The Beginning of Everything By: Robyn Schneider

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Tragedy, Comedy, Coming of Age

The Beginning of Everything has easily become one of my favourite books. One of my favourite youtubers, Ingrid Nilsen, recommended this book in one of her videos. She explained it to be funny, and heartwarming, with a good message. When I saw it in the book store, I decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint.

The book follows Ezra, a popular high school senior who tragically gets in a car accident, which shatters his leg. His social life is ruined, as nobody wants to be seen with "the boy with the cane". He finds a new crowd of debate club members, and befriends the new girl, Cassidy. Cassidy is unique and confident, and teaches Ezra to be himself and not to go with the "in crowd". They eventually fall in love, but when another tragedy strikes, Ezra begins to wonder who he really wants to be: the popular golden boy, or himself.

I really enjoyed this book, as it was a different take on tragedy. The book was witty and adorable, and was not at all depressing, despite the theme. This book is a great coming of age novel, because it is about a teen struggling with identity. I think that most teens would be able to relate to this book.

I liked this book because it was different. The book did not have a perfect ending, it had a realistic ending. The books theme's were relatable, and the book had great advice throughout. I also liked how the book was not predictable. There were many "plot twists" which I didn't expect at all. The book was kept interesting.

The author did a great job at capturing the message of this book, which was that everyone will get a personal tragedy, but it's all about how they respond to it. They could complain about it, or do something about it. This could change the outcome. Overall, I would rate this book 9.5 out of 10 stars, for it's beautiful message, and advice.

Bye for Now!

Paperback Princess

The Host By: Stephenie Meyer

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

I was very reluctant to read this book. I had read some of Stephenie Meyer's other books, (The Twilight Series), and although those books were good, I found them boring in some parts. I didn't know what to expect from this book. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

This book provides the perfect amount of romance to science fiction. Unlike Twilight, it is not strictly romance. The book follows a futuristic world where parasitic aliens have taken over. Each "soul" is placed inside a human and controls their mind. Melanie, a human is taken over by a soul called Wanderer. Melanie came from a group of humans hiding from the souls in the desert. Melanie's long-lost love Jared, is all that haunts her mind. As Melanie fills her mind with thoughts of Jared, Wanderer falls in love with him as well. Together, the two go on an adventure to find him.

I really enjoyed this book. The book was definitely not boring, and was quite suspenseful. I liked how the book was told from alternate points of view. I could understand how Melanie was feeling in a moment, and how Wanderer was feeling in a moment. At first, I found it a bit confusing as to who was talking. Since Wanderer was in Melanie, there were times when I didn't know if people where talking to Wanderer or Melanie. However, as the book went on, I began to understand more clearly.

I liked how this book featured a love triangle between Melanie, Wanderer, Jared and Melanie's old friend Ian. I liked how the author wrote this love triangle in way that wasn't completely filled with drama. What I mean by this, is that technically Ian was in love with Wanderer and not Melanie. It was not an average love triangle where two guys are fighting over one girl.

Overall, this book featured the perfect ratio of sci-fi to romance. The plot was not at all boring, and I enjoyed the suspense of the book. Each character was unique, and even though Melanie and Wanderer were attached, I could easily tell the difference in their personalities. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Bye for Now!

Paperback Princess

Paper Towns by: John Green

Genre: Young Adult Drama, Romance, Adventure, Mystery

Paper Towns is one of my all-time favourite books. The book follows Quentin, a high school senior who has a crush on a mysterious bad girl named Margo. One night, Margo whisks Quentin off on an adventure to get revenge on all of the people who have annoyed them both. The next morning, Quentin remembers all of the fun he had, however he notices that Margo is missing from school. She is still missing until graduation, so he and his friends go on a road trip to find her.

I can say that Paper Towns is one of my favourite books. I liked how this book did not just contain some romance, but also mystery and adventure. Once again, John Green has created a genius book. 

This book has many different genres, so it can draw the attention of many different readers. The book is so versatile, and that is why I like it.

Overall, this book had many different elements to it. I liked the many different genres, so I didn't get bored. This book was filled with suspense, and I couldn't put it down. I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, for it's versatility.

Bye for Now!

Paperback Princess

The Giver

Genre: Young Adult Dystopia, Sci-Fi

The Giver is about a boy named Jonas, who lives in a futuristic world. In this world, children are given a job at a certain age, based on their personality. They will have to work this job for their entire life. This world seems "perfect" however it is far from it. Jonas learnes this first-hand.

Jonas is assigned the job of Reciever of Memory. This is one of the most important jobs in the world. He goes everyday to The Giver, a wise man who each day gives Jonas memories of the past world. Jonas realizes that the world used to be a beautiful place, full of wonder. However that has now changed. 

I really enjoyed this book. The book was very wise, and the story taught a lesson that in order to have good days, you must have bad days too. I think that Jonas was taught that good things can also become bad. 

I like this book because of the lessons it teaches. I think that most young adults would benefit from this story's wise teachings. Most importantly, that bad times may come, but they will get better.

Jonas learned that his world was not as perfect as what he thought it was, but he did something about that. He went against anyone telling him otherwise. That is why I admire his character the most.

The book had a very interesting plot, and I enjoyed learning from The Giver. The book was not confusing with the teachings, and I think the author did a great job at capturing the emotion. Overall, I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, for the lessons. 

Bye For Now!

Paperback Princess

Burning By: Elana K. Arnold

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Burning is a book about forbidden love and fate. The book follows Ben, a high-school graduate who is ready to get out of his small town of Gypsum, Nevada. On hot summer day, his friends drag him out to the side of a highway to spy on a beautiful gypsy girl who's family has set up camp. The girl, Lala, invites Ben to have his fortune told. His tarot cards read that he will find love, in some form. Lala and Ben eventually fall in love despite her approaching arranged marriage to another gypsy man.

I really enjoyed this book. The book, especially the climax, was very suspenseful and I was constantly turning the page to find out more. The book had an intense passion, and the love between Lala and Ben was strong. They would do anything for each other.

The book reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. Two star crossed lovers going against their parent's wishes to be together. Lala and Ben were oblivious to everyone else. All they cared about was each other. I think that fate played a big role in this novel. Fate brought Ben to Lala, and so did his tarot cards. The author did a great job at portraying true love.

The one thing that I didn't like about this book, was the ending. I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but the ending was a bit of a cliffhanger. I would have liked to have learnt more about the fate of Lala and Ben.

I applaud the author for her portrayal of both characters, but especially Ben throughout this book. Ben was a brave young man, who protected Lala with all of his heart. He knew that even though their love was forbidden, he would never let go of her. He was a very protective soul to the people he cared for.

Overall, this book was very good. I found the relationship to be realistic, and filled with passion. I would have liked more from the ending, but the climax of this book was outstanding. I would rate this book, 3 out of 5 stars.

Bye for Now!

Paperback Princess

Looking for Alaska By: John Green

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Drama

Looking for Alaska is a book by one of my favourite authors: John Green. After reading his book, The Fault in Our Stars, I decided to read some of his other novels. Looking for Alaska was not what I expected from this author, but it was still a very good book.

The story features Miles, a teenager who is obsessed with famous people's "last words". He is sent to a boarding school, where he meets his new friends: a witty boy named Chip, and a wild-child Alaska. Miles is immediately drawn to Alaska, however she is not interested. The book follows Miles and his friends, pranking the school, especially the warden. Miles grows closer to Alaska throughout the book, and learns more about her past. Alaska tells him many confessions about her life, which eventually leads to a tragedy at the end of the book.

I wouldn't say that this book has a happy ending, but I also wouldn't say that it has a sad ending. This book had many ups and downs. The book was kind of confusing in some parts. I feel as if some parts in the book were irrelevant to the plot. Also, there were some quite "dirty" parts in this book. This book is quite mature.

John Green was very descriptive throughout this book. Sometimes this was a good thing, and sometimes it was a bad thing. There were parts where I applauded his choice of wording, the quotes were magnificent! However in some parts, especially the mature parts, the book was a little "too much information".

Overall, this book was very mature. It was a good book, however some parts could be a bit disturbing. I don't think that this book is appropriate for everyone. Then again, every book has it's age group.

I did enjoy this book. The quotes were incredible, and the ending was cute. The friendship between Miles and Alaska was unbreakable. They really did care for each other. I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars, for the descriptive plot.

Bye for Now!

Paperback Princess

If I Stay By: Gayle Forman

Genre: Young Adult Romance, drama

If I Stay is a book that I have wanted to read for a long time. The book follows Mia, an aspiring cello player, who's life is turned upside-down when she and her family get in a car crash. Her family is killed, and her soul  is left to choose between life or death.

At first I was reluctant to read this book. I don't like sad stories, and a book about death freaked me out. I have to say I was quite surprised. I found the story very emotional, but a bit confusing at first, however, as the book progressed, I could understand the feelings of Mia and the other characters. I also fell madly in love with Mia's boyfriend, Adam. I found Adam to be so caring towards Mia. They were so cute together!

Even though the book contained a lot of drama, I still found it to be a heartwarming story. The love between Mia and her family was unbreakable. Her protectiveness over her brother was very strong. Even the love between her and Adam was undeniable.

The story of life and death was very thought-provoking. I am not a very emotional person, but I did enjoy this book because of the romance between Mia and Adam. I am all about  a good love story. I think that the book is quite mature, because of the theme.

Gayle Forman did a great job at capturing the emotion, love and life throughout this book. A movie of this book will be coming out this month, however I recommend that people should read the book before seeing the movie. Overall, I thought that this book was quite emotionally-charged, because of the suspense created to see if Mia "stays". I think that you will like this book if you enjoy a dramatic novel. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Bye For Now!

Paperback Princess