Favorite Books Read in 2015

Throwback Review: THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin

(Originally posted on my Goodreads page.)
August 24, 2014

I also filmed a BookTalk for this book over on my YouTube channel.

I knew this book was going to be really good, but I ended up enjoying it even more than I thought I would. Within the first few chapters I enjoyed the characters and felt sympathy for Mara. I also loved that this book is told from Mara's POV because she is going through PTSD and that is mixed with meeting new friends at a new school. She is being challenged throughout the first book in the series while she is trying to get better -- as normal as she can in order to live her life like other teenagers. 

Michelle Hodkin did a wonderful job writing as Mara. There were times when Mara lost track of time or thought something was a dream; I, as a reader, was held in suspense because if Mara didn't know, neither did I. 

I also really loved Noah Shaw and the relationship he has with Mara. I won't go far into that because I don't want to spoil anything, but I love them together. There are many more likable characters in this book; I could go on, but to put it simply, her friendships with her siblings and people she meets at school were seen as an important role in Mara's life as she goes through some major internal obstacles with PTSD and dealing with death.

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Throwback Review: CHOPSTICKS by Jessica Anthony

(Originally posted on my Goodreads page.)

March 25, 2015

I also filmed a BookTalk on my YouTube channel.

This has been on my to-read list for a year now and I finally picked it up at the library. It's a quick read, I read it in one sitting. It's kind of weird to say I read it because it is comprised of all photos and only some text in letters, notes/lists, IMs, and labels. 

First hearing about this book, I knew I had to check it out because it has so much art in it and Rodrigo Corral is great. The photography was gorgeous and the handwriting style over photos gave it a Tumblr-esque feel, which coming from me is a compliment. I enjoyed this overall and would love to go through it again because of how eye opening it was by the ending. I recommend this to all art lovers and readers who are interested in psychological stories.

Potential and definite spoilers, hidden just to be safe.
(view spoilers)

I love books that make me think, and this one made me think. It's still on my mind and I will never forget this story. So brilliant.
I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars, but I am more leaning towards "I loved it/amazing" than "I really liked it."

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Throwback Review: THE ARCHIVED by Victoria Schwab

(Originally posted on my Goodreads page.)
March 6, 2015

I also filmed a BookTalk for it on my YouTube channel.

I loved so many things about this book. The characters, the world, the pace of the story.... I enjoy Victoria Schwab's writing style; when I first started this book I felt as though I was stretching, that good feeling you have when you wake up and stretch. She has a gripping way of telling Mackenzie's story and it's through the eyes of the protagonist herself, a smart one, too.

I cannot wait to read The Unbound because I want to see the relationship between Mac and Wesley grow and even their characters as Keepers because they have so much potential. I also really loved the relationship between Mac and Roland. I need to read the next book very soon.

SPOILERS

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December Wrap-Up & January To Be Read // 2016 Reading Goals

So much in this single video! Wrap-ups, TBR, and 2016 goals.

Lettuce be friends on the Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11284465-emily-gamez

I've also been more active on my blog!: emilygamez.blogspot.com

- Goodreads links to all books mentioned -

GIRL ONLINE: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22510983-girl-online

COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12813630-the-coldest-girl-in-coldtown

MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17162156-miss-peregrine-s-home-for-peculiar-children

THE 5TH WAVE: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101128-the-5th-wave?from_search=true&search_version=service

THE UNBOUND: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13638131-the-unbound?from_search=true&search_version=service

Thanks for watching!

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MUSIC: Space Walk (YouTube Audio Library)

This is not a sponsored video, all opinions are my own, and I just really enjoy the products and/or stores I talk so positively about. :)

JOY of CHRISTMAS BOOK TAG ft. MarisaHerondaleCarstairs & TanookiJosh

We did videos on Marisa's and Josh's channels too!

Marisa's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MsJonasTwilight

Marisa's Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarisaRamona

Josh's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TanookiJosh

Josh's Twitter: https://twitter.com/TanookiJosh

This tag was created by Novels and Nonsense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ4DZ0uEXnk

Thanks for watching!

Buying a book? I get a small commission if you use my affiliate link: http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=emily

Fandom merch made by me!: http://www.redbubble.com/people/thelovelybooks

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/simonlewistho

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelovelybooks_

Instagram: https://instagram.com/takingonmonsters

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_thelovelybooks

Tumblr: https://takingonmonsters.tumblr.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11284465-emily-gamez

Vine: https://vine.co/EmilyGamez

MUSIC: Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, and O Christmas Tree (YouTube Audio Library)

Throwback Review: A WORK IN PROGRESS by Connor Franta

(Originally posted on my Goodreads page.)
April 25, 2015

I also filmed a BookTalk for A WORK IN PROGRESS on my YouTube channel.

Connor Franta is a natural writer with some great stories to tell. I started this the day it arrived on my doorstep; from the beginning I was glued. I couldn't stop reading. I have never read a book this inspiring and relatable (not trying to reference his So Relatable video, it just happened.)

Connor shares his thoughts, childhood stories, and photography, his art, in this well-written memoir. It's a unique and enjoyable look into the life Connor Franta - more than a five minute YouTube video can tell you - where he tells stories about growing up, accepting himself, and making big decisions as an adult.

I read it three different days, one of my quicker reads lately. I can see myself going back to this to flip through and look for quotes and favorite photos in the future. This book has reminded me of so many things I need to remember in this Internet age, but one thing I take away from this work of art is that we all need to live in the now because "life doesn't wait."

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