Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

No one survived but her...

Mara Dyer's past is a blur. In one night, she lost her best friend and boyfriend to a tragic fire that no one dares to discuss. And so her family relocates to a new town, where Mara will come to terms that the past just can't stay hidden.

It was a struggle to link the book to a specific genre, as it kept on changing from mystery to romance to paranormal -- all linked to create what became a trilogy. The main love interest was surprisingly presented as shallow, referred to as ''The Shaw'' a player that no girl should come near, especially one like Mara who is still sensitive due to the incident. But Noah ends up being a bookworm, who cares to integrate her into the new school. Why he needs to maintain a persona is explained in the book, making the story even more climatic.

Looking forward to reading the sequel (blame it on the cliffhanger ending).

Feature and Friday Follow: Divergent Pursuit

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Do you like fantasy or realistic books?

Une photo publiée par natalia (@natyuniverse) le 20 Févr. 2015 à 9h42 PST

Both.

Sometimes I need a check with reality. Particularly when I'm feeling down or alone --  a good book that deals with life's troubles reminds me I'm human. Everyone has ups and downs.

Of course, like any avid reader, I also like to escape to strange lands. Fantasy books are a cheap way to travel that can take you to destinations beyond your wildest imagination.

So, yeah... I need to read and review both.


Do you have a favorite?

Review: The Long Haul

Greg's mom is searching for yet another idea to spend some quality family time. And so everyone else must follow and get in the van for a long road trip across the US. Of course, Greg's dad insists on bringing a boat he found in the garage. Rodrick is placed in charge for more responsibility than he can handle. And Manny adopts a pet pig while Greg trying to cope with it all, makes some strange enemies along the way. 

This was Kinney's 9th book in the series, and he proved he still got that funny bone by plotting gag after gag. There isn't a dull moment during the trip. As Kinney says in his youtube video "If you keep coming up with a series of problems for your characters to solve, your reader is going to root that much harder for them." 

Another great addition to the series. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Bottled up till now

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOKISH PROBLEMS I HAVE

Shopaholic

I don't read every book I buy. Most of the time I just leave them in by bookcase, stare at them every day, then go to the library to borrow books. I need a cure!!

Say no to DNF

I'm currently reading a book that I cannot stand. But I will finish it, because once I start anything I need to finish it.

Fear of bad influences

If there is a movie adaptation of the book, then I cannot watch it until I have read said novel in it's entirety. This week I told my friends no to hanging out because they had rented Gone Girl, and I have not read it yet. 

Trying to get others to read

I'm the girl who reads in the subway and smiles if I catch you peeking at the cover. If the book is any good I will personally recommend it.  Let's just say not everyone wants to read. Then you get stuck with someone who just wants to talk about the weather and ethnic food while I could be reading.

Am I the only one?

Review: Along for the Ride

We regret more the things we didn't do, than those we did.

When Auden opts to take some time off studying and visit her dad, she expects to spend quality time with him. But instead she gets stuck with her stepmom and new baby sister in a small town, that hosts only one coffee shop. Her introvert self doesn't mind the quiet - if only is were quiet. Her dad keeps nagging about his writer's block leaving her stepmom alone to care for the baby. So Auden takes over the responsibility of babysitting and managing the accounts of her stepmom's store. Will Auden ever be able to let go and have some fun?

Dessen won a Goodreads Choice Awards for this novel, and it's easy to understand why. The character development goes deep. Everyone has flaws and qualities, including Auden. As always, a male protagonist is introduced to help balance her out. But Eli isn't just there to fill up the pages. He has scars of his own that need proper attention.Divorce is major topic and profusely addressed although it could have been about 80 pages shorter and still kept it's meaning.

All work and no play makes everyone go dull, so remember to unwind from time to time and go ride a bike.