Waiting on Wednesday (20) - The Symptoms of My Insanity by Mindy Raf

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every week, bloggers post books they're eagerly awaiting.

The Symptoms of my Insanity by Mindy Raf

Hits Shelves on April 18, 2013

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Synopsis
A laugh-out-loud, bittersweet debut full of wit, wisdom, heart, and a hilarious, unforgettable heroine.

When you’re a hypochondriac, there are a million different things that could be wrong with you, but for Izzy, focusing on what could be wrong might be keeping her from dealing with what’s really wrong.

I almost raised my hand, but what would I say? “Mr. Bayer, may I please be excused? I’m not totally positive, but I think I might have cancer.” No way. Then everyone at school would know, and they would treat me differently, and I would be known as “Izzy, that poor girl who diagnosed herself with breast cancer during biology.”

But Izzy’s sense of humor can only get her so far when suddenly her best friend appears to have undergone a personality transplant, her mother’s health takes a turn for the worse, and her beautiful maybe-boyfriend is going all hot and cold. Izzy thinks she’s preparing for the worst-case scenario, but when the worst-case scenario actually hits, it’s a different story altogether—and there’s no tidy list of symptoms to help her through the insanity. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
You had me at hypochondriac. The title, the premise, all of it is magnetically drawing me in. I hope it proves to be a hysterically funny but also deeply moving debut!

What is everyone else waiting for this week?

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway Book Review

Title: A Farewell to Arms 
Author: Ernest Hemingway
Published: 2003 (first published 1929)
Publisher: Scribner
Genre: Historical Fiction, Classic
Pages: 332
Source: Purchased
Rating: 2 stars
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“If people bring so much courage to this world the world has to kill them to break them, so of course it kills them. The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms

Synopsis
The best American novel to emerge from World War I, A Farewell to Arms is the unforgettable story of an American ambulance driver on the Italian front and his passion for a beautiful English nurse.

Hemingway’s frank portrayal of the love between Lieutenant Henry and Catherine Barkley, caught in the inexorable sweep of war, glows with an intensity unrivaled in modern literature, while his description of the German attack on Caporetto—of lines of fired men marching in the rain, hungry, weary, and demoralized—is one of the greatest moments in literary history. A story of love and pain, of loyalty and desertion, A Farewell to Arms,written when he was thirty years old, represents a new romanticism for Hemingway. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Oh Hemingway. Oh you. Why did you have to write this? Why couldn't you return home from being a WWI ambulance driver and leave it at that? It pains me to criticize any classic because classics are classics for a reason. They have remained untouchable for decades, standing the tests of time because of their popularity and how deeply they have resonated with a variance of audiences. And I have always loved classics. My favorite books fall in the classic literature genre. I eat classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But Hemingway, I had to spit A Farewell to Arms out. I couldn't stomach this infuriating drivel. This is why I dreaded writing this review because this book frustrates me beyond belief and I don't even know how to rip apart a classic.

Review: Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

Title: Daughter of the Forest
Author: Juliet Marillier
Published: April 1, 1999
Publisher: Tor Books
Series: Sevenwaters #1
Genre: Adult Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 411
Source: Gift
Rating: 5 stars
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“But there is one thing you must remember, if you forget all else. There is no good or evil, save in the way you see the world. There is no dark or light save in your own vision. All changes in the blink of an eyelid; yet all remains the same.”
― Juliet Marillier, Daughter of the Forest

Synopsis
Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives, they are determined that she know only contentment.

But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift-by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.

When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers, and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all...(Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Daughter of the Forest had me under its spell from page one. I went into this book with high expectations, having already read Marillier's Shadowfell, and I was not disappointed. Marillier skillfully weaved a tale that rendered me speechless, and I am dying to read more of her books.

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Published: January 2, 2012
Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 236
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
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“Love is the strangest, most illogical thing in the world.”
― Jennifer E. Smith, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Synopsis
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's sitting in her row.

A long night on the plane passes in the blink of an eye, and Hadley and Oliver lose track of each other in the airport chaos upon arrival. Can fate intervene to bring them together once more?

Quirks of timing play out in this romantic and cinematic novel about family connections, second chances, and first loves. Set over a twenty-four-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Happy Valentine's Day! I decided to read a mushy romance for Valentine's Day, something I don't do too often. I was torn between Amy & Roger's Epic Detour and this one. I'd like to say that I picked The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight after long consideration and comparing the reviews of both books, but I mainly chose it because of the heart on the front cover and how that fit in with the Valentine's Day theme.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight took me by surprise. Honestly, I was expecting fluff and a gag worthy romance. Maybe even a combination of elements from Serendipity (I adore this movie). It was actually none of the above. Against all my expectations, I found The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight to be more than just another chick lit book. There was less romance and more focus on Hadley's and Oliver's family struggles than I had anticipated, making for deep and meaningful scenes.

Waiting On Wednesday (19) - In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every week, bloggers post upcoming releases that they cannot wait to read.

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Hits Shelves on April 2, 2013

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Synopsis
In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
Could this cover look any creepier? If you didn't already know, I love anything to do with the paranormal. Ghosts especially. Spirit photography is some creepy stuff. Do I believe in ghosts? Yes. I even saw one twice. But let's not get into that. In the Shadow of Blackbirds looks like a spooky, thrilling read, and I am beyond excited to read it. Plus, the premise and the time period really sets this book apart from the rest. And the protagonist's name is Mary Shelley? How wonderful is that?

What's your WoW this week?

Top Ten Favorite Romances (16)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. As Valentine's Day is this week, it makes sense that this week's theme has to do with romance. And without further ado, here is my Top Ten Tuesday...

Top Ten Favorite Romances

1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - Jane Eyre has remained my favorite book for years. It is a classic tale of romance found between two lonely souls. Against all odds, when their lives have fallen apart, they still find their way back to each other. I have grown to love this book more and more with each reading. It definitely deserves to be number one on this list. 

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - While The Great Gatsby is not a romance in the traditional sense, it is a tale of obsession and love. Daisy and Gatsby are crazy about each other, and although their love is never meant to last, it still makes for an emotional, satisfying read.

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Although I'm more of a Gothic romance lover, even I can't help but appreciate Jane Austen's most famous novel. When I want a romance fix, I either watch the movie or the BBC series or I read the book. Who doesn't love Mr. Darcy? 

4. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier - I am so happy I finally read this book. It was lovely and enchanting and I couldn't have been more pleased. Despite their age difference, I found the romance between Maxim and the unnamed narrator beautifully done.

5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - When it comes to romance, I turn to the classics, and while I detest both Heathcliff and Catherine, there is something mesmerizing about the desperate, wild love they share. The passion between them is a force to be reckoned with. 

6. The Princess Bride by William Goldman - I love Wesley. Need I say more? While Buttercup can be obnoxious, I loved the romance between Wesley and Buttercup. Whether you watch the movie or read the book, you just can't go wrong.

7. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones - While I loved the movie, the book is so much better. The romance is so well-done in the book. It's sweet and touching. I can't wait to reread it soon!

8. Graceling by Kristin Cashore - I think Po and Katsa are perfect together. The romance was wonderfully done. They love each other with such a passion, and nothing keeps them apart.

9. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - I haven't raved about this book for about a week so I think it's time again. Once again, this is a book that doesn't have romance in the traditional sense. After her sister's death, Lennie Walker is torn between a chance at true love and a downward spiral into misery. While there are some tough scenes, I think Joe and Lennie are good for each other. 

10. The Time Traveler's Wife - I'll admit I liked the movie slightly more than the book, but I enjoyed both. The characters are very complex and there's nothing simple or easy about this romance. Clare and Henry have known each other since he was 36 and she was 6, which makes for a unique premise and an unbreakable bond between these lovebirds when they continue to meet during Henry's time travels.

How about everyone else? What are your top ten romances?

Review: A Wolf At The Door and Other Retold Fairy Tales by Ellen Datlow

Title: A Wolf at the Door and Other Retold Fairy Tales
Author: Ellen Datlow (Editor), Terri Windling (Editor)
Published: July 1, 2000
Publisher: Simon & Schusters Books for Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Retelling
Pages: 166 pages
Source: Library
Rating: 3 stars
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Synopsis
These are not your mother's fairy tales...Did you ever wonder how the dwarves felt after Snow White ditched them for the prince? Do you sometimes wish Cinderella hadn't been so helpless and petite? Are you ready to hear the Giant's point of view on Jack and his beanstalk? Then this is the book for you.

Thirteen award-winning fantasy and science fiction writers offer up their versions of these classic fairy tales as well as other favorites, including The Ugly Duckling, Ali Baba, Hansel and Gretel, and more. Some of the stories are funny, some are strange, and others are dark and disturbing -- but each offers something as unexpected as a wolf at the door. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
A Wolf at the Door and Other Retold Fairy Tales is a collection of fairy-tales retold by such famous fantasy and science fiction writers as Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, Gregory Maguire, and more. This book contains Gaiman's "Instructions" and 12 retellings of old favorites like Cinderella and The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I found these short retellings to either be a hit or miss. There were some I enjoyed, while others were just strange and poorly executed. There were many dark twisted tales, and I'm surprised this book is primarily for children. But why should I be surprised considering some of the animated movies I used to watch as a kid? I guess the best way to go about this is to review these individually. I'll try to make it short and sweet.

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. Every week, bloggers showcase the books they've received, borrowed, etc.

Bought:

-Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz

-The Archived by Victoria Schwab

Borrowed:
-Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

Bought:

-How to Tell if Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You by Matthew Inman

First off, who doesn't love The Oatmeal. Secondly, I have four cats and this is information I need to know. Third, these illustrations are HILARIOUS. A must have book for all cat lovers.

Bought (Kindle):

-Everneath by Brodi Ashton

-Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Both of these books were on sale for 2.99 for kindle, and I could not resist such a great price.

Bought (Audible):

-The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

And I bought the Iron King audiobook for only 2.99. So far, I love the narrator's voices for the fairies. 

What did everyone else get in their mailbox?

Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Creatures 
Authors: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Narrator: Kevin T. Collins
Published: December 1, 2009
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Series: Caster Chronicles #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Length: 17 hours and 33 minutes, Unabridged
Source: Purchased
Rating: 2 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“The right thing and the easy thing are never the same."
― Kami Garcia, Beautiful Creatures

Synopsis
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Once again, I have tried reading, or listening, to Beautiful Creatures. And, once again, I am baffled as to why there is so much hype surrounding this book. I know its popularity has increased with the upcoming release of the movie, but I don't think it's entirely deserved. At first, listening to the audiobook was a more enjoyable experience than reading it. I could multitask while listening, and I found the music and sound effects spooky and perfect for setting the right atmosphere for the book. But after a while, the story dragged and seemed repetitive. How many times do I have to hear about Ethan's eccentric great aunts? Or how the cheerleading squad is dressed? Or how the town is obsessed with the Civil War?

Waiting On Wednesday (18) - In The After by Demitria Lunetta

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every Wednesday, bloggers post books they are highly anticipating.

In The After by Demitria Lunetta

Hits Shelves on June 25, 2013

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Synopsis
They hear the most silent of footsteps.
They are faster than anything you've ever seen.
And They won't stop chasing you...until you are dead.

Amy is watching TV when it happens, when the world is attacked by Them. These vile creatures are rapidly devouring mankind. Most of the population is overtaken, but Amy manages to escape—and even rescue “Baby,” a toddler left behind in the chaos. Marooned in Amy’s house, the girls do everything they can to survive—and avoid Them at all costs.

After years of hiding, they are miraculously rescued and taken to New Hope, a colony of survivors living in a former government research compound. While at first the colony seems like a dream with plenty of food, safety, and shelter, New Hope slowly reveals that it is far from ideal. And Amy soon realizes that unless things change, she’ll lose Baby—and much more.

Rebellious, courageous, and tender, this unforgettable duo will have you on the edge of your seat as you tear through the pulse-pounding narrow escapes and horrifying twists of fate in this thrilling debut from author Demitria Lunetta. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
This sounds fricking awesome! I'm not a huge zombie fan, but already the reviews are high months before its release. I want to know more about Them. Who are these "vile creatures?" Can they be defeated? And I find the combination of the two young girls Amy and Baby, one a toddler, very unique for a zombie novel.

Plus, this book will be released on my birthday! I cannot ignore this momentous date!

What is everyone else waiting for?