Shades of Earth by Beth Revis

Imagine being frozen for centuries. You are alive but frozen. You are on a spaceship travelling to another planet.

Amy chooses to go with her parents to a new planet that is similar to earth.

We see in the first 2 books in the series the story is unfolding on the spaceship. 

In Shades of Earth, the spaceship finally lands. FINALLY!!!!!

I don’t want to get into the story because SPOILERS!!!

So instead I want to discuss Amy’s decision.

Would you do that? Would you freeze yourself? For any reason?

It got me really thinking.

Imagine freezing yourself and waking up knowing that the people you grew up with, loved or hated are all dead. That Earth is no longer your home. That if you were to go back to Earth, nothing would be the same. And you wouldn’t have a place on it. Just that thought breaks everything apart.

I did find the book a bit slow, especially the beginning. However, the ending was good and unexpected at all.

Finally, I am glad to have finished this amazing series. The only Sci-Fi series I ever read in my life. And it’s the only trilogy that I own completely so that is saying something. I still remember when I first saw the cover of Across the Universe. Man, it brings back memories.

It’s time to say goodbye to yet another series. Looking forward to Beth Revis’s newest projects. 

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

I loved Amy and Roger's Epic Detour which was Morgan Matson's debut novel. So when I heard about Second Chance Summer, I added right away on goodreads.com. Now that I've read it, it is safe to say that Amy and Roger Epic Detour is still my favorite book by Morgan Matson.

The book has a great start. Taylor who is the main character goes to a lake house with her family as a way to say goodbye to her father. It is their last summer together before he dies. But then memories start to float back to surface. And readers are taken back years ago when that lake house was her life. Where she met her first boyfriend and lost her best friend.

The book is about finding broken parts and collecting them. It leaves you wondering if things can go back as they were. As much as this book was about correcting your past mistakes and enduring the obstacles that many goes through, it was very predictable.

I knew what was going to happen midway reading this book. There were no plot twists. This took away the fun in finding out the ending.

However,  Taylor's family stood out to me. They were strong in the midst of the new changes that they were going through. I hope everyone who reads this book, feels better. And I think this is the aim of the book is to inform its readers that they are not alone.  

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The setting of this novel is very unique, giving it an edge that is hard to find in many novels. I think Shadow and Bone will be easy to remember its details when reading the second book because I dont recall ever reading a book with a similar theme. I think that’s what stood out for me.

Of course there were parts that I wanted to skip but they were necessary to understand the details of this world. At the same time, I wished there were more history given to us and more about the ruling structure in this world. That would have been great. But I think the world will be clearer in the second book (I hope so!). That is why I am so eager to read the second book.

I didn’t feel the romance between Alina and Mal. I saw them as siblings more than anything else. That’s why I had hard time getting into them. However what happened between them towards the end of the novel-the sacrifices-might had convinced me, a little, of their love. But, still, I need more.

The cover is iconic. I mean I am pretty sure you've noticed it in the bookstores. You probably stopped, picked it and read the synopsis. Its stands out which makes it the perfect cover for this book to sell and become more marketable.

Overall, it was a great book but it would have been perfect if extra details were incorporated throughout the novel. And if the love between Alina and Mal was given more time to develop because I felt like it was rushed. I needed more time to understand and feel the romance aspect of the novel.   

Blackwood by Gwenda Bond

Release Date: Septemeber 4^th 2012

Publisher: Strange Chemistry

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 352 pages

Source: ARC

Let's start this review my saying that this book wasn’t my cup of tea…whatever that means. I did not enjoy reading it for a minute. I wanted to stop reading so many times, but I kept convincing myself that it might get better. And half way through, it got a little better. Maybe a little faster. But that wasn’t enough.

The main problem was the characters. The plot was fine, especially the mysterious part of it. The writing style was fine but it didn’t grab my attention. The pacing was very slow…it made me lose interest. Miranda's voice wasn’t strong enough. I didn’t care for her. And maybe that was because I didn’t know much about her background. I like a character more when I know them better. I know their habits, hobbies, etc, and if you asked me about Miranda, I wouldn’t know anything about her except that she had a cat.

Phillips was obviously in love with Miranda. He cared a lot about her. But why. I never knew why Phillips decided to move back to his hometown…just for Miranda. I wish their story was shared to us (readers). They both knew each other well so how did they leave each other and what was between them…I don’t know. And maybe that’s what kept me reading the book. Because I really wanted to know their story.

Sadly, there were parts that were confusing and unrealistic. Therefore, it wasn’t convincing at all. I was really looking forward to this book but it had disappointed me.

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

Release Date: June 14^th 2011

Publisher: Dutton

Age Group: Young Adult

Page: 352 pages

Source: Library

Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby.

But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

With palpable drama and delicious craft, Nova Ren Suma bursts onto the YA scene with the story that everyone will be talking about.

First of all, look at the cover. It's just beautiful. You have to agree with that.

Second of all, the writing was so good. It was almost poetic. Nova's writing captured everything elegantly (the moments, thoughts of the main character, Chole herself). The writing style was one of the things that I liked about this book.

This book kept me guessing. I was tempted several times to read the final page but I was also eager to read how Nova will build up the story. It was mysterious, creepy and eerie. The story itself was unique and its mainly focus was on the bonds between sisters. So the main focus of the book wasn’t on a boy and a girl falling in love. But don’t worry there was that too. Usually, the romance in a book is thing that keeps me reading it, but in Imaginary Girls there was a lack of that aspect but it was still amazing. You know, a great book doesn’t need a romance to make it perfect.

I liked the characters, of course. They were so real.

With all positives I had mentioned above, there is one negative…  I don’t get it. I don’t get the imaginary girls concept. I don’t want to spoil so all I'm going to say is that it was a bit confusing. Especially towards the end. Like I don’t know who is real or imaginary anymore. Well, I guess that’s the point of it.

Overall, this book was awesome and one of my favorite reads in 2011.

    

Definitely NOT Camelot by Kimberly Joy Peters

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Definitely NOT Camelot by Kimberly Joy Peters

Release Date: October 15^th 2010 

Publisher: Lobster Press

 Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 192 pages

Format: paperback

Source: ARC from publisher 

Series: book 2 

Ashley may be starring in Camelot, but between vicious rumors flying around school, her mother's cancer and an addiction to supplements, life is anything but a fairy-tale.

My review:

It was a quick enjoyable read.

We are back to Ashley crazy life. She is suffering with her sick mom. She broke up with her boyfriend. She is struggling to find her new self. I really did enjoy book 1 in the series and my expectations for book 2 were thankfully met.

Peters writing is so engaging and relatable. I mean, the main character is like every teenager girl, trying to survive this scary place called high school. But how are you suppose to survive when they are rumours about you all over the school? But from book 1, we know that Ashley is a strong character and she can handle it.

I loved Ashley even more in this book. She was a fun character. I felt Peters writing got better too from book 1. It was just so good.

Also, I admired how Peters hinted that social media could be harmful sometimes.

Overall, I think this book is so relatable to every girl's life and they should read it.   

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Book Review: Between Shades of Gray

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I shall review a book titled "Between Shade of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys.

Release Date: March 22^nd 2011
Publisher: Philomel Books
Source: Library
The description of the book: 

Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.
Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously—and at great risk—documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.

My review:

The length of the journey that a reader has to go through in this book is just exhausting and heart breaking. "Between Shade of Gray" put a spotlight on a part of history that went missing. A part that kept hidden from 1941 to 1990.

The book takes place during the Second World War in Lithuania and how people were treated like animals. The book is narrated by Lina who is 15 years old and who loves drawing. She was taken by the NKVD along with her mother and brother. Lina kept drawing as a way to communicate with her dad.

From the first moment, you start feeling sorry for Lina. How she had to face all these hardships in order to survive. How she was too young compared to the challenges she had to face. Lina and her family would work so hard for some bread to eat. But I loved her sprit. She knew the ending of this torture was coming soon. Even if it took her 12 years. Lina's mother was my favorite character. She was strong in front of her children and sacrificed a lot for them.

It wouldn’t be a YA if there was no love interest. The relationship between Lina and Andrius was a beautiful thing. Under all these conditions that they had to live through, there were able to love and help each other.

Reading a YA that is full of historical events and facts is just so amazing because you are teaching readers about history in the way they like it. Because otherwise who would want to know who died and who survived unless it was written well.  

Overall, I think Ruta's book was very informative and educational. Not to mention that it was heartbreaking but also it strengthens your soul at the same time. It makes you think about current events and makes you wonder where on earth the-treatments-of-humans-like-animals is happening. It takes YA genre to a whole new level.  

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Book Review: Delirium

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I shall review a book titled Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Release Date: February 1^st 2011 

Publisher: HarperTeen   

Source: Won from online giveaway 

Series: Book 1 

The description of the book:
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 
But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

I heard a lot about how good Lauren Oliver is. But when I read "Delirium", I knew for sure Lauren wasn’t just good. She was awesome. Her style of writing is the type I like. She helps you capture the full image easily. Her characters are so unique and beautiful.

Basically, Delirium is a dystopian novel where love is forbidden. The minute you turn 18, you are cured from it. But before Lena was cured, she fell in love with Alex. So what is Lena suppose to do? How could you avoid love? And no, it's not just love between Lena and Alex, it also includes any kind of love. For example, after you are cured, you stop loving your parents, siblings and friends.

Lauren Oliver did a great job in making me think of how the world would go or stop without love. Lauren made me realize how love is essential to survive life.

Back to the Lauren's writing, it was so flawless and I just felt like I needed more. I didn’t want to stop reading at all. The characters are complete with every detail that you could think of.

The loveship (I know its not a word) between Alex and Lena was beautiful and romantic. It was real love that you don’t get to read about much in books these days.  

Now the worse thing about this book is that it finishes with a cliffhanger. I am just dying to know what happens next. I guess I have to wait and see.

Overall, I think Lauren's writing is very addictive and the minute you start reading one of her books, you start wanting more.

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Book Review: Personal Demons

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Today I shall be reviewing Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers. It is her debut novel. This book is the first in a series.

Description of the book:

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She has spent years keeping everyone at a distance—-even her closest friends—-and it seems as if her senior year is going to be more of the same . . . until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can’t seem to stay away from him. 

What she doesn’t know is that Luc is on a mission. He’s been sent from Hell itself to claim Frannie’s soul. It should be easy—-all he has to do is get her to sin, and Luc is as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance. But he has to work fast, because if the infernals are after her, the celestials can’t be far behind. And sure enough, it’s not long before the angel Gabriel shows up, willing to do anything to keep Luc from getting what he came for. It isn’t long before they find themselves fighting for more than just Frannie’s soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay . . . for all of them.

My review:

You get to read from Frannie and Luc's perspectives. Each character gives us a chance to get into their head. Frannie comes from a religious family. Luc comes from hell. Luc is trying to tag Frannie to hell but he is taking longer than he should be. They both start to fall for each other slowly. It wasn’t like "OMG you're so hot." And he was like "I know, right?" It was deeper than that. But of course there is nothing better than a love triangle. Out of nowhere we meet Gabriel whose smile makes Frannie melt. She is falling for both of them and I can't blame her.

The beautiful writing made it so addicting. I was flipping the pages as if my life depended on it. Sometimes when a love triangle is formed, you feel like slapping the female character to tell her about the right choice. But Personal Demons made me confuse. I didn’t know which one to choose.

On the cover it says, " If you had to choose between Heaven and Hell, which would it be? ...Are you sure about that?" if this sentence doesn’t make eager to read this book than I don’t know what will. This phrase is so catchy. However, I did not like the cover. First of all, it gives you a clear picture of how the 3 main characters look like. Usually readers like to picture the characters all by themselves. So showing us how a character is supposed to look like killed a huge part for the reader's imagination. Also, the female model on the cover didn’t look like a high school student. Does she?

Finally this book was an amazing start for Lisa Desrochers. She created a wonderful book 1 and I cant wait for the rest of the series.

Check out the trailer here:

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Book Review: Everlasting

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Today I shall be reviewing Everlasting by Angie Frazier. It is her debut novel. In this book, you got to experience romance, historical fiction, fantasy, etc.

The description of the book:

Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.

On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.

The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most. 

My Review:

I read this book because of its beautiful cover. It reminded me of 'The Notebook' in the boat scene. It is in blue and purple; two colours that you often don’t find together. I like it when whoever create a cover takes a full risk.

If I had known that this book had some fantasy, I wouldn’t have read it. I don’t like fantasy that much but I read the book not knowing. However, the romance and the fact that it took place decades ago made it more interesting and made me forget about the fantasy part. Personally, I don’t think the fantasy section was that huge. It only got bigger towards the end. The fantasy in this book was really good and it made me believe it. But here is my problem I normally fail at visualizing those fantasies. I am not good with picturing them. However, if we start talking about the romance part, boy-oh-boy, it was the type I like. Not the obvious one. Not the one from first sight. The one where you question whether it exist or not. That kind of love.

Camille, the main character, is so loveable and you feel sorry for her a lot. She is supposed to be marrying to someone that she doesn’t like. At all. But her marriage could only save her father. But what about Oscar? The one who sends electricity throughout her body the minute he touches her. What should she do?

I was kind of surprised when goodreads said that there was a book #2. I mean it ends perfectly and it could be stand-alone book. But I guess not. I still am interested in what would happen next. But I hope there wont be much fantasy.

 Check out the trailer below:

Love the trailer

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Book Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

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Today I shall be reviewing a book titled Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan.

Description of the book:

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

My Review:

Even though I had read this book right after Christmas, I was brought back to the Christmas' spirit by reading it. This book takes place around Christmas. We get introduced to Dash who loves books and Lily who is trying to find a boyfriend before the arrival of the new years. It's New York and it's snowing. People are shopping like crazy and the city that never sleeps enjoys being a part of the story.

Dash, as we mentioned earlier, loves reading. I mean what are the chances of knowing a guy his age enjoys reading. Here is another one: what are the chances of finding a male character in a book that enjoys reading. This aspect made Dash so special and memorable. Lily is an innocent, cute girl. You can picture her from the way she thinks. She loves soccer which is another bonus (considering how much I am addicted to soccer). Dash and Lily seemed like the perfect match for each other.  Both characters were so deep and you get to see them in 3D.

Lily's brother created a book that contains dares and left it in a book store. Dash found it and went through all the dares and left it where it was asked from him to leave it. But before he left it, he would write his own set of dares (just to the game going). Of course conflicts arise due to the fact that the way we write is not always the same way we act.

The cover was beautiful. I loved it so much. I mean it tells you all about the book, doesn’t it? Did you notice the heart-shaped snow?

If one thing I didn’t like about this book was the fact that I felt bored some of the time. Sometimes Lily would keep talking and talking about memories and not much about current events. Also, the ending wasn’t enough for me. Other than that I really enjoyed reading this book. So if you miss the Christmas spirit in the next up-coming months, make sure to pick this book up.

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Book Review: Infinite Days

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Today I shall be reviewing a book titled Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel. It is a debut novel and the first book in the Vampire Queen series.

The description of the book:

Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?

My review:

At first I thought it would be another vampire book that is a copy of Twilight or a Twilight wanna-be but due to the great reviews I decided to buy this book and give it a try. Just let me tell you that this book was so much fun to read.

It is about a girl who had lived more than 500 years on earth. Then she decided that she wants to become a human once again. So her vampire soul mate sacrificed himself to commend her wish. She turns into a human and live her life. Then she turns into a vampire. So basically this book is written in 3 stages: 1) her vampire life 2) her human life 3) becoming a vampire after her short human life. We get to see the differences and the development in each stage.

Many humans wish they could be vampires for their high speed, non-sleeping days, etc. so why would a vampire want to be a human once again? This is what the book helped  me realize. It made me realize that our human life is way better than a vampire life. Living forever isn’t that exciting. It's boring. And this book could not agree with me more. Of course Lenah, the main character, had an exciting life as a vampire but she was still bored to the point where she wants to be a human again. I mean a human who gets sick, tired and hungry all the time. It sucks but she wants it.

This book told me that we don’t need centuries upon centuries to live and enjoy life but we just have to make from our short life the best years ever.Also this book had lots of flashback that helped in the understanding of Lenah's life as a vampire. And no, this book is not like twilight. In fact we get to see the ugly face of real vampires.

The cover was beautiful. I always like to stare at her eyes. Her eyes are so rich and experienced for someone who lived over 500 years.

The ending made me go "what the hell had just happened?" yes, the book ends at a cliffhanger to leave us hungry for the next book in the series.

The trailer is here:

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Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss

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Today I shall be reviewing a book titled Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.  I cannot believe its her debut book. Why? Sorry I won't tell you till you read the description so go ahead and do so.

The description of the book:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

My review:

This is the part where I tell you why I could not believe that Stephanie Perkins is a debut author. So congrats for reaching that far.

The book was amazing. I loved it. I know you probably might had read the same exact thing on other blogs but its so true. As you might had noticed that this book takes place in Paris, France. Stephanie is so good in creating live images from France to wherever you are. So basically, thanks to Stephanie, I now know so many things in Paris and what to look for when I am there (I am so planning to go there after I had read this book).You got to know about the history of the country, museums and food. If you know me personally, you would know that I am not big when it comes to food. In fact, I hate eating but reading this book made me want to do anything to go to France and eat from their dishes. They have some amazing bakeries. Also, if you are one of those who like films, Paris is the place to live. Why? Well, you have to read the book to know the answer to that.

Lets talk about the characters, shall we.

So to start off, I introduce to you ANNA. She is so awesome and real to me. If I ever had a best friend, I would wish she would be like ANNA. She is so nice. She is there when you need her. And if her friend is in love with the same boy that she is, she is willing to give him up.

Also, we have St. Claire, who is the cutest boy in the school. I wont talk a lot about him. Whatever I will say about him wont do him any justice. But here is something that will make you love him before you even read this book. He was born in America, he was raised in England and currently lives in France. Ahh, he is the definition of perfection. I bet you will love him when you know him more.

Then there are the other characters who are somewhat minor but are all important to the development of the book. I really liked all ANNA's friends. There are Americans who happen to be studying in France. Add it to the awesomeness of this book.

Basically, this book was written beautifully. John green said about Stephanie Perkins, " its like me and Maureen Johnson had a baby."

Well, I will have to say that Stephanie Perkins book was like a mix between Meg Cabot and Sarah Dessen's writing. Yes I don’t normally compare these two authors with anyone but she deserves it.

I really don’t know what other way I could convince you of reading this book. I give up.

But here are some positive reviews for the book (I didn’t find any negative reviews).

Click here or here or here.

P.S this book won best promoted book in 2010. Click here for more info.