Summer 2016 Reading Challenge

One of my favorite times to read is during summer. It's the perfect way to relax and avoid the heat. So, I have compiled a list of topics to challenge myself to read about this summer. This heat has been brutal and it's only the second day of summer. Stay cool with me by reading fun, summer-inspired books! 

I've already picked out a few books that work with the topics I've listed below. Alice's Summer Road Trip by Cameron Glenn, 20 Best Summer Drink Recipes by Betty Crocker and A Fine Summer's Day (Inspector Ian Rutledge #17) by Charles Todd. 

Happy Reading! 

Breanna 

Eligible - A Modern Pride And Prejudice

What a refreshing and unique take on a Jane Austen classic! I instantly fell in love with Curtis Sittenfeld's ability to create a modern retelling of my favorite Austen story - Pride and Prejudice. 

Just the first few chapters alone instantly had me hooked and intrigued. Giving modern day meaning to an old way of life was so refreshing. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever picture Mr. Bingley a contestant of a reality dating show but Sittenfeld made it work perfectly. I loved that he found a new voice for the same witty, smart and beautiful characters I've read about over and over for most of my life. 

I am not one for change or remakes but the accuracy, new voice, and corporation of olden ways into a modern-age story left me so taken and blown away by the novel. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I fell in love with it and didn't want it to end. 

Sittenfeld did an amazing job of transitioning the old English wording to modern day while still managing to incorporate words like besmirching, hither and whence, to name a few. Our beloved Elizabeth, or Lizzy, still holds her quirky, stubborn wit and Mrs. Bennet still held the same hilarious temperament that we grew to love and hate in the original. It was so interesting to read the sisters dealing with modern day problems like job searches, feminism, reality television, sexual preferences, coffee shops and Crossfit etc. The romance and flirting carries over and you'll cheer for and scold them the same as you do in the original. Of course, the drama continues to the very end. This is an Austen influenced novel, afterall. 

I think this is a perfect way for those who don't like reading old English or about late 18th century ways of life to be introduced to Austen's brilliance and how she influenced and transcended literature and the writing profession. 

I'm excited that this is just the beginning of modern remakes of Austen's novels. The Austen Project is a collection of authors who, like Sittenfeld, rewrote a classic Austen novel to fit into today's standard of life. I haven't been this excited about a collection of books since Harry Potter. 

To learn more about the Austen Project you can look on their Facebook page or on Goodreads at this link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/113943-the-austen-project. 

Happy Reading! 

Breanna

All About Mothers and Daughters

In celebration of Mother's Day, I have compiled a list of books I feel perfectly depict the bond between a mother and her children. 

Some stories are sad, some intensely complicated and a few are inspiring and fun. Either way, I think we can all agree that there is nothing quite like a relationship between mom and daughter. We often claim we don't want to end up like our mothers but they can be the most inspiring, motivating and encouraging people in our lives. They teach us valuable life lessons that shape us into who we become as adults. I can proudly say as I've gotten older my mom is just as needed in my twenties as she was when I was 10. And, in my humble opinion, you never truly stop needing your mother. It's great to see that they can become not only a great encourager as an adult but a friend as well. The bond transforms over the years and while the story is different for everyone, a mother's love always remains an important part of our lives. I love stories about mothers who have changed into better people and moms, mothers who have righted wrongdoings and mothers who have always remained consistent and true. Every book I list below made me want to call my mom and say a big thank you to her for her sacrifice, hard work and willingness to do what had to be done to make my life a good one. These are great literary examples of the different types of mothers and their love, sacrifice and hard work. 

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

The Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan 

When We Fall - Emily Liebert

The Nest - Cynthia D'Apriz Sweeney

Where'd You Go, Bernadette - Maria Semple

White Oleander - Janet Fitch 

Where We Belong Emily Giffin 

Each of these books are powerful, moving, emotional and sentimental. I didn't want to stop reading them. These are definitely books I'll go back to often. I cried, I laughed and I was inspired. These mothers have so much strength and courage. While I have no children of my own it is clear to see raising children is no easy feat. So a big thank you to all the hard working moms out there, who do all they can to raise strong children, who do it tirelessly and sometimes alone! You are all fearless and appreciated! 

Happy Reading (& Happy Mother's Day!), 

Breanna 

Favorite Book to Movie Adaptations

There are far too many books I love that have been adapted into amazing movies.

For avid readers, its a complex emotional moment when we hear a book we cherish is becoming a movie. We're filled with excitement, anticipation and also worry. Sometimes the words on the page just don't transfer to the big screen and the power and presence of the book can be lost. Over the years I've found my list of book to movie adaptions growing. I can't mention them all but I certainly will list a few. 

Girl, Interuppted 

Pride and Prejudice 

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit

Harry Potter

 

The Help

In Her Shoes

Peter Pan 

Twilight Saga - Eclipse 

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland 

The Great Gatsby 

The Fault In Our Stars 

A few others I must also mention include Breakfast At Tiffany's, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Romeo and Juliet (the Leonardo DiCaprio version), and A Walk To Remember. Like I said, my list would be way too long if I listed every adaptation I love. While some key features might be missing from these movies, I was still very impressed with how it brought to life the words I fell in love with. The characters were just as I had imagined them to be and that is always the most exciting part. What are some of your favorite adaptations? Share in the comment section below! 

Happy Reading (And, Watching!),

Breanna 

The Way I Used To Be by Amber Smith

Once in awhile you come across a book that tells a story that touches your soul. It changes your heart and leaves a lasting impression. The Way I Used To Be by Amber Smith is that kind of novel. 

I was hesitant to read this book because I relate to it on a very personal level and was nervous of the emotions and memories it would stir up. But, I'm so glad I read it because it is truly a beacon of hope and light on a dark situation that plagues so many people. An American is sexually assaulted every 107 seconds. It's a very real and serious issue that doesn't have enough support or talk. People are still afraid to come forward. Victims are not just victims they are survivors, victorious and symbols of hope and strength. Eden, the main character of The Way I Used To Be, is an example of what happens when you don't have the help or knowledge of how to get help when someone abuses or assults you in any way. Every person and every situation is different and unfortunately there is no one method to resolve it -- its not black and white. 

While it's uncomfortable, difficult and saddening to discuss, it needs to screamed from the rooftops-- voices need to be heard, and rapists need to be stopped and justice served. 

I'm grateful to Amber Smith, who writes in the novel that it is a fictional story and not her own personal experience, she sheds light on rape and what happens not just to a person's body when attacked, but to their minds and hearts as well as how it affects those around them like family and friends. 

I cried like a baby. I cried for Eden while she was raped and I cried for her as she evolved and changed because of it. The story is not for the faint of heart. But, what an amazing book! Even while facing difficulties getting through it, I would gladly read it again simply for the fact that it's important this book exists. Every day organizations and advocates of important issues like rape, depression and suicide break down barriers and erase stigmas. Every day those suffering get the help, support and encouragement they need to keep fighting. 

I guess the one message I'd want this book to really express is that we are not alone. You are not alone in your fight. Taking back your life, heart and body is possible even when it doesn't seem that way. Please don't give up. Don't let your attacker steal anymore from you because you are loved, important and there is no one else like you on this planet -- you are needed! While you may have lost who you used to be, you can become someone even better. Resources are out there. Counseling really turned my life around and helped me heal my heart and move forward. Sometimes you just need to know you're not alone. 

If you or anyone you know has been abused or sexually assaulted please seek help. For free, confidential support visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network at rainn.org or call their hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE 

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones/Shadowhunters

Despite what critics and other reviewers have said over the years, I love The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. Today it was announced that the spin off Freeform series, Shadowhunters, has been renewed for season 2. I was excited to share my love, respect and excitement for the series and characters. 

I have to say that out of the three: book, movie and tv show, the movie starring Lily Collins is my favorite. The book is amazing. And, the tv show has been equally impressive. But, the movie was my first chance to see the world come to life. The places and people I had imagined in my head mirrored what was shown in the movie and I loved that it was exactly as I had pictured Clary, the Shadowhunters and the Downworld to be. 

Cassandra Clare has created such a fun, enticing, and interesting world full of demons, vampires and other creatures alternating realms and fighting the battles of good verses evil. 

If you've read my previous posts, you know I have a love and fascination with vampires. So, of course, I was drawn to this series. I love that they have unique personalities and aren't just blood-thirsty half dead beings running around. A lot of people argued that the storyline is bland, forgettable or boring but I think the opposite. It's a fresh, new and modern take on mythological characters that have been in stories for centuries. It is geared for young adults and I think captures the voice of today's generation while incorporating the beloved aspects of fantasy and the supernatural. 

I'm grateful for the tv series because it is keeping this great novel/series alive and I feel more people are getting to see how amazing it is. Of course the novel, movie and tv show all portray things a little differently but the important aspects remain true. 

If you haven't taken the time to read and watch each of these, I highly encourage you to ignore the reviews and take a chance on this story. I'm so grateful I took the time to check it out, it is one of my favorite storylines of all time. I'm excited that a new installment was just released in the Shadowhunter Chronicles entitled The Dark Artifices: Lady Midnight and look forward to picking up a copy. By the way, how cool is Cassandra Clare's website? I love it. 

www.cassandraclare.com

Happy reading (& watching)! 

Breanna 

(Photos were taken off of the official websites, I did not create these.) 

Thank you Meg Cabot and Ann Brashares

For today's generation there is the Divergent, Mortal Instruments, and Hunger Games series just to name a few. But, for me, while I was growing up it was all about The Princess Diaries and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. 

I'll be forever grateful to the authors of these books for creating stories and characters that helped me, inspired me and made me feel like I wasn't alone. 

There are 10 amazing books to read written by Meg Cabot to follow Mia on her amazing journey. We read as she deals with the every day pressures of high school, crushes, long-lost relatives, friendships and then the ultimate discovery-- she's actually a princess. I love everything about Mia. Her quirkiness, sarcasm and the fact that while she tries to keep to herself she still marches to the beat of her own drum. I related to her in so many ways growing up. Reading these in high school helped me feel like I wasn't alone. I always imagined I was secretly a princess and lived vicariously through Mia in her adventures. I also appreciate the fact that there are so many books in the series. We get to watch her grow, evolve and take on the role of princess and queen. It's inspiring to read about a normal girl taking on an abnormal role and not only finding strength but discovering parts of herself she never knew of along the way. It shows the importance of taking risks and chances in life. I can read this series over and over. 

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares is another adolescent favorite of mine. Nothing compares to a story about genuine long-lasting friendship and sisterhood between four girls. It is proof you don't need to have the same parents or be blood related to be sisters. I related to each girl: Lena, Tibby, Bridget and Carmen, in different ways. I loved reading about their adventures together. Their  camaraderie and belief in the magic of the pants during their summer adventures made me cherish my own friendships. I enjoyed watching them grow up and take on new challenges together and while apart. It wasn't just a story about pants. It's a series about how hard it is to discover yourself but how amazing it can feel when you do. Life is full of change and unexpected challenges. But, if you can face it holding the hand or hands of people you love and who love you in return then you are the wealthiest person there is. Friendship, sisterhood and love are worth working for, fighting for and preserving. Another series I'll always cherish for the comfort and guidance it gave while I was growing up. 

These are two prime examples of why I love books so much. Authors can create these characters that speak to your heart, open up your mind and encourage self-growth and realization. After awhile you forget you're reading at all and it feels as if you truly know these characters in real life. It feels amazing to know you aren't alone -- even if it is fictitious. I plan to share these stories with my children one day. If you haven't read these books or haven't for a long time I encourage you to! 

Happy Reading, 

Breanna 

A Shade Of Vampire - Bella Forrest

I feel no shame in admitting that I am a Twilight fan and have not only read and watched every book and movie but own my own copy of each. I have always been fascinated by stories of vampires. Dracula by Bram Stoker is one of my favorite novels of all time. The eerie yet alluring nature of these blood sucking half dead creatures have always fascinated me. Once the sizzle and eventual end of the Twilight saga occurred I found myself missing having a vampire to read about. Then I discovered A Shade of Vampire and the plethora of books in The Shade series. There are 24 books to be exact. The 24th installment entitled A Shade of Vampire 24: A Bridge of Stars is available March 15th. But, for now I just want to focus on the first book. 

Bella Forrest is a great writer and these books were a very unexpected find. I got bored one night and began looking through the Kindle Unlimited store and stumbled upon this series. I wanted to find something worthwhile for my next review. I almost kept going but I'm glad I decided to give the book a chance.  

The story follows a seemingly average 17-year-old girl named Sofia and a vampire named Derek who had been asleep 400 years. I'd rather not waste time telling you the synopsis of the book because you can easily read that yourself. Instead I'll tell you how easy of a read it is. The chapters fly by and before you know it you're almost finished with the book. The story is complex, the dialogue intriguing and the characters well rounded and alluring. I loved that the chapters alternated perspectives between Derek and Sofia. I enjoyed experiencing the story walking a mile in both of their shoes. The story incorporated everything you'd want or expect from a teen melodrama centered around vampires. The flirty banter, the dangerous and heroic moments, the blood and temptation and of course the love and romance. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected but I love being pleasantly surprised by a book. I follow the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover," and it's usually worked in my favor. A sappy title or a poorly designed cover could be hiding a great and memorable story. I definitely think this series is worth checking out -- especially if you are like me and have a guilty pleasure for all things vampire. 

Happy reading! 

Breanna 

Emily Giffin

Occasionally you come across an author, who no matter what they write, you know you'll love what ever they publish. Currently, for me, that author is Emily Giffin. I first heard about her when the movie Something Borrowed starring Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin came out in 2011. I went out and got the book in anticipation for the movie and fell in love with Giffin's diction, storytelling, and overall vision of love and life. Her characters are so relatable. Whether you're single, married or in love with your best friend's guy-- she provides storylines that are addictive to read. That is why for this Valentine's Day weekend I want to recommend any and all books written by Giffin. 

I currently own and have read four of her books: Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Heart Of The Matter and Where We Belong. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them and would recommend them for anyone looking for something light to read. I laughed, I cried, I reflected and I related. Each of the books offered something different, a new experience, and a great one at that. They are not too long, each ranging about 350-400 pages. These books are perfect for traveling, bus rides, while on vacation, or at home with a tall glass of wine.

Her latest book published was The One & Only, which came out in 2014. I haven't read it yet myself but know others have wonderful things to say about it. Giffin also has a new book, First Comes Love, available for preorder and it releases June  28. I am looking forward to what's in store and will let you know my thoughts when it becomes available later this year! 

Happy reading! 

And, to all you love birds out there, Happy Valentine's Day! 

Breanna 

 

Brady vs Manning - Gary Myers

If you are a diehard NFL football fan, or a sports fan in general, then you've heard about one of the biggest rivalries of all time - Brady vs. Manning. 

We're in the middle of the NFL playoffs and a day and some hours away from watching Tom and Peyton go at it again for a chance in Super Bowl 50.

I grew up watching Peyton. My father, a diehard Manning fan and career-long supporter, introduced me to the game when I was 8-years-old. We would sit around together in our Indianapolis Colts jerseys watching Manning play every Sunday or Monday night. These are cherished memories of my childhood. It came as no surprise to those that knew me that I followed Peyton when he became the Denver Broncos Quarterback. With my support of Peyton since his start in Indianapolis came the natural instinct to hate Tom Brady. I didn't care to know him or watch him play unless he was an opponent of Peyton's. I gave into the media's instigated rivalry hype. 

Getting a chance to read this book changed my understanding of Brady, quarterbacks and the game, for the better. Gary Myers told stories old and new of the two quarterbacks and their journeys to becoming two of the best NFL players to ever join the league. We hear their sides of stories discussed cruelly by the media, reactions and opinions each quarterback had towards various games and interactions with each other and, of course, their splender of impressive statistics. Myers turns a typical compilation of stats, play-by-plays and quotes into an unique and enjoyable narrative. He isn't one-sided, which is my favorite aspect of Myer's writing style. I didn't feel too much attention was given to one or the other. If you, like me, are a bigger fan of one quarterback you will still enjoy the read. 

"Brady vs. Manning has been great for the NFL. It's been great for Brady and Manning. They have pushed each other to the very top of the heap of the all-time best quarterbacks." (Pg. 248)

Books like this are important. We need more than just 1,000 word articles with a bias attitude and cruel assumptions. Myers went directly to the sources, Brady and Manning, and gave us a chance to get to know our favorite players a little better. 

I'm anxiously awaiting Sunday, Jan. 24th to see the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots one more time! Of course, I'll be cheering for Manning, but it is sure to add another glorious chapter to the Brady vs. Manning story. 

4.5/5 

Happy Reading! 

Breanna 

Go Ask Alice - Anonymous

I'm starting off by reviewing an older book from 1971. While you may have heard about it or even read it yourself, I wanted to draw attention to it. I think it is a phenomenal book - a diary that is still very relevant today. I hope today's youth have an opportunity to read this. Having the chance to read this when I was 13 years old is a main reason why I stayed away from drugs and always will - aside from a natural disinterest. But, some are not as fortunate...they struggle and face temptations. Some enter the world of drugs and never get out. 

This book is raw. It doesn't sugarcoat or leave things out. You won't feel happy or excited for the girl in this book but you will feel guidance, you'll question her and her decisions as well as reflect on your own life. It's gut wrenching. 

I found myself attached to her, hoping for her, struggling with her and felt somehow I had received a glimpse into a new world -- a living nightmare. Something you don't want to see anyone you love or care for experience.

Its a simple, quick read. I finished it in just 2 days. But, its a book I won't quickly forget  and have not forgotten in the last 13 years since I first read it. 

There is still a stigma attached to depression, addiction, anxiety, and self-harm. People don't want to talk about it let alone read about it but it is so important that we do. We are making progress but still have a long way to go. It is vital for future generations to know they are not alone, that there is help and support for them. 

If you are looking for a quick read, something that will get you thinking out of the box, or even something to share with someone who needs encouragement to stay on the right track and away from societal pressures then I suggest this book. 

Most have rated Go Ask Alice 3.8/5 but I rate it 4.2/5 for giving a strong voice to a difficult subject. 

Happy reading! 

Breanna 

How to begin...

Its always tough knowing where to begin. Beginnings can be scary. There is a lot of uncertainty in the unfamiliar or unknown. I have known for awhile that when I got back into writing regularly again I wanted it to be something I am passionate about, something I wouldn't be tired of in a week. A few things came to mind but one thing stuck -- Books. I love reading.  I haven't written many book reviews during my many years of writing. I typically wrote news articles for my high school and college newspapers. But, I'm excited by the challenge of something new. I read in my spare time as much as I can. I am always trying to add to my collection. I own quite a few books and am anxious to share my thoughts on ones I love, ones I disliked and hopefully get recommendations for something new. I grew up in a household that considered reading a constant means of entertainment. My parents would always take my sister and I to libraries and bookstores. I consider books the gifts that keep giving. I spent last year rereading the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. I fell in love with each book and character all over again. I found new things within the pages I missed in prior reading or may have forgotten with time. A book is like an old friend, you can go months without seeing each other but when you meet again you pick up right where you left off. Its an amazing feeling. 

So, with that said... lets visit some friends-- old and new. 

Happy Reading!

Breanna