[Review] The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Publisher: Dutton Books
Publishing Date: Jan. 10, 2012
318 Pages
Format: hardcover, purchased

Synopsis

Despite the tumor-shrinking miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

My Review

I'm so glad I finally bought a copy of this book! It's been on my TBR list for such a long time, and I've read so many good reviews about it. I was a little worried that this book wouldn't be as good as I was hoping, just because of how hyped up it was. But thankfully, it was amazing. However, it was much different than I was expecting it to be, though I don't really know if I can describe how what I thought it was going to be like. I loved the characters of Hazel, Augustus and Issac; I thought their relationships were written so well and felt genuine. I also loved that although they were all dealt crappy cards in life, there was so much humor in their friendship. Hazel really starts to open up and live a more full life when she meets Augustus. Its great for readers to realize that just one person can make such a huge difference in someone's life, regardless of their situation. I think we could all use a friend like Augustus; he showed Hazel that there is more to life than just waiting to die from a terminal illness. He got her to do things and think about the world in a different light.

I'm so happy that I read this book. I think John Green is a masterful storyteller, and this definitely won't be the only book of his that I read! I can't wait to go back to the bookstore and find his others (: I highly, highly recommend this to everyone. Its a quick read because it doesn't let you put it down, but its also a very emotional story, which left me with a few tears.

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[Review] The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Publisher: Harcourt, Inc
Publishing Date: 1942
83 Pages
Format: paperback, borrowed

Synopsis 

A pilot stranded in the desert awakes one morning to see, standing before him, the most extraordinary little fellow. "Please," asks the stranger, "draw me a sheep." And the pilot realizes that when life's events are too difficult to understand, there is no choice but to succumb to their mysteries. He pulls out pencil and paper... And this begins this wise and enchanting fable that, in teaching the secret of what is really important in life, has changed forever the world for its readers.

Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince, presented here in a stunning new translation with carefully restored artwork. The definitive edition of a worldwide classic, it will capture the hearts of readers of all ages.

My Review 

There is something about this book that was truly wonderful. It's a very short book, but I still couldn't put it down. At first, I wasn't sure what to expect; I had wanted to read this book for a while, yet didn't really know what it was about. My brother-in-law lent it to me a few days ago, so I figured this was the perfect time to start it. I think this is a perfect children's book because its filled with descriptions that really pull at your imagination. At the same time, its wonderful for adults because it makes you look at life in a different way. This is a book that everyone should read at least once. I'm sure I'll read it a few more times and take away many new things from the story.

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Tell Me Something Tuesday!

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Heidi @ Rainy Day Ramblings. Each week a new question is presented. Check out Heidi's blog for all the details :)

This weeks question:

Who were your favorite book boyfriends from 2013? 

That's a tough one. If I looked back at all the books I read, I could probably name a few that I love. But the problem is, after I'm done reading a book, and I move on to the next one I tend to forget a lot of the smaller details from the story. Sure, I could say I loved this one character from this one book, but I honestly probably couldn't tell you why! I feel like a terrible, awful book-lover for saying this, but sometimes my memory just isn't that great! I'm sure as I'll look through other blogger's posts, I'll definitely start to recall my favorite book boyfriends, but like I said, I've got a poor memory sometimes :(


What about you?! Who were your favorite book boyfriends?!

[Review] I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler

I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Publishing Date: May 1, 2011
285 Pages
Format: Kindle ebook, free on Amazon

Synopsis

Tess is the exact opposite of her beautiful, athletic sister. And that's okay. Kristina is the sporty one, Tess is the smart one, and they each have their place. Until Kristina is diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly Tess is the center of the popular crowd, everyone eager for updates. There are senior boys flirting with her. Yet the smiles of her picture-perfect family are cracking and her sister could be dying. Now Tess has to fill a new role: the strong one. Because if she doesn't hold it together, who will?

My Review

This is the first book I've read by Janet Gurtler, and I don't think it will be my last! I enjoyed this story. I thought Tess was a very well-rounded character; one the outside, she was the backbone for her family, but on the inside, she was struggling with her sister's illness. We watch her grow up a little throughout this story and find her place within her family and at school. I also really liked Kristina; in the beginning I wasn't sure if I would, but we watch her grow and struggle throughout the story as well. The issues that were tackled in this book were very emotional, specifically the diagnosis of cancer to a young teenager. It's difficult when anyone is diagnosed with it, but when its someone so young, it just seems that much harder. I thought the author did a pretty good job with these issues and describing the struggles that not only the patient goes through, but those around her as well.

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[Review] Play Dirty by Sandra Brown

Play Dirty by Sandra Brown
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publishing Date: 2007
404 Pages
Format: hardcover, purchased

Synopsis

After five long years in federal prison, Griff Burkett is a free man. But the disgraced Cowboys quarterback can never return to life as he knew it before he was caught cheating. In a place where football is practically a religion, Griff committed a cardinal sin, and no one is forgiving.

Foster Speakman, owner and CEO of SunSouth Airlines, and his wife, Laura, are a golden couple. Successful and wealthy, they live a charmed life before fate cruelly intervened and denied them the one thing they wanted most -- a child. It's said that money can't buy everything. But it can buy a disgraced football player fresh out of prison and out of prospects.

The job Griff agrees to do for the Speakmans demands secrecy. But he soon finds himself once again in the spotlight of suspicion. An unsolved murder comes back to haunt him in the form of his nemesis, Stanley Rodarte, who has made Griff's destruction his life's mission. While safeguarding his new enterprise, Griff must also protect those around him, especially Laura Speakman, from Rodarte's ruthlessness. Griff stands to gain the highest payoff he could every imagine, but cashing in on it will required him to forfeit his only chance for redemption... and love.

Griff is now playing a high-stakes game, and at the final whistle, one player will be dead.

Play Dirty is Sandra Brown's wildest ride yet, with hairpin turns of ploy all along the way. The clock is ticking down on a fallen football star, who lost everything because of the way he played the game. Now his future - his life - hinges on one last play.

My Review

I've always been a huge Sandra Brown fan. I started reading her books when I was in high school and haven't stopped since! I think her writing is wonderful and she really knows how to draw in readers. Play Dirty is a suspense novel with a very little bit of romance. However, that romance isn't the main part of the story, which I liked. Sandra Brown definitely knows how to write a romance, but what I really loved is that she also knows when its not really needed to make the story work. The last half of the book really took me by surprise! I wasn't expecting what happened, and didn't quite know how it would play out. However, Sandra Brown once again took me on an adventure! If you like mysteries or romantic suspense novels, this is one you don't want to miss!

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey, where we share what we read last week, what we're currently reading, and what is next for us! 

Last week: 

(check back soon for my review!) 

Currently Reading: 

Not too far into this book yet but it's intriguing so far. Can't wait to read more!

What's Next? 

I FINALLY picked up a copy of this book on Black Friday! I cannot wait to start reading it! I was going to bring it to work today, but with the reviews I've read, I didn't want to be crying here (: I will be starting this as soon as I get home! 

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog!

Here are the books I bought this week! My local book store had a great Black Friday deal, but I found all of these except The Fault in Our Stars in the clearance section for $2 each! I'm a sucker for James Patterson, so I couldn't pass these up!