Mini-Reviews (9) Prophecy & Paper Towns

Prophecy by Ellen Oh
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: I did not finish Prophecy. I wanted to, I tried, but I just could not muster up the time or effort to do so. Prophecy is one of those books that stems from an excellent idea but just isn't executed well. I wanted to get blown away by the world, but the characters and terminology kept that from happening. Kira drove me crazy. I felt bad for her situation, but she was so consistently negative that I could never warm up to her. Even the people she cared for, she wasn't compassionate towards. Speaking of which, I got halfway through the book without really relating to any character. I found myself enjoying Kira's fiance's company because he had, by far, the most interesting personality! Also I often found myself struggling with terminology, and when a book has me working instead of relaxing or sinking into a story, I know it is time to put it down. While I loved the idea behind this novel, the outcome just did not hold my attention.


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Paper Towns by John Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again, John Green has crafted another quick and thought-provoking novel. Paper Towns may not be my favorite, but I still enjoyed the witty dialog and intellect. Paper Towns is a believable story with classy characters. Q and his friends were entertaining, although I am not sure if I feel the same way about Margo Spiegelman. I found it increasingly difficult to like her, but at least I "got" her. I understood her. I loved the ending of the book, by the way. It was perfect, as usual Green gets it right.


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~Jess

This is What Happy Looks Like

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

Originality-16/20

Overall Enjoyment- 18/20

Ending- 17/20

Cover- 20/20

Characters- 19/20

Total score-90/100

Grade- A-

Teen

This is What Happy Looks Like is the book I needed to read. It is a light, happy, uplifting love story. Just like in Statistical Probability, Smith succeeds in creating the perfect relationship that isn't unrealistically perfect. Graham and Ellie each have their separate faults, and watching them overcome their faults was the compelling part of the novel. I didn't love their relationship as much as Oliver and Hadley's, but this couple does stand on it's own. This is What Happy Looks Like is definitely more of a summer novel. This is the book you will take to the beach, or by the pool, and this is the book that will have you thinking about true love. Still, this book isn't without its own problems as well. For one thing, I found it hard to like Ellie. Her character shifted frequently and I wasn't sure if I liked it. It was weird to have the shifting points of view and see the characters from another character's point of view. I didn't really dislike this style, it was just a bit weird. On the other hand while I loved Graham (he is hot, funny, and even a bit awkward in that cute-boy way), I feel like the celebrity-falls-in-love-with-a-regular-girl-who-does-not-fangirl-over-him bit has been done so many times before. It isn't super-original. Then again, Smith makes this popular happenstance her own through Wilbur and Henley, Maine. Henley is the most breathtaking town, and it is a setting I loved to visit. I wish I could vacation there! This is the book that will have every girl longing for her own summer romance.
~Jess

Senior Snapshots:A Much-Needed Weekend of Awesome

This fourth term has been a whirlwind of emotions. I have been both mentally and physically unsound (due to sickness). However, this weekend made all of that stress worth it. This Friday I participated in the local Jimmy Fund Putt-a-thon. Not only did I play on the Student Council team, but I volunteered to caddy afterwards. It was a great environment and so much fun to be a part of. It was one of the highlights of my senior year. I highly encourage any readers of this blog who go to my school to take part next year.

 A friend of mine and me doing a teacher-inspired dance. I am on the left.

Look! We spelled out stuco (aka student council)! I am the t. 

To top it off, senior prom was the next day! I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive at first, but it was a blast! I took a good friend of mine as my date and he had me laughing all night. I haven't relaxed like that in weeks.

 My awesome date and I.

The maturity in this picture is outstanding.

Anyway this is the start of finals week so that will be my top priority. Luckily I had some time today to type up a review so that will debut on the blog this week. Good luck to the rest of you seniors out there, and to the underclassmen, stay strong!

Have a nice week!

~Jess

IMM (82)

In My Mailbox was created by TheStorySiren. It is a weekly meme where we share the books we bought/received/etc.

Received:

Grief Girl- Erin Vincent
Manicpixiedreamgirl- Tom Leveen

Borrowed from Library:
A Fair Maiden- Joyce Carol Oates

Thanks to Randombuzzers for the awesome books this week! I know I have finals coming up, but I just can't wait to read these!! Anyway, expect a awesome Senior Snapshots post tomorrow. This week was crazy! It was my last week of classes, a week I spent raising money for charity, and to top it off it was prom weekend! I can't wait to tell you all about it! Hope you had a nice week too, and don't forget to share with me what you got in your mailbox in the comments!!

~Jess

Mini-Reviews (8) All Roads Lead to Austen & Undone

All Roads Lead to Austen: A Yearlong Journey with Jane by Amy Elizabeth Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one of those unfortunate mini-reviews I have to write because I didn't finish the book. If only I had another week on my library card! Alas... All Roads Lead to Austen is a awesome novel that I would recommend to anyone. Whether you are a fan of Jane Austen or a fan of traveling, this book will keep you interested. It is the author's own account of sharing Austen's classics with the people she met in Latin America. I initially picked this book up for a stranger's opinion of Ecuador, and it actually gave me good insight to places I would visit on my trip. Smith ended up enchanting me with her story, or what I have read of it, and got me excited to visit some Spanish-speaking countries. I wish I could join one of her book clubs!

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Undone by Elizabeth Norris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I heard on the grapevine that Undone gave more insight into Unbreakable so I bought the e-book on whim. I started Unbreakable a few days ago and I am thrilled I read this short story. Undone is petite and maybe a bit rushed but it definitely provides the reader with valuable information. I am also kind of happy that Norris wrote it in Ben's first person pov as opposed to his third. The glimpse into his mind only made me warm up to him more. Except, ugh, that ending! I twitch just thinking about it. I can't wait to get into Unbreakable more and solve Norris's new mystery. Undone may only be a few 100 pages, but I advise everyone to read it before Unbreakable. You might thank me for it.

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~Jess