Tilt Book Review

Tilt 

Written by Ellen Hopkins

Number of Pages: 608

Average Rating: 4.19/5 stars

My Rating: 4/5 stars

Published on September 11, 2012

Read in August 2016

Summary according to Goodreads

Three teens, three stories—all interconnected through their parents’ family relationships. As the adults pull away, caught up in their own dilemmas, the lives of the teens begin to tilt….

Mikayla, almost eighteen, is over-the-top in love with Dylan, who loves her back jealously. But what happens to that love when Mikayla gets pregnant the summer before their senior year—and decides to keep the baby?

Shane turns sixteen that same summer and falls hard in love with his first boyfriend, Alex, who happens to be HIV positive. Shane has lived for four years with his little sister’s impending death. Can he accept Alex’s love, knowing that his life, too, will be shortened?

Harley is fourteen—a good girl searching for new experiences, especially love from an older boy. She never expects to hurdle toward self-destructive extremes in order to define who she is and who she wants to be.

Love, in all its forms, has crucial consequences in this standalone novel.

My Thoughts

Ellen Hopkins is one of my favourite authors, and whenever I want to be captivated, she is the one I pick up. All of her novels deal with heavy topics, and is something that I have come to appreciate in YA literature. Halfway through reading this novel I discovered that it is a companion to Triangles, from different perspectives, but it did not hinder my experience reading this story. 

The plot lines in this story were so realistic, it was almost scary! Throughout my reading experience I really bonded with these characters, even the secondary ones! Mikayla’s story was not one that is unique in our society, that of a sixteen year old girl discovering an unwanted pregnancy. She begins this novel completely head-over-heels with her boyfriend, only to discover that first love is not always perfect. Shane’s story is one that I have not read much before, that being a young teen growing into his sexuality while living under a strong religious household. Discovering first love and the harsh realities of death, the reader can relate to Shane on so many different levels. Finally, Harley’s story portrayed first love and how far a young girl will go to impress the one she “loves”. She was my least favourite character to read, because she was filled with angst, and was constantly doubting herself wanting to impress a jerk who didn’t care about her. 

There was so much development between everyone, I am very happy with how the three stories progressed. If I had to pick a favourite character it would be Shane because it was encouraging to see a young man stand up for himself and who he is, even when it wasn’t the easiest thing to do. I related a lot to his mental struggles, and was compassionate when he dealt with them through self-medication. Life is not an easy journey, but Shane’s story felt the most real without the angst. 

This novel had quite a few plot twists, a few of which I did not anticipate. I wish I had been able to read this book in fewer time, but my work schedule kept me fairly busy. One of my favourite things about this novel, was although we followed three main perspectives, at the end of each we got a look into a character close to the one we followed (best friend, boyfriend, etc) - which made you feel like you were getting a complete story!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and will continue to auto-buy Ellen Hopkins’ novels! If you enjoy young-adult novels that are written in verse, or deal with heavier plot lines, I recommend you looking into her books!

Recently Purchased 2016 #3

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

     Goodreads: click here

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list. 

Lock In by John Scalzi

     Goodreads: click here

Not too long from today, a new, highly contagious virus makes its way across the globe. Most who get sick experience nothing worse than flu, fever and headaches. But for the unlucky one percent - and nearly five million souls in the United States alone - the disease causes "Lock In": Victims fully awake and aware, but unable to move or respond to stimulus. The disease affects young, old, rich, poor, people of every color and creed. The world changes to meet the challenge.

A quarter of a century later, in a world shaped by what's now known as "Haden's syndrome," rookie FBI agent Chris Shane is paired with veteran agent Leslie Vann. The two of them are assigned what appears to be a Haden-related murder at the Watergate Hotel, with a suspect who is an "integrator" - someone who can let the locked in borrow their bodies for a time. If the Integrator was carrying a Haden client, then naming the suspect for the murder becomes that much more complicated.

But "complicated" doesn't begin to describe it. As Shane and Vann began to unravel the threads of the murder, it becomes clear that the real mystery - and the real crime - is bigger than anyone could have imagined. The world of the locked in is changing, and with the change comes opportunities that the ambitious will seize at any cost. The investigation that began as a murder case takes Shane and Vann from the halls of corporate power to the virtual spaces of the locked in, and to the very heart of an emerging, surprising new human culture. It's nothing you could have expected.

You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour and David Levithan

     Goodreads: click here

Mark and Kate have sat next to each other for an entire year, but have never spoken. For whatever reason, their paths outside of class have never crossed.

That is, until Kate spots Mark miles away from home, out in the city for a wild, unexpected night. Kate is lost, having just run away from a chance to finally meet the girl she has been in love with from afar. Mark, meanwhile, is in love with his best friend Ryan, who may or may not feel the same way.

When Kate and Mark meet up, little do they know how important they will become to each other—and how, in a very short time, they will know each other better than any of the people who are supposed to know them more.

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

     Goodreads: click here

My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again. All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost - and the ghost saw me.

Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House... before its skeletons come back to haunt me.

The Land of Stories: An Author’s Odessy by Chris Colfer

     Goodreads: click here

Since this novel is the fifth in a series, I will not be including a synopsis.

These are the books I have picked up recently! Have you read any of them? What were your thoughts? Let me know!

Perfection Duology Review

Perfection Duology

Written by Abbi Glines

Twisted Perfection

Number of Pages: 247

Average Rating: 4.26/5 stars

My Rating: 3/5

Published: April 8, 2013

Read again in July 2016

Simple Perfection

Number of Pages: 243

Average Rating: 4.26/5 stars

My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Published: December 3, 2013

Read in July 2016

Twisted Perfection: Summary according to Goodreads

Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. There was always a change she’d go crazy sooner than they expected. 

Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help.

What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came. The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine. 

My Thoughts

I first read Twisted Perfection in September of 2014, and originally rated it two stars. This was before I read any of the previous Rosemary Beach series novels, and was still relatively new to the new adult genre. I have since picked up the series from the first novel, and was not as in love as I was with the Fallen series. Woods is no Rush, that is for sure. 

This is a series based on dramatic relationships with heavy sex scenes, but I felt it was too much in this novel. Woods was very sexually aggressive and I was not a fan of that, nor his over-possessiveness to someone he just met. If I was Della, I would have found it creepy and not a turn-on. I would have much preferred to see them open up to each other more and develop a real relationship instead of just having a lot of passionate sex. Don’t get me wrong, they tried to be friends, but ended up finding other ways to get each other satisfied. 

I remembered the majority of the story from the first time I read it, except for the ending. That last paragraph came out of nowhere for me and made me want to pick up the next novel right away. Abbi Glines is amazing at getting the reader to constantly want more - if you remember my review of the Fallen series, I read them back to back right away. 

While reading the first novel I did not feel a strong connection to the characters, but that changed completely in the sequel. I was rooting for Woods and Della the entire time, both as individuals and as a couple. I loved seeing Della’s development as a character, finally taking her mental illness in her own hands and not feeling like a burden anymore. It is completely against popular opinion that I did not love Woods, even though I usually like the tough guy attitude! I am not sure what it is about him, maybe his constant possessiveness, but he is not one of my favourite book boyfriends.

There is not much that I can say about the plot of the sequel without spoiling anything, but just know that I laughed, I cried, and that this novel kept me on my toes. There was a moment where I thought that the plot would just be typical to every other new adult novel, but there were so many more layers than I was expecting. And what was that ending?! I have seriously never been as blindsided as I was reading a plot twist as I was in this novel.

Overall, these novels are such fun and light reads that they are perfect to read during the summer. I will be continuing on with book seven in this series, a duology following Grant who is a character I have wanted to know more about since he was introduced in the very first novel of the series.

The Picture of Dorian Gray Review

The Picture of Dorian Gray 

Written by: Oscar Wilde

Number of pages: 216

Average Rating: 4.04/5 stars

My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Published in June 1890

Read in July 2016

Summary according to Goodreads

Dorian Gray, a handsome and narcissistic young man, lives thoughtlessly for his own pleasure - an attitude encouraged by the company he keeps. One day, after having his portrait painted, Dorian makes a frivolous Faustian wish: that he should always remain as young and beautiful as he is in that painting, while the portrait grows old in his stead.

The wish comes true, and Dorian soon finds that none of his wicked actions have visible consequences. Realizing that he will appear fresh and unspoiled no matter what kind of life he lives, Dorian becomes increasingly corrupt, unchecked by public opinion. Only the portrait grows degenerate and ugly, a powerful symbol of Dorian’s internal ruin.

My Thoughts

“They say he has sold himself to the devil for a pretty face."

This is a classic novel that I have had on my shelf for a long time, having first heard about it in my tenth grade English class. I cannot recall reading other gothic novels, so this was a very interesting experience for me! I did enjoy the genre, and will be picking up more darker plot novels. 

I really enjoyed the depth into the human soul, how much power vanity has over us, and the importance of consequences. There was so much psychology buried within this novel, and it helped me to connect so much more to Dorian and the plot. 

There were many quotable lines in this novel, but one of my favourites is as follows; “You told me you had destroyed it.” “I was wrong. It has destroyed me.” When Dorian first discovered the magic behind the portrait, he took advantage of it because it had allowed him to continue his youthful appearance. This quote soon followed the turning point in the novel, and was a strong realization from Dorian - but not necessarily in a positive way.

One of the biggest reasons that I could not rate this novel higher was because of how many times when the plot dragged. It was very easy for me to pick up this novel and put it down after every chapter, not feeling the need to keep reading. I did not get completely engrossed in this novel until the end, where everything started to get more action-packed and captivating.

Another issue that I had with this novel was the passage of time. Reading in between the chapters I was sure that no more than a few days had passed, but it had actually been weeks.This made it a lot more difficult for me to read, and I would have enjoyed it a lot more if it had been more descriptive. 

Novel vs. Film: Ouija

Ouija

Written by Katherine Turner
Number of pages: 215

Average Rating: 3.48/5 stars
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Published September 16, 2014
Read in July 2016

Ouija Film

Directed by Stiles White
Running Time: 1 hour 29 minutes

Average Rating: 4.4/10 (IMDb)
My Rating: 1/5 stars

Released on October 24, 2014
Watched in July 2016


Summary according to Goodreads

It's not just a game. As far as Elaine Morris is concerned, the Ouija board is just a game she played at sleepovers as a kid. But her best friend, Debbie, has been messing around with one recently - and claims she's starting to hear strange noises around the house. Laine thinks Debbie is a total dork for getting spooked, until Debbie dies in a horrible and haunting way. Desperate to figure out what really happened to her friend, Laine starts using the Ouija board to uncover its mystery. She soon learns that something sinister has come through the board, and it's not ready to say goodbye.


My Thoughts

This novel had a very juvenile writing style, but was very fast paced. I read it in two sittings, but could have read it straight through if it weren't for my hectic work schedule. It was a thrilling story with lots of paranormal danger throughout, but you never got attached to the characters to feel afraid for them.

I was under the impression that the film was based off of the novel, and not vice-versa. I picked up this novel with the intention of watching the movie, but hesitated when I read the reviews. One of my biggest reasons for wanting to watch the movie is my love of Darren Kagasoff. The actors in this movie had a strong chemistry to each other, but not to the plot. The lines felt forced, the fear wasn't present, and the plot seemed to drag.

Something that I have to appreciate about both the movie and the novel is the originality. In the horror genre I feel it is hard to find something that is not a remake, but Ouija was something new. It might not have been the best or scariest, but it was different.

It might not come as a surprise that I enjoyed the novel more than the film, but I found the written story to be much more captivating. I got bored watching the movie, and ended up scrolling through my social media. The two were pretty similar; same scenes, same lines, until a few small changes at the end - but nothing significant. In my opinion the plot and characters were much more developed in the novel as opposed to the film.

Overall, I thought this novel was pretty good, but nothing that you should run out and get. I borrowed a copy from the library, and was happy to be able to return it. Don't take it too heavy, it was an enjoyable read and perfect for a read-a-thon! Don't watch the movie though. 

Library Book Haul

The other night I headed over to my local library, because next week I will be taking a week off of work to relax and have some summer vacation! Today I wanted to share with you the novels that I picked up! Let me know if you have read any of them!

Night Road by A.M. Jenkins

     Goodreads: click here

For a heme like Cole, life is a tightrope existence in which sunlight is his deadly enemy and one mistake could trap him underground, staring at the inside of a coffin lid, for eternity. After a century of wandering he may still look like a teenager, but he’s known in the heme community for being observant, meticulous, and controlled - a master of life on the road.

When Cole is asked to take a newly created heme out for training, however, his usual caution may not be enough. If Gordon, the rookie who really is in his teens, can’t cut ties with his old life and accept his new limitations, Cole will have to discreetly dispose of the kid - the same way a mad dog would be put down for the safety of society.

Cole thinks he can handle it. But no matter how carefully he plans, or how much he thinks he’s in control, accidents still happen.

The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne
     Goodreads: click here

When Pierrot becomes an orphan, he must leave his home in Paris for a new life with his Aunt Beatrix, a servant in a wealthy household at the top of the German mountains. But this is no ordinary time, for it is 1935 and the Second World War is fast approaching; and this is no ordinary house, for this is the Berghof, the home of Adolf Hitler.

Quickly, Pierrot is taken under Hitler’s wing, and is thrown into an increasingly dangerous new world: a world of terror, secrets and betrayal, from which he may never be able to escape. 

Your Voice Is All I Hear by Leah Scheier
     Goodreads: click here

April won’t let Jonah go without a fight. He’s her boyfriend - her best friend. She’ll do anything to keep him safe. But as Jonah slips into a dark depression, trying to escape the traumatic past that haunts him, April is torn. To protect Jonah, she risks losing everything: family, friends, an opportunity to attend a prestigious music school. How much must she sacrifice? And will her voice be loud enough to drown out the dissenters - and the ones in his head?

How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather
     Goodreads: click here

Samantha Mather has just moved to Salem, Massachusetts from New York City in the wake of her father’s mysterious illness. But Mathers have lived in Salem for centuries and Sam is the ancestor of Cotton Mather - one of the architects of the Salem Witch Trials. Her name precedes her, and comes with too many stigmas. Before long, Sam finds herself at odds with The Descendants, a powerful group of girls who also have ties to the trials; only their ancestors were on the other end of the noose. Before long, Sam realizes she is at the centre of a centuries old curse that is tying her to fate, as well as her father’s, to her new enemies. Can she overcome her family’s past and break the cycle of unexplained deaths or will she discover just how easy it can be to hang a witch?

Black Hole by Charles Burns
     Goodreads: click here

Suburban Seattle, the mid-1970s. We learn from the out-set that a strange plague has descended upon the area’s teenagers, transmitted by sexual contact. The disease is manifested in any number of ways — from the hideously grotesque to the subtle (and concealable) — but once you’ve got it, that’s it. There’s no turning back.

As we inhabit the heads of several key characters — some kids who have it, some who don’t, some who are about to get it — what unfolds isn’t the expected battle to fight the plague, or bring heightened awareness to it , or even to treat it. What we become witness to instead is a fascinating and eerie portrait of the nature of high school alienation itself — the savagery, the cruelty, the relentless anxiety and ennui, the longing for escape. And then the murders start.

Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
     Goodreads: click here

Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it’s Amy’s responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. The only problem is, since her father died in a car accident, she isn’t ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger. An old family friend, he also has to make the cross-country trip - and has plenty of baggage of his own. The road home may be unfamiliar - especially with their friendship venturing into uncharted territory - but together, Amy and Roger will figure out how to map their way.

July Wrap Up - Reading, Life, and Everything Else

Can anyone else believe that there is only another month left of summer vacation? I am very excited to be starting a new school in September, and am even more excited to be taking a week off from work next week to relax! July was a roller coaster of a month for me, and in this post I will be recapping the biggest moments.

On July 20th I experienced one of the hardest moments that I might ever have in my life. On that Wednesday night my mom and I had to drive to the vet and have my dog put down. She was 12 years old and losing her sight, and had started having seizures which had a very negative effect on her aging brain. She was my first dog and she was my entire world. As many of you know I suffer from anxiety and depression, and a few years ago it was so serious that I hardy left my house. It was during this time that she and I got the closest, and she always knew when I was going down a dark path. I miss her terribly but it was the best decision that we could make for her.

On a more positive note, on the 23rd I went to see Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas perform in Toronto! My mom got me tickets as an early birthday gift because she is one of my favourite performers. I have one of her song lyrics tattooed on my foot, because she is a strong role model in my life. They both put on a phenomenal show, and was a great experience.

Books

This month I read five novels, and two graphic novels - and I mostly enjoyed everything! I am happy to have read a wide variety of genres (young adult, new adult, and adult). I did not reach my goal of wanting to read 10 books, but I worked a lot more these past few weeks than I had planned too. As of today I am still nine books behind on my goodreads challenge, but have gotten my “owned TBR” down to 212!

TV / Movies

This month I watched quite a bit of TV, because I was in a reading slump for so long. I started watching Friends from the beginning, because I had never watched it consistently - or even finished the series! My mom and I are watching it together which makes it much more enjoyable, and we are nearing the end of season nine! During the day when I need some background noise I have started watching Steve Wilkos again because I love the drama and seeing how my life could be worse or more stressful compared to others.

I watched quite a few Netflix movies this month, the better ones being; Ride Along starring Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, as well as Ghost of Girlfriends Past - which were all very funny! My favourite of these three would have to be How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days because I am a big Kate Hudson fan! I also watched some movies that I did not enjoy, which were: Chucky 3, and That Awkward Moment staring Zac Efron.

I am hoping to read a lot more during August, but I also have some movies that I want to watch before I get too busy with school again! How was your July? Did you do anything special? Let me know!