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Lyndsay's Book Challenge
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58. Happy Ever After by Nora RobertsWhat a sweet ending to a sweet series. It's moving day and I rushed to finish that book last night. I ended up finishing at 2 am. I thought Parker and Malcolm made an unpredicted, unexpected couple and they were very sweet. Malcolm is the kinda guy I'd like to marry. Him or Carter. But I think my favorite couple of the series had to be Emma and Jack. That was just the sweetest story. (:
59. The Body Finder by Kimberly DertingOh, college. How you have caused me to read much less than I would like. Well, I guess I'm reading. Just not the kinds of things I want to read. Anyways. The Body Finder. I loved Violet and Jay. I found myself wishing Jay was mine and not Violet's. But I felt the writing was a little amateur and the story a bit rushed and predictable. I had a hunch who the bad guy was going to be and then it was confirmed for me later in the story. But the story idea was still cool and the romance aspect was sweet and lovable.
60. Dismantled by Jennifer McMahon"Destruction is the beginning of all creativity. Without it, there can be no transformation. No rebirth. It's the most powerful force there is."
I loved that quote so much from this book. It's on page 153 of 422 and after I read it, it stuck with me the rest of the book. The whole time I was reading this book, I was sitting on the edge of my seat thinking "What's gonna happen next?" and "How is it all really going to end?" It wasn't a predictable ending at all. In fact, I was blown away by the outcome of the entire story. I didn't see it coming at all. And I love books that I don't figure out til the very very end!
61. I am Number Four by Pitticus LoreCollege is making me not get to read so much. ): But anyway. This was a fun read. I mean, sure the story has sorta been done before. But it was still cool. I loved Henri's character. He was definitely my favorite of the book. The other characters, even John, seemed a little cookie-cutter in my opinion. But I'll probably still end up reading the second book and eventually the others when they come out.
62. How I Live Now by Meg RosoffOh, man. I should've finished this book 4 days ago. But with school and band practice and everything else, I haven't been reading a tremendous amount. I really liked this book. I loved all of the characters and the story was pretty good. Sometimes, I got confused about the time period. Like, half the time I was thinking they were back in WWII times or something and not modern days. But either way, the story was still good.
63. Rules of Attraction by Simone ElkelesI loved this book almost as much as Perfect Chemistry. Except, I love Alex and Brittany together more than Carlos and Kiara. I think I even love Alex and Brittany more in this book about Carlos and Kiara. But their story was still just as sweet. It seemed very similar to Alex and Brittany's story but that was okay. I'm gonna get the third book soon and I can't wait to read about the last brother. (:
64. My Name is Memory by Ann BrasharesOh my goodness, I loved this book! I want a Daniel so bad. I want a guy who will find me life after life after life and be my literal "soulmate." That would be amazing, really just amazing. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because the ending seemed kind of like a cop-out, of sorts. I mean, it was like she ran out of creativity and couldn't finish the story or something. Oh well. I still love Daniel. ♥
65. Chain Reaction by Simone ElkelesWhat a sweet ending to a sweet series. I just loved these characters. I'm still gonna have to stick with my original feelings and say that Alex and Brittany were my favorite couple out of all three. But Luis and Nikki run a close second. I want a Fuentes boy to be mine. <3
66. Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo KnowlesI actually wasn't expecting this. I mean, I knew roughly what it was about. But I didn't expect it to be written like it was. I didn't really like it as much as I thought I would. I hated Leah, even though she was just as much a victim as Laine. But I thought she sucked as a person. I didn't really like Laine either, to be honest. I actually didn't like any of the characters, really. I don't know. This is just a different style book than I usually like. Maybe that's why I didn't like it much.
67. April & Oliver: A Novel by Tess CallahanI loved this book. It was a really good idea, storyline, plot, etc. I loved all the characters, especially Nana. And I love how the author left the end up to your own interpretation. It allowed me to imagine the ending the way I want it to be. Overall, it was a good read.
68. Take Me There by Carolee DeanSo this book actually sort of sucked. The plot was okay but the story was generic. Lowlife guy falls in love with rich girl but has a haunted past and has to sort out all kinds of crap. I just didn't like it much at all. Jess was a typical love interest, Dylan was a typical bad boy. Wade annoyed me like no one else. The story went nowhere fast. It just wasn't a good read at all.
I cannot believe it's already been a year since I started this thing. Time really does seem to fly. I know I'm still 32 books away so rather than quit and start a new one, I'm going to just finish this challenge even if it takes til next November 1. And whenever I do finish it, I'll start over then.
Lyndsay, I loved Take Me There (you can read my review if you want---but I hated the ending! I kept hoping Dylan didn't get the shaft from life...and he did. But I really liked the way Dylan thought and wanted a normal life.
69. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan MatsonOh dear, I loved this book. Amy has been one of my favorite main characters I've read in a long time. I was happy when something finally happened between them (sort of) but also happy that the whole book wasn't just them being in love with each other. It wasn't even the main issue at all. I really wanna take a real road trip now because it just seems like so much fun.
70. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerThis is absolutely my favorite book in the world. I reread it and found little things that I'd loved about it that'd I'd forgotten about. It was pretty wonderful. The love Clare and Henry share is so wonderful and I find myself longing for a love like theirs. I just love this book, I think it's excellent piece of literature, and I will continue to love and read this book forever.
71. Party by Tom LeveenI had been wanting to read this book for a while so I finally decided to buy it on Amazon for cheap. It was a quick, easy, fun read. I love that it was told by 10 or 11 points-of-view and that the stories all intertwined and to make a one big, good story. I think the plot idea was such a good one and it was so interesting, each characters' motivations. The one thing that bothered me about the book was every once in a while, the writing was sloppy and sounded amateur. But overall, it was a great book.
72. Before I Fall by Lauren OliverI liked this book a lot. It was very well written and the story was pretty good. The idea for the plot was a really great idea and the author executed it very well. I liked the characters a lot, too. I really wish I had a little sister like Izzy. She was so sweet. However, I didn't really like the ending. I wanted everything to turn out alright, you know?
73. Going Too Far by Jennifer EcholsThis book was sexy. That's the only way I can think to describe it. I really liked the characters. Meg was a little rough around the edges at first but she refined herself later on. John was just great beginning to end. I even liked Tiffany and Will and knew that somehow, they'd end up together. I hated Eric, but that's to be expected. I definitely plan on reading more Jennifer Echols because it was such a good book.
74. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen ChboskyThis is and always will be one of my favorite books. I read it when I was in like, 9th grade, for the first time. But with the movie coming out soon, I wanted to reread it to refresh my memory on the whole story and all the happenings of it. And it was just as amazing the second time as it was the first. Actually, it was probably more amazing because I am more cultured and educated. And I probably understood a lot better now what I may not have fully understood the first time around.
75. One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren BarnholdtI am constantly amazed at Lauren Barnholdt's writing. I loved her book Two-Way Street and I was very anxious to read more of her work. I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one I read by her. And I can't wait to read more. Lauren Barnholdt is quickly moving to the top of my list as favorite Young Adult writers. She might even be getting up to a Sarah Dessen level. (:
76. Where I Belong by Gwendolyn HeasleyI knew that this wouldn't be one of my favorites after the first few pages. I knew that the main character would be stuck up and then have some kind of epiphany after getting stuck in small-town Texas. But still, it was really not that well written and I hated all the references to pop culture. And there were some inaccuracies as well. But it was an okay book. Just not a favorite of mine.
77. Hate List by Jennifer BrownI had such high expectations for this book. I heard so many good things about it. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations. I started getting really annoyed with it very early on. The writing was annoying and some of the characters were annoying (I especially hated Valerie's father). For me, it started to pick up around Chapter 40 (yes, 40!) and that's why I ended up giving it three stars. Thank goodness for endings, huh?
78. Caleb + Kate by Cindy Martinusen-ColomaI loved this book so much. The author weaved a story of faith and love that had me gripped from the first page. Though I'm not all that religious, I loved that religion was a part of the book but it wasn't overwhelming in the book. I wish it hadn't ended where it did. But I also love that I can imagine that their love/story will continue beyond the pages of this book.
79. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran FoerThis was the most heartbreakingly beautiful book ever. It took me a while to get through it because of my classes and crazy-ish schedule this semester. But it's 1:31 am and I've finally finished it. I want to have a child like Oskar. He's was inquisitive and charming and as sweet as can be. Oh dear, I just loved this. It wasn't really what I was expecting, but it was still so incredibly good.
80. The Secret Year by Jennifer HubbardThis book was not really what I was expecting. It wasn't too bad, though. Parts of it were kinda cool. I guess it is one of those books that I've read and I'll probably always know I read it but nothing in particular will stick out as overly special. It was just another book, I guess. I hate that I'm saying that because I love to read and I love loving books. I just didn't love this one all that much. I just liked it a little.
81. The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa JensenAw, this book was so cute. I loved the characters, especially Frankie and Sadie. At times, I got really pissed off at Ella because she seemed to say and do unnecessary things to her relationships with the people she cared about. But she turned out good in the end. I absolutely hated Amanda (because no one is that catty in high school) but I guess that was the point. I probably won't ever read it again, but it was a cute read.
82. The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn DomingueI'll admit, it took me too long to get through this book. It actually was hard to get into at first. And I've been super busy with schoolwork and everything. So when I finally got into it, I began to love it! My favorite characters were Grams and Twolly. I mean, I always go for the old people, I think. I just love their personalities and humor. I loved how every bit of the story was connected at the end. It was really the sweetest thing. I ached for Andrew, though. I couldn't imagine losing the love of my life. Completely unbearable.
83. The River by Mary Jane BeaufrandI liked this book, but it definitely wasn't what I was expecting. At times, I thought Ronnie was a little selfish. But it took forever for them to focus on the problem/resolution. Almost the end of the book before they even began searching. It kinda bothered me because I thought more of the book would focus on Karen. But it was still a good, quick read.
84. Jumping Off Swings by Jo KnowlesI got a Nook for my birthday! I'm so excited about having it. I read this book on it and it only took me like, 3 hours. It's 3:12 in the morning, but it was okay. It was a good book. I hated how it kinda just ended. But it wasn't too bad of a read. It was a good book and I'm glad I chose it as my first Nook purchase.
85. Teach with Your Heart: Lessons I Learned from the Freedom Writers by Erin GruwellMrs. G's story is amazing. In one of my education classes this semester, we had to read this book and do a presentation on one of the chapters. Though I had a chapter late in the book, Chapter 29, I still read the book and found it to be so inspirational and motivating. I've seen the movie Freedom Writers. And the love and compassion Mrs. G showed her students is unbelievable. I hope that when I become a teacher, I can be as loving and compassionate towards my students as she was to hers. She was more than just a teacher; she was a friend.
86. The Survival Kit by Donna FreitasThis book was so sweet. I was so excited about reading it. I loved the characters and the story and just, everything. My only complaint about this book was that at times, it seemed a little wordy. The writing was a little too heavy. Some of the details could've been left out and it still would've been an amazing book.
87. Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. OmololuI honestly don't even know. This book was not very good. I mean, (SPOILER) who doesn't call 911 after she finds her mother dead. I mean, I understand that she was embarrassed about how they lived. But no one would have judged her as much as she thought they would. It was ridiculous. And I thought she was kind of selfish. And honestly, the whole thing with Josh could've been left out because it didn't even seem that important.
88. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuireOh my god. This book was a complete roller coaster of emotions. Travis was a bit crazy, Abby was a bit stupid, Shepley and America were a bit annoying. But it was kinda cute. It was just crazy! I couldn't keep up with the mood swings half time. But it's so funny. My roommate's name is Abby. And her boyfriend's last name is Abernathy. And her best friend's name is Travis. Crazy!
89. Flat-Out Love by Jessica ParkFlat-Out Love was the sweetest, funniest, greatest book I've read in a long time! As far as young adult literature goes, I really really really enjoyed this book a lot. I honestly couldn't figure out what was really going on until Julie did. Although I usually pick up on things pretty quickly, I didn't get it. But when I did, it all made perfect sense. I loved Celeste. She was quirky and cute and wonderful. And Matt's t-shirts were grand. Oh, I'll never be able to read another young adult book without comparing it to this again. Love Love Love! Everyone needs to read this.
90. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle HodkinI really liked this book. It flowed pretty well. I love how it went back and forth in time and also how everything seemed to blend as the story went on. I really liked Noah's character a lot and Mara's brothers. I can't wait for the sequel. What a cliffhanger!
91. Rock and a Hard Place by Angie StantonThis was a really short book and I read it on my Nook. I guess I liked it but the writing was a little amateur. I got frustrated at times because some of the stuff the author wrote in wasn't necessary. But I loved Libby's character. And Peter's character was pretty good too. They just weren't developed enough for me.
I'm 9 books away from finishing this Book Challenge! Although I realize I'm not going to complete each area that I wanted to, I got a lot done and I'll just try again when I finish this challenge. 9 books to go!
92. The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. PerryI really liked this. I've been reading a lot of books on my Nook so I'm getting through them faster. I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading this. But I instantly fell in love with Brian and Nathan. I thought Leigh's parents could've backed off a bit. Her mom was a little overbearing and it annoyed me at times. But I guess I understand why she was like that. I'm excited for the sequel to this one!
93. Sisterhood Everlasting (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants): A Novel by Ann BrasharesOh how I love having a Nook. I read books quicker and more often. I read a lot more than I ought to because finals are approaching and I'm not devoting enough time to my studies. However, I loved this book a lot. I read the Sisterhood books when I was a little bit younger and loved them. And when I found out she was writing a fifth book, I was so happy. I always wondered what happened to the girls in their futures. I'm so happy that there was some followup. It was a very sweet book.
94. Saving June by Hannah HarringtonI love love love books that focus a lot on music. I'm a music major and I love learning about new music and all kinds of stuff like that. I loved how it put playlists at the end of the book because then I can go look up songs and stuff. This was a really sweet story and it made my heart hurt. I couldn't imagine my sibling committing suicide and me being the one to find them. I really felt sad for Harper. But it was a really sweet read and I'm glad I read it.
Yay, 6 books to go on this yearlong challenge that has taken me almost a year and a half.
95. Water for Elephants by Sara GruenI'd been holding off on reading this. But I finally got around to it and I'm really happy that I finally read it. It's really sweet. I love the characters, especially Jacob. And the elephant is pretty cool too. My roommate really wants me to watch the movie with her so we're going to do that soon. She's so excited that I finally read it.
96. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt VonnegutI absolutely loved this book. It made me want to laugh, want to cry, want to throw it down. It was just so good. I can't believe that I waited so long to read it. I should've read it sooner in my life because it was a pretty great book. I plan on reading more of his works in the future.
97. Watch Me by Lauren BarnholdtI love Lauren Barnholdt's books. They are relatable, I think. Her characters are always very realistic, her plotlines are always easy to follow, and her books are always fun to read. She's becoming one of my favorite YA authors very quickly and I can't wait to read more by her.
98. The History of Love by Nicole KraussThis was a very sweet book. It was very similar to Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Probably because the two authors are married and were writing these books at the same time. Anyways. I loved Alma, but I especially loved Leo. I have a thing for being attracted to old people in books. I always end up loving the old characters more than the young characters.
99. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer SmithI love a good YA romance. I love romance in general. I loved this book. Oliver is the ideal guy to meet at an airport. I just wanna go to an airport and hop on a plane and meet a guy. That'd be a sweet thing, right? I thought Hadley was a little whiny and a tad overdramatic for the majority of the book. But she won me over in the end. They always do, I guess.
One book to go! This should not still be going on. Boo on me.
100. Lovely by Allison LiddelleFor my final book of this extremely long challenge, I was rather disappointed. It was very scattered and unedited and weird. I thought the whole thing was a bit overdramatic and a little silly. I realize this was self-published, but a little editing could go a long way.
I'm glad this challenge is finally over. I read some really great books and some not so great ones. I just wish I could've finished each of my categories. That's my goal for this next one. Happy Reading, all! (:
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Okay, so I have a problem. I'm becoming completely obsessed with the idea of weddings. I think that this story was so sweet. But there wasn't as much of a conflict as in the first 2. I also think that Laurel wasn't as developed as a character as Mac and Emma. But I think that Laurel and Del's story is really sweet. Especially the end. Gotta read fast to finish the series before I move on Sunday! (: