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 

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