tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45157374377067391662024-03-14T10:12:32.852+11:00Obsessive Compulsive ReaderObsessive Compulsive Readerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03478001483043640384noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-30035505033831426652016-08-16T23:06:00.001+10:002016-08-16T23:06:18.959+10:00Top Ten Books Set in World War II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TTT is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a><br />
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So my absence from the book blogging community has been extended for much longer than I had anticipated. But more on that later. For this week's topic, I had elected to go with books set in World War II. It was such a dark time in our world's history and the wealth of literature that sprouts from that setting really does pay homage to that fact. What makes the setting even more amazing is how every work differs from one another, whether it is detailing the lives of those in hiding, or the brutality of war, or the average citizens just trying to survive the war.<br />
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For this topic, I have decided to split the 10 books into the top 5 that I have read and the top 5 that are still (embarassingly) on my TBR pile.<br />
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1. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank</h2>
I don't think anyone can mention World War II and literature without mentioning this book. To see the journey of the war through a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl's eyes in hiding was just humbling in so many ways.<br />
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2. The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan</h2>
From one type of horror to another, <i>The Narrow Road to the Deep North</i> details the lives of Australian prisoner of wars in the Burmese Jungle. It is truly a remarkable and at times, brutally horrifying read.<br />
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3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak</h2>
<i>The Book Thief</i> is one of my all-time favourite novels. I'm currently in the middle of a re-read and my post-it flags are definitely getting a real workout as I set to mark down all my favourite sections.<br />
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4. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr</h2>
Set in World War II in the beautiful city of Saint Malo (which I didn't even know about before reading the book), All the Light We Cannot See is full of charm, stunning prose, and jigsaw puzzles that slowly but surely piece together to form the horrific day that came to the citizens of Saint Malo.<br />
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5. Atonement by Ian McEwan</h2>
In <i>Atonement</i>, World War II is used as a backdrop of the repercussions of a young teenager's mistake. This is one of those books that I still think about from time to time.<br />
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And now, the top 5 World War II books that are still on my TBR pile. I really don't have much to say about them (since I haven't read them yet) apart from the fact that I have no excuse not to have read them by now. Some of them are glaring at me from my bookshelf even as I type this.<br />
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6. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller</h2>
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7. Sophie's Choice by William Styron</h2>
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8. Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally</h2>
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9. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink</h2>
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10. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje</h2>
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So there you go, those are my 10 picks for this week. Which setting did you choose and which books made your list?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-33097079764637201162016-06-26T16:10:00.001+10:002016-06-26T16:10:24.616+10:00Off Topic Sunday: Real Life Always Gets in the Way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome to Off-Topic Sunday, a tag that I'm using to post whatever is floating in my head that I want to chat about. For the most part, they'll be book-related but you may occasionally see some non-book-related posts/rants as well.<br />
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TWO WHOLE MONTHS?!<br />
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I have been away from the blogosphere for two whole months? It's absolutely crazy! And the reason for my hiatus? Real life got in the way.<br />
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Like it always does. >_<<br />
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So since my last post, my rotation at work finished and I have been relocated to a rural town 3 hours up north. It's a great rotation, lots of hands-on experience (much more than I would get in the city) and exposure to a lot of general conditions that I wouldn't have otherwise been exposed to or deal with in the city due to the availability of all the specialties. However, having said that, living up here also has its downsides. The busy workload, lack of constant Internet access and crazy line-up of continuing education courses I have inflicted onto myself means that reading and blogging have fallen to the wayside.<br />
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I have read a total of two books in the last two months.<br />
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It's a travesty.<br />
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Living up here is sort of weird because I feel like I'm inside a bubble where my entire existence have shrunk down to the two streets between my temporary residence and my workplace. Sure, occasionally, I wander one block out to the local supermarket to get some food but beyond that, I haven't done much exploring or anything besides work, food and sleep. (Being vehicle-less have also contributed to the problem)<br />
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So today is very much a wake-up call. I hope to get some more reading done (I am currently reading The Last Star with my heart in my throat) and get back into the blogging of things.<br />
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If real life gets in the way again, I hope to see you all in August where I will be back in the city and hopefully with better access to the Internet.<br />
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Until next time!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-41028732408811963272016-04-26T22:30:00.000+10:002016-04-27T04:45:24.765+10:00Top Ten Bookworm Delights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TTT is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a><br />
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These are just some of my favourite things. :D</div>
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<a name='more'></a>1. Cracking open a new book for the first time</h2>
The sheer joy of opening a highly anticipated new book always makes me happy.<br />
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2. Discovering a favourite author is coming out with a new book</h2>
Sometimes this type of news escapes my notice, which just makes the discovery all the more amazing because I didn't have to wait all that long for the release.<br />
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3. Visiting a library or bookshop </h2>
Or any place where there is a large collection of books together, really.<br />
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4. Seeing a stranger on the train reading a book </h2>
Then I would spend the next 30 minutes trying to angle my head discreetly in a way so that I figure out the book's title<br />
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5. Bookstagram</h2>
So many pretty books! I'm in love.<br />
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6. Anticipating the next instalment of a series</h2>
While the waiting can be pure torture, it also gives me something exciting to look forward to.<br />
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7. Discovering amazing like-minded people on the online book community</h2>
You guys just get me, you know?<br />
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8. Bookmarks</h2>
I'm a self-confessed "use anything as a bookmark" person (I am currently using an old receipt), I do love my collection of bookmarks and looking at other people's collection too.<br />
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9. Pressuring my friends into reading certain books</h2>
Generally with satisfying results.<br />
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10. Closing a book after a thoroughly thrilling and satisfying journey</h2>
It always reminds me the quote "you only live one life if you don't read." So true.<br />
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I'm a bookaholic and I regret nothing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0xkWWA9gjSZ1yJwjRriHp8YNx7_2o8EBjFgXDSkOF6YYCPZxJOL1MKATSJXt2IMz8IV6p6ZzYLtYN0CnlKjugPXoYANsbYVJ5M0Pkrdw0nJfCqWzfWI3xhC0tE2OIpfi7mP9KSWIBwQ/s1600/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0xkWWA9gjSZ1yJwjRriHp8YNx7_2o8EBjFgXDSkOF6YYCPZxJOL1MKATSJXt2IMz8IV6p6ZzYLtYN0CnlKjugPXoYANsbYVJ5M0Pkrdw0nJfCqWzfWI3xhC0tE2OIpfi7mP9KSWIBwQ/s320/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" width="320" /></a></div>
What about you guys? What are your bookworm delights?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-6909077133989812012016-04-17T22:55:00.001+10:002016-04-17T22:55:35.325+10:00Off Topic Sunday: My Recent Trip to Seoul<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sorry for the unannounced hiatus guys! Last week, I took a trip to Seoul, South Korea!!! It was mostly for work but I managed to go around and see a few amazing sites. I honestly thought I would have the time to post too but after just completing night shifts, flying for 12 hours (plus stressful layovers), and then sight-seeing plus conference, I was completely flat by the end of the night.</div>
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Seoul was simply amazing and super easy to navigate! I had booked my hotel near my conference place so that worst case scenario, I could walk to the conference every day. But from the moment the plane touched down, there were labels and signs everywhere telling you where to go. The city is very well equipped for tourists! The subway system is out of this world (for a Melbournian like myself)! Plus I never had to wait more than 5 minutes for trains. </div>
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The city is an amazing complex blend of the new and the old. Nestled right in the heart of the city is Gyeongbokgung aka the Northern Palace, which is the largest palace in Seoul. It was absolutely stunning. And although I was technically two or so weeks too early, but there were some cherry blossoms blooming already and they were so pretty!</div>
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I could gush about my trip for hours but I really only posted to let you guys know that's where I've been hiding. Then work kind of took over. But I will definitely make an effort to get back into the blogging pattern. Especially since I have just read an amazing book that I could to share with you guys soon.</div>
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Until next time!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-78870940143867377172016-04-01T11:08:00.002+11:002016-04-01T11:08:52.611+11:00March 2016 Wrap-Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are now in the second quarter of 2016! How scary is that?!<br />
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This month was all about slow and steady. I had a busy work schedule this month plus I was ridiculously unwell for 2 of those weeks (and weren't able to take time off work) so I didn't really have a regular reading schedule. However, looking back at March, I still read 7 books and completed one more series. So I am pleased.<br />
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Highlights of the month:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I listened to Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari as an audiobook and I really enjoyed it. He was funny, easy to listen to and made a lot of the dry data from the research really approachable and easy to understand. </li>
<li>I finally read something by Colleen Hoover! One more author off my "embarrassed I still haven't read these authors" list.</li>
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What about you guys? How did you go in terms of reading this month?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-59794658824347283702016-03-29T23:00:00.000+11:002016-03-30T02:37:14.676+11:00Top Ten of My Recent 5 Stars Reads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TTT is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a><br />
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I tend to be a bit stingy with my 5 stars ratings, especially since I'm prone to giving half stars so a lot of my favourite reads would have a 4.5 star rating rather than a full 5 stars. As a result, I had to look back all the way to the middle of last year to find the last 10 books that I gave 5 stars rating to but I think the hunt is worth it.<br />
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A interesting side note is that, looking back, I realized I have given 5 stars ratings to these books for different reasons. Some of them is because of their amazing story arcs, some because of their character development or imagination, some because they made to think, and some because they were truly entertaining. But yeah, without further ado, here are the 10 recent books that I felt were worthy of the 5 stars rating!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5HjxvBwSGtwJmGgkyClEKq3YkIrqvUi7M6LmlwDbGiVQ84wWQffY0YloifSGoC2RRHtH3LSVCyoFlTYbX_L-FZm1aPsVM2hca2MBtX0hkoXYbwWCeCE-4VCIFsTpKJ-lXcty4xF8A00/s1600/You+Were+Here+by+Cori+McCarthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5HjxvBwSGtwJmGgkyClEKq3YkIrqvUi7M6LmlwDbGiVQ84wWQffY0YloifSGoC2RRHtH3LSVCyoFlTYbX_L-FZm1aPsVM2hca2MBtX0hkoXYbwWCeCE-4VCIFsTpKJ-lXcty4xF8A00/s200/You+Were+Here+by+Cori+McCarthy.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySIQ012dyWXJpdsexgUo9A1vcIkUdx_yYmH2kndZ5UjYQwjazUTCctUz0K2Tc5f5fkhbs4_697uN5LeMwiUtNbIWWV2i9lHjFg9nK27RGq9WzuM6QHvkUgq_k6i9PFw3Ni03fwnSDUiI/s1600/Heir+of+Fire+by+Sarah+J.+Maas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySIQ012dyWXJpdsexgUo9A1vcIkUdx_yYmH2kndZ5UjYQwjazUTCctUz0K2Tc5f5fkhbs4_697uN5LeMwiUtNbIWWV2i9lHjFg9nK27RGq9WzuM6QHvkUgq_k6i9PFw3Ni03fwnSDUiI/s200/Heir+of+Fire+by+Sarah+J.+Maas.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPodG909WWyyeGOez7bGGDnJ4aMohJWL23RtgE-Y2qKSJEbebr5FHJsFuWWBhwotoZsN2Iuj1gWw8xo8jwtInV-MCFNtYXFAkRvY3s4ix0VJ_JcNLLw19bU5AAROa80RxzxnWMhpRWp_w/s1600/The+Sleeper+and+the+Spindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPodG909WWyyeGOez7bGGDnJ4aMohJWL23RtgE-Y2qKSJEbebr5FHJsFuWWBhwotoZsN2Iuj1gWw8xo8jwtInV-MCFNtYXFAkRvY3s4ix0VJ_JcNLLw19bU5AAROa80RxzxnWMhpRWp_w/s200/The+Sleeper+and+the+Spindle.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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1. You Were Here by Cori McCarthy</h2>
This book completely blew any expectations I had prior to reading completely out of the waters. I honestly didn't expect to cherish it as much as I have. For more of my thoughts, check out my review of it <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/book-review-you-were-here-by-cori.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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2. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas</h2>
By the way, this by extension includes some but not all the instalments of the Throne of Glass series. I think I also gave a 5 stars rating to <i>The Assassin's Blade</i> as well for being an awesome series of novellas that fleshed out Celaena as a kickass assassin. I think I really enjoyed <i>The Heir of Fire</i> because I felt it took the whole series onto another level.<br />
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3. The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman & Chris Riddell</h2>
Neil Gaiman surprises me at every turn. He really doesn't have a particular genre he sticks to and I have a hard time pigeon-holing some of his works. <i>The Sleeper and the Spindle</i> for instance, is charming and quirkly unique in its own way. I really enjoyed how imaginative it was, definitely not what I was expecting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8xnpabbZDwDIwrbCd9G-ZYYF55g3sDItmjxT9GtLEV2l91J5REwO-mJE0iX9p6yFwjPPonSn0SfVe2KButgCVnjKiBGpA5eAKLeGmBTQ2SLIz-QpcPjlbxB9wRKTzw0pUoI2nX-NTD0/s1600/The+5th+wave+by+Rick+Yancey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8xnpabbZDwDIwrbCd9G-ZYYF55g3sDItmjxT9GtLEV2l91J5REwO-mJE0iX9p6yFwjPPonSn0SfVe2KButgCVnjKiBGpA5eAKLeGmBTQ2SLIz-QpcPjlbxB9wRKTzw0pUoI2nX-NTD0/s200/The+5th+wave+by+Rick+Yancey.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLOdsevTr4dF2etraPVEg30mV0x-0KJJOw1L-qFKG360b6WVBRfmK7IKgn_t9FTJ0S13intm5vFSDOI6YmSkM0nuOlupBQ2Qdy9x84ZwX9Ba870vKt_zDnN0AgWoCoZZYtKr-GpWi0_A/s1600/My+Life+Next+Door+by+Huntley+Fitzpatrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLOdsevTr4dF2etraPVEg30mV0x-0KJJOw1L-qFKG360b6WVBRfmK7IKgn_t9FTJ0S13intm5vFSDOI6YmSkM0nuOlupBQ2Qdy9x84ZwX9Ba870vKt_zDnN0AgWoCoZZYtKr-GpWi0_A/s200/My+Life+Next+Door+by+Huntley+Fitzpatrick.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbS3bPt7pFi19y1fQ8ZLiCMZwEXiLHavXoTl5N_EJ2G8ofpFb7N3WY1U8KfnXLZJITD2uvu8pBiypPvPDGNEr00WE3vn1ubqKtxz3RWeoMeUdj9ElG5GS9BaLZM3j8Dyz5tGPUR_3A8U/s1600/Shadow+and+Bone+by+Leigh+Bardugo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbS3bPt7pFi19y1fQ8ZLiCMZwEXiLHavXoTl5N_EJ2G8ofpFb7N3WY1U8KfnXLZJITD2uvu8pBiypPvPDGNEr00WE3vn1ubqKtxz3RWeoMeUdj9ElG5GS9BaLZM3j8Dyz5tGPUR_3A8U/s200/Shadow+and+Bone+by+Leigh+Bardugo.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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4. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey</h2>
Definitely mind-blowing. I delayed picking this one up for the longest time because of all the hype. But it wasn't what I was picturing and this series... I just can't wait for the final book! Check out my review of it <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/book-review-5th-wave-by-rick-yancey.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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5. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick</h2>
I almost never give new adult novels a full 5 stars rating but this one - it was just charmingly so well rounded in its own way that I really couldn't fault it at all. Love it to pieces.<br />
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6. Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo</h2>
I really enjoyed the Grisha trilogy though overall, I would probably give the whole trilogy a 4 stars rating. However, Siege and Storm stood out for me because it was a solid book 2, which traditionally is always the weakest book of a trilogy. So kudos!<br />
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7. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab</h2>
V.E. Schwab is one of my auto-buy authors. And this series just cements her position even further. Imaginative story arcs, complex world building, intriguing cast of characters - what is there not to love?<br />
<h2>
8. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (Audiobook format)</h2>
The novel itself deserves a 4 stars rating and I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had read it when I was younger. However, what made this book perfect for me was I borrowed it from the local library in audiobook format and it was narrated by Anne Hathaway! It really felt like Mia Thermopolis was narrating all her secrets out loud. Hathaway's narration earned that extra star. Check out my review of the audiobook <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/book-review-princess-diaries-by-meg.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBss4gjqi5Qpib_s-RAWzGxQXk2gqlWGiN8paOG5FCO1FbmFFVD3XSN-hlLdHPwwmRmZFNnJQD2R26Uj8s4C0YZFKnXN0qfAh4rRJ_0uLyvJu7B7ihhgK1u-SYIbHJ4jlOD3CO62QCOZ8/s1600/All+the+Light+We+Cannot+See+by+Anthony+Doerr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBss4gjqi5Qpib_s-RAWzGxQXk2gqlWGiN8paOG5FCO1FbmFFVD3XSN-hlLdHPwwmRmZFNnJQD2R26Uj8s4C0YZFKnXN0qfAh4rRJ_0uLyvJu7B7ihhgK1u-SYIbHJ4jlOD3CO62QCOZ8/s200/All+the+Light+We+Cannot+See+by+Anthony+Doerr.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-FVfghlWSkNy18vUuZn1Rmer3gdfrJ1gQRVcirrI4Pv0uXX3ZfI_4Zn8_-6cr5NxNWDQrpdSRvUI_CsE38zxBDoNNSSmBCVjSo7zv_mjszNkluj4xJBzB5oNGd1Bo8GIZ960S-IcDRg/s1600/The+Young+Elites+by+Marie+Lu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-FVfghlWSkNy18vUuZn1Rmer3gdfrJ1gQRVcirrI4Pv0uXX3ZfI_4Zn8_-6cr5NxNWDQrpdSRvUI_CsE38zxBDoNNSSmBCVjSo7zv_mjszNkluj4xJBzB5oNGd1Bo8GIZ960S-IcDRg/s200/The+Young+Elites+by+Marie+Lu.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<h2>
9. All the Lights We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr</h2>
I am so glad to have picked up this book. It was amazing and heart-breaking at the same time. Check out my review of it <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/book-review-all-light-we-cannot-see-by.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<h2>
10. The Young Elites by Marie Lu</h2>
Marie Lu is another recent addition to my auto-buy authors list. The Young Elites is possibly even better than her Legend trilogy. I can't wait to see how it all ends!<br />
<br />
So there you have it, my most recent 5 stars reads. Which books made your list this week?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-14424568292902417772016-03-28T14:38:00.001+11:002016-03-28T14:38:21.338+11:00Book Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv0QOzPAuVzOob4mlNPyqOnHZCP3gySJeGAzal0G8BAUdiyC1Dbx00F1q1mfknaMoY3JithDewsJQ9cMMmJkZYc-6sW2yURAkWdsTPtS9CIeolhlw4-6tD2O_7ycR89pjaFC3ShqyEeg/s1600/The+Girl+with+the+Dragon+Tattoo+by+Stieg+Larsson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv0QOzPAuVzOob4mlNPyqOnHZCP3gySJeGAzal0G8BAUdiyC1Dbx00F1q1mfknaMoY3JithDewsJQ9cMMmJkZYc-6sW2yURAkWdsTPtS9CIeolhlw4-6tD2O_7ycR89pjaFC3ShqyEeg/s320/The+Girl+with+the+Dragon+Tattoo+by+Stieg+Larsson.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Series:</b> Millennium (book #1)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Publisher:</b> Knopf</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Release Date:</b> 16th Septembe 2008 (originally 2005 in Sweden)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read Date:</b> 9th January 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Tagged Under:</b> 2016 read, adult fiction, mystery or thriller, book review, 4</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Check It Out</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307949486/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307949486&linkCode=as2&tag=httphubpco010-20&linkId=2LBFBG57NT3GJAAU" target="_blank">@Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Girl-with-the-Dragon-Tattoo/9781849162883/?a_aid=OCR" target="_blank">@TheBookDepository</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2429135.The_Girl_with_the_Dragon_Tattoo" target="_blank">@GoodReads</a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Book Summary</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Mikael Blomkvist, a once-respected financial journalist, watches his professional life rapidly crumble around him. Prospects appear bleak until an unexpected (and unsettling) offer to resurrect his name is extended by an old-school titan of Swedish industry. The catch - and there's always a catch - is that Blomkvist must first spend a year researching a mysterious disappearance that has remained unsolved for nearly four decades. With few other options, he accepts and enlists the help of investigator Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius with a cache of authority issues. Little is as it seems in Larsson's novel, but there is at least one constant: you really don't want to mess with the girl with the dragon tattoo.</i></blockquote>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Book Review<a name='more'></a></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have heard about the Millenium trilogy for many years. And while I have always been meaning to pick it up, I never have in the past because mystery thrillers aren't really my cup of tea. However, I finally gave in to the temptation and took it off my bookshelf.<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
Beginning with the hint of something amiss when a framed flower is delivered to an old man, we begin the tale with Mikael Blomkvist at the lowest point of his journaling career. With a looming prison sentence ahead of him and the laughing stock of Sweden, he decides to escape from the busy buzz of the city and takes up an offer by an eccentric businessman. The proposal sounds intriguing: work for him for one year on a family biography and he will offer Mikael his nemesis' head on a plate. However, there is a catch - Mikael must also delve into the family secrets and try to solve a four decades old mystery.<br />
<br />
Right from the get go, I could tell <i>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</i> is not what I was expecting it to be. Everything about it is a bit different but somehow, it all worked. It read to me very much like a detective show, with a lot of cutting from one scene to another abruptly. There is a vast cast of characters from all walks of life. There are multiple concurrent storylines that eventually weave together, allowing these characters' lives to intersect. In normal day life, it will be probably hard to imagine this hodge podge cluster of characters encountering each other. However, under the strange circumstances set within this novel, it sort of worked.<br />
<br />
Writing-wise, there is a lot of descriptive narration. A simple event such as Mikael getting up for a jog and then having breakfast at the local diner takes a good page and a half of description. This normally wouldn't work in many other novels but somehow, I didn't mind it in this novel. Instead of boring me to tears, I felt as if Stieg Larsson is presenting all the information as he sees them and it is up to the reader to catalog and filter through them for clues like a detective.<br />
<br />
The setting is great. I haven't read too many (to be honest, I can't think of any off the top of my head) books set in Sweden. Plus, I got to learn quite a bit about Swedish history and involvement in world war II, which I didn't know about before.<br />
<br />
However, before anyone picks up this book, I must warn you, there are a lot of confronting themes within this novel. There have been particular graphic moments where my gut instincts have been to skim ahead and I had to force myself to slowly read it through. The scenes themselves weren't too graphic but the themes they contained were. So a fair warning to you all before you start.<br />
<br />
The overarching plotline itself is interesting. It is great but nothing mindblowing. I think <i>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</i>'s success is instead built on its unique writing style, the vast host of characters and the confronting themes that it highlights. I have high anticipations for the next instalment in the Millenium trilogy.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Conclusion <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4qPPBvLqOEksnNeadpFZuuI0UJRNOvNIbwBIkn3dhlcRvhdadxEEijqr5ScGK4FvK-rBhmMtVyRUK4G5MQn3Gu50C99tSs5Tep6abhsDxhyYCvX5X7SZrsqqUOOA1yCm63jpJLnK604/s1600/four+stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4qPPBvLqOEksnNeadpFZuuI0UJRNOvNIbwBIkn3dhlcRvhdadxEEijqr5ScGK4FvK-rBhmMtVyRUK4G5MQn3Gu50C99tSs5Tep6abhsDxhyYCvX5X7SZrsqqUOOA1yCm63jpJLnK604/s1600/four+stars.png" /></a></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Girl of the Dragon Tattoo. It is not something I normally reach for but its quirky combination of descriptive narration, vast cast of characters, and intriguing but dark plotlines make it a gripping read. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-16641530193363501502016-03-25T22:30:00.000+11:002016-03-26T02:08:13.080+11:00Feature Follow Friday: Short Stories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<ul>
<li>The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post</li>
<li>You create your own post using the post prompt</li>
<li>You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt</li>
<li>Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.</li>
<li>If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, like their name on the linky list to show some appreciation.</li>
<li>The person with the most likes gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of features)</li>
<li>It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the feature. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.</li>
<li>As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.</li>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
This week's feature</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://katibookaholicrambligreview.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Kati Bookaholic Rambling Review</a></blockquote>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
This week's prompt is</h2>
<div>
Short Stories (as companions to a series): what do you love about them and hate about them?</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
~ <a href="http://www.thewritersinkwell.com/" target="_blank">Kristine</a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
My Answer</h2>
<div>
I have mixed feelings about novellas or short stories that are companions to a series. I adore some of them to pieces, and others I see as just pointless money-making schemes. When done well though, I think they are absolutely fabulous additions to the series. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Reasons I love them:</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>They bring us back into the world that we love</li>
<li>They reacquaint us with the main characters, often sharing us a snippet of their lives after the main series have ended</li>
<li>Alternatively, they shed some light into the main characters' background</li>
</ul>
<div>
What about you guys? Do you love or loathe them?</div>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-2914438451770802382016-03-14T19:13:00.000+11:002016-03-14T19:13:29.761+11:00Book Review: Tell the Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Tell the Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Standalone novel</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Publisher:</b> Clarion Books</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Release Date:</b> 5th April 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read Date:</b> 24th February 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Tagged Under:</b> 2016 read, review copy, 2.5, YA fiction, book review</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Check It Out</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/054431817X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=054431817X&linkCode=as2&tag=httphubpco010-20&linkId=5K5J6V4QUCOQYBQ4" target="_blank">@Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Tell-the-Wind-and-Fire-Sarah-Rees-Brennan/9780544318175?ref=grid-view/?a_aid=OCR" target="_blank">@TheBookDepository</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16221851-tell-the-wind-and-fire" target="_blank">@GoodReads</a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Book Summary</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>In a city divided between opulent luxury in the Light and fierce privations in the Dark, a determined young woman survives by guarding her secrets.</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;"><i>Lucie Manette was born in the Dark half of the city, but careful manipulations won her a home in the Light, celebrity status, and a rich, loving boyfriend. Now she just wants to keep her head down, but her boyfriend has a dark secret of his own - one involving an apparent stranger who is destitute and despised. Lucie alone knows the young men's deadly connection, and even as the knowledge leads her to make a grave mistake, she can trust no one with the truth.</i></i></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="display: inline !important; text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;"><i>Blood and secrets alike spill out when revolution erupts. With both halves of the city burning, and mercy nowhere to be found, can Lucie save either boy - or herself?</i></i></div>
<i style="text-align: left;">
</i></div>
</blockquote>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Book Review</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I requested <i>Tell the Wind and Fire</i> because of Sarah Rees Brennan. Last year, I really enjoyed her <i>Lynburn Legacy</i> series and I wanted to give her new novel a try, thinking I will be in for more paranormal action and romance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I came away feeling slightly disappointed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tell the Wind and Fire is a retelling of Charles Dickens' <i>A Tale of Two Cities</i>. Set in a fantastical New York where Light rules in luxury and suppresses the Dark to specific areas, Lucie Manette is a child of both worlds. She was born in the Dark but through a series of events, was transferred into the Light with celebrity status and a golden boy as her devout and loyal boyfriend. Things were going well for Lucie until her boyfriend is accused of a crime punishable by death and the only boy who can save him is someone who will probably unleash more trouble than he's worth.<br />
<br />
Firstly, the writing style is very much Sarah Rees Brennan: easy to read and charming in its own way. The world building is very intriguing to start with, and I enjoyed how New York City has been divided by magic. Lucie's backstory is also set up quite nicely and I liked how she can sort of see things from both sides of the coin.<br />
<br />
However, those are pretty much all I enjoyed about the novel.<br />
<br />
The main issue I have with <i>Tell the Wind and Fire</i> is that as a retelling of <i>A Tale of Two Cities</i>, it forces itself to follow the storyline of the original classic and the end result is very awkward and confusing at times. There is a lot of info-dumping throughout the book because unlike the original tale where the reader is already familiar with the English lifestyle and the French revolution, Brennan had to introduce the reader to the world as well as the story. Unfortunately, instead of showing it to us, the information was just narrated by Lucie in large chunks.<br />
<br />
Also, because the storyline seems to almost propel itself towards the finale, the main characters are not very relatable. None of them are very well developed and as a result, I didn't feel particularly drawn to any of them. And the chemistry? It all felt a bit forced and insta-love (one of my biggest bookish pet peeves).<br />
<br />
Ultimately, the ending also left a lot to be desired. While I understand that's how <i>A Tale of Two Cities</i> ends, after how this story has unravelled, the ending just felt very unfinished, almost as if there will be a sequel coming up. If there is, I'm not sure I will pick it up.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Conclusion <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAF6T08L9jA6DA11lu36v5Q3ZumKGIC3GwdrLzzImdbvpPxRl49JUgGPC67SKhXiiPDNTPeK1Ui0TinJQMSr3oVGoFzKs-qBzRAJVAgpXr5rHyLee_-UH4RrAkofAREZS_hjRk4xKo2I/s1600/two+and+a+half+stars.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAF6T08L9jA6DA11lu36v5Q3ZumKGIC3GwdrLzzImdbvpPxRl49JUgGPC67SKhXiiPDNTPeK1Ui0TinJQMSr3oVGoFzKs-qBzRAJVAgpXr5rHyLee_-UH4RrAkofAREZS_hjRk4xKo2I/s400/two+and+a+half+stars.png" /></a></h2>
In conclusion, I really struggled to enjoy this book. There are elements that I enjoyed but overall, the story really didn't work for me.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Disclaimer: a complimentary eARC was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed above are entirely my own and are in no way affected by the source of this book.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnDJTOQZ84defM7dehFF9UENwUUjczCgQJhvf_oPt8iSS0cOpHAr_SlFE2nPa-CX2d6YDdqTMH1jDNTv1BS_4MJlJK5B3uuCyrotql1n_p8zRDPYHZSZKAv0lNNqbVPXIXPq5iV8PnwU/s1600/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnDJTOQZ84defM7dehFF9UENwUUjczCgQJhvf_oPt8iSS0cOpHAr_SlFE2nPa-CX2d6YDdqTMH1jDNTv1BS_4MJlJK5B3uuCyrotql1n_p8zRDPYHZSZKAv0lNNqbVPXIXPq5iV8PnwU/s320/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-16352626535681569152016-03-11T22:30:00.000+11:002016-03-25T23:12:26.659+11:00Feature Follow Friday: Bookish Pet Peeves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc49NnJ9GMxJ-i7wDVIMC1j6eijjZwE9LN4jACPGmA7pv2bvDS1RGmBqlwyzuvyzQxOn6UVPzxI2R79g1kdbXQ05oi3NI0c6HgmqCqSl35_s10gDyre4W7AIfVGEHxo1_7yAYIlcNy7uE/s1600/Feature+and+Follow+Friday.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc49NnJ9GMxJ-i7wDVIMC1j6eijjZwE9LN4jACPGmA7pv2bvDS1RGmBqlwyzuvyzQxOn6UVPzxI2R79g1kdbXQ05oi3NI0c6HgmqCqSl35_s10gDyre4W7AIfVGEHxo1_7yAYIlcNy7uE/s320/Feature+and+Follow+Friday.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post</li>
<li>You create your own post using the post prompt</li>
<li>You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt</li>
<li>Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.</li>
<li>If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show
appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, like their name on the linky
list to show some appreciation.</li>
<li>The person with the most likes gets chosen as the next Feature (you
can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of features)</li>
<li>It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the
FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the feature. They
are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.</li>
<li>As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people
to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
This week's feature</h2>
</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://thebookavid.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">The Bookavid</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
This week's prompt is:</h2>
</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>What are some of your biggest pet peeves with books?</i></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
~ Parajunkee<br />
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
My answer</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a>There are many things that I get annoyed about: mary sues, love triangles and inconsistent plotlines. But the biggest offender will probably be insta love. There is a vast difference between instant chemistry and insta love. *shudder*<br />
<br />
What about you guys? What can't you stand?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpCWgeS1UPC8nlJgB6arcQX448QZoxC6q9F4Cx5546djW8ovHqqynH_9DPxb0QGx1Y0oXqOr_sIKYM8gvwZKUbu-AKum2WxQNpSk5tFkohlAhwvAafOFI-huknzhHsxCe6wBYGrFLoZQ/s1600/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpCWgeS1UPC8nlJgB6arcQX448QZoxC6q9F4Cx5546djW8ovHqqynH_9DPxb0QGx1Y0oXqOr_sIKYM8gvwZKUbu-AKum2WxQNpSk5tFkohlAhwvAafOFI-huknzhHsxCe6wBYGrFLoZQ/s320/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Fhrw-6wHgaYhBZjfDo7EpYkM8xTDrawq62oUkNRIWsQqgCJjfbIfhXHJ7bCG4bad70DmEJuHHz1d27ajf0cbsskNAijMByRec8pBKtjV14GNAq66fFA743LQdIA_OjgK9vyBgF6FNBA/s1600/Feature+Follow+Friday+03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Fhrw-6wHgaYhBZjfDo7EpYkM8xTDrawq62oUkNRIWsQqgCJjfbIfhXHJ7bCG4bad70DmEJuHHz1d27ajf0cbsskNAijMByRec8pBKtjV14GNAq66fFA743LQdIA_OjgK9vyBgF6FNBA/s320/Feature+Follow+Friday+03.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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Obsessive Compulsive Readerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03478001483043640384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-60418877951169646632016-03-06T21:30:00.000+11:002016-03-06T21:30:02.171+11:00Getting Organized for 2016 Part 3 Bookish Spreads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGNkRYCoR-bsOAyY4TdJot0inJUy3QZnyf2rH2CCpDe32mlwcWwlMDg7elBpse35mC1ZgKh54O_6PzvTWo1n1JyIsmBl01x0LlQOnRy1O823jm3OyUZu72ExrsRF7EfesoMuU4mOfIK8/s1600/2016+Make+It+Yours.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGNkRYCoR-bsOAyY4TdJot0inJUy3QZnyf2rH2CCpDe32mlwcWwlMDg7elBpse35mC1ZgKh54O_6PzvTWo1n1JyIsmBl01x0LlQOnRy1O823jm3OyUZu72ExrsRF7EfesoMuU4mOfIK8/s320/2016+Make+It+Yours.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know we are already way past the start of 2016 but in continuation with my previous <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/getting-organized-for-2016-part-2_6.html" target="_blank">posts</a>, I am still constantly looking for ways to get more organized this year. As book blogging is, and I hope it will continue to be, a large part of my life, I have created some bookish spreads to keep track of my reading and book reviews. Best news? They are all available for free!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmuugypd4p7O4HXclXNb-vPOXOQZ-Lg6KtU14g3UT6r8H5Qk4iffZ-ts8PvRBvlK6OBpO1LRi0L_ZFcCOV-PQaoEOrNVEBlRu6vfoMJkcpjtkbKwDJihKrWEUJVj21uFxO38uiloDV68/s1600/My+Reading+List.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmuugypd4p7O4HXclXNb-vPOXOQZ-Lg6KtU14g3UT6r8H5Qk4iffZ-ts8PvRBvlK6OBpO1LRi0L_ZFcCOV-PQaoEOrNVEBlRu6vfoMJkcpjtkbKwDJihKrWEUJVj21uFxO38uiloDV68/s400/My+Reading+List.png" width="400" /></a></div>
My reading list helps you keep track of all the books you have read, much like a planner version of GoodReads. There is even a "Read Date" section so that you can look back and work out how many books you have read per month etc. If you would like to download this, please click <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2ictMQ4VpgHQUg0VlJnbnJzOE0" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst2ec6yRXdsPNxDIatF33l1Y1T548Ilegs3gMU8IF2Rdu4D0-YjjqbZmrE4sSgxBK3EkG8WhBF0zuJMG9s0n-nuQ3ZkzzTkP6aLDCBr7392F7V_W8h1u7XmJ9j6yfYXpoHeSb3yG3KyU/s1600/Upcoming+Releases.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst2ec6yRXdsPNxDIatF33l1Y1T548Ilegs3gMU8IF2Rdu4D0-YjjqbZmrE4sSgxBK3EkG8WhBF0zuJMG9s0n-nuQ3ZkzzTkP6aLDCBr7392F7V_W8h1u7XmJ9j6yfYXpoHeSb3yG3KyU/s400/Upcoming+Releases.png" width="400" /></a></div>
There are always upcoming releases that I am really excited about and often, I keep forgetting when they are getting released and end up searching it up time and time again. So I have created this planner insert to keep tabs on which books come out when. Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2ictMQ4VpgHRjdWRkxzdm9qeTA" target="_blank">here </a>to download.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpf1OJ3TgOeD58q7BT9F001GRodH-jnHrVu5JD3Nlqdm07posiymBRBt0b9WkHnKL7nz83znzakL4EXCK3C79pfiJbQs1Z74BpmNw1e3jsnD1dc9UlVM_u6Z1G4wDq03WXlGB9x0SEcfA/s1600/Book+Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpf1OJ3TgOeD58q7BT9F001GRodH-jnHrVu5JD3Nlqdm07posiymBRBt0b9WkHnKL7nz83znzakL4EXCK3C79pfiJbQs1Z74BpmNw1e3jsnD1dc9UlVM_u6Z1G4wDq03WXlGB9x0SEcfA/s400/Book+Review.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Lastly, and certainly not the least, I have created this planner insert for me to quickly jot down some thoughts I had about a book as soon as I am finished. As I have mentioned in one of my recent <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/off-topic-sunday-perils-of-delayed-book.html" target="_blank">posts</a>, I have come to rely on quickly jotting down thoughts so that when it comes to writing book reviews later on, I still remember what I thought about the book. This insert is designed purely to jot down some quick impressions, which you can then elaborate on later. Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2ictMQ4VpgHSUtCY0dWZW9mdUU" target="_blank">here </a>to download.<br />
<br />
So there you have it, all my bookish spreads. There are two pages to each file so that if you want to print it like an A5 or personal sized for your planner, you can.<br />
<br />
Happy reading everyone!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnDJTOQZ84defM7dehFF9UENwUUjczCgQJhvf_oPt8iSS0cOpHAr_SlFE2nPa-CX2d6YDdqTMH1jDNTv1BS_4MJlJK5B3uuCyrotql1n_p8zRDPYHZSZKAv0lNNqbVPXIXPq5iV8PnwU/s1600/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnDJTOQZ84defM7dehFF9UENwUUjczCgQJhvf_oPt8iSS0cOpHAr_SlFE2nPa-CX2d6YDdqTMH1jDNTv1BS_4MJlJK5B3uuCyrotql1n_p8zRDPYHZSZKAv0lNNqbVPXIXPq5iV8PnwU/s320/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-25968332011249489292016-03-04T21:45:00.001+11:002016-03-04T21:45:46.087+11:00Feature Follow Friday: A Letter of My Favourite Author<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc49NnJ9GMxJ-i7wDVIMC1j6eijjZwE9LN4jACPGmA7pv2bvDS1RGmBqlwyzuvyzQxOn6UVPzxI2R79g1kdbXQ05oi3NI0c6HgmqCqSl35_s10gDyre4W7AIfVGEHxo1_7yAYIlcNy7uE/s1600/Feature+and+Follow+Friday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc49NnJ9GMxJ-i7wDVIMC1j6eijjZwE9LN4jACPGmA7pv2bvDS1RGmBqlwyzuvyzQxOn6UVPzxI2R79g1kdbXQ05oi3NI0c6HgmqCqSl35_s10gDyre4W7AIfVGEHxo1_7yAYIlcNy7uE/s320/Feature+and+Follow+Friday.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post</li>
<li>You create your own post using the post prompt</li>
<li>You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt</li>
<li>Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.</li>
<li>If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, like their name on the linky list to show some appreciation.</li>
<li>The person with the most likes gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of features)</li>
<li>It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the feature. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.</li>
<li>As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
This week's feature</h2>
</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://readiculously-peachy.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Readiciously Peachy</a></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
This week's prompt is:</h2>
</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Write a letter to your favourite author.</i></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
~ Parajunkee</div>
</div>
<div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
My answer<a name='more'></a></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have so many favourite authors I wouldn't even know where to begin. However, after much deliberation, I decided to pick V.E. Schwab. Mainly because all of her works are amazing and uniqe in their own way and I am blown away by each and every one of them, even the ones that I didn't think fit my reading preferences.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So my letter to her would probably go something like this:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dear V.E. Schwab,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't even know where to begin. To say that I am a big fan of yours is somewhat of an understatement.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first work I read of yours was Vicious, which I picked up simply because everyone else in the online book community simply wouldn't stop raving on about it. I am not really into superheros and villains but I thought I would give your story a go. Boy, did Vicious blow away any expectations I had completely out of the waters. And I just want you to know how much I am loving your A Darker Shade of Magic series right now!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just want to express how much I admire your writing style, unique plots and amazing characters. And I can't wait to see what you have to show us next!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kind regards,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Obsessive Compulsive Reader</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
P.S. I have read The Archived and The Unbound and I really really need the third book! I really hope you get to publish it one day because there are so many fans out here that would love to read how it all ends.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So there you have it, my letter to V.E. Schwab. What about you? Who would you write to and what would you say?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnDJTOQZ84defM7dehFF9UENwUUjczCgQJhvf_oPt8iSS0cOpHAr_SlFE2nPa-CX2d6YDdqTMH1jDNTv1BS_4MJlJK5B3uuCyrotql1n_p8zRDPYHZSZKAv0lNNqbVPXIXPq5iV8PnwU/s1600/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnDJTOQZ84defM7dehFF9UENwUUjczCgQJhvf_oPt8iSS0cOpHAr_SlFE2nPa-CX2d6YDdqTMH1jDNTv1BS_4MJlJK5B3uuCyrotql1n_p8zRDPYHZSZKAv0lNNqbVPXIXPq5iV8PnwU/s320/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr6NaYvPg6Mo6ziaajCCSIlNE5oOKCt3ux93poZSWkUYpUCfNAqJZknGJinXfLD9140LFAsGG9MvikXB9Dw73WFYcEKCJbhMhBXXWAVwv9edmmOqTLBfBfwVzQC90yiVMjhCGY1A4_Xo/s1600/Feature+Follow+Friday+03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr6NaYvPg6Mo6ziaajCCSIlNE5oOKCt3ux93poZSWkUYpUCfNAqJZknGJinXfLD9140LFAsGG9MvikXB9Dw73WFYcEKCJbhMhBXXWAVwv9edmmOqTLBfBfwVzQC90yiVMjhCGY1A4_Xo/s320/Feature+Follow+Friday+03.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-832401247477795602016-03-01T21:30:00.000+11:002016-03-01T21:30:12.556+11:00Ten Books to Read if You are in the Mood for A Dose of Reality<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryh0tkDYx2MBeaJdZuA_UfaMPq8zbSAKQQLLa73K-TJpeHtOJVD1bq2ji3MBbwXJIjOh-5486QYowwGz0G7nhyphenhyphencXBaE9pme77_G0r8FrPHM-453PIZwFS7gZqraG7E4FFPtnEFPYCftQ/s1600/Top+Ten+Tuesday+by+Broke+and+Bookish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryh0tkDYx2MBeaJdZuA_UfaMPq8zbSAKQQLLa73K-TJpeHtOJVD1bq2ji3MBbwXJIjOh-5486QYowwGz0G7nhyphenhyphencXBaE9pme77_G0r8FrPHM-453PIZwFS7gZqraG7E4FFPtnEFPYCftQ/s1600/Top+Ten+Tuesday+by+Broke+and+Bookish.jpg" /></a></div>
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TTT is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a><br />
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Sometimes I read for escapism. But sometimes, I am in the mood to read something that shows us harsh reflections of reality. So below, I am listed ten books that I feel fits this category.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqwwUpCqjiTp1cQbN4yVZFTohsgKGZI351lr9S_kBsEeaFy60hbkpON1GO08Z1cnWtuY2FkaisjsbzAXruz8bDOPal5HbQl0JuWzoEyUSpysWXP5lXOK20dSOPUljsdyEe5boVZ5ppd4/s1600/You+Were+Here+by+Cori+McCarthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqwwUpCqjiTp1cQbN4yVZFTohsgKGZI351lr9S_kBsEeaFy60hbkpON1GO08Z1cnWtuY2FkaisjsbzAXruz8bDOPal5HbQl0JuWzoEyUSpysWXP5lXOK20dSOPUljsdyEe5boVZ5ppd4/s200/You+Were+Here+by+Cori+McCarthy.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv0QOzPAuVzOob4mlNPyqOnHZCP3gySJeGAzal0G8BAUdiyC1Dbx00F1q1mfknaMoY3JithDewsJQ9cMMmJkZYc-6sW2yURAkWdsTPtS9CIeolhlw4-6tD2O_7ycR89pjaFC3ShqyEeg/s1600/The+Girl+with+the+Dragon+Tattoo+by+Stieg+Larsson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv0QOzPAuVzOob4mlNPyqOnHZCP3gySJeGAzal0G8BAUdiyC1Dbx00F1q1mfknaMoY3JithDewsJQ9cMMmJkZYc-6sW2yURAkWdsTPtS9CIeolhlw4-6tD2O_7ycR89pjaFC3ShqyEeg/s200/The+Girl+with+the+Dragon+Tattoo+by+Stieg+Larsson.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wEYTyjoqnZCoJdZqY4d09SqhE0YXup7trseDG9-2XpfKfuvfLDavqDK88u6uHZwm2JziMJLGKt6ZpFUI2jkEqYFWwQGZGiMZJCSRfaO7zK1rMiMQuqNtkwPMFLNTOkamIGHqgsQ4V7c/s1600/The+5th+wave+by+Rick+Yancey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wEYTyjoqnZCoJdZqY4d09SqhE0YXup7trseDG9-2XpfKfuvfLDavqDK88u6uHZwm2JziMJLGKt6ZpFUI2jkEqYFWwQGZGiMZJCSRfaO7zK1rMiMQuqNtkwPMFLNTOkamIGHqgsQ4V7c/s200/The+5th+wave+by+Rick+Yancey.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<h2>
You Were Here by Cori McCarthy</h2>
I have just finished this book so I feel like I can't stop talking about it. But this YA novel is absolutely stunning in its dealings with dark themes such as death, grief, teenage drinking and dangerous stunts. If you want to hear about my raves about this amazing book, click <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/book-review-you-were-here-by-cori.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<h2>
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson</h2>
I went into this book thinking it will be a standard murder mystery thriller. But opening this book is like opening a can of worms. Larsson does not hold back anything - every ugly facet of abuse and violence against women are brought out into the open. It's kind of refreshing, in a way.<br />
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The 5th Wave trilogy by Rick Yancey</h2>
Earth is being systematically destroyed. Only small scattered groups of humans remain. Do we band together? Or do we turn on each other? What is the meaning of being human? I felt so much emotions when I was reading this. All I can say is I cannot wait for <i>The Last Star</i> to be released!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdsgzEem7NWstvzdMtly0wIF2eEdjQKlnOTP5_lWgvzqmmA2GlXpA8P54VndBGD1vkrr8hpSDsMY6Dm42rPzUfMnA4WZCLQEZiQgPW-ScuKp-gD12zf8lAIvtyIHq5RmWhai3vZARSw8/s1600/All+the+Light+We+Cannot+See+by+Anthony+Doerr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdsgzEem7NWstvzdMtly0wIF2eEdjQKlnOTP5_lWgvzqmmA2GlXpA8P54VndBGD1vkrr8hpSDsMY6Dm42rPzUfMnA4WZCLQEZiQgPW-ScuKp-gD12zf8lAIvtyIHq5RmWhai3vZARSw8/s200/All+the+Light+We+Cannot+See+by+Anthony+Doerr.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqCNlwXUx_JFkknI_Rtg3KtmTHIhyphenhyphen9l6UfBgi8B9j1DhHoEWxyjB_IXmuQuBdtIz_Vp6R_d6fZWxjCN3qZzRNCNQ-MBY25ESZ-6FZ-E6q29Sgqc1-hzReAovVhHMdy0gfSokU9C19Iqk/s1600/The+Narrow+Road+to+the+Deep+North+by+Richard+Flanagan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqCNlwXUx_JFkknI_Rtg3KtmTHIhyphenhyphen9l6UfBgi8B9j1DhHoEWxyjB_IXmuQuBdtIz_Vp6R_d6fZWxjCN3qZzRNCNQ-MBY25ESZ-6FZ-E6q29Sgqc1-hzReAovVhHMdy0gfSokU9C19Iqk/s200/The+Narrow+Road+to+the+Deep+North+by+Richard+Flanagan.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhukAXMFX0aL-I7BHH_z50Ht9oMOT45kkRA9cs_hHFkkjJ9v22WorH6D-LpHtpPYXaXednQ0F0nUreqnlJe47aCfrNQv5peYZIMbbsaf80PacYQTmQsB2ZiQADheJlwFbdFa9AxTBFrKs/s1600/The+Book+Thief+by+Markus+Zusak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhukAXMFX0aL-I7BHH_z50Ht9oMOT45kkRA9cs_hHFkkjJ9v22WorH6D-LpHtpPYXaXednQ0F0nUreqnlJe47aCfrNQv5peYZIMbbsaf80PacYQTmQsB2ZiQADheJlwFbdFa9AxTBFrKs/s200/The+Book+Thief+by+Markus+Zusak.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<h2>
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr</h2>
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This book is a lovely juxtaposition of the charms of a childhood story and a backdrop of growing violence on a world scale. See my review <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/book-review-all-light-we-cannot-see-by.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan</h2>
One of my favourite books of 2015. I love anything set in World War II. But the scale of brutality in this book can be confronting at times. See my review <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/book-review-narrow-road-to-deep-north.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak</h2>
This is another one of my all-time favourites. The Book Thief details World War II through the eyes of death. Absolutely amazing. See my review <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/book-review-book-thief-by-mark-zusak.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOwZEAOERNjnGyWcpi9ztQ939YwQzF2M83o6za-Mxug_RYshoDpOM-ZNgSa0n3hcw5h3IH0fuqMfX70u09MermzpIRW7Y6fOKVX_dux2zimCk2EIgsOggG4gxMkhN8d1bp9eLUpi2v74/s1600/The+Darkest+Minds+by+Alexandra+Bracken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOwZEAOERNjnGyWcpi9ztQ939YwQzF2M83o6za-Mxug_RYshoDpOM-ZNgSa0n3hcw5h3IH0fuqMfX70u09MermzpIRW7Y6fOKVX_dux2zimCk2EIgsOggG4gxMkhN8d1bp9eLUpi2v74/s200/The+Darkest+Minds+by+Alexandra+Bracken.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6yeCIq0Cl1xlXORaRk7ondioMJqUqvatxtgOEJ5KzD3pHfpQZwAbLTfvNAnJAerl4ng0fkZ3zdYnBx6TRpfrnFEAoNNjGHahPlQa4n1-nN0NPxxgeHCepEOvReHqwNRlSOuljFbIAqE/s1600/Tomorrow+When+The+War+Began+by+John+Marsden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6yeCIq0Cl1xlXORaRk7ondioMJqUqvatxtgOEJ5KzD3pHfpQZwAbLTfvNAnJAerl4ng0fkZ3zdYnBx6TRpfrnFEAoNNjGHahPlQa4n1-nN0NPxxgeHCepEOvReHqwNRlSOuljFbIAqE/s200/Tomorrow+When+The+War+Began+by+John+Marsden.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
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The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken</h2>
Dystopian fiction always highlights the worse of human kind but there is something about The Darkest Mind trilogy that brings a small glimpse of hope down the track.<br />
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Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden</h2>
I really enjoyed the Tomorrow series when I first read it back in high school. It may have been one of the earliest series I have read that dealt with human violence and warfare.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_x-3-8R0NnQy25JG5L0o3phw7qo1jqnz1hjr2KevHs5pzz1negZQD-RVkSW27yBbU-Kpckt_R99X_gr8NbB_KS0vBOX-wkMN7p7-4Ys-_PsLGNvG58g1piIlSeqK1c4Fu-rXTkxj9-4/s1600/Black+Beauty+by+Anna+Sewell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_x-3-8R0NnQy25JG5L0o3phw7qo1jqnz1hjr2KevHs5pzz1negZQD-RVkSW27yBbU-Kpckt_R99X_gr8NbB_KS0vBOX-wkMN7p7-4Ys-_PsLGNvG58g1piIlSeqK1c4Fu-rXTkxj9-4/s200/Black+Beauty+by+Anna+Sewell.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_IrbRtZwdyiBWde5eWf1WFm-dGrGhXDEfSUgmE2g9iHfeQe40XwGpuCTOFIhAXVxvdVNoGHMWReuYD8-D0570ssbxCfJYULnbbPVjJY4kfGEXeiriD7Olhk-s2j1JqDY_0yLIpuu6Rg/s1600/Eleanor+and+Park+by+Rainbow+Rowell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_IrbRtZwdyiBWde5eWf1WFm-dGrGhXDEfSUgmE2g9iHfeQe40XwGpuCTOFIhAXVxvdVNoGHMWReuYD8-D0570ssbxCfJYULnbbPVjJY4kfGEXeiriD7Olhk-s2j1JqDY_0yLIpuu6Rg/s200/Eleanor+and+Park+by+Rainbow+Rowell.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<h2>
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell</h2>
While <i>Black Beauty</i> is a lovely childhood tale, it also highlights not only animal cruelty but also the great class divide between the rich and the poor.<br />
<h2>
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell</h2>
The story of Eleanor and Park is simple in its premise but it carries such a punch that I still think about this story at times. It contains more than just a romance story. Family drama, bullies, poverty, not fitting in - all of these themes are so subtly scattered throughout the book that I am still in awe.<br />
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So there you have it. If you are in the mood for a dose of reality, feel free to pick up any of the books above. Now, if you excuse me, after writing this post, I am going to go and explore everyone else's TTTs and find a good book to escape into.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnDJTOQZ84defM7dehFF9UENwUUjczCgQJhvf_oPt8iSS0cOpHAr_SlFE2nPa-CX2d6YDdqTMH1jDNTv1BS_4MJlJK5B3uuCyrotql1n_p8zRDPYHZSZKAv0lNNqbVPXIXPq5iV8PnwU/s1600/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnDJTOQZ84defM7dehFF9UENwUUjczCgQJhvf_oPt8iSS0cOpHAr_SlFE2nPa-CX2d6YDdqTMH1jDNTv1BS_4MJlJK5B3uuCyrotql1n_p8zRDPYHZSZKAv0lNNqbVPXIXPq5iV8PnwU/s320/Obsessive+Compulsive+Reader+Header.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-29982074975950634962016-02-29T20:00:00.000+11:002016-02-29T20:00:06.815+11:00February 2016 Wrap-Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ll7HHr_tAgY4Nej-GAtYA4swehFB_9ECnc5RMa0D-8vTmimqDoprXf36VM-UsNvCqPvmOmWi3Y0RNJvSh8U_h3lBh-gNkp_ieNpVL7hO6QrMTetK63hAPvu2hMZPT-E40Kx9PdeZHaE/s1600/paper-1100254_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ll7HHr_tAgY4Nej-GAtYA4swehFB_9ECnc5RMa0D-8vTmimqDoprXf36VM-UsNvCqPvmOmWi3Y0RNJvSh8U_h3lBh-gNkp_ieNpVL7hO6QrMTetK63hAPvu2hMZPT-E40Kx9PdeZHaE/s320/paper-1100254_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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February is nearly over. It will be another long four years before 29th of February comes around again.<br />
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I had a slow start to my reading this month, not completing my first book until the 14th of February. However, in the second half of the month, my reading really picked up. This month, I read the following four books (two new and two re-reads):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmYWxPUcvFkk4mRp-toHp2iLHHAAi7ltXFuREoPbn5fmcb2SXKlbLxeJmMhNV0cAyGWj87BZkIxDCMY5xBR67R5yex5GEBlq4j16URnjC9EuIAUbhxsstrpXXXh08Ccb8OFZeOc4yVAk/s1600/The+Distance+Between+Us+by+Kasie+West.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmYWxPUcvFkk4mRp-toHp2iLHHAAi7ltXFuREoPbn5fmcb2SXKlbLxeJmMhNV0cAyGWj87BZkIxDCMY5xBR67R5yex5GEBlq4j16URnjC9EuIAUbhxsstrpXXXh08Ccb8OFZeOc4yVAk/s200/The+Distance+Between+Us+by+Kasie+West.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTHi5yL-AF_yfbaZ4p_XkFn0uB6qR6rXc5UFHgmBPDnrNOSpONuDSEWyZOddzOsspVAZdJ-dVUX47zwjiwU7NSoCd7trOXnY8bKFCVqaR3A14ptm2kTdJWXdP1vex1pYbEobEVgH5J4M/s1600/Princess+in+Love+by+Meg+Cabot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTHi5yL-AF_yfbaZ4p_XkFn0uB6qR6rXc5UFHgmBPDnrNOSpONuDSEWyZOddzOsspVAZdJ-dVUX47zwjiwU7NSoCd7trOXnY8bKFCVqaR3A14ptm2kTdJWXdP1vex1pYbEobEVgH5J4M/s200/Princess+in+Love+by+Meg+Cabot.jpg" width="120" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mzibJzgtD49-2Atx9vUT24-cK7yiKT8Imt599irO5l8tFTS7fp1yrLo9ubVd_4vB1WTzh7FP4L4vXoqN6kgB09Yj2PvOB1b7bbDT0N5C1QwtDq9mF3nZpxJk0tDoegFZoVN9TXMcB5U/s1600/Crown+of+Midnight+by+Sarah+J.+Maas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mzibJzgtD49-2Atx9vUT24-cK7yiKT8Imt599irO5l8tFTS7fp1yrLo9ubVd_4vB1WTzh7FP4L4vXoqN6kgB09Yj2PvOB1b7bbDT0N5C1QwtDq9mF3nZpxJk0tDoegFZoVN9TXMcB5U/s200/Crown+of+Midnight+by+Sarah+J.+Maas.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dKQBdjeJLYJTiB_518rB-EI8313niPJwwote_WOBxN9CX44yo19I5AxljottNzw26SOyNqagEaEKYS-COhDTVJBHYmbfkAUm85lai8MdI5Pdes9vnXNumblp-jif9499AQJ9t-eAqVA/s1600/Heir+of+Fire+by+Sarah+J.+Maas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dKQBdjeJLYJTiB_518rB-EI8313niPJwwote_WOBxN9CX44yo19I5AxljottNzw26SOyNqagEaEKYS-COhDTVJBHYmbfkAUm85lai8MdI5Pdes9vnXNumblp-jif9499AQJ9t-eAqVA/s200/Heir+of+Fire+by+Sarah+J.+Maas.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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I also picked up three ARCs this month, two of which I have already posted review for (click on the image to be taken to the post). I will be posting a review of <i>Tell the Wind and Fire</i> shortly.<br />
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<a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/book-review-nirvana-by-jr-stewart.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N0xSh6i4GhsHqZNcK6OqJ1m2Au3IXUeElx3DmXRlpLc96cecRNcuLAZSuwjZBZFxuuEs2SbQOJPymteeRRkFIg_WI0IBqdRY9p4o7f72CArwED5i2dvKVetmDlNq_w_CuD4ODt-eW9g/s200/Nirvana+by+JR+Stewart.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/book-review-you-were-here-by-cori.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqwwUpCqjiTp1cQbN4yVZFTohsgKGZI351lr9S_kBsEeaFy60hbkpON1GO08Z1cnWtuY2FkaisjsbzAXruz8bDOPal5HbQl0JuWzoEyUSpysWXP5lXOK20dSOPUljsdyEe5boVZ5ppd4/s200/You+Were+Here+by+Cori+McCarthy.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZMSy4GgFEaRoCLpD-yj0QwAzCuYowzYwQjNoBrLHnqAdV52l7eEzCMtcfcVfa1FREBDu9e2UoWASmQICLt3M4s3SE3QxJBS6DlGroUsufXvHr1J8NJ8YfjiEhg2c4CuxHkFiqpsyGZw/s1600/Tell+the+Wind+and+Fire+by+Sarah+Rees+Brennan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZMSy4GgFEaRoCLpD-yj0QwAzCuYowzYwQjNoBrLHnqAdV52l7eEzCMtcfcVfa1FREBDu9e2UoWASmQICLt3M4s3SE3QxJBS6DlGroUsufXvHr1J8NJ8YfjiEhg2c4CuxHkFiqpsyGZw/s200/Tell+the+Wind+and+Fire+by+Sarah+Rees+Brennan.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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So overall, this month, I have read five new books, so I am right on track with my GoodReads reading challenge, as well as two rereads. I have also posted four book reviews, so I am averaging one review a week. Right on target!<br />
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What about you guys? Which books did you read this month?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-15155119385863980192016-02-28T21:58:00.000+11:002016-02-28T21:58:16.216+11:00Off-Topic Sunday: Perils of Delayed Book Reviews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome to Off-Topic Sunday, a tag that I'm using to post whatever is floating in my head that I want to chat about. For the most part, they'll be book-related but you may occasionally see some non-book-related posts/rants as well.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Today I want to talk about the perils of delaying writing reviews whenever you finish a book. I've been there. I'm sure we all have. You just finished an amazing book. Your mind is filled with thoughts about it and you can't wait to share your views with the rest of the online book community. But then real life gets in the way. You need to go to sleep (because you stayed up until 3AM reading the book). You need to eat, or go to work, or run an errand, or you want to dive straight into the next book. Or sometimes, maybe like me, you found something better to do at the time and you procrastinate.<br />
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Then hours or days go by, and that initial excitement you had regarding writing your review fades. For books you've picked up yourself, you may just never get around to writing that review. However, for ARCs, where you are obliged to review, you may be sitting in front of your laptop and not remember enough about what you read to make it a meaningful review.<br />
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I have been there so many times it's not even funny. Recently, I have come up with a new way to tackle this particular problem. While it is not an original or new idea, I am finding it's incredibly effective for me.<br />
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It's this: carry a small notebook.<br />
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I find myself scribbling in it at odd times throughout the day. Sometimes while I am commuting to work on the train. Sometimes while I am lying in bed, about to go to sleep. But because I have the small notebook with me at all times, I find myself more encouraged to write down thoughts on books whenever I finish them. So that even if I don't get around to writing a book review until a few days later, all my thoughts are still there - ready to go.<br />
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What about you guys? Do you have problems with writing delayed book reviews? If so, how do you tackle it?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-28910519404610787372016-02-27T21:07:00.001+11:002016-02-27T21:07:10.140+11:00Book Review: You Were Here by Cori McCarthy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3iJgCklKK9_VzV-prU7fJBJWohyO9TDqr2fquw9at1fwr5m5M9H1sX7GTQp6fQCngJlSY1PxHuSS9yx-5VhHaGW2qz40z6tyAfyJMn4ZuLqNr4_jz7pFgGKfIf0J4hxG0_Po9YNsaxg/s1600/You+Were+Here+by+Cori+McCarthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3iJgCklKK9_VzV-prU7fJBJWohyO9TDqr2fquw9at1fwr5m5M9H1sX7GTQp6fQCngJlSY1PxHuSS9yx-5VhHaGW2qz40z6tyAfyJMn4ZuLqNr4_jz7pFgGKfIf0J4hxG0_Po9YNsaxg/s320/You+Were+Here+by+Cori+McCarthy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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You Were Here by Cori McCarthy</h2>
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<b>Standalone novel</b></div>
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<b>Publisher:</b> Sourcebooks Fire</div>
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<b>Release Date:</b> 1st March 2016</div>
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<b>Read Date:</b> 21st February 2016</div>
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<b>Tagged Under:</b> 2016 read, 2016 favourites, book review, review copy, YA fiction, 5, favourites, romance, contemporary</div>
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<b>Check It Out</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492617040/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1492617040&linkCode=as2&tag=httphubpco010-20&linkId=DYUOG75YPQG3FQFR" target="_blank">@Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/You-Were-Here-Cori-Mccarthy/9781492617044?ref=grid-view/?a_aid=OCR" target="_blank">@TheBookDepository</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25679559-you-were-here" target="_blank">@GoodReads</a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Book Summary</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Grief turned Jaycee into a daredevil, but can she dare to deal with her past?</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>On the anniversary of her daredevil brother's death, Jaycee attempts to break into Jake's favourite hideout - the petrifying ruins of an insane asylum. Joined by four classmates, each with their own brand of dysfunction, Jaycee discovers a map detailing her brother's exploration and the unfinished dares he left behind.</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote>
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<i>As a tribute to Jake, Jaycee vows to complete the dares, no matter how terrifying or dangerous. What she doesn't bargain on is her eccentric band of friends who challenge her to do the unthinkable: reveal the parts of herself that she buried with her brother.</i></blockquote>
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Book Review<a name='more'></a></h2>
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You know a book is good if a) it keeps you up into the early hours of the morning to finish the book, b) you don't regret doing so even if you have work tomorrow and c) long after you've closed the book, your mind still can't stop thinking about it.</div>
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<i>You Were Here</i> by Cori McCarthy nailed it on the head in all three categories.</div>
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It is the 26th of June of Jaycee's senior year in high school. She has made it past graduation - she has now surpassed her older brother Jake. Jake was a daredevil, who lived for the thrill of dares, dangerous stunts and disappearing by himself at times to abandoned places. As a tribute to her brother, Jaycee goes to Jake's favourite haunts and relives his stunts. This year however, Jaycee and Mik, Jake's childhood friend, are joined by some unlikely accomplices, Natalie, Jaycee's former best friend, Natalie's boyfriend Zach and his friend Bishop. Together, the five of them chase down some of Jake's most daring haunts and along the way, discover pieces of themselves along the way.</div>
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I really didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. My initial shallow impression of this book prior to reading was that this is a story of a girl reliving her older brother's stunts with her friends. While that seems like a reasonable synopsis of the novel's blurb, <i>You Were Here</i> goes into so much more than just that. You get to explore why Jaycee is chasing down her brother's ghost and how her life has become following Jake's death. The other members of the unlikely group also have pasts they would rather live without. And this novel is actually about how each of them, through their adventures, discover more than they remember about their past, find ways to confront their present situation and move on into their future beyond their final summer vacation. </div>
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The novel is told through the perspectives of all five members of the gang. Sometimes, when novels jump between narrators, it can be difficult to differentiate who is actually talking. I am pleased to say that this is not a problem in <i>You Were Here</i>. Fascinatingly, each character tells their part of the story in a slightly different format, some as grafitti art, some as comic book strips. I loved how everything juxtaposed together to form a continuous story line. </div>
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Dark themes are prevalent in this story - death, teenage drinking, exploring abandoned ruins in the middle of the night. What I admire about this book is that all of these themes are confronting but realistically done. Unfair comparisons with other books with similar premises end with <i>You Were Here</i> on top because in this novel, there are reasons behind these teenagers' madness. They each have their motives for going on these adventures. They are not doing these things just for kicks or simply to advance the plot.<br />
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And the best part of <i>You Were Here</i>? The character development. Each character are so well developed with their pasts, dreams and ghosts. Plus, they each undergo some sort of transformation through these adventures and gain insight not only into themselves but also each other. They are not perfect. None of them are. But through their imperfections, the impact of this story is truly felt.</div>
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Conclusion <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5I-nofMx-gj1_ewALRDKO24uOiAjedJD1P7R6fq1_sIJL_Vt-_NKPfwKDTM-RgzO5kZCZPnTGrYGA2ObWilTEuZUJFQ-4Rss0UUs4fKD3m99RGhjmBNgp7HZBBCUtZo_JWJtFCF0dKA/s1600/stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5I-nofMx-gj1_ewALRDKO24uOiAjedJD1P7R6fq1_sIJL_Vt-_NKPfwKDTM-RgzO5kZCZPnTGrYGA2ObWilTEuZUJFQ-4Rss0UUs4fKD3m99RGhjmBNgp7HZBBCUtZo_JWJtFCF0dKA/s200/stars.png" width="200" /></a></h2>
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In conclusion, I am completely blown away by my reading experience of <i>You Were Here</i>. I definitely wasn't expecting such a roller coaster of emotions when I started this story. It is dark, daring and imperfect from beginning to end - and because of all of that, this book truly stays with you, even long after you've finished reading. This is definitely going to be one of my favourite books of this year if not of all-time and even now, I crave to reread it again. I highly recommend this to everyone!</div>
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<i>Disclaimer: a complimentary ecopy was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed above are entirely my own and are in no way affected by the source of this book.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-7753595712984243242016-02-26T21:30:00.000+11:002016-02-27T15:01:32.573+11:00Feature Follow Friday: Why I love fantasy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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</div>
<ul>
<li>The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post</li>
<li>You create your own post using the post prompt</li>
<li>You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt</li>
<li>Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.</li>
<li>If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, like their name on the linky list to show some appreciation.</li>
<li>The person with the most likes gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of features)</li>
<li>It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the feature. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.</li>
<li>As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.</li>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
This week's feature</h2>
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<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://ajsterkel.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Read All The Things!</a></blockquote>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
This week's prompt is:</h2>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Ten reasons you read your favourite genre?</i></blockquote>
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~ Parajunkee</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
My answer<a name='more'></a></h2>
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Whilst I love reading a bit of everything, my favourite genre will have to be fantasy. And here are some of the reasons why!</div>
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<div>
1. It's a world in which I can truly escape!<br />
2. It involves a heap of action and adventure<br />
3. It often bears telling commentaries on human behaviour<br />
4. Epic fantasy sagas often involve multiple story lines and everything (when done well) ties together neatly at the end<br />
5. Fantasy politics are eerily similar to real politics<br />
6. Romance almost always plays a role but it is not center stage<br />
7. Character development is often a highlight of fantasy as the protagonists grow and evolve throughout their journey<br />
8. The depth of world-building and history creation is of such grand scales, it's awe-inspiring.<br />
9. The ending can be a feel-good happily ever after or heartrendingly devastating - either way, it stays with you.<br />
10. You never know where the next book will take you!<br />
So there you have it - some of the many reasons why I love reading fantasy.<br />
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Which genre is your favourite and why? Happy Friday everyone!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-31800193420420192642016-02-22T21:30:00.000+11:002016-02-23T01:21:01.319+11:00Book Review: Nirvana by J.R. Stewart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg888tD-Py_Nf5oKP2IGbGL-7t4di1S_nu098Zbp0s1QdytxjpXPv_z_D_Pfpd7L_61bq16LUTJt06Rcdp9VbfdCRnYixTHGKUC-eGh-Iq11ha5ojJKpQTXFqJaZhv-hbhGQVyYSosqDtk/s1600/Nirvana+by+JR+Stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg888tD-Py_Nf5oKP2IGbGL-7t4di1S_nu098Zbp0s1QdytxjpXPv_z_D_Pfpd7L_61bq16LUTJt06Rcdp9VbfdCRnYixTHGKUC-eGh-Iq11ha5ojJKpQTXFqJaZhv-hbhGQVyYSosqDtk/s320/Nirvana+by+JR+Stewart.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Nirvana by J.R. Stewart</h2>
<b>Series: Nirvana (book #1)</b><br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Blue Moon<br />
<b>Release Date:</b> 10th November 2015<br />
<b>Read Date:</b> 19th February 2016<br />
<b>Tagged Under:</b> 2016 read, 3, book review, review copy, science fiction, YA fiction<br />
<b>Check It Out</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014LLM1XW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B014LLM1XW&linkCode=as2&tag=httphubpco010-20&linkId=H7FBEUYW7EVQW5UG" target="_blank">@Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Nirvan-J-R-Stewart/9780993639760?ref=grid-view/?a_aid=OCR" target="_blank">@TheBookDepository</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26164334-nirvana" target="_blank">@GoodReads</a><br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Book Summary</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>When the real world is emptied of all that you love, how can you keep yourself from dependence on the virtual?</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote>
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<i>Animal activist and punk rock star Larissa Kenders lives in a dystopian world where the real and the virtual intermingle. After the disappearance of her soulmate, Andrew, Kenders finds solace by escaping to Nirvana, a virtual world controlled by Hexagon. In Nirvana, anyone's deepest desires may be realized - even visits by Andrew.</i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote>
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<i>Although Kenders knows that this version of Andrew is virtual, when he asks for her assistance revealing Hexagon's dark secret, she cannot help but comply. Soon after, Kenders and her closest allies find themselves in a battle with Hexagon, the very institution they have been taught to trust. After uncovering much more than she expected, Kender's biggest challenge is determining what is real - and what is virtual.</i></blockquote>
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Book Review</h2>
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<a name='more'></a>I requested Nirvana by J.R. Stewart on a whim. The plot synopsis sounded really tight and interesting, and the cover is simply stunning. I went into this novel with anticipation of an amazing science fiction series filled with action.<br />
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I got it. Mostly.</div>
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Set in a futuristic setting where reality intermingles with virtual technology, Larissa Kenders and her soulmate, Andrew, are seemingly doing fine whilst pursuing their individual dreams. Larissa is a heavy animal activist who hopes to inspire her fans to follow her aspiration to creating a better world for future generations through her music. Andrew is working for Hexagon, the conglomeration who controls almost everything left on Earth after the Extinction, on research and development. Everything seemed to be going well until one day, Andrew disappears and Hexagon is demanding Larissa handover everything that he had been working on.</div>
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One of the highlights from this novel is the author's knowledge regarding advanced technology. Having worked in IT in the past, heavily involved in "VR" technologies, J.R. Stewart knows the details when it comes to the technology of the future. Yet at the same time, Stewart manages to make it engaging and simple enough that even laymen understand the basic concepts of virtual reality. The endless possibilities offered by such technology is mind-boggling and I really enjoyed reading about them.</div>
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In addition, the plot is tightly written with plenty of twists and turns. It reads very much like an action or thriller film. However, it wasn't what I expected it to be. Instead of science fiction, <i>Nirvana </i>really gives me the sense of a dystopian novel. Despite the confusion as to which genre <i>Nirvana </i>is set in, the pace of the plot is steady and keeps the reader entertained. </div>
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However, I had trouble immersing myself into the story. I boiled it down to mainly two things: world building and character development. At 186 pages, Nirvana is a relatively short novel and a quick read. And I think it really could have benefited from some additional length. There is some inkling of how life in Nirvana works - lack of water in the reserve, dust everywhere - but beyond that, I had trouble imagining how the world is set up. The disparity between super advanced technology and the lack of basic necessity such as food and water seems very paradoxical and I think some additional description exploring this could have really lifted the story.</div>
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Secondly, I really struggled to engage with any of the characters. I admire Larissa for being smart and fiercely independent and stout in her beliefs and ideals. However, beyond that, I really didn't engage with her struggles as the main protagonist. And Larissa's chemistry with Andrew (as well as other male characters in the story) just didn't seem realistic enough for me to be invested in them as a couple. The rest of the cast is also a bit lacklustre.</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
Conclusion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X79MRJ7UqdMh5mdp_orKB7HQSn0sYFdZ3JMdJNUQtrfwNU4ScreTZ0CnymJRmJECnaKg5_QN3i1G9NgSvaF1G9N7QX-k6c_oHx0JT9-dLmjfXVNwsqiELAlPuq0HyLZ3esaXl4M5Hgw/s1600/three+stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X79MRJ7UqdMh5mdp_orKB7HQSn0sYFdZ3JMdJNUQtrfwNU4ScreTZ0CnymJRmJECnaKg5_QN3i1G9NgSvaF1G9N7QX-k6c_oHx0JT9-dLmjfXVNwsqiELAlPuq0HyLZ3esaXl4M5Hgw/s1600/three+stars.png" /></a></h2>
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Overall, there are elements of the story I really enjoyed. However, I feel the story just needed a bit more depth to really lift it to the next level. </div>
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<i>Disclaimer: a complimentary copy was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed above are entirely my own and are in no way affected by the source of this book.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-39331461571638324092016-02-19T23:33:00.003+11:002016-02-27T15:15:03.748+11:00Feature Follow Friday: Reason I started my blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<ul>
<li>The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post</li>
<li>You create your own post using the post prompt</li>
<li>You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt</li>
<li>Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.</li>
<li>If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, like their name on the linky list to show some appreciation.</li>
<li>The person with the most likes gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of features)</li>
<li>It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the feature. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.</li>
<li>As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.</li>
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
This week's prompt is:</h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Why did you start blogging?</i></blockquote>
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Submitted by Parajunkee</div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
My answer</h2>
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<a name='more'></a>I may have mentioned my reasons for starting a book blog a couple of times in the past. But in essence, I used to love reading. I read voraciously all throughout high school, even during the heat of exam season. However, once I hit university, my reading habits died. Instead of fantasy, I reached for medical textbooks. Instead of YA novels, I was flipping through anatomy atlases. That was a sad six years for me.<br />
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So it wasn't until end of 2013, after graduation, that I reached for a novel again. And once I did (it was The Hunger Games to my memory), I fell in love with reading all over again. So in an attempt to make sure I keep on reading, I decided to start a book blog to keep all of my thoughts on what I have read.</div>
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Of course, once I found the online book community, I realized how many amazing people there are out there who love reading as much as I do. I have simply had a blast in the past two years gushing about books with fellow bloggers, anticipating upcoming releases and posting reviews and sharing my thoughts with everyone. </div>
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As I continue climbing up career-wise, I am finding it harder and harder to set aside time to read and blog. But I am definitely not stopping! :D</div>
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What about you guys? Why did you starting blogging? Happy Friday everyone!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-74340280938692161192016-02-18T21:30:00.000+11:002016-02-18T21:30:01.624+11:00The Re-Read Experience: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
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Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas</h2>
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<b>Series: Throne of Glass (book #1)</b></div>
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<b>Publisher:</b> Bloomsbury USA Childrens</div>
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<b>Release Date:</b> 7th August 2013</div>
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<b>(Re)read Date:</b> 13th January 2016</div>
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<b>Tagged Under:</b> 2016 read, book review, fantasy, YA fiction, 4</div>
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<b>Check It Out</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1619630346/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1619630346&linkCode=as2&tag=httphubpco010-20&linkId=FT5XQXU6GF4BX53F" target="_blank">@Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Throne-of-Glass/9781408832332/?a_aid=OCR" target="_blank">@TheBookDepository</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7896527-throne-of-glass" target="_blank">@Goodreads</a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<h2>
Book Summary</h2>
<i>After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. </i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote>
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<i>Her opponents are men - thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. </i><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote>
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<i>Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.</i></blockquote>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Book Review</h2>
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I first read Throne of Glass back in 2014 (see my review here). While I enjoyed it enough to continue on with the series, there were some areas with the first book, particularly with regards to the protagonist, that I wished were a bit better developed. Naturally, those issues melted away with the sequel, Crown of Midnight, and I was by then deeply engrossed with the series.</div>
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Two years have passed and my memories of the series have faded quite a bit. So I decided to read The Assassin’s Blade, the anthology of four prequel novellas, first prior to rereading the series from the start (and then catching up with the rest of the series). I must admit, coming back to this novel (with the knowledge of the prequel), my experiences have somewhat changed. </div>
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Firstly, my understanding of Calaena and her background story is a lot more fleshed out and I feel that definitively helped me enjoy the re-read a lot more. Names and places that were, on the first read, merely mentions that I did not really understand, are now more full of meaning and implications. I am able to appreciate them and how they have impacted on Calaena. </div>
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In addition, having already seen Calaena kicking ass in The Assassin’s Blade, I found myself a bit more forgiving of the fact that Calaena spent the majority of this novel obsessing over food, expensive dresses and books. However, having said that, certain things that didn’t bother me the first time around now bother me a bit more. For instance, [spoiler] after what happened in The Assassin’s Blade, I didn’t think she would have spent money flagrantly when lack of funds was the reason she picked up her final assignment prior to her downfall. [end spoiler] </div>
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My main issue with Throne of Glass still persists. The competition to become the King’s Champion was the main story arc of this first novel, with hints of something big brewing scattered throughout. However, the competition was rarely described in great detail. Perhaps I am being too judgemental because I am reviewing this having read subsequent instalments where oh my goodness, there is so much happening! But I think a bit more action and plot advancement could have turned Throne of Glass from a solid first novel of a series into an amazing book in its own right. </div>
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Conclusion <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4qPPBvLqOEksnNeadpFZuuI0UJRNOvNIbwBIkn3dhlcRvhdadxEEijqr5ScGK4FvK-rBhmMtVyRUK4G5MQn3Gu50C99tSs5Tep6abhsDxhyYCvX5X7SZrsqqUOOA1yCm63jpJLnK604/s1600/four+stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4qPPBvLqOEksnNeadpFZuuI0UJRNOvNIbwBIkn3dhlcRvhdadxEEijqr5ScGK4FvK-rBhmMtVyRUK4G5MQn3Gu50C99tSs5Tep6abhsDxhyYCvX5X7SZrsqqUOOA1yCm63jpJLnK604/s1600/four+stars.png" /></a></h2>
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Overall, I think I enjoyed the re-read a bit more. There are elements of the story I appreciated this time around which I had missed on my initial read. While I think this remains the weakest book of the series (not because it’s weak but because later books are amazing!), I am still upgrading my rating to a solid 4 stars and recommending this series to everyone who loves YA fantasy!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-2384411159013983552016-02-16T23:00:00.000+11:002016-02-17T03:00:00.625+11:00Top Ten Songs that I would Love to Read as Books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
TTT is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a><br />
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This week, we are sharing ten songs that we would love to read as books. Even though I know this is probably a good reflection of my music tastes when it comes to popular music (I fluctuate between pop and classical), I was still a bit surprised to find almost all of the songs I picked are romance. Ah wells!<br />
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The One That Got Away by Katy Perry</h2>
I would love to read something like this - a bittersweet reflection of a romance from long ago with twinges of regret over what could have been.<br />
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Need You Now by Lady Antebellum</h2>
I would love to read about a couple who are apart and both hurting and wanting to get back together.<br />
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Lost and Found by Leona Lewis</h2>
Similar concept as Need You Now.<br />
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Last Kiss by Taylor Swift</h2>
To be honest, I would read books converted from any of Taylor Swift's songs. But in the end, I settled for this one because it's so bittersweet and always makes me wonder about what exactly happened to cause the break up.<br />
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Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat</h2>
After all the bittersweet romances, I would probably want something light and bubbly which is why I chose Lucky.<br />
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Photograph by Ed Sheeran</h2>
Another bittersweet romance that I would love to read.<br />
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Imagine by John Lennon</h2>
I can totally see this as the theme song to an epic battle by the common people in a dystopian setting.<br />
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The Winner Takes It All by ABBA</h2>
I can see this song going either way. One: melancholic recounting of a bittersweet romance where the protagonist is mourning over his/her losses. Or two: protagonist hellbent on revenge in the battle of the exes.<br />
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Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan</h2>
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A smooth heartwarming romance. Sign me up!</div>
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Feels Like Home by Randy Newman</h2>
This was recently made famous in the Qantas adverisements as a cover by Martha Marlow. I see this one as more of a family-oriented song - maybe a protagonist who struggles to identify with a home and family and is going on an adventure to find somewhere to belong.<br />
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Anyway, those are the ten songs I would love to read about. Which songs did you pick this week?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-87637143282409583782016-02-14T22:30:00.000+11:002016-02-15T00:33:25.891+11:00My Favourite Romance Novels - Valentine's Day Edition!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Whether you are single, in a committed relationship or married, I hope you have had a lovely day with your loved ones. :) In honour of today, I have decided to list some of my favourite romances for those who need something to get into the romantic mood!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JddHNbrMPO9hrOofYE3zKPWwuTJ_eoEwqZn8n3sbKm4nIEcmR1ezjrVbktdyIjHwCGlUTgcJd1uaT9k7wDjWAtCz9WomrLBGoV_dnCQYm73wR9MQG0-j6yU1FRDMUaBnM4J8ltnD-oE/s1600/Anna+and+the+French+Kiss+by+Stephanie+Perkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JddHNbrMPO9hrOofYE3zKPWwuTJ_eoEwqZn8n3sbKm4nIEcmR1ezjrVbktdyIjHwCGlUTgcJd1uaT9k7wDjWAtCz9WomrLBGoV_dnCQYm73wR9MQG0-j6yU1FRDMUaBnM4J8ltnD-oE/s200/Anna+and+the+French+Kiss+by+Stephanie+Perkins.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI_BM740WN5hPWYYq7Gj6rOangNCV1TEA_OX0RX8dYqz0dDkB_UH_wWXbo_Wb_iO5Z3CaOU9IbTa645O8XmjvWJli1O4Ofjxeum8pB87n2EGEwFvEwH9kZwOQJpn1VRo5aLhsBDH0yFQ/s1600/Lola+and+the+Boy+Next+Door+by+Stephanie+Perkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZI_BM740WN5hPWYYq7Gj6rOangNCV1TEA_OX0RX8dYqz0dDkB_UH_wWXbo_Wb_iO5Z3CaOU9IbTa645O8XmjvWJli1O4Ofjxeum8pB87n2EGEwFvEwH9kZwOQJpn1VRo5aLhsBDH0yFQ/s200/Lola+and+the+Boy+Next+Door+by+Stephanie+Perkins.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO82I6vGYv0RGglx4NVTKwvHqlkISrMxlBb4zOu0exLe6yEBOmPVcWF8NKlfk0ewtfy8s4DzLhUKKUzUoZsR04ol8ZRCdzHCF40bmlU68e5rJI46kszf9s5XfzIpEyN_c-8iAfkXhan0/s1600/Isla+and+the+Happily+Ever+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO82I6vGYv0RGglx4NVTKwvHqlkISrMxlBb4zOu0exLe6yEBOmPVcWF8NKlfk0ewtfy8s4DzLhUKKUzUoZsR04ol8ZRCdzHCF40bmlU68e5rJI46kszf9s5XfzIpEyN_c-8iAfkXhan0/s200/Isla+and+the+Happily+Ever+After.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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1. Anna and the French Kiss trilogy by Stephanie Perkins</h2>
I absolutely adore this series to bits. <i>Anna and the French Kiss</i> begins with Anna being shipped off to the romantic city of Paris for her final year of high school. She is less than thrilled to be taken away from her own school, friends and the city she grew up in to be dumped in a country where she doesn't even speak the language. That is, until she met Etienne St. Clair, a smart charming guy who would make the ultimate boyfriend - except for the fact he's already in a committed relationship.<br />
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The two sequels feature different sets of characters so these books can be read in any order (though reading in the chronological order would be recommended). They are all charming in their own way and are each based in a different setting. This is my ultimate go-to series for some warm fuzzy feeling. <br />
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2. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick</h2>
This novel is one of my favourite new adult standalones. It contains everything I needed in a new adult novel: romance, charm and burgeoning adult issues as the main characters grow into that transition from teenagers to adults. Samantha Reed has for the longest time watched the Garretts next door live their loud rambunctious and messy lives. Her neat and tidy mother has always warned her about them. Until one day, Jase Garrett climbs up onto her rooftop perch. I absolutely loved this novel from the beginning. This definitely comes highly recommended!<br />
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3. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell</h2>
I love Rainbow Rowell's novels! And believe it or not, Fangirl isn't my favourite novel of hers. Attachments is! It does have a very odd premise but trust me, it's adorable! When Lincoln applied for the job "IT security officer," he didn't know that what it entailed was to read his coworkers' emails on a daily basis. But when he reads Beth and Jennifer's emails to one another, he can't help but be drawn into their lives and be captivated by them. Perhaps even fall a little bit in love.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnr0gwPR6D9IvwTdAYgO2Z6ZwwIK3z_9Q0i9eZJDKvBlJZqCQJ1S_TvVgh3d6e-oX6jxYtmA-ZvUhq6lCGHKT5dtAH6YI-nxWAWH6-ULIHT57Z_R_eBGqD7RCb7IBYRC4AWj9ICk94yRY/s1600/Pivot+Point+by+Kasie+West.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnr0gwPR6D9IvwTdAYgO2Z6ZwwIK3z_9Q0i9eZJDKvBlJZqCQJ1S_TvVgh3d6e-oX6jxYtmA-ZvUhq6lCGHKT5dtAH6YI-nxWAWH6-ULIHT57Z_R_eBGqD7RCb7IBYRC4AWj9ICk94yRY/s200/Pivot+Point+by+Kasie+West.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBYeBxdW-gfsUzIBCwBGoymdcPbpk4siHMeDVewM9_wCT94eU__pNOhtPZwMtR-yAnTU3UV6WcKQ98c-z-5ql1AsZogwyekruZhmCE7odukd6GWpJ_7D_s3bH9104JaJYU_VyZUc3gmg/s1600/Split+Second+by+Kasie+West.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBYeBxdW-gfsUzIBCwBGoymdcPbpk4siHMeDVewM9_wCT94eU__pNOhtPZwMtR-yAnTU3UV6WcKQ98c-z-5ql1AsZogwyekruZhmCE7odukd6GWpJ_7D_s3bH9104JaJYU_VyZUc3gmg/s200/Split+Second+by+Kasie+West.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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4. Pivot Point duology by Kasie West</h2>
I really had some trouble picking which of Kasie West's works I wanted to highlight. I enjoyed almost all of her novels and ultimately, the decision came down between the Pivot Point duology and On The Fence. Pivot Point won by a slight margin because I absolutely loved the ending of Pivot Point and how the story line then picked up in Split Second. Addison has a special gift - she is able to look into the future and see the outcomes of any potential decisions. So when her parents decides to split up, she needs to decide whether to go with her father into the outside world of the "Norms" or stay behind with her mother. When she peeks into her future, she could not have prepared for the answers she discovers and the terrible choice she is about to make.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYfWCg5QbNfqYOTsQLEgyOO9MIC2mn7uzjyJlJxlVHQ6HSaxYriTvhmq8tIcDYf-dlgFS4Q_B3CGpkzjnwK2f6k3agL62v4n9TQt40tzTNYrVCjEmy26LacNWjoktOK03HVCiR-PKnCQ/s1600/The+Bridgertons+by+Julia+Quinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYfWCg5QbNfqYOTsQLEgyOO9MIC2mn7uzjyJlJxlVHQ6HSaxYriTvhmq8tIcDYf-dlgFS4Q_B3CGpkzjnwK2f6k3agL62v4n9TQt40tzTNYrVCjEmy26LacNWjoktOK03HVCiR-PKnCQ/s200/The+Bridgertons+by+Julia+Quinn.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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5. The Bridgertons' series by Julia Quinn</h2>
And for those who enjoy historical romance, I recommend the entire Bridgertons' series to you, starting from <i>The Duke and I</i> and going right through to <i>Happily Ever After</i>. This series gives such an instant sugar high that they will bound to give you a sweet tooth. :)<br />
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So there you go, those are the romance novels that I recommend to you guys. What romances do you enjoy? List them in the comments below and I'll be sure to check them out!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-26282736468597740892016-02-04T16:26:00.001+11:002016-02-04T16:26:47.223+11:00Book Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas</h2>
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<b>Series: Throne of Glass (0.1-0.5)</b></div>
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<b>Publisher: </b>Bloomsbury Childrens</div>
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<b>Release Date:</b> 4th March 2015</div>
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<b>Read Date:</b> 13th January 2016</div>
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<b>Tagged Under:</b> 2016 read, 2016 favourites, fantasy, favourites, novella or short story, book review, YA fiction, 5</div>
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<b>Check It Out</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1619635178/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1619635178&linkCode=as2&tag=httphubpco010-20&linkId=D4GDLUXVJ6NBROT2" target="_blank">@Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Assassins-Blade-Sarah-J-Maas/9781619633612/?a_aid=OCR" target="_blank">@TheBookDepository</a>, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18243700-the-assassin-s-blade" target="_blank">@Goodreads</a></div>
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Book Summary</h2>
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<i>Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.</i></blockquote>
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Book Review</h2>
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<a name='more'></a>It has been awhile since I first picked up <i>Throne of Glass</i> and its immediate sequel <i>Crown of Midnight</i>. The online book community's raves about the third and fourth installment, <i>Heir of Fire</i> and <i>Queen of Shadows</i>, raced past me and didn't really give me a chance to catch up. So at the beginning of 2016, I decided that I was going to marathon this series and while I remember vague elements from <i>Throne of Glass</i>, I have forgotten enough that I kind of went into <i>The Assassin's Blade</i> blind. </div>
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Which in retrospect was a good thing.</div>
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Celaena Sardothien is truly a kick ass in this anthology of novellas. One of the few gripes I had about <i>Throne of Glass</i> (see my previous review <a href="http://obsessivecompulsivereader.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/book-review-throne-of-glass-by-sarah-j.html" target="_blank">here</a>) is the fact that Celaena spends the majority of the first book obsessing over food, clothes and parties despite all her claim of being the best assassin around. <i>The Assassin's Blade</i> truly smoothed over that issue nicely. Not only is Celaena as snarky and full of sass as usual, we also get to see her in action from one adventure to the next.<br />
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The novellas each captures an adventure of Celaena's that is entertaining and fulfilling on their own. Yet at the same time, when you string all five novellas together, they foreshadow Celaena's eventual arrival to where she began her journey in <i>Throne of Glass</i>. I read each novella with a growing pool of dread in my stomach, knowing fully well I will not be getting a happily ever after.<br />
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And the romantic interest in these novellas! Argh! Can I just say I am totally blown away by how quickly Sarah J. Maas is able to get us to engage and fall in love with a pairing? Even now, one and a half books later into the series, I am still thinking about <i>The Assassin's Blade</i>. Read and weep, my friends. Read and weep.</div>
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Conclusion <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5I-nofMx-gj1_ewALRDKO24uOiAjedJD1P7R6fq1_sIJL_Vt-_NKPfwKDTM-RgzO5kZCZPnTGrYGA2ObWilTEuZUJFQ-4Rss0UUs4fKD3m99RGhjmBNgp7HZBBCUtZo_JWJtFCF0dKA/s1600/stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5I-nofMx-gj1_ewALRDKO24uOiAjedJD1P7R6fq1_sIJL_Vt-_NKPfwKDTM-RgzO5kZCZPnTGrYGA2ObWilTEuZUJFQ-4Rss0UUs4fKD3m99RGhjmBNgp7HZBBCUtZo_JWJtFCF0dKA/s200/stars.png" width="200" /></a></h2>
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Overall, I really enjoyed this installment. It allowed me to get to know Celaena as she is claimed to be prior to the <i>Throne of Glass</i> series - one of the most feared assassins around. For newcomers to this series, I probably would recommend reading this book before starting the series as it does provide a lot of background information about the characters you are about to meet.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-15771135166769153682016-02-02T23:32:00.004+11:002016-02-02T23:32:59.346+11:00Top Ten Tuesday: Historical and Futuristic Settings You Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TTT is a weekly meme hosted by <a href="http://www.brokeandbookish.com/" target="_blank">The Broke and the Bookish</a><br />
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With fantasy being one of my favourite genres to read from, it comes to no surprise that I have plenty of futuristic settings that I would love more of. However, in terms of historical settings, I really had to scratch my head to think beyond the obvious.<br />
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World War II</h2>
From <i>The Book Thief</i> to <i>All the Lights We Cannot See</i>, I really enjoy reading about World War II. It was a dark period in human history and there are still so much of it that I do not know. So I am always on the look out for good books set in World War II.<br />
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Victorian London</h2>
I love reading historical romances almost as much as I love fantasy novels. I remember a period last year when I was under a lot of exam stress and I craved nothing but historical romances. I ended up reading so many Julia Quinn novels in a row!<br />
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The US Civil War</h2>
I haven't read as many novels set in the US Civil War as I have about World War II. But the books that I have read, including <i>Cold Mountain</i>, are excellent and makes me want more.<br />
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The Great Depression</h2>
I read <i>Angela's Ashes</i> back in high school. I know it's not exactly fiction, but the setting was so bitter and difficult, it stayed with me for a long time after I finished reading.<br />
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World War I</h2>
I haven't read as many books set in World War I compared to World War II but it's still a setting I really enjoy exploring.<br />
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The Legend Series</h2>
In terms of future settings, I think the setting of the Legend series would be interesting. Not the Republic of course, but the super modern society of Antarctica sounds like a place I wouldn't mind exploring.<br />
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Spinning Starlight</h2>
The intergalactic world with space travel and voice-activated technology of Spinning Starlight by R.C. Lewis also sounds super cool.<br />
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The Lunar Chronicles</h2>
Space travel, androids and cyborgs! Not only is the Lunar Chronicles one of my favourite series of all times, but I totally wouldn't mind exploring the world some more!<br />
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The Firebird Series</h2>
Imaging a society far enough into the future that time travel could be a possibility. It's close enough to our current society that I can relate to it yet at the same time, full of potentials.<br />
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The Starbound Series</h2>
Again, a far flung society where intergalactic travel is possible. Sign me up!<br />
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So yes, those are my top ten favourite historical and futuristic settings that I would love more of. Which ones did you pick this week? Let me know in the comments section below!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657269619840350853noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4515737437706739166.post-17369000537959724122016-02-01T20:34:00.001+11:002016-02-01T20:34:44.307+11:00January 2016 Wrap-Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPPbRy46ZtFJrnLZOhJZEpGx1HYJMJE8m5FyJKew9D-nu4Ulqg-54T9qM5f_ZoZ1YePxNdnozd3eVs22locChFT3VuYI9TsBdslFnDSqdITf1prHs6iFG4EVpcFLoL7Ktpz_pZBWd6U4/s1600/Monthly+Wrap+Up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPPbRy46ZtFJrnLZOhJZEpGx1HYJMJE8m5FyJKew9D-nu4Ulqg-54T9qM5f_ZoZ1YePxNdnozd3eVs22locChFT3VuYI9TsBdslFnDSqdITf1prHs6iFG4EVpcFLoL7Ktpz_pZBWd6U4/s400/Monthly+Wrap+Up.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Guys, we are already in February. What is going on?</div>
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January has been a pretty good month in terms of my reading. Having made new reading goals for this year and altered my reading habits, I find myself really enjoying reading again without the constant pressure of finishing books. </div>
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This month, I read the following four books:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoupQ5jdI3d-vUB9Y5kNmA9UVk-pz0xkXYubstw7k0khP5LDBL7osg0KBC85akU0alJOzfXKmRPTvOf2AgreXMllk2r7_dh6r8Ht8pvTaBN20g6r2c7FE4K5rvZwd-lSh5oyt3XQSYePU/s1600/The+Assassin%2527s+Blade+by+Sarah+J.+Maas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoupQ5jdI3d-vUB9Y5kNmA9UVk-pz0xkXYubstw7k0khP5LDBL7osg0KBC85akU0alJOzfXKmRPTvOf2AgreXMllk2r7_dh6r8Ht8pvTaBN20g6r2c7FE4K5rvZwd-lSh5oyt3XQSYePU/s200/The+Assassin%2527s+Blade+by+Sarah+J.+Maas.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRBVdKd_nufThnwqZVHHN7RjDbRvjmEjECSluO-_obsfPMiafq3s8HgLlgFL-ImFm3eBPONsu7DG264v5s4cD-D0q4MrKX5WhlifjToUA4egYPxIowHrkw4CN4h8-c5w6O3KJInk_MzE/s1600/Enchanted+by+Alethea+Kontis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRBVdKd_nufThnwqZVHHN7RjDbRvjmEjECSluO-_obsfPMiafq3s8HgLlgFL-ImFm3eBPONsu7DG264v5s4cD-D0q4MrKX5WhlifjToUA4egYPxIowHrkw4CN4h8-c5w6O3KJInk_MzE/s200/Enchanted+by+Alethea+Kontis.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUypl5_deu834nSu4zHW6xGxtF87y6Y8bJ0oDY2UXUOPHlw-PYK9RWJqbQ7U-fXunktpQi0kzrA6C4KPH622sQtMROTTAn2j14gFhCkkFO0U4pj6vvKahz2GiMwpW-cOXjkpn5PhR3e0/s1600/The+Girl+with+the+Dragon+Tattoo+by+Stieg+Larsson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUypl5_deu834nSu4zHW6xGxtF87y6Y8bJ0oDY2UXUOPHlw-PYK9RWJqbQ7U-fXunktpQi0kzrA6C4KPH622sQtMROTTAn2j14gFhCkkFO0U4pj6vvKahz2GiMwpW-cOXjkpn5PhR3e0/s200/The+Girl+with+the+Dragon+Tattoo+by+Stieg+Larsson.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEiaByltM0jCp0b4g8fKfNYvDbz-yGVEwopmexSumk_oqhByHQX1Tdne_zRdkfQNM6r8s3Ps715tgXCYeWWOHVWzflffTx3JXWei0Qn62Mev_ptmbxgUY0ptKvezhqzik_g8EulOQjtE/s1600/The+Sleeper+and+the+Spindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEiaByltM0jCp0b4g8fKfNYvDbz-yGVEwopmexSumk_oqhByHQX1Tdne_zRdkfQNM6r8s3Ps715tgXCYeWWOHVWzflffTx3JXWei0Qn62Mev_ptmbxgUY0ptKvezhqzik_g8EulOQjtE/s200/The+Sleeper+and+the+Spindle.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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Plus, having read <i>The Assassin's Blade</i> by Sarah J. Maas, the anthology prequel to the <i>Throne of Glass</i> series, I am in the middle of rereading the first two books before moving onto the rest of the series. In terms of rereading, I have completed:</div>
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And I am currently in the middle of two re-reads:</div>
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So all in all, I'm having a great time! What about you guys? How did you go last month?</div>
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