Shelli R. Johannes's Blog, page 4
December 4, 2014
Fiction Boosts Brainpower!
Why Fiction Boosts BrainpowerListen closely fiction fans, this one's for you! If you're that person who spends an entire day binge-reading your favorite series, then goes to bed feeling wonderfully accomplished, you have more than a few great reasons to be. Studies have shown that reading fiction can boost brainpower and empathy that readers have for other people, not to mention expand your imagination. So here are a few reasons why I think reading is brain therapy!
1. Fiction is Entertaining!
Okay, so this is the one that gets the most grief. But hey, there's something to be said about a genre that can entertain as well as fiction can. There are moments in our lives where all we need is a little relaxation and entertainment, and fiction is the best way to do just that. And it lets you interpret the story yourself, leaving room for all sorts of discussion and imaginative talk after!
2. Reading Stories Builds Character
No pun intended. The more POVs you read from the more you ask questions about yourself: who am I? What would I have done in this situation? Who do I relate to in this novel? And while no one should base their view of themselves off of fictional characters, it does help you to explore who you are by seeing through the eyes of another for a few hundred pages.
3. Reading Helps you Write Better
This one is by far my favorite. Studies show that learning to read early and keeping a steady reading list as you grow will help you become a better writer. And it's true! Every time I'm stuck on a scene I'm writing, taking a break and picking up a good book usually leaves my mind wide open to ideas.
4. Reading Boosts Imagination
Let's face it, a good sense of imagination is a key to every world you could ever want. And where does it all begin? Books. Especially fiction books. By reading a little fiction every day we can open our brains to realms we didn't even know existed, and find out just how strong our imaginations can be. How cool is that?
I hope those few reasons were an incentive to go pick up a good fiction book with no remorse. Let your imagination run free for a few hours, you deserve it!
Happy reading! http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
1. Fiction is Entertaining!
Okay, so this is the one that gets the most grief. But hey, there's something to be said about a genre that can entertain as well as fiction can. There are moments in our lives where all we need is a little relaxation and entertainment, and fiction is the best way to do just that. And it lets you interpret the story yourself, leaving room for all sorts of discussion and imaginative talk after!
2. Reading Stories Builds Character
No pun intended. The more POVs you read from the more you ask questions about yourself: who am I? What would I have done in this situation? Who do I relate to in this novel? And while no one should base their view of themselves off of fictional characters, it does help you to explore who you are by seeing through the eyes of another for a few hundred pages.
3. Reading Helps you Write Better
This one is by far my favorite. Studies show that learning to read early and keeping a steady reading list as you grow will help you become a better writer. And it's true! Every time I'm stuck on a scene I'm writing, taking a break and picking up a good book usually leaves my mind wide open to ideas.
4. Reading Boosts Imagination
Let's face it, a good sense of imagination is a key to every world you could ever want. And where does it all begin? Books. Especially fiction books. By reading a little fiction every day we can open our brains to realms we didn't even know existed, and find out just how strong our imaginations can be. How cool is that?
I hope those few reasons were an incentive to go pick up a good fiction book with no remorse. Let your imagination run free for a few hours, you deserve it!
Happy reading! http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
December 1, 2014
Music and Writing- A Good Idea?
Music and Writing
Perhaps you are one of the many that listen to music while you write, be it anything from pop to jazz, rap to country. Well, I'm here to tell you why that may be a good thing, and how it can assist your writing in a major way! Writing can be stressful sometimes, (even though we love it), and the right music can calm us down and stimulate our brains. So here a few reasons why, if music works for you, you can absolutely benefit from it!
1. The Right Music Can Calm you Down
Sometimes we as writers get a bit worked up over our latest dialogue/character scene. How should we transition into the enacting incident? What about this guy- what does this guy even do? Yeah, we've all been there. But if you have some smooth music in the background, you can tai a minute to chill out and just let your brain have a break. Then, when you get back to writing, you're refreshed!
2. Music is Stimulating
It really is! Studies have shown that certain types of music can light up neurons paths in your brain and stimulate various lobes. Isn't that cool? So if your'e stuck on a certain word or sentence, having a little music in the background may actually help to fill in those gaps.
3. Music is Fun!
I mean come on, everyone loves music. There are so many varieties and artists out there it's hard not to find one you love! And when you do you're likely to dance around like a crazy person. Now, when you're dance session is over and you sit down at your computer screen, your day's work will feel much more enjoyable.
There you have it guys! As a writer I know certain type of music definitely benefit me from time to time. Some days I prefer the quiet, though, and that's okay too. So to close out, I'll leave you with a couple of articles on the power music has on the brain (and writing).
* Music as Inspiration: http://thewritepractice.com/music-as-writing-inspiration/
* Music and Writing: http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2012/12/how-music-affects-writing-process.html
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
Perhaps you are one of the many that listen to music while you write, be it anything from pop to jazz, rap to country. Well, I'm here to tell you why that may be a good thing, and how it can assist your writing in a major way! Writing can be stressful sometimes, (even though we love it), and the right music can calm us down and stimulate our brains. So here a few reasons why, if music works for you, you can absolutely benefit from it!
1. The Right Music Can Calm you Down
Sometimes we as writers get a bit worked up over our latest dialogue/character scene. How should we transition into the enacting incident? What about this guy- what does this guy even do? Yeah, we've all been there. But if you have some smooth music in the background, you can tai a minute to chill out and just let your brain have a break. Then, when you get back to writing, you're refreshed!
2. Music is Stimulating
It really is! Studies have shown that certain types of music can light up neurons paths in your brain and stimulate various lobes. Isn't that cool? So if your'e stuck on a certain word or sentence, having a little music in the background may actually help to fill in those gaps.
3. Music is Fun!
I mean come on, everyone loves music. There are so many varieties and artists out there it's hard not to find one you love! And when you do you're likely to dance around like a crazy person. Now, when you're dance session is over and you sit down at your computer screen, your day's work will feel much more enjoyable.
There you have it guys! As a writer I know certain type of music definitely benefit me from time to time. Some days I prefer the quiet, though, and that's okay too. So to close out, I'll leave you with a couple of articles on the power music has on the brain (and writing).
* Music as Inspiration: http://thewritepractice.com/music-as-writing-inspiration/
* Music and Writing: http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/2012/12/how-music-affects-writing-process.html
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
November 28, 2014
How to Survive NaNoWriMo
How to Survive NaNoWriMo
So anyone who is participating in NaNoWriMo is probably sleepless and angst-ridden right now. It's the end of the 50,000 word stretch, and I'm sure most of you are itching at the palms to rest your fingers. Fear not, fellow writers! Here I will share with you a few ways to survive NaNoWriMo with your writer's brain in one piece:
1. Lots of Sleep
Yes, writing takes up most of your time and carries on far into the night, (because come on, our characters never take a break, do they?). But getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night can help you to focus when you're writing, and better you're dialogue.
2. Eat Regularly
Of course, when you're writing you don't want to stop. But brain food is writing food! If you eat regularly while you're writing, instead of forgetting, you may find you have more energy to finish that last chapter.
3. Read
Read as much as you can in your down time. Reading in between writing spurts can help inspire you and spark your imagination, not to mention help the words flow freely from your brain to your screen.
4. Channel Your Character
Sometimes all you need to create that perfect character is to spend a few moments channeling them. Take a breath and ask yourself, "how would he/she react to this" without thinking too hard about it. Whatever pops into your head may be the truth.
5. Set your Space
Set your writing space up every time you sit down at your computer. Whether that means good-smelling candles, pretty curtains, or calming music, everything around you helps to relax you and further your writing.
And there it is! A few quick (hopefully helpful) tips to surviving this last week of NaNoWriMo! So kick back, relax, and let the words flow.
Best and happy writing,
-Ashley Dawson http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
So anyone who is participating in NaNoWriMo is probably sleepless and angst-ridden right now. It's the end of the 50,000 word stretch, and I'm sure most of you are itching at the palms to rest your fingers. Fear not, fellow writers! Here I will share with you a few ways to survive NaNoWriMo with your writer's brain in one piece:
1. Lots of Sleep
Yes, writing takes up most of your time and carries on far into the night, (because come on, our characters never take a break, do they?). But getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night can help you to focus when you're writing, and better you're dialogue.
2. Eat Regularly
Of course, when you're writing you don't want to stop. But brain food is writing food! If you eat regularly while you're writing, instead of forgetting, you may find you have more energy to finish that last chapter.
3. Read
Read as much as you can in your down time. Reading in between writing spurts can help inspire you and spark your imagination, not to mention help the words flow freely from your brain to your screen.
4. Channel Your Character
Sometimes all you need to create that perfect character is to spend a few moments channeling them. Take a breath and ask yourself, "how would he/she react to this" without thinking too hard about it. Whatever pops into your head may be the truth.
5. Set your Space
Set your writing space up every time you sit down at your computer. Whether that means good-smelling candles, pretty curtains, or calming music, everything around you helps to relax you and further your writing.
And there it is! A few quick (hopefully helpful) tips to surviving this last week of NaNoWriMo! So kick back, relax, and let the words flow.
Best and happy writing,
-Ashley Dawson http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
November 20, 2014
The Five Stages of Fan-Girling
The Five Stages of Fan-Girling by Ashley Dawson
So if you're anything like me, I freak out pretty hard when I finish a great book and hear that the next installment in the series is coming out soon. Now, this isn't your every day, run of the mill freak out. Oh no. We're talking a full on fictional fan-girl episode, complete with little girl screams when cover reveals are announced So, in order to highlight the greatness that is YA fiction, here are the Five Stages of YA Fan-girling:
1. Finish the Book, Cry a Little
It never fails. I finish that last line, and immediately turn to my pillow for comfort. Why did it have to end with a cliffhanger? Can the next book come out faster? Is my life going to be the same after this? All good questions, no good answers. And because of this, I cry. Sooner rather than later someone finds me with an open cup of Jell-O pudding and a frown, and they know I've finished the book I've been reading for the last fourteen hours straight.
2. Googled it- Comes out Next Month
Okay. So I've consulted my friendly Google search engine, and Amazon tells me my favorite author is relieving me of my troubles and releasing the sequel in exactly one month. One. Month. I bite my nails for a full thirty-one days, each day a deliberate step toward that fateful day when the months change and my book love is home in my arms. Or, I just click the pre-order button. Let's go with that.
3. Cover Reveal
Oh. My. Gosh. That's the most beautiful thing I've ever laid my eyes on. Sure enough, it's staring up at me from the front page of my favorite YA blog, and I can't look away. Love at first sight. I'll spend countless hours thinking I see that cover on a local bookshelf, only to realize that it hasn't been released yet. Yet.
4. Check my Mailbox Religiously
My mailbox becomes my best friend. Seriously. None of my actual friends exist for the 3-4 day shipping period, and they are all very used to this. They bring me food while I wait and I eat like I'm fueling for a half marathon. Because I totally am. Sort of.
5. It's Here
I scream, bee-line for my bed, and rip the packaging off. There it is. The perfect thing. I flip to a random page and smell the freshly printed pages for just a moment, before diving in.
Then, fourteen hours later, I'm finished.
And book three doesn't come out for a year.
Repeat from step one.
Best wishes and happy fan-girling,
-Ashley Dawson
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
So if you're anything like me, I freak out pretty hard when I finish a great book and hear that the next installment in the series is coming out soon. Now, this isn't your every day, run of the mill freak out. Oh no. We're talking a full on fictional fan-girl episode, complete with little girl screams when cover reveals are announced So, in order to highlight the greatness that is YA fiction, here are the Five Stages of YA Fan-girling:
1. Finish the Book, Cry a Little
It never fails. I finish that last line, and immediately turn to my pillow for comfort. Why did it have to end with a cliffhanger? Can the next book come out faster? Is my life going to be the same after this? All good questions, no good answers. And because of this, I cry. Sooner rather than later someone finds me with an open cup of Jell-O pudding and a frown, and they know I've finished the book I've been reading for the last fourteen hours straight.
2. Googled it- Comes out Next Month
Okay. So I've consulted my friendly Google search engine, and Amazon tells me my favorite author is relieving me of my troubles and releasing the sequel in exactly one month. One. Month. I bite my nails for a full thirty-one days, each day a deliberate step toward that fateful day when the months change and my book love is home in my arms. Or, I just click the pre-order button. Let's go with that.
3. Cover Reveal
Oh. My. Gosh. That's the most beautiful thing I've ever laid my eyes on. Sure enough, it's staring up at me from the front page of my favorite YA blog, and I can't look away. Love at first sight. I'll spend countless hours thinking I see that cover on a local bookshelf, only to realize that it hasn't been released yet. Yet.
4. Check my Mailbox Religiously
My mailbox becomes my best friend. Seriously. None of my actual friends exist for the 3-4 day shipping period, and they are all very used to this. They bring me food while I wait and I eat like I'm fueling for a half marathon. Because I totally am. Sort of.
5. It's Here
I scream, bee-line for my bed, and rip the packaging off. There it is. The perfect thing. I flip to a random page and smell the freshly printed pages for just a moment, before diving in.
Then, fourteen hours later, I'm finished.
And book three doesn't come out for a year.
Repeat from step one.
Best wishes and happy fan-girling,
-Ashley Dawson
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
November 17, 2014
Nature of Grace GIFs
Greetings Grace-Fanatics!
I just wanted to share with you a few awesome GIF images in the style of Grace! Here are a few of them, complete with Grace, Mo, and other quotes from the series.
Enjoy!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
I just wanted to share with you a few awesome GIF images in the style of Grace! Here are a few of them, complete with Grace, Mo, and other quotes from the series.
Enjoy!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
November 13, 2014
Why I Read
Why I Read
Lately I've been pulling books from the shelf like a madwoman, flying through about five a week and going back for more. Most of them are YA fiction, usually dystopian or futuristic societies with a rebellious main character. I love it. Now, I get a lot of looks from people, and a lot of questions; how do I read that fast? Why do I always have my nose in a book? Now, the answer is simple, and I'll tell you five reasons why I read so much:
1. First and Foremost, Reading Helps You Write
There's no doubt about it. If you're having trouble putting words on paper, reading a good book can help. Not because I didn't have the time or the energy, but because I had a simple case of writer's block. And do you know what the fastest way to cure writer's block is? You got it, reading. Letting your imagination roam across the words of other author's can open your own voice up.
2. Reading is Relaxing
Not only is it entertaining, but reading helps you to relax. Perhaps it's being out of you own head for a while, or maybe it's just the physical act of sitting down and having your brain preoccupied, but a good book always does the trick.
3. Books are Entertaining
As simple as that sounds, it's true! The stories we read in books allow us to create rather than watch. We envision the characters, the setting, the feelings - everything, with the author's words to guide us. It's an amazing process that is both entertaining and creative.
4. There are No Limits
Seriously, none! When you're in a fantastical story, anything is possible, and the sky is the limit. The characters can do anything, and by default, so can you. That's the wonderful thing about reading; you can be a dozen people in one day, and do amazing things.
5. You Can Travel
A book is the best way to see a dozen lands before bed, all from the comfort of your own brain. It certainly does feel like traveling, rushing from world to world as each chapter progresses. It's a fantastic feeling, being able to travel while sitting completely still.
And there it is! Five reasons why I read so much and love it. The more books you pick up the farther you travel and the bigger your imagination gets, so might as well read as much as you can.
What's the best book you've read lately? Comment below!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
Lately I've been pulling books from the shelf like a madwoman, flying through about five a week and going back for more. Most of them are YA fiction, usually dystopian or futuristic societies with a rebellious main character. I love it. Now, I get a lot of looks from people, and a lot of questions; how do I read that fast? Why do I always have my nose in a book? Now, the answer is simple, and I'll tell you five reasons why I read so much:
1. First and Foremost, Reading Helps You Write
There's no doubt about it. If you're having trouble putting words on paper, reading a good book can help. Not because I didn't have the time or the energy, but because I had a simple case of writer's block. And do you know what the fastest way to cure writer's block is? You got it, reading. Letting your imagination roam across the words of other author's can open your own voice up.
2. Reading is Relaxing
Not only is it entertaining, but reading helps you to relax. Perhaps it's being out of you own head for a while, or maybe it's just the physical act of sitting down and having your brain preoccupied, but a good book always does the trick.
3. Books are Entertaining
As simple as that sounds, it's true! The stories we read in books allow us to create rather than watch. We envision the characters, the setting, the feelings - everything, with the author's words to guide us. It's an amazing process that is both entertaining and creative.
4. There are No Limits
Seriously, none! When you're in a fantastical story, anything is possible, and the sky is the limit. The characters can do anything, and by default, so can you. That's the wonderful thing about reading; you can be a dozen people in one day, and do amazing things.
5. You Can Travel
A book is the best way to see a dozen lands before bed, all from the comfort of your own brain. It certainly does feel like traveling, rushing from world to world as each chapter progresses. It's a fantastic feeling, being able to travel while sitting completely still.
And there it is! Five reasons why I read so much and love it. The more books you pick up the farther you travel and the bigger your imagination gets, so might as well read as much as you can.
What's the best book you've read lately? Comment below!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
November 3, 2014
How to Write off Writer's Block
How to Write off Writer's Block
So of course we all have an idea of what writer's block means to us- whether that be long, caffeine filled nights or lots of junk food and hair pulling, there's no doubt it's infuriating. However, every writer has their own way of beating back the book blues, so here are a few of mine that may hopefully help!
1. Read. A Lot.
Whenever you're unable to get past that one chapter, pull out a book for fun. Believe it or not, reading avidly for a few hours, (or days, or weeks), actually helps to boost your creativity and take the pressure off; this means, your ideas are free to fly whenever you like. Just make sure you're ready for the imaginative outpour.
2. Take a Break
Sometimes we write a little too much for a little too long, and our main characters start to drain us. Not that we don't love them, but sometimes we need a little time alone to think. After days of writing, a break for yourself can help you think over what you've already written, and brainstorm for what you want to write.
3. Naps
A nap is always the best way to finish that last bit of dialogue you just can't seem to nail. Try thinking of your story before you drift off to sleep, letting your characters talk it out and the plot write itself. Maybe you'll even dream of your story, and get some ideas.
4. Ask Others
A lot of times we are our worst critics and can't quite seem to understand that. Every time we finish a chapter we think, "Wow. This is awful. Rewrite." But what if it isn't all that horrible, and maybe just needs a few tweaks? Sometimes an outside point of view can help us be easier on ourselves and get some good insight in the process.
5. Take a walk
Relax. No good book is written in a night, that's for sure. So take an hour or so and get outdoors, take a walk in the park or up the street. Nature can be freeing and let your ideas work themselves out, while at the same time letting you relax in a stress free environment.
Regardless of the way you treat writer's block, there's always someway to get your creativity back on track. So maybe try one of the ideas above- and remember to relax, breathe, and love what you do.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
So of course we all have an idea of what writer's block means to us- whether that be long, caffeine filled nights or lots of junk food and hair pulling, there's no doubt it's infuriating. However, every writer has their own way of beating back the book blues, so here are a few of mine that may hopefully help!
1. Read. A Lot.
Whenever you're unable to get past that one chapter, pull out a book for fun. Believe it or not, reading avidly for a few hours, (or days, or weeks), actually helps to boost your creativity and take the pressure off; this means, your ideas are free to fly whenever you like. Just make sure you're ready for the imaginative outpour.
2. Take a Break
Sometimes we write a little too much for a little too long, and our main characters start to drain us. Not that we don't love them, but sometimes we need a little time alone to think. After days of writing, a break for yourself can help you think over what you've already written, and brainstorm for what you want to write.
3. Naps
A nap is always the best way to finish that last bit of dialogue you just can't seem to nail. Try thinking of your story before you drift off to sleep, letting your characters talk it out and the plot write itself. Maybe you'll even dream of your story, and get some ideas.
4. Ask Others
A lot of times we are our worst critics and can't quite seem to understand that. Every time we finish a chapter we think, "Wow. This is awful. Rewrite." But what if it isn't all that horrible, and maybe just needs a few tweaks? Sometimes an outside point of view can help us be easier on ourselves and get some good insight in the process.
5. Take a walk
Relax. No good book is written in a night, that's for sure. So take an hour or so and get outdoors, take a walk in the park or up the street. Nature can be freeing and let your ideas work themselves out, while at the same time letting you relax in a stress free environment.
Regardless of the way you treat writer's block, there's always someway to get your creativity back on track. So maybe try one of the ideas above- and remember to relax, breathe, and love what you do.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
November 2, 2014
Reign Day - Facebook Event
Reign’s Countdown Release Event All Day today!
I'll be stopping by to give away books and visiting from 4-4:30 EST to help celebrate!
REIGN - An Unfortunate Fairy Tale
Releases NOV 3rd. 2014Going to the Fae plane against Jared's orders has cost Mina dearly. Her decision
haunts her as a new danger surfaces back on the human plane. The Grimms are
fading from existence.
To save her family's future, Mina Grime will
have to travel to the past with the help of her Fae Godmother and a pair of
magic shoes.
She must go to the Story's very beginning, to
the days before the dark prince's reign. But can she finish her quest before
her time runs out, or will she be trapped in the past forever? Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qZKyRJ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ARxEYi
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1qVUeOh
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1sjyf0pEveryone who pre orders and buys their ebook copy before Nov 10th will receive Jared’s Quest: An unfortunate Fairy Tale Short Story as bonus material in the ebook.
Chanda is a bestselling and award winning author of the UnEnchanted: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale series and the Iron Butterfly series. She’s been a bestseller in five countries and was named one of Amazon’s top 100 customer favorite author. She uses her experience as a children’s pastor, children’s librarian and bookseller to write compelling and popular fiction for teens. She was born in Seattle, WA, grew up in Nebraska and currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and their twin children.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
I'll be stopping by to give away books and visiting from 4-4:30 EST to help celebrate!
REIGN - An Unfortunate Fairy Tale
Releases NOV 3rd. 2014Going to the Fae plane against Jared's orders has cost Mina dearly. Her decisionhaunts her as a new danger surfaces back on the human plane. The Grimms are
fading from existence.
To save her family's future, Mina Grime will
have to travel to the past with the help of her Fae Godmother and a pair of
magic shoes.
She must go to the Story's very beginning, to
the days before the dark prince's reign. But can she finish her quest before
her time runs out, or will she be trapped in the past forever? Amazon: http://amzn.to/1qZKyRJ
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ARxEYi
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1qVUeOh
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1sjyf0pEveryone who pre orders and buys their ebook copy before Nov 10th will receive Jared’s Quest: An unfortunate Fairy Tale Short Story as bonus material in the ebook.
Chanda is a bestselling and award winning author of the UnEnchanted: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale series and the Iron Butterfly series. She’s been a bestseller in five countries and was named one of Amazon’s top 100 customer favorite author. She uses her experience as a children’s pastor, children’s librarian and bookseller to write compelling and popular fiction for teens. She was born in Seattle, WA, grew up in Nebraska and currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and their twin children.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
October 31, 2014
10 Books I Loved This Week
10 Books I Loved This Week
So, as an avid reader, I go through about 5 books a week and love it. Maybe it's an obsession, or maybe it's a passion, but whatever it is it's working. Needless to say, I have quite an extensive list of books to share, most of which are YA. So here they are, 10 books I loved this week and highly recommend!
1. Atlantia, by Ally Condie
2. The Selection, by Kiera Cass
3. Uninvited, by Sophie Jordan
4. The Matched Trilogy, by Ally Condie
5. The Rules, by Stacey Kade
6. Cinder, by Marissa Meyer
7. Made for You, by Melissa Marr
8. Wither, by Lauren Destefano
9. Panic, by Lauren Oliver
10. Black Ice, by Becca Fitzpatrick
And there you have it folks! 10 YA books that I loved this week and you should go read right now. Seriously, you won't get anything done all week, they're that fantastically gripping.
Best wishes and happy reading,
-Ashley Dawson http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
So, as an avid reader, I go through about 5 books a week and love it. Maybe it's an obsession, or maybe it's a passion, but whatever it is it's working. Needless to say, I have quite an extensive list of books to share, most of which are YA. So here they are, 10 books I loved this week and highly recommend!
1. Atlantia, by Ally Condie
2. The Selection, by Kiera Cass
3. Uninvited, by Sophie Jordan
4. The Matched Trilogy, by Ally Condie
5. The Rules, by Stacey Kade
6. Cinder, by Marissa Meyer
7. Made for You, by Melissa Marr
8. Wither, by Lauren Destefano
9. Panic, by Lauren Oliver
10. Black Ice, by Becca Fitzpatrick
And there you have it folks! 10 YA books that I loved this week and you should go read right now. Seriously, you won't get anything done all week, they're that fantastically gripping.
Best wishes and happy reading,
-Ashley Dawson http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
October 27, 2014
Matched- Made in Heaven
Matched- Made in Heaven
Recently I picked up the book Matched by Ally Condie, and let's just say that dystopian romance has outdone itself. It's a heavenly page-turner, and it certainly kept me up late into the night reading. So, here are a few reasons why I love the Matched series so much:
1. The World
The Society that Cassia Reyes lives in is so well built. Condie went to great lengths to make sure that the reader has a firm idea of the world she lives in, and the creativity it must have taken to lay the foundation for the setting is incredible. You feel like you are really in Cassia's city, staring the Officials in the face.
2. So Many Secrets
It seems like everyone in this book has a secret, and I love it. Each character is unique and mysterious, and you have no idea who's hiding what- until you flip the page. This means that midnight will come and go and you'll still be hungrily turning chapters, anticipating the next plot twist.
3. It Reads Like Poetry
Condie's book really does read like a poem. It's interspersed with various poems that Cassia finds, yes, but not only that- the character's dialogue sounds like true verse at times. Especially inside the main protagonist's mind, you feel like you are floating on her words.
4. There are No Holes
Everything in the book comes full circle, and everything in the Society is explained. It's incredibly precise, leaving no question as to what the Society is or how it works, save for how to overthrow it. The lovely thing about this kind of accuracy is that it allows the reader to enter the world wholly, and without question.
5. Simply, it Grips You
The style of writing that Condie has is absolutely gripping. I never doubt the characters or the world, and when matched (pun intended) with the beautiful dialogue and love triangle, the book becomes something like a work of art. Truly, a wonderful read.
And there it is- five reasons I loved this book! Seriously, talk about a stellar dystopian thriller/romance, I couldn't put it down. So if you want to go to bed at 3am tonight, pick up a copy ;)
Best,
-Ashley Dawsonhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
Recently I picked up the book Matched by Ally Condie, and let's just say that dystopian romance has outdone itself. It's a heavenly page-turner, and it certainly kept me up late into the night reading. So, here are a few reasons why I love the Matched series so much:1. The World
The Society that Cassia Reyes lives in is so well built. Condie went to great lengths to make sure that the reader has a firm idea of the world she lives in, and the creativity it must have taken to lay the foundation for the setting is incredible. You feel like you are really in Cassia's city, staring the Officials in the face.
2. So Many Secrets
It seems like everyone in this book has a secret, and I love it. Each character is unique and mysterious, and you have no idea who's hiding what- until you flip the page. This means that midnight will come and go and you'll still be hungrily turning chapters, anticipating the next plot twist.
3. It Reads Like Poetry
Condie's book really does read like a poem. It's interspersed with various poems that Cassia finds, yes, but not only that- the character's dialogue sounds like true verse at times. Especially inside the main protagonist's mind, you feel like you are floating on her words.
4. There are No Holes
Everything in the book comes full circle, and everything in the Society is explained. It's incredibly precise, leaving no question as to what the Society is or how it works, save for how to overthrow it. The lovely thing about this kind of accuracy is that it allows the reader to enter the world wholly, and without question.
5. Simply, it Grips You
The style of writing that Condie has is absolutely gripping. I never doubt the characters or the world, and when matched (pun intended) with the beautiful dialogue and love triangle, the book becomes something like a work of art. Truly, a wonderful read.
And there it is- five reasons I loved this book! Seriously, talk about a stellar dystopian thriller/romance, I couldn't put it down. So if you want to go to bed at 3am tonight, pick up a copy ;)
Best,
-Ashley Dawsonhttp://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
