Sorry that I have been missing for the past couple weeks!! I have just been so busy with the week leading up to finals, and the final papers and projects themselves. Plus I've been spending some much needed time back home with my family enjoying the holidays.
I hope you all have been enjoying your time with family and loved ones! I will be back to posting in a few more days. Until then stay safe and have fun :)
-Jade xx
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
The Syrian Virgin by Zack Love Review
**This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review**
I don't know how to rate this book, which is probably a first for me.
Synopsis:
"Anissa is traumatized by the most brutal conflict of the 21st Century: the Syrian Civil War. In 2012, Islamists in Homs terrorize a Syrian-Christian community and destroy everything that a young woman holds dear. Narrowly escaping death, Anissa restarts her devastated life as a college student in NY. She is bewildered and lost -- a virgin in every sense.
But despite her inexperience with men and life in the United States, Anissa is quickly drawn to two powerful individuals: Michael Kassab, the Syrian-American leader working to found the first Mideast Christian state, and Julien Morales, her Columbia University professor who runs a $20 billion hedge fund.
Complicating matters, Michael is still attached to his ex-girlfriend and Julien is the most sought after bachelor in Manhattan (and has hidden demons even his therapist can't extract). Anissa's heart and her communal ties pull her in different directions, as she seeks hope and renewal in a dark world.
LIFE shattered her. LOVE empowered her."
I absolutely loved the history portion of this book and the sort of current events aspects on the going ons in Syria. I was obsessed with that part of the novel and would hands down give that a 5 star. But I was not a fan of the romance portion of the book whatsoever. I found both men, Julien and Michael, to be creepy and they made me uncomfortable. I just felt that neither had redeeming qualities, and the fact that they were pursuing a 17 year old girl made me feel that much more uncomfortable.
What I loved:
-I loved Anissa's growth as a person. I felt that that was amazing, empowering, and uplifting not only because she is a young woman coming into her own, but also because she was a young woman being ripped from her country during dangerous war torn times. Her home was essentially a battle field and the event that happened to her family was beyond traumatic, so every time she succeeded in a class or when she got the top score in Julien's class I was so excited and happy for her!
-The facts and history of Syria. I thought that this was my favorite part of the novel. It is all so sad but beautifully written, you feel for these people and, you feel disgusted that their story is one that goes untold for so long. This novel definitely brings some light on this country and the horrors it has gone through and is going through, and it has definitely educated me in ways I did not expect when I first started reading.
-The fact that most if not all of the characters are POC. I love the representation that we POC get in this book. It is so rare to see any color but white in novels let alone novels about wealthy and successful businessmen/women, and educated people.
What I didn't like:
-The whole romance portion of the book. I felt like it was very unnecessary and felt slightly out of place. The book was focused on Anissa coming from Syria to America in order to have religious freedom and to have a better future and education. This weird semi- love triangle felt very off and to me took away from the beauty of the story. I sometimes found myself skimming over the parts that had to do with her "confusing" relationship with both men.
-Julien and Michael. They were both sort of creepy and made me uncomfortable. I don't know, but I just did not like them and they both rubbed me the wrong way. It also felt very odd that men of 28 and 40 something were pursuing a young girl of 17 who was very vulnerable in a new country, and was sort of naive in some relationship aspects. They both felt like they were out for more than what was being offered, and I don't even know how to explain it but it all felt very unsafe. Also, Julien would constantly bring up her young age and how her "innocent youthful beauty" shined through whenever she was dressed up for his parties. It just felt really fetishizing, and instead of her age just being a part of her, it almost felt like it was a need for his attraction. And Michael felt very arrogant and slightly cult leader-ish, his wants for a better place and equality was beautiful and admirable. But a lot of the things he said gave me pause and made me think that peace is not the only reason he is leading these people in protests and during club meetings.
-The title. While reading I kept trying to figure out how the title fit into the story besides the fact that she is in fact a virgin who is Syrian. It felt like the title was setting the book up to be something that it's really not. Plus it's sort of off-putting when browsing for future books to read, I know if I saw this on the shelf at a store I probably would skip right over it. The title makes it sound like the novel is all about sex when in reality is so about so much more, and it sucks that people will see it as a sex book instead of the intense journey that it is.
I don't know how to rate this book, which is probably a first for me.
Synopsis:
"Anissa is traumatized by the most brutal conflict of the 21st Century: the Syrian Civil War. In 2012, Islamists in Homs terrorize a Syrian-Christian community and destroy everything that a young woman holds dear. Narrowly escaping death, Anissa restarts her devastated life as a college student in NY. She is bewildered and lost -- a virgin in every sense.
But despite her inexperience with men and life in the United States, Anissa is quickly drawn to two powerful individuals: Michael Kassab, the Syrian-American leader working to found the first Mideast Christian state, and Julien Morales, her Columbia University professor who runs a $20 billion hedge fund.
Complicating matters, Michael is still attached to his ex-girlfriend and Julien is the most sought after bachelor in Manhattan (and has hidden demons even his therapist can't extract). Anissa's heart and her communal ties pull her in different directions, as she seeks hope and renewal in a dark world.
LIFE shattered her. LOVE empowered her."
I absolutely loved the history portion of this book and the sort of current events aspects on the going ons in Syria. I was obsessed with that part of the novel and would hands down give that a 5 star. But I was not a fan of the romance portion of the book whatsoever. I found both men, Julien and Michael, to be creepy and they made me uncomfortable. I just felt that neither had redeeming qualities, and the fact that they were pursuing a 17 year old girl made me feel that much more uncomfortable.
What I loved:
-I loved Anissa's growth as a person. I felt that that was amazing, empowering, and uplifting not only because she is a young woman coming into her own, but also because she was a young woman being ripped from her country during dangerous war torn times. Her home was essentially a battle field and the event that happened to her family was beyond traumatic, so every time she succeeded in a class or when she got the top score in Julien's class I was so excited and happy for her!
-The facts and history of Syria. I thought that this was my favorite part of the novel. It is all so sad but beautifully written, you feel for these people and, you feel disgusted that their story is one that goes untold for so long. This novel definitely brings some light on this country and the horrors it has gone through and is going through, and it has definitely educated me in ways I did not expect when I first started reading.
-The fact that most if not all of the characters are POC. I love the representation that we POC get in this book. It is so rare to see any color but white in novels let alone novels about wealthy and successful businessmen/women, and educated people.
What I didn't like:
-The whole romance portion of the book. I felt like it was very unnecessary and felt slightly out of place. The book was focused on Anissa coming from Syria to America in order to have religious freedom and to have a better future and education. This weird semi- love triangle felt very off and to me took away from the beauty of the story. I sometimes found myself skimming over the parts that had to do with her "confusing" relationship with both men.
-Julien and Michael. They were both sort of creepy and made me uncomfortable. I don't know, but I just did not like them and they both rubbed me the wrong way. It also felt very odd that men of 28 and 40 something were pursuing a young girl of 17 who was very vulnerable in a new country, and was sort of naive in some relationship aspects. They both felt like they were out for more than what was being offered, and I don't even know how to explain it but it all felt very unsafe. Also, Julien would constantly bring up her young age and how her "innocent youthful beauty" shined through whenever she was dressed up for his parties. It just felt really fetishizing, and instead of her age just being a part of her, it almost felt like it was a need for his attraction. And Michael felt very arrogant and slightly cult leader-ish, his wants for a better place and equality was beautiful and admirable. But a lot of the things he said gave me pause and made me think that peace is not the only reason he is leading these people in protests and during club meetings.
-The title. While reading I kept trying to figure out how the title fit into the story besides the fact that she is in fact a virgin who is Syrian. It felt like the title was setting the book up to be something that it's really not. Plus it's sort of off-putting when browsing for future books to read, I know if I saw this on the shelf at a store I probably would skip right over it. The title makes it sound like the novel is all about sex when in reality is so about so much more, and it sucks that people will see it as a sex book instead of the intense journey that it is.
Final thoughts
For the most part I enjoyed this story. It was really unlike anything that I have ever read before and I definitely recommend it. I could have done without the romance and the love triangle-ish aspect, but I feel like the good in this book out weigh the bad.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Addicted After All by Krista and Becca Ritchie Review
5 out of 5 stars
Loved. Loved every single second, word, and page that I read.
**all the titles are links to their Goodreads pages**
This series is so fucking special. I can't explain how amazing each character is or how complex the friendships and love that they all share. The series is not just about 2 people but 6 and all of the crazy in their lives.
What I love most about this series is that the characters are real people. Yes they are amazing and sweet and in love, but they are also assholes who say hurtful things occasionally, they fuck up and don't always make the right choices. All in all they are not perfect and that is what I love about them, they are all real representations of people not idyllic troupes.
Okay, so on to what I loved about this specific book:
-Everything. Seriously, there was nothing that I wanted to change. Even when Lo said things that were hurtful or when *SPOILER*Jonathan relapsed*END OF SPOILER* . I felt that everything was there for a reason and served a purpose.
-The babies. Oh my god, can I just say that I was in love with Coballoway and LiLo becoming parents. It was so sweet and real, they all love their children beyond anything and it was amazing to see their journey to that point. Moffy is adorable and I hope he will grow up knowing how much his parents love him and how much they sacrificed for him (Lily's addiction being put at risk and Lo's worries and stress about his addiction). I cannot wait to see how Jane will be when she is older. I loved the affection and just love that Rose and Connor had for her. Rose was nervous about being a mother but ended up being a wonderful mom. I just have so many feelings about this that I can't even describe them... The little baby wampa cap♥ Rose is such a sweet Aunt.
-The wedding. So perfect for Lily and Lo and I loved every part of it. I love that Connor officiated it and that Moffy was in a superhero outfit. I loved Lily's dress that sound so pretty and so her. Their vows made me cry they were just so perfect and fit them.
-Raisin. I loveee their dynamic in this book. Probably because this is the first book where they are a "true" couple for the entire book, instead of the snippets that we read in Hothouse Flower and Thrive, where their relationship and interactions with other couples is shown for the last 1/4 of the books. Ryke has so much love for Daisy it is heartwarming and heartbreaking to read. He helps her through her struggles and loves her at her most wild. I loved the handstand she did at the committee dinner party and how her underwear said: I love Ryke Meadows. And his reaction to them♥ so adorable. I also really loved everyone's (especially Lo) acceptance of them it was really amazing and I loved what Lily said to Connor and Rose "Why does the media insist on destroying something beautiful?" #RaisyIsAlive
-The Limo scene. Oh my god! That was insane and I thought that I couldn't love Connor anymore than I already do, that scene proved me wrong! The way he was in control of the situation and how his love and those tears!! shown through. I love how he was able to calm Rose down by quizzing her, it was so sweet and just so them. *SPOILER*Wow giving birth in a limo was something that I was not expecting *END OF SPOILER*but I truly loved because it just showed all the love everyone has for Rose and I just loved that and thought it was a perfect scene. I loved how vulnerable Rose was and how that showed the others how scary the situation was.
I think the quote that perfectly sums up this scene is:
"Ryke turns his head not able to watch this. I can barely keep my eyes trained on Connor and Rose either. It's hard seeing two put-together people face a situation that seems too damn big for them. With consequences that could cripple everyone. And there's nothing we can do to help."
-The dynamic between Rose and Lo. They felt more like allies in this book than any other in the series to me. I loved that they had more of a friendship in this one, don't worry still constant bantering and bashing each other. But there are also a lot more smiles.
Fuel the Fire
Long Way Down
Series about the kids:
Like Us series
This series and the authors deserve all of the praise that they get! Highly recommend reading the series, you will not regret it!
Loved. Loved every single second, word, and page that I read.
**all the titles are links to their Goodreads pages**
This series is so fucking special. I can't explain how amazing each character is or how complex the friendships and love that they all share. The series is not just about 2 people but 6 and all of the crazy in their lives.
What I love most about this series is that the characters are real people. Yes they are amazing and sweet and in love, but they are also assholes who say hurtful things occasionally, they fuck up and don't always make the right choices. All in all they are not perfect and that is what I love about them, they are all real representations of people not idyllic troupes.
Okay, so on to what I loved about this specific book:
-Everything. Seriously, there was nothing that I wanted to change. Even when Lo said things that were hurtful or when *SPOILER*Jonathan
-The babies. Oh my god, can I just say that I was in love with Coballoway and LiLo becoming parents. It was so sweet and real, they all love their children beyond anything and it was amazing to see their journey to that point. Moffy is adorable and I hope he will grow up knowing how much his parents love him and how much they sacrificed for him (Lily's addiction being put at risk and Lo's worries and stress about his addiction). I cannot wait to see how Jane will be when she is older. I loved the affection and just love that Rose and Connor had for her. Rose was nervous about being a mother but ended up being a wonderful mom. I just have so many feelings about this that I can't even describe them... The little baby wampa cap♥ Rose is such a sweet Aunt.
-The wedding. So perfect for Lily and Lo and I loved every part of it. I love that Connor officiated it and that Moffy was in a superhero outfit. I loved Lily's dress that sound so pretty and so her. Their vows made me cry they were just so perfect and fit them.
-Raisin. I loveee their dynamic in this book. Probably because this is the first book where they are a "true" couple for the entire book, instead of the snippets that we read in Hothouse Flower and Thrive, where their relationship and interactions with other couples is shown for the last 1/4 of the books. Ryke has so much love for Daisy it is heartwarming and heartbreaking to read. He helps her through her struggles and loves her at her most wild. I loved the
-The Limo scene.
I think the quote that perfectly sums up this scene is:
"Ryke turns his head not able to watch this. I can barely keep my eyes trained on Connor and Rose either. It's hard seeing two put-together people face a situation that seems too damn big for them. With consequences that could cripple everyone. And there's nothing we can do to help."
-The dynamic between Rose and Lo. They felt more like allies in this book than any other in the series to me. I loved that they had more of a friendship in this one, don't worry still constant bantering and bashing each other. But there are also a lot more smiles.
Final thoughts
Again I have to say that I truly loved everything about this book and felt that it was such a beautiful ending for Lo and Lily's pov. I cant wait for the rest in the series and for the new series about the kids!!! I am on cloud nine and so excited for the future.Fuel the Fire
Long Way Down
Series about the kids:
Like Us series
This series and the authors deserve all of the praise that they get! Highly recommend reading the series, you will not regret it!
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