Justine's Thoughts: The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

The Carrie Diaries
By Candace Bushnell

Source: Library
Pages:  389

Book Description:
THE CARRIE DIARIES is the coming-of-age story of one of the most iconic characters of our generation.

Before SEX AND THE CITY, Carrie Bradshaw was a small-town girl who knew she wanted more. She’s ready for real life to start, but first she must navigate her senior year of school. Up until now, Carrie and her friends have been inseparable. Then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture, and a friend’s betrayal makes her question everything.

With an unforgettable cast of characters, THE CARRIE DIARIES is the story of how a regular girl learns to think for herself and evolves into a sharp, insightful writer. Readers will learn about her family background, how she found her writing voice, and the indelible impression ehr early friendships and relationships left on her. Through adventures both audacious and poignant, we’ll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where her new life begins.

A quote:
When it comes to people -- don’t write about who you know; but what you know of human nature.

Rating:

4/5

Any thoughts:

I didn’t know anything about Sex and the City. I didn’t know who Carrie was, how old she was when she was a senior in high school and how she has changed since then. I supposed I would feel lost; instead, it just felt like starting a whole new young adult novel.

But the first thing that had me laughing at myself was this: I didn’t know it took place in the 1980s. I noticed that people wear vintage clothing, like white patent leather shoes, and even typing on an old school typewriter. That’s when I started to get suspicious. In Carrie’s high school, there is drama everywhere and every time, which I could not tell apart from today’s usual plots. It seemed the same, which can be a good thing so it doesn’t alienate anyone. And there is never a dull moment, especially now that Sebastian Kydd goes to school.

I don’t love Carrie, but I also don’t hate her. What I find annoying however are the choices she makes. On the other hand, I understand that it’s high school and she’s going through a metamorphosis; it’s a coming-of-age story after all. I’m glad for her wanting to be a writer, and how she strongly believes that it is what she wants to do. Her friends are fantastic and fun. They smoke together and go to clubs together. They all experience bumps in the road, challenging their friendships as they near the end of high school.

Fans of Sex and the City would be curious to know how Carrie’s character developed, and I strongly recommend this for you.

John Green's THE FAULT IN OUR STARS is out today!

Because I am absolutely in love with the trailer and twinkling stars and Permafrost by Laurena Segura and STARS....as well as everything associated with this book....I would just like to say:

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, JOHN GREEN!

The Fault in Our Stars is out today. ~~~CONFETTISPRINKLERWINEJUMPCONFETTISPRINKLERSWINECOOLERSFIREWORKS~~~. Are you excited or what?! Unluckily, I will have to wait for a long time to get my copy because that's the way it is with me. But my friend is getting her copy soon and I know of a few who are pre-ordering it! I AM EXCITED FOR YOU!

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Justine's Thoughts: WTF by Peter Lerangis

WTF
By Peter Lerangis

Source: Library
Pages:  246

Book Description:
One plan, two parties, six players:Jimmy: the driver Cam: the connect Byron: the know-it-all Waits: the supplier Reina: the conscience MC: the crasherOne Friday night these six will test their limits to the extreme. Some are driven by lust, others by greed. One just wants to have fun, and another desire to be free. If everything goes as planned, they all get what they want. But within twenty-four hours, bones will break, bodies will touch, hearts will race, guns will be drawn, and everything will go oh so very wrong..

A quote:
Byron had to blink a dozen times, each time hoping the dream would end. But the unreal was real.

Rating:

4/5

Any thoughts:

Crazy characters and a crazy night equals a fun, awesome adventure! It was a thrilling trip as we get into the minds of each of the characters and see their motives and opinions. They are so wild and funny, I ended up loving them in the end. And for some reason, I was attracted to Waits when one of the girls described him.

The plot is so cool and since it happens all in one night, the time is given at the beginning of each chapter. Every detail counts so as I began to piece it all together, I could not stop turning the pages.  I kept wanting to be there that night, all chaotic and so much fun.

It may not be the most realistic book out there since there were so many strange occurrences. There is a lot of swearing, and drugs, and money. But it is definitely worth reading.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Release Date:
January 10th, 2012

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs...for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

It's the ultimate book to be waiting for these days, I know, seeing how it is going to be released in 6 days. How exciting! As one of the many huge fans of John Green's work, I know this one will be quite a memorable, in-depth novel. The subjects of sickness, health, life, and death are usually hard to tackle. But cheers to John Green! To those of you who have already read this, I stare at you with green eyes. Totally envious here! 

My Book of the Year 2011

I may not have read a lot of books, and I may not have read many books that were published in 2011...but the book I am about to mention was read in 2011. After I read it, I was sure everybody I recommended it to would love it...and I hate to brag but I was darn right! So my book of the year would have to go to...

Anna and the French Kiss

by Stephanie Perkins

I lent this book to basically everyone I knew. First, to those who absolutely loved to read. And second, to those who didn't read as much. And you know what? They all loved it!!! My friend is re-reading this book as I type. And now my other friend is also spreading the word to her friends, who now love the book as well. 

This book can have such a ripple effect on people -- keep spreading the word about it and it will spread further and further. It's just that this book is too amazing for words. It's everything giggly, sweet, heartbreaking, and cotton candy wrapped in one book. And since this book is my book of the year, I would totally with all my heart recommend this to you.

P.S. Today I bought Lola and the Boy Next Door so I am TOTALLY ECSTATIC!

2012 - 100 Books Reading Goal

Wow, I'm ashamed to say that I only read 49 books. I mean come on! I could have at least gone up to 50! That's embarrassing. There's always another year, though, isn't that right? Let's strive for 100 again this year, shall we? *crosses fingers*

January:
1. Lola and the Boy Next Door - January 4, 2012
2. Clockwork Prince - January 13, 2012
3. The Fault in Our Stars - January 15, 2012
4. Love Walked In - January 29, 2012
February:
5. Please Ignore Vera Dietz - February 20, 2012
6. Swoon - February 22, 2012
March:
7. Anna Dressed In Blood - March 31, 2012
April:
8. Blood Red Road - April 8, 2012
May:
9. Last Sacrifice - May 2, 2012
10. Lie - May 9, 2012
11. What Happened To Goodbye - May 14, 2012
12. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares - May 18, 2012
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