2012 February TBR Pile

Here are the books I'm planning to read in February:

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter
1984 by George Orwell
Lord of the Flies by William Golding

What are you planning to read this month?

Book Review: That Summer by Sarah Dessen

This is a simple story with a heart. As Sarah Dessen's debut novel, That Summer really impressed me. Nothing much happens really, but I was personally touched by this book. It's a simple story about how you see life from the point of you of a teenager. It's the time of your life when you feel that everyone and everything is against you.

As I was reading the book, I was angry at all the side characters, everyone just seemed horrible to Haven, the main character. Throughout the novel, I just wished she would just scream and do something bizarre. I forgot I was reading from the point of view of a teenager. Everyone seemed horrible because that was the way she saw them. At the end of the day, they weren’t that bad. They were just people. However it took me a long time to see that. Because we see everything from Haven’s perspective, the other characters seemed one-dimensional most of the time. We don’t get enough time to see them for how they really are. To me, that was the book’s weakest point.

Haven is a very relatable character. I understood what she was going through. Things just don’t seem the way they are when you look back at them as you get older. Sometimes, when you have nothing in life to look forward to, you look back at the good times of the past so you would have something to hold on to. That’s why Haven kept looking back at that one summer when everything was the way she wanted them to be.

I think this book requires a certain level of patience to read. You have to read all the way through to appreciate the story. Although, I could say the story could’ve been more. I enjoyed it for what it is. The simple execution of the premise shaped a heartfelt story.

All in all, I really enjoyed That Summer, and I can’t wait to read Sarah Dessen’s other books.

Final Rating

Best Books of 2011

I know I’m so late at this, guys! It’s February!

But, I figured I’d do this anyway since doing top ten lists (even though I find it extremely hard). I won’t lie, this list was very hard to put together. I pretty much liked most of the books I’ve read in 2011, but I managed to narrow it down to 7 books. Now the reason why it’s not top ten is because I’d basically list almost half of the books I’ve read in 2011. I don’t think you’re supposed to do that in top ten lists, at least in my opinion.

So enough talking, let’s start:

# 7

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

I read If I Stay in 2010 and I adored it. I adored it even more when I read it a second time. Where She Went, the sequel, was one of the books I anticipated the most in 2011 and it sure didn’t disappoint. It was as touching as gripping as its predecessor. And even though admittedly I prefer If I Stay, I still love this one. Make sure to check Where She Went along with If I Stay if you want if you’re looking for a heartwarming, emotional read.

# 6

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

I was worried when I picked up this book. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper which, according to fans, is one of her best if not the best. Therefore, I didn’t know what to expect from A Change of Heart. What was I thinking!?

Of all the books I read in 2011, A Change of Heart was definitely the most surprising. I was hooked from the very first page! This book dealt with many uncomfortable issues and handled them beautifully. I loved the characters and the story. Believe me, this book would’ve been higher on my list if wasn’t for its predictability.

# 5

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

One of the best debut novels I’ve read so far! Before I Fall is beautifully written and beautifully crafted. The story is very-well put together. Although the premise has been done before, this book never felt dull. It had its own take creating a fresh richer experience. The characters felt very real. What I love the most about this book is the writing. Lauren Oliver has a captivating writing style. I was genuinely touched by it. It’s not very often (at least for me) to read a book and say; “I wish I had a voice like that.” I’ll read anything this woman writes.

# 4

Looking for Alaska by John Green

What can I say about John Green that no one has already said? No seriously, I can’t find words. There seems to be nothing I can add.

Without blabbing too much, I really loved this Looking for Alaska. I have to admit, when I finished Looking for Alaska for the first time, I thought it was… ok. If you consider the hype that surrounds John Green, you would normally open his books with super high expectation (perhaps expectations no human can ever reach). Looking for Alaska has grown on me because I kept thinking about it, in fact, I still think about it! I realize that it took me awhile to swallow the awesomeness this book has to offer. John Green has a way with creating characters. All of them are unique and memorable. He talks about ideas you don’t find often in YA books. Just… read his books. That’s all I have to say.

# 3

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Ahhh, fairy-tales. Who doesn’t love fairy-tales? We all grew up with them. I admit. My love for this book is partly based on nostalgia. I always loved the idea of a fairy-tale. However, the main reason why I love this book is not because it’s a fairy-tale. It’s because this is such a good story. This is not your typical fairy-tale. The prince charming here is a mouse! A mouse! This is a mouse that you’ll adore more than thousand princes in shining armors.

What can I say? To me, everything in this book works. The story, the characters and the emotions. For fairy-tale lovers everywhere, this is the book for you. Kate DiCamillo, you’ve become one of my favorite authors.

# 2

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

I started book one in 2010 but finished most of the series in 2011, so I’m counting it as a 2011 read. And Yes, I count a series as one.

The Hunger Games was my introduction to the dystopian genre, and wow did it blow me away! Thanks to the series, dystopia has become one of my favorite genres. I don’t know what to say about The Hunger Games that hasn’t already been said. These books are special. They really are. You find yourself empty when you finish it because then you ask yourself; “What book can possibly surpass it?” I’m sure I’ll be rereading this wonderful trilogy as the years go by, starting next March actually. If you consider reading it, make sure to have the whole set. That’s all I’m saying. The Hunger Games is a reading experience you won’t forget.

# 1

The Giver by Lois Lowry

I had a HARD time deciding which one between The Giver and The Hunger Games is going to land #1 spot. I finally decided to give in and give it to The Giver. I honestly think that both The Hunger Games and The Giver are equal in terms of quality. Both are excellent and fascinating. I just… liked The Giver a little bit better. If you asked me which novel touched me the most last year, I’d say The Giver. I liked the main character more as well. In my opinion, I found him much more interesting than Katniss. This book is a classic and I’m sure years and years from now, kids will still read it and find it as fascinating as we do now. It certainly earned its spot as my favorite read of 2011.

I hope you liked this list. If you want to do a full review of any of these books, please let me know.

Book Review: Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

Goodreads Summery

The acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a spellbinding tale of a mother's tragic loss and one man's last chance at gaining salvation. Can we save ourselves, or do we rely on others to do it? Is what we believe always the truth? 

One moment June Nealon was happily looking forward to years full of laughter and adventure with her family, and the next, she was staring into a future that was as empty as her heart. Now her life is a waiting game. Waiting for time to heal her wounds, waiting for justice. In short, waiting for a miracle to happen. 

For Shay Bourne, life holds no more surprises. The world has given him nothing, and he has nothing to offer the world. In a heartbeat, though, something happens that changes everything for him. Now, he has one last chance for salvation, and it lies with June's eleven-year-old daughter, Claire. But between Shay and Claire stretches an ocean of bitter regrets, past crimes, and the rage of a mother who has lost her child. 

Would you give up your vengeance against someone you hate if it meant saving someone you love? Would you want your dreams to come true if it meant granting your enemy's dying wish? 

Once again, Jodi Picoult mesmerizes and enthralls readers with this story of redemption, justice, and love.

Issues regarding the death penalty, blended families, weight, mothers and daughters, sexual abuse, organ donation and religion.

My Review:

I’m probably one of the very few who would say this, but I hated My Sister’s Keeper!

The reason why I say this is because it made me very hesitant to read other books by Jodi Picoult. Finally after 2 years, I decided to try Change of Heart by her and all I can say is: Wow. I was hooked from the very first chapter!

I loved everything about this book.

I’m not really a fan of having multiple narrators, but I became genuinely interested in these characters. It was really interesting to see how they play out in a story that wasn’t really about them. Sure you get to see June (the mother)’s perspective sometimes in the story, but the real storytellers are Sean’s spiritual advisor Michael, his lawyer Maggie and his friend and cellmate Lucius . I remember getting really excited whenever the narrators interact. That’s how I was into these characters.

Jodi Picoult does a great job in giving each character a distinctive voice. Each of them responds to things differently and they have their own perspectives on life and faith. These characters felt really real. You can feel their emotions. I specially felt very sad whenever I read June’s perspective because it really shows how the people you loved and lost never go away.

Remember when I said the story isn’t really about the narrators? Well, it’s because it’s not. The story is really about Sean who killed a father and a daughter. And it’s also about the mother who deals with the pain of losing them while also trying to save her other daughter. However, as I said, I’ve become so invested with the narrators that it didn’t bother me who was telling the story.

Some people may get annoyed of the sudden shift between the narrators, but I didn’t find a problem with it.

The story is amazing. It’s about loss, faith, forgiveness, and injustice. Sometimes the world is unfair, but it’s okay as long as you have something to fight for.

I highly recommend this book especially if you are a Jodi Picoult fan.

Final Grade: 5/5

Book Review: Catching Fire

Catching Fire, the fellow-up to the highly popular The Hunger Games certainly does not disappoint. I loved revisiting this world and found myself more emotionally involved with the characters than I did with the first book. Suzanne Collins is definitely one of my favorite authors now!


The plot structure was a little different from the first one. I like it when authors don’t fallow the same formula when they write a series; it gives every book a special flavor. While the Hunger Games was marking the beginning of a greater storyline, we get to go deeper in this book and explore new things and themes that were not addressed in the first one.

The characters were amazing! Katniss is a great main character because she doesn’t try to be anything but herself. She knows her own flaws, but doesn’t care enough to try and be better. She only has one thing in mind, and that is keeping the people she loves safe. Peeta is a great character too. It has been a long time since I've read a character that is genuinely good. It’s not as bad as some people thing. Sometimes we need characters like that in our books and even in our own lives. The rest of the characters were amazing as well. I don’t have much to say about them because I didn’t get to see enough of them, but I can say that Haymitch is one of my favorite characters.

I love Katniss’s voice. Collins knows how to make you feel the character’s emotions. I felt like I was there with Katniss. I usually don’t like books with first person narration and this one is the first to make adore that style of storytelling and writing. That’s saying something! The ending doesn’t bother me that much because I’m reading Mockingjay right now, but I can see how readers must’ve felt when Mockingjay wasn’t released yet.

The thing I found was annoying about Catching Fire is that sometimes it summarizes some of the events that I wanted more details about. This is something I didn’t like in the first book as well, but there was more of it in Catching Fire. However, this is just a minor complaint. And because I’m a character person, it bothered me a little that we didn’t get to see more of the other characters like Gale or Prim, but it didn’t change how I felt about this book.

This book is certainly for everyone! If there is a series that deserves all the hype it’s getting, the Hunger Games is definitely it! If you haven’t read the Hunger Games yet, you’re missing out one of the best YA series ever published!

Final Rating
4.5/5