For Fun [1] - Bookish Shuffle Tag

The Bookish Shuffle Tag is something done on many Booktube channels, but I'm not up to doing videos right now, so I thought I'd just make it a post! I wanted to do this after watching Kimberly Reads tag video, so go check it out!

The rules are simple: put your iPod/iTunes/whatever on shuffle, and for each song that plays, pick a book to go with the song. Because I have a bunch of ambient sound tracks and audio books in my iTunes, I did have to do some skipping, but otherwise the songs came up as listed.

Along with listing the songs and my book choices (which are all physically on my shelf and have been read), I try to explain why I picked each book. Because this was so much fun, I ended up doing fourteen (which is one of my favorite numbers). Follow the links to find out more about the books and songs. ^_^

Song 1: Fix A Heart [Demi Lovato] ~ Book: Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Dreamland is (as far as I've read) the darkest of Sarah Dessen's books and by the end, while the main character is on the road to healing, she's not there yet.

Song 2: December [Sara Bareilles] ~ Book: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

This is definitely not my favorite of the Twilight books, but most of New Moon is Bella dealing with the sudden change in her life that makes her extremely depressed, and on top of that, December is one of the months she loses to her depression.

Song 3: Home Again [Grand Vanity] ~ Book: Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

This song reminded me of the beginning of this book where Lenah wakes up to being human and without her lover Rhode.

Song 4: Infinity [The xx] ~ Book: The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

My love for this book knows no bounds, and for me the vibe of this song just fit the characters, while the lyrics could be related to a certain rough patch they go through.

Song 5: Go Back [Marketa Irglova] ~ Book: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

This song, about a relationship that is wanted but may not be fated, immediately brought to mind Hallowed, the sequel to Unearthly. I'm Team Tucker all the way.

Song 6: Honey Honey [Feist] ~ Book: Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Lena and Ethan could not have been farther away from each other in this book and this song has an unearthly sound that, in my mind, matches their situation.

Song 7: These Hard Times [Needtobreathe] ~ Book: The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

In The Dark Divine series, Grace is trying her best to get through the craziness that has become her life, and in this last book, she needs all the help she can get to make it through and find happiness and hope again.

Song 8: Fairytale [Sara Bareilles] ~ Book: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

While it doesn't exactly match the true tone of the song, Cinder and its sequels are definitely about fairytale heroines taking their destinies into their own hands.

Song 9: Paris [Grace Potter and the Nocturnals] ~ Book: Infinityglass by Myra McEntire

A song this bad-ass and sexy can only fit Hallie Girard.

Song 10: Holland Road [Mumford and Sons] ~ Book: What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

This song moves from sad to hopeful, and it reminds me of the relationship between Eva and Addie.

Song 11: Yellow Sun [The Raconteurs] ~ Book: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

The vibe of this song and the fact that it seems to be about werewolves (or some other nighttime monster) brought to mind Scarlett's fierceness.

Song 12: The Heat [Needtobreathe] ~ Book: Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

This book is all about the crossroads between emotions and senses and the song reminded me of Alison's thoughts upon seeing an out-of-this-world vista.

Song 13: Islands [The xx] ~ Book: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Timepiece is about two people with secrets and walls built-up finding each other and becoming islands no longer. The cool/sexy vibe of the song is also quite fitting.

Song 14: Chartreuse [Capital Cities] ~ Book: The Selection by Kiera Cass

This song makes me think of a fashion show, and while The Selection isn't about a fashion show, it does deal significantly with the girls of the selection being made up to fit a certain persona and also having to act differently than how they would in normal life.

Ink to Image [2] - Beautiful Creatures

Did I read the book or watch the movie first?
Seeing that the movie just hit theaters on Valentine's Day, I definitely read the book first, but I was there on the 14th to see the movie (what can I say, I was excited!).

Which was better?
This is tough. The screenplay was much altered from the story in the book, but the movie was so good you guys. Still, I really missed all the things they left out and changed, so I'm going to go with the book. To me, the lore, details, and some events were really important and they made more sense to me than the direction the movie took. But the movie is a very close second because it was funny and quirky and I adored Ethan and Lena all over again.

What made me read/watch?
From the first time I heard about Beautiful Creatures, I wanted to read it. The southern setting, magic, and mystery were right in my wheelhouse. Reading and loving the book is what made me want to see the film. (The phenomenal casting didn't hurt either.)

Will I read/watch more if available?
I will definitely be reading more. I've currently read the first two books in the series plus the available novella, and I have the third book on my TBR shelf just waiting for me. I will also be watching the movie again, and will watch any more movies they make for the series so long as the actors stay put (because, again, Ethan and Lena were amazing!).

That's it quirks! I hope you enjoyed my assessment. Have you gotten to see the Beautiful Creatures movie yet? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!?

*Click on a book's cover to be taken to the book's Goodreads page, click on the movie poster to be taken to the movie's IMDB page, and click on the movie banner to be taken to the movie's website.

Favority-Fave Reads of 2011

Yes, this is my favorite books of 2011 post, and I'm sliding it into the blogosphere right ahead of the New Year. Click the covers to go to each title's Goodreads page.  The list is separated up but the books are not in any particular order, so without further ado:

Favority-Faves: Debuts and Firsts in a Series Published in 2011

Hourglass by Myra McEntire - Debut (Full Review)
This book had everything you look for in Paranormal YA and a lot that hadn't been seen before. I loved Emerson and her boys and can't wait to slip back into their world in 2012!

 The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab - Debut (Full Review)

Everything about this book, from the writing to the characters to the setting, is amazing and lovely. No matter what Schwab writes in the future, I'm reading it.

 


Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally - Debut (Full Review)
This book caught me off guard by how good it was! It not only had a great premise, but it felt like it was a true story. Contemporary YA is often not my thing so take it from me, this one is worth your time.

Forgotten by Cat Patrick - Debut

I love a good mystery, especially when it involves a great character and a budding romance. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, which is where I am waiting for Patrick's next work.

 


Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson - First in a Series (Full Review)
This is one of the most amazing books I've ever read thanks to the beautiful writing and mind-bending mystery. If you take a chance on any book, make it this one because it is not at all what it seems.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson - First in a Series

Not only did this book have mystery, a quirky MC, and Jack the Ripper, but it was a fun read that made me laugh and gave me chills. The ending has stuck with me and I'm highly anticipating the next in the series.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - Debut

I knew this book would be creepy, and I loved every minute of creepy it gave me along with some great characters and a good mystery. The jaw-dropper ending got me right between the eyes, too.

Divergent by Veronica Roth - Debut

I knew Roth could write by reading her blog, and her book did not disappoint. So much action, suspense, heartbreak, and triumph made it a true roller coaster ride I wished could go on and on.

 


Die for Me by Amy Plum - Debut
Despite being a paranormal, I was wary of this book, but it surprised me with how good it was. It sports a great cast of characters, fantastic lore, a powerful romance, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver - First in a Series

I was interested in this book but not expecting to like it due to the focus on romance, but I was wrong! This story had my heart pounding, I felt for the characters, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Favortiy-Faves: Series I Read with a Book Published in 2011

Hex Hall & Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall series (Full Review of First Book)

I loved snarky Sophie and the crazy things that happened in Hex Hall. It was both a lot of fun and full of mystery and magic. Demonglass was a fitting sequel and I loved the darker, more dangerous atmosphere that made the whole book exciting. This series has everything I love in a story with great characters and twisty-turns to boot.

Heist Society & Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Heist Society series

Ally Carter is the queen of high-concept, hands down. I love all the characters in this series, as well as the sophistication and more adult feeling of the novels even though they are still in my favorite section (YA, duh) in the bookstore. These books have lots of heart, are fun, funny, smart, and exciting. This is one series I hope goes on and on and on because it is that good.

Beautiful Creatures & Beautiful Darkness 

 by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl 

Caster Chronicles

The atmosphere and endearing main character of this magical series keep me coming back for more. Though these books are (quite, rather, enormously) long and the love interest irritates me more often than I like, I still love them. They have an feel all their own with a cast of characters ranging from quirky to crazy, meaning there's not a dull moment.

The Lying Game & Never Have I Ever  

by Sara Shepard

The Lying Game series

I love the concept of this series and the books are suspense filled rides. They have all the charm and intrigue of the Pretty Little Liars books but in this one, I actually like the main character. I stay on the edge of my seat as the secrets are revealed and suspects are added to or marked off the list. This is one of the best series out there.

Favority-Faves: Books I Read in 2011 Published Before 2011

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Carter is on my list again, this time for the continuation of a story that really is to blame for me loving YA. This fourth book in the Gallagher Girls series did nothing but ratchet up the suspense, danger, and romance for the girls at the Gallagher Academy. The writing, characters, and plots just get better and better each time.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

I was hoping for a happily-ever-after read and Perkins delivered with this fun and well-written contemporary romance. I loved the characters and the setting and am a forever fan of Perkins because of this book. I plan on reading all of her books, but especially the ones that are Anna companion novels.

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
Tiernan's writing has a way of sweeping me up, and I loved getting lost is the main character's internal struggle for a better life. The history, mystery, and magic in this book drew me in and kept me. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel due out next year.

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

Add boarding school, magic, supernatural powers, mythology, mystery, history, romance, and danger, mix and serve, and you get this book. I thoroughly enjoyed having all my favorite elements in one read. I got caught up in the multifaceted drama and hope there is more to come for the residents of Shadow Hills.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (Full Review)
This was a book I was both interested in and didn't want to read because of the concept and subject matter. But I'm glad I did because not only was it well-written, but the powerful message was woven into a carefully crafted narrative. This is one book that is both heartbreaking and hopeful and worthy of your bookshelf.

Trickster's Choice & Trickster's Queen 

by Tamora Pierce

Pierce is my go-to fantasy author and I love all of her books that I've read (so far) set in the land of Tortall. This series upped the intrigue and magic with more great characters and wonderful writing. It was so good I wish it was more than two books!

That's it, quirks! I hope you enjoyed my list and take a chance on some (or many) of these if you haven't read them already. Share your favorites or thoughts on mine in the comments!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!