November wrap-up

November went so fast and look it is almost Christmas! Where time flies ?! However I am a little bit late with my wrap - up and I am sorry about that.  So....

Books I've read: 4

Pages in total: 1596

I've came in to November with a book I've started in October for "read a book written by an author with your same initials" challenge. 

 

Title: Half Bad 

Author: Sally Green

Pages: 286

Edition: ebook

Published: 2014 by Penguin

Edition language: English

I was absolutely disappointed with this book. I wasn't fan of a writing style, main character was annoying and finally I expected more magic stuff considering it was a book about witches. I have to say the second half of the book was better than the first one, but still I had to force myself to finish it. I don't know if I will continue with this series. I gave it 2.5 stars out of 5 (and only because I feel bad of giving a lower ratings). 

Next I chose a book for another challenge "a book set during Christmas or similar holiday".

Title: Let It Snow

Authors: John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

Pages: 368

Edition: paperback

Published: 2013 by Penguin UK

Edition language: English

I have mixed feelings about this book, but I'm certain about one thing...It didn't live up to my expectations. I gave:

1. "The Jubilee Express" by Maureen Johnson - 2 stars out of 5. The main character made some decisions, that made me doubt her sanity. Who goes with a stranger guy at night in the snow storm to his house ? Or I will brake up with my boyfriend who I dearly love threw the phone and stay with this guy who I just met few hours ago and it is totally fine... Oh come on! And that instalove thing was too much even for me. 

2. "A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle" by John Green - 3 stars out of 5. I liked it, but didn't love. The story was cute and fluffy, but nothing exceptional. John Green followed the same pattern like in all of his books: unpopular guy/girl meets cute, quirky and desired girl/ boy and blah blah blah.

3. "The Patron Saint of Pigs" by Lauren Myracle - 3.4 stars out of 5. Also fluffy, also cute, but nothing over the top.

And one more thing. I don't know what happened between cheerleaders, Maureen and John, but wow!!! they went too far with that hate for them at times. 

And then I was finished with all my challenges for this year. So I picked up what I was craving for. and that was darkness and horror.

Title: Doctor Sleep

Author: Stephen King

Pages: 485

Edition: Paperback

Published: 2014 by Hodder Paperbacks

Edition language: English

Firstly I would like to say, that I likes this book a little bit more, than "The Shining". But like with all S. Kings books, that I read, the first part of a book dragged a little too much for my taste, but for the second part I have no complaints. At that point the story gripped me and I couldn't put "Doctor Sleep"down. 

After that I decided to read whatever book, that was unread on my first bookshelf. 

Title: Kaulų ir dūmų duktė (Daughter of Smoke and Bone)

Author: Laini Taylor

Pages: 457

Edition: Hardcover

Published: 2012 by Obuolys

Edition language: Lithuanian 

One of the worst books I've read this year. The writing style was too dramatic and sweet and over the top, at some points I thought I will start vomiting rainbows. The decisions, that was made by main character drove me mad... to bring home the guy that tried to kill you ? Are you insane ? Girl! He tried to KILL you. What romantic is about that ? Great lesson for young girls "love your man, who abuses you and tries to kill you, because that is true love"... I don't recommend this book to anyone, it is just the waste of time. I gave it 1.5 stars out of 5. 

That's it for now. 

Happy reading :)

October wrap-up

Long time no see, but I'm back with my October wrap - up. This month I managed to read 7 books and I'm really happy about that. 

First book I've read this month was "An Ideal Husband" by Oscar Wilde. And it finally convinced me, that I don't like plays that much. It was hard to connect with characters and the story was a little bit boring to me. I think for me it is better to watch plays, then read them. I gave it 2.5 stars out of 5. 

At least I'm happy that I completed another my 2015 reading challenge "to read the play". 

Next on my list was "the book that came the year you were born" challenge. For this one I chose to read "Replay" by Ken Grimwood.  And I'm still have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand the idea of this book was quite unique, at least for me, but...it could have been much shorter. In the end I had to force myself to finish it, because it repeated it self too much and I felt bored. 

The main character was OK and I felt neutral about him from the first page to the end. In other words I felt nothing for him and I didn't care that much what will happen to him. I gave it 3 stars out of 5. 

And then I catched flu and was forced to stay in bed and I wasn't in the mood to read sci-fi or something similar. I then I remembered that I have "A monster calls" by Patrick Ness almost a year and I still didn't read it. And you know what ? I read it in one sitting, that's how good it was. I was intrigued from first page till the end.The writing style was beautiful and author described what main character felt so great, that I even dropped few tears in the end. I seriously recommend this book not only to children, but to adults too. I gave it 4 stars out of 5.

And of course this book helped me to finish another challenge "a book that made/makes you cry".

Then I've chose another book that I had for almost a year and read so much good reviews "The perks of being a wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky.  But I have to say I was disappointed, maybe just because I was expecting too much. I get why others love it so much, but for me it was just ok. It was such a slow read to me and I just finished it because I hoped that the end would be better, but it wasn't. I gave it 2.5 stars out of 5.

As I said few posts before I am trying to learn Norwegian language, and at least for me one of the ways learning new language is to read books in it. That's why I chose to read "Fra Disneys eventyrlige skatter". It's a collection of well known fairytales from "Sleeping beauty" to "Dumbo". One tales was better than the others, but overall I gave it 4 stars out of 5. 

After I finished The perks of being a wallflower I decided to go back to fantasy. And chose to read "The faerie guardian" by Rachel Morgan. And it was just like I expected, a mediocre read about fairies. The main character was annoying at times and even arrogant. Why there can't be a female in the books, where she can be tough, but also say "yes, I can defend my self, but also I like make up and dresses and sometimes I cry watching cute kittens"? Sometimes it feels like it's shame to cry sometimes or feel week... I don't get it. 

I don't know if I will continue with this series. I gave it 2.5 stars out of 5.

And lastly I read "Spring Tide" by Cillia and Rolf Borjlind. It was an enjoyable read, it gripped me from the first page. I liked writing style and all of the characters were interesting to read. Also it is a huge plus from me, that I couldn't guest who was a real murderer. I gave it 4 stars out of 5. 

Books I've read: 7

Pages: 2036

That is it for now.....happy reading :)

September tbr

This time I won't pressure my self so much, like I did last month. For this month I chose to read only 4, where 3 of them are for my yearly reading challenge. And after that, if there still will be time I'll choose what to read next. 

The first book I decided to read just for fun and because it was on my shelf over a year now. 

Title: The Sound

Author: Sarah Alderson

Pages: 310

Cover: Paperback

Published: 2013 by Simon and Schuster UK

Edition language: english 

When aspiring music journalist Ren Kingston takes a job nannying for a wealthy family on the exclusive island of Nabtucket, playground for Boston's elite, she's hoping for a low - key summer reading books and blogging about bands. Boys are firmly off the agenda.

What she doesn't count on is falling in with a bunch of party-loving private school kids who are hiding some dark secrets; falling (possibly) in love with the local bad boy; and falling out with a dangerous serial killer...

When I finish this one, I'm planning to continue reading/listening book for my "a book based on or turned in to a tv show" challenge. I started this book early this year and still have half of it to finish. Of course I read other books at the same time, so that's why it takes me so much time to finish it, but I really enjoy it. 

Title: A Dance with Dragons

Author: George R. R. Martin

Pages: 1125

Cover: ebook

Published: 2011 by Bantam

Edition language: english 

In the aftermath of a colossal battle, the future of the Seven Kingdom hangs in the balance - beset by newly emerging threats from every direction. In the east , Daenerys Targaryen, the last scion of House Targaryen, rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death. But Daenerys has thousands of enemies, and many have set out to find her. As they gather, one young man embarks upon his own quest for the queen, with an entirely different goal in mind.  

Fleeing from Westeros with a price on his head, tyrion Lannister, too, is making his way to Daenerys. But his newest allies in this quest are not the rag-tag band they seem, and at their heart lies one who could undo Daenery's claim to Westeros forever.

Meanwhile, to the north lies the mammoth Wall of ice and stone - a structure only as strong as those guarding it. There, Jon Snow, 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, will face his greatest challenge. For he has powerful foes not only within Watch but also beyond, in the land of the creatures of ice...

I'm not planning to read all of this book this month, but at least a big chunk of it. At the same time I will be reading book for "a book for your favorite author that you haven't read yet" challenge. 

Title: Just Take My Heart 

Author: Mary Higgins Clark

Pages: 336

Cover: ebook

Published: 2009 by Simon and Schuster

Edition language: english 

After famous actress Natalie Raines is found in her home, dying from a gunshot wound, police immediately suspect her theatrical agent and jealous soon - to - be - ex - husband, Gregg Aldrich. But no charges are brought against him until two years later, when a career criminal suddenly claims Aldrich had tried to hire him to kill her.

The case is a plum assignment for attractive thirty - two- year - old assistant prosecutor Emily Wallace. She spends long hours preparing for the trial, and unaware of seemingly well-meaning neighbor's violent past, gives him a key to her home to care for her dog. 

The high-profile trial makes headlines, threatening to reveal personal matters about Emily, such as the fact that she had a heart transplant - especially when she experiences eerie sentiments that defy all reasons and continue even after the jury decides Gregg Aldrich's fate.

But little does she know now her own life is at risk...

Because I like Mary's writing style and usually fly through her books quite quickly, I hope to finish this one soon enough too. And then I will try to complete "a book more than 100 years old" challenge.

Title: Little Women

Author: Louisa May Alcott

Pages: 528

Cover: ebook

Published: 2009 by Barns and Noble

Edition language: english 

Classic novel of 19th century family life during and after the Civil War, in a household with four sisters. Alcott based the March family largely on her own real - life family. 

That's it for now...Happy reading :)

August wrap - up

I can't believe summer is officially over, but the cozy months are up on us, that's why I won't complain. I'm autumn kid through my bones and love to read at colder months even more. Just imagine warm cup of coffee, woollen blanket and amazing book..pretty picture, right ?

But first, before we get in to September tbr, I should do my August wrap-up. And I have to say, that this month was the best reading month this summer, because I managed to read 8 books. 

I've started August by finishing "The Storyteller's Daughter: A Retelling of the Arabian Nights"  by Cameron Dokey. One word to describe this book: BORING. I felt like I was reading a textbook. No wonder I gave it just 2 stars out of 5.

Next on my list was "The Devil's Star" by Jo Nesbo. I quite liked what I've read, however it was hard to get in to it and at some points I almost had to force myself to read this book. I think it could have bin a little bit shorter. I gave it 3 stars out of 5. 

After reading a crime story, I was craving for something light and cute, so I chose "Angels" by Marian Keyes. And I was very disappointed. The main character drove me crazy, the story line was far from cute. I gave it 2 stars out of 5. 

And then the "Bout of books 14" readathon started. During it I read 3 books. Firstly, I've read "The Old Man and the Sea"  by Ernest Hemingway. It was a re-read for me,  and, as I remember, I liked it better the first time I've read it. But now it didn't have that factor, which kept me reading it from first page to the last one. Actually this time I forced my self to read it, maybe because I already knew the story. I gave it 3 stars out of 5. 

The same day I've started "Looking for Alaska" by John Green. That one was a surprise to me, I didn't expect much from it, but I loved it. The story was sad, but cute at the same time, main characters were interesting and diverse and I gave it 5 stars out of 5. 

And the last one that week was the first book of "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy. I really liked that, because I like that time period and all those intrigues fascinated me. Off course there were few parts that felt a little bit boring (war scenes), but it wasn't big problem to me, so I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.

After the readathon ended I felt a little bit burned out of reading, but still managed to read two more books. One of them was children book in Norwegian. As I'm trying to learn this language, I thought, that reading books in Norwegian will help me. And it actually did. That books is "Spøkelses hotellet" by Arne Svingen. I really liked it, however, as it is new language to me, there parts that was hard to understand. I gave it 3 stars out of 5. 

And the last one this month was the second book of "War and Peace". It's a continuation of the first one and I liked it just as much. I gave it 4 stars out of 5.

Bout of books 14: Road Trip Challenge

I can't believe how fast this week flew away! And why not finish it with a bang...By "bang", I mean, doing another challenge, created by Stephanie from "Steph in Wonderland". 

Today's task is to show 4-5 books, that take place in states or countries you would like to visit. My pick are:

 "The Sound" by Sarah Alderson, takes place in Nantucket island, Massachusetts. 

"War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy, takes places in Russia.

"The Butterfly Cabinet" by Bernie McGill, takes place in Ireland. 

"Daughter of Smoke and Bone" by Laini Taylor, takes place in Prague, Czech Republic. 

That's it for today...Happy reading :)

Bout of Books 14: Four Seasons in Book Covers Challange

Another day of Bout of Books readathon, another challenge. This time we have to show our books, that represents certain time of the year. For me the hardest one to find was spring, but maybe just begin with colder time:

Winter  - "The Quarry" by Johan Theorin. This one is obvious, I think. Little cabin in the woods, covered with snow.

Spring -  "Remember Me ?" by Sophie Kinsella. I chose this book, because its cover reminds me of Valentine's day also all those hearts and flowers just screams "spring" to me.

Summer -  "The Distant Hour" by Kate Morton. I think, I don't have to explain why I chose this one. Doesn't this picture look like summer garden ?

Autumn -  "Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror" by Chris Priestley. Ravens, tree without leaves, dark colors..Halloween!

That's it for now...Happy reading :)

Bout of Books 14: Book Scavenger Hunt Challenge

Firstly massive thanks to the host of this amazing challenge and opportunity to win a book. And now lets get on with it:

1. A book that begins with "B" (for Bout of Books!):

 Bird Box by Josh Malerman

2. A book you planning to read/currently reading for Bout of Books:

Looking for Alaska by John Green

3. Blue book(s):

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton

Room by Emma Donoghue

Angels by Marian Keyes

4. Books from your favorite genre:

My favorite genre is Horror/Mystery. Some of the examples are:

The Shining by Stephen King

Doctor sleep also by Stephen King

The Dark by James Herbert

The Green Mile by Stephen King

The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

5. A book on your TBR shelf, or your full TBR shelves.

I won't list all of the books from this shelf, because it's too much of them..