Loony Literature

The One by Kiera Cass My Rating: 4/5 Stars Technically this book is not the finale in The Selection series, but it does finish America and Maxon's main story arc. The reason this one, in particular, got one less star than the other books was mainly because the middle of the story dragged quite a bit. But if you are looking for a sign that you should continue the series and read this one, THIS IS IT. The ending was fantastic; I was crying for the sad bits, I was crying for the happy bits. My main critique with these books was America's general attitude. More than once I disagreed with her motives and her decisions on how to react to certain things (I know it's vague, I don't want to spoil the book). The number of times she started arguments with the prince over LITERALLY NOTHING was infuriating. To consider all three books in their entirety, however, leads me to a very positive experience. Although I wouldn't mind if there were more romantic details;) I'...

The Elite by Kiera Cass My Rating: 5/5 Stars What can I say, I'm a sucker for romance:) Seriously though, I loved the first book in this trilogy, and the sequel was somehow even better. At one point my stomach knotted up because of my fear for our main character, America. Part of me wonders if it's the quarantine that is making me so emotionally responsive to words on a page, but let's just say more than a few tears have been shed over this read. I don't want to say more, especially since if you haven't read the first one I don't want to accidentally spoil it and GO READ THE FIRST ONE! That's it, that's my review:) if you want to find out more go read it and let me know what you think!!!

The Selection by Kiera Cass My Rating: 5/5 Stars The selection series: don't we all remember the dystopian craze a couple years ago? I sure do, and these books sitting on my shelf are one of the memories I have of that time. Because of the quarantine, I've been searching for light-hearted books to read, and this one, in particular, did not disappoint. My second read was just as enjoyable as I remember my first being. The first book in this series introduces us to a world run by castes. Born into it at birth, you embody the number of your caste; it determines your career, your social status, your way of life. We meet America Singer, a five, with a secret and forbidden relationship with a six. Then, in an unexpected turn of events, she is chosen for the Selection, a competition between 35 girls to win the heart of Prince Maxon and be instantly elevated to royal status. I recommend this book to anyone in a reading slump. If you like romance and caddy drama, you'll...

Again, but Better by Christine Riccio My Rating: 5/5 Stars Alright, you already know by my rating that I love love LOVED this book! But I'll admit, I did have my doubts to start. Christine Riccio is a popular YouTuber: a BookTuber to be exact, and the group's "I read tons of books, therefore, I must be a great writer" mindset has caused a few controversies in the past, to say the least. Yet, in my opinion, Christine broke the mold. Not only did her novel take place in my favorite city, London, but it was also about a socially awkward college student studying abroad, ready to reinvent herself. As a high school senior, I learned a lot from this novel: about relationships, about career opportunities, about creating a life for yourself.  Again but Better follows the story of Shane, a young girl tired of following her overbearing parent's career path and instead escapes to a new city, a new country, to become a writer. That isn't the only thing on her mind...

The Outsider by Stephen King My Rating: 3/5 Stars We all knew Stephen King would make an appearance one day, and if you didn't, you probably don't know me all that well. I will admit, this one took me awhile to get through, which partly results in the low rating. I'll say it bluntly; Stephen King's novels are long, and if you're not particularly invested or signifucantly strong-willed, they aren't the books for you. Sure, some of his novels are shorter - more reasonable for a reader with commitment issues - but regularly lack character building and world envelopment. I am sorry to admit that this review will undoubtedly be sub-par, mostly because I don't remember the first half of the book too well. But what I do remember is brilliant. This mix of mystery and horror leaves you wanting more in a disgusting, queesy sort of way. The hunt for the "outsider" is an epic one that transforms the classic "who-done-it" plotline. Any more talk...

Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here by Anna Breslaw My Rating 4/5 Stars Do not let the discount sticker fool you; do not let it push you away from reading an entirely quirky and relatable story about a teenage girl who's best friend is a 70 year-old pothead. Alright, maybe that last part isn't so much relatable as it is crazy. Nonetheless, anyone who loved Rowell's "Fangirl" will no doubt devour this story just as I had. Fall in love with Scarlett and her not-so fantasy world of billionare fathers and sex robot friends. This wild mashup of realistic fiction and fantasy is a breath of fresh air in the pollution of overused, stinky cliches. The overall plot suffered a bit when it succombed to the "happy-ever-after" ending template, but was otherwise a fantastic read that I highly recommend.