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My Rating: 5 stars

Alex doesn’t know how her mother died, and her father refuses to discuss what happened. Alex’s dream is to visit Colorado, where her mother was headed on the night she died, with her two childhood best friends, Zack and Bethany. Just when everything seems to be going as usual, a new student arrives at her school. And when Alex falls for him –Cole, a strikingly handsome sports star – she can’t believe she’s found her soul mate, someone who actually understands her. At first, everything is perfect. Alex and Cole are happy together. And even though Cole is dangerously jealous of Zack and extremely rude to Bethany, Alex tries to not pay attention to that minor flaw in their relationship. But then, suddenly, Cole’s pinches, shoves and put-downs seem less and less like a joke and more serious. Alex spends most of her time trying to avoid making Cole angry. In the end, Alex is forced to pick between her boyfriend – who’s “love” she can’t even recognize anymore – and herself.
As soon as I finished reading Hate List and saw that Jennifer Brown had a second book, I knew I just HAD to read it. And just like Hate List, this book is absolutely beautiful. Although this book is based on a topic not easily discussed and emotional topic, I feel like Jennifer Brown did a brilliant job capturing ever element of Alex’s story. The characters seemed so real and I felt like I was inside the book, experiencing everything as they did. I can’t put into words how much I adore this book and its author. I read it while on the beach and had to force myself not to cry, especially towards the end. Please, as soon as you can, go out and read this book. You will not regret it.

My Rating: 5 stars

After a terrible family incident, Jacob ventures to an island just off the coast of Whales. The island, in fact, was featured in many of the stories Jacob’s grandfather used to tell him, where his grandfather had spent many years of his childhood during the war. As Jacob explores the island, discovering the old, run down house of Miss Peregrine and her peculiar children. He finds boxes of strange pictures that go along with the ones his grandfather showed him many years ago when he was young. Jacob not only searches for Miss Peregrine and the peculiar children, but he hopes to uncover the mysteries of his grandfather’s past.
I had heard of this book through a friend, and I am so glad I decided to pick up my own copy. Honestly, I loved every bit of this book. Ransom Riggs is a great writer. Throughout the novel, there are pictures to go only with the text, mostly pictures of the peculiar children Jacob and his grandfather discuss and of the people Jacob meets along his journey. I would have never thought to include real photographs in a book, but I thought it fit in perfectly with this novel. There were actually some parts that were particularly creepy. The pictures definitely contributed toward the creep-factor. I guess I shouldn’t have read this book at nighttime… Anyway, this book was fantastic and I am really excited for the sequel!

My Rating: 5 stars

After I finished reading this book last month, I couldn’t wait to watch this movie. Considering how much I loved the book, I wanted to see it brought to life and how it would all be played out. And honestly, I absolutely loved it. Edward Norton starred as the Narrator, Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden and Helena Bonham Carter as Marla Singer. I don’t think I could have picked actors any more perfect for those roles. I thought it was really awesome seeing them all together, especially since I was so used to seeing Helena play Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter movies. Also, 30 Seconds to Mars lead singer, Jared Leto had a small part in this movie, which was really cool to see considering I’m a fan of his music. Most of this movie was actually very true to the book: there were a lot of direct quotes from the text. The only thing I didn’t really like was how it all ended. It was totally different than what happened in the book, but I guess it was alright. So if you love Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club, I suggest you see this film right away.

My Rating: 5 stars

The plotline of this story follows two Will Graysons whose paths cross at a totally unexpected place. The first Will Grayson, whose name is always capitalized, just wants to blend in. He has two rules of living: 1. Don’t care too much and 2. Shut up. That is how he lives his life. Although, it is quite hard for him to live unnoticed when his best friend is the not-so-small Tiny Cooper, who is trying to produce and direct his own flamboyant school play. The second will grayson, whose name is never capitalized, lives his life with nothing good to hold onto except for his online friend, Issac. One event brings both of these Will Graysons together and changes both of their lives.
When I first started this book, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it because I’m not a huge John Green fan (having previously read “Looking for Alaska” and “Paper Towns”). But of course, I was wrong. I absolutely enjoyed everything about this book. John Green’s and David Levithan’s writing styles complement each other so much. I had a hard time putting this book down; it was so addicting. I just wanted to know what was going to happen next. I think the one thing I like the most about John Green is how his characters are very different and realistic. It’s almost like they’re real people. The same goes for David Levithan. I’m so glad I read this book, and I am definitely going to read some other David Levithan books.

My Rating: 1 star

I can easily summarize this story in a few sentences: A shepherd named Santiago sets out on a journey to find reassure in the Egyptian pyramids, which he saw in his dreams. Along the way he meets a gypsy, a man who thinks he is a king, an Englishman, and an alchemist. In the end, his journey was completely pointless because he ended up not even finding the treasure.
In between the beginning and the end is a bunch of nonsense about your “Personal Legend” and the “Soul of the World” or something. Honestly, nothing important happens. I have to fill out a conflict chart for school (character vs. character, character vs. society…etc) and I honestly don’t know what to put in these charts. Nothing climatic happened. I didn’t like Coelho’s writing style. This was one of the worst summer reading books I’ve ever read. I actually had to force myself to read this book so I would finish it, and I absolutely hate doing that.
On the back cover of this book, it says: Every few decades a book comes along that changes the lives of its readers forever.” Sorry, but the only book that changed my life was Harry Potter.

My Rating: 4 stars

Kendall lives in a small town, Cryer’s Cross, which has dirt roads, tons of farmland and a school that can fit all four years of high school students into one classroom. Kendall is the only girl in her senior class, and Nico has been her best friend since she was little. The small town is filled with fear after a freshman girl disappears in the spring, but when someone else disappears – someone who is very important to Kendall – the town knows for sure that it isn’t just some random kidnapper. Something weird is going on here, and Kendall has to find out. Driven by her OCD-controlled brain, Kendall sets out to find the secrets of Cryer’s Cross.
Lisa McMann is the author of the Wake trilogy, so it’s obvious to say that I was pretty excited when I bought this book. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed. This book really kept me wanting more. I don’t want to say too much because I could risk giving too much of the plot away, especially all the components of the disappearances. The one tiny part I didn’t like was how easy it was to predict who would disappear next… But overall this book was a really, really good read and I can’t wait for the next one.

My Rating: 3 stars

During World War II, Vidya lives in British India in a society much different from today. Women are still considered property of their husband, and most of them do not go to college to get an education. Most women get married right after they get out of school. Vidya is only fifteen and the promise of marriage is looming. After her father and mother promise her that she can go to college, tragedy strikes her family and sends them to live with relatives in a traditional household. The hope of going to college soon vanishes, and Vidya realizes what her future will become. The only place she finds peace in this new household is her grandfather’s library, where she meets the encouraging Raman, who treats her like an equal. Climbing the Stairs is Vidya’s journey of chasing her dreams.
I had to read this novel for school, so of course when I first started reading it, I wasn’t too excited. But after about reading half of the book, I was surprised it wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be. It was interesting enough for me to keep reading and not bore me to death, which is usually how it is with summer reading books. The only thing I don’t understand is the title of the novel, “Climbing the Stairs”. I guess it could mean the stairs going up to the library in her grandfather’s house, though I’m not too sure. Overall, this is definitely one of the better assigned books I’ve read for a summer reading assignment.

My Rating: 5 stars

At the end of her junior year, May 2nd to be exact, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick Levil, opened fire in the school cafeteria. At first, Valerie was considered to be part of the crime because of the list. The “Hate List”. The list Valerie made with Nick, at first just a way to vent her anger. A list Nick took too seriously. Valerie was as shocked as everyone else; she was even shot by Nick while she tried to protect someone else. After a summer of hiding away in her room and therapy sessions, Valerie must return to her high school for her senior year. She must face the judging eyes of the kids at school, the new rules, the teachers and even the girl whose life she saved. Val is still haunted by the memory of that day and the boyfriend she still loves. This novel shows Val’s transition from scared to brave, and her journey to make amends and move on with her life.
Let’s see if I can actually describe how much I love this book. Honestly, from page one I was hooked. The plot and characters just reeled me in. I couldn’t put it down. I adore the plotline of this book, how every chapter there is something new and Val’s experiences are so real and honest. Jennifer Brown’s characters are so realistic and well thought out that I felt like I was in the book too, going through what they were going through. They all had different personalities and problems of their own. The ending was great; it actually brought tears to my eyes. Jennifer Brown, I praise you for this perfect novel, and I can’t wait to read your others books to come.

My Rating: 5 stars

Fight Club follows an unnamed main character, who suffers from insomnia because of jet lag from frequent business trips he takes around the country. The Narrator’s doctor tells him to go to various support groups to see what “real suffering is like”. He finds that sharing the problems of others at the support groups helps him with his insomnia. At these groups, he meets Marla Singer, who he is afraid knows that he is a “faker”. During a flight home from a business trip, the Narrator meets Tyler Durden, and after his apartment is destroyed, must live at Tyler’s house. Together, they create “Fight Club” which was inspired by Tyler asking the Narrator to “hit him as hard as he can”. Fight Club is based on a very important series of rules, but the most prominent one is “you don’t talk about Fight Club”. From this, “Project Mayhem” is formed, as a cult-like organization to bring down modern civilization. The Narrator learns more about himself through Tyler than ever before.
Once again, I was totally confused when I started reading this book. The first half doesn’t make much sense, just like Palahniuk’s other book, Invisible Monsters. I was actually going to give up on Fight Club. But I kept reminding myself about how amazing Invisible Monsters is and how much I love it, even though it made no sense in the beginning too. So, I continued reading. And, once again, by the end of this book everything made sense. The end of Fight Club is absolutely fantastic, mind-blowing and totally unexpected. Palahniuk never disappoints, does he? I would love to know where he gets all of his ideas. Fight Club is definitely one of my favorite novels, and I can’t wait to read more books by Chuck Palahniuk.

After seeing Deathly Hallows Part 2 again, I realized really now much of the ending of the movie was changed. Really, the whole timeline of events was altered. All the events leading up to the big moment (when Harry finally defeats Voldemort) were totally different than what happened in the book.
After Harry is “killed” by Voldemort and has the dream thing of him and Dumbledore at King’s Cross station, Voldemort thinks he is actually dead. Voldemort then announces to the population of Hogwarts that Harry was indeed defeated. Narcissa Malfoy, Harry and we as readers are the only ones who know Harry is actually alive. A lot of important quotes were cut of out this scene in the movie. Ron is supposed to shout “He beat you!” referring that Harry really beat Voldemort, even though he is dead.
Neville is supposed to step up to Voldemort and defy him. When Voldemort asked for people do join him as Death Eaters, Neville is supposed to say, “I’ll join you when hell freezes over! Dumbledore’s Army!” I had been waiting for the moment for the four years since the book has been released. I couldn’t wait to hear the words come out of Matt Lewis’s mouth. The fact that Neville did not say that really upset me. That one simple quote was supposed to show Neville’s transformation from the little scared boy with a pet toad, to the hero with Gryffindor’s sword. In the movie, Neville made some speech about how it was okay that Harry died, because people die every day. Even though Harry died he still lives on in our hearts. Although I liked that little speech, it did not fit the moment. This wasn’t supposed to be some heart-touching moment. The crowd was supposed to be angry and upset and rebellious. Voldemort is then is supposed to summon the Sorting Hat onto Neville’s head, explaining that there will be no more Houses at Hogwarts. Then, he demonstrates what happens to people who continue to oppose him. The hat is set on fire, along with Neville. Out of nowhere, Neville is the hero again. Neville kills Nagini with Gryffindor’s sword, slicing her head right off. This doesn’t happen in the movie. Harry (who is on the floor, at the feet of Hagrid) was then supposed to put on the Invisibility Cloak and cast an Shield Charm, protecting Neville and the others from Voldemort. Hagrid and everyone else finally realize Harry has disappeared, and then the fighting begins again. You all know what happens next. In the movie, Harry doesn’t use the Cloak and everyone sees him run away. Then Harry and Voldemort fight some more, Neville is knocked out for a while, and Ron and Hermione chase after Nagini, trying to kill her. I understand it builds up suspense, but it totally messes with the plot of the book.
And, after all the battles are over and Harry has one, he’s supposed to go off with Ron and Hermione into Dumbledore’s old office and fix Harry’s broken wand with the Elder wand, which doesn’t happen in the movie. Harry is supposed to say “I’ve had enough trouble for a lifetime.” I can’t explain how upset I am this was not said in the movie. I felt like it was one of the most important things said and summed up everything very well. Also, at the end of the whole book, after Harry touches his scar which hasn’t pained him in nineteen years, the last line is “All was well.” I really wished that was used in the movie as a kind of “the end” for the series. I think it would have been perfect.
I could never say that I dislike or hate a Harry Potter movie. But I am disappointed. I was just waiting for certain parts for SO long, and I’m upset so many of my favorite lines were not included.