Ask the Author: Francesca Zappia (Made You Up)

   Hey guys!
   Today I have something really special for you, something that's never been on Bettgeschichten before and I am super excited because of it. I got the chance to interview Francesca Zappia for you guys! Her book, Made You Up, is currently way up there on my list of most anticipated books of 2015, and it also happens to be her debut novel.

Made You Up by Francesca Zappia
Published: May 19th 2015 by Greenwillow Books
Number of Pages: 448 Pages (Hardcover)
Series: No
Pre-order it: Book Depository
~ Free worldwide shipping ~

   Reality, it turns out, is often not what you perceive it to be—sometimes, there really is someone out to get you. Made You Up tells the story of Alex, a high school senior unable to tell the difference between real life and delusion. This is a compelling and provoking literary debut that will appeal to fans of Wes Anderson, Silver Linings Playbook, and Liar.
   Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and delusion. Armed with a take-no-prisoners attitude, her camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and her only ally (her little sister), Alex wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. She’s pretty optimistic about her chances until classes begin, and she runs into Miles. Didn't she imagine him? Before she knows it, Alex is making friends, going to parties, falling in love, and experiencing all the usual rites of passage for teenagers. But Alex is used to being crazy. She’s not prepared for normal.
   Funny, provoking, and ultimately moving, this debut novel featuring the quintessential unreliable narrator will have readers turning the pages and trying to figure out what is real and what is made up. (goodreads.com)

Interview with Francesca Zappia

   1 - Describe Made You Up in the shortest way possible.
   Schizophrenic teenage girl must survive her senior year of high school intact.

   2 - What was the first initial thought or thing that sparked the idea of Made You Up? Was it a name or the most basic idea of a story about a girl with schizophrenia?
   Made You Up started a LONG time ago, and the story has changed a lot since then, but one thing that has always stayed the same are the main characters, Alex and Miles. I think they're the initial spark--them as people and their relationship together.

   3 - How much research did you do on schizophrenia? And did you, at some point during research, feel discouraged or anxious in terms of writing about it, or rather incorporating it into your story?
   I wrote most of Made You Up while I was in high school, and I did about as much research as a high school student could do. I read books on it, I watched documentaries, and I went online to forums where people who have schizophrenia were discussing the illness. Weirdly enough, I never felt anxious or discouraged while writing about it. I do get anxious now, though. Many people have said they're interested in reading the book because they know someone who has schizophrenia, and I just hope I don't let them down.

   4 - Did you have a personal motivation behind writing a story with schizophrenia or was it out of pure interest in the illness itself?
   I actually didn't want to write the story because of the schizophrenia. I wanted to write about Alex and Miles, people who needed help but didn't quite know how to ask for it. I don't have any personal ties to schizophrenia, but it has interested me for a long time, and I wanted to explore that.

   5 - How long did it take you from first thought until publishing deal? Out of curiosity, how many queries did you have to send until you found 'the one'?
Oh, gosh. Probably ten years? Like I said, it went through a lot of changes since the very first draft I ever wrote, and I probably queried with it and other stories for around five years before I landed an agent. I believe the final time I sent out around seventy-five queries before signing with my agent (whom I actually didn't even query). In the entire five years of trying to get an agent, I sent out hundreds of queries. It was a very long process.

   6 - How do you feel about the fact that in only a few more months thousands of readers will be able to hold and read your debut novel?
   Very, very nervous. But it's also exciting, because it's like, "This thing I've been working on my whole life will finally see the light of day! People will read it!" It's awesome.

   7 - Why do you thing the readers out there should pick up Made You Up?
   Because it's way more lighthearted than they'll expect. It's not just about Alex's problems, it's about this whole community around her, the friends she makes, and the mystery she unravels. I had a lot of fun writing it, and I think people will have fun reading it.

   8 - While writing the story did you ever imagine how a cover might look like and what do you think about the absolutely gorgeous final version?
   I did sometimes think about what the cover might look like--and even tried making some myself, when I was in high school--but I never imagined it would end up looking the way it does. The cover Greenwillow came up with for Made You Up is stunning, and I couldn't have asked for anything better. What I love most about it is that it encompasses so much of the story without giving away anything.

   9 - Did you listen to any particular songs or artists while writing Made You Up? If so, could you give us an example?
   Yes! I always listen to music while writing. Every story has its own flavor of music, and if I can't find any music for an idea, that typically means the idea isn't going to go anywhere. For Made You Up, it was a lot of music that makes me feel nostalgic--like Eve 6's "Inside Out" or Harvey Danger's "Flagpole Sitta". Then there's "Clint Eastwood" by Gorillaz and "Touches You" by Mika. My favorite songs, though, are the German ones--particularly "Guten Tag" by Wir Sind Helden. If anyone wants to know what kind of mindset I was in while writing Made You Up, listen to "Guten Tag."

   10 - Any final words or message to your future readers out there?
   I hope you enjoy the ride!

About the Author

   I'm a YA writer represented by Louise Fury of the Bent Agency. My debut, MADE YOU UP, will be out from Greenwillow/HarperCollins on May 19th, 2015. I like writing, reading, drawing, anime, playing way too much Pokemon, and other things.
   I'm on Twitter @ChessieZappia, Tumblr (exeuntstormtroopers.tumblr.com), Instagram @ChessieZappia, and on my website, www.francescazappia.com.

Review: John Wick (Film, 2014)

John Wick
Originaltitel: John Wick
Erscheinungsjahr: 2014
FSK: 16
Länge: 96 Minuten
Hauptdarsteller: Keanu Reeves (John Wick)
Alfie Allen (Iosef Tarasov)
Michael Nypvist (Viggo Tarasov)
Willem Dafoe (Marcus)

   John Wick genießt seinen frühen Ruhestand in der Vorstadt. Doch als seine Frau  einer tödlichen Krankheit erliegt, verfällt er in Trauer. Nur sein Hund bleibt ihm noch als Gefährte – und wird von drei russischen Gangstern getötet, als die in Wicks Haus einbrechen, um einen 1969er Boss Mustang zu stehlen. Damit wird Wick von seiner finsteren Vergangenheit eingeholt, war er doch früher einer der besten Auftragskiller des Landes. Er verlässt die Vorstadtidylle und macht sich, seine Rache vor Augen, auf die Suche nach den Einbrechern. Einer von ihnen ist Iosef Tarasov, der Sohn des einflussreichen Verbrecherbosses Viggo Tarasov, für den Wick selbst einmal gearbeitet hatte. Doch alte Verbindungen zählen jetzt nicht mehr. Und so hat der Rächer bald auch den Ex-Kollegen Marcus an seinen Fersen...(www.filmstarts.de)

   Was lehrt uns dieser Film? Breche niemals in das Haus eines Profikillers ein, töte nicht seinen Hund, welcher das letzte Geschenk von seiner verstorbenen Frau ist, und klaue nicht anschließend auch noch seinen 1969-iger Boss Mustang denn dafür wirst du bitter büßen..
   John Wick ist ein Action Thriller der seinem Genre alle Ehre macht. Es gibt viele überragend gut choreografierte Kampf und Aktion Sequenzen, viel Thrill während Szenen in dem man sich fragt wie er nur aus dieser oder jener Situation lebend wieder herauskommen wird und jede Menge genialer Musik. Ein bisschen Humor kommt sogar auch noch dabei herum.
   Für Keanu Reeves ist dies sicherlich mehr als nur eine erfolgreiche Rückkehr zum Action Genre. Sein Charakter, John Wick, bringt er überzeugend und mit viel Scharm, tiefe und Glaubwürdigkeit auf die Leinwand. Sehr schnell wird einem klar das, was auch immer man tut, man sich definitiv nicht mit John anlegen sollte.
   Ein weiterer Star den man schnell wiedererkennt ist Alfie Allen, welcher bei Game of Thrones die solle des Theon Graufreud spielt. In John Wick spielt er Iosef, den Sohn von John's früherem Boss, ViggoTarasov. Sehr überzeigend bringt er Iosef mit seiner totalen Planlosigkeit und dem verlangen zu zeigen dass er genauso hart ist wie sein Vater und seine handlanger rüber obwohl einem schnell klar wird, dass Iosef mehr Schein als Sein ist, denn eigentlich ist er eher ein Angsthase als ein harter Gangster

   Jedoch, was für mich noch viel mehr heraussticht als die genialen Kampfszenen, ist der Soundtrack welcher in einem eher düsteren und rockigen, mit ein paar elektoeinflüssen, Klima gehalten wurde. Er geradezu perfekt zu dem Film, den Szenen und John Wick selbst passt. Zweimal treffen wir beispielsweise auf "Killing Strangers" von Marilyn Manson. Dieser Song spiegelt auf grandiose Art und Weise die Stimmung des Filmes wieder. 'Wir töten unbekannte bevor diese jene die wir lieben töten können' heißt es im Text an einer Stelle. Perfekte Wahl.

   Alles in allem ist John Wick ein grandioser action-Streifen in dem Keanu Reeves zeigen konnte dass er ein grandioser Schauspieler ist und das solche Filme genau sein Ding sind. John Wick mag nichts für schwache Nerven sein und wahrscheinlich auch nicht etwas für einen Kuschel Abend, jedoch wenn man einen aufregenden Hitmen Film mit viel rums und guter Musik steht, dann ist dies genau dass, was man sehen sollte.

Ich gebe John Wick 5 von 5 Sternen.

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey (Film, 2015)

Fifty Shades of Grey
Originaltitel: Fifty Shades of Grey
Erscheinungsjahr: 2015
FSK: 16
Länge: 125 min
Hauptdarsteller: Jamie Dornan (Christian Grey)
Dakota Johnson (Anastasia Stelle)

   Während eines Interviews für ihre College-Zeitung lernt die 21-jährige Studentin Anastasia Steele den 27-jährigen Milliardär Christian Grey kennen. Nachdem sich zwischen ihr und Christian langsam eine Beziehung entwickelt, erfährt sie, dass Christian in seinem Appartement zahlreiche BDSM-Utensilien bereithält. Dort überreicht er ihr einen Vertrag, der klarstellt, dass ihre Beziehung eine rein sexuelle Form von Dominanz und Unterwerfung sein soll, und zwar ohne romantische Bindung. Ana willigt ein und begibt sich damit auf eine immer intensivere Reise ins Reich der sexuellen Praktiken. (moviepilot.de)

   Fifty Shades of Grey mag vieles sein, langweilig und unbehaglich sind zwei davon, jedoch interessant, sexy oder gar romantisch ist dieser Film definitiv nicht. Viele meinen der Film sollte eher Fifty Shades of Beige heißen, und dem kann ich nur zustimmen.

   Ich habe das Buch, oder eher gesagt die gesamte Trilogie, gelesen und fand diese schon ausgesprochen miserabel daher hatte ich keine wirklichen Erwartungen was den Film angeht. Ich war daher nicht wirklich überrascht, als sich herausstellte, dass der Film ungefähr genauso schlecht ist. Schlecht genug das einer der Kinobesucher während meiner Vorstellung eingeschlafen ist.
   Wenn mich jemand fragt worum es in Fifty Shades of Grey geht, lautet meine Antwort ganz schlicht: ein Reicher Mann erkauft sich eine persönlichkeitslose Durchschnitts Frau mit seinem Aussehen und teuren Geschenken um diese dann als "unterworfene" zu halten. Keine Beziehung, keine liebe nur Sex, wenn er gerade Lust darauf hat, und auch nur so wie er es will.
   Wenn es um die nackt-und Sexszenen geht, kann man sagen, dass, wenn man mit denen bei Game of Thrones kein Problem hat, man mit denen in Fifty Shades of Grey auch keine haben wird.

   Die Dialoge sind oftmals schmerzhaft kramfig und beinahe schon unangenehm mitanzusehen, denn man wundert sich echt was mit den beiden, und besonders mit Anastasia, nicht stimmt. Während des Interviews mit Christian ist sie tollpatschig und schüchtern, aber auf eine übertriebene Art und Weise. Und dann folgen auch noch solche Aussagen wie "sieh mich doch mal an", was so viel bedeutet wie "wer bin ich denn schon". Anastasia stellt sich selber als ungenügend und 'unwürdig' dar, nur weil sie keine teuren Klamotten trägt oder Wagen fährt. Sie ist nicht wie Christian auf mehr als nur eine Art und Weise. Generell stellte sich mir des öfteren die Frage, warum sie eigentlich immer weiter macht, da sie beinahe von Anfang an mit der ganzen Situation Unglück zu sein scheint. Es ist fast traurig mitanzusehen was Anastasia willig ist mitzumachen nur um mit Christian "zusammen" zu sein.
   Wenn wir schon bei dem Thema Christian Grey sind. SM hin oder her, jedem das seine heißt es ja so schön, jedoch was mir ein noch viel größerer Dorn in Auge war, war die Kontrolle die er über Ana ausübte. Er musste immer wissen was sie macht, er sagte was sie machen werden, wann sie es machen werden, was sie tragen soll. Er legte ihr auch einen Vertrag vor, der so etwas wie eine Willenserklärung ist all die Dinge zu tun, die eine 'Unterworfene' tut, jedoch reichte dieser noch viel weiter in ihr Leben als nur in ihr sexuelles Zusammensein. Er verbot ihr bestimmte Dinge zu essen, Alkohol zu trinken, zu rauchen, falls sie dies den wollen würde, und noch so vieles mehr. Oft benahm er sich einfach wie ein Stalker, was definitiv nicht romantisch ist. Sicher, er gab ihr Geschenke, nahm sie auf einen Flug mit seinem Helikopter und Gleitflugzeug mit, jedoch war dies alles was er ihr gab. Sie durfte nicht einmal ein Bett mit ihm teilen.
   Die Schauspieler an sich gefielen mir auch nicht sonderlich gut. Jamie Dornan war meiner Meinung nach nicht das, was man sich vorstellte wenn man das Buch gelesen hat. Ihm fehlte ein gewisses etwas und das aussehen. Er mag nicht schlecht aussehen, aber eben auch nicht wie der atemberaubende Christian Grey der einem im Buch vorgestellt wird. Dakota Johnson spielte Anastasia Steele recht gut, wobei dies keine wirklich große Herausforderung war, da Anastasia die meiste Zeit über beschämt aussah. Sie sieht mehr oder weniger genauso aus wie das "graue Mäuschen" welches man, oder zumindest ich, mir beim Lesen vorgestellt habe.

   Der Film folgt jedoch, soweit ich mich daran erinnere, der Geschichte des Buches recht treu und so lassen sich auch hier und da ein paar dialogstellen aus dem Buch wiederfinden, zumindest in der englischen Version die ich gesehen und gelesen habe. Jedoch hat der Film, zumindest die ersten ca. 45% davon, mehr Humor als das Buch, welche das Publikum zum Lachen gebracht haben. Am interessantesten war jedoch die Tatsache das so ziemlich der gesamte Kinosaal in tosendes Gelächter ausgebrochen ist als die Credits kamen, und somit der Film vorbei war. Dies mag an dem gesamten Film, oder an dem (zwar dem Buch treuen) ende gelegen haben, dass abrupt und unnötig überspitzt und dramatisch war.

   Das einzige womit der Film bei mir punkten konnte ist, nicht wie erwartet Christian Grey oder eher gesagt Jamie Dornan und sein aussehen, sondern der grandiose Soundtrack den dieser Film hat. Der Soundtrack enthält unter anderem zwei geniale Songs von Beyoncé, The Weeknd und auch Ellie Goulding. Die Songs passen wirklich gut zu den Szenen in denen sie gespielt wurden.

   Alles in allem hat Fifty Shades of Grey ein paar, sehr wenige, Moment die ganz gut sind dadurch wie sie gefilmt worden sind oder weil jemand etwas lustiges gesagt hat, jedoch ist der Großteil des Films einfach nur langweilig. Fifty Shades of Grey fehlt einfach das gewisse etwas und dieses gewisse funken zwischen den Hauptdarstellern welches ihre 'Beziehung' glaubhafter machen würde. Meiner Meinung nach wurde dieser Film fiel zu sehr gehypt wodurch man viel zu hohe Erwartungen an den Film hat, welche er einfach nicht erfüllen kann.

Ich gebe Fifty Shades of Grey 2 von 5 Sternen.

Review: Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara

Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara
Published: December 3rd 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Number of Pages: 342 Pages (Paperback)
Series: No
Buy it: Book Depository
~ Free worldwide shipping ~

   Wren Wells is trying to outrun the accident that killed her boyfriend and wrecked her plants to live a normal life. Instead of going to college, she retreats to her father's isolated art studio. There, in the remote northern woods of Maine, she meets Cal Owen, a boy who wears his own hurt like a badge. But when their connection threatens Wren's hardwon isolation, she has to choose: open up her broken heart or join the ghosts who haunt her.

“So this is life. Love. We spend all this time reaching for each other and 

mostly we end up hurting each other until it's over.”

   If you are looking for an action packed, dramatic/melodramatic or romance-based novel, keep on looking because this one probably isn't what you are looking for.
   Lovely, Dark and Deep is exactly like the title. This book is really dark, due to the fact that it deals with grief and the struggle of trying to survive even in times when you think you can't do it anymore. This book is deep because of the topics discussed, the characters, especially Wren who is just such a deep and layered character it's breathtaking. And this book is lovely, but not in a necessarily delightful way, but rather because of the feeling of reality one gets from it.
   I've read a lot of books which dealt with loss and grief but many of them failed to capture the actual mindset of someone who is amidst grief and pain and facing the darkness that is life after someone you loved is dead and gone. Lovely, Dark and Deep caught that feeling and mirrored it on point. While reading I really felt like it was me who was going through what Wren was going through. All the things she felt seemed real and realistic. Nothing was overdramatized for sheer dramatic purposes. Everything that happened seemed not like fiction, not like something someone just made up, but rather like the actual thoughts and emotions of a real person grieving.

“If you slip far enough out of your life, time picks up. 

Passes in waves instead of notches. One month rolling by, then another.”

   As mentioned before, the characters in Lovely, Dark and Deep are perfect. They all seem very real, not flat at all, even those who only show up for a scene or two.
   Wren is a fantastic narrator in the sense that she tells you exactly how she feels. She doesn't try to sugarcoat any of her emotions. She feels real, fragile and raw with a beautiful poetic touch and a love for Phillip Larkin. Her personality is beautifully undefined because she herself isn't even sure anymore who she is. You can feel her panic, her confusion and just how lost she is sometimes.
   Cal was great. Despite his sickness he was there for Wren. He didn't run away when he saw that she isn't in a good place right now. He stayed no matter what and it was beautiful.
   It was beautiful to see how their relationship started to build very slowly and subtly over the course of the book, which was another thing that just made this book feel so realistic. Everything was happening very slowly, at its own pace which was appropriate for the state Wren was in at the begging and the end of the book.

“I came here because it's pine-dark and the ocean is wild. The kind of 

quiet-noise you need when there's too much going on in your head. Like 

the water and the woods are doing all the feeling, and I can hang out, quiet 

as a headstone, in a between place. A blank I can bear.”

   All in all Lovely, Dark and Deep is a book which focuses in big parts on an inner process going on inside of Wren, it focuses on her trying to deal with life and loss. It's a very poetic and raw book which captures feelings and throughts truthfully. This is easily one of my favorite books of all time and I'm sure I will return to Wren's story more than once in the future.

   I give Lovely, Dark and Deep by Amy McNamara 5 out of 5 Stars.

5 Songs I've been loving lately

   Hey guys!
   Today I want to talk about five songs I've been obsessing over lately. These are completely random songs but, I don't know if it's because of the shitty weather outside or the season itself, most of them have a sad/melancholic tone to them. 
   But, let's just get to the songs now so you'll see what I mean.


#1 - The Courage or The Fall by Civil Twilight
Album: /
Year: 2014

    I really like Civil Twilight. Their music is great so it came as no big surprise to me that I fell in love with this song. I love the tragic feel that this song has to it, and let's face it, it's a great song to write to if you are amidst a dramatic scene.

 

#2 - Break the Rules by Charli XCX
Album: Sucker
Year: 2014

    I discovered Charli XCX through The Fault in Our Stars and its amazing soundtrack. But, I admit, I didn't really dive further into her music until I heard Break the Rules on the radio and fell in love with the energy that this song has. The song immediately makes me want to jump around, break stuff and just have a good time. It's a great song to listen to when you have a not that awesome day. It'll make you feel much better really fast.

 
 
#3 - England Skies by Shake Shake Go
Album: /
Year: 2014

    The melody of England Skies is really beautiful, alongside the lyrics and the voice of the singer. It's a peaceful, evening type of song which always makes me think of happy things somehow. I stumbled upon this one while listening to a playlist on spotify, one that of course wasn't created by me, and I ended up playing it on a repeat for a while because I immediately liked this song.
 

#4 - Kommando Untergang by Anna Depenbusch
Album: Die Mathematik der Anna Depenbusch
Year: 2011

    This one is quite the surprise I'd say. I'm not a big fan or music in German, simply because I dislike the way songs sung in German sound like and the fact that I immediately understand what the lyrics mean. I know, sounds weird considering that I also understand English songs immediately but, it's just hard to explain what exactly bothers me. But, with this song it's different. I enjoy listening to it a lot and I love the lyrics and the story they tell. I love the pain filled passages and the singers voice.

 
#5 - B a noBody by SOAK
Album: /
Year: 2014

Another very nice, soft and slightly melancholic song. It reminds me of a peaceful sundown on the beach or near a lake with a soft breeze and small, soft waves. I think this would be a nice song to listen to during a summer evening.

 

   And that is it. Those are the five songs I am currently listening to almost on repeat whenever I get the chance to listen to music. If you want to, tell me which songs you are currently loving down in the comments or tweet me about it (@Alice_Reeds).

    Cheerio!

Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Published: August 5th 2014 by Atria Books
Number of Pages: 322
Series: No
Buy it: Book Depository
~ Free Worldwide Shipping ~

   When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn't think it's love at first sight. They wouldn't even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn't want love, she doesn't have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.
   Never ask about the past.
   Don't expect a future.
   They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can't handle it at all.
   Hearts get infiltrated. 
   Promises get broken.
   Rules get shattered.
   Love gets ugly. (goodreads.com)

“When life gives you lemons, make sure you know whose eyes
 you need to squeeze them in.”(Cap)

   I've heard a lot about this book, and I have heard even more about Colleen Hoover in general. Before picking up Ugly Love I've read one other book by her, which I quite enjoyed but it wasn't mind-blowing or anything. I was sceptical when I started to read Ugly Love but Chapter 1 already made me change my mind.
   This is a story which at first might remind you of movies like Friends With benefits (hated that movie) but at the end of the day this story has  way more to offer than just that.
   One thing that definitely makes this book different is the style in which some of the chapters are written. They are much more lyrical and have a beautiful prose, while the rest of the chapters are written in the typical way we are used to. Some of the chapters carried much more weight with them which was even more pronounced by the way it was written, sometimes it looked like the text was about to fall off of the page or dance from joy.
   I am a fan of stories which are not just focused on the romance itself but also on sad topics and tragic moments and all that dramatic stuff. Sure, contemporaries are in most cases aimed at making you feel happy and fluffy, but Ugly Love rather does the opposite. It makes you think about Love, it makes you think about human nature and about how certain events can change an entire person and their view on life and love.

“I wish I were in high school again so I could call him a butthole. 
Adults don't call their brothers buttholes, though.” 

   Tate was an interesting and also entertaining protagonist. She was working as a nurse and she just moved in with her brother, Corbin. Despite the fact that she knew that she shouldn't hope, she still did. She shouldn't ask but she still wanted to. I liked her, but she wasn't necessarily one of those mind blowing characters which will stay in your mind for days.
   Miles on the other hand was a fascinating character scared by what he went through with a past so horrible you wouldn't even wish your worst enemy one like that. I liked how guarded and dark he was. I really liked reading his chapters, which played six years in the past, which slowly and in a very beautiful way explained why Miles is the way he is when he met Tate.

   All in all, this book is just like the title. This book is Ugly Love and exactly what you'd expect from a contemporary with such a title. Colleen Hoover managed to spark my curiosity about Miles which kept me reading and the chapters in which Tate and Miles interacted with each other were cute and funny, though sometimes also really frustrating.
   This book was exactly what I wanted it to be and I had a great time reading it, though it took me longer then I thought it would. And it definitely gets a plus point for the awesome cover.

I give Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover 4 out of 5 Stars. 

Review: Ignite by Lily Paradis

Ignite by Lily Paradis
Published: August 26th 2014 by Empire Books
Number of Pages: 326 Pages (Paperback)
Series: Yes, #1

   After her father’s untimely demise in a mining accident and her mother’s abandonment, Lauren Lindsay is no stranger to loss. She’s used to living life for one person: herself. That is, until another family tragedy thrusts three children into her care and uproots her life in ways she could never imagine.
   Lauren's first instinct is to run, until she meets their striking, mysterious neighbor Dean Powell. Their immediate chemistry and his connection with her late father just might be enough to keep her in town long enough to uncover pieces of her past that she never had answers to. Dean’s shady past and her reluctance to trust him could cost her the life she's always been searching for, but will she run back to her old life?
   Or will she choose to stay and live the life her father always imagined for her? (goodreads)

"This was turning out to be a quick lesson in what not to do when you find out 

you've been given children as an early Christmas present." (Lauren)

   This book is an absolutely beautiful debut by author Lily Paradis. It had about anything and everything I wanted it to have and it was exactly what I needed. It also happened to be the first book I read in 2015 and it was great!
   Ignite follows Lauren Anabelle Lindsay who happens to meet the stunning Dean Powell at the DMV and, over the course of this novel, they have something wonderful going on. Besides that Lauren is also faced with the fact that her dad's wife dies unexpectedly and leaves Lauren her three kids, which of course is definitely not something Lauren expected to have to deal with at twenty one. But, she manages to handle the situation way better then I think most people would, especially at her age.
   This book is packed with twists and turns and unexpected events and it just seriously made me admire the author for managing to squeeze just so many things into these 326 pages, it's really unbelievable. But all of it was amazing and on point. Sure, it was just a tiny bit unrealistic and only a tat too sweet at times but that doesn't matter. It's perfect!

   The characters in Ignite are amazing. Lauren was a great protagonist and reading from her point of view was just really a lot of fun. She always found a way to say the right things or stay silent when needed but she also had her flaws which made her a very real, likable and strong character.

"No shit, Sherlock. It was my fault we'd been trapped by an avalanche. Who does that?

Only really, really stupid people." (Lauren)

   Dean on the other hand was flirty, witty and just all around a really fun character. His past was horrible but he grew a lot over the course of this book and, to be honest, I think every girl deserves to have a Dean in her life, despite his past.

“He was wearing glasses. Who was he, Clark Kent? No one looked this good all the time. 

It just wasn’t possible.” (Lauren about Dean)

   Even though I am not the biggest fan of kids I found the three, Chase, Emma and Callie, to be very interesting characters which never broke character and were very distinct and appropriate for their age. I didn't like Callie for a big part of the book but in the end I started to like her and Emma was just the cutest kid ever.

   All in all, Lily Paradis managed to simply craft a beautiful plot with great characters and fun dialogues which always gave you all the feels, especially toward the end of the book when all the pieces started to be put together and just this gorgeous picture opens up in front of it.
   Ignite is a great contemporary novel which I highly recommend to anyone who is up for a nice read which has it all.

   I give Ignite by Lily Paradis 5 out of 5 stars.

December Wrap Up

   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!

Top 14 Books of 2014

   Hey guys!
   The year is almost over, only a few more hours are left (at least in my time zone) and so I thought it would be the perfect time to finally talk about my favorite 14 books I've read in 2014. These are not necesserily books that have been published in 2014. They are simply taken out of the 58 books I've read in the past year. If you follow my blog and BookTube channel the book that is on my place nr. 1 will definitely not surprise you.
Anyway, let's get to the list!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 #14 - Riot by Sarah Mussi
   This was a great action packed read set in the near future (2018).  I enjoyed it a whole lot and that cover is amazing!

#13 - Erased by Margaret Chatwin
   So good! This is a not very known YA Contemporary with an amazing and very realistic plotline. The protagonist is a great guy and the things he goes through are great and heartbreaking at time, too.

#12 - Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
   A fun read with hot aliens. I enjoyed Jennifer L. Armentrouts writing a lot and the way Katy and Deamon "function" together is brilliant and funny and super entertaining.

#11 - Killing Sarai by J.A. Redmerski
   This was the only adult book I read in 2014 and, oh boy, was it amazing! At the same time it was a hard read as it deals with quite a few hard topics and violent scenes but all in all it's a great read but definitely not for those who are not adults yet.

#10 - To all the boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han
   My first Jenny Han book and I loved it! It's a cute YA contemporary with a lovable protagonist and a funny and cute plotline. Can't wait for the sequel to finally come out!

#9 - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
   My first fantasy book in a very long time. I had an amazing time reading this. I love the protagonist because she is just so smart and witty and stays true to herself no matter what. And Sarah J. Maas' writing style is brilliant!

#8 - Slated Trilogy by Teri Terry
   This was a great trilogy which I simply couldn't put down once I started it. I love the different take on the dystopian society with slating terrorists and criminals as means of giving them a second chance. Following Kyla was great and seeing the pieces come together in the end was mind-blowing.

#7 - Ruin by Rachel van Dyken
   A very emotional and amazing read. The two main characters were very lovable and I enjoyed reading about them a lot. Though this book was a little predictable at times it was still exactly what I wanted it to be.

#6 - 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
   This was so creepy! When I first picked it up I was simply sold on the whole moon part but I totally did not expect the direction this book went in. I definitely couldn't read this one at night (I'm usually not a scardy-cat but this book!). If you are looking for a really creepy book that will blow your mind and happens to play on the moon, well, this is exactly what you are looking for!

#5 - Aristotle and Dante discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
   Very beautiful and philosophical with two very lovable characters and a fantastic ending.

#4 - Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
   Witty, funny and all round amazing! I have not enjoyed a Vampire book in a long time but this series had be hooked since page one. And, Dimitri! Enough said.

#3 - Faking Normal by Courtney C. Stevens
   Another book that deals with complicated topics but is just fantastic. The writing is beautiful and the two main characters are very unique and great.

#2 - The Martian by Andy Weir
   Much Mars. Such science. Very fun. I finished this book only a few days ago but it was just so brilliant that it simply had to be on this list and on place number two.

#1 - The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
   Amazing finale to the Mara Dyer trilogy. I love this story, the characters and Michelle Hodkin's writing. She is among my top 3 favorite authors and I will definitely read anything and everything she writes. I could not wish for a better ending to this trilogy.

   And that was it. These are my favorite 14 reads of 2014. I am very curious what reads await me in 2015. Tell me in the comments below, or tweet me (@Alice_Reeds), what books made it onto your guy's lists of favorite books.

   I hope you're having a fantastic day and see you guys in 2015!
   Cheerio!

Review: The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian by Andy Weir
Published: February 11th 2014 by Crown (first published 2011)
Number of Pages: 369 (Hardcover)
Series: No
Buy it: Book Depository
 ~ Free shipping worldwide ~

   Apollo 13 meets Cast Away in this grippingly detailed, brilliantly ingenious man-vs-nature survival thriller, set on the surface of Mars.
   Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first men to walk on the surface of Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first man to die there.
   It started with the dust storm that holed his suit and nearly killed him, and that forced his crew to leave him behind, sure he was already dead. Now he's stranded millions of miles from the nearest human being, with no way to even signal Earth that he's alive--and even if he could get word out, his food would be gone years before a rescue mission could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to get him first.
   But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills--and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit--he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. But will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

"I'm pretty much fucked."

   This first line perfectly describes the entire novel. I'm not even kidding you. Way to go, Mr. Weir!
   After that opening line, paired with the blurb and the cover, I was sold. I had to get my hands on this book. I had to read it so I decided to buy it for myself for Christmas.
   I did not regret buying a hardcover copy.
   This book is nothing like what I usually read. It doesn't really fit into any of the genres I usually turn to and I loved it. This book was very different from what I have read so far throughout my years of reading. I admit, there was a lot I didn't understand simply because there is a lot of science in this book. A LOT. But, despite all the science, I still enjoyed this book a lot. I had a fantastic time reading it and exploring all these things involved in trying to survive on a planet where everything is out to kill you.

“Yes, of course duct tape works in a near-vacuum. Duct tape works anywhere. 
Duct tape is magic and should be worshiped.”

   Mark Watney, the protagonist of this breathtaking novel, is a botanist and engineer who flew to Mars with his Crew where he was supposed to stay for 31 days. But, everything came differently and he ended up up there all alone. Through his "diary" entries we explore what is on his mind and how he tries to do everything he can to stay alive. He has an awesome sense of humor and never loses hope, as far as that is possible when you consider the fact that you have no way of telling anyone that you are actually still alive. Mark is a great protagonist and I would gladly read another story from his perspective. 

“As with most of life's problems, this one can be solved by a box of pure radiation.”

   The way this book is written is very unique and captivating, not only because of the extraordinary setting, but because of all the things that happen throughout the story, the science and the humor. There are many things I want to say about this book, point out things I liked most, but that would spoil the story for those who have not yet picked this book up. You definitely should.

“I started the day with some nothin’ tea. Nothin’ tea is easy to make. 
First, get some hot water, then add nothin’.”

   All in all The Martian is a very unique, spectacular and outstanding novel which has a lot to offer and, despite all the science which most humans without a degree in math, chemistry and/or engineering won't really understand, the story is more than just worth it. Don't let the science scare you. Just accept the science because it really isn't completely crucial to understand it. Mark's story is definitely worth reading. And I mean how often do you come across a book set on Mars?

   But, if The Martian still doesn't sound like a book for you, don't worry. The movie starring Matt Damon, Sean Bean and Jessica Chastain is set to come out November 2015 (Wikipedia). I hope they won't mess it up. Either way, I'm super excited.

I give The Martian by Andy Weir 5 out of 5 pirate-ninjas.