Author Interview: Nicola Yoon

Wow! It's been quite some time since I made a blog post and I must admit, it's going to be kind of interesting trying to put myself back into the swing of things!

First and foremost, I am going to be completely redesigning my blog! I'd like to have something a little more professional and I think it'll be nice for my followers.

Second, today's blog post will be an awesome interview with an author! Several months ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to read an advanced copy of, Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. I fell completely in love with story and sent an email to Nicola asking if I might be able to ask her some questions in anticipation for her September 1st publication. Nicola was so gracious and agreed and answered 10 questions! 8 book related and 2 more personal related. I will go ahead and leave the interview down below and leave a link to a Goodreads review of the book! Happy reading! - Rachel

1.If you had to do it again, is there any aspect of your novel that you would change?

N: Yes, I would make certain scenes a little longer, but I'm not going to say which ones! :)

2. What was your favorite part your novel to write about?

N: It's hard to choose! I really enjoyed writing the IM scenes between Maddy & Olly. It was fun making them fall in love with each other's minds first.

3. What kind of research did you do for Everything, Everything.?

N: I did research on severe allergies and on SCID. Strangely, what I took away from all my medical research is that the human will to live and thrive is really strong.

4. Are there any authors that have inspired you?

N: Yes, lots! Toni Morrison, Haruki Murakami, Alice Munro, J.D. Salinger, F. Scott Fitzgerald and many, many more.

5. Did you always know that your book would end the way that it did?

N:Yes! I knew the end almost as soon as I knew the beginning.

6. Who was your favorite character to create/write about?

N: Madeline.

7. If you could collaborate with any authors who would they be?

N: My husband are planning to write a book together. We've talked about doing this for years but we've finally hit upon an idea that we're both super excited about.

8. As a mother writing Maddy's mother's character, was it hard to write her feelings and ultimately what we find out about her?

N: Oh yes! I admit to crying A LOT while writing some of those scenes.

9. What are some of your pet peeves?

N: People who don't say thank you when you hold a door open for them. OMG, it drives me up the wall!

10. What has been your most memorable fan moment or you most memorable event so far in your published journey?

N: My favorite fan moments are always at the signings. I really love getting to meet and chat with people. Fans of the book have been so incredibly positive and generous. I'm really honored when I get to meet them in person. Some other things I've loved is getting to meet and fangirl some incredible writers - Jacqueline Woodson, Jandy Nelson, David Levithan and Rainbow Rowell to name a few. I've also formed some wonderful friendships other 2015 debut writers like myself and I'm so grateful for those. 

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon  Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1300896593

Of Scars and Stardust by Andrea Hannah

Disclaimer: An e-galley copy of this book was sent to me by Flux  in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for this review other than the book itself.

Title: Of Scars and Stardust by Andrea Hannah

Published by: Flux

Publication Date: October 8, 2014

What's Of Scars and Stardust all about?

Seventeen-year-old Claire Graham left Amble, Ohio, two years ago, but the tragedy she tried to outrun still haunts her, even in New York City. Now, following the news that her sister Ella has suddenly vanished, Claire returns to her hometown to find her sister and face what happened there.

My interpretation on what this book is about:

From reading my very vague synopsis of this book, you may think that this book is just your typical YA contemporary fiction.  A main character who is running from her past, but the faster that she runs, the faster that she runs right into her past.  Typical, however, is FAR from what this book is. Claire Graham has a very close relationship with her younger sister, Ella. Ella is out spoken and knows exactly what she wants in life and will not allow anyone to tell her otherwise. Claire has an obsession with wolves, a myth that Rae, her best friend,  told her, that she seems to have truly believed.  On the night of Claire's birthday party, she has instructed  Ella to stay home. Claire hopes to find Grant Buchanan, the brother of  Rae, at her birthday party. Grant is not there and Claire becomes upset, but suddenly, Ella is there. Claire begs Ella to go home, even at the protest of Rae, who tells Ella that the wolves will get her should she leave. Reluctantly, Ella goes home, and the morning after, things in Amble, Ohio are never the same again. 

Initial Thoughts:

From the first few pages of this book, you can immediately feel the eerie tone that this book is going to take. You just have the overwhelming sense of unease. Claire is such an interesting character to read about. She has this unhealthy obsession with wolves, to the point that she even convinces her sister that the myths of the wolves are true. I even quite enjoyed the love interest, Grant. Grant is trying to deal with the fact that his sister can never just stay in one place for long periods of time and also the whispers of the town that he is a sympathizer to Claire. I think that Grant also really wanted to believe in Claire and her obsession with wolves.

All of the characters are so unique and are struggling with their own demons. I really wish that I could have seen some more insight into Ella's character, however, I understand why some things were pursued while others weren't.

Final Thoughts:

Again, I don't want to give too much away from this book BUT I highly recommend it! I really like how the author handles the subject of mental illness. I truly love books with unreliable narrators. I love thinking that something is real and then being shown otherwise. If you enjoyed We Were Liar by E. Lockhart then you will LOVE Of Scars and Stardust. I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars and will be purchasing a hard copy when it comes out!

Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

**Disclaimer: A copy of this book was sent to me by Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review. I receive no compensation for this review other than the book itself. **

Welcome to Orsk! Your one stop show for all of your housing needs! Get lost in our expansive show room where the possibilities are endless! Who knows? You may never leave!  
 
What's Horrorstör all about? Something strange is happening at the Orsk furniture superstore in Cleveland, Ohio. Every morning, employees arrive to find broken Kjerring wardrobes, shattered Brooka glassware, and vandalized Liripip sofa beds—clearly, someone or something is up to no good. To unravel the mystery, five young employees volunteer for a long dusk-till-dawn shift—and they encounter horrors that defy imagination.

Initial Thoughts: When looking at this book, I have to say that you immediately think that you are looking at an IKEA catalog but don't let the wonderful cover deceive you! What lies inside is a really suspenseful story. As I started reading the first chapter of this book, I wasn't really interested in the main character, Amy. I thought that she was a HUGE Debbie-downer and I found her pretty aggravating but as the story went on, I became really invested in her as well as the other characters. Each chapter begins with a picture of some type of Orsk furniture with an explanation as to why you need it but as you go along, the pictures become pretty gruesome while at the same time keeping with the wonderful layout of this story. I deeply admired the satire in this story. I truly enjoyed how so many different times in the story you realized that you, as a consumer, are quite literally sucked into the store that you are in and everything is so methodically placed for you, the consumer, to want to buy something. I also really enjoyed the horror element to the story. There were several unnerving sections in the book that had me on the edge of my seat! From scenes with torture to scenes with the characters being in the complete dark. I enjoyed how the Orsk itself took on a kind of character quality. It was as if the Orsk was playing mind games with you and making you believe things that weren't true and actually making you feel like you were crazy. There is quite a bit of suspense building up to actually finding out what is going on and to be completely honest, the book kind of ends with the characters still really having no idea what's going to happen next.

Final Thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read this in one sitting and am quite happy that I could do so. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and suspenseful read!

Until next time-

Happy Reading, Rachel

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If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Today's blog will be a review of a book that I just finished reading with a fellow blogger, Melissa from BookBFFS. If I Stay by Gayle Forman is a contemporary read and its pretty heart wrenching.
So let's talk about it!

 

What's it all about? "In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make."

Initial Thoughts: Now, I'll be honest and say that I have had this book sitting on my shelf for quite some time and didn't really plan on reading it any time soon, other books held more precedent than this one did, but when I saw Melissa mention that she was thinking of reading it, I asked her if she might want to read it together, and she accepted. I read this book in a day. I'm honestly not a huge fan of contemporary reads and the premise of this story was just so sad but I can tell you that after reading this and really thinking about it that nothing really happens in this book. Yes, there is a major event in the first few chapters of this book, but this book is mostly told in flashbacks. A lot of time is spent with Mia trying to decide whether or not she should stay or go, she tells her story in a series of flashbacks, looking back at events in her life that define who she is as a person and the type of person that she will be, should she decide to stay.

Characters: Mia - Overall, I felt a pretty personal connection to Mia because of her love of music, specifically the cello. I myself played the violin for several years, so the fact that she was so in love with classical music hit a soft spot for me. I really enjoyed her as a character, as she sits in her own "limbo" of sorts just waiting and watching. I can not help but wonder if I was in her situation what I would do. Her holding on to any hope for her brother just hit me so hard. She is not a character that NEEDED love from her boyfriend, Adam to keep her going. She was not reliant on him, and I found that refreshing. Adam - Oh Adam, swoon worthy indeed. For a book boyfriend, I felt that Adam's character was pretty realistic for his reactions to things. He had goals in life and I enjoyed that neither Adam nor Mia had the, I CAN NOT LIVE OR BREATHE WITHOUT MY BF/GF syndrome. Both characters knew that there would come a point in their relationship in which they would have to decide what was next. I feel that Adam's reaction to Mia's predicament was also pretty realistic and I really enjoyed his final move with the music. Kim - Kim was such a wonderful character. I thought she was a wonderful choice for Mia's best friend. Going through all their trials together brought them together as a great duo. She held it together and I really think that this was something that Mia really needed. Especially when she went to get Adam. Wonderful. Other Characters - These characters are by no means minor. Firstly, Mom and Dad - I, at times, felt that their responses and reactions to things felt a little unparent-like. For instance, the scene when Mia is explaining her moms reaction to her having her first boyfriend. I really loved them though, they had some profound moments and I was truly hurt by the death. Teddy - Any scene with Teddy was particularly painful. I was so heart broken at her realization of his fate. Such a beautiful soul and so young, I was without words for him. Gran and Gramps - Gran held to her strong character. Did not let the situation break her down and I appreciated this. Gramps was a stong character but those moments when he let his emotions take over, were so sad.

Final Thoughts: I did really enjoy this book. I was a little put off by such a cliffhanger ending but I really did enjoy this book. There really wasn't any character or plot development. As I mentioned before the book is mostly told in flashbacks with really no talk of the future. ( This I assume is the synopsis for the next book, Where She Went.) I can see where this book might make you cry, I myself was teary eyed more than once. I can not fathom such a horrible and utterly horrific situation that Mia is put through and I feel this book portrayed these feelings quite well. I would recommend this to someone who enjoys sad contemporary reads. Star rating? 4 1/2.

Favorite Quotes:

" I know that all the magic kisses in the world probably couldn't have helped him today. But I would do anything to have been able to give him one."  - Mia

"I just think that funerals are a lot like death itself. You can have your wishes, your plans, but at the end of the day, it's out of your control."  -Mia's Father

Until Next Time

Rachel

Shatter Me by Tahera Mafi

Hey Guys! Today I will be doing a review over Shatter Me by Tahera Mafi. This book is by no means anything new, in fact, the last book in the trilogy, Ignite Me comes out very soon, but of course I jumped on the band wagon late and now here we are. I just want to share a few thoughts about it.

 

What's this book about? 

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior"

Initial thoughts: Okay, I'll will start by saying that this book is filled with metaphors. At first, it was overwhelming and I was not sure if I was going to enjoy it but after reading a few chapters, I began to get used to it and kind of started to enjoy it. I really liked that she was writing this book in like a stream of consciousness style, and she would cross out what she really felt and would leave what she thought that she should be feeling. Make sense? 

Characters:

Juliette: Juliette's character is one of those types of characters that you either really enjoy or you don't. She was weak throughout the entire novel up until the last few chapters. It was as if you just couldn't get through to her. She was entirely too trusting as well as WAY too forgiving. She was lied to quite often in this book and although she expresses being hurt, she immediately falls back into her self loathing and too trusting personality. For all that has been done to her, I think that she should have pretty much hated everyone. 

Adam: I felt that Adam was kind of a sissy boy whom was hiding a lot of secrets. He comes into the book as a cellmate to Juliette and almost right off the bat is lying to her. I think that he fell in love a little too quickly, despite having known Juliette for so long, he almost holds no bars and just bam, loves her. There is so much sexual tension between Juliette and Adam, and I found myself thinking, "Damn, just do it already."

Warner: I loved Warner's character and I'm not sure why. He is completely obsessed with power and even more obsessed with Juliette and the book never really explains why. I really hope that his story line progresses more in the following novels. (Let me just mention that the one scene with Juliette and him and he has captured her? Sexy.)

Minor Characters: There were more minor characters such as Kenji, a supposed soldier and "friend" to Adam. As well as, James, Adam's little brother. Both are good fill in characters so that we don't just read strictly about, Juliette, Adam, and Warner

Final Thoughts: I did quite enjoy this book. Is it an absolute literary work of fiction? No. It is just something fun to read. Definitely a guilty pleasure read. The writing grows on you and becomes beautiful. Although, I found Juliette's character to be overly trusting and too forgiving, I can see that she was mentally unstable. I wonder though, that for someone being in solitary confinement for so long how they could possibly open up so quickly too someone else, even having "known" them. I can not imagine what it would be like to not be able to touch someone and I can't being to fathom the loneliness in that. One final pet peeve was the fact that she comes out of the asylum a little dirty but apparently beautiful. There is no mention of the fact that she has barely eaten in a year and has seen very little sunlight. You would think that someone in that predicament would come out very skinny and very pale. This, however, is not the case. Everyone immediately starts going on about her beauty and her body. I find this to be unbelievable, but I mean, who is really reading a story for that anyways? 

I do recommend this book for its guilty pleasure qualities and rated it 3.5 stars on my Goodreads.

As always, a quote:

"It never leaves. It's always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it's a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human. 

Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections."

Rachel

The Archived by Victoria Schwabb

Hey guys! It's definitely been awhile and I apologize for my long break. I constantly go between whether or not I want to continue with my blog or not, but hey! Today I have a review and I'm really excited because this review is for a book that I added to my all time favorites! The Archived by Victoria Schwabb. Now, I have been having issues with reading series but with this book, I will be getting the sequel.

Now, I will be honest and say that I had really no clue what this book was about when I bought it, but I fell in love with the cover and tanked. I am beyond grateful that I did.
Mackenzie Bishop is not your typical 16 year old teenager. She holds a secret that no one must ever find out except for those already involved. Still reeling from the death of her Da, as well as the death of her little brother Ben, Mackenzie mostly keeps to herself, and most importantly avoids touching anyone at all costs. Mackenzie is a Keeper for the Archived. Tasked with returning Histories that have been awoken back to the Archived. A dangerous job that must be done. When Mac and her family move to a new apartment, her job becomes much harder, someone is altering and erasing histories, and Mac must race against time to fix all that has been lost.

I will avoid giving away anymore than that. I really feel that it is best to go into this book knowing as little as possible. Anyways, I LOVE THIS BOOK. The writing style is so unique and really entrancing. I guess you could say that there was instant love, however, it's not overwhelming and upon hearing the story behind it, the romance with one character makes sense. There is a major twist in this book that I did not see coming whatsoever. I literally gasped in shock, but isn't that the magic of books? This book has a lot going on and several characters but it is put together so well that it is easy to keep up with. It is such an engaging read that I stayed up until 5:00am because I HAD to finish it.

You really feel for Mackenzie and all that she is going through. A lot of time it just feels so hopeless but she manages to keep herself together. She is so strong and she remains one of my favorite female characters of all time.

I cannot recommend this book enough. Please go check it out! 5 out of 5 stars for sure!
I will absolutely be on the look out for The Unbound coming out on January 28, 2014.

I now leave you with some of my favorite quotes!

""A History..." You pull out a cigarette, roll it between your fingers. "You might think of it as a ghost, but that's not what it is, really. Histories are records.""

"Servamus Memoriam" "We Protect the Past"

"When you lie to everyone about everything, what's left? What's true?"
"Nothing," I say.
"Exactly."

 ""You know, I used to think that when you died you lost everything." He starts down the hall, talking as he goes, so I'm forced to follow. "That's what made me so sad about death, even more than the fact that you couldn't live anymore; it was that you lost all the things you'd spent your life collecting, all the memories and knowledge...""