Review: We Are Okay by Nina Lacour

Review: We Are Okay by Nina Lacour

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 5-star, contemporary, Nina Lacour, review, YA,

Author: Nina Lacour

Release date: February 14th 2017

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Series: N/A

Age Group:Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary 
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

"You go through life thinking there’s so much you need. . . . Until you leave with only your phone, your wallet, and a picture of your mother."
Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks. Not even her best friend Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart.  (via Goodreads)

Review

         We Are Okay took my breath away. Right from the beginning, I was so hooked. I didn't stop reading until the last page. It was that consuming.

           How do I even tell you about Marin's story without giving away too much? I'm afraid I'll spoil it when I say even the tiniest details. If I say anything, it'll make it less of a mystery.  I'll do my best not to spoil anything!

         From the synopsis itself, the story surrounding Marin screamed mystery. I was curious as to what happened to her. As I read through the book, my heart ached for her and the people around her. She was fragile, so vulnerable. How she ended up in New York was the mystery but within that mystery was another mystery. It was all about her family and the secrets she grew up knowing and not knowing. Add to that her relationship with her best friend, Mabel. I think it all made Marin a little overwhelmed that she just ended up in New York a little early for school.

          Marin's relationship with Mabel was a bit tense and complicated, and yet I love how Mabel was with Marin. When Mabel visited Marin at her dormitory, She tried her best for Marin. Sometimes, we think we don't need anyone so we try to push them off no matter how close we are to them. That's how Marin was to Mabel. She dreaded Mabel's visit. She counted the days of her visit. Yet as they spend time together, memories of the past haunted them and made them vulnerable for each other. What happened between the two of them during that visit made them both stronger for themselves and for each other. After learning what happened to Marin, I'm just happy she has a Mabel in her life. I hope each and every one of us has our own Mabel.

         Towards the end of the story, I was nervous. Mabel's visit wasn't just a visit anyway. It was a chance to convince Marin to go back home with her. Did she go home? That's for you to find out. All I can say is that the ending didn't disappoint. 

        This story is a little close to my heart as it holds secrets. Maybe I'm biased but hey, Nina Lacour's writing was definitely something I can always come back to. There was this rawness as if the story was real, as if it was alive.

            We Are Okay definitely lived up to its title. That no matter what we go through, we are okay. That yes, we have to deal with our struggles and our shortcomings, but we end up okay. That we don't have to be alone. That life can be messy sometimes but we have to go on. Because in the end, we are
okay.
           

      About the Author

Nina LaCour is the author of three critically acclaimed young adult novels published by Dutton Books: Hold Still, The Disenchantments, and Everything Leads to You. You Know Me Well, a novel written in collaboration with David Levithan, is forthcoming from St. Martin's Griffin in June, 2016.

She has tutored, taught, and guest lectured in various places, including Berkeley City College, Maybeck High School, Stanford University, and Mills College, where she received an MFA in Creative Writing in 2006. Her novels have been Junior Library Guild selections, ALA Best Books for Young Adults, and have appeared on many state and regional lists. Nina won the 2009 Northern California Book Award for Children’s Literature, was featured in Publishers Weekly as a Flying Starts Author, and was a finalist for the William C. Morris award. She loves teaching, reading work by emerging and established writers, and talking about the craft of fiction.

She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her wife, photographer Kristyn Stroble, and their daughter.

Website | Goodreads |  Twitter

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Review: My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

Review: My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 5-star, contemporary, Jasmine Warga, mental health, review, YA,

Author: Jasmine Warga

Release date: February 10th 2015

Publisher: HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray

Series: N/A

Age Group:Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary / Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

Sixteen-year-old physics nerd Aysel is obsessed with plotting her own death. With a mother who can barely look at her without wincing, classmates who whisper behind her back, and a father whose violent crime rocked her small town, Aysel is ready to turn her potential energy into nothingness.

There’s only one problem: she’s not sure she has the courage to do it alone. But once she discovers a website with a section called Suicide Partners, Aysel’s convinced she’s found her solution: a teen boy with the username FrozenRobot (aka Roman) who’s haunted by a family tragedy is looking for a partner.

Even though Aysel and Roman have nothing in common, they slowly start to fill in each other’s broken lives. But as their suicide pact becomes more concrete, Aysel begins to question whether she really wants to go through with it. Ultimately, she must choose between wanting to die or trying to convince Roman to live so they can discover the potential of their energy together. Except that Roman may not be so easy to convince.  (via Goodreads)

Review

          My Heart and Other Black Holes made me cry more than I can ever count. There were moments when I had to stop reading, look at the ceiling and just cry. Oh, the power of Jasmine's words. 

           The story of Aysel and Roman was sad, happy, heartbreaking, funny, stressful, hopeful, and realistic. It surely was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Because in the real world, that's how it is.  They have different pasts and yet they want one future: to die. So they looked for a suicide partner, found each other, and decided to do it together. 

          Aysel and Roman were the opposites. The only thing that connects them is their goal. It sounds scary, cruel and even sadistic. Who would want to encourage someone to die? To end his/her own life with you? But the truth is, you wouldn't know. We wouldn't know. Unless we're in that situation. Unless we have depression. Unless we have suicidal tendencies. Yet Jasmine made sure that the story will make readers understand more about the topic without losing the idea that the characters are in fact, just two teenagers. Just regular teenagers who happen to have it. 

           Aysel was such a Physics nerd and a classical music lover. I really enjoyed all of her existential questions about her potential energy, her gravity, her black holes and everything about Physics. On the other hand, Roman was definitely that cute guy you just have a crush on, an athlete and has a turtle pet! See? Total opposites, right?

           I love this novel. Every bit of it. Its representation of depression, how things are affected, what happens when someone has it, everything surrounding it. It clearly gave the readers a look at the inside. In the end, it wasn't just love that triumphed. It was hope, faith, and trust as well. 

          I'm so thankful to Jasmine for being brave enough to write this novel that tackles the issue of mental health. It's not everyday that you come across a book that depicts such real-life issues. Her writing style definitely made the story even more beautiful.

          My Heart and Other Black Holes is a great eye-opener for everyone. It is cringe-worthy, but in a good way. Ready your heart when you decide to read this, and I do hope you read this one.

         About the Author

Jasmine Warga is an author from Cincinnati, Ohio. Her first novel, My Heart and Other Black Holes, was an international bestseller and has been translated into over twenty languages. Her second novel, Here We Are Now, was released in November of 2017. Jasmine lives with her husband, two tiny daughters, large dog, and mischievous cat. 
 

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E-ARC Review: The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun David Hutchinson

E-ARC Review: The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun David Hutchinson

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 4-star, contemporary, E-ARC, review, Shaun David Hutchinson, YA,

Author: Shaun David Hutchinson

Release date: January 20th 2015

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Series: N/A

Genre: Young Adult

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

Andrew Brawley was supposed to die that night. His parents did, and so did his sister, but he survived.

Now he lives in the hospital. He serves food in the cafeteria, he hangs out with the nurses, and he sleeps in a forgotten supply closet. Drew blends in to near invisibility, hiding from his past, his guilt, and those who are trying to find him.

Then one night Rusty is wheeled into the ER, burned on half his body by hateful classmates. His agony calls out to Drew like a beacon, pulling them both together through all their pain and grief. In Rusty, Drew sees hope, happiness, and a future for both of them. A future outside the hospital, and away from their pasts.

But Drew knows that life is never that simple. Death roams the hospital, searching for Drew, and now Rusty. Drew lost his family, but he refuses to lose Rusty, too, so he’s determined to make things right. He’s determined to bargain, and to settle his debts once and for all.

But Death is not easily placated, and Drew’s life will have to get worse before there is any chance for things to get better.

A partly graphic novel.  (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Simon Pulse through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This however did not influence my opinion of the book or of the author in any way..

Review

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley appealed to me as mysterious. Hence, why I requested it for review. The synopsis and the title suggested it was about grief. That's why I prepared myself for some heavy heart feels. But gosh, you can never be ready for it.

Within a few minutes into the book, I got lost inside Andrew's life in the hospital. I got all these questions. Why is he there? Why can't people figure out he's living in an abandoned part? What happened to his family? Who is this Death? How can he roam around the hospital as if it's his house? How can he survive like that? How does he take a bath? Of course, I knew I was gonna get answers. I took my time reading his story and got an answer for everything except about his shower time.

Andrew's life was a series of misfortunes. As much as I find it weird that he got to live inside the hospital, he doesn't know where to go. Since it's the last place his family was in, he stayed there. He illegally worked in the cafeteria. He got to have a family there. A nice one. Nurses, cafeteria crew, even some patients in the pedia, Trevor and Lexi. The bond he created with them was the most important to him. Along with his human friends, he turned to his drawings and character, Patient F as a companions. While he has people he can turn to, he was also avoiding someone, the Death. Turns out, the Death is a social worker. I knew that character must be an employee inside the hospital. Everything became crucial when Rusty was brought in the hospital. Andrew was drawn to him and so he befriended him. They became close as Andrew spent more sneaking time to his room. You don't know how nervous I got every time he did that. Yet the truth caught up with Andrew and eventually, Death. My heart ached for Andrew for he was just trying to save his friends. However, bad things happened and he needed saving more than ever.

I was close to the end, around 4% remaining when something happened and I swear I was astonished I can barely believe it. I read it a couple of times just to make sure I read it right. I was crying inside because why did that have to happen? I even told myself I don't like the book anymore. Take note, I was loving every bit of it until that happened. Still, I finished the book. Good thing, I was relieved in the end, pretty much relieved.

The comics included were entertaining. Although what gave depth to Andrew's life was Shaun's writing. It was very engaging I thought for sure it was something personal. I can just feel the intensity of every word. I even shed some tears to a few scenes. His writing is something I would definitely want to read again. You write incredibly, Shaun.

I debated within myself as to what rating I'll be giving this. I got overwhelmed with that last part. I kept on rationalizing why it happened. After almost three days, I realized how fitting it was. Why it had to happen. It's the only way Andrew can be saved. I love the book! Really. Especially the writing. Yet I am only giving it 4 stars because of that tiny feeling I got.

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley is an astounding piece of art. Goosebumps will definitely crawl in your skin. You'll have to go low before you go high. I cannot recommend this enough for its awesomeness. Please. Read it.

About the Author

Shaun is a major geek and all about nerdy shenanigans. He is the author of We Are the Ants, The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley, The Deathday Letter, fml, and the editor of the anthology Violent Ends. Find out more information at shaundavidhutchinson.com. He currently lives in South Florida with his dog and watches way too much Doctor Who.

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E-ARC Review: Promposal by Rhonda Helms

E-ARC Review: Promposal by Rhonda Helms

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 4-star, contemporary, E-ARC, review, Rhonda Helms, romance, YA,

Author: Rhonda Helms

Release date: February 10th 2015

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Series: N/A

Age Group:Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary / Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

Prom should be one of the most memorable nights of your life. But for Camilla and Joshua, some elaborate promposals are getting in the way. Will they be able to land their dream dates in time for the dance?

Promposal (n.)—an often very public proposal, in which one person asks another person to the prom, eliciting joy or mortification.

Camilla can’t help hoping her secret crush, Benjamin, might randomly surprise her out of the blue with a promposal. But when she’s asked to prom by an irritating casual acquaintance—who’s wearing a fancy tux and standing in front of a news crew—she’s forced to say yes. However, all hope is not lost, as a timely school project gives Camilla a chance to get closer to Benjamin...and it seems like the chemistry between them is crackling. Is she reading into something that isn’t there, or will she get her dream guy just in time for prom?

Joshua has been secretly in love with his best friend Ethan since middle school. Just as he decides to bite the bullet and ask Ethan if he’d go to prom with him, even if just as friends, he gets a shocking surprise: Ethan asks Joshua for help crafting the perfect promposal—for another guy. Now Joshua has to suppress his love and try to fake enthusiasm as he watches his dreams fall apart...unless he can make Ethan see that love has been right in front of his eyes the whole time.

The road to the perfect promposal isn’t easy to navigate. But one thing’s certain—prom season is going to be memorable.  (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Simon Pulse through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This however did not influence my opinion of the book or of the author in any way..

Review

What are your pet peeves as a social being? Are you okay with a stranger suddenly grabbing your hand in public? Or a person doing something inappropriate in front of a crowd? We can all think of an instance where we felt uncomfortable, violated and annoyed. In return, we do our best to avoid doing stuff which can make other people feel the same way. It's an unwritten code, to be proper at all times especially in public places. These things that make us act in certain ways are what we call social norms. I am very much familiar with such as we studied it in the university and of course, I was one of those girls who was brought up to be proper always, just like with Camilla, the female lead character.

Promposal alternates between Camilla and Joshua's POVs. Two best friends who both share trouble in their romantic life. Camilla wishes to be seen and appreciated by her ultimate crush, Benjamin, who is the complete opposite of her with his mysterious aura. Yet Zach asked her to go to the prom in front of everyone so she was forced to say yes. Talk about social norms. While Joshua is in love with his best friend, Ethan who wanted to invite another guy to their prom. These two besties definitely had some heartaches before they both got what they want.

Only a few pages in Promposal, I got so excited because Camilla's class was studying social norms. Of course, the introduction of Camilla was absolutely relatable. She was witty on her own. I caught myself laughing a couple of times because of her thoughts, actions and endless worries. Girl, you'd think at her age, all she'd be worried will be college but no. When Zach did his promposal to her, she was tied to just say yes. Poor Camilla. I wanted to punch Zach for assuming a lot of things. But, hey. They became friends in the end. Camilla's flirting with Benjamin made me smile a lot. Their passing of notes and project together was fun and entertaining.

Joshua's dilemma was a bit more heartbreaking as he was asked by Ethan to help him do a promposal for another guy. How cruel was that? The moment that Joshua confessed to Ethan was definitely heart-tugging. I would surely eat lots of oreos and ice cream if that was me.

Camilla and Joshua balanced out each other in the story. As Camilla was funny and happy-go-lucky, Joshua was the more serious, the artistic one. It wasn't a bore reading about their lives. No too much drama, or heavy struggles. It was more of finding your way to your romantic life.

Promposal definitely is one for a good laugh. You will enjoy Camilla and Joshua's way to their budding romance. Be ready as it will also make you think about your dos and don'ts in the public, if you're being appropriate for that matter. It's nice to read a book that not only makes you enjoy the story and the characters, but also allows you to reflect on your own as a person.

About the Author

Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago when she realized she was having far too many conversations with people in her head that hadn’t actually happened. She has a Master’s degree in English and a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) as a freelance acquisitions/developmental editor, plus offers freelance editing.

When she isn’t writing, she likes amateur photography, digging her toes into the sand, reading for hours at a time, and eating scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.

Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family, a dog, and two sassy cats.

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E-ARC Review: Perfect Couple (Superlatives # 1) by Jennifer Echols

E-ARC Review: Perfect Couple (Superlatives # 1) by Jennifer Echols

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 4-star, contemporary, Jennifer Echols, review, Superlatives, YA,

Author: Jennifer Echols

Release date: January 13th 2014

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Series: Superlatives # 2

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

Can your heart be put to a popular vote?

As yearbook photographer, Harper is responsible for capturing those candid moments that make high school memorable. But her own life is anything but picture perfect. Her parents' bitter divorce has left her wondering what a loving relationship would look like. And ever since the senior class voted her and star quarterback Brody the “Perfect Couple That Never Was,” her friends have been on her case to ask Brody out.

Brody doesn’t lack in female admirers, but Harper can't see herself with him. He seems confused about why they were matched together, too. They’re total opposites—the last people in the world who would ever be compatible, let alone the “perfect couple.” Yet ever since the class paired the two of them, they've found themselves drawn together--first by curiosity, then by an undeniable bond.

The trouble is, though they're very attracted to each other and both of them admit this, they have a hard time getting along or even communicating clearly. If they’re the perfect couple, this shouldn’t be so difficult! Soon it becomes clear their class was wrong, and they throw in the towel. But after they walk away, both of them feel so changed from making the effort that they can’t forget each other. What if that means this match made in hell is the perfect couple after all?  (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Simon Pulse through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This however did not influence my opinion of the book or of the author in any way..

Review

Having read Biggest Flirts, I thought that award was already weird. Then I read Perfect Couple and I realized that this one is way weirder for me. Imagine yourself getting awarded as the biggest flirt of your class. Embarrassing right? What more if you are paired with another student and be labeled as the Most Perfect Couple That Never Was? I bet you'd be conscious, curious and obsessed as Harper was.

The attraction between Harper and Brody felt natural for me. The award they got was just a door for them to get to know each other. Although at first, sure, the curiosity and the obsession that Harper had was there. Who wouldn't be when you're paired with someone as Brody? Brody was handsome, athletic and a pretty nice guy. Brody was the typical high school jock minus the jerk part. I guess that's one reason why Harper continued to fall for him because he was real to her.  Their relationship, just like with Will and Tia's, grew out of the Superlative award. Yet it is pretty and sweet despite some drama. Typical teenage couples, you guys. 

Of course, their relationship wouldn't blossom without the help of their friends. I totally enjoyed reading about Will and Tia. It was really fun to read about them again. The two of them may be completely opposite but they sure know how to take care of their friends. Other than the two, I was delighted to encounter Sawyer again. I honestly cannot wait to read about his own story. His relationship with Kaye is definitely an interesting one. 

Other than the romance, Harper being a photographer was one aspect I enjoyed the most. Her passion with it is inspiring. Even if she was having troubles with her romantic life, her eye for taking photographs wasn't affected. It was a proud moment for me when she stood up to Kennedy regarding her deadlines and designs.

Despite the fact that this award made me feel weirder than the Biggest Flirts, I ended up liking this more. I do believe it was because of the romance between Brody and Harper and Harper's love for photography.

Perfect Couple is a nice and sweet easy read. You can finish it in one sitting. You won't just getting some romance but also some photography love.

 About the Author

Jennifer Echols was born in Atlanta and grew up in a small town on a beautiful lake in Alabama—a setting that has inspired many of her books. She has written nine romantic novels for young adults, including the comedy MAJOR CRUSH, which won the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the drama GOING TOO FAR, which was a finalist in the RITA, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Book Buyer’s Best, and was nominated by the American Library Association as a Best Book for Young Adults. Simon & Schuster will debut her adult romance novels in 2013, with many more teen novels scheduled for the next few years. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and her son.

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[Blog Tour] I Was Here by Gayle Forman: Review

[Blog Tour] I Was Here by Gayle Forman: Review

Posted by Nina L. on 11:30 PM in 4-star, blog tour, contemporary, Gayle Forman, Pinoy Book Tours, realistic fiction, review, romance, YA,

Author: Gayle Forman

Release date: January 29th 2014

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Series: N/A

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary / Romance / Realistic Fiction

Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

This characteristically powerful novel follows eighteen-year-old Cody Reynolds in the months following her best friend's shocking suicide.

As Cody numbly searches for answers as to why Meg took her own life, she begins a journey of self-discovery which takes her to a terrifying precipice, and forces her to question not only her relationship with the Meg she thought she knew, but her own understanding of life, love, death and forgiveness. (via Goodreads)

A copy of this book was lent to me by Pinoy Book Tours. This however did not influence my opinion of the book or of the author in any way.

Review

I don't know what to say except that I was disappointed in a way when I finished reading this one. I've read a couple of novels regarding the people who have been left behind by someone who committed suicide. Of course, each novel is unique. I thought this one would be a friendship story. Sadly, at the end, romance won out. Not that I have anything against romance, you guys. It was just a little disheartening that the start of the novel reached out for a lot of potential (for me) but it only ended with a romance.

I told Dianne of PBT that I already got teary-eyed only with a few pages in this book. Gayle Forman definitely knows how to give the feels. Throughout the novel, I felt heavy. How will you react if your best friend committed suicide and it was all planned-out? I'd probably lose my shit if I was Cody. Cody though was a strong protagonist. She went out of her way to know the truth. But along the way she met a guy. I honestly didn't feel their connection. The only thing that connected the two of them was Meg. I somehow think that's the reason why Cody was pulled to him. But their romantic attraction? Nada for me. It sort of felt fake, actually.

The things that Cody found out about Meg's suicide was absolutely terrifying and sad. I can't imagine someone going through that. I already have a guess as to why Meg committed suicide and I was right. It wasn't something that Cody can control or anyone else for that matter. Along the journey of Cody, I realized that maybe she wasn't looking for the reason why Meg did it. It was more about her finding a way to make herself feel that it wasn't her fault. It's that guilt. The guilt that everyone feels when someone close to them commits suicide. This is the reason why I felt that the story kind of turned a different way. It would have been nice to actually delve more into that. It made me feel that even if Meg knew about things, it was the romance that saved it. I know it wasn't the point but the romance part somehow made the more important topic just on the sideline.

I Was Here is an emotional and heartbreaking journey of coming to terms with your other half  (you'll get it when you read the book) committing suicide. Despite me not liking the romance part, the reality of this book saved it for me. Be ready as Gayle Forman gives you another bunch of the feels!

About the Author

Gayle Forman is an award-winning, international best-selling author and journalist whose articles have appeared din numerous publications. She is the author of the New York Times bestsellers If I Stay and Where She Went, as well as Sisters in Sanity (HarperTeen)

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[Blog Tour] The Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil: Review

[Blog Tour] The Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil: Review

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 AM in contemporary, Melissa Keil, Pinoy Book Tours, review, romance, YA,

Author: Melissa Keil

Release date: September 1st 2014

Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Series: N/A

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository 

Add to your library: Goodreads

Alba loves her life just as it is. She loves living behind the bakery, and waking up in a cloud of sugar and cinnamon. She loves drawing comics and watching bad TV with her friends.

The only problem is she’s overlooked a few teeny details:

Like, the guy she thought long gone has unexpectedly reappeared.
And the boy who has been her best friend since forever has suddenly gone off the rails.
And even her latest comic-book creation is misbehaving.

Also, the world might be ending – which is proving to be awkward.

As Doomsday enthusiasts flock to idyllic Eden Valley, Alba’s life is thrown into chaos. Whatever happens next, it’s the end of the world as she knows it. But when it comes to figuring out her heart, Armageddon might turn out to be the least of her problems. (via Goodreads)

A copy of this book was lent to me by Pinoy Book Tours. This however did not influence my opinion of the book or of the author in any way.

Review

I was hesitant to read this one as I am not a fan of comics. Still I took the risk as I am curious as to how Alba would find her way through the chaos around her.

Alba is definitely an artistic and creative character. It was not hard for me to relate with her as I was once in her shoes, trying to find her way in. While everyone around her was busy planning for college and trying to survive doomsday in her town, she was reluctantly ignoring the facts that surround her. Like how everyone was not staying at one place, how some people were trying to run from a hoax doomsday, how her life was not getting any easier, how her best friend Grady was slowly pulling away from her, how her friend Daniel suddenly came back and how she was oblivious to what she really wants. Although I think for the most part, she totally knew what she wanted. She was just scared to accept it as it would be life-changing for her. Thankfully, there were characters around her to make her realize that it's all worth it. These minor characters are absolutely a joy to read about. Especially Grady. I thought at once there would be a love triangle but I realized that Daniel was no match for Grady. 

Sure enough, the comics references in the book were not familiar to me, not even an inch close. Though I've heard some of the titles, I still did not get the hype or the excitement when the specific comics was mentioned. I may have not connected with Alba through her love of comics but I sure did enjoy when she was making her own. I had a vivid imagination as I was reading about her making her comics. It was fun to see how her story started as to nothing and ended up to something more than just a couple of pages and drawings.

The Adventures of Cinnamon Girl is a delightful light read that anyone will enjoy. Comic-lovers probably will enjoy this more. Nevertheless, get lost into the world of Alba and her chaotic world.

            About the Author

Melissa Keil was born in Melbourne, Australia, and has been a giant book nerd for as long as she can remember. She studied Cinema and Anthropology at university, and then spent a few more years dabbling in graduate study, including Professional Writing and Editing. In between she has been a high school teacher, Middle Eastern tour guide, waitress, community theatre dogsbody, and IT help desk person (hands down, her most unsuccessful job to date). Now, by day, she is a children’s book editor, and spends the rest of her time reading, writing, buying comic books, watching YouTube, and wrangling a cheeky spoodle named Hugo. Her debut YA novel, Life in Outer Space, was the winner of the 2013 Ampersand Project. It’s a young adult romantic comedy that combines some of her many loves – movies, music, karate, the Astor Theatre, Star Wars, and all things geek. Life in Outer Space was the recipient of the 2014 Ena Noël award, and was shortlisted for the 2014 CBCA Book of the Year (Older Readers). Her second YA novel, The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl, will be published in 2014.

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[Blog Tour] The Boyfriend Backtrack by Dawn Lanuza: Excerpt & Giveaway

[Blog Tour] The Boyfriend Backtrack by Dawn Lanuza: Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted by Nina L. on 9:00 PM in blog tour, contemporary, Dawn Lanuza, excerpt, Giveaway, NA, Oops I Read A Book Again Blog Tours,

Author: Dawn Lanuza

Release date: October 3, 2014

Publisher: Self-Published

Series: N/A

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary / Romance

Tour organized by: Oops I Read A Book Again Blog Tours

Purchase: Amazon 

Add to your library: Goodreads

If they say that life flashes right before your eyes when you die, do you also get a flashback of your exes when your perfect boyfriend is proposing to you? At least that's the case for Regina Cortez. There's her dramatic high school boyfriend, her first college crush, the irresistible heart breaker, and the ever elusive one. By backtracking to her past, will Regina make it to 'I Do'? Or will she just keep running away? (via Goodreads)

Excerpt

I watched Dirk for days when he came in. Not that I was waiting for him to notice me; it’s just that the more he tries to blend with the background, the more I see him in the foreground. He would always sulk under the bleachers and light a cigarette even if smoking wasn’t allowed on school grounds. At night, he would be hanging out in the parking lot of a convenience store, waiting for his older friends to get him packs of cigarettes and beer. He still doesn’t smile even if he was already with his friends.

So after following him for two weeks – from a distance of course – I had a breakthrough. We were having lunch by the kiosk while he was sulking under the bleachers, smoking, when he caught my eye. This happened a couple of times before, but I always manage to look away or pretend that I was looking at Amy, my friend who is usually talking about her hair. But that day, I didn’t look away and neither did he. So we stared at each other for a whole minute. Maybe less, but that felt like eternity in teenage

I didn’t come near him, not for another month or so, but since that day, Dirk and I would have a staring competition during lunch. I always lose, because my eyes would get watery and sometimes, Amy shoves her hair right in front of my face so I can check if she has split ends.

Then one day, while we were in the middle of our staring match, he and his deep intense stare turned into something more than I’ve bargained for.

Dirk smiled.

Generally, when you meet someone for the first time, they give you a smile, as if they’re welcoming you into their lives. His smile wasn’t just an invitation.

It cracked his whole world open.

      About the Author

Dawn Lanuza has been imagining and writing love stories since she was a kid. She works for the music industry by day, and writes about meet cutes and snappy comebacks by night. She writes short stories, chick lit and young-adult fiction. She has a degree in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines.

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