-thon yet.

On day 6 I read 118 pages!! I also finished Shadows by Jennifer L Armentrout.

On day 7, I stayed up 30 hours but didn't read a thing. I worked and went to camp.

Total pages read for the read-a-thon: 410

I didn't participate a lot but it was just bad timing. Better luck next time.

Bout Of Books 11.0 | Day 4

Today I only read 34 pages! What?! This is horrible! I'm still reading Shadows by Jennifer L Armentrout. (Yes it's only a novella) ugh shame! Lol

Total pages read so far:  292

Bout Of Books 11.0 | Day 3

I'm so not impressed with my reading this time around. I only read 12 pages today. I'm distracted by crocheting blankets right now since I found out on August 6 that I'll be an Aunt again. Perhaps I should listen to audiobooks while I crochet. That would work. :)

Total pages read so far: 258

Bout Of Books 11.0 | Day 2

Yesterday I finished Opposition by Jennifer L Armentrout.  I was going to read the novella a while back now but since it is included in the Opposition book and I'm done the series, I knew I just couldn't pass reading this novella. Usually I like novellas but I'm just not into reading this one but will anyway.

With my 10 day vacation and back to graveyard shifts I didn't get much reading done.  I only read 11 pages of Shadows by Jennifer L Armentrout. Not good but it's still reading.

Total pages read so far: 246

Bout Of Books 11.0 | Day 1

Today marks day one for a week long read-a-thon.  There are no set challenges like the booktube-a-thon which is actually good for me. I find myself having a much more successful reading week during the Bout Of Books read-a-thons.

What is the Bout Of Books Read-a-thon?

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 18th and runs through Sunday, August 24th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. 

Please visit their blog at boutofbooks.blogspot.com

For day 1, I started to continue Opposition by Jennifer L Armentrout.  I read the first 10 chapters midweek but had to put it down.  Now I'm happy to pick it back up and finished it.  I plan on reading the novella, Shadows, tomorrow.

Pages read today: 235

Booktube-a-thon 2014 | Wrap Up

Booktube-a-thon is over :(

I had such a blast participating.  I had to work all week and on the weekend I was at camp with the family.  I thought it would be rude to read instead of doing something with them, therefore I didn't read then.

I managed to complete a few challenges though. 

A book with pictures: 

-Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Camille Rose Garcia

A book chosen by someone else | a book with red on the cover

-Vampire Academy

A book from the genre you read the least this year

- Something Borrowed 

This was also supposed to be par to the start and finish a series. I started on the second book in the duology, Something Blue, but didn't finish it yet. ( still working on it )

Vampire Academy or Something Borrowed could have been my book to movie adaptation but I didn't get to watch any movie this week. Good thing they doubled on another challenge anyway *muahahaha* lol

So the only thing i failed on was reading/ watching a movie adaptation and reading 7 books or 2100 pages.

However, I still read more then the usual for one week and I'm very proud of that.  Had I been a teenager with school out for the summer and no job or a part time job, I could have accomplished this. Not chosen smaller books or not change my TBR!  I changed by TBR list 10 times before the read-a-long and still a few more during the read-a-thon.. Horrible mistake!  Had we had more time to know what the challenges were, I think that would of helped a lot.

I liked the video aspect of the booktube-a-thon a lot.  It originated on YouTube so I really liked the video challenges.  I have yet to watch most of them but I plan on watching them all ASAP.

I wished the booktube-a-thon happened more often but now that it's here, it's very exhausting! But I love it and am sad it's over for another year.  Maybe they'll have a Christmas booktube-a-thon this year.  If not. I can't wait until summer 2015! Haha

Anyway, happy reading and let me know how you did this week. How many pages did you read?  I only read 969.

Booktube-a-thon 2014 | Day 7

I didn't get to read anything today :(

I went to camp with the family and was well worth it though.  I brought some books but just never had the time.

I do plan on reading the rest of Something Blue by Emily Giffin and reading Champion by Marie Lu. That way I would have completed the challenges of 1- start and finish a series and 2- read a book with red on the cover. Even if it's a week later, those are my emediate reads this coming week.

Booktube-a-thon 2014 | Day 6

2 days left!

Here are the challenges I have left:

1-  start and finish a series

2-  a book with red on the cover

3- a book from the genre you read the least this year

4-  read 7 books or 2100 pages

I am working on a series right now from a genre I read the least this year. (Adult for me) These books are Something Borrowed and Something Blue by Emily Giffin (a duology)

I then plan on reading Champion by Marie Lu for my book with red on the cover.

Then read 2 more books or complete the page count of 2100.

Today I completed Something Borrowed. I moved on to reading Something Blue (60 pages) and even read a few pages of If I Stay. (12 pages)

Total pages read this week: 969

 

Booktube-a-thon 2014 | Day 5

3 days left! 

At the beginning of the day I was no where near I wanted to be.  I tried my best to make a dent in Something Borrowed.  I started the day half way through chapter 7 of 26. I read for 3.5 hours before heading to work.  I didn't finish the book but I'm 65% through it and plan on finishing it tomorrow morning.

Total pages read spoor the read-a-long : 784

Booktube-a-thon 2014 | Day 4

Day 4 already! 

After day 3, I was beginning to be discouraged.

I read a book with pictures. (Alice's adventures in wonderland)

I read a book someone chose and is a movie adaptation. (Vampire Academy)

I have yet to watch the Vapire Academy movie to finish that challenge but will probably Friday.

Today, I started reading Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.  (Book 1 of a duology)

I also read the first chapter of Champion by Marie Lu (book with red on the cover) 16 pages haha

Not my best reading day but the twitter sprints help. Even if I catch them at an off time, I still act like they just posted it and keep track of time and read the next tweet when the previous tweet said to.

Loving the booktube-a-thon.  I just wish I had more spare time instead of work and sleep.

Total pages read so far for the read-a-thon: 643

Booktube-a-thon 2014 | Day 3

Today, I read from chapter 16 of Vampire Academy to the end.  I now plan on watching the movie in the morning when I come home from work.

Until then, I switched up my TBR. I'm exchanging Under The Never Sky trilogy by Veronica Rossi to Something Borrowed  &. Something Blue by Emily Guffin.  This is a duology. This will count as my start and finish a series challenge as well as a genre I haven't read much this year. I tend to stick a lot to YA books so I want to read a few adult books right now. This is also a book to movie adaptation but I'm still using Vampire Academy for that.

Total pages read so far this week: 543

Booktube-a-thon 2014 | Day 2

Today I read chapter 6-15 of Vampire Academy. Not a whole lot. I'm about %60 through though and should finish it on day 3. I really want to finish it so I can watch the movie. Also, I really want to read Champion by Marie Lu next so that I can know how that trilogy ends.

Total read so far: 9 chapters... Not sure what that results to because I'm reading it as an ebook.

Booktube-a-thon 2014 | Day 1

Day 1 = success

Typically in read-a-thons, I start off really strong.  Today not so much but still successful.

I started by finishing a book I was already reading.  Prodigy by Marie Lu. (52 pages)

I have Champion by Marie Lu on my TBR this week and is the last book in the trilogy.  Champion is my book with red on the cover so I had to finish Prodigy.

I then moved on to Alice's Adventure In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Camille Rose Garcia (book with pictures). I managed to finish it just in time for Day 2 to start. (159 pages)

I also read the first 5 chapters of Vampire Academy. I'm reading it as an ebook so I'm not sure exactly how many pages it results in.

211 pages + 5 chapters of VA = success

I'll be able to track the pages once I'm done that book.

Booktube-a-thon TBR

The booktube-a-thon 2014 has arrived!

I'm so excited to participate again this year. I am not a booktuber. I don't make videos but watch them religiously and participate in read-a-longs through them. The booktube community on YouTube got me into reading again. They have such good recommendations! So here we go.. Booktube-a-thon 2014! Let's start with some basic info:

*photo courtesy of booktubeishthings on Instagram*

Ariel Bissett has just posted a video to YouTube to tell is the challenges. I will now let you know what I plan on reading and how I will kick down this challenges.

http://youtu.be/X_XOtGOUdUg

Reading Challenges:

1- a book with pictures

2- start and finish a series

3- a book with red on the cover

4- a book someone else picks out for you

5- a book from the genre you read the least this year

6- a book to movie adaptation (in which you watch the movie after you read it)

7- read 7 books or 2100 pages

Ps: can only combine 2 challenges at any given time.

Example: book to movie adaptation has red on the cover = 2 challenges done

But can't add a book with pictures.. That would be 3 challenges at once and Ariel said "otherwise you're just messing with my whole system" Haha

How I will tackle the challenges:

1- Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Camille Rose Garcia

This book has such beautiful artwork.

2: Under The Never Sky, Through The Ever Night, Into The Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

3: Champion by Marie Lu

4&6: Vampire Academy

Chosen at random on my kobo ereader and it's a movie I haven't watched yet.

5: Landline by Rainbow Rowell

I don't read much adult novels like I used to. This is a contemporary adult novel... and a new release. yay!

7- If I read all these books or manage to read 2100 pages for the week, this challenge will be complete.

There are also some video challenges but I won't be participating.

What will you be reading?

Make sure to follow booktubeathon on Twitter for the reading sprints.  Those help bring the community together and makes the reading week so much fun!

Take care,

Sarah

TBR shame

Today, I spent a good couple hours going through my bookshelf.  I wanted to add the books I own to my Goodreads account. I wanted this for reference while shopping for books in store or online. 

I simply added a few categories on there. There is the basics such as read, currently reading and to read. I already have a few categories for what year I read them. An easy way to track how much I read each year.  Today, I added a books I own and Ebooks I own.

It amazed me how much books that fit on my shelf. I had to be creative on how I fit them all on there but I did it.

So...TBR shame huh?! 

Well here are the basic numbers..

Books I own: 190

Ebooks I own:90

Books TBR:129

Ebooks TBR: 41

Total books to be read:169

By the way, this TBR shame is of only the books I own.. I got 318 books on my to read list on goodreads that interest me.

But the 169 is the ones I'll be focusing on in the months to come.

What is yor TBR pile shame?

Sarah

2014 reading goal update

Last summer I got back into reading A LOT because of booktube.  A community on YouTube that vlog about books and reading.

Last summer, I found these videos just before the booktube-a-thon; a week long read-a-thon hosted by Ariel Bissett. It consisted of reading sprints hosted on twitter as well as some weekly challenge goals. Some of these goals were to read a classic, reread a favorite, read a book that has been on your shelf forever etc.

From June to December I read 45 books!  Way over what I thought would ever be possible. Booktube has recommended so many amazing books. I just couldn't get over how many stories captured my attention and led me astray from my other hobby, scrapbooking.

I tracked my reading through goodreads.com. They have a yearly goodreads reading challenge.  This year my goal is 100 books. I am already at 35 and it's only been 6 months. I think I can do it since this list includes novellas accompanying a series/ trilogy as well.

The number isn't the important thing, reading is but does this challenge ever help me keep picking up more books after I finish one.

Some of the books I read this year include:

Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver

Panic by Lauren Oliver

We Were Liars by E. Lockheart

Shatter Me trilogy by Tehereh Mafi

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

The Edge Of Never by J.A Redmerski

Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Miss Perigrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

Love Letters To The Dead by Ava Dellaira

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo

Pride Over Pity by Kailyn Lowry

City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Bout Of Books 10: Day Seven

I've had a busy day today as it's the beginning of the long weekend of may here. Fun filled weekend with family.  Therefore, I only had a few hours to read.  I didn't reach my goal of finishing Requiem by Lauren Oliver but I got a huge chunk done. I'm looking forward to finishing it by Monday or Tuesday.

Total pages read today: 56

Total pages for read-a-long: 914

Bout Of Books 10: Day Six

This week is such a success so far and we're not done yet. I read a total of 3 books no one novella.. What?! I can't believe it. That's what I normally could read in a month.

Today I plan on continuing on with the Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver.  I had this trilogy for a while and now this read-a-thon is giving me that push to read it. I don't think I would have read it this year otherwise.

I'm going to start Requiem today. I have to work graveyard shift so won't have much time but tomorrow I don't work. Hopefully by the time we wrap this up I will have Requiem as well as Alex (the final novella in the series).

Total pages read today: 62

Total pages for read-a-long: 858

Bout Of Books 10: Day Five

Today I finished Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. I then moved onto Raven by Lauren Oliver (a novella).

Pages read today: 55

Pages read for read-a-long: 796

Bout Of Books 10: Day Four

Today I read 122 pages of Pandemonium. Pretty good for having to sleep all day and work all night.  Nearing the end of the book. Glad I can finish it tomorrow morning.

Total pages read for read-a-long: 741

Bout Of Books 10: Day Three

Today, I decided to continue with Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. I started this book before and only read 98 pages today.  I read a bit of Rebel Belle on my ereader but not enough for me to count.

Total pages read today: 98

Total pages read for read-a-long: 619

Bout Of Books 10: Day Two

Today, my goal was to read and finish a second book.  I normally don't even read one book a week but I surpassed that.

I chose to read Pride Over Pity by Kailyn Lowry.  She's from the hit TV show 16 And Pregnant as well as Teen Mom 2.

I enjoyed this book for the details behind the scenes showed on Teen Mom 2, however that's mostly what this book was about.  A written part of the show.  We already knew most the the information she told in this book.

Reading total today: 198

Reading total for the read-a-thon: 521

Bout of Books 10: Day One

I started out this read-a-thon with 3 books in mind.  Well I am way ahead of schedule!

For Day One I read an entire book, which I don't normally do.

I read The One by Kiera Cass.  It is the 3rd book in the Selection trilogy.  Btw, I LOVE it! Go read it if you haven't.

Reading total so far: 323

April Wrap Up

Here is what I read in April:

1- Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

2- Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children: The Graphic Novel by Ransom Riggs

3- Delirium by Lauren Oliver

4- Annabel by Lauren Oliver (novella #0.5, Delirium)

5- Hana by Lauren Oliver (novella #1.5, Delirium)

6- To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

7- Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo

Goodreads reading challenge 2014:

20 / 100 books read so far 

Bout Of Books 10.0 TBR + Charity

Today marks the first day of another read-a-thon! Bout Of Books 10.0!!

Last year I participated in the 9.0 read-a-thon and had a blast. Before I get I to hat I plan to read( TBR: to be read), here is some info.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

http://boutofbooks.blogspot.ca/?m=1

It was such a blast to go on twitter and see how everyone was progressing and see some challenges.  I don't usually use twitter but for massive read-a-longs online, it's super fun!

This year, there are nearly 1000 reader's who signed up.  I didn't sign up and many youtuber's haven't but we're all participating anyway. Wow! That's a lot of people.

What I plan on reading?

1- The One by Keira Cass

2-  Pride Over Pity by Kailyn Lowry (MTV teen mom)

3- Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

4- Requiem by Lauren Oliver

If I can finish those I'll be happy.

I'm going to keep a track of the pages I read and might participate in the charity deal.

Some people are donating %10 of the pages they read to a charity of their choice.  Would be fun and a great cause all in one.  I haven't picked a charity yet but a literacy one would be fitting.

What do you plan on reading and would you donate to a charity using a read-a-long.  Some are even donating $5 to a charity for each book they read. That's a great idea as well.

Happy Reading!

Sarah 

March Wrap Up

My current reading challenge stands at 13 of 100 books read this year.  Here is what I read this month.

1- Destroy Me by Tehereh Mafi (novella)

2- Unravel Me by Tehereh Mafi

3- Fracture Me by Tehereh Mafi (novella)

4- Ignite Me by Tehereh Mafi

5- Snow White by Jacob Grimm and illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia

6- Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Friday Reads: March 28, 2014

I tried to get into The Archived by Victoria Schwabb and Panic by Lauren Oliver. I had a hard time getting into the story, perhaps I didn't give it enough time yet. I didn't give up on it but moved on for now.

Yesterday, I started reading Mrs Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.  It was super easy to get into and so captivating!  I'm definitely continuing this book during the weekend.

What are you reading this weekend?

What did you think of the book I chose?

Happy reading!

Sarah

Friday Reads: March 21, 2014

Happy Friday!

On my ebook I'm reading Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis. I'm about 2/4 of the way done. 

I also started a bit of Panic by Lauren Oliver and Delirium by Lauren Olvier but I'm not sure I want to continue them yet. I'll probably put down Panic until I'm done with Not A Drop To Drink.

There's just so many books I want on read in not sure what to grab next.  I just finished the Shatter Me series and looking for another great series... Too many choices! :)

What are you reading this weekend?

Happy reading!

Sarah

Read-a-longs: March 2014

I haven't joined the booktube community on YouTube, however, I watch their videos every single day.  Who doesn't like to watch videos about books?!

Well a few of the well known booktubers are hosting some read-a-longs this month.  I know of three so far.

1- The Archived by Victoria Schwab

This read-a-long is hosted by Jesse (jessethereader), Jessica (priceiswong) and Lainey (gingerreadslainey).

There is a Goodreads group discussion as well as a live show on Jesse's YouTube channel March 22nd, 2014 at 7 EST.

Goodreads group link:

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/126413-the-archived---read-a-long

Live show:

http://www.youtube.com/user/jessethereader

2- Panic by Lauren Oliver

This read-a-long is hosted by Jesse (jessethereader), Kat O'Keeffe (katytastic), Christine Riccio (polandbananasbooks), Ariel Bisset (Ariel Bisset) and Elizabeth Vallish (Elizziebooks).

There is a Goodreads group discussion as well as a live show on April 5th.

Goodreads group link:

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/123821-don-t-panic-booksplosion-read-a-long

Live show: https://www.youtube.com/user/polandbananasBOOKS

3- Cress by Marissa Meyer

This is the 3rd book in the Lunar Chronical series.

This read-a-long is hosted by Alita (abookaffair), Susie (readsusieread), Shannon (cozyteareads), Fran (frandalfthegrey), Ashley (saidthestory), and Anabel (inthebookcorner).

This read-a-long will conclude on April 12, 2014 with a live show on Alita's channel. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/abookaffair

I'm joining in on the first two for sure. Cress might take me longer to read and watch the live show a bit later. I haven't read Cinder or Scarlet, the first two books in the series.

Are you participating?

Happy reading!

Sarah

Friday Reads: March 14, 2014

Hello!

I'm happy to announce I'm finally finished Unravel Me by Tehereh Mafi! It took me a little longer to read due to a stressful/ eventful in a bad way month.

It was such a good read though and want to go ahead and read the final novella, Fracture Me, and then finish off the series with Ignite Me.

I believe I'll be able to finish it rather quickly or at least within a week's time.

I bought some books on my e-book (some new releases) that I really want to get to. Panic by Lauren Oliver and Uninvited by Sophie Jordan are on my to read soon list.

What do you plan on reading this weekend?

Happy reading!

Sarah

March To Be Read

Hello! Can you believe it's March already?!

I hope you are doing better than I am with your reading challenge this year.  So far I am exactly one month of reading behind in my 100 book challenge. I was thinking of re-evaluating my amount but realized I don't always need to read big novels.  I think reading novellas, short stories and middle grade books should be explored more. So that's what I'll be looking into. Also, graphic novels! Those I've discovered last month and love! I have to find more. :)

Anyway, on my to March to be read pile.

This month I want to finish the Shatter Me series by Tehereh Mafi. This includes, finishing Unravel Me, Ignite Me and the novella, Fracture Me.

I also want to finish Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis. Although I'm not in love with this book at the moment and think this one may take time.

I want to finish The Edge Of Always by J.A Redmerski. It is a duology and I've read the first book, The Edge Of Never, last month. Finishing this would be nice before I forget the details of the first book.

Next, I was thinking of either starting the Percy Jackson series or looking on my bookshelf for stand alone books.  I've been reading so many trilogies that I feel I need a break.

To conclude, after those first three books mentioned I'm choosing as I go this month. :)

Any stand alone books you recommend? What do you plan on reading this month?

Happy reading!

Sarah 

Friday Reads: March 7, 2014

This week I'm currently reading two books.  I don't usually like to read more then one book at a time. However, I've been in the habit lately of reading one physical book and reading one on my e-reader at the same time.

Currently, I'm reading Unravel Me by Tehereh Mafi as a physical book.  While I'm on the go or at work I've been reading Not A Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis.

I'm leaning on finishing Unravel Me first so I can can finish the trilogy within the next week.

Thanks for stopping by!  Please leave in a comment letting me know what you plan on reading this weekend. Have you read the Shatter Me trilogy by Tehereh Madi? Did you like it or want to read it? I'd love to know :)

Take care and happy reading!

Sarah

February Wrap Up 2014

Sorry for not posting for a month! It's been such a hectic month. I moved and my boyfriend was in the hospital for 2 weeks.

I'm way behind on my 100 book challenge for the year. Not good! The good news is, I finished some books.

I first finished The Guard by Kiera Cass.  This is a novella that goes with The Selection trilogy.  I was much looking forward to this and now looking forward to the last and final book in this trilogy. The One. (Release date: May 6, 2014)

The next book I finished was Shatter Me by Tehereh Mafi.

I was looking forward to reading a New Adult genre book and so I finished The Edge Of Never by J.A. Redmerski.

That is all I read!  I only read 8 of 100 books. That puts me exactly 1 month behind on my reading challenge.

Friday Reads: February 7, 2014

Happy Friday!

This weekend I plan on finishing two books I started before I moved into my new apartment last weekend. Those are Shatter Me by Tehereh Mafi and The Edge Of Never by J.A. Redmerski.

Before I tackle those books I plan on reading The Guard by Kiera Cass. A novella to go with The Selection trilogy.

What do you plan on reading this weekend?

Happy reading.

Sarah

February TBR

Goodbye January and hello February!

Can you believe the first month of the year 2014 is already passed?

Last month I didn't even follow my TBR and don't think I'll be able to stick to one.

The only for sure ones would be the Shatter Me series by Tehereh Mafi.  I'm starting the month with already half of Shatter Me already read.  I want to finish up this series as the last book is released on February 4. (My birthday!)

Here is a list of books/ series I could possibly read this month.

- Shatter Me trilogy by Tehereh Mafi

- Legend trilogy by Marie Lu

- Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

- The Edge Of Never by J.A Redmerski

- The Edge Of Always by J.A Redmerski

- The Light Betwen Oceans by ML Stedman

- Not A Drop To Drink by Mandy McGinnis

- Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

I think this list is more realistic as to what I'll actually read.  Stay tunes for my Friday  Reads for a weekly update.

Happy reading!

Sarah

January Wrap Up

Today I wanted to go over what I read during the month of January. Sum up what my goals were and what of accomplished.

In January, my TBR ( to be read list) included Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken ( book #2 of The Darkest Minds).  Snow White and Alice In Wonderland. These were the illustrated books by Camille Rose Garcia.  Lastly, the Delirium trilogy and novellas. These included, Delirium, Pandemonium, Requiem, Annabel, Hana, Raven and Alex.

I suppose I shouldn't have made a TBR because I didn't stick to it.

On January 6 to 12, I participated in the Bout Of Books 9.0 read-a-thon organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal.

For a read-a-thon, I like to read as many books as possible. I wanted short books or books I really wanted to read at the time.  So once I read Never Fade, I threw my TBR out the window.

Here are the books I ended up reading.

1. Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

2.  Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

3. Zombie Blondes by Brian James

4. Alice In Wonderland by Rod Espinosa (graphic novel)

I also started to read Shatter Me by Tehereh Mafi. I'm halfway done and carying it over into February.

What did you read in January? Did you meet your goals?  Did you have any goals?

Happy Reading!

Sarah 

Friday Reads: January 31, 2014

All my books are packed because I'm moving tomorrow.  Lucky for me, my kobo ereader is still out and I even have an app on my phone to read.

Although I won't continue with Shatter Me by Tehereh Mafi (because it's a physical book), I'm going to continue/ try to finish  The Edge Of Never by J.A Redmerski.

I did purchase a lot of ebooks this week so I'll probably fly through this book to get to those.  I like to have only one physical and one ebook going at a time. 

What do you plan on reading this weekend?

Happy reading!

Sarah

Book Review: Alice In Wonderland (Graphic Novel)

Alice In Wonderland (Graphic Novel)

Written by: Rod Espinosa

Publisher: Dark Horse

Release Date:  February 18, 2013

Pages: 128

Description:

Lewis Carroll's classic tale Alice in Wonderland is adapted to comics by Rod Espinosa (The Courageous Princess, A Christmas Carol: The Night That Changed the Life of Eliza Scrooge).

The curious Alice follows a flustered white rabbit to a magical land of talking animals, evil queens, and enough riddles to strain any logically inclined brain. It's all here: a hookah-smoking caterpillar, a mad hatter, potions to drink, cookies to eat, and a Cheshire cat. Alice discovers that Wonderland may be a fascinating place to visit, but you don't want to live there...

My Thoughts:

I decided to add this to my Kobo e-reader and read this rather quickly.  I've never read a graphic novel before.  I really enjoyed this!  The images and colors were great as well as the story.  I actually laughed/ chuckles at a few places.  This version of Alice In Wonderland was enjoyable.  I recommend this as a light, fun, fast read.

Book Review: Zombie Blondes by Brian James

Zombie Blondes

Written By:  Brian James

Publisher:  Square Fish

Release Date: May 11, 2009

Pages:  256

Description:

From the moment Hannah Sanders arrived in town, she felt there was something wrong.
     A lot of houses were for sale, and the town seemed infected by an unearthly quiet. And then, on Hannah’s first day of classes, she ran into a group of cheerleaders—the most popular girls in school.
     The odd thing was that they were nearly identical in appearance: blonde, beautiful, and deathly pale.
     But Hannah wants desperately to fit in—regardless of what her friend Lukas is telling her: if she doesn’t watch her back, she’s going to be blonde and popular and dead—just like all the other zombies in this town. . . .

My Thoughts:

I found this book on bookoutlet.com at a pretty decent price and let's face it, the cover.. The cover definitely was a factor in me picking up this book and of cores because it's about zombies.

I knew this was a more middle grade book and I still wanted to read it.

This book is mostly about the fact that Hannah's been moving from town to town and wants to fit into the popular crowd. Despite her first friends Lucas always warning her to stay away from the cheerleader blondes, she doesn't listen.

I find the book drags on about this with not much mention of zombies in a way you would expect.  Just saying a few "off things" there are about these girls.  It's not until near the last 4-5 chapters where we see action with the zombie as you'd somewhat expect.  I was kind of disappointed.  I did really enjoy the end I the book.  To me though, it took too much boring to get to the fun part.

I have to keep in mind this I meant for a much younger audience than me.  I think if I had read this when I was younger it would have received a better rating from me.

I ended up rating this book 2 out of 5 stars on goodreads.

Book review: Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

Shut out

Written by:  Kody Keplinger

Publisher:  Poppy

Release date: September 4, 2011

Pages:  273

Description:

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part,Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention

Then Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. But what Lissa never sees coming is her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling...

My Thoughts:

I went into this book not reading the description.  I assumed it was about a girl making it on the boys football team and the hardships if guys not wanting her on the team.  Instead it was about a girl tired of the rivalry between the football team and the soccer team because it affected her relationship with her boyfriend.

I very much liked the concept of the sex strike involved in this story and the scenes in the library/ scenes with cash.  This was a great story in seeing how. The girls came together and all the boys came together despite their status/team in the school. I thought it was entertaining.

I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars on goodreads.

This is my second book by Kody Keplinger (the first being The Duff). I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.

Book Review: Never Fade

Never Fade

The Darkest Minds #2

Written by: Alexandra Bracken

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: October 15, 2013

Pages:  507

Description:

Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster. 

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her. 

As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

My Thoughts:

Initially, I didn't care for this book but that changed. I started this book in November 2013 and ended up finishing in January 2014.

My first impression was "wow this is kind of confusing". (Which lead to me putting it down).  I don't like having unfinished books.  So in January I started reading it again and loved it!

I don't want to give away any spoilers so all I can say is.. go get it!  Once we get situated in the story it's very interesting and action packed. We get to meet new characters and meet up with some old friends. Its a great story with a satisfactory continuation. I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends.

I started this book rating it as a two or three stars but in the end it was a four stars book for me.  The first few chapters before the journey begins made me lower my score.  I think that if I were to reread this, which I know I will, I know I'll love this book even more.

Friday Reads: January 24, 2014

Well this week I've been packing my stuff to move so I haven't been reading much.  Last weekend I started reading Shatter me by Tehereh Mafi. I only got half way through so I'm planning on finishing it this weekend.  If I succeed, I plan on starting the sequel, Unravel Me.

What are you reading this weekend?

Happy Reading!

Sarah

Friday reads: January 17, 2014

I started having a cold on Saturday night and not feeling well all week.  I haven't had a chance to finish Zombie Blondes yet. Ugh!

I still have a lack of energy but I do want to try and push through this book and finish it before Monday.

I'm really thinking of either picking up Shatter Me or the spyderwick chronicles or even a Percy Jackson book.

I'm really leaning towards Shatter Me.

What do you plan on reading this weekend?

Happy reading!

Sarah

Bout Of Books 9.0 wrap up

The Bout Of Books 9.0 read-a-thon is officially over.

I want to thank Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal for creating this neat read-a-thon.   It was definitely low pressure.

I didn't end up participating in the challenges or even in the conversation on twitter. I feel kind of bad about that because I didn't have the full experience of this read-a-thon and didn't enjoy it as much as the summer booktube-a-thon.

The Bout Of Books 9.0 read-a-thon was a success! I managed to read 2 books and start a 3rd and read a total of 607 pages!  That is definitely more than I usually read in a week.

How did you do during the read-a-thon?

Happy reading!

Sarah

Read-a-thon update #7

No reading today. :( I'm sick.

Progress on the week:

Total pages: 607

Books finished: 2

Read-a-thon update #6

Saturday I continued reading Zombie Blondes by Brian James.

I only ended up reading up to page  41. I didn't read too much due to some family time.  Also, this book isn't all that interesting so far.. I expected more but I'll still continue and finish it but it will be a slow read I think.

Total pages read today: 33

Total pages read: 607

Books finished: 2

Read-a-thon update #5

Hello!

Friday I got to start the day fresh with a new book to read.  I was originally planning on reading The Archived by Victoria Schwab but changed my mind at the last minute.

Instead I chose Zombie Blondes by Brian James.

Unfortunately, because of work, I didn't get to read much of anything. I ended up reading the first 7 pages. Yup 7 pages ha ha oh well.

Total pages read so far: 574

Books finished: 2

Read-a-thon update #4

Good morning!  Today, I'd like to share my update for Thursday.

I only read 73 pages of Shut Out by Kody Keplinger.  Although the amount isn't as high as I'd like as a count for the day, I finished a book!

I'm not sure what to read next.  Possibly The Archived by Victoria Schwab.

How are you doing so far with the Bout Of Books 9.0 read-a-thon?

Happy reading!

Sarah

Pages read today: 73

Pages read in total: 567

Books finished: 2

Read-a-thon Update #3

On Wednesday, I didn't get to read very much.  I continued with  Shut Out by Kody Keplinger.  I read from page 106 - 200. Not a whole lot but like Bout Of Books said:

Total pages read today: 94

Total pages read:494

Books finished: 1

Read-a-thon update #2

Ok so first off, I wasn't going to officially join the Bout Of Books 9.0 read-a-thon. However, I just did and am officially #728!! Amazing how many people joined. There's even more on YouTube that joined but never officially signed up like I did at the beginning. Wow!

Anyway, onto my update for day 2.

I finally finished Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken! Now I never have to talk about it again!  I completed from page 351 to 507.

I then moved on to Shut Out by Kody Keplinger.

I looked over onto my bookshelf and saw it was a much shorter book and chose it.  I also loved The Duff. Another book I read from this author just a few months prior. I read half the book this morning up until I had to go to sleep. (106 of 273) The joys of working overnight.  

pages read today: 262

Total pages read: 400

Books finished to date: 1

Read-a-thon update #1

Hello!

This first day of the read-a-thon started for me at 4:30 am. I read for most of the day but got interrupted by a serious family matter.  It became a scary day for me.  So even though I set out to finish Never Fade, well that didn't happen.

Today I ended up reading 138 pages! That's more then I thought I did the the little amount of time I had to read.  I'm excited about that.  The other thing, I finally picked book #2 for this read-a-thon.  I choose to read Shut Out by Kody Keplinger.  I really enjoyed her book, The Duff.  So I'm glad to read this light hearted book next.

Total pages read:  138

Books finished: 0

Happy reading!

Sarah

Bout Of Books 9.0 Read-a-thon TBR

I haven't officially joined the Bout Of Books 9.0 read-a-thon.  However, I'm still participating.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

I'm also not making a TBR (to be read list) because I'm not sure what I want to read.  I do wan to read shorter books though. Books roughly 300 pages or less.  That way I feel accomplished during a read-a-thon and get my count up for my 100 books goodreads challenge for 2014.

I plan on doing reading updates throughout the week. See you tomorrow.

Happy reading!

Sarah