Love Is a Number by Lee Monroe

Synopsis: When her beloved boyfriend Huck dies, Eloise is wrecked. All she has left of him are the texts that he sent: short, succinct - but full of love. 

They keep Huck alive. And so Eloise texts him back as if he can receive her messages from beyond the grave. She never expected to get a reply ....

Dan is travelling South America in one last hurrah before university and real life kick in. 

He's ready for love, but not of the casual kind. He's not met a girl that's set his world alight. But he's ready for her when she decides to make an appearance. One night on his travels, Dan discovers an abandoned phone. 

He pockets it, then forgets about it. He never expected it to ring ....

Release Date: July 4th, 2013

Number of pages: 400

My review: I guess I don't know really where to begin with this review. It was a really cute read, but I did have some issues with the characters which prevented me from giving it a five-star rating. I think if the characters had been better I would have liked this a lot more. 

Let's talk about our first main character Eloise. Smart, pretty, stuck-up and she knows it. Gosh this girl annoyed me. She was constantly complaining about how her mother constantly planned everything for her and never let her have a say in anything, yet she never stood up for herself! I kept waiting for a moment when Lo would do something that she wanted for herself but she never really did until the last 50 pages. 

Out of this whole book the last 50 pages are what saved it, and boosted it to the four star rating that I gave it.

Now Daniel. Ugh Dan was the same way! He was constantly moping about how he was a "nice guy" and wasn't attractive and nerdy. Oh cry me a river. Again, with Dan he redeemed himself in the last 50 or so pages. 

Also, the whole book screams British, which was very cute! The way the characters talked and the different places they were going to "Uni" made me want to visit there more than ever. 

I liked this book and I think the premise was really cute I just thought it kind of dragged on and on a lot. There was a lot of buildup to an ending that I thought could have been extended a little further. I feel the first 100 pages could be cut and shoved to the end so that I could see more of what happened to the pair. Oh well.

It was a cute read, but not something I will be reading again any time soon in the future. 

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Reading Cram: Wrap Up Post

Sadly, the Reading Cram has come to an end. I had so much fun participating in all the challenges and of course reading a ton of books! Huge thank you to Juliababyjen's Reading Room and Dana Square for hosting the Read-A-Thon!

Here are my totals:

I read a total of 16 books! I completed almost all of the one's on my list (I didn't get to one of them which was 52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody). 

I also read a total of 4,236 pages! I'm actually very proud of myself. Here's a look at what I read in these two weeks:

      

How did everyone else's cram go? Leave links below and I'll come check it out!

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The Bling Ring: How a Gang of Fame-Obsessed Teens Ripped Off Hollywood and Shocked the World by Nancy Jo Sales

Synopsis: In time for the 2013 film The Bling Ring directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Emma Watson: an in-depth exposé of the exploits of the infamous Hollywood "Bling Ring"-a band of beautiful, privileged teenagers who were caught breaking into celebrity mansions and stealing millions of dollars' worth of valuables

Meet the Bling Ring: six club-hopping LA teenagers accused of stealing more than $3 million in clothing and jewelry from the likes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Orlando Bloom, Rachel Bilson and other young members of the Hollywood elite-allegedly the most audacious burglary gang in recent history.

Driven by celebrity worship, vanity, and the desire to look and dress like the rich and famous, the Bling Ring made headlines in 2009 for using readily available sources-like Google maps, Facebook and TMZ, to track the comings and goings of their targets. Seven teens were arrested for the crimes, and instantly became tabloid fodder. The world asked-how did the American obsession with celebrity get so out of hand? And why did a band of ostensibly privileged LA teens take such a risk?

Vanity Fair reporter Nancy Jo Sales found the answer: they did it because they could. And because it was just that easy.

Author of the acclaimed Vanity Fair story on the Bling Ring "The Suspect Wore Louboutins," Sales gained unprecedented access to the Hollywood thieves, and in the process uncovered a dark world of teenage arrogance, greed, obsession, and delusion. Now, for the first time in a full book length work, Sales details the Bling Ring crimes up close and in depth, and reveals the key players' stories in a shocking look at the seedy world of the real young Hollywood. 

Release Date: May 21st, 2013

Number of pages: 288

My review: After watching the movie, The Bling Ring, directed by Sofia Coppola, I knew that I had to read the book and get more details on this fascinating story. There is something about this whole plot that is just surreal to me; as if, it really is a piece of fiction. But it's not, it's real.

The novel is completely different from the film which was good. While the film focused more on the surface of the story (spoiled kids from Southern California who go to celebrities homes to steal their stuff) the novel delves more into the background of the kids, what happened before, after, and during the burglaries, and a lot of statistics about kids in America and their fascination with celebrities and Hollywood. 

I liked every aspect of this novel. It comes across as a very long newspaper article, which it essentially is. Most of the novel focuses on Nick Prugo's testimonies and confessions about the burglaries. Although, there are some components in which Nancy Jo Sales talks with the other kids who were apart of the burglaries. 

While most of the kids disgusted me, Nick Prugo actually was the only one who earned my sympathy. First, however, I feel I must state that in my own opinion, I feel that they all committed the burglaries. With that being said, I also think it was extremely disgusting what they did. Under no circumstances is it okay to go into another person's home and take their possessions. It doesn't matter how rich or famous they are. No one deserves to be trespassed upon. 

I could tell from the novel that Prugo felt sorry for what he did. He seemed to be a kid who was sucked into something he didn't want to do in the first place. Yes, you could say that he didn't have to do anything, but when you're a kid in high school and are going through the anxiety issues that Prugo was going through and needed friends, then I understand why he confessed.

The novel also gave statistics and information about teens in this new age Hollywood and how we're all apparently obsessed with celebrities and becoming famous. The novel also had this sort of feminist perspective. There were quite a few times when Sales would go off on a tangent about women and girls and how they are constantly being exploited by media and advertising. I loved this aspect of the novel, because it went more in-depth as to possibly why the teens in the Bling Ring committed their crimes, especially the girls. 

Overall, I was enthralled by the novel. It was fascinating to me not only what these Bling Ring kids did, but everything going along with their burglaries. I think the fact that I myself am sort of fascinated with celebrities too helped spike my interest in the story. Admittedly, the whole thing was also interesting to me too because all of this happened less than an hour away from where I live in California. As someone who grew up here I know what it's like to feel close to Hollywood and feel like you know these celebrities. However, I'm not one to walk up to their homes and steal their things.

I listened to the audiobook for this book and it really helped me get through the story. I don't know why but somehow it made it easier for me to understand and get through the novel because at times it can be quite dry. Just a word of warning. 

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Reading Cram Progress/Spell it out Challenge

Since I last updated (from days 7 and 8) I have read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak which was awesome and The Daughters Join the Party by Joanna Philbin. 
Right now I'm currently reading The Bling Ring by Nancy Jo Sales (it's completely fascinating!)
My overall total is 12 books read and 3,343 pages, as of today. I think I can finish at least one more before the end of the Reading Cram. 

Books read today



Moving on! Today's Challenge is the Spell It Out Challenge. You take the titles of books you've read in 2013 and using the first letter of those titles, spell out a name. I decided to spell out my name so here goes!

P--Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
A--Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky
I--Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
G--Game On by Melanie Spring
E--Entangled by Nikki Jefford

What did you spell out? Leave a link below and I'll come check it out!

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Synopsis: It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Release Date: January 1st, 2005

Number of pages: 576

My review: I can't believe I waited so long to read this! I've had it sitting on my shelf for quite some time and I always promised myself I would read it at Christmas (I don't know why) and so this year I finally did it.

The Book Thief is such a deep story. Of course the narration is from the point of view of death, which while bringing a different perspective to the story, also adds an element of solemnness. Death doesn't seem vengeful or mean, he seems tired of his job and sorry that he has to carry so many souls during World War II. He brings a somber tone to the story, which I think is good because if it had been from the point of view of Liesel, our main protagonist, it would have given the story more innocence, which would have ruined the overall feel.

As touchy of a subject that World War II can bring to some people, Markus Zusak has flawlessly written a tale which inspires hope and love for the written word. The Book Thief is one part sad and hopeless, and one part gleeful and triumphant. While Death tells the tale of Liesel, Liesel herself brings out a vivaciousness that has the readers rooting for her from the very start. 

I enjoyed every aspect of The Book Thief (except maybe the ending which had me crying like a baby!) It takes on such a unique perspective and tells a tale, the likes of which had never been told before. Not only does The Book Thief reinforce how precious reading, books, and writing, can be, and how they can save us and give us an escape from reality, but The Book Thief also shows how resilient and strong some people can be in the face of devastation. 

Of course now, I can't wait to see the movie! And I can say hands down this is the best book I've read this year.

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Reading Cram Day 7 and 8 Progress

My reading cram is still going strong! I have finished 9 books with a total of 2,210 pages!
Right now I am currently reading The Book Thief and it's been slow going. I'm worried it will take up the rest of my time for the challenge because it's such a huge book. I will try my best though!
I have also been participating in all the challenges so that's fun too!
Here is the books I have finished and the one's that are still on my list that I need to read:

To-Read

Finished

How is everyone else's challenges going? I'd love to hear from you!

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Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Synopsis: Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.

But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.

Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger . . .

Acclaimed author Katie Alender brings heart-stopping suspense to this story of revenge, betrayal, intrigue — and one killer queen.

Release Date: September 24th, 2013

Number of pages: 296

My review: The first book I read by Katie Alender was Bad Girls Don't Die (you can check out that review here) and I hated it so I was a bit apprehensive about how much I would like this one, but I was pleasantly surprised!

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer was so much better! I think what I liked about this one was that it had more historical aspects which is always interesting to me, and it took place in Paris! Swoon! How can you not like books that are in Paris?

I also felt that the writing was much better in this book. Bad Girls Don't Die, I think was her first novel and the planning and execution (no pun intended) was more well done in this novel. From the descriptions of the dresses, to the scenery, and the history, it was just much more beautifully written. 

At first I was having problems with Colette and how she constantly wanted approval from the "popular" girls from her school, but actually it was a key component for the story. The ending was a bit predictable due to this factor of the book, but it was cute nonetheless. The characters felt real, like this was really happening and that kept pushing me forward to read more and more. Typically, in murder novels I'm not at the edge of my seat but this was so well written I just HAD to know what was going to happen next!

Also, sidenote, I just LOVE the cover! It's so vibrant and beautiful. I get lost in the model's eyes. When I asked my mom if she liked the cover she asked if that was fruit punch on her face. Harhar mom. 

Check this out if you're looking for a light read, with a smidge of romance, history, and murder!

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Reading Cram Day 6: Seasonal Challenge

Updates
I have now finished 6 books! (What!?)
Well three of them were Fruits Basket manga, but hey they still count!
So yesterday I read a total of 4 books and I know I will be able to finish Marie Antoinette Serial Killer by Katie Alender today. After that I'm not sure what I'll read...too many options!

Challenge
Today's challenge is to recommend a book for the following categories:

• Recommend a book good for a snow day
• Recommend a book good for a rainy day
• Recommend a book good for a beach day
• Recommend a book good for a spooky night

Personally, I like to read classics or really big novels on snowy/rainy days so I'll give a classic recommendation for those and a more modern recommendation. 

Snow Day

    OR    

I always love reading both of these around Christmas time. They just get me in the spirit.

Rainy Day

    OR    

Beach Day

      

Spooky Night

(This book scared the crap outta me!)

So that's my list! Leave a link to yours below! I'd love to come check it out!

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End of the Year 2013 Reading Cram Read-A-Thon Info/Progress

Juliababyjen's Reading Room and Dana Square are hosting a Read-A-Thon from December 9th to December 22nd! I'm very excited about this last Read-A-Thon so here's what it's all about:

"If you are anything like me you have a huge stack (or even bookcases) full of book you haven't read. Did you have a goal for how many books you wanted to read during the year? Are you behind like I am? 

Then this is the perfect time to read as much as you can before the new year! 

Why should you participate?

1. To chisel off some of your TBR pile.

2. Do all the fun challenges and win some prizes.

3. Encourage others to read like a speed demon (and yourself) + reading with others is loads of fun. 

So let's get in our last books of 2013 together in the #ReadingCram ! 

Listed below are all the things you need to know and the linky to sign up!"

Check out both of their websites to check out all the info and I will try to be participating in most/all of the challenges which include: 

Dec. 9  TBR Challenge (Hosted by Juliababyjen)

Dec 10  Teaser Challenge --Open the current book you are reading to a random page and post 2 sentences on Twitter or Facebook and leave the link
Hosted by Tanya@Book Loving Hippo

Dec 11 Top Ten Books You Read in 2013--make a post, take a pic, leave links Hosted by Jessica @ Let Me Tell You A Story

Dec 12 Spine Poetry--using any books you've read in 2013--leave a link of pic

Dec 13 Favorite Book-to-Movie Release in 2013--post on Twitter or Facebook, leave a link Emily @ Falling for YA

Dec 14 Seasonal Challenge (must be books read in 2013) post links

Recommend a book good for a snow day

Recommend a book good for a rainy day

Recommend a book good for a beach day

Recommend a book good for a spooky night

Dec 15 Twitter Synopsis Challenge--pick any book read in 2013, and describe the book using only 166 characters.  May do on any social site, leave link Cindi @Mommasez

Dec. 16 Movie cast challenge--pick any book read in 2013, and create a real life cast of characters--post links Hosted by Alex @ Book Chick

Dec 17 Song Challenge--pick any book read in 2013, and choose a song(s) that best describes the book.  You can even create a playlist if you want!--post links to songs (youtube, spotify, etc)

Dec 18 Post a Review Challenge--leave a link to any review you posted for a book read in 2013--any site where review is

Dec 19 Spine Poetry--any books read in 2013, but must use titles that have 4 words or less for this one

Dec 20 Spell it out challenge--Use the first letter in any book you read in 2013 to spell out a word--can choose first name, initials, your birthday month, or your zodiac sign. Post links

EX.  J--Just One Day by Gayle Forman

E--Enclave by Ann Aguiree

N--Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

N--Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Y--You Are Mine by Janael Falor

For the letters Q,U,V,X,Y,and Z they can be anywhere in the title

Dec 21 Most Anticipated 2014 Releases--post links Hosted by Alex @ Book Chick

Dec. 22--Wrap Up Post (Hosted By Danasquare)

Have fun everyone!

To Read:

      

Finished:



                    

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