Book Review: In Real Life

In Real Life by Jessica Love, Published by St. Martin’s Griffin, 2016

I just want to start by saying that I picked up this book because I saw it under a list titled “For Fans of Eleanor and Park”. So yeah, obviously I had to read it. I also want to say that I am beginning to loathe reviews that compare books to other popular books so fiercely. It’s not that I disliked this book, it was just nothing like Eleanor and Park. I think that expecting a story or writing style to be similar to a book you love definitely effects how you read the book. Anyway, that’s a different rant for a different time.

Synopsis:

“In Real Life” is the story of two best friends who talk every day and know everything about each other, the only problem is that they have never met. Hannah, straight A student and classic “goody two shoes”, is starting to realize that she may have feelings for her best friend Nick. And she knows that he feels the same way about her because of a conversation that took place after Nick “drunk dialed” her. It’s Spring Break of her senior year in high school and she’s determined to break free of her “good girl” status. What better way than to drive the four hours to Las Vegas to surprise Nick and meet him for the first time? Surprise she wanted…surprise she got! Now, Hannah has to spend a night in Las Vegas in an awkward situation with the guy she’s in love with.

My Thoughts:

This story is very cute and a perfect read for summer. I think most young adults will appreciate all of the pop culture references that Love uses. Sometimes I felt that the dialogue was a little forced or uncomfortable, but it was also very witty. The characters were likable, but they weren’t very different from each other. For instance, three guys in this band, including Nick, are basically wearing the exact same thing all night. Also, there wasn’t very much character development for the minor characters. They would mention a minor character and I found myself thinking “who is that again?”

Overall, it was a fun quick read that I enjoyed. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to those who say they are fans of “Eleanor and Park”, but I would probably recommend it to anyone who wants a romantic summer read that they can get through in a day or so.

My Rating: 3/5

Is there a book you would like to see reviewed? Let me know in the comments!

Get Through Your Summer Reading List A Little Easier…

Ah, summer time. The time to kick back and read those books that you’ve been putting off reading for months! Now that you have “more time” it should be easy, right? Well I will be the first to say that it’s not as easy as it sounds. It’s hard to get into the mindset to read a ton of books when you have been slacking all year (and obviously, I’m talking about myself). I have come up with some rules I follow when trying to get through a book list that can make it a little easier to keep powering through.

 

1. Schedule your reading. Lately, I’ve been scheduling my reading time in my planner. I give myself (at the very least) one hour a day to just sit down and read. This helps me hold myself accountable so I can’t use excuses like “I don’t have the time”.
2. If you can’t get into a book, stop reading it! Hey, your time I precious. Don’t waste time reading a book that you just can’t get into or that you know from the first 10 pages that you won’t like. I used to be the type of person who absolutely NEEDED to finish a book no matter what, but it became a struggle to finish these books and it took forever. You have a list of books to get through; don’t waste your time on the ones you’re not going to like.
3. Cleanse your palate. If you read my blog, you have probably heard me say that a lot. I like to read smaller books between the books that are 300+ pages. I call these smaller books “palate cleansers” because they give you a break from reading one long continuous story. This is when I usually read short stories and novellas.
4. Get out of the house. It’s summer. Why spend all your time reading inside the house? I have noticed that I, personally, want to read longer if I’m outside (depending on the temperature). Got to a park, sit on your porch, or go to that (air conditioned) coffee shop with the giant window that lets the light in! Trust me, the sun will keep you relaxed and wanting to read more!
5. Choose wisely. Choose books according to what you like best! Yes, summer reading is my time for experimenting and setting goals- but that doesn’t mean that I can’t read a few books that I absolutely know I will enjoy. I love mysteries so I made sure to put a few of those on my reading list. This keeps me reading so I can get to these books faster!

I hope these tips come in handy this summer! Let me know your favorite tip to get through your long reading lists in the comments! Happy Reading!

Book Review: Tuesday Nights in 1980 + Playlist!

Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss, Published by Gallery/Scout Press

The golden rule of reading: never judge a book by its cover. Well, I’m not going to lie, I picked up this book because of the beautiful and colorful cover- and I’m so glad I did! “Tuesday Nights in 1980” is an impressive debut novel by Molly Prentiss about three people who find themselves at the center of the Soho, New York art scene in 1980. You have Raul Engales, a painter and womanizer from Argentina, James Bennett, an oddball art critic with synesthesia, and Lucy Olliason, a young girl from Ketchum, Idaho trying to survive in the big city.

Synopsis:

Raul’s art career is on the rise, but a horrible accident leaves him unable to continue painting. He attempts to remove himself from the art scene, but finds himself slowly brought back in by Lucy and James. James’s condition allows him to write about art in an impactful form, but his synesthesia disappears after a traumatizing event. James is convinced that Raul Enagles is the only person who can bring his ability back. And then you have Lucy. Lucy is in love with Raul but after he disappears, because of his accident, she finds comfort in James Bennett. Throughout the story their paths intertwine and relationships develop- but just as the art scene is ever changing so are the characters, their lives, and their relationships with each other and art.

My Thoughts:

Prentiss created characters that are not only believable, but also likable and relatable. I found myself forming a bond with and becoming attached to them. She also included some of the most colorful minor characters, which really helped to set the scene of 1980’s New York. The multi-plot lines helped to build the tension between the characters, which results in a deeply moving story with witty and animated dialogue.

I’m never sure what to expect when I read a debut novel, but Prentiss’ writing is fascinating! I would definitely recommend this book to readers, who love art, the big apple, or a good dramatic story! I’m excited to read more of Prentiss’ writing in the future!

My Rating: 5/5

 I am a HUGE music lover.  I love music’s ability to define and bring out any emotion.  So, I’ve been doing this weird thing where I make a playlist based on the book that I am currently reading. Brilliant, right?! I made a playlist of songs that I felt really defined some of the emotions in this novel. The best part? All of these songs were popular in 1980! I hope you enjoy my first ever book playlist! Let me know what you think in the comments!

Blondie- Call Me

The Pretenders- Brass in Pocket

The Human League- Don’t You Want Me

David Bowie- Ashes to Ashes

Joy Division- Love Will Tear Us Apart

Rolling Stones- Emotional Rescue

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers- Refugee

Billy Joel- You May Be Right

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band- Against the Wind

Michael Jackson- Rock with You

 

My Summer Reading Challenge AND GIVEAWAY!!!

HAPPY JUNE!

I am beyond excited about this post! I’m sure you are all tired of hearing about how much I love reading during the summer…but you’re gunna have to bear with me for a little bit longer! 😉

The reason I get so much reading done over the summer is because I give myself fun goals! For instance, two summers ago I challenged myself to read a book from every genre in our library. I completed my goal and ended up reading 10 books in 3 months, which is impressive for me. I don’t know if I have ever mentioned this before, but as much as I like to read, I’m what you might call a “leisure reader” AKA not fast.

I thought it would be fun to share with you my 10 goals for fun filled summer reading AND give away one of the most talked about books in our library (and on social media) right now: “Summer Days and Summer Nights”. SO please keep reading if you want to challenge yourself while reading this summer and to find out the rules of my first ever summer giveaway!

 

I’m not sure exactly what books I will be reading based on my goals, but that’s the beauty of it! I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my choices later on.

Now, it’s time for the giveaway! The grand prize: a copy of “Summer Days and Summer Nights”! A group of love stories written by some of the most influential YA authors. I have been hearing so much about this book and what better way to celebrate summer!

GIVEAWAY RULES: There are TWO ways to enter the giveaway. If you decide to enter both ways, it will count as two entries.

Entry #1: Comment on this post letting me know your favorite summer read!

Entry #2: Follow me on Instagram and like my “giveaway” photo!

That’s it!

No Purchase necessary to win! I will be choosing the winner at random on June 14^th, 2016 at 12:00 pm US Central Time.

Before entering please read the terms and conditions.

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY READING!

UPDATE: Congratulations to my Instagram follower @heavenlypages for winning my first summer giveaway!

My Most Anticipated Reads of Summer 2016

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

SUMMER READING HAS FINALLY BEGUN! I get so excited around this time of the year because I get most of my reading done in the summer. I also get so excited for all the new books that come out…and this year there are so many GREAT books that I NEED to read. It was hard for me to decide which books I was most excited for, but after about four hours of reading reviews and researching authors…I have finally put together a list of my top 10 most anticipated reads of summer 2016. Hope you enjoy! Let me know what your most anticipated summer book is in the comments!

JUNE

The Girls by Emma Cline ,  June 14th, 2016

This is the book that I am most excited to read! I have it on pre-order from Amazon and as soon as it arrives i’m going to drop everything and read it!

“Northern California, during the violent end of the 1960s. At the start of summer, a lonely and thoughtful teenager, Evie Boyd, sees a group of girls in the park, and is immediately caught by their freedom, their careless dress, their dangerous aura of abandon. Soon, Evie is in thrall to Suzanne, a mesmerizing older girl, and is drawn into the circle of a soon-to-be infamous cult and the man who is its charismatic leader.” (Goodreads)

Under The Harrow by Flynn Berry,  June 14th, 2016

You know I love a good mystery! When I read about this book I was just like-boom! sold!

“When Nora takes the train from London to visit her sister in the countryside, she expects to find her waiting at the station, or at home cooking dinner. But when she walks into Rachel’s familiar house, what she finds is entirely different: her sister has been the victim of a brutal murder. ” (Goodreads)

The Whale: A Love Story by Mark Beauregard , June 14th, 2016

It’s so strange, but I love a good fiction that is based on real people or events. This book is based on Herman Melville’s relationship with Nathaniel Hawthorne. It definitely sounds like a must read!

“In the summer of 1850, Herman Melville finds himself hounded by creditors and afraid his writing career might be coming to an end—his last three novels have been commercial failures and the critics have turned against him. In despair, Melville takes his family for a vacation to his cousin’s farm in the Berkshires, where he meets Nathaniel Hawthorne at a picnic—and his life turns upside down.” (Goodreads)

Barkskins by Annie Proulx, June 14th, 2016

I told myself I would start reading more historical fiction and this book sounded like a great start! I’m really excited to see if this is a genre I really enjoy!

“In the late seventeenth century two penniless young Frenchmen, René Sel and Charles Duquet, arrive in New France. Bound to a feudal lord, a “seigneur,” for three years in exchange for land, they become wood-cutters—barkskins.” (Goodreads)

Rich and Pretty by Rumaan Alam, June 7th, 2016

I love a good “chick lit” as a palate cleanser! This book sounds like it has the perfect amount of drama. I love a good sassy tale between friends.

“As close as sisters for twenty years, Sarah and Lauren have been together through high school and college, first jobs and first loves, the uncertainties of their twenties and the realities of their thirties. Once, Sarah and Lauren were inseparable; for a long a time now, they’ve been apart. Can two women who rarely see one other, selectively share secrets, and lead different lives still call themselves best friends? Is it their abiding connection—or just force of habit—that keeps them together?” (Goodreads)

We Could Be Beautiful by Swan Huntley, June 28th, 2016

This is Huntley’s debut thriller. I’m not going to lie, the cover is what drew me to this book…but i’m glad it did! I can’t wait to read it!

“Catherine West has spent her entire life surrounded by beautiful things. She owns an immaculate Manhattan apartment, she collects fine art, she buys exquisite handbags and clothing, and she constantly redecorates her home. And yet, despite all this, she still feels empty. One night, at an art opening, Catherine meets William Stockton, a handsome man who shares her impeccable taste and love of beauty. He is educated, elegant, and even has a personal connection—his parents and Catherine’s parents were friends years ago. But as he and Catherine grow closer, she begins to encounter strange signs.” (Amazon)

JULY

Listen to Me by Hannah Pittard, July 5th, 2016

This sounds like a psychological thriller, which I live for! There’s nothing better than a good “page turner” in the summer!

“Mark and Maggie’s annual drive east to visit family has gotten off to a rocky start. By the time they’re on the road, it’s late, a storm is brewing, and they are no longer speaking to one another. Adding to the stress, Maggie — recently mugged at gunpoint — is lately not herself, and Mark is at a loss about what to make of the stranger he calls his wife. When they are forced to stop for the night at a remote inn, completely without power, Maggie’s paranoia reaches an all-time and terrifying high. But when Mark finds himself threatened in a dark parking lot, it’s Maggie who takes control.” (Amazon)

The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock, July 12, 2016

This books is literally everything I feel like I need to read this summer! Thrilling, historical, and dramatic! I’ve also heard great things about Pollock and can’t wait to read his writing!

“It is 1917, in that sliver of border land that divides Georgia from Alabama. Dispossessed farmer Pearl Jewett ekes out a hardscrabble existence with his three young sons: Cane (the eldest; handsome; intelligent); Cob (short; heavy set; a bit slow); and Chimney (the youngest; thin; ill-tempered). Several hundred miles away in southern Ohio, a farmer by the name of Ellsworth Fiddler lives with his son, Eddie, and his wife, Eula. After Ellsworth is swindled out of his family’s entire fortune, his life is put on a surprising, unforgettable, and violent trajectory that will directly lead him to cross paths with the Jewetts. No good can come of it. Or can it?” (Amazon)

AUGUST

Bright, Precious Days by Jay McInerey, August 2nd, 2016

For some reason I’ve been reading a lot of dramatic books set in New York City. I figured why not add another to the list! It sounds phenomenal!

“Even decades after their arrival, Corrine and Russell Calloway still feel as if they’re living the dream that drew them to New York City in the first place: book parties or art openings one night and high-society events the next; jobs they care about (and in fact love); twin children whose birth was truly miraculous; a loft in TriBeCa and summers in the Hamptons. But all of this comes at a fiendish cost.” (Amazon)

Harmony by Carolyn Parkhurst, August 2nd, 2016

I’ve never read anything by Carolyn Parkhurst, although I feel like it’s crazy that I haven’t because her writing seems to be right up my alley. This is an emotionally gripping story that follows one family as they struggle with losing everything. I’m excited for a good cry.

“How far will a mother go to save her family? The Hammond family is living in DC, where everything seems to be going just fine, until it becomes clear that the oldest daughter, Tilly, is developing abnormally–a mix of off-the-charts genius and social incompetence. Once Tilly–whose condition is deemed undiagnosable–is kicked out of the last school in the area, her mother Alexandra is out of ideas.” (Amazon)

I hope you enjoyed my top 10 most anticipated reads for the summer! I’ll be posting a fun surprise tomorrow so follow Revitalized Reading to stay updated!