Review #5-The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

*Goodreads Page*

Goodreads synopsis- Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.

Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, fifteen-year-old Christopher is autistic and everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning for him. He lives on patterns, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbor's dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructive universe is threatened. Christopher sets out to solve the murder in the style of his favorite (logical) detective, Sherlock Holmes. What follows makes for a novel that is deeply funny, poignant, and fascinating in its portrayal of a person whose curse and blessing are a mind that perceives the world entirely literally.

I freaking LOVED this book! It was really lovely, and I absolutely loved the point of view the story was told from. So, basically, Christopher, a fifteen year old boy with autism is trying to find out who killed his neighbor's dog. In the process, he learns things about his father, his mother, and even himself. I can't even explain to you how wonderful this book is! It's so much, all while being only about 220 pages. This is probably one of the most unique books I've ever read, and I really see myself reading it over again. Which almost never happens. (For some reason, I really hate re-reading books. Unless they're really good. Or it's been a billion years since I last read it.) 

But yes, read this book. It is spectacular. SPECTACULAR!!

Review #4- The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Slznick

*Goodreads Page*

Goodreads synopsis- Half sketches create a story in pictures too, relevant history. Real last-century French pioneer filmmaker Georges Méliès collected mechanical robot-like automata, and, impoverished, worked at a toy booth in a Paris railway station. Here, orphan Hugo fixes his late father's automata, and meets Méliès through his god-daughter Isabelle.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a really quick read, due in part I think to the fact that it is a middle-grade novel, and largely to the fact that almost half the book is gorgeous illustrations. The story follows young Hugo as he tries to repair this automata that he believes his father had left a message in. The adventure and mystery that ensues is wonderful and heartwarming. The illustrations really tie the story together, and overall I thought this book was magnificent. So definitely pick up a copy, it's well worth the read, and even if you don't like it, it'll just be a beautiful addition to your shelves.  

Book Haul (#2) March Part 1

Review #3- Looking for Alaska by John Green

*Goodreads Page*

Goodreads synopsis- Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter's whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the "Great Perhaps" (François Rabelais, poet) even more. He heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.

After. Nothing is ever the same.

Okay, let me just say that although this is only my second ever John Green novel, I'm fully prepared to purchase every last one of his books! Looking for Alaska was amazing! It wasn't what I expected it to be- it ended up being sadder than I thought, but still AMAZING all the same. 

So, I usually don't like know much about the books I read before I get into them, only because I like to be surprised. The only thing I let myself know is the synopsis on the back of the book. I think this is why I was expecting a nice little love story of some kind- and it was, to a point. I had no idea, however, the tragedy I find in this book. It came out of left field, and I didn't even realize what was going to happen until literally right before it happened. Then I found myself sitting here whispering, "Shit, no, no, no! This isn't happening!" But, even though I was super upset about the tragedy, I loved how John Green worked his characters through it, not only giving them closure, but also giving me closure.

In short, I really freaking loved this book and you should go read it. Now. Go.

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Review #2- The Dark Lady by Irene Adler

*Goodreads Page*

Goodreads synopsis- "While on summer vacation, little Irene Adler meets a young William Sherlock Holmes. The two share stories of pirates and have battles of wit while running wild on the sunny streets and rooftops. When Sherlock’s friend, Lupin, joins in on the fun, they all become fast friends. But the good times end abruptly when a dead body floats ashore on the nearby beach. The young detective trio will have to put all three of their heads together to solve this mystery."

I received an e-book galley version of this book through Net Galley. This book is listed as children's fiction/teen and YA. I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. It's about 240 pages.

I actually really enjoyed this book. It was cute, it was quick, and it involved one of my favorite character's in a whole new story line. So, this book is a kid's book, and you definitely get the sense of that reading it, but it's written in a way that anyone of any age can enjoy it. That being said, I did have a few minor issues concerning a few moments in the plot. There were a couple of times where I felt that the author could have patched things up clearer or explained things better. Also, I found myself wondering if this book was really going to end on page 240 because at about page 200, a slew of issues were introduced and it seem like the author was trying to toss in as much action as she could. But, she did wrap it up, even if it was a little sloppy.

Alright, that's my review-ish thing. I will definitely have another review up on the first, but I'll try to have another couple up before then. Have a wonderful March guys and thanks for reading!

xox

March TBR

So, I'm really bad at sticking to a set schedule of what books I'm going to read in a particular month, but I'm going to try really hard to do this, only because I have SO many books in my 'to be read' pile, mostly due to the fact that I buy books faster than I can read them... So, here's a tentative list of the books I'm going to read this month.

These books are going to be definitive reads for this month. I might add a couple more books to the list, but these are my top priority.

1. The Death Cure by James Dashner

2. War of Wings by Tanner McElroy (Comes out March 21 by Brown Books)

3. The Here and Now by Ann Brashares (Comes out in April by Delacorte Press)

4. The Dark Lady by Irene Adler

Okay, I know this reading list is pretty sparse, but I don't like having a massive to-read pile. I like being able to add books if I need. But, yes, this is what I'll definitely be reading this month. I'll give you guys a little wrap-up at the end of the month on what I actually read.

Alright, I'll see you all soon!
xox