Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

“Sometimes I think that maybe we are just stories. Like we may as well just be words on a page, because we're only what we've done and what we are going to do.”  

Title: Tiger Lily
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Pages: 292


Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

My Rating:✰✰✰✰
Listen to  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GSyXcqvFXA because it very much relates to the book.

Before starting this book, I realized that I have never watched the full Peter Pan movie, so of course that is what I did. After watching it, I decided that I did not like Tinkerbell since she seemed so jealous and envious of Wendy who was innocent.
After reading this book, I've decided that it is Wendy that I do not like and Tinker bell that I do.

This book is not fast paced and very much character driven. It took me quite some time to read, but I overall did like the experience. It lacks action and was slow at some parts since it expanded over a course of months. I was not able to fly through this book although it is short compared to most other young adult books.

I really liked the idea of this book and how it was about a relationship that most people wouldn't notice from the classic tale . The concept was unique and the writing was great. I think it was really cool that it was written from the perspective of a Faerie who can't speak or do much, but listen and watch. Tinkerbell observed everything happening before her, and she was able to read the minds of other people. I loved how she watched out of Tiger Lily and stuck by her side and tried to help her when she can.

Tiger Lily's braveness makes me happy and I appreciate how she rebels against some of the expectations women are supposed to meet in her tribe. She is lonely and has internal conflicts that her herself can't really put into words, yet alone solve them.  She is forced into marrying Giant, my least favorite character, who is gross. But she does not want to of course, and seeks something else.
When Phillip arrives, she is kind enough to save him and watch out for him. She stands up for the people she loves. Phillip was an odd character, and as the story grew on, I started to dislike him and how everyone thought he was all knowing and right about everything. I especially did not like him because he did not approve of Tik Tok's ways.
Tick Tock is one of my favorite characters and I loved how he is different. His depression, and then death, made me so extremely sad.

Peter Pan was very much like how I expected him to be. Youthful, energetic, eager.
The love relationship between Tiger Lily and Peter Pan was written in a very blunt, clear way where we could see that there is a connection between the two. We are able to see Tiger Lily instant interest for this curious boy and his feelings return. I enjoyed reading the fun scenes with them and the Lost boys. Majority of this book was about the struggles and choices that Tiger Lily must make. She experiences a love that she will never have again.

Like I said, this book made me like Tinkerbell more. When Wendy arrives, and the struggles between Tiger Lily and Peter increase, things get worst. I do not like Wendy at all, and hate how all of the attention is gone to her. So when Tinkerbell tries to do bad things to Wendy, I am glad.

When Tiger Lily decided to team up with the pirates to get back at Wendy and Peter, I surprisingly was okay with it. I was on her side more than any of the other characters and saw what she was doing was going to help her. But saving them was a part of her nature.

Peter leaving Neverland left me conflicted. I truly believe that he does not belong to Wendy but with Tiger Lily. I question his character, and think that Tiger Lily and Pine Sap will be more happy together than Peter ever will be. His character was never clear to me.

One of the best things about this book was how it wasn't sugar coated or showed the happily ever after for everyone. I think that more fairytale retellings should have elements that this one does with some realism and true struggles and obstacles characters would go through. This new perspective of the fairytale definitely changed my thought on the overall classic story.

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Title: Just One Day
Author: Gayle Forman
Pages: 370


Allyson Healey's life is exactly like her suitcase—packed, planned, ordered. Then on the last day of her three-week post-graduation European tour, she meets Willem. A free-spirited, roving actor, Willem is everything she’s not, and when he invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, Allyson says yes. This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life.

My Rating:✰✰✰✰✰

 I loved this book so much! I had heard good things about this book, but did expect to love it as much as I did. It did took me a while to finish and read this book, but not because it was bad, but because I haven't been able to read much. But this book was brilliant.

The writing in the book was absolutely amazing and in my opinion, better than in If I Stay. I love the two parts of this book and how both of them had great pacing. The second half of the book stretched over the course of a year without being slow or boring. I definitely enjoyed reading about her college years and how she changed throughout it.

I have never so badly wanted my own opportunity to go to Europe and have my own adventure. Gayle Forman's writing about the setting was done was beautifully, I could imagine it and my longing for it was insane.

I don't think I have ever related so closely to a character, than I did with Allyson. So many thoughts and things she said/did, I would've done. I understood the way she was and how being Lulu was different from herself. But this book felt more than just coming of age, self discovery.

Willem was very charming and was a great character. I have not read Just One Year yet, but I plan on doing so and learning more about him. At some points he felt a little sketchy to me, but I was still hoping he would pull through because it seemed like he had a lot of depth to him.

The other characters in Allyson's life also felt very important to the story. Dee was a great friend and so many things wouldn't have happened if it weren't for him and her roommates. Babs and her worker friends were nice as well. (I was so impressed with how hard Allyson worked to get the money to go to Europe and I loved how it all came together. ) Celine wasn't my favorite character but I'm glad that she was able to help Allyson at some points. The evolution of Allyson's mother was definitely something and I'm glad things did get better. We did miss a lot of Melanie in the second portion of this book, but it made sense since the two were just drifting away from each other. She was a pretty complex character. I loved the connections she had with the people at the hostel and how they helped and how Wren was there for a lot of it.

The plot was so great and I praise Gayle Forman for being able to do it so well. I felt like the story has a lot of thought gone into it since one thing led to another. Accidents. I also liked how there was Shakespeare reoccurring with the Guerilla Will and when Allyson takes a class on it.

When she finally did decide to open that door again, and go to try find him, I was happy for her because I knew that that was what she had to do. The things she went through to get to this person she didn't really know didn't make total sense, but since in a way he had changed her, it did.

I loved how she stood in front of a map when she in Europe, closed her eyes and went to that spot that she landed on. Allyson was way more braver than she thought she was. Even the small things she did, like taking different classes, was so brave of her..

The different themes really stood out to me and will really stick with me from now on. I don't think I've ever read a book that taught me a lesson that I will actually learn from. Other than the obvious, which is to say yes and not be so contained into a small box, this book made me want to have faith in the good in people. Not that I don't, but that most times when a stranger speaks to you, you get the immediate reaction of "stranger danger!" but there was no case of that in this book.

I just loved this book and the adventures with Allyson and how many things changed in one day, and in one year. More people should read this book because it was absolutely brilliant.

Thoughts on the ending:

I was so worried how the book was going to end. Were we going to get to see Willem and get some answers? I was so happy of Allyson when she finally found him at the play after all of that work she went through to go find him. The mysterious girl who was presumably his girlfriend really made me upset but I was still glad that she went to go see him.

But then..

Then, I bought Just One Night...
and I read it...
and it was an amazing conclusion.

MY BOOKTUBE CHANNEL

Hello everyone! I hope you are doing well. So, as you can guess from the title of this post, I created a booktube channel! I've been wanting to make one for forever and so, I finally decided to upload this video. It would be great if you guys could check it out, comment, like, and subscribe! Thanks for reading!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Pages: 327
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?
My Rating:✰✰✰✰✰

This book was such a good, cute contemporary. It made me smile, and feel all giddy, but most of all, it made me want to go to France. Stephanie Perkins was able to described Paris in such ways that made me wish so desperately that I was there.
I love boarding schools and what's better than one set in France?

Although this book was super adorable, it wasn't amazing and a little bit cliché. Don't get me wrong, I love Etienne St. Clair to the moon and back, but he was so perfect it was fake almost. He was described as a pretty much flawless looking person and of course that's attractive, but personally, I think it is just a bit unrealistic. But I did love the flaws he did have and am thankful that he has them. Love the fact that he's short! (i am pretty short too)

Still, his character was really kind and sweet. The main character, Anna, is also a great character. I think in many of her situations, I would've done the same thing. Her voice was very clear and I could relate to her. I loved how she had a gap in her teeth and that streak in her hair. Characteristics that make characters unique are my favorite things ever.

This story was very character driven like most romance based novels. But this book wasn't just romance, but dealt with relationships in general. There is a lot of conflicts with parents which is relate-able.
Side characters are also very important. I loved Rashmi just because she was a little bit wary of Anna and first, but opened up to her. I didn't like Meredith as much, but in the end, she was a good friend. I also really like Josh and can't wait to read Isla and the Happily Ever After. Bridgette was okay and so was Sean.

I wasn't a fan of the whole Toph and Ellie situation. A lot of the plot moved around that which made sense, but I didn't love the fact that Anna would always think about her and Toph.

The Amanda situation also wasn't my favorite since it seemed so cliché that there was the pretty popular girl.

I really liked how this book was over a course of a year and was spread out. The ending was very happy and what I expected!

After reading this book, I did feel very happy and satisfied. This isn't the most realistic novel out there ,but it definitely is one of the cutest and was very fun to read. I can't wait to read more Stephanie Perkins.

Love Is The Higher Law by David Levithan

Title: Love Is The Higher Law
Author: David Levithan
Pages: 176

First there is a Before, and then there is an After. . . .

The lives of three teens—Claire, Jasper, and Peter—are altered forever on September 11, 2001. Claire, a high school junior, has to get to her younger brother in his classroom. Jasper, a college sophomore from Brooklyn, wakes to his parents’ frantic calls from Korea, wondering if he’s okay. Peter, a classmate of Claire’s, has to make his way back to school as everything happens around him.

Here are three teens whose intertwining lives are reshaped by this catastrophic event. As each gets to know the other, their moments become wound around each other’s in a way that leads to new understandings, new friendships, and new levels of awareness for the world around them and the people close by.

My Rating:✰✰✰1/2

I was intrigued with the synopsis of the book and was expecting something different from the book. Although this book was very short, it was not a quick read because of the subject matter. Overall, the book was very different from anything I've ever read and I did enjoy how accurate it all was. I was too young to remember when 9/11 happened, but I do know that it was a very tragic, emotional crisis that will be in history forever.

I did like the different perspectives and how they intertwined. There were many quote-able parts in the book that I did like, but it kind of felt like a lot to take in at once and it to think about.

The friendship the main three characters were in was good. I really liked Claire as a character but I felt like she said a lot of deep things that most normal teenagers wouldn't say. Jasper and Peter were good characters as well and I liked how they got together and David did a good job showing a realistic gay relationship. They all were pretty different from each other and it was clear in the writing.

The plot wasn't anything amazing, but it made sense for why it wasn't since it was this topic. This book was definitely character driven which I didn't expect. It was a slight let down, but didn't stop me from liking the book.

David Levithan was in New York when 9/11 happen and it shows in the writing that he was actually there. There was a lot of detail on what happened right after the event and how New York was changed.

This book did provoke my thoughts about and I did feel a deep sorrow for it. It was a little hard deciding on a rating for this book since I felt different about many things. But reading this book made me feel more connected to the event and understand it more.

All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

Title: All Our Yesterdays
Author: Cristin Terrill
Pages: 404

What would you change?

Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend, James, since they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it... at least, not as the girl she once was. Em and Marina are in a race against time that only one of them can win.My Rating:✰✰✰✰✰

This was my first time traveling book and I really did enjoy it. The writing was very good and easy to read. I loved the duel point of view in the story and how it was told.
The characters and plot were great and this book kept me turning the pages and wondering what would happen next. I felt like this book had a lot of twists and turns that I don't want to accidently spoil for anyone, so the non-spoiler brief review will end here.

I do recommend this book for those looking for an adventure. I am very glad that I picked it up and was in this great world.
I loved how adventurous this book was and it really made me want to read more time travel.

More in depth review: (read at your own caution!)

I loved how the two perspectives were the same person, but just different time periods. Marina and Em were both great characters. One of the things that annoyed me a little was how Em wouldn't kill James although she had the chance to. The opportunity was there, but she didn't take it and was hesitant. It did make sense for her character though, since she was in love with James in the past. But if she had killed him when she could've, then the whole thing could've ended right then and there.

I loved both Finns and how witty and sweet they are. James was a good character, but I connected the dots and realized that he was the doctor. It didn't surprise me too much, but I did like how he was the former friend/enemy. But because of that, I stopped liking him knowing how cruel he would be in the future. His younger self wasn't too bad, but showed signs of anger and a little bit of mania.

 I liked Finn and Em's relationship more than James and Marina by a lot. The romantic relationships were different and I liked the twists in it. I wasn't sure whether I would like them together at the beginning of the story, but knowing their pasts, I definitely do.

The concept of the whole story and Cassandra was great. The beginning was already interesting with the whole note in the drain and traveling back in time. I was glad that I wasn't too confused with the story line since it was about time travel.

I thought the ending was bittersweet. The whole scene were all of the main characters were near the house was so thrilling. I was really wondering what would happen next and who would kill who.
The younger James killing himself made me want to like him more, which I definitely did compared to the doctor. Finn dying made me extremely sad since he was such a good character, but in the end, Marina doesn't remember any of it and Finn is still alive.

But this book was very enjoyable. If you've read the book, let me know what you think in the comments!

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Landline
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Pages: 320

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems beside the point now.

Maybe that was always beside the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?
My Rating:✰✰✰✰✰

Like expected, this book was amazing. Before even reading it, I knew that it was going to live up to my expectations. Even the first page blew me away and drew me into this new world.

Rainbow Rowell is so amazing with character. She's able to write about such real situations and people. I normally don't read adult books, and this is only my second one. (the first one being Rainbow Rowell's debut novel, Attachments) But I still loved every second of this book.

The realness of Georgie's situation is perfect. She's a busy mom who's a sit-com writer and is having marriage troubles with her husband. The book goes into so much more of it all and really develops into this full on story.

I loved Gerogie's character and how much she loved comedy. One of the things that I can really relate with her is when she says that she wants to be happy for 70%-80% of the time. Her character was much more outgoing than Neal and she always wanted something and she would actually go out to get it.
Neal, on the other hand, was a close opposite. He didn't laugh much or smile a lot either. But somehow, the two did fall in love and into a great relationship. I could see why people wouldn't like Neal, but I personally did like him. Maybe because he seems so unlikeable, I like him for it. Either way, he and Georgie found their way into each other. Their dialogue was so cute and he book had some flashbacks to when they were first dated which I really liked.
 
I absolutely loved Georgie's job and the story of how she first met Neal. I also loved Seth for most parts when he was her best friend and always there for her. Scenes in the office were awesome and it was crazy how vividly I could picture it.

Alice and Noomi were just like children I imagined. Meow.

Georgie's family was loveable as well. The whole pug thing was kind of gross at some points, but it still added to the book. Her mom was sweet and Kendrick was nice, and Heather was awesome.

I also loved the idea of the magic phone. It was hilarious when she found out, or when she was trying to not let her mom or Heather talk on the phone with him. But I think the magic phone was written out very well.

Rainbow Rowell's books will always be my favorite. I will read and buy everything she writes.

A note that contains more spoilers:

I didn't realize that the couple that helps Georgie in Omaha, are Cath and Levi. That's right. CATH AND LEVI. After reading the book, I went online and saw that someone had said that. I literally couldn't believe it until I picked the book up again and found that part. It made me so insanely happy and giddy on the inside that they were still together, and getting MARRIED. I couldn't really function after that and had legit breathing problems.

Like I said, I do like Seth, but I could tell that he was starting to get his feelings for her sorted out. He did have a point when he told her that he shouldn't have left after that party, but he was still too late.

I also thought the ending was so perfect and cute when she traveled the whole way to get to him. His reaction was s adorable and I really wished that it was Christmas when I was reading this.