Thursday 30 October 2014

Bookish Characters I want to be for Halloween

Heya!!! 

So last week I did a Ready Play Blog post on Video Game characters I want to be for Halloween so I thought why not make a Bookish version of this post.

1) Cinder from The Lunar Chronicles 
The first character that comes to mind if I need to dress up last minute for Halloween is Cinder! 
I love Cinder and her strong badass personality as well as her sarcastic humor! 

Also it will be kinda easy do dress up as her as I have everything I need to be as Cinder in my wardrobe minus the cyborg spare parts. Cargo pants, tank top/plain black shirt and combat boots I'm all set as Cinder.

2) Cath from Fangirl


Since Fangirl is the story of my life in my first year of university, it will be cool to dress as Cath since I am a Uni student by day and Fangirl by night. 

With comfy cloaths, fake glasses (i don't wear glasses), my laptop and maybe even a 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON' shirt and I'll be good to go. Also might consider carrying around my laptop or a 'Simon Snow' novel.

All i need is Levi to make me Starbucks xD

3) Tris or Tori from Divergent series


Basically it will be cool and badass to be Dauntless! Also Tris and Tory are my favorite Characters in the series (part from Four).

 Just need all things black and fitting and that looks like work out cloths, combat boots and a leather jacket. With some silver chain like jewelery, heavy dark make up and 'tattoos' and I'm all set to go!


So those are the bookish characters I want to be for Halloween. Let me know in the comments what characters you want to be for Halloween.





Wednesday 29 October 2014

Music Review: 1989 By Taylor Swift


Album Description:

1989 is Taylor Swift's fifth album and first ever 'official pop' album, inspired by the late 1980's.

The album's title is the year Swift was born.









Title: 1989
Artist: Taylor Swift
Format: Physical Cd
Genre: Pop,
Source: Purchased from Jb-HiFi

Well guys the wait is over and Taylor Swift has finally released her long awaited 5th album 1989.
I actually went to JB-HiFi on the morning its releasd here in Australia and literally ran to the lovely stand that was filled with 1989 Deluxe albums, got the first CD i could grab my hands on, side track to look at the TFIOS DVD display and then forced myself to not get the TFIOS DVD (which I eventually acquired an hour later at Target... ah well I am a failure on self-control... *sigh) paid for the CD and skipped happily out of the shop, not allowing myself to open the packet till I was in the comfort of my room!

I played the album while flipping trough the Polaroid pictures include with a purchased of the album and while I was at the gym, not allowing myself to skip a song even though I've listen to Welcome to New York, Shake It Off and Out of the Woods countless times since their released.

 Track 1 : Welcome To New York

"It’s a new soundtrack I could dance to this beat"

Starting the album with "Welcome to New York", the welcoming sunny opening makes me want to skip trough a Central Park in New York. Its a great start to the album with its bubbly melody and its independent and empowering 'I've made it' lyrics.

This song is Taylor being 'Enchanted' with New York and she is Wonderstruck. 

It also reminds me a bit of "State of Grace" from Red album.


Track 2 : Blank Space

"But I’ve got a blank space baby, And I’ll write your name"

I instantly fell in love with this song and has made it to my top favorite song in the album!

Its musical genious!! Down to the lyrics to the sound!

It has this cool kinda hip-hop/electro-pop with a hint of darkness that reminds me a bit of an upbeat version of Lorde's "Royal"and Little Mix 'Move'.

It also helps that its really catchy!

I especially love the snarky, honest, sassy lyrics! So many awesome metaphors (she must have been reading a lot of John Green :P) !

Her most bad ass song to date!  Especially the pen click part!

Track 3: Style

"You got that James Dean day dream look in your eye"

Okay its kinda obvious who this song is written about...

Still its fun and kinda flirty. She also put good use to the word 'Style' by talking about her signature red lipsticks and you-know-who's signature slick back hair and white t-shirt.

I can see this as a great spring road trip song with its breezy style of the song.

Track 4: Out Of The Woods

"Two paper airplanes flying, flying, flying"

Once again we kinda know who the song is about (plz refer to track 3 or the internet if you're still clueless).

This is one of the more 80's pop that I've heard on this album. It reminds me a bit of 'You're the voice' by John Farnham with its repeating and echo lyrics.

Its kinda a sad song where you're at that point of the aftermath of a break up where you reflect on both the good, the bad and confusing times in that relationship.

Track 5 : All You Had To Do Was Stay

"Then, why you had to go and lock me out when I let you in"

This is similar to both "Out Of The Woods" and "Style" since its about relationship and break ups.

It reminds me of I Knew You Were Trouble from the Red album though to be honest not my most favorite song on the album but it eventually grow on me after listening to it on repeat in the gym/ 'I Knew You Were Trouble" its one of those songs that I had to listen to for a few times to enjoy it.

Not my most favorite but not my least favorite.

Track 6: Shake It Off

"This.Sick.Beat"

I'm dancing to this song not caring bout the world!

I love this song and probably watch the music video on repeat dozens of times!

 Its one of the best 'F U' songs to date!

Also I love the cool Jazzy trumpets in the background.

Fun, Positive, empowering, up beat and freaking sar

When I need an 'Emergency Kanye West Dance Party' (Fangirl reference) this is my Jam!


The best part of the song is the talky rap bits!

I dare you to blast this song and just shake it off in your room or with your friends!

Track 7: I Wish You Would

"You always knew how to push my buttons"

This sounds more like 90's pop or something I'll hear from Hillary Duff (in a good nostalgic way)

Its catchy and fast tempo. It was not my fav song till i listen to it again and noticed the lyrics *dead*

The lyrics is filled with hope and regrets and makes me kinda sad.

Track 8: Bad Blood

"Band aids don't fix bullet holes, You say sorry just for show"


Take out the boxing gloves, wild hair flip and red fringe red dress!!

Is it bad that I always look forward to the 'Evil' songs like Better than Revenge and Forever and Always?

This song is a killer kick ass number! Full of sass and metaphors!

Another top favorite.

Track 9 : Wildest Dreams

"Standing in a nice dress staring at the sunset babe"

Haunting lyrics...

I am not usually a fan of Lana Del Rey-ish songs as her songs usually creep me sending chills down my spines.

It reminds me of Haunted from 'Sparks Fly'. I surprisingly enjoyed this more than I expected.

Track 10 : How You Get The Girl

"Remind her about when you kissed her on the cheek"

OH BOY WAS I SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SONG!!


I JUST DIED LISTING TO THE FULL SONG FOR THE FIRST TIME! WITH FEEL, TEARS AND ALL THE EMOTIONAL WORKS! (true story... my dormy found me 'dead' when I listen to this for the idk how many times)


When I first heard about the song on that Diet Coke I knew I needed in my life.

Sure enough this is one of my all time favorite Taylor Swift song!

Cute, heartwarming, sweet yet a bit cheesy (in a good way). I dare you to listen to this on repeat and try not to smile as I was grinning like an idiot every time i listen to this song.

The acoustic guitar in the background along with the 80's bauble gum pop style reminds me of 'Sweeter than Fiction' with a bit of songs from Speak Now like 'Superman'. Its probably the most similar song to her previous albums.

Lyric wise this is different from her previous love songs. Its more like an advice to a friend or a brother on how to get the girl (long story short... be honest fellas) or even her being a cheerleader in a friends relationship.

I can definitely see myself playing this for any guy friends of mine who are moping around about not getting the girl.

Also I picture this song as a great end credit song for some happy go lucky romantic comedy.

Track 11 : This Love

"This love is good, this love is bad,
This love is alive back from the dead"


This is like the sister song to Wildest Dream.

Emotional and sad, it has this hauntingly beautiful yet dreamy melody.


Track 12 : I Know Places

"They are the hunters, we are the foxes"

This is angry dark and edgy. I love the beginning with the dabble of pianos.

I found this similar to 'Blank Space' and a tone down version of 'Shake It Off'

Track 13 : Clean

"You're still all over me like I wine-stained dress I can't wear anymore"

When I first heard Clean I immediately thought of  'Breath'! An older mature soothing version of of 'Breath'

Listening to this also reminds me of Michelle Branch song "Breath" (diff kind of Breath)

Its a beautiful reset song to getting over a relationship

 Its my favorite 'slow' song in the album and a great closing to the album.

Bonus Tracks

Track 14 : Wonderland

"We found wonderland 
You and I got lost in it"

Did anyone thought of Alice in Wonderland when you first listen to this? I did!

Its not my favorite song on the album bit still I love all the references to Alice in Wonderland and the similarities to "I know Places" 

 Track 15 : You Are In Love

"One night he wakes, strange look on his face
Pauses, then says, you're my best friend"

My next favorite love song to "How You Get The Girl"

The quote above is the one that stood out to me the most in the song. I also love the echoish melody.

Passionate, sweet, emotional and just beautiful!

I call this 'The One' song as quoting Jack Antonoff’s girlfriend Lena Dunham its her ‘future wedding song'.

Track 16 : New Romance

"Cause baby I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me"

 Haha I thought about Madonna when I first heard of this!

 I love the 80's vibe in here! Why can't this be part of the album instead of the bonus track?!


Overall I love this album! Like in love with this album!

Its grown up and very different from her previous album. I also love how sassy and empowering this album is! Finally an album that topped the Sparks Fly album (which was my previous favorite album by Taylor).

Taylor's transitioning from Country to Pop actually came out better than expected. Also to those who criticism her 'taking a break with country' keep in mind that its very common for artists cross over genres all the time! Its their way to grow and explore their creativity and for Taylor's case she's on the right track.

1989 excited my expectations with the new verity of edgy sounds and styles of songs and lyrics.

Its just one big lyrical and metaphor Easter hunt genius!

Speaking of Lyrics, if you were to get the physical album, check the lyrics booklet and start decoding those hidden messages as it tells a story! In the past she is known for having hidden messages in the lyric booklet but usually each is an individual message that is not linked with another.
 
The way the tracks and hidden messages are lay out tells a story where we follow her life of the past two years. Taylor will make a great romantic comedy novelist if this album could be turned to a novel!

In fact if I were to compare this song to a book I'll compare it to the Anna and the French Kiss series by Stephine Perkins! (there you go a book recommendations!)

I'm looking forward to hearing all the songs live and fingers cross when the 1989 tour comes around I can get a chance to watch her perform them live! Also to look forward to is new music vidoes! I really hope they make a music video for 'Welcome To New York' and 'Blank Space'.

Definitely pick up 1989! Taylor Swift's crossover to pop is a great twist and I'm enjoying all the late 80's pop throw back!


Also Check out the Taylor Swift Book Tag I did on my YouTube Channel where I recommend books based off Taylor Swift Songs!


What's your favorite song of 1989?

Mine is a toss up between Blank Space and How You Get The Girl! 




Saturday 25 October 2014

Book Review :The Death Cure (The Maze Runner #3) by James Dashner


Goodread Description:

The Trials are over. WICKED is planning to restore the survivors' memories and complete the final cure for the Flare.

But Thomas has already remembered more than they think. And he knows WICKED can't be trusted...

The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Will anyone survive the Death Cure?
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13117292-the-death-cure 
Title: The Death Cure (The Maze Runner #3)
Author: James Dashner
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic, Action, Thriller, Suspense 
Format: Paperback
Pages: 329 pages
Source:Purchased from K mart



OMG this series will be the death of me!!! *wave fist at the author for writing a amazing series*

I'm not crying... just got something in my eyes... no not crying... no...

Takes place immediately where we left off in scorch trials and once again the book if fulled with confusion, suspense, mystery along with good kickass actions, adventure and friendship. 

The scenario and environment they are in is once again different from the first two books.

We got a lot of good plot twists till the point you don't know who to trust. Many I didn't see coming at all and a lot of throwbacks to both The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials. Some of the things that happen in this book reminded me a bit of the video games The Last Of Us with its similar scenarios.

Even though we got more questions answered on wicked and the trials... there is once again some questions are not answered thought I am guessing that its a for shadow to the prequels like Killzorder and Fever code to answer those questions.

Also we go more in depth with The Flare and how it effect someone who is infected. We also learn what WICKED does with those who are infected, immune and about the quarantined zones.


Okay I seriously want to give Thomas a hug as the poor guy has been trough alot. He's very caring and loyal to his friends. Quick thinking on his actions and for once he didn't do anything too stupid that makes you want to hit him in the head. He goes trough life/death and traumatic experience trough out the series but non as gruesome as this book. I feel as a character, he grew a lot in this book. The decisions he makes in this book were good and wise even though some were difficult and painful.

MINHO IS MVP OF THE SERIES!!! or MVC (MOST VALUABLE CHARACTER). I love this guy to bits!!! Sassy and sarcastic as always, a great leader and loyal friend. I also love all the quick thinking action scenes he has!

WHERE.CAN.I.GET.A.MINHO.IN.MY.LIFE???

Yay we got to know more about Jorge and Brenda! Jorge was an okay character and a father figure to Brenda. Brenda was kickass but also mysterious and at times I had trust issues with her. In the end I still like her character. 


Newt... oh boy I really want to hug the poor guy. Lets just say something happens and though I expected his fate to happen, the way it played out was the saddest and most painful thing I've read in the series... *sniff *sniff 

Theresa... I feel for Thomas on my thoughts on her. In scorch trials she betrays him so I don't blame him for not trusting her. In death cure she was trying to win back his trust. The ending I didn't see coming at all.

A character from the previous book shows up and it kinda gave me a shock. I didn't like him in the previous book but they did a good job explaining actions and has change for the better.. yah I kinda like the character.

Also most side characters from previous books are pushed aside and briefly mention. The Death Cure mainly focuses on Thomas,Minho and Brenda with a bit of Jorge, Theresa and Newt.

WICKED... though they did a lot of screwy things, for once they did something right in this book and I am quiet glad about it. Though that Rat Man guy is efffffffffff up! Like mental crazy efff up! Also there is still alot some questions about Chancellor Paige that needs answer!

Like any dystopian/apocalyptic genre, we have a mess up 'government' but also a mess up 'rebel' and at the end we really don't know who to trust. I have such mix feelings with the right-arm people trough the whole book.

The pacing and build up for the plot was so good! James Dashner has a good way of captivating and keeping me wanting to turn the pages to know what happens next as like the previous book SOMETHING IS ALWAYS HAPPENING! And yes... I stayed up till 3am reading this... again...

Some action scenes were too draggy but there are still some fast pace moments. Also while some scenes were sad and emotional as well as intense, there were a couple of scenes that I found flat.

While in the last book there was a bit of love triangle romance tension and confusion, I'm glad that there is not love triangle in this book and the romance is put to the back seat as this series focus mainly on survival, trust and friendship. If they added the romance I think it will have chocked up the storyline so its refreshing to read a series where its light on romance.

The ending... partly sad as we lost another major character and that it was not focus as a significant but I don't really blame them as they were in a life/death not time to think or turn back situation. I am also kinda surprise with the ending cause its a happy ending.

Then I turned the page to that god damn epilogue... wait...what?! why?! okay but still wth?!?!
Like the previous books it ends with a confusing email/note from WICKED so maybe... just maybe the adventure is not over for Thomas and his friends.

Even so I am satisfied with how it ended though I am freaking sad on all the characters we lost!

I found this book sadder and more emotional than the previous books. The action is less intense compared to scorch trials but it have some really good world and plot build up. I also feel like this book is more character centric.

James Dashner has made it to the list of new favorite author and I love this series he has created!

Though the scorch trials is my favorite book in the series I love all three books! Each for a different reason! I want to pick up the Killorder but not too soon as this series have left me in exhaustion and maybe even a book hangover...

Amazing series that have a lot of epic actions, adventure and trills that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I also love the snarky and sarcastic dialogs and the cast of characters .

Definitely check out this series! Not a disappointment! 

Also check out my review on The Maze Runner Book and Movie and The Scorch Trials

 What was the last great series you've read?

Me? The Lunar Chronicles even though the series is not yet over... NEED.WINTER.YESTERDAY.







Friday 24 October 2014

Book Review: The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2) by James Dashner


Goodreads Description :

The Scorch Trials picks up where The Maze Runner left off. The Gladers have escaped the Maze, but now they face an even more treacherous challenge on the open roads of a devastated planet.

And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Can Thomas survive in such a violent world?



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10911181-the-scorch-trials




Title: The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2)
Author: James Dashner
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic, Action, Thriller, Suspense 
Format: Paperback
Pages: 359 pages
Publisher: Chicken house
Source: Purchased from Kmart



 The Maze is over but the Scorch Trials have just begun...




Holy Smokes!!! This was INTENSE! SUSPENSE! PANIC! THRILL! CONFUSION! 

Just a crazy page turner book!!! 

Its crazier, scarier and darker than the maze runner!

While some question are answered about the Maze, the world and what WICKED, there are still alot more questions that needs answers! 
  
The book takes place immediately after the Maze Runner where the remaining Gladers have yet another trial called the Scorch Trial (the first book focuses on the Maze Trial) where they have to journey across the Scorch to get to the safe heaven in order to be given the cure for the Flares by WICKED.

Sounds easy? Wrong! 

The Scorch Trials involve the Gladers crossing the Scorch in order to make it to the 'Safe Heaven', dodging obstacles, vicious creatures that are just as vicious as the Grivers and Cranks!

We learn alot about the outside world on how there is no ozone layer and that earth is now a big dessert! Worst is that because of this climate change, a virus called the Flares is spreading, turning people who got the flares to this thing called Cranks that are just as bad as Zombies.

 Apart from surviving the trials and figuring out the purpose of WICKED, lessons are learned as friendship, betrayal, trust and loyalty are put to the test. There is a bit of a love triangle happening which was okay... not crazy love triangle but confusing love triangle for Thomas.. poor guy haha. 


I actually like Thomas more in this book than the previous book! He is sweet and caring for his friends yet he is still strong and tough to fight trough the trials. I also kinda like how his brain works. That moment when you think he is making one of the stupidest decisions, he manages to counter it with a really quick smart move. Also we learn that he is very clueless about his emotions when it comes to romance and girls (not a surprise... poor guy :P). Thomas have some really good sarcastic dialogs in this book (must have picked up from Minho!).


My favorite character in this book is definitely Minho and Newt!  Sadly Newt's role is not as significant as I wanted it to be but Minho... gosh I love this guy! 


I admire how Newt can be calm and collected during some scenario in the book. Like Thomas he gotten more snarky and sarcastic in the book.

Minho has a much larger role in the book and has taken over the role as leader. It's great to see him developed as a character! He is definitely one of the strongest and toughest character in the book. He is also really caring and loyal to his friends. The thing I love most about him in this book is his hilarious snarky dialog! Every time things starts to get super intense, he says something and I found myself laughing for a good few minutes.


The bromance between Newt, Thomas and Minho is definitely one of my all time favorite friendship in a book!


Some new characters that we meet include Jorge and Brenda (think of them as a less likeable Joel  and if Ellie from the Last of Us), Aris and the girls of Group B.

Brenda is my favorite new character! Snarky, outspoken, tough and alert but with a mysterious side. I love her personality! She is like a girl version of Minho! Looking forward to knowing more about her in the Death Cure!


Theresa in this book... I have very mix feelings about her. I don't hate her nor do I like her.

One thing that stood out of the book is the pacing of the story. James Dashner has a good way of timing the pacing in the book which makes you NOT want to put it down! This kept me up till 3am as everytime I think they are safe, SOMETHING HAPPENS! 

The action was fast pace, nail biting intense and freaking scary! The plot twist was unpredictable! I think I shouted 'WTH' and 'NO' more than Newt said the word 'Bloody' trough the book because of this! This book takes a new twist on the adventure, survival and horror genres.


Once again the book ended very confusing and full of suspense along with another a bloody cliff hanger. Thank goodness I finally acquired the lovely box set so I am gonna start on the Death Cure immediately after I post this review.

Overall this book was so different from The Maze Runner in so many good ways that I enjoy it more than the first book! It exceeded my expectations and have made it to my favorite book-shelve! This is one of my favorite sequels.

Definitely pick this book up and read it! 


Also check out my video review for the book!

If you have yet to read The Maze Runner, pick it up (review here)! If you love The Maze Runner but have yet to watch the movie GO WATCH IT (review here)!

Now all we got to do is wait for 2015 for the Scorch Trials movie... 

Till then I guess I'll make a start on the Death Cure.


If you have read the book are you looking forward to the Scorch Trials movie?

I definitely am! Get me a Time Machine to 2015!











Thursday 23 October 2014

READ-A-THON #1 : RYBSAT Round 3 Wrap Up!!!

Heya!!!

So I participated in my first ever Read-A-Thon that is the Read Your Bookshelve-A-Thon aka RYBSAT is hosted by Miranda from Bookss101 and Gary from BookNeedLove 

The read-a-thon went from 1st Oct to 8st Oct. I have made a TBR blogpost where I planned on reading 5 books and all 5 books I read! 


1) Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti 

4/5 stars

 I started the read-a-thon on the sad side. The book follows Noelle who face being bullied in school. While I like the inspirational and positive notes of keeping strong when the going get's though, I had mix reaction with the main character as there were times here I round Noelle a bit too whiny and annoying. Even so I like the book and how it handled the heavy situations.

2)  Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

3/5 stars

While I enjoyed Rachel Cohn & David Levithan other book Dash and Lily's book of dares, I was not that big of a fan of this. The characters took a while to warm up to and the pacing was a bit too fast. If this book had like 20-50 more pages I'll probably enjoy it more. Still it was a good read and the romance was quiet cute.

3) Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik

3.5/5 stars

 I managed to finish this in a day!

A great modern Pride and Prejudice retelling and a good spin to 'love hate relationship' romance.

Very different from what i expected in a good way. It was refreshing to read a book with a cliche blurb where the book turned out to be anything but cliche.While I love most of the characters especially Elise and her parents of cause there were a couple of characters that annoy the heck out of me. I love the family value the book holds. Also I could relate to having parents like Elise and her sisters as trust me they will be thankful for having strict and grounded parents. It reminds me a bit of To All The Boys I love before and Isla and the happily ever after.

 4) Fool Me Twice (If Only . . . #1) by Mandy Hubbard

 4/5 stars

This is a great vacation read!

The book follows Mackenzie working at a spa for the summer that her ex-boyfriend happen to work there too. When her ex hit his head and looses his memory not to mention forgetting that he broke up with Mackenzie, she takes advantage of this with a string of revenges and pranks.

This was a really cool concept for a romance! I love the relationship between Mackenzie and Landon! It was both laugh out loud and ridiculously sweet. I also love reading about her bestfriend Bailey.  


4/5 stars 
Once again another great vacation read! 

Piper is sent off to Italy and makes a bucket list of things she wants to accomplish during her trip in including falling for an Italian.

I love the concept of this book! It reminds me a bit of 13 little blue envelopes by Maureen Johnson without the envelopes and that it takes around Italy.

Surprisingly this book is more family and friend centric than the romance but it is still very enjoyable. 


Overall my first experience was a success! I manage to achieve my goal of reading all 5 books, knock out a chunk of my ever growing TBR pile and read a total of 1302 pages.

 I will definitely be participating in future read-a-thons so if you know any upcoming read-a-thons let me know in the comments!

Thank you so much to Miranda and  Gary for hosting the read-a-thon! Can't wait for the next round!

Also check out the video where i chit chat about the books!



Tuesday 21 October 2014

Book Review : Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes


Goodreads Discription:

Outside, Anika Dragomir is all lip gloss and blond hair - the third most popular girl in school. Inside, she's a freak: a mix of dark thoughts, diabolical plots, and, if local chatter is to be believed, vampire DNA (after all, her father is Romanian). But she keeps it under wraps to maintain her social position. One step out of line and Becky Vilhauer, first most popular girl in school, will make her life hell.








https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21936872-anatomy-of-a-misfit 


  
 
Title: Anatomy of a Misfit
Author: Andrea Portes
Genre:Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, Coming of Age
Format: Paperback
Pages: 336 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Purchased from Big W

 

If Mean Girls and Eleanore and Park were to have a baby... ladies and gentlemen 'Anatomy of a Misfit' is the beautiful off spring to two of my favorite stories. 

Living in the shadows of Becky aka the most popular girl in school, one miss step could send third most popular girl Anika's status to social suicidal. 

I love reading about Anika! Pretty, popular, smart, quirky and super sarcastic, Anika is very unique and different from the typical mean girl. Her honest, straight to the point and sarcastic voice/narration is one of my favorite element of the book and got me laughing a lot trough the book!

 Yes she tend to do terrible stuff like calling her friend a slut and drugging her boss but its usually out of 'good reasons' or that she does eventually realizes and fix her wrong doings and get things right. The book deals with her issues like her insecurities and trying to please people so that she can keep up her popular status and avoid being tormented by Becky. She also deal with first love, blended family issues, getting good grades to please her 'vampire' father and her Job at the Buzza Hut. Anika tend to make some really bad decisions but she learns from them.

 She's not perfect but she's genuine and realistic.

Anika have a love hate relationship with her friends especially Becky. Shelli was an okay character and probably the closest friend to Anika since they both care enough to watch out for each other.

Becky was cruel evil! Manipulative queen bee who bullies others for her own amusement, she made the list for one least favorite characters ever! Trough the book Anika and Shelli tolerate Becky's actions, afraid to call her out as who knows what Becky will do to them. At the end of the book Anika finally stands up to Becky and calls out to her actions in a surprising and wicked good way!

I enjoy the family aspect of the book especially Anika's relationship with her mum. Her mum is one of those mums who you can turn to when you need comfort but will also be your voice of reason and knock you to the right direction. Its refreshing to read about a blended family and that Anika still keep in touch with her dad.

Surprisingly this book is not romance heavy. Even so there was a love triangle going on. First we have Logan, a nerd turn hottie. Sweet, charming, mysterious I love reading about Logan the moment he glided the page. The only thing that got me doubting about him is his anger issues. Then we have popular bad boy Jarad, his character was nice and actually a good guy at times but also a jerk on other times. I usually love or hate love triangles but in this case I love this love triangles! It was well developed and not eye rolling cringe. I like how both characters have their merits and flaws and you feel for Anika on her being torn between the two boys. Even so I was rooting for Logan all the way as he is also a great caring guy. 

I like how the book deals with heavy social issues like bullying, slut-shaming, racism, stealing/thief and many more. 

What I wish could be in the book was that they addressed time the book was set in as there was no mention of cell phones and computers and  the manners and culture references reminds me of something in the 70's or 80's. Even so it was not a big issue and didn't bother me nor did it throw me off the story.

Even so, the main thing that came out of this book is about Anika coming to her senses, standing up for herself, and not caring about what others think. It heavily talk about the price of popularity. Is it worth it?

Now one thing I need to point out is the ending... I usually don't cry in books but I didn't see the ending coming so when it happened I cried for a while. Not gonna say what happen but just prepare... 

This bittersweet reads addresses about the price pretending to be someone we not and and value who we truly are in the inside.

Also the last few pages of the book is freaking beautifully written! It reminds me of something I will find in a John Green book as the last pages of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherine and The Fault In Our Stars. It rounded up the story in a bittersweet satisfying way. Also after reading the acknowledgement and the dedication, it turns out that this book is based on something that happened in the authors life. Its quiet cool and the dedications is one of my favorite.  

Anatomy of a Misfit is my new favorite book up there with John Green, Rainbow Rowell and Stephine Perkins books. I am looking forward to what Andrea Portes put up next!

This is one heck of a sassy book to read! You'll laugh with it and you'll cry with it.

Check this out for a great coming of age contemporary about popularity, stereotypes, first love and about being a misfit. 


What was the last awesome book you've read?

That will be a toss up between Isla and The Happily Ever After by Stephine Perkins and The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil