We Were Liars (E. Lockart)

"We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart was a very interesting read. 

The writing style was different than other books I would typically read and to be honest, it took me a while to get used to the writing.  Sentences are short.  Or broken up.  Into many parts.  Or divided onto different lines.  I'm not sure of the purpose for writing in this style other than to make us stop and think for a bit or to have us try to put ourselves more in the mind of  the main character and what her thought processes may be like.

In an effort to not give you any spoilers, I don't want to share too much about the book, except the fact that I didn't really understand everything that was going on until the end.  The story finished nicely when all of the pieces fit together and the reader finally understands what has happened.  All of the weird things that happen throughout the book kind of make sense once you figure out the big ending of the story.

I would recommend this book - and despite the length of time it took me to read it, I would say that it's a quick read! 


On another note, I don't think that this book truly fits in anywhere on my 2015 Reading Challenge.  But the next one I read will!

My 2015 Reading List Update

• A popular author's first book
• A book that was originally written in a different language
• A book written by an author with your same initials
• A memoir - Some Girls: My Life in a Harem (Jillian Lauren)
• A funny book
• A book with a colour in the title
• A book you own but have never read
• A book with a one-word title
• A book written by someone under 30
• A book you can finish in a day
• A book with non-human characters
• A book set during Christmas

Insurgent and Allegiant (Veronica Roth)

This post is way overdue! I finished the third "Divergent" series book in November and have been slacking on getting something posted about the series.  Possibly my lack of motivation to write about these books is because I'm still digesting the ending and that I don't want to spoil anything for those who are reading the series (or watching the movies) - since I know I've already revealed the biggest spoiler alert to two friends while discussing my surprise at the ending to these books. 

Personally, I enjoyed "Divergent" more than I enjoyed "Insurgent" or "Allegiant," but all followed the same theme and used the same characters, so it was still an enjoyable series! 

The last two books in the series were just as jam-packed with adventure as the first one and still included all of the drama between characters. 

I honestly just don't want to ruin these ones for you!  (I even have a friend who has read 80% of the third book and refuses to read the ending because she just doesn't want to live with the ending.)

If you enjoyed the first book, you will enjoy these two as well! 

The Rosie Project (Graeme Simsion)

"The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion is about Don, a man with Asperger's, who starts "The Wife Project."  The main purpose of "The Wife Project" is to find himself a suitable life partner who meets specific (and I mean very specific) criteria.  Along comes Rosie, a woman who is on the search for the biological father.  Don, being a geneticist, is able to help Rosie with some DNA tests to help determine who her father is.  While helping Rosie, he puts a hold on "The Wife Project," which allows him to step out of his comfort zone and begin to see see the beauty in just letting things happen.

The hectic May and June schedule (OK, let's be honest - the whole September to June teacher schedule) has made it much more difficult to keep up with the extremely long list of books that are waiting to be read, but I must say that I did really enjoy this book. 

I've noticed a trend - that I have been reading lots of books about individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  I must say that this one didn't disappoint.  Like others I have read, this book was written from the point of view of Don, so it portrayed an excellent idea of what may go on inside Don's head and how confusing certain social interactions are for him. 

The other thing I liked about this book was the humour.  You feel so awkward for Don at times, but you can't help but laugh at some of the events that happen in the book.  There are so many different relationships in the book as well characters with such quirky personalities, that there is bound to be someone in this book that you look forward to reading about.

I would highly recommend this novel for a good summer read!

Beautiful Disaster (Jamie McGuire)

I received a text message one day from my friend and all it said was, "You need to read Beautiful Disaster ASAP."  It took a couple months for the library to order the book once I requested it, but I have now successfully received and read the book!

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire is focused around one main character, Abby (aka Pigeon).  She has moved away to school with her best friend, America.  Through America, Abby is introduced to Travis, a bad boy that she can't quite stay away from.  The book follows their year together as they try to figure out what it is about their relationship or friendship that is so complicated.

I'm not sure what to say about this book - I guess I was expecting a lot since it came highly recommended.  I did find myself glued to the book.  On Sunday, I spent the majority of my afternoon and evening reading since I just couldn't put it down. 

I enjoyed how there was so much detail about every event that occurs in the book.  Their relationship is explored, but it's more than some books - there is more of the conversations they have and the thoughts behind their actions.  Instead of just saying that they went out for dinner, there is lots of description about what happens while they are out.

In terms of writing, I wouldn't say that it's a literary masterpiece.  You could often predict what would happen in the book (or maybe it was just me wishing that what I wanted to happen would actually happen) and there isn't much thinking behind what you're reading. 

I would classify it as an easy to read, young adult fiction book.  It definitely wouldn't be a book for everybody, but this week, when I have had so much going on, I found it was a great distraction and was just what I needed.

If you enjoyed Twilight-type books, you will likely enjoy this one.  (Plus, judge the book by the cover - that's an amazing image, right?)