Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke And The Bookish where each week there is a new topic for a top ten list. 

This week is "Top Ten Books That Were Hard For Me To Read" 

It said to interpret that anyway I wanted so I picked Classic books, as much as I love them they are definitely not easy beach book reads. I've read most of these but some of these I've not read all the way through, one day though, one day.    

Here are my top ten: 

1. A Tale Of Two Cities 

2.The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

3. Wuthering Heights 

4. Jane Eyre 

5. Dracula 

6. Oliver Twist 

7. Les Miserables 

8. Pride and Prejudice 

9. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland

10. To Kill A Mockingbird 

Until next time, 

Ginger

"The Only Thing To Fear" ARC Review

"The Only Thing To Fear" By Caroline Tung Richmond

Stars: 3 

Source: Netgalley 

Release Date: September 30th 

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like now if Hitler had won World War II? Caroline Tung Richmond certainly did and with those thoughts Zara's story was born. 

Zara is living with her Uncle on a farm, working as a janitor and trying to stay out of the way of the ever present Nazi's. She desperately wants to join the growing rebels group, to be apart of the revolution that will, hopefully, bring the Nazi's reign to an end and restore America to it's former glory. 

With an added twist to the story Hitlers army is made up of genetically engineered super soldiers, they call themselves Anomalies and have certain gifts that give them a leg up in combat. Zara is also an anomaly, she has been told her entire life that she must keep her powers hidden to stay alive but perhaps using her powers is the only way to overthrow the Nazis and finally be free. 

I'm on the fence with this book, I really wanted to like it and I did to a point, but the anomalies threw me a little. I think it would've been a far better story if the science fiction parts hadn't been added. 

That being said it was still a very riveting, action packed book with relatable, likable characters and if there is a sequel I will most likely pick it up. 

Until next time, 

Ginger

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. 

My review is my honest opinion. 

Stacking The Shelves (6)

Stacking The Shelves 

"We are all book lovers and the need to share our enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in the physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! 

If you're anything like me, you are probably hoarding books and even though you are excited about your latest book arrival, it might be a while before you get to review it and Stacking The Shelves is a good way to express your undying enthusiasm for those titles."

Soo... I went a little crazy the past couple of weeks, I had coupons galore and my local bookstore had it's anniversary sale, most of the books I got I purchased for upcoming author events... Needless to say I need more bookshelves... 

Hopefully I can control myself in the coming weeks when it comes to purchasing more books... I guess we'll see ;) 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

"Breathe, Annie, Breathe" Review

"Breathe, Annie, Breathe" By Miranda Kenneally 

Stars: 5!!!

Source: Library (Ordering my own copy ASAP)

"Breathe, Annie, Breathe" Is the story of Annie Winters, Annie hates running, she gets bored easily, her legs get wobbly, her breathing becomes uneven. She doesn't find passion in it like most runners, nor does she appreciate the silence that accompanies running. 

However Annie isn't running for herself, she's running for Kyle. But no matter how fast she runs Annie cant outrun the guilt that weights her down. The little voice in the back of her head that whispers to her, if only she and Kyle hadn't broken up he would still be alive. 

While training Annie meets Jere, a self proclaimed dare devil, always on the hunt for his next adrenaline rush. They are instantly attracted to one another and sparks fly both on and off the trails. Yet Annie can't seem to let her guard down. She knows what it's like to lose someone and with Jeremiahs crazy stunts she's afraid she'll lose him like she lost Kyle. 

In "Breathe, Annie, Breathe" Annie pushes her body and heart to the extreme and in the end learns that while crossing the finish line is important, it's just as important whose waiting for you once you do. 

Do you ever finish a book, read the last page, slowly close it and then spend the next twenty minutes staring at the wall? 

I have a love/hate relationship with these kinds of books. 

On the one hand, they are amazing, I could read them over and over again and never tire of the characters, the story, the quotes. I instantly want two copies. One to keep pretty on my bookshelf, displayed for everyone to see. One to keep in the bottom of my purse, the edges frayed, the pages highlighted. 

On the other hand they give me the worst book hangover. Any book I pick up for the next couple of weeks just can't hold a candle to it and thus I get in a reading slump. I end up comparing every book to the one I've put on a pedestal. I have to force myself to put it aside and simply pray that the author is currently drafting another masterpiece. 

(Someone please tell me Miranda Kenneally has a new book coming out sometime soon!)

"Breathe, Annie, Breathe" is most definitely one of my favorite books that I've read this year. It had everything I could possibly hope for. Love, love lost and love found. Heart, determination and adventure. Challenges, family, friends, emotions, feelings and conflicts. All intertwined together with just the right amount.

 It left me breathless, as if I was the one running 20+ miles, I kept forcing myself to put it down so I could draw out the story, yet I couldn't stay away for long. Ten minutes later my nose was back in the book. 

This book gave me one of thee worst book hangovers I have ever had. I desperately want to throw my to-be-read pile out the window and just re-read Annie's story over and over again. 

The only downside to this book and is that it makes me want to run. The entire time I was reading it I kept looking over at my running shoes giving them the evil eye and shaking my head no- hell no. After finishing it though and reading the acknowledgments I've decided if Annie and Miranda can do it then so can I. Time to lace up those shoes, pull my hair back and silently remind myself to breathe, just breathe.  

And while I'm running you should run too, run over to Barnes and Noble or better yet your local bookstore and grab yourself a copy of this book! You won't regret it! 

Until next time, 
Ginger

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Here is my selection for the week: 

From Goodreads: 

The heart-pounding sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller, Unbreakable, by New York Times bestselling Beautiful Creatures co-author Kami Garcia.

He is here... and he could be anyone.

Kennedy Waters lives in a world where vengeance spirits kill, ghosts keep secrets, and a demon walks among us–a demon she accidentally set free. 

Now Kennedy and the other Legion members–Alara, Priest, Lukas, and Jared–have to hunt him down. As they learn more about the history of the Legion and the Illuminati, Kennedy realizes that the greatest mystery of all does not belong to any secret order, but to her own family. With the clock ticking and the life of someone she loves hanging in the balance, Kennedy has to ask the question she fears most: what is it about her past that has left her Unmarked?

Release Date: September 30th 

Until next time,

Ginger

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke And The Bookish where each week there is a new topic for a top ten list. 

This week is "Top Ten Books On My Fall To-Be-Read List" 

1. The Queen Of Zombie Hearts 

2.Firefight 

3. The Forgotten Girl

4. Atlantia 

5. Watched 

6. How We Fall 

7. Ashes To Ashes 

8. Black Ice 

9. The Cinderella Murder 

10. Compulsion

What books are you looking forward to reading this fall? 

Let me know in the comments below. 

Until next time, 

Ginger

"Say What You Will" Not My Cup Of Tea Review

"Say What You Will" By Cammie McGovern 

Stars: 2 

Source: Library 

Let me start off by saying I had such high hopes for this book. Even though I had no idea what it was about I was just drawn to it. It may have been that fact that it was said to be in the rankings with John Green's "The Fault in our Stars", or maybe it was the cover alone that caught my attention. Either way when I finally got my hands on it I felt like it was a complete let down. 

You may have noticed that this is a 2 star review which I HATE to write so it will be rather short. 

"Say What You Will" is about a teenage girl who was born with cerebral palsy, were it not for her computer voice box, Amy would be unable to communicate with the world around her. 

Matthew's OCD is taking over his life. Although he won't admit it. Hell he won't even admit he has OCD. The constant hand washing, counting and checking and double checking things is getting worse by the day. 

When Matthew and Amy's lives collide they find that they have more in common then either one of them realized and perhaps saving themselves starts with saving each other. 

Hate is a strong word... But I really, really, really didn't like this book. I wanted to so badly and at the end of each chapter I would think to myself "The next one will be better." but by the time I was two thirds done with it I knew that wasn't going to happen for me. 

I can't explain exactly what it was that I disliked so much, it was a mixture of things. The characters while I'm sure weren't meant to come off as whiny and annoying just grated on my every nerve. I wasn't a fan of the plot, or the lack there of, and I found myself skim reading bits of it and yet never missing anything important. 

It was a very slow read and I had to force myself to finish it because I hate DNF no matter how awful the book. 

This book was definitely one of my least favorites that I've read to date and I will probably not be reading anything else by this author. 

I do want to mention that although it was not my cup of tea you might find that you love it and think me crazy for writing this. Decide for yourself. This is just one persons opinion. 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

Stacking The Shelves (5)

Stacking The Shelves 

"We are all book lovers and the need to share our enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in the physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! 

If you're anything like me, you are probably hoarding books and even though you are excited about your latest book arrival, it might be a while before you get to review it and Stacking The Shelves is a good way to express your undying enthusiasm for those titles."

Here are a couple of the books that I've either purchased or ones that have been sent to me. 

The first three I bought myself and the bottom three were sent to me to review. 

Hope you enjoyed! 

Until next time,

Ginger

"Burn For Burn" Review

"Burn For Burn" By Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian 

Stars: 5 

Source: Library 


I am so far behind on reading this book that it isn't even funny. Truthfully I don't ever recall picking it up in the first place. I saw it in bookstores and at the library and for some reason it never caught my attention long enough for me to see what it was about. 

Big mistake. Big! Huge! 

Burn For Burn is told from three different points of view. Three different girls with different childhoods, backgrounds, friends, family. Three different reasons for revenge. 

Lillia will do whatever it takes to keep her little sister from making the same mistakes that she has made. Trust is a thing of the past for Lillia.

Kat used to be apart of the 'popular crowd' until the queen bee (Rennie) cut her down and threw her out with the trash. Now Kat won't rest until she takes everything Rennie holds dear. 

Mary has been running from her past long enough and now that it's time to face the tragic events that have led her to Jar Island she is more than prepared to slay the demons that haunt her. 

Secretly banning together Lillia, Kat and Mary carefully plot out their revenge. But will they go too far? 

This book is 2 parts Pretty Little Liars, 2 parts Mean Girls and a dash of John Tucker Must Die. 

I loved it from beginning to end. And that ending... I cannot wait to read the next book and never again will I hesitate when I see a new Jenny Han or Siobhan Vivian book at the bookstore. 

Until next time, 
Ginger  

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Here is my selection for the week: 

From Goodreads: 

Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late. 

Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants—but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage. 

In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. 

But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally? 

BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…

Release date is October 7th. 

Until next time,

Ginger

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke And The Bookish where each week there is a new topic for a top ten list. 

This week is "Top Ten Authors I've Only Read One Book From But NEED To Read More" 

1. Andrea Cremer 

2. John Green 

3. Claudia Gray 

4. Brandon Sanderson

5. Colleen Hoover

6. Joe Hill

7. Julie Kibler

8. Miranda Kenneally 

9. Paula Stokes 

10. J.A Redmerski 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

"Deaths Awakening" Review

"Deaths Awakening" By Sarra Cannon

Source: Netgalley 

Stars: 3 (Only because I did finish it.) 

A deadly virus has been unleashed by a powerful witch, a virus that not only takes the life of anyone who has the misfortune to be exposed to it but also causes the dead to rise and hunt the living. 

Told from six different few points "Deaths Awakening" tells the story of five teenagers who must ban together to save their world and one witch who will do anything to destroy it. 

This is going to be a rather short review because I'm really not sure what to say about it. I loved the beginning of Parrish's story, how the virus first started and I was thrilled when the undead showed up. 

However I thought it was a little much. I love the idea of explaining why there are zombies. Don't get me wrong, I still hold out hope for "The Walking Dead" to give some clue as to why there are flesh eating walkers roaming the earth, but zombies and curses and witches and spells... To me it seems like two really good books got cut in half and melded together to create one semi okay book. 

I found myself wanting to skip over the chapters told from the witches point of view in order to get back to the part of the story that I was actually interested in. 

Just because it wasn't for me though doesn't mean others won't like it. If you're the kind of person who loves zombies and fairy tales and doesn't mind when they overlap then I'm sure you'll enjoy this book a lot more than I did. 

Until next time, 

Ginger 

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. 

My review is my honest opinion. 

"The 100 Day 21" ARC Review

"The 100 Day 21" By Kass Morgan 

Stars: 5

Source: Netgalley

Release Date: September 16th 

300 years ago the Cataclysm forced humans to flee earth, making space their new home. Now 21 days after the one hundred were sent back they are realizing that they aren't alone on earth, that in fact, some people never left. 

21 days. That is how long it takes for radiation poisoning to start showing symptoms. Just when Clarke thought they were out of the woods people start falling ill left and right. On top of that the Earthborns are sending not so subtle messages in forms of dead friends. The 100 are not welcome. 

Wells is left to  deal with the aftermath of the Earthborns while Clarke and Bellamy set out to search for Bellamy's missing sister, Octavia. Not only is Wells trying to keep people calm, safe and fed he also has to keep a close eye on Graham who is a ticking time bomb.

Meanwhile in space, Glass and Luke, are determined to make it to earth. The ship is quickly running out of air and their only chance is to make it through the crowds and armed guards onto one of the remaining drop ships. 

Whether on earth or earth bound survival is on everyone's mind. Will they be strong enough to endure the challenges they are faced with or will death finally succeed in wiping out the human race?

This was a fast paced and thrilling sequel. It did not disappoint! I kept putting off reading it because I was so afraid it wouldn't live up to what I had imagined but it was all I wanted and more. I sat down to read it and didn't stand up until I was done. 

Kass Morgan is an amazing story teller who weaves a tale so seamlessly you can't tell where fantasy ends and reality begins. That in itself is magical. 

 I cannot wait until the next book! 

Until next time, 

Ginger

In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review. 

My review is my honest opinion. 

In honor of the 13th anniversary of September 11th I will not be posting a book review today. 

Instead I have posted the speech that President Bush gave after the awful events that occurred on that Tuesday. 

"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts.

The victims were in airplanes or in their offices -- secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers. Moms and dads. Friends and neighbors.

Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger.

These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.

Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C., to help with local rescue efforts.

Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks.

The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow.

Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open for business as well.

The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've directed the full resources for our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and assistance.

America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world and we stand together to win the war against terrorism.

Tonight I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me."

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time.

None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

Thank you. Good night and God bless America."