Falling into routine is a slow death. This book illustrates several ways girls can alter their hairstyles and be fashionable. If you want to profit this tutorials to the max. I advise you have some dry shampoo, sea salt spray, volume powder (Got2B makes an excellent one) elastics, hair accesories, hair chalk, and if possible, an extra pair of hands. Even though, the pictures were of excellent quality (large, taking over the whole page), styling your head is not as simple as it looks. Except for braids, the hair dos simply came with written instructions. Like: Remove a lock of hair from a tied ponytail. But how -- the whole thing falls apart when I do? Also, how am I supposed to keep the little fly airs from going wild? Too bad this book couldn't come with a how-to DVD. |
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Review: Best Hair Book Ever
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Review: Red Queen
Anyone can betray you, becomes a warning to hold on tight in this new YA fantasy series. In Mare's world, citizens not only bleed red or silver, but the color of their blood affects their reign as well as magical powers. Red's are considered worthless. But when Mare is given the chance to work at the palace and discovers her magical gift to control lightning everything changes. She's immediately betrothed to prince Maven, and plans are set in motion for her to become a Red Queen. But why are they so keen on keeping her at all? Can Mare really stop the Reds from rebelling against the royals? Aveyard added a lot of tension and quickly turned this fantasy into a thriller. We had a group of rebels that helped carry the story along, as characters were divided by right and wrong. Although I did enjoy the love triangle between Mare and the princes, I found the action and magical abilities of some (like Queen Elara) to be even more entrancing. Looking forward to the sequel. |
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Caught my arrow #48
Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.
Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs
What are you reading this week?
Monday, February 1, 2016
Graphic Monday: Page by Paige
Paige was forced to relocate from Virginia to New York with her mom. She doesn't know anyone, and spends most of her time talking to museum paintings and drawing in her notebook. Her art is gorgeous, but she is so afraid to share it. Until she meets some new friends that inspire her to be free. The Graphics kept me turning the pages, as the author found clever ways to put text everywhere. It really felt like I was staring at a piece of art and not a book. Particularly, because the story dragged as Paige dealt with her insecurities. Just when I thought she was moving on, she would shield herself back into her cocoon. Some similarities with Plain Janes, although, I must say the drawings in this one really take the cake. |
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Review: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
I finally understand why Charlotte married Mr.Collins out of the blue.
I have seen the numerous movies based on Pride and Prejudice novel, and was looking forward to reading the zombie adaptation. Would it linger toward the horror genre or humor -- I did not know what to expect. But after reading it, I must say it definitely belongs to the latter.
Grahame-Smith changed lots of the dialogue to incorporate the zombie theme as the Bennett girls are well trained in combat. Yes, their mother is still obsessed with marriage (regardless of the plague) and all the characters are there. Although, I must say that Grahame-Smith karma the heck out of all of them, whether by giving them even more egotistical personalities or crippling them.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Review: This song is (not) for you
Sad to say, this book was not for me. Ramona and Sam have been bandmates for a long time. And to both of their dismay, the relationship has crossed the friendzone. Then one day Tom appears in the picture and gets added as a new member. But will Ramona's crush on Tom bring out everything that has been left unsaid between her and Sam? Despite the author's efforts to add subplots about bullying, cancer, and teen/parents issues -- the main focus remained on the romance. Lack of sex motivation is not commonly seeing in YA books and I'm glad that it gets some spotlight. I mean how many of us have dated someone that just couldn't get it up or didn't want more than to hold hands? Not everyone has a high drive. The problem is the author dragged it. Giving us the impression that a huge revelation will explain his condition (gay, asexual, molested, alien...) And if that wasn't bad enough, she then ended the climax with a dried up solution to try to make every character happy. Life doesn't work that way. |
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Review: Firsts
Although one night stands are no longer frowned upon as before -- 15 of them with guys from the same school -- will not go unnoticed
Following a bad breakup, Mercedes decides to take control of her body. She quickly becomes the school "devirginizer", sleeping with other girls boyfriends to teach them how to respect girls needs in bed. As one guy after another leaves her bedroom, Mercedes goes sloppy. No longer checking if the virgins have girlfriends or not -- or if they are virgins at all. How long can she keep doing this? Doesn't she realize that this is the opposite of self-control?
The author made sure to compliment Mercedes character with selfish parents. The mother was present throughout the novel, which made it even more cruel that she never tried to stop her child from casual sex. The book kind of dragged for a while, as Mercedes accumulated partners, but once everything unraveled Flynn provided an amazing conclusion, making sure to fit as many lessons as possible for young girls everywhere.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Review: VIP I'm with the Band
Who can resist boy bands?
Certainly not Mac who has been a huge fan of Perfect Storm (PS) before they were a hit. Mac knows everything about them -- from eating habits to favorite colors -- and dreams of going to her Spring Fling dance with the lead singer, Zander. But when a sudden turn of events causes Mac's mom to get hired as PS' tour manager, Mac will not only get to daydream about the band, she will spend the next two months with them 24/7. Will this personal encounter change her image of them? What if Zander is not so dreamy as she pictured in her head?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although, I did find it a little lengthy for Middle-Graders at first, I soon began to see various drawings, blank pages to separate chapters, and graphic novel entries (Mac's alter ego), encouraging me to quickly changed my mind. Mac was heartfelt and quirky/clumsy making it easy to get attached to her character. She also acted like a mature twelve-year-old. Aside from the romance, the author added Lola, a rich spoiled fifteen-year-old ready to challenge Mac's favorite fan status.
All in all a fun read with an open ending. Do I sense a series?
Friday, January 8, 2016
Feature and Follow Friday: Desires
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Parajunkee / Alison Can Read |
FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY
Glass Sword!!
Granted, I haven't put up my review of Red Queen yet ( I have been on a vacation lazy slump) I must admit to love the setting, the characters, and the writing style of the series. I can't wait to see what Victoria Aveyard comes up with next.
What book are you anxious for?
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Book and Movie Challenge: Mockingjay and Veronika Decides to Die
Mockingjay Part II
Why did it take me so long to review this film? Because I had to reread the book. It had been so long since it was published (2010, keep in mind that there is no Mockingjay part 2 novel) that I felt the need to refresh and understand why a few scenes were presented the way they were.
All in all, I found the plot stuck mostly to it's original story enough to give book fans their bucks worth. I was however surprised by the movie fanatics who didn't seem to grasp why the rebellion was not in center focus. They wanted more political details, which is impossible due to the fact that the story is told by the point-of-view of Katniss alone. And at that moment all she could think about was Snow. A great eye-opener on how revenge can blind us.
Veronika Decides to Die
Ugh where do I start?
Paulo Coehlo is an amazing author, so amazing he can actually afford to make a cameo in his own book. While the novel deals with all the downside of depression (therapists says sadness and anger are emotions, while depression is a condition that we force upon ourselves) and reveals lots of great quotes to turn our frowns upside down, the film misleads its message. Aside from the strange sexual scene, the movie just seemed dull.
**If you've reviewed this film or any other movie adaptation this month, please make sure to leave your link below. I'm always searching for movies to watch or skip.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Review: The Dark and Hollow Places
That sad part when you don't follow your instincts and DNF a book.
Annah is scarred inside out. She abandoned her twin sister several years ago to the Unconsecrated (zombies) and has since survived with various scars all over her body and face. But now, that her sister is found, Annah starts developing other feelings such as jealousy and lover boy envy. Can Annah ever be at peace?
Despite being the third book in the series, Ryan chose to focus the story on a new character with a dull personality. Not only is Annah constantly conflicted, but her reasoning makes little sense. She immediately sees her sister after years of guilt, and feels nothing but jealousy. Admits to loving Elias, only to flirt with Catcher right away. It's impossible to root for a character that doesn't know what she wants.
The action is also constantly stalled, as our four main characters are being held under their will. Together they must decide if they desire to live or exist (tough existentialist question during apocalyptic zombie times).
Wish Ryan would have stopped at book two.
Monday, December 21, 2015
Review: Not if I see you First
"One of the unexpected side effects of Parker going blind, was how she got less and less sensible about what she said to people, because she couldn't see them flinch."
After a drunk driving accident (her mother had too much wine), Parker not only loses her mom but her eyesight. A few years later, her dad passes away from a medication overdose. Thankfully her aunt and cousins move in with her (Parker had already memorized the house and neighborhood, not an easy task when you are blind) but there's a cold shoulder coming from her cousin Sheila.
Then we have Parker's friends, who are tired of seeing her put up "bitchy" attitudes and excluding them from sharing her feelings. All in all Parker isn't mean, she's just extremely sad and bottles her emotions. But what will happen if she keeps up this front, will everyone leave her, including her soulmate?
To be honest, this book had a lot of characters. What worked against the story, is that all these characters were polite. No one had attitude as much as Parker. Although, I liked her "I can do it" motto, I couldn't see the author's message about bottled emotions until 2/3 into the book. By then, Parker became an adrenaline rush junkie, and went from wanting to take relationships slow, to, I love my ex-boyfriend and he has to love me back right now. It just shows how after a huge tragedy, you need to talk to someone before you explode.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Feature and Follow Friday: Ink and Quills talk
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Parajunkee / Alison Can Read |
FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY
I was published in a steampunk anthology, Gears of Brass, and loved the genre that I twisted with horror. For my next story I'm planning something even more scary and gory.
What genre would you pick?
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Review: DOAWK: Old School
It's not me, it's you.
I'm a huge fan of Greg and his awkward life moments. He has a quirky family that means well, and the most amazing best friend. But this time (book 10) I feel like Kinney is running out of ideas and just adding things to fulfill his novel deadline.
We get some deja vus as Greg and his Dad end up in a camp thanks to a one week school break that is not clear(I mean, is he on vacation). All the campers are unsupervised and fed weeks old food, even forced to live without showers. Don't get me wrong, the giggles are there, but barely in plausible situations.
How long can this series last?
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Top Ten Tuesday: Exploring the unknown
Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
TOP NEW AUTHORS I DISCOVERED THIS YEAR
Did a small twist on the today's topic, mainly because when I like an author, I tend to devour the series right away. Like I did with the Locke & Key series. Here is the list of authors that caught my eye in 2015.
Angels are not my favorite fantasy/paranormal characters. Particularly, after the disappointing results of the Fallen series. But Susan was able to mix the right amount of tension to change my mind.
Misogynistic yes! But so were the men in that period of time. Strindberg added so much drama, and had me gasping in horror at the horrible way men treated women then (sadly, some still do).

Lena Dunham (author of Not that Kind of Girl)
Her sense of humor always gives me the giggles, but I found Dunham's latest book to not only be humorist but also very down to earth and blatantly honest. Loved it!
Joe Hill(author of Locke and Key)
Devoured the first four volumes. Waiting for the last two to arrive this Christmas.
Plot twists are not easy to do. However, Stone managed to draw me in and gave her book an unexpected ending.
Not a fan of historical fantasies, but An Ember in the Ashes was off the hook. I need to read the next one.
S.K. Tremayne (author of The Ice Twins)
The Goodreads nomination was not in vain. This book is a psychological thriller with well done characterizations.
This is actually the first book I read in 2015. I was glad to start off the year with a great novel that maintained my interest right away.
Which authors did you discover this year?
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Review: Never said
Annie never said what troubled her so much.
Instead, she just started eating junk, turning her beauty pageant body into the unrecognizable twin. Her parents are devastated and can't stop telling her how "ugly" she looks. But her twin sister, Sarah, suspects more. Why does Annie seem so preoccupied with wanting men to consider her undesirable? Why doesn't she complain about the bullying at school? What is Annie not saying?!?
Told in dual point-of-view, the premise seemed a bit misleading. Although, Sarah was in fact an introvert, the anxiety disorder that her parents constantly criticized didn't seem fit. Sarah stood up for Annie constantly, had a boyfriend and had no problem leaving the house. As for Annie, her story was very slow paced. From the beginning to end, we just saw her eat and want to create a club where everyone is equal and friendly, even though her eating disorder was caused by something traumatic that she refused to get help for. How could she possibly help others in her state?
Not my favorite Lynch Williams.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Review: Finding Audrey
In many ways, it's impossible not to relate with Audrey's character
After a bully incident left Audrey under clinical stress, she finds herself unable to leave home. Just the thought of talking to a stranger gets her in a panic. She even wears sunglasses to shield herself from her own family. But can her brother's new friend Linus, and a video project help Audrey get better...and fast?
Kinsella's debut in YA doesn't mean she'd leave her roots behind. She's used to writing quirky, at times over the top, female characters and she certainly has lots fun with Audrey's parents. The whole bully incident is quite covered up. As Audrey suggests, this is a personal matter and she doesn't need to let us know the details (except that it hurt, a lot). Although I found it frustrating at times of quarrels, I'm glad Kinsella never revealed that secret. It would only have caused readers to judge Audrey unnecessarily: Why did she break down just for that? I've seen worse, bla bla bla.
A large welcome to Sophie Kinsella in the YA realm.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Review: Vanishing Girls
Sisters share many things... but a boy shouldn't be one of them.
After a traumatic car crash, Nicole (Nick) wants to get close to her sister Dara again. But it won't be easy. Dara is not accepting any of her invitations, even framing Nick for a party faux-pas. If only Dara would understand how much Nick cares for her. If only Nick could remember what happened that crazy night of the crash.
Told in a dual point-of-view between Dara and Nick, as well as with after and before the accident chapters (yes, this gets confusing at times), we get a glimpse at both sides of the coin. Dara comes out as an extrovert and makes it easy to relate to her emotions. But Nick is the opposite. She hides her true feelings from Parker (her crush), Dara, and even her parents. Therefore, Oliver focused more chapters on Nick, piercing the mystery even more. Add a case of a
missing nine-year-old neighborhood girl and you get a thriller. The book includes emails, photographs and diary entries to serve as clues.
Although, some of the ending revelations were too coincidental, the book left me guessing until the end.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Top Ten Tuesdays: Stay Tuned
Written under the voice of a five-year-old living in captivity, the novel is downright heartbreaking. Aside from bringing a pile full of tissues, and waterproof mascara, you might consider avoiding this very late at night or downloading that virtual companion app to walk home safely.
The poster alone says we are in for a visual treat. After the three first movies, Mockingjay seems more than apt to provide that crazy farewell conclusion with a hoopla of expensive explosions. And lots of Peeta scenes!!
The novel was way more humorous than gory, and although, I get the feeling that the film will remain faithful to that version, I still want to see it. Mostly for the lavish gowns.
The movie poster is not out yet, but the film is a done deal. This book is heartbreaking, five star worthy, please-hug-me material, and my advise is that whatever you do, don't go watch this alone.
So the movie didn't make it to Quebec Canada (the trailer did though, go figure), and I'm still waiting to see what became of this pretty adaptation.
Aliens return to the big screen!! Did I mention that they look hot too?
Daniel Radcliffe. Enough said!
The wait is long with this one. All the way until March. Christmas better go by fast.
The teaser trailer appeared last week, and the film looks good. The cinematography was great with the first one, and I'm certain Disney will put in as much effort this time around.
What movie adaptation are you looking for?
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Review: Chemistry
"This is what happens when I fall in love. It's poisonous. It's deadly."
Claude Frollo can be described as judgmental, arrogant, and manipulative. He grew up unloved, going from a foster home to a church sanctuary where he finds solace in Valentine, a disabled teen that resides with him. Together, they dedicate themselves to their high school studies. Until Esmeralda appears. If only she would see how perfect Claude and her could be together. He must have her no matter the cost.
Of all the characters in The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Claude is the least charismatic. It was entertaining to see the author give him the stage light and focus this YA retelling with an antagonist in the lead. The closer Claude got to Esmeralda, the more problems he created. His selfishness always prevailed, but his childhood background helped us understand why he would do such things. Regardless of the one sided instaloves in the story (Phoebus is also present), the novel remained entertaining, keeping the reader wondering how low Claude could go to keep Esmeralda by his side.
Loved it!
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Review: A Thousand Nights
Lo-Melkhinn might be a rich and powerful men, and yet, he struggles to keep a woman. All three hundred of his wives passed away within the first week of marriage. Ever since, girls everywhere are terrified of him. But Lady-bless moves in willingly to the castle and becomes his latest wife. She does so to protect her beautiful sister, and deep down, because she believes herself dispensable. Can her spirituality protect her or will she succumb to the beast?
Like all fairy-tales, there's a duality theme through the novel of good vs evil (god vs Satan to be exact). Although, I do believe that Lady-bless' sacrifice for her sister came from the heart, her lack of self-confidence soon emerged. Her sister was the fiery one, the gutsy, the beautiful, the one whose mom dad loved best, the best seamstress... (yup, the list is long). Every time Lo-Melkhinn tries to talk to Lady-bless she brings her sister into the conversation. Even during sex!
"My sister does her rituals too, proper ones, far from the city walls," I said to him, though I could not say how I had seen it. "She prepares for her wedding."
And then the plot twisted. When Lady-Bless started seeing herself as someone who could give back (like sowing with the other women of the palace) she became aware of her spirit, and finally gave us the badass female that was needed to handle Lo-Melkhinn's possessed soul.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Feature and Follow Friday: Hello Quick Fix
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Parajunkee / Alison Can Read |
FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

The whole book concentrated on the rebellion, with fight scene after fight scene. This wasn't supposed to be a WWF match. It's a book. What happened to the dialogue? The love triangle that had been woven in the sequel?
Rubbish.
I would make sure Lena chose on of the two boys, and make the subplot with Hana a lot more suspenseful.
Which book do think deserves a make-over?
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Review: The Indigo Spell
Sydney is all grown up
It appears the Alchemists are hiding crucial information from their members. Sydney would never dream of going against her kind, but when this information threatens to place Jill in danger, all bets are off. Not only does she become a spy for Marcus, but she also turns to Magik as a form of defense. Now that she is changing her beliefs, will Sydney finally admit her love for Adrian?
Although I loved seeing this new Sydney, strong and filled with confidence (other than in intellectual matters), the majority of the book was slow paced. From her taking lessons to running errands, Sydney just wouldn't stop working. Then every time she would get some time off, the environment was tense(sexual tension between her and Adrian, and group tension between her friends). Also the climax was solved way too easily.
Not my favorite of the series.
Bloodlines (Book One)
The Golden Lily (Book Two)
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