The Sun Is Also A Star is soon to be a movie said to be released May 17th, 2019 (See cover below)

Synopsis: The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon is contemporary YA fiction. The setting is New York City and the story is a dual perspective format of Natasha and Daniel. Natasha doesn’t believe in love. She believes in the cold, hard facts. Daniel believes in destiny and poetry. Romance. Natasha is on the brink of deportation and Daniel is struggling with meeting his parents’ expectations that he be a doctor when he truly wants to be a poet. What happens when these worlds collide?

 As I’ve said before, I am not a huge fan of romance, but this book was cute. Also, maybe I do like romance because this is the second romance type book I have reviewed lol. ANYWAYS! I thought this book was super cute, but not overdone. I also liked how the book occasionally dropped some science facts and knowledge. I think it really pulled the title into the story well. The science aspect of it also tied the overall message together. Seriously, I really liked this book!

SPOILER SECTION:

Natasha doesn’t believe in love. Daniel does. Daniel tries to scientifically prove love is real by trying to get Natasha to fall in love with him. The spoiler is that she does. I admire Natasha’s conviction and dedication to science. At the same time, I admire Daniel’s poetic passion.

I also really liked how the author captured the passage of time. The whole novel is written over the span of one day. I was so engrossed in the story. Actually, it felt like a pretty quick read because of how quickly time in the story moved over such a short span. Am I even making sense? The book flew just like a typical day would fly.

Sometimes when I read a dual perspective, I favor one character over the other. I did not have that problem with The Sun Is Also A Star. I couldn’t wait to read Natasha and I couldn’t wait to read Daniel.

Race was also addressed, which I think is super important especially for young readers.  I loved the different cultural perspectives and the race-related issues within each family that the book addressed. For instance, Daniel’s family not approving of Natasha and vice versa simply due to race.

Finally, my mind was blown with the ending. I am not sure what I expected. The ending I initially wanted was that Natasha would not be deported and she and Daniel would live happily ever after. I actually believed she wouldn’t because that would be a predictable YA ending. Natasha was deported. My heart broke for them! I remember being in love as a teenager and how deeply I felt heartbreak and separation. I empathize. At the same time, I was thinking that they will be fine. They’re young. Their whole life is ahead of them. The Sun Is Also A Star challenged my belief in fate and destiny. How? Well, the happily ever after wasn’t totally impossible because the ending flashes into the future where Daniel and Natasha end up on THE SAME FREAKING PLANE. It is absolute DESTINY. Young love may just turn into something more. Book 2? I would read it.

So, the April Owlcrate was my first box I had received. I did not fall totally in love with this box but let me tell you that the May box absolutely redeemed itself. I am in love and clearly can’t wait for my next Owlcrate. The May box has me contemplating if I want to up my subscription. Check out my May Owlcrate unboxing video!

This is my first video I have made like this with edits and everything.

May Owlcrate unboxing! YAYYY!#May #Owlcrate #unboxing #mayowlcrate #book #nerd #booknerd #nerdbook #wehunttheflame pic.twitter.com/1ZeWRUUk4M

— Amanda📚 (@Amandainezz41) May 25, 2019

Anways, hope you enjoyed the short video! Let me know what you think! Would you like to see more videos like this? Have you gotten an Owlcrate? Do you love it? Hate it? I want to know everything!

Also, a series on NETFLIX!

Spoiler Free Review: You is about a man named Joe Goldberg who works in a bookstore in New York. A beautiful lady walks in and Joe is smitten. Joe looks up Guinevere Beck on the internet finding her Facebook and Tweets. Joe HAS to get to know Beck. He is going to do anything to make sure that happens. Did I like You? Yes. I did. Keep reading for more details!

ALERT: This part of the review will have SPOILERS

Super Brief Synopsis (that will not give the book justice): A beautiful aspiring writer walks into a bookstore where Joe Goldberg works. He looks her up on the Internet and finds her pretty easily. He quickly becomes engrossed with Guinevere Beck. Obsessed. Joe is a straight up stalker.

If your view on this book is that Joe Goldberg is justified in his batshit crazy behavior, you’re not going to like this review. Literally, on the back of the book it says:

“As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms.”

This is NOT hot. This is manipulation. Lies. And oh… eventually MURDER!

I kid you not, I was watching the Netflix series with a friend after reading the book because I genuinely liked You. FYI: I think the Netflix series is also good. Anyways, my friend goes “Aw, but he loves her!” after this dude Joe straight up KILLS Beck’s lover Benji. My friend says, “But Benji wasn’t good for her…” WHAT!? No friend. No. It is not okay to kill people because they are not meant for someone else! Should I be concerned about you!? Let’s talk about your relationships because I’m worried lol.

I don’t care if Benji is an unbearable freaking idiot, you cannot possibly think his murder was justified because of what? Because of LOVE? NO! Not cool, my friend. Joe’s behavior is obviously a recipe for domestic violence, stalking, and murder. Don’t fall in love with Joe’s weird behavior, please.

The End Result: He freaking kills Beck. There you go. Joe was so hot, he killed her. Just no! I highly doubt the author wanted people to think Joe Goldberg was a man that women should want. I think the author and the Netflix You creators highlight that attractive or “normal” people are capable of insane things *cough* Ted Bundy *cough*. However, I doubt the message was for people to think Joe’s behavior was sweet because he loved her. Yeah… look how that turned out. He killed her.

ANYWAYS…

YOU gets 4 / 5 stars from me! It was a good book and really shows how easy it is to be stalked and manipulated in this digital age where a lot of our personal info is readily accessible with a few clicks.  

What is OwlCrate? Basically, it is a YA book subscription box that includes other book related goodies! I think the idea is tons of fun and I could not WAIT to get my box!

I am not being paid to endorse OwlCrate, this is simply my honest thoughts after receiving my first box.

Prices and Packages: You pay shipping. There are 3 plans!

• Monthly – $29.99
• 3 Month Prepay – $86.98
• 6 Month Prepay – $167.94

I signed up for the 3 month plan just to see how I felt about OwlCrate but to also give it another chance if I didn’t care for my first box.

Every single box will include a brand-new young adult novel, 3-5 high quality bookish items, as well as exclusive goodies from the author! Every box has a creative theme that ties everything together

OwlCrate Website

There are some super cool things I did not know could come in the OwlCrate. First, the cover of whatever book they send you is likely to be different from the mass production of whatever book you receive. In the box I received, the author sent a personalized note to crate subscribers, which was really fun! The experience of getting the crate in the mail, not knowing what was inside, and getting to unbox the bookish goodies was freaking awesome. For what you get, I think it is worth the price… if you think you’ll use every item in the box.

Some cons: There’s always a downside, right? While I feel the price is fair, I personally don’t feel I will utilize all of the fun goodies in the box. My box had some pins, a scarf, and a notepad along with my really freaking sweet copy of Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan. I haven’t started reading this yet, but the synposis sounds like something I can totally get into. Anyways, I highly doubt I use the scarf or the pins, but I have already cracked into the notepad!

See below the two different covers of Wicked Saints! Although I have heard mixed opinions, I personally like the OwlCrate cover better.

Would I do OwlCrate again? ABSOLUTELY! In fact, I am restlessly waiting for my next box to arrive.

Want to check out OwlCrate for yourself? Go HERE!

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Harry Potter. It is my favorite series of all time. However, I sometimes get sick of book lists that include Harry Potter as a must-read. It absolutely IS a must-read. However, I feel like including Harry Potter in a top slot takes up a spot where a lesser known series could have been placed.

Here are my personal favorite series that should not be overlooked during your next trip to the bookstore!

WARNING: There is not a theme to this list nor is it genre-specific.

#5: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

If you’re into a sophisticated supernatural series, this is for you. Twilight step aside because A Discovery of Witches is not messing around. The story follows Dianna Bishop who manages to find a bewitched alchemical manuscript during her research at Oxford’s Bodleian Library. What follows is ancient magic and an adventurous storyline. Magic and supernatural lovers: You NEED this book in your life.

#4: Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

“Maybe he has a gift, maybe it’s a curse, Odd has never been sure, but he tries to do his best by the silent souls who seek him out.”

Oh, Odd Thomas. I really like the Odd Thomas series. I have read reviews where people could not stand the series and had very valid points. However, I love the setting and the characters all the same. It’s quirky and it’s mysterious. If you fall in love with the book, there are many more available following Odd’s adventures. Disclaimer: Personally, I was not a huge fan of Book 2 Forever Odd.

 

#3: Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer

I have to be upfront about Annihilation. The writing could be considered dry if you aren’t going into it with the correct mindset. Here are some keywords to set the mood: Area X, Government Expeditions, Mass Suicide, and Science. Basically… some real freaky shit. The Annihilation Series or The Southern Reach series follows an expedition group entering into the mysterious Area X as the 12^th expedition to venture past Area X’s borders.

Please, Please, Please do NOT make assumptions about this book if you saw the movie first. It does not come close to doing the book justice. Sorry, Hollywood.

#2: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

I LOVE THIS SERIES. A Great and Terrible Beauty is a YA gothic novel mysterious series following Gemma Doyle. While the first book was a little catty, it is completely necessary as you move through the series.  Basically, dark family secrets are unearthed and a long-lost diary “thrust Gemma and her classmates back into the horrors that followed her from India.”

 

#1: Scythe by Neal Shusterman

“Thou shalt kill.”

Does that commandment pique your interest? It definitely did mine. Scythe is a thought-provoking YA that does not feel YA. The sequel Thunderhead is a perfect follow-up to Scythe. Rumor has it that a third book is coming. Needless to say, I can’t wait.

Scythe is set in a world where there is no hunger, disease, war, and no misery. Death is not an issue in this world. However, the population must be controlled. Que the Scythes! Scythes are the only beings who can end life. The story follows Citra and Rowan, two apprentice scythes. Let me tell you that you may think you know where the story is going and how it ends, but chances are good that you do not.  This book is brilliant. Read it! Seriously, go read it!

 

I hope you enjoy this list and feel free to share your opinions or what your personal top 5 favorite series list includes! I would love to read them.

Book Sleeves. Game Changer. – Nerdbook author Amanda

I had never heard of a book sleeve before a few months ago. It quickly turned into an addiction. I am that person that take like 5 books on vacation knowing full and well I won’t read more than 2 during the course of the trip!

Typically, I put them in a separate travel bag and treat the bag like it is full of glass because I am THAT nerd that cannot stand to see my books damaged. Now I can take all 5 books I won’t read in nice little sleeves that protect my precious books!

Right now, I have 4 sleeves. Clearly, I am planning on buying a 5th sleeve. Below are pictures of the sleeves I have acquired thus far from various places:

1. Book Beau

https://bookbeau.com/

This one has a variety of animals. It’s well padded and cute af. Every time, I get on their website I get to spin the wheel and get a discount. I kind of wish this feature didn’t exist because I keep buying from them!!! Check out Book Beau fr fr.

2. Etsy

The bottom 3 sleeves I have gotten from different sellers on Etsy. Simply search book sleeves in the Etsy search bar and GOOD LUCK because you’re going to buy one.

Succulent Book Sleeve –HERE!

This one is also well padded and has a little button and a loop to shut the sleeve for further protection! And SUCCULENTS!

Map Sleeve – HERE!

This one is similar to the succulent book sleeve but is a map. Love. It. Yes.

Mermaid – HERE!

This one has the least padding, but is legit beautiful. The colors are accurate. There is no button/loop combo on this one but I still love it. The ONLY downside was shipping was super slow because I think the creator lives overseas. UK maybe? Anyways, it took like 2 weeks to get. Worth it? YES.

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“Love and pride don’t mix.”
― Daisy Jones & The Six

 

Daisy Jones & The Six is a fiction novel of a band’s journey during the late sixties. If you know ANYTHING about rock ‘n roll or the 60’s, you can guess what you might find in this book. However, there is so much more to this book than sex and drugs. As a musician, I did not think I would care for this book. I went into it with this bitter mindset that it isn’t about a REAL band, so why bother? There are plenty of books about REAL rockers like The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Six and Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir by Dave Mustaine.  Why should I waste my time on a fake band?

 

I WAS SO WRONG!

 

This book delivered. I am actually glad the band was fictitious. It made me wish so badly I could hear their music and google their videos. Since I could not, my imagination was 100% free to experience this band’s journey and songwriting process without the ease of just looking them up. The experience of following the band’s journey was REAL. The characters were relatable, deep, and artsy. Moreover, Daisy Jones & The Six inspired me big time to start song-writing again. Musician or not, this book is amazing.

I don’t normally give 5 stars, but damn. This was a good book. I listened to the audiobook but I have heard that the physical copy is just as good. However, I am not sure I would have fell in love as much if I had picked up the physical copy first. There was just something great about the voice actors bringing this story to life.

 

Review – 5/5 stars

“Never give up on your dreams, and never let anyone tell you that what you love is inconsequential or useless or a waste of time…” – Geekerella

Spoiler Free Section

“Do I not meet your fangirl expectation?”  – Geekerella

First, I have to point out that I am a complete idiot. The cover is clearly a blaring sign that this book is a Cinderella retelling. Guess who missed the memo? A few chapters in, I finally took notice of what was actually happening on the cover. How about the literal name: Geekerella? Pumpkin carriage reference? Blue Dress? Missing shoe? Prince Charming? Anyone? Yeah… alrighty. Som if you were wondering what the book is about in general terms, it is a Cinderella retelling, it is YA, and it is a story for fellow nerds/geeks/ as well as fangirls/fanboys.

General Impressions – The book is freaking adorable. I am not big on romance because I am not a lovey-dovey type of person. I also usually don’t care for storybook retellings. This book is an exception. I thought it was really well written. Cute. Fun. It had a hint of drama. It also doesn’t shove the Cinderella storyline down your throat. I love that it is geeky and nerdy. I also love its incorporation of fanfics, cosplays, and cons. At times, I thought it was hella dorky but the cheese factor made me love it more.

Be sure to SKIP the SPOILER section if you don’t want spoiled to see what rating I ended up giving Geekerella.

Spoiler Section

Alright. You’ve been warned. First, I think the author did a really good job weaving this story. My first impressions prior to reading were that Elle would go to a con, meet a boy, fall in love, the end. Predictable love story with a nerdy element, right? WRONG! I have to say it was much more than that! Elle is painted to be an ordinary girl and Darien is a rising movie star. While I think Elle was a little too self-deprecating, it is understandable given her home life and also slightly necessary to build hope that Elle might be able to escape her total shit situation. Anyways, Elle and Darien occupy two very different universes with a slim chance of collision. Spoiler Alert: They do.

The story starts off with Elle’s horror that a teen heart-throb is cast as the lead character of her favorite series. Darien is going to play Carmindor in Starfield. Basically, Elle and the rest of the fandom is pissed off. Darien knows nothing about Starfield! Plot twist. Darien actually loves Starfield and is totally aware that the fandom is not thrilled especially when he sees a blog dissing him as the lead role. A blog anonymously run by Elle. So, he is calling off attending ExcelsiCon. In an attempt to cancel the con, he texts a number he finds online, which just so happens to be Elle’s phone number. This isn’t random of course because Elle’s late father actually founded the con and Elle still has her dad’s phone. The two keep texting and seem to really like talking to each other. The anonymity adds some excitement to the relationship and I think makes it easier for them to be real with each other while ironically keeps them from not being totally honest about who they are. It’s great. Luckily, Geekerella doesn’t turn totally Catfish.  I loved the lead-up to the con, the bitchy step-mom and step-sister back story, newfound friendship, the geeky love story, and of course the finale of boy winning the girl. Let’s not forget one final kick to Elle’s nasty stepsisters who totally deserved every second of what she got. BOOM!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Geekerella a little fantastical and over the top? Maybe. But that is what makes it SO good.

The Verdict – 4 / 5 Stars.

Hi!

Okay, so I have goals upon goals. The biggest goal I have for this blog is to post SOMETHING at least 1x per week. I would love to post daily, but when classes start back up that doesn’t seem realistic.

I am a social worker so you can imagine how crazy my days are. Now add graduate school. I currently have my Masters in Psychology but am pursuing an MSW. Providing therapy is the end goal.

Books I like: Literally anything. I am a huge true crime fan. I like Sci-fi, fantasy, YA, and fiction in general. I am not a huge fan of romance and nonfiction.

Okay, back to the blog. I have lots of ideas that have probably already been done before but not in my words or through my eyes. Thus, Mini goals include posting book reviews, TBR (to be read) lists, my favorite book lists, must-read series, book recomendations, and much more.

Let’s do this!

I am currently reading Geekerella. I am ALMOST finished! So far, I am loving it. Book review to come.