{Review: 2019 Reread Edition} Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Hey, guys!

If you've followed me on social media for a while, you'll know about my adoration for Rainbow Rowell's work. Fangirl is one of my #1 favorite books and I cannot praise it enough. 

When rereading books -- especially with a massive chunk of time between reads -- I'm always afraid that I won't like my favorites as much as before. However, this wasn't the case when reading these again. Fangirl was even better than I remember. It was so much like revisiting a dear, dear friend. I honestly cannot wait to reread it again. When will the time come, I wonder?

If you're interested in reading my reviews from 2015, click the links below!
Fangirl {click here}

Page Count: 438

Published On: September 10, 2013

Published By: St. Martin's Griffin

Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Source: hardback - personally purchased (so many times)

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository 

My Rating: 5 stars (all the stars, actually)

Goodreads synopsis:

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan..

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

~ ~ ~

When rereading Fangirl, it was as if I were being reunited with some of my closest friends. This book is so special to me because of the intense connection that I feel to the characters. 

I feel like this little review will be just a massive ramble that runs together, so bear with me. 

When I first read Fangirl in 2014, I felt so connected and represented by Rainbow Rowell. I cried so hard with Cath when the various points of conflict were occurring. I felt so heard and I felt seen as someone who struggled with anxious thoughts, someone who has a twin who is completely different from them, has a family ripped apart by divorce, and as someone who found so much comfort in fictional stories and fandom. This book was a safe haven that I felt so freaking blessed to have. 

When I reread the book for the second time in 2015, I loved it even more. I was further into my high school career and becoming really anxious about going into college. Reading about Cath and experiencing her struggles honestly really comforted me and helped me cope with my anxiety about college because if my fave can survive, surely I could too. Again, I am so blessed by Rainbow Rowell. I love her so much.

When I reread the book for the third time in 2019, I was about to go into my senior year of college. I had grown SO MUCH compared to 2015-Olivia. I had conquered the many many things that I had dreaded before and I've done exceeding well. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm flourishing in college and now...at 22, I saw myself even more in Cath. Revisiting this book was honestly so nerve-wracking. I was afraid that I wouldn't love it like I had 4 years ago, but that was definitely not the case. I think I love it even more. 

This past year, 2019, I was able to meet Rainbow at her stop in Cincinnati for her tour for Pumpkinheads with Faith Erin Hicks. Not only was I able to meet her and ask her to sign my books, but I also had two minutes to thank her for writing Fangirl and rambling about how much her words and her story meant to me. Honestly, I think we bonded a little bit because she thanked me and gave me a signed bookplate for my copy of Wayward Son. I'm so blessed to have met her. I cried a little bit and I cannot wait to potentially meet her again in the future. Fangirl means the world to me. You should definitely read it. (Here is a picture of a flustered and fangirling Olivia at the event.)

There are many reasons why I enjoy this book. The pacing, the characters, the fandom aspects, the representation for anxiety, twin sibling representation, discussions on writing and becoming a better writer, and more. 

First of all, the representation of anxiety is just fantastic. Some do not enjoy Cath's character or the representation, however, I think that it accurately encapsulates my own struggles. My anxiety, I feel, is so similar to Cath's and I found myself in the novel. For me, it perfectly encapsulated the feelings that I have felt for so many years.  

When I found books that featured twins as main characters, or even side characters, I found myself struggling to connect to their relationships because they never represented my sister and I. We are completely different people. Though we grew up really enjoying some of the same things and really bonding over our love for our fandoms and bands, we grew up to be so so so different people. When you're a twin and you meet someone who has never really met a set of twins, the person will often expect the twins to be two halves of a whole, rather than two separate people. My sister and I actively have sought out our own friends, interests, and scholarly pursuits. We don't really do things that are all that alike anymore. 

When I first read this in 2014 and 2015, my sister and I were just beginning to find ourselves outside of twin-hood. It was so fun and liberating, but also really scary. I loved my sister, but I wasn't my sister. However, I still wanted to be besties with my sister. We weren't necessarily bestie besties with each other, but I knew I could confide in her and we could talk about the dumbest things at all hours of the day. What if she decided that she wasn't interested in being friends anymore? While reading Fangirl, I felt so seen. Cath's worries about her friendship with her sister made me feel so connected to her. 

While discussing Cath, I think it would be good to mention that I really resonate with her emotional capacity and her personality. We are honestly so similar that I felt like Rainbow Rowell had crawled into my vents and watched me for a few years or even just had a vision that saw how my freshmen year of college would go. It's crazy how similar Cath and I are. I just RESONATE WITH HER OKAY?

When I reread Fangirl this past year, I noticed more aspects that I hadn't fully comprehended when I read it in high school. I loved the realistic dynamic between Cath and Reagan. It's very true to some experiences in college. Additionally, I really loved Cath's relationship with her writing professor, especially toward the end. English professors and instructors are always the coolest and kindest people. I don't make the rules. That's just the facts.

I'm not sure how I can write a review without mentioning Levi. Levi. The love of my life. The best book boyfriend. The sweetest love interest ever. I love him so much. While rereading, I noticed how much he struggled with reading and it honestly broke my heart because he loves stories and he works so hard to succeed. I love the different measures he goes through and the support system around him that further helps him with his studies. I think it's so important to acknowledge that not everyone has the ability to read with so much vigor like Cath. I love how they bonded over Cath's writing and over books in general. They're such a wholesome couple and I love them forever and always. 

I'm not going to go into why Cath's family dynamic made me feel so seen, but full disclosure, my parents are divorced and I have dad issues. A lot of my mental health issues stem from the feelings that I felt when my parents split. That's life, my dudes. When I first read the book, I didn't realize how much her feelings about her parents resonated with me. Again, I'm not going to go into it, but it was powerful and it really helped me put my life and my mental health into perspective. Cath's mom-issues were just so valid and relatable to me. I could totally see myself in her struggles as she faced the feelings she didn't want to acknowledge growing up. When it comes to trauma that stems from parental issues like divorce or feelings of abandonment, I really love to see characters grapple with those struggles. Not because I want them to suffer, but so many people struggle with those issues. They're valid and unfortunately common. 

Overall, this book is just perfect to me. I highly recommend it to all of my nerdy fandom people, my people who love to write, my people who are grappling with big changes in their lives. I know that this book gets a lot of backlash because some people feel that the mental health issues aren't written well or accurately, but I don't think that's the case. Every person who struggles with their mental health interacts with their demons and struggles differently. No one handles them the same and no diagnosis or case is the same. To say that a character doesn't handle their mental health struggles correctly is so ridiculous to me. Now there are some books that absolutely do not handle things well. Either something is romanticized, trivialized, or misdiagnosed or misrepresented, but I don't think that Fangirl does this. I see so much of my own life in this book. It has helped me so much when it comes to working through my own anxieties and worries and struggles. 

I think it is such a wonderful book. I hope you give it a chance and I hope you love it. Either way, I'd love to discuss your opinions in the comments, via email, or even my Instagram DMs. Let's discuss!

Happy reading!
Olivia
~Liv the Book Nerd~
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{Review} Circe by Madeline Miller

Page Count: 393

Published On: April 10, 2018

Published By: Little Brown & Company

Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology, Historical Fiction, Retelling

Source: audiobook via Audible & hardback purchased through Book of the Month

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository 

My Rating: 4.75 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child—not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power—the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

~~~

Hey, guys!

I've been really meaning to read this book for the longest time. I've been a fan of Madeline Miller's prose and style for such a long time. Back in April of 2018, I picked up Circe fully intending to read it right away, but in the true Liv the Book Nerd fashion, it didn't happen! Who's surprised? (No one.)

I also read her short story, Galatea, back in January and I was instantly hooked. It's truly a masterful short story. I read it free through my library and Hoopla. If your library provides the Hoopla service, I definitely recommend Galatea. However, I did use my free trial for Audible to read Circe because it was not available through Hoopla.

Here is my review of Galatea: {click here}

Here is my BOTM book haul that features Circe: {click here}

This novel contains some themes and scenes that may trigger other readers. 

TW/CW: violence, gore, torture, physical/emotional/child abuse, suicidal thoughts, (brief scene) self harm, graphic childbirth, (mentions of) bestiality, (mention of) incest, animal sacrifice, death of siblings, death of child/ren, death, rape, adultery, and war themes and scenes

The standalone novel, Circe, follows the nymph, goddess, and witch Circe throughout her life -- from her creation and birth until the end of her life. Over the course of her life, Circe goes through many life-changing experiences that change her as a being and help her to realize her full worth and potential. This book is about love, healing, family, motherhood, and self-love. It's about finding your truth, your true chosen family, and *magic*. 

I've always been such a big nerd for mythology -- especially Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. My love for mythology and storytelling stems from stories like The Illiad, The Odyssey, anything by Rick Riordan, Hans Christian Anderson, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, and so many more. Stories have always been such an impactful part of my childhood and have impacted what I've chosen to do with my life. Even now, I'm writing my own story that is influenced and inspired by Norse mythology. Mythology, to me, is very important because we can learn from the lessons that the characters have experienced and try to understand the struggles of others. 

Circe is known for her role as the enchantress in The Odyssey. Odysseus and his men come to her island and attempt to take advantage of her hospitality -- stealing from her, attacking her, and just generally being pigs. So, she turns them into what they are -- she turns them into stinky swine. However, Odysseus convinces her to keep him for herself and they become lovers. He also is immune to her magic because of the aid of Hermes. He becomes distracted from his quest and he stays with Circe for a year as her lover. They eventually leave, but many believe that his stay with Circe was to teach him and others who read/listen to his tale that women are irresistible seductresses who manipulate men and are threats to men's morality and lead them astray. (Which is bullshit.)

Reading Circe was such a lovely experience. I actually listened to 90% of the book and read about 10% physically. I personally enjoyed listening to it much more than reading it physically. Circe is not a speedy quick book. You can't just pick it up and read it in a day. (However, if you did do this, more power to you. This is my personal opinion and I could never read a Madeline Miller novel in one sitting.) This story is slow, but still quite fast paced. If you enjoy slower books, but they are a bit of a drag for you to physically read, I definitely recommend the audiobook. The narrator, Perdita Weeks, was PHENOMENAL! I love her work.

So much happens in this story. So many things are shown to the reader that honestly made me have to stop and put down the book/pause the audiobook. Circe goes through so many traumatic and terrifying things that I just had to sit and THINK. While this is a really great retelling of The Odyssey, it's not just a retelling! It's Circe's story! The Odyssey plays a small part in her story -- as does Odysseus -- but this is all Circe. The Odyssey is just a small part of Circe's journey to self-fulfillment and growth. 

Circe is probably one of my new favorite protagonists -- well, she's not new, but she's new to me! She's strong, she's driven, she's flawed, she's a feminist boss ass chick! I just absolutely adore her journey and I wish that I could have more from her. I aspire to be as strong, confident, magical, and independent as Circe. I love her.

Throughout the story, readers realize that any story will be told differently by whoever tells it, but it will especially be told differently if a man tells the story. Ballads and epics will always be told to favor the hero, not the heroine. Women in the stories are witches, sorceresses, and enchantresses that need to be stopped, defeated, tamed, subdued, ended, killed. Circe is like no other hero that I've heard before. She's not a hero! She's a witch, she's an enchantress, a goddess -- she's a woman! She fights for her independence and autonomy. This is a story of a woman who is fighting for her worth. 

“They do not care if you are good. They barely care if you are wicked. The only thing that makes them listen is power.”

If you are unfamiliar with Madeline Miller's writing, I definitely recommend her work. She is a true queen of mythology and retellings. With her background in classic literature, history, languages, and her immense talents in writing, you won't be disappointed.

If you haven't already gone to put your copy on hold at the library, bought it, ordered it, etc. PLEASE DO! READ THIS BOOK!

You can order a signed and personalized copy of Madeline Miller's books {here}.

I will be going to a discussion and signing for Madeline Miller toward the end of June. I am so excited! Pictures and gushes to come to my Twitter and Instagram!

Other Retellings You Would Love:

• The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood ~ The Odyssey from Penelope and the servant's perspective 
• Grendel by John Gardner ~ Beowulf from Grendel's perspective
• Uprooted by Naomi Novik ~ a sort of Beauty and the Beast retelling

Happy reading!

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Review} Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend

Page Count: 465

Published On: October 31, 2017

Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure 

Source: paperback - personally purchased

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository 

My Rating: 5 stars 

Goodreads synopsis:

A cursed girl escapes death and finds herself in a magical world - but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination

Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.

It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart - an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests - or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.

~~~

Content/Trigger Warnings: abusive parental figures and abandonment

Hey, guys!

I purchased this book at the insistence of my friends: Brooke, Mariana, Becky, and Alice. This lovely book has circulated bookstagram, book twitter, booktube, and the book community and taken it by storm since its publication in 2017. Let me tell you, guys, I'm pretty much kicking myself for waiting so long to read this book. It has to be one of my new favorites of 2019 and I'm so excited to continue reading more of Townsend's books in the future.

The Trials of Morrigan Crow follows Morrigan as she comes upon her eleventh birthday, the last birthday that she will experience before her foretold death on her twelfth birthday. Morrigan is a cursed child, a child who brings mayhem and destruction wherever she goes -- and she can't control it. Because she was born on Eventide, she is deemed one of the unluckiest children in the Republic. She's to blame for any bad occurrence in her area and she is doomed to die on Eventide when she turns twelve years old. On the day of her eleventh birthday, however, a mysterious man named Juniper North appears and takes her away to the land of Nevermoor, escaping her cursed death and the horrible things that follow her. Juniper has chosen Morrigan to be his candidate for the Wundrous Society. To join the society, she must complete a series of trials against many other hopeful children with extraordinary talents. To stay in Nevermoor, Morrigan must beat them in the trials and confront the terrible things that she left behind in her home town.

This book was so well crafted and magical. If you enjoy elements from Harry Potter (JK Rowling), Furthermore and Whichwood (Tahereh Mafi), The Land of Stories series (Chris Colfer), and the Sisters Grimm series (Michael Buckley) -- you will definitely enjoy this story!

This was a lovely testament to finding your true family (or found family). It truly warmed my heart to read Morrigan's story and journey to finding a loving family. I think this book could really help children realize that even if they feel like their blood family doesn't love an appreciate them, there is someone out there that does love them. The universe has a way of connecting the unloved with those who love them. This book is a testament to that. 

This book also shows kids, readers, etc. that you are more than you think you are and that you can do anything you set your heart to do. Throughout the story, Morrigan's insecurities caused her to doubt herself and the trials that she went through during her first 11 years really knocked her down. But when she finally was pushed into a nurturing and caring environment, she saw that with encouragement and love and kindness, she is more than what her family and her old town made her out to be. You are not born evil. The things that you encounter and shape you cause you to go along that path. Just like in Christian mythology, the Bible shows that humanity was not evil upon creation. Man's actions caused him to go down the path of damnation. Therefore Man and his ancestors are no longer perfect in the sight of God. I'm not sure why I added this religious crash course to evil, but I guess that happened. 

While reading this book, I experienced feelings of absolute joy. I don't think I've enjoyed a middle-grade story like this since I first read Harry Potter. I wish this had been published when I was 11. I cannot wait to share this with my 11-year-old sister. This story is so beautiful, whimsical, and fantastical. It is a truly wonderful story for all ages. I cannot wait to read the second book in the series and I hope that there are more and more.

I definitely recommend this book! Please please please read it and let me know what you think of it in the comments!

Happy reading,

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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February 2019 Reading Wrap Up + My Current Reads!

Hey, guys!

This past month has been sooo freaking busy. I'm so sorry that I haven't been updating you all. I'm finding that the junior years of high school and college are definitely the hardest years so far. I've managed to read much more than I anticipated and the books that I did read were so fantastic! Here are the books that I read this month (+mini reviews - for now!)

A Curse So Dark & Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

~ 5 stars ~

      I had the pleasure of reading this book a week early, but I became so busy that I was unable to read it completely beforehand. I managed to finish the book the day after it was published and WOW-OH-WOW! I was so pleased with this book. It's definitely a new favorite and I'm unashamed to say that I bought two more of Brigid's books this month post-Curse. This book was the perfect blend of diversity, a new fantastical world, alternate universe crossing, romance, friendship, action, retelling elements, and immersive writing. I love this book so fracking much. I'm honestly still not sure how to describe why I love it so much. I'm still collecting my thoughts and I honestly want to reread the novel so that I can read a finished copy. I cannot wait for A Heart So Fierce & Broken. I already know it's going to be epic and beautiful. Bring it on, Brigid!

Shoutout to Good Choice Reading for the amazing virtual signing for Curse!

Bloom by Kevin Panetta & Savanna Ganucheau

~ 5 stars ~

       Another beautifully written story that I cannot get enough of. This book is also a new favorite that I instantly bought soon after reading it. I had been eagerly yet quietly anticipating this book for a month now and when one of the librarians pointed out the new graphic novels in our collection, I had to read it ASAP. I procrastinated my homework and binge-read the first 3/4 before the library closed and basically swallowed the last 1/4 after I got home. This story is just so beautiful, sweet, and wholesome. I absolutely love Ari and Hector. They are the soft, beautiful baking boys of my heart. I cannot wait to read more from Kevin and Savanna. This graphic novel deserves all of the stars!

Bingo Love Volume 1: Jackpot Edition by Tee Franklin, Marguerite Bennett, Gail Simone, Shawn Pryor, Jenn St. Onge, Sara Alfageeh, Paulina Ganucheau, Beverly Johnson, and Ariela Kristantina

~ 4 stars ~

I also picked this beautiful book up from my university's library (along with Be Prepared and Bloom). I've been eyeing this story since it came to our shelves and I am so glad that I read this lovely story. The story of Hazel and Mari is so beautiful, inspiring, and heartwrenching. I am, for real, so blessed to have read this book. This book follows Hazel and Mari as they fall in love in the 1960s, but are driven apart by the hands of their conservative families. Decades later, they find each other again and realize that their love is still very much alive. They take control of their lives and live the rest of their lives together. The journeys that these women face is so eye-opening and inspiring. This graphic novel needs to go viral and get into the hands of anyone and everyone. 

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

~ 3 stars ~

     I've been following Vera as an artist for a hot minute, but I have never really read any of her published work. I'll see clips or bits and pieces online, but I've never really picked up her work before Be Prepared. One of her other graphic novels, Anya's Ghost, was very popular when it first came out in 2011, but I haven't picked that one up either (I will soon, though because it's at the library!). Be Prepared follows Vera in a semi-autobiographical story about how she goes to a Russian summer camp. Throughout the story, Vera is trying to make friends, find herself in her culture, and to learn more about herself as a person. Though I enjoyed this story, I really didn't connect with Vera like I would have hoped. Maybe it's because I'm not nine or Russian, but I just didn't like her that much. I just didn't think there was a hopeful message at the end. It just fell flat. However, I really did enjoy the story, the illustrations, and color schemes. This is perfect for younger readers. I just didn't connect as much as I thought I would. 

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

~ 5 stars ~

Another new favorite contemporary! February has been a fantastic month for finding new faves. It's crazy how much I enjoyed Radio Silence. I started listening to this glorious book via Hoopla over a weekend and I could not put this book down! Not only was the audio narrator fantastic (Aysha Kala), the story was absolutely enthralling. I absolutely love the characters, their stories, the diversity, the whole vibe...everything was perfect! There was never a dull moment in this book. I've never really chosen to lay in bed and finish an audiobook, but I stayed up til 2am to finish this one. This book was everything I could have asked for. I need more Alice Oseman! I recommend this book to everyone! It has everything you could want: platonic boy/girl relationships, beautiful soft boys, diverse characters, a podcast with fantasy/dystopia elements, different social media, road trips, school drama, mystery, and more! This book is too wonderful to explain. I wish I had more. I need more!

image was taken from www.goodreads.com

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

~ 4.5 stars ~

This book was everything I could have hoped for. Not only was it just as deliciously romantic as The Kiss Quotient, the characters were also just so engaging and the plot was just so wonderfully done. I had the pleasure of reading and e-ARC from NetGalley and this book just made me sooo excited for more work from Helen Hoang. I absolutely adore her writing style, her methods of characterization, and the way she develops relationships and incorporates diverse characters and topics. I cannot wait to read the next book in this little universe. I was so thrilled to have gotten to see Stella and Michael in this book too. Their little cameo was perfect and I literally yelled when I realized that it was them. Ugh, I love Helen's characters. I cannot wait to get my hands on my preordered finished copy. 

Release Date: May 7, 2019

My Current Reads

I've also managed to have quite a few books on the back burner this month. I'm currently reading 3 books alongside the books I'm reading for school. I'm really excited to finish these awesome books and let you all know what I think of them. Keep an eye on my Goodreads and Instagram stories to know about my current reading progress!

Roomies by Christina Lauren

(via physical paperback)

As I am typing up this blog post, I'm pretty positive that I'm going to be finishing this book after I finish writing up my wrap up and book haul. This book is so much fun. I love the writing style of the authors. Their dialogue is so funny and the premises of their books are so ridiculous, but so well executed and addicting to read. I love love love Holland and Calvin's personalities. They absolutely crack me up. I cannot wait to see how the second half of this book will go. I honestly hope that I cry.

I'm currently 40% through this book.

Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer

(via physical hardback)

This book is also SO GOOD! Joanna's writing style is so beautiful and I cannot wait to see how this book turns out. I've been putting off finishing this book because I don't want it to end. I love the elements that she's taken from Russian folklore and culture and the basic bits from the legend of East O' the Sun West O' the Moon. It's probably tied with Beauty and the Beast as my favorite fairy tale/folk story. I cannot wait to pick up Joanna's other book, Beneath the Haunting Sea. Joanna pitches it as "Jane Eyre meets The Silmarillion" I think I need that in my life! Yes, please!

I'm currently 60% through this book.

Solitaire by Alice Oseman

(via audiobook through Hoopla)

I quickly picked started this audiobook after listening to Radio Silence, hoping for a story that was just as engaging and entertaining as RD. Unfortunately, Solitaire isn't as good as RD, but I'm still quite enjoying it. I'm not sure how I like the main character, Tori, or the audio narrator; but I really enjoy the side characters and the mystery of the plot. I'm eager to pick up more of Oseman's work after this. I love her writing style and characterization techniques. 

I'm currently 36% through this book. 

What are you guys currently reading? Let's chat in the comments!

Happy reading!

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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{2018 Mini Reviews} Contemporary & Romance Novels

Hey, guys!

      I read so many enjoyable books this year, but I managed to overwhelm myself with schoolwork and attempting to continue on with my blog. Over the next few weeks, I will be writing a bunch of blog posts and reviews for the books I've been reading this past year, but I will also be combining reviews and condensing my thoughts. I'm just calling them "mini-reviews". I'll try to combine them into groups that have a similar genre, theme, etc., but maybe the grouping won't make sense either. They will be complete reviews with my full thoughts, nonetheless. I hope you enjoy this temporary method of reviewing!

In this review, I will be discussing: 

• The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
• Geekerella by Ashley Poston
• Save the Date by Morgan Matson
• The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chobosky
• The Leading Edge of Now by Marci Lyn Curtis
• Kiss Me in Paris by Catherine Rider

Page Count: 336
Published on: June 5, 2018

Published by: Berkley
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult, New Adult

Contains adult content that may not be suitable for younger readersWhere To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases — a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice — with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan — from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

~~~

Back in June, I purchased this book through the Book of the Month club box. I was instantly intrigued by the synopsis and the characters sounded so original and unique. Not only was this book even better than my expectations, but it has also become one of my favorite books of the year. Helen Hoang's writing style is so charming, intelligent, and clever and her characters are so well thought out and fun to follow. I couldn't put this book down! I absolutely adore everything about this book. The autistic representation is spot on and the ethnic diversity of the characters is so freaking great.

I have been recommending this book to anyone who asks me for a romance, contemporary, or diverse reading recommendation. I think that this book has the potential to become a worldwide favorite for anyone who loves a great love story. I cannot wait to read more from Helen. I've already pre-ordered her 2019 release, The Bride Test.

I definitely recommend this book! 

My initial thoughts from Goodreads:

INITIAL THOUGHTS. These are a ramble and were not spell-or-grammar checked. Literally, I was in a car wreck today and I finished this book but I’m not going to write a review right now but I have SO MANY THOUGHTS.

4 or 5 stars? TBD

I really liked this book. It wasn’t my favorite romance that I’ve read but I genuinely enjoyed it. It had fantastic characters, fantastic autism rep, a lovely diverse cast, and the characters themselves were so emotionally fleshed out. I absolutely adored their emotional and mental growth. 

The discussion and thoughts that were inspired as I read this book were awesome. I love how this book made me think about things that I do not typically think about. When the media often portrays those with autism, they are either VERY high functioning and conventionally awkward or they are very low functioning and represented incorrectly. Well, either way, they aren’t represented in a way that educates the consumers of the media. This book represents those with high functioning autism (formerly classified as Aspergers) quite well. I have so many friends, colleagues, and even family members who have been diagnosed with some form of autism. 

One of my best friends from middle and high school had been diagnosed with Aspergers (I assume that because of the change in diagnosis they would also just be considered as high functioning? I’m not a professional) and I felt like Stella was a fairly accurate representation of those I know. (Though I cannot and will not claim that those people would relate to her. I just made connections through my familiarity with those I know.) I just adored being a part of Stella’s world. Her perspective was done so freaking well. She’s so lovely and I love how quirky and different she is. I loved her story. 

I loved Michael. I thought he was so well rounded. He is the perfect match for Stella and I loved reading about this interactions and seeing their attraction and love grow for each other. His family was a true JOY! I love realistic family dynamics. I loved his inner turmoil and search for inner morality. He’s so adorable. 

Okay, the sex scenes? Really well done. Really steamy. Was I really going into it for the sexy bits? Absolutely not. Were they appreciated? I will admit, yes. They were freaking fun. 


Michael and Stella made my awkward nerdy self giggle throughout the whole book. I loved this book.

~~~

Page Count: 320
Published on: April 4, 2017

Published by: Quirk Books
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Retelling

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Geek girl Elle Wittimer lives and breathes Starfield, the classic science-fiction series she grew up watching with her late father. So when she sees a cosplay contest for a new Starfield movie, she has to enter. The prize? An invitation to the ExcelsiCon Cosplay Ball and a meet-and-greet with the actor slated to play Federation Prince Carmindor in the reboot. With savings from her gig at the Magic Pumpkin food truck and her dad's old costume, Elle's determined to win - unless her stepsisters get there first.

Teen actor Darien Freeman used to live for cons - before he was famous. Now they're nothing but autographs and awkward meet-and-greets. Playing Carmindor is all he has ever wanted, but Starfield fandom has written him off as just another dumb heartthrob. As ExcelsiCon draws near, Darien feels more and more like a fake - until he meets a girl who shows him otherwise. But when she disappears at midnight, will he ever be able to find her again?

Part-romance, part-love letter to nerd culture, and all totally adorbs, Geekerella is a fairy tale for anyone who believes in the magic of fandom.

~~~

This story was just a roller coaster ride that I didn't want to get off. The Cinderella aspect of this book was done so well. I loved the modern setting and the references to nerd/geek culture. This story was everything that I could have hoped for. Elle was such a wonderful narrator. Her narration style was so addicting to read and her commentary was hilarious and her journey to a better life was so delightful to read about. I loved the friendships that she developed with others throughout the book. Darien was so much fun too. I loved his life and his journey to find himself through his career. I loved reading about his passion for his craft and his friendships and struggles. I don't know much about the expectations and lives of those who are publicly famous, but his life just seemed so realistic.

If you like fairy tale retellings, nerd culture, well thought out characters, and adorable, fluffy romance, this book is for you! I definitely recommend! I've already preordered the companion sequel: The Princess and the Fangirl! 

~~~

Page Count: 432
Published on: June 5, 2018

Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 4.75 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Charlie Grant's older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can't wait for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, before the house is sold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect.

The only problem? The weekend is shaping up to be an absolute disaster. There's the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won't stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge.

There are the relatives who aren't speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo. Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner's nephew is unexpectedly, distractedly cute.

Over the course of three ridiculously chaotic days, Charlie will learn more than she ever expected about the family she thought she knew by heart. And she'll realize that sometimes, trying to keep everything like it was in the past means missing out on the future.

~~~

Morgan Matson has been one of my favorite YA contemporary/romance writers of all time for the longest time. However, this was not my favorite of the books she has written. I felt slightly disconnected from the characters for a part of the time, but that was quickly remedied towards the middle of the book. I also felt like this was just so slow for a YA contemporary, but the characters made up for the slower pace.

Though this wasn't as impressed with this as I anticipated, I still really enjoyed this story. I absolutely adore the family relationships and the family dynamic that is established. It's so realistic and fun. I never felt like the actions of the characters were solely based on keeping the plot to chug along. It just felt super natural and realistic. I loved that there was a focus on family and friend relationships, rather than a focus on romantic relationships...also there was a beagle and he was amazing. The romantic subplots throughout this book were still quite fluffy and sweet, but didn't overpower the main themes on family. The Grant family was so much fun to follow. They were loud, crazy, and completely insane. I hope that Morgan incorporates more crazy families in her future novels.

Overall, this wasn't my favorite MM book, but it was still quite fun to read. I can't wait for her next book. I needed it yesterday.

~~~

Page Count: 213
Published on: February 1999

Published by: MTV/Pocket Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

The critically acclaimed debut novel from Stephen Chbosky, Perks follows observant “wallflower” Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up.

~~~

I have been meaning to read Perks for the longest time, but I finally picked it up after Alex bought it for me back in October 2017. I'm definitely glad that I read this book, but I'm not as impressed as I anticipated. This book has been one of Courtney's favorite books since 2015 and I'm sure that they hype that she built up added to my high expectations. After reading the book, I watched the movie with Emma Watson and (don't kill me) I sort of liked the movie more? Granted, it's not as similar to the book as it could be, but I think that the movie adds a different element to the story that makes it more enjoyable. While reading the book, I couldn't get passed how juvenile Charlie's narration was. It just didn't seem realistic for a kid in high school. This issue was later remedied after finishing the book, but I felt like the movie added a depth to his character that was missing in the book. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story, but I didn't like the narration style. I absolutely admire the popularity of this book, but it just wasn't my favorite story.

~~~

Page Count: 213
Published on: February 1999

Published by: MTV/Pocket Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Trigger Warning: Rape, sexual violence, and discussions surrounding rape

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Just when Grace is beginning to get used to being an orphan, her estranged uncle suddenly comes forward to claim her. That might have been okay if he'd spoken to her even once since her father died. Or if moving in with Uncle Rusty didn't mean returning to New Harbor. 

Grace once spent the best summers of her life in New Harbor. Now the place just reminds her of all she's lost: her best friend, her boyfriend and any memory of the night that changed her forever. 

People say the truth will set you free, but Grace isn't sure about that. Once she starts looking for it, the truth about that night is hard to find --- and what happens when her healing hurts the people she cares about the most?

~~~

I was sent this book for an honest review from KCP Loft.

Overall, I felt like this story had a really deep and thought provoking premise. The characters were fleshed out enough that I liked them while reading the book, but I honestly do not remember their names. 

Though I did not remember Grace's name or the other character's names, this story was still very moving and impactful. The writing style was beautiful and the pacing was very nicely done. Grace was such a relatable and poignant person to read about. Her methods to handle her trauma and grief are so realistic and I just couldn't stop reading her story. 

Though this isn't my favorite book, I think that the way Marci developed her characters and their stories was so well done. This topic is so relevant and this story really opened my eyes to what others have gone through. 

~~~

Page Count: 213
Published on: February 1999

Published by: MTV/Pocket Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Trigger Warning: Rape, sexual violence, and discussions surrounding rape

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Serena has just flown all the way to Paris for a special pre-Christmas weekend with her sister, Lara. They plan to retrace the steps of their parents' long-ago honeymoon in Paris, and create a scrapbook for their bereaved mother to remember it by. 

It's supposed to be serious sister bonding...until Lara takes off with her boyfriend instead.

Jean-Luc is Serena's Plan B, a friend of a friend of Lara's, who has some space in a place where Serena can stay. Just like his latest relationship, his photography final has been an epic fail. He has one night to retake all his pictures if he is to stay in school. 

Jean-Luc can't stand Serena's loud voice or her bright orange sneakers.

Serena can't stand his haughty manners or the way his camera is always in her face.

Together, though, they set out into a cold night that will warm their hearts, creating unforgettable photos and fresh romantic sparks in the City of Lights.

~~~

I was sent this book for an honest review from KCP Loft.

Not unlike Kiss Me In New York, this light romance novel was very character driven and solely relied on a sort of "meet-cute" tactic to continue the romance along. Though the romance throughout this book was subtle and sweet, it wasn't realistic and I really couldn't get behind it. 

This book reads like a draft. I really have not liked Catherine Rider's work thus far. I just think that she could continue developing her characters and plot. I really love cheesy romance novels, but this was just cringey and annoying at times. I liked the growth that Serana and Jean-Luc go through, but it was just not enough to convince me to thoroughly enjoy this book.

It was definitely better than Kiss Me In New York, but not as good as I could see it to be. The relationship and interactions between Serena and her mother really amped up my reading experience; however, the interaction did not happen until about 90% through the novel.

~~~

Overall, there were quite a few romance novels that I really really enjoyed this year. I'm really excited to discuss my Top 18 of 2018 this year, so stay tuned for more of my thoughts on my favorite 2018 reads!

Happy reading, guys!

Olivia
~Liv the Book Nerd~
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