Books

Cover vs Cover // Paperback Or Hardback

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Hi Friends,
I have seen a lot of these book ‘Cover vs. Cover’ posts and videos. Basically, the reader will say which cover they like more. There are many different versions of this post, but today I will be comparing the paperback and hardback covers. Often, both editions will have separate covers. So let’s get ready to rate some book covers!

The Thousandth Floor
This was a super easy pick for me, because I loved the hardback cover. Like, so much! It is so beautiful, and tells a great story. The paperback edition looks more like a cheesy romance book. It doesn’t in the convey a message in same way as the hardback copy.

The Summer I Turned Pretty
I am not a fan of people on the book cover, since it never seems original enough. I enjoy the fun, pretty, and unique covers that have thought put into them. Long story short, (no pun intended), the paperback cover is 100 times better than the hardback cover. I love the bright colors and font choice. It also gives me definite summer contemporary vibes.

Windfall
I had a hard time picking between these two. They’re different, yet similar. But, I have to contradict my earlier statement about people on the cover and choose the paperback version. I think, mostly, because my favorite color is pink. Also, I found the hardback cover to be kind of busy, and distracting from the text. Unpopular opinion, maybe.

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
I hadn’t seen the paperback edition until writing this post, and all I can say is, stunning. I want to point out that this is the 2018 edition paperback. The original was the same as the hardback cover. There is also another, more recent version of the paperback, which features the cast of the movie adaption. Anyhow, I always thought that the hardback cover was too minimalist. It didn’t reflect the book at all. I kind of enjoy the chaos of the paperback cover. The background writing is a simple change, but great touch.

13 Reasons Why
This is the simplest cover versus cover, because they are practically the same. I’m reasonably certain that it’s the same photo with a different color profile. But between the two, I would say the hardback version is my favorite. However, I do see the reasoning behind the paperback cover. It is grey and dark, so you know this is a serious book. However, I like how lively the hardback is, while still keeping a somber tone.

Undead Girl Gang

Did they even try with the paperback cover? It looks disorganized and underwhelming. This might be another case of me just not liking real people on a book cover, but you have to admit that this cover is lame. I don’t really care too much for the hardback cover, either, but it’s at least marginally better than the paperback edition. I hope that eventually, the author completely revamps these covers. Let’s get, maybe, a cartoon drawing of some zombie girls on the cover.

As always, like, subscribe, et cetera. You all know this speech by now. But seriously, it helps me, it helps the blog, and you get cool notifications whenever I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

One Last Stop // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

*This review might include information that some might see as a spoiler.*


Title: One Last Stop
Author: Casey McQuiston
Published: 2021
Genre: New Adult/Contemporary


2.5/5 Stars

Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop is a magical, sexy, big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time.
Source: Goodreads

I wouldn’t call this book a YA, but it isn’t exactly adult either. It falls somewhere in the middle, which I would call new adult. First off, I want to say that I tried really hard to enjoy this book. Also, I’m proud of myself for not DNFing it. I just had so many issues with the book, and can already say I wasn’t a fan. The premise of the book sounded very intriguing, and had the potential to be a 4 or 5 star read, if executed well.

Let’s start with the main characters and love interests. August and Jane’s relationship seems to come out of left field. One or two meetings with this girl, and August has suddenly found her soulmate. Their attraction to one another progressed too quickly for my liking, and wasn’t based off much besides looks and a few small conversations. As the story developed, I didn’t see the two having much in common or any real chemistry.

“I fell in love with you the day that I met you, and then I fell in love with the person you remembered you are. I got to fall in love with you twice. That’s— that’s magic.”

I want to point out that there are some – *cough* – scenes in the book. Honestly, I don’t know if you could call them outright objectionable, but they are pretty intense. Let’s just say if you don’t like public displays of affection = especially doing the deed in public = then this book isn’t for you. Yep, this book goes there.

August’s roommates were fun, diverse characters, who added most of the humor to the story. However, there were a lot of characters, and it was hard to keep track of them all. Most of the extra characters were unnecessary to the plot. On top of that, there seemed to be multiple plots going on. There was a lot thrown into one book.

The biggest flaw for me, however, is the story itself. I never full understood the connection between August and Jane. The author tried their best to create a reason for their intense connection, but it didn’t really work for me. There was even an interesting twist at the end of the book. Still, it didn’t make up for the story as a whole. I absolutely hated the ending, and it played on one of my least favorite things about time travel plots. People from the past can’t, and shouldn’t, stay in the present!

Overall, I liked this book a lot less than expected, but I feel that most of my issues came from personal tastes rather than from the story itself. I have heard great things about Casey McQuiston’s young adult work, so I might give them a try in the future. Please like and share this review with all of your bookish friends!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // August 2021

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hello Friends,
It is monthly TBR time again! I am going to be talking about all the books that I hope to get to in August. This TBR is very ambitious since I read practically nothing last month. I was in a major reading slump for most of July, so here’s hoping that I can snap out of it in August. I gave myself a lot of genre options to choose from to help widen my reading choices.

‘Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories’ by Various Authors: This is a collection of short YA stories from tons of different authors. I think that all the stories are contemporary, so it’s right up my alley. I have been interested in picking this book up for years, but I hope this summer I can finally get to it.

‘Undead Girl Gang’ by Lily Anderson: I started this book about two or three years ago. I read about 30 pages before putting it down. I remember enjoying it but at the time I wasn’t in the right mood for it. It seems like a fun contemporary with some magical realism thrown in.

‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ by Stephanie Perkins: This is another book that I started a few years ago but set aside. I am a fan of Perkins’ lighthearted contemporaries, so I was excited to read something a bit darker from her. This is a YA thriller novel that doesn’t have the best reviews, but Netflix is releasing a film adaption, so there has to be something good about it.

‘Peter Pan’ by J.M. Barrie: I have been wanting to read more children’s classics. I have never been the biggest Peter Pan fan, but I have heard good things about the original story. Also, there are quite a few versions of the audio-book with celebrity narrators that excite me.

‘Fool Me Twice’ by Carrie Aarons: This book has been on my tbr since its release. It sounds like a great summer read, and I can’t wait to see if it lives up to my expectations. The book kind of gives me “John Tucker Must Die” vibes, which I am down for.

‘Sunkissed’ by Kasie West: Of course I have to read Kasie West newest YA contemporary. The title alone screams ‘summer romance’. Honestly, I don’t know anything about this book, yet that’s okay with me. I’m predicting this to be a 4-or 5-star-read, so here’s hoping I don’t end up being disappointed.

‘The Elite’ (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass: I hate that this book is on my tbr, but I am determined to finish this series. This is a YA dystopian contemporary with a ‘ The Bachelor’ style plot. I didn’t love the first book, but maybe they’ll get better.

‘Bridge of Souls’ (Cassidy Blake #3) by Victoria Schwab: This is a middle-grade/YA trilogy about a tween ghost hunter that I adore. I am sad to pick up the last book in this series, but interested in seeing how it will end. The other books have been really good, so I assume this book will keep that streak going.

‘Alex, Approximately’ by Jenn Bennett: I have been told that if you like YA contemporary than Jenn Bennett is a must-read author. This book seems to be the go-to for a lot of readers who are new to Bennett’s work, so I am going to follow the process of others. Also, this book takes place in the summer and has a “You’ve Got Mail” kind of romance, which sounds adorable.

‘One of Us Is Lying’ (One of Us Is Lying #1) by Karen M. McManus: This is another older release that I never got around to, but I saw that a TV adaption is being released, so I knew I had to read the book first. I have heard that the book is somewhat problematic, and anti-climactic. However, the plot gives me a ‘Breakfast Club’-meets-thriller vibe, which intrigues me.

‘Five Feet Apart’ by Rachael Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry, and Tobias Iaconis: This book was a last-minute addition to my tbr. I had been interested in this book since the movie adaptation was released, but had heard mixed things about both. Also, the ending was spoiled for me, so I wasn’t sure I was ever going to give it a read. But witt the movie being add to Netflix I thought why not bite bullet and read it.

This TBR is every bit as ambitious as I thought it would be, but I think that I can get to at least half of these books. Let me know what you are reading in August in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and share this post with all your bookish friends.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Books On My Re-Read List

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
Today I wanted to talk about some books I am hoping to re-read. As book lovers, we tend to forget about those ‘old favorites’ of ours. We are quick to buy up the newest releases, and sometimes forget to go back and read our first book loves. Or perhaps we need a refresher of a book series before we can move on to the rest of the books. I, too, am guilty of not re-reading, but hopefully that will change.

1) ‘Caraval’ by Stephanie Garber: This is a fantasy novel about two sisters, magic, and more. The book was filled with lots of twists and turns, but sadly I can’t even remember half of what I read. The ending is a mystery to me. However, I would like to read the final two books in the trilogy. But I need to re-read Caraval before that can happen.

2) ‘The Afterlife of Holly Chase’ by Cynthia Hand: Every holiday season, I read A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens. This is a young adult retelling of this classic, so I thought it would be fun to re-read it every year at Christmas as well.

3) ‘The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants’ by Ann Brashares: I have read all four books in the series, but never picked up the 5th book that was released in 2011. I want to re-read this entire book series before reading the last book. Now that I am an adult, I would like to know if my thoughts on the books have changed. I’m predicting a cringe-worthy reading experience.

This was a shorter post then I originally thought it would be, but I guess don’t have a ton of books I would like to re-read. I will probably think of more after this is posted, but that is typically how my brain works. Please like and share this post, and follow my lovely book blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Katniss Everdeen // Fashion Inspiration

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
This post might be a bit different, but I thought it would be fun to do fashion inspiration inspired by book characters. I decided to start with Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games books.

It was a lot of fun coming up with her looks. She isn’t a girly girl, and I picture her style to be very simple. The looks that I did were her everyday fashion, and wedding attire. We never saw her get married, so I thought it would be interesting to do my own take on what she would have worn.


Sweater: 1 2
Tank: 1 2
Jeans: 1 2
Shoes: 1 2


Dress: 1 2
Flats: 1 2
Ring: 1 2

Those outfits were a blast to put together. I hope that you enjoyed reading this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Don’t forget to like and share it with all your bookish friends. If you would like to support me, please follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Coffee Break // Problematic Authors

- Bunny 2 Comments

Credit: Bill Watterson

Hi Friends,
I don’t know if this is still a touchy subject, but I am going to be talking about reading problematic authors. I have wanted to do a post on this topic but never knew how to address it. These are only my thoughts on problematic authors, and certainly don’t want to speak for the whole book community. Cancel culture is a large part of the world today in hopes of stopping hate speech.

I am not going to touch on cancel culture in this post because I do have some strong feelings about it. However, problematic authors aren’t a new thing yet they weren’t really called out for their behavior. Partly because society was used to brushing things under the rug, and partly because nobody wanted to go against the majority. But most of it was that authors only really ever spoke through their works. Social media wasn’t always a thing. Shocker, right?

Two of the biggest names in teen literature that have been called out as being problematic are J.K. Rowling and Sarah J. Maas. Maas is a well-known young adult author whose books are seen as controversial. She has also been accused of being racist. As for Rowling, not many people take issue with her books, but she has been called out for other things more than once. She is a known supporter of anti-transgender organizations, and has no respect for the trans community.

I don’t intend on picking up Sarah J. Maas’ work, but not because of her problematic behavior, but simply for the fact they don’t interest me. Now, I would be lying if I said that hearing about the controversy surrounding her hasn’t solidified this. However, I am not sad about never putting a dime into her pocket. As for J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter books are a work of, well, magic. I have never been a major fan of the series, but started my first read of them about two years ago. My husband and I own all the movies. I own all the books. Does that make us problematic? I hope not.

I will continue reading the series, but if I ever speak about them, I will let it be known that I am not a supporter of her, or anything she stands for. Not only were we gifted the movies, but all of my copies of the books were bought secondhand. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe the author gets anything if their books were bought used. I know that we want to separate the artist from the work, but this is usually easier said than done.

It seems to be a more natural to ignore a problematic author who is deceased. Many people love Agatha Christie books since she helped build the mystery genre. We still read Dr. Seuss to kids, even with his work being racist. However, these authors aren’t making money when someone buys their work. I was always a fan of Dr. Seuss’ work, but as I’ve gotten older, I do find it necessary to make others aware that I don’t condone his behavior.

The first step is to acknowledge that the author is problematic. We shouldn’t read with rose-tinted glasses. We need to make others in the community aware that this author is problematic. Next, remember to make your own views clear! I hope it is obvious that I don’t support hate speech or racism of any kind. I am a supporter of communities such as LGBT+ and mental illness. After all, that, is it okay to read work from a problematic author? Yes! Cue the pitchforks…

If you are getting that work from the library, or buying it secondhand – basically not benefiting the author themselves – then I don’t believe that it is the worst possible injustice in the world. But I do believe the steps I mentioned above are important when doing anything regarding problematic authors. I am not here to tell you to throw out all your Harry Potter books and merchandise, and never talk about the series again. Honestly, if it is, or was, a big part of your life, then talk about it. Just remember that behind every work of art there is an artist.

“Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.” – JFK

Before you go, here are some awesome charities that would love your support: TransLifeline, The Loveland Foundation, and Children of Persia. There are many other charities out there that you can donate to as well. Please leave your thoughts on this taboo subject in the comments. No hate, only love.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

10 Truths And A Dare // Book Review

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Title: 10 Truths And A Dare
Author: Ashley Elston
Published: 2021
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary

It’s Senior Week! That magical in-between time after classes have ended, but before graduation, that’s filled with gimmicky theme parties, last-minute bonding, and family traditions. Olivia couldn’t be more ready. Class salutatorian, and confident in her future at LSU, she’s poised to sail through to the next phase of her life. But when the tiny hiccup of an unsigned, off-campus P.E. form puts Olivia in danger of not graduating, she has one week to set things straight without tipping off her very big and very nosy extended family.
Source: GoodReads

Last year, I read “10 Blind Dates” by this author. It was a charming YA contemporary set during the Christmas season. I was excited to pickup her newest read, which follows one of the minor characters from that story. This time around, we follow Olivia, who is a straight-A student, salutatorian, and bound for LSU. However, she must complete her required off-campus P.E. course in only a week, or she can kiss graduation goodbye. Sounds like the making of a great contemporary, right? Maybe not.

I wanted to like this book; and believe me, I tried. I felt very disconnected with both the lead character and the plot. I have noticed a trend in YA contemporary females; they are all portrayed as perfect students and planners. Basically extreme versions of Rory Gilmore. Olivia was also an academic perfectionist, but one who couldn’t handle fulfilling a simple P.E. requirement. I understand that someone with a workload of all AP classes might not put much effort into P.E., but why wouldn’t she want a good grade? She is an overachiever, after all.

One plot point that didn’t make sense to me was Olivia’s overbearing mother. The fact that her mother texts her multiple times in an hour, and installed a tracker app on her high-school senior daughter’s phone is a bit much. I don’t know if that was supposed to seem funny, but it was more weird. Also, the title suggests there be more of a truth-or-dare aspect to this story. But the question of truth or dare, was more of a way to get the plot moving, than an actual feature in the story.

A disappointment for me, was that there wasn’t many characters besides Olivia. We did have moments with other characters, like her cousins and love interest, but I wanted more of her extended family. One of the best parts of “10 Blind Dates” was the family relationships, which this book woefully lacked. As for the ending, everything was wrapped up with a nice little bow, but was a bit too convenient and predictable. Also, books about golf, unless they are super original, always bore me.

I am not by any means writing Ashley Elston off, but this book was a letdown. Let me know your thoughts on the book in the comments below. You can follow the blog via email to get notified whenever I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My 29th Birthday Book Haul

- Bunny 4 Comments

Hi Friends,
If you saw my birthday wishlist post, you’d know my 29th birthday was a few days ago. I was blessed enough to receive gifts from all my loved ones. My amazing spouse got me some books that I have been eyeing. I usually only buy books I have read, but a lot of the time I ask for books that I assume I would like. If you are a book blogger, booktuber, or book lover, you understand this struggle.

Tiny Pretty Things by Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra

Ordinary Girls by Blair Thornburgh

Honor Among Thieves by Rachel Caine and Ann Aguirre

An Assassin’s Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Teen Angst? Naaah… by Ned Vizzini

Grace and Fury (Grace and Fury, #1) by Tracy Banghart

Piper by Jay Asher and Jessica Freeburg

Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

If I’m Being Honest by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Screen Queens by Lori Goldstein

Small Town Hearts by Lillie Vale

You’d Be Mine by Erin Hahn

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis

How We Roll by Natasha Friend

Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo

OCD Love Story by Corey Ann Haydu

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

From Twinkle, with Love by Sandhya Menon

Hearts Made for Breaking by Jen Klein

Hungry Hearts: 13 Tales of Food & Love by Various Authors

I hope that you all enjoyed this post, and I want to say once again that I am very thankful for all I was gifted.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

 

29th Birthday Book Wishlist

- Bunny 2 Comments


Hello Friends,
In this post, I wanted to do my birthday wishlist. On June 27, I will be turning 29 years old, which seems ridiculous to me. I usually don’t ask for gifts since I can never think of gift ideas on the spot. Also, I like to see what other people would pick out for me instead of choosing my own gift. Anyhow, there are a few books that I wouldn’t mind being gifted since I don’t normally buy books for myself.

1)Finale: A Caraval Book by Stephanie Garber: I have the first two books in this series, so I would love to have a complete set. I have only read book one, but I know it is a series I am going to want to own. Plus, the covers of the hardback editions are stunning!

2)The Summer I Turned Pretty Series by Jenny Han: Honestly, I didn’t love this book series. Yes, it is a YA contemporary, which I generally do enjoy. But I wasn’t a fan of the characters or setting. That being said, I am Jenny Han girl through and through, so I have to have these books on my shelf.

3)My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins: This is a collection of short holiday stories by some amazing YA authors. Most of these stories are contemporary, but a few have a fantasy elements or two. I wasn’t a fan of every story, but overall I would read the book again. I would be happy to receive this book as a gift anytime of year. Also, it was released a few years ago now, so it is likely fairly inexpensive.

4)The Afterlife of Holly Chase Book by Cynthia Hand: Another holiday book here! I believe I mentioned my love for “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, which is my all-time favorite book. This is a YA contemporary retelling of the Christmas Carol story. I have wanted this book since I read it, so I am crossing my fingers I will get it for my birthday.

5)Lore by Alexandra Bracken: This is a book I haven’t read yet. And I’m unsure I will even like it. Alexandra Bracken is a new-to-me author, but I have heard only good things about their books. I read the plot of this book, and I knew I needed to own it. It is a mythological fantasy novel, which isn’t exactly my thing, but I am looking to explore other genres.

6)The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White: This is another book I have wanted for years. I have put off reading this book for many years, but I know that I would like to add this to my collection. I have heard mixed things about the writing, but I am usually enjoying underrated books.

7)The Thousandth Floor Series by Katharine McGee: After reading the first book in the series, I immediately added it to my wish-list. This is a futuristic, sci-fi ya contemporary, which was a horrible description. I had a great reading experience and the ending of book #1 was shocking.

8)It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini: This book holds a special place in my heart because it helped me through a hard period in my life. One of my favorite quotes comes from this book, which also happens to be a variation of a Dr. Phil quote. Random I know. I used to have a copy of the book, but it ended up getting ruined. I would love to receive a new edition of the story, and recommend it to others that like mental health reads.

9)Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker: I wouldn’t say I am a graphic novel person, but I have heard a lot of good things about this book. It seems like a cute, fun read that I could pick up every year. Also, I am not going to lie pictures in books help. In all seriousness I want to start growing my small graphic novel collection and this would be a good one to add.

10)Harry Potter Illustrated Editions: Honestly, I hate that I have to write this disclaimer. But I know someone will call me out for wanting anything that “You Know Who” profits from. I don’t agree with anything they support or are against. All people should be free to live a life that makes them happy, and “birth gender” be damned. But, I am not going to set here and claim to hate the Harry Potter series because that would be a lie. I want to be open with my readers. I have wanted the illustrated editions since the first one was released. Although I hate putting money in their pocket, Harry Potter is an amazing book series. It holds a special place in many people’s hearts. I wish the books weren’t tainted by the authors horrible hatred and discrimination towards a certain group of people.

I know that these posts typically come with an “I’m Not Bragging” disclaimer, but I would hope that my readers know that’s not my intention. Please support my blog anyway you can, such as liking and sharing this post. Also, some people have asked for my Amazon wishlist (click here), but you never have to send me anything.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // June 2021

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
Today I am doing my very late June TBR post! I was looking forward to this month of reading, but unfortunately I fell into a bad reading slump at the end of last month. I am hoping to kick start my reading soon, since June is my birthday month after all. I was unsure of what I wanted to read, but I think I have a few good titles to pick from here.

What’s Not to Love by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: This is the duo’s fourth book release, and is an enemies to lovers story. I don’t know too much about the plot except that it follows to high-school rivals that must work together to plan the year reunion of a previous class.

Sunkissed by Kasie West: I no absolutely nothing about this book, but that is fine with me. I am a huge Kasie West, and she can do no wrong in my book. I was very happy to find out she was releasing a new YA contemporary, and cannot wait ti dive into this read.

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler: This is a new to me author, and the book title is giving me Demi Lavoto vibes. The book is about self-discovery and new love. I believe it has LGBT+ representation, which I love to see in YA books.

Off The Record by Camryn Garrett: This is a recent add to my tbr, and I am excited to pick it up. The book is about an aspiring teen journalist that gets the story of a lifetime. It is targeted as Almost Famous meets the “Me Too” movement. I have never seen Almost Famous, but it is one of my husbands favorite films. I am looking to forward to seeing how this book unfolds.

The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed: I might be most excited to pick this title up. The plot sounds amazing and something I haven’t ever read about. It is historical fiction and YA contemporary combines, which is intriguing. The story takes place in 1992 during the Rodney King riots. It is a coming-of-age novel, and 1992 just so happens to be my birth year.

Those are all the books on my June tbr, and I am hoping to read a lot in this next week. I have been doing surprisingly good with my reading this year, and I don’t want to loose that momentum. Let me know what your reading plans for June are, and please support my blog by liking and sharing this post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny