Top Ten Books That Will Be In My Beach Bag This Summer

Top Ten Books That Will Be In My Beach Bag This Summer is this weeks addition of Top Ten Tuesday hosted by the The Broke and the Bookish.

Bronte:

1. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins. I've been waiting and wishing for this book ever since Lola. Thank goodness it's almost here!

2. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare. This book has so much riding on it and so much pressure. It has to be perfect (no pressure for Cassandra Clare then!) and I really hope Tessa has more of a part after what happened in the Clockwork Princess. I'm not sure if everyone will consider it a beach read but I've waited so long I will read it anywhere!

3. This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith. I love Jennifer E. Smith and I have yet to read this book and I feel it will be perfect for a beach read.

4. Happenstance by Jamie McGuire. I loved Beautiful Disaster so hopefully this will be just as good and really enjoyable.

5. The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry. I've just recently added this to my to read and I think it looks like a good beach read!

                                          

Izzy:

6. Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys- So. This book is set in New Orleans. Now, I have never been to New Orleans but I often google image New Orleans, or put it into tumblr. I honestly believe that my heart and soul belongs in New Orleans. Therefore, any book set in New Orleans I need in my life. If you know anymore let me know. Because remember, I belong in New Orleans.

7. Landline by Rainbow Rowell- I loved Rowell's last, and only, adult book Attachments, so I can't wait for her next adult novel. It sounds great to me- and knowing Rowell's writing this will be more than perfect. When it comes to conversation, no-one does it better than Rowell.

8. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick- I have only heard brilliant things about this book.Plus it sounds like the perfect mixture of good writing, cute love story with just a pinch of Sarah Dessen! Have any of you read this book? What did you think?

9. Road Ends by Mary Lawson-You may not know about Lawson but you really should. Her book, "The Other Side of the Bridge," is one of my favourite books of all time. She released this novel in 2013 and I still haven't got my hands on it, but this summer will be the summer.

10. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E.Lockhart- This YA book was a National Book Finalist. No more needs to be said except I need this.

We hope you enjoyed our rendition of this weeks Top Ten Tuesday - what books will you be taking to the beach this summer?

The Comeback Season, Jennifer E Smith

The Comeback Season by Jennifer E Smith reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

The last place Ryan Walsh should be this afternoon is on a train heading to Wrigley Field. She should be in class, enduring yet another miserable day of her first year of high school. But for once, Ryan isn't thinking about what she should be doing. She's not worried about her lack of friends, or her suffering math grade, or how it's been five whole years since the last time she was really and truly happy. Because she's finally returning to the place that her father loved, where the two of them spent so many afternoons cheering on their team. And on this -- the fifth anniversary of his death -- it feels like there's nowhere else in the world she should be. And of course, a boy is involved.

Who should read this book?

Anyone who has previously loved the work of Jennifer E Smith, or is a big fan of the Cubs. Sarah Dessen fans will love the work of Jennifer E.Smith

How long is this book?
256 pages, quite a short book.

Marks
Story Line: 7/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyablilty: 3/5
Overall: 14/20

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

Ryan was a really interesting character to read about. Like most teen novels she came with her own big bag of problems. However usually as the reader, you feel you know a lot about your protagonist and she's just closed off with the people they interact with. For some reason I almost felt like Smith created a character who was closed off from everyone including the reader. I'd quite like to have tea with Ryan just to get to her open up.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Sydney. She may become a "better" person but she annoyed me for the large majority of the book and I don't let go of my grudges that quickly.


Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
For a photo cover, I'm tempted to say I like this cover. It's actually really sweet. Smith doesn't have me converted that easily though.


Question 4. What do you think of the title?

 I really like the title "The Comeback Season," and obviously it has a double meaning in the book which I like. It's not as good as "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight," but to be fair to Smith I think that's my favourite book title of all time.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
“Hi,' he says.
'Hi,' she says back, and then to her great surprise, she begins to cry.
'You know,' Nick says as he hands her a tissue from the bedside table,' for all this talk about how you don't cry, you sure are sprouting a lot of water.”
Overall: For a really, really simple book I didn't quite get the ending. If what I think is happening, what Smith seems to suggest, I'm not a very happy young lady. However, Smith's writing is again one of my favourite things to read and reminds me most of what I love about 3rd person writing. I am getting so excited about "This Is What Happy Looks Like." Only another month to go! (At time of writing- March 2nd)

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

Top Ten Books That Will Make You Swoon

This week's Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by BrokeandBookish......

Eleanor:

1. The City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (Come on, we all swooned when we first read this)

3. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (So Owen isn't Jace Wayland but the romance between Annabel and him is one of my absolute favourite ones)

Bronte:

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

5. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

6. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E Smith

Izzy:

7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Review soon- I mean it. I promise.)

8. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

9. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman (The writing and complete genius of this book made me swoon as much as the star crossed lovers storyline)

All agreed on:

10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. (duh)

This Is What Happy Looks Like, Jennifer E. Smith

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith reviewed by Izzy

SORRY THIS IS REVIEW HAS TAKEN ME SO LONG. I am so, so sorry. Exam stress is definitely getting the better of me.  We love you all and appreciate every single pageview we get.

What is this book about?
 When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs?

Who should read this book?

Fans of Sarah Dessen and Stephanie Perkins will love this book. Also any fangirls who really want to go out with a member of One Direction, or if you're a little less mainstream like me and go for Logan Lerman, you have to read this! It does get your hopes up though, like you could actually end up with someone with a superstar. (I'm just kidding, you will all marry one of One Direction I'm sure.)

How long is this book?
 404 pages

Marks
Story Line:  8/10
Well written:  4/5
Enjoyabililty:  5/5
Overall:   17/20

Star Rating:

4 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
 I think Ellie and I would get along like a house on fire. Plus she works at an ice cream shop, which even though I'm lactose intolerant, appeals to the greedy animal that lives inside of me.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
 Ellie's dad. I know it's not his fault, what happens, but I want to actually kill him. When reading the book I was like, "NO. NO. NO. Oh gawd, you jerk." I said it just like that. In my room. Alone. I have an AMAZING social life.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
 Aw guys Jennifer knows how to make me very happy. Is there a photo? Nope. Is there a drawing? Yes. Yes there is. I like it even more than TSPOLAFS cover, and guys, I liked that cover. I think since Smith is a nerdfighter she knows how to make me happy. Drawings as covers please me.

Question 4. What do you think of the title?
 I like the title. I really, really like the title. I love the way it is integrated into the story. I just don't like it quite as much as "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight." However, I prefer the cover of this one so swings and roundabouts.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
He waved this away. "I'd have to come to rescue you," he told her. "I might not have a white horse, but I do have a very portly pig."
"How romantic," Ellie said.”

Overall: I love how Smith writes. 3rd person is my favourite kind of writing, and she understands how to make teenage girls squeal. I like the characters even more than in The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, probably because there is more time to get to know them, and love them. For me, this is her best book so far.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. Having missed her flight, she's stuck at JFK airport and late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon-to-be stepmother Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's sitting in her row.

A long night on the plane passes in the blink of an eye, and Hadley and Oliver lose track of each other in the airport chaos upon arrival. Can fate intervene to bring them together once more?

Who should read this book?

Teenage girls between the ages of 12-20. Once you get any older the book may or may not become stupid. Stupid in a very cute, soppy way still.

How long is this book?

215 pages. A short book.

Marks
Story Line:  8/10
Well written:  4/5
Enjoyablilty:  5/5
Overall:   17/20

Star Rating:

4 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

I was thinking Oliver, because he's the hot main character but once you've read this you'll realise that Oliver doesn't really belong to you. Therefore having a tea with him would feel so wrong. Honestly, I'm seriously considering a cup of tea with the 80 year old lady who was sitting next to Oliver on the plane. She was telling some seriously interesting stories, plus she seemed like one of the sweet old ladies instead of the grumpy wrinkled ones.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

No characters in this book annoyed me. Maybe I'd throw some on Oliver's Dad.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I think that the cover is good. I have a slight penchant for black and white photos which makes the cover all the more appealing. It's not exactly special, but I'm a fan.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

I LOVE THIS TITLE SO MUCH.SO MUCH. ( X 100,000) I think it may be one of my favourite titles ever. I don't even know why. Just saying it makes me really happy.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“What are you really studying?"
He leans back to look at her. "The statistical probability of love at first sight.” 

Don't judge me. I like cheesey things.

Overall:

The book is, perhaps predictable  However it's fun, sopping and so romantic that you almost want to take the book and have a picnic in the park with it. In Paris. Then later we could go to the top of the Eiffel Tower?

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?