Cover Lust Friday is a new weekly meme that's all about covers. Pick a cover that stands out to you, add your reason why you've chosen that particular one or what you like about it. Let's have fun with it and share the love for our favorite covers.
The Cover:
My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Winter Romances by 12 authors, edited by Stephanie Perkins
Published: October 9th 2014 by Macmillan Children's Books
Number of Pages: 355 Pages (Hardcover)
Series: No
If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year's there's something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love. (goodreads.com)
The Reason:
For the last Christmas reads edition of Cover Lust Friday I'm going to talk about the gorgeous UK hardcover edition of My True Love Gave To Me.
I really like this cover, a lot more then the original US one to be honest, despite the fact, or maybe exactly because, it's much simpler. The cover doesn't come across as beautifully on the picture as it does in real life, especially since the actual book as pink edges on the pages and a golden bookmark. I love how well blue, gold and pink go together. Personally, I think we need more such covers that are subtle, simple, but amazing to look at. I usually don't read short story collections but I couldn't not get this one.
Well done, cover designers!
* * *
Want to join in? No problem! Just follow the 'rules' below:
- Write a blog post about a cover you love.
- Add your link in the comment section of the original post (click here) so we can have something like a list going on.
- And if you’d be so kind, I’d appreciate a link back from your own post.
- Check out other posts, and have fun!
Cover Lust Friday is a new weekly meme that's all about covers. Pick a cover that stands out to you, add your reason why you've chosen that particular one or what you like about it. Let's have fun with it and share the love for our favorite covers.
The Cover:
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Published: October 26th 2010 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Number of Pages: 260 Pages (Hardcover)
Series: Yes, #1 in the Dash & Lily Duology (?)
“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 bestselling 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? (goodreads.com)
The Reason:
This is my favorite Christmas read.
The story is beautiful and the cover matches it perfectly. It's subtle, colorful, and gorgeous. I personally love that it doesn't scream Christmas in your face but pulls you in through the beautiful cover picture.
* * *
Want to join in? No problem! Just follow the 'rules' below:
- Write a blog post about a cover you love.
- Add your link in the comment section of the original post (click here) so we can have something like a list going on.
- And if you’d be so kind, I’d appreciate a link back from your own post.
- Check out other posts, and have fun!
Welcome to Blogmas day 8!
Today I have put together a list of books that I think would make amazing christmas presents. I tried to have two options for each of the seven categories, resulting in 15 different books, and I hope I could help out at least one of you seeking for good recommendations. These are all YA books, since that's what I primarily read.
#1 - A book for that friend who loves contemporary books and music
For the Record by Charlotte Huang - This book is amazing. This book not only has a really amazing plot line and character, but it literally takes you on tour with a rock band through the eyes of the protagonist, who happens to be the new lead singer of said band. I've read, loved and reviewed this book a couple of months ago so I think it is a perfect mix of music and a
contemporary read. (review)
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales - This one is another amazing read that includes the love for DJing, which is something I've not read about in YA before I had picked up this one. It has sad moments, and the protagonist has a sad past, but it is never written about in that classical sobfest type of way. I really enjoyed this one so, if you have DJ friend who likes books, try this one.
#2 - A book for that friend of yours that loves unreliable narrators
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - How could I do a recommendations list and not include Mara Dyer? This is my favorite trilogy of all because it is the perfect blend of unreliable narrator, a sizzling romance, and an intriguing story. Mara is an amazing narrator, even though you will doubt everything she tells you, making this read lots of fun. It also holds a dash
of paranormal in form of teens with powers, but not in some silly cliche way, trust me, this is a good one!
Made You Up by Francesca Zappia - This is one of my favorite books of 2015 and features the ultimate unreliable narrator, Alex. She is a great protagonist, despite how unreliable she is, and her mental illness in portrayed perfectly and believably. The characters in this one are quirky and intriguing, so despite dealing with a hard topic this book still offered a lot of fun and humorous moments. (review)
#3 - That friend who loves books that tackle important topics
None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio - This book is about a girl who discovers that she is intersex, the first book I've ever read that talked about this topic, eve though it is so incredibly important. The book perfectly mixes informations regarding what intersex is and how you can live with it, how to accept it and so on, and a contemporary read offering a wonderful story with amazing characters. This book is extremely important so I think, if you have a friend who likes books with hard topics, definitely choose this one asap. If you're interested here is my review and interview with the author, it might help you figure out if this is the book for you.
Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara - This book takes on the complicated topic of grief and takes us along a journey during which the protagonist tries to deal with her grief, find her way back into life, even though it's definitely not the easiest of things to do. This book is incredibly realistic, emotional and important, in my opinion. In addition it looks lovely on a bookshelf thanks to that gorgeous cover. (review)
Paint My Body Red by Heidi R. Klinger - Teenage suicide, it's all around us but people seem to speak about it was too rarely, especially in connection to school and pressure coming from your family. I think books dealing with these topics are incredibly important since they show how damaging growing up with constant pressure coming from your family, pushing you to your limits when it comes to school and extracurricular activities, taking away your childhood and free time, can be. Besides that, Paint My Body Red offers an amazing story and brilliant characters, a wonderful blend between hard topics and a summer that changes lives. (review)
#4 - That friend that wants to get into fantasy
Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas - This was the first fantasy book I read after years of thinking that fantasy isn't for me. I enjoyed it a lot and was drawn into the world and characters, their stories and all the different things that were happening in this book. Sure, it didn't necessarily make me want to read more fantasy novels,
but that's simply because fantasy truly isn't my thing, but there are thousands of people that swear that this series is amazing so I'm sure it's definitely worth giving a try.
Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch - This one is another truly intriguing one that features a fantasy world split up in kingdom separated by seasons. Our protagonist and her friends belong to the fallen kingdom of Winter and try to win back their kingdom and its magic. It sounds awesome and the cover is gorgeous so why not try this one?
#5 - That friend that's into sci-fi reads
Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn - Imagine a future in which your future self sends you back a single memory that shows you the life you are facing, be it a career in acting, sport or cooking. Now imagine the memory you receive doesn't show you a career but you committing a crime, a murder. If this doesn't sound intriguing, I don't know what does. The world in which the story plays is great and the characters are intriguing and three dimensional, and the romance is incredibly well executed. This is a great sci-fi read on a somewhat milder end of the sci-fi spectrum, perfect for those who want to get into sci-fi and those who already love the genre. (review)
Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman - This book is amazing and incredibly unique in so many ways. Not only does the story feature an interesting plot, the most unique formatting and story telling way I've ever seen, but also a crazy AI and amazing characters. I could not put this book down while I read the ARC on my iPad and I cannot wait to hold the hardcover version in my hands. I could go on and on about how brilliant this book is and why you should definitely get it, but I will leave it at saying that this is definitely the perfect pick for sci-fi fans. (review)
#6 - That friend that likes mysterious reads
Bone Deep by Kim O'Brien - This book takes you along a journey onto archeological digging grounds where the protagonist, Paige, tries to figure out what happened to her friend Emily and why she disappeared. This book also contained a beautiful touch of Native American stories woven into it which only makes it more intriguing. The twist at the end is amazing and I definitely didn't see it coming, the romance is nice but doesn't take up too much space in the story.
So, if your friend likes murder-mystery books with a spin to them, this might be the right one for them. (review)
Never, Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher - This book, or rather the two current available novels that will form a complete book once the third one will be out, was written by two amazing authors who managed to create one hell of a mysterious and intriguing story that will leave you craving for more, along with powerful cliffhangers. Each time I picked one of the two up I couldn't out them away until I was done reading. So, if you're looking for a book that blends mystery with a dash of romance this one is exactly what you are looking for. (review)
#7 - That friend that likes summer contemporaries
Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson - I really, really enjoyed this book when I read it back in 2014. It has an amazing story and takes the reader along a road trip across the US where we get to see many interesting places through the eyes
of the protagonist, Amy. This is a perfect summer read that I hope to re-read next summer, simply because it was just that good. Besides, Morgan Matson is a great author with an addictive quality to her writing style.
Petty Little Lives by Alice Reeds - Yap, that's my book. It's a summer read so I took myself the freedom to include it on this list, in case your friends have not checked it out yet, or you didn't know about it. This one is all about summer, the value of family, overcoming differences and finding love in unexpected places. So for most of the reviewers quite liked it so maybe your friend will like it too.
And this is it, those are all the books I prepared for you. As you can see I've read most of them, so be reassured that they are good ones, in my opinion. I hope I could help some of you out and if you think you have any other valuable recommendation you'd like to add, leave them in the comments below or tweet them at me, @Alice_Reeds.
Hey guys!
December is gone and I must admit it was yet another not very reading heavy month for me. I don't even understand why. I got so many books yet I couldn't really get myself to sit down and just read. But then again there was Christmas and New Year's Eve and all that fun stuff you spend with your family and friends, rather than with a book.
Book of the Month is definitely The Martian by Andy Weir because it was just such a different and unique read unlike anything I have ever read before.
Books read:
- Killing Sarai by J.D. Redmerski [5 Stars]
- Zeznania Niekrytego Krytyka by Maciej Faczyk [5 Stars]
- The Martian by Andy Weir [5 Pirate-Ninjas]
Books acquired:
- Zeznania Kiekrytego Krytyka by Maciej Fraczyk
- Let It Snow by John Green, Lauren Miracle and Maureen Johnson [Polish edition]
- Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
- The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason
- Sins & Needles by Karina Halle
- There is no Light in Darkness by Claire Contreras
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
- The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin [Hardcover]
- Make up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style and Success Online and Offline by Michelle Phan
- The Martian by Andy Weir
- My True Love Gave To Me by 12 Authors
- The Aftermath by Jen Alexander
- Lovely, Deep and Dark by Amy McNamara
- Across the Universe by Beth Revis
- Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
- The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
~ In Progress ~
- The Aftermath by Jen Alexander [42%]
And that is it. These are all the books I read and acquired in the last month of 2014. For 2015 I am hoping to read at least 55 books, simply because I managed 58 this year while having way less time then I will have in 2015 (probably). I hope to read more diverse books and break out of my usual reading comfort zone. Pick up more fantasy and also many something from the historical fiction genre. Let's be brave!
Cheerio and have a good one!
Hey guys!
It's the holiday season and Christmas is just around the corner so I thought today we should talk about the book which have made it onto my Christmas wish list. I saw a lot of BookTubers talk about theirs and so I want to do it, too. And yes, I know, they did it in video form while I am sitting here and writing about it. I know. But somehow I'm currently in a small video-making-slump so bear with me.
Anyway, let's get to the books on my bookish wish list!
#1 - This Shattered World by Amy Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
I very much enjoyed This Broken Stars, the first book in the Starbound trilogy, and so I am very much looking forward to reading the sequel. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to get a book like this for Christmas, I mean did you notice the gorgeous cover?
#2 - Make up Your Life by Michelle Phan
Michelle Phan is one of my favorite YouTubers out there so when I heard she has a book coming out I knew I have to have it. I am helplessly lost when it comes to make up so who knows, maybe Michelle's book will be able to help and save me?
#3 - Ed Sheeran: A Visual Journey by Ed Sheeran and Philip Butah
I love Ed Sheeran and his music. A book about him by him? Sign me up!
#4 - Revolution by Russell Brand
I like Russell Brand. I enjoyed the movies he plays in and I enjoy watching his YouTube videos. I've heard him read out a few excerpts from his book and they sounded great so I definitely would like to find this book under my non-existent Christmas tree.
#5 - The Martian by Andy Weir
After reading 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad I am fairly terrified of books set in space and other planets but still this book set on the Mars immediately intrigued me. And that cover? Love it!
#6 - The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
A 810 pages long book set in Russia? Hell yes please! You guys know how much I love Russia and so I really don't know why I don't own this book yet.
#7 - My True Love Gave To Me by 12 Authors
A book centered around Christmas? One with a gorgeous cover and pink pages? Sounds like the perfect Christmas gift to me!
#8 - Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
I've only read one Colleen Hoover book so far but I've heard so much about her books and this one in particular that I just really want to check it out. And, pssh, don't tell anyone, but I've actually already ordered this one for myself for Christmas.
#9 - My Drunk Kitchen by Hannah Hart
See a pattern here? I love Hannah and her videos and so how could I say no to a book by her all about food and funny stories?
#10 - Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown Up by Grace Helbig
As someone who is 20 years old I should know how to be an adult (in most European countries you are considered an adult from 18 upwards) but I don't so maybe Grace could help me out a bit so I can at least pretend to know what I am doing.
And that is it, the 10 books that are currently atop my bookish Christmas wish list. Knowing myself this list will change in no time but whatever. But now it's your turn, tell me about the books you wish to find under your Christmas tree below in the comments or over twitter (@Alice_Reeds).
Have a wonderful day/night,
Cheerio!
