How Didn't I Know This?!?!

This.

This is what happens when you stop reading books and stop following book news.

{source :: shelf-life.ew.com}

You miss the cover reveal for one of your favorite series!!!

And you randomly discover it while working and searching for books to read in 2015.

And you try to control your excitement but end up looking like this instead.

{source :: mashable}

Which is okay because, let's be honest, who wouldn't be that excited?

And now, we wait...

{source :: giphy.com}

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant {book three} by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Number of Pages: 526
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered - fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris's new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature - and of herself - while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

She thinks: WWWWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?!?!?!?!?!

{via gemini-dragon-gifs.tumblr.com}

I'm mad at this book. I'm grieving over this book. I just don't understand why this book had to end the way it did. It's just not fair.

That aside, that book is written well, and it is beautiful. I thought the political turn the book took was weird and unexpected. But, I guess you should always expect the unexpected, right?? Meh.

I don't even know what else to say about the book. I guess I'll add that I'm glad Tobias faced some of his fears head on. That is all.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent {book two} by Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Number of Pages: 525
Genre:Young Adult Dystopia
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Once choice can transform you - or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves - and herself - while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable - and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

She thinks: I was soooooooo excited to get this book on hold finally!! I immediately put Allegiant  on hold at the library too. I did a little happy dance the day they both came in, and I checked them out. The Divergent movie also came in for a hold on the same day. It was absolutely glorious!

{via gurl.com}

My husband and all my coworkers thought I was nuts...but that's the price we pay when we fall in love with books and the worlds they transport us to.

Sadly though, this book was a little disappointing to me. I felt as if Tris came across the same struggle every time - make a decision, don't tell anyone, argue with Tobias about it, etc. on repeat. To me, it was a filler book. It got you from the first book to the third book. I wish more would have happened in Insurgent besides Tris' death wish every time she turned a corner and her constant agonizing about all the death she had recently.

Now, I don't mean to sound callous or cold because she should obviously feel pain and loss after her parents are killed and after she kills Will. That's a whole world of hurt that I don't want to experience at this point in my life so I can only imagine what a sixteen year old might feel. But, come on! Every chapter does not need to have her lamenting her pain about it. We get it. It hurts. She's inconsolable. She should lean on her friends and not be such a martyr about it. If I've learned one thing, talking always helps; don't bottle up your feelings and push people away.

Sigh...silly teenagers...

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Publisher: Knopf
Publication Date: February 14, 2012
Number of Pages: 313
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to mainstream school - until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

She thinks: This book came highly recommended to me by our children's librarian where I work. I have to admit though that I was a little nervous to pick it up and discover Auggie's world. I didn't know if I was ready to enter Auggie's world. I wasn't really looking for a heavy book at the time.

{via fremdeng.ning.com}

However, there was no reason to be afraid. This book does a spectacular job explaining how Auggie experiences the world as well as how the people around him that love him experience life with Auggie. It also is real but lighthearted at the same time. The trials and tribulations that Auggie, his friends, and his family go through are real, and you're left wondering what you would do in the same situation.

{via meetville.com}

I highly recommend this book to any middle grade students and their parents whenever they are at the library and are asking for suggestions. It tackles the topics of being new, being different, and bullying. Take the Choose Kind pledge started because of the book Wonder.

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti

When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Publication Date: May 4, 2006
Number of Pages: 287
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
At the start of her senior year in high school, Sara wants two things: to get into a top college and to find true love. Tobey also wants two things for his senior year: to win Battle of the Bands and to make Sara fall in love in him. However, a popular jock names Dave moves in on Sara first. But Tobey's quirky wit and big blue eyes are hard for Sara to ignore. Plus, he gets the little things that matter to her. Can a slacker rock-star wanna win the heart of a pretty class brain like Sara?

Hilariously and moving told through Tobey and Sara's authentic voices, Susane Colasanti's debut novel sizzles in its portrayal of two young people searching for The One.

She thinks: This book is everything I remember about high school. Let me count the ways,

1. The wanting of "something real." 
2. The immature boys. 
3. The panicking about going out on a date. 
4. The lack of cell phones. 
5. Jane magazine. 
6. Battle of the Bands contests. 
7. Applying for college. 
8. Wanting to be in the popular crowd. 
9. Being somewhat...okay, I was probably really...irrational. 
10. The "do you think she/he likes me?" conversations. 
11. Enlisting friends to help in your search for something real. 
12. Making and sharing Mix CDs.
13. Hanging out at the Mall. 
14. Or, you know, this w.h.o.l.e. BuzzFeed post.

{via teen.com}

If you graduated from high school in the 00s, then you need to read this book. It will make you smile the whole time and say, "Oh my God, I remember that!" And, that my friends, is reason enough to read this book.

Also, the actual book is good too. I liked that it was dual perspectives and that we got to get into Tobey's head too. We all know how mysterious the male brain can be.

{via elle.com}

How I wish I'd known about and read this book "back in the day!" It would have put my mind at ease knowing that other people felt how I felt. I'm glad I got to read in my late twenties though so I could feel nostalgic. If you're looking for a fun, quick read, pick this one up!

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas

Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: March 11, 2014
Number of Pages: 336
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when we brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be?

Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests - even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all...

She thinks: This is a cute read that I enjoyed. The middle part confused me because it jumped right into prom without much of a segue so I spent the first part of part two trying to figure out what I missed. I mean, was I supposed to read only the heads part or only the tails part? Eventually, I just gave up on trying to figure it out and just went with it.

I found this book relatable too. Everyone's had crappy proms, right? Both of mine were completely disappointing. Alas, this is what happens when you go to an all girls school and don't know any guys and have to be set up for prom...twice. I won't bore you with all the terrible details though.

{via teawithlemon.com}

Also, confession: I was a theater geek too. I know. You're shocked. ;]

{via giphy.com}

The sense of humor of the main character was perfect, and I found myself nodding along because I probably would have said most of those things myself nowadays. However, I just don't know that I wouldn't have have been that comfortable enough with myself in high school to say some of the things she does. Heart is ridiculously confident, in my opinion. I haven't met many high schoolers who are that confident without some inner turmoil...and Heart had none. That would be my only complaint because I would expect her attitude from someone in their twenties not their teens. That's just me though.

I liked the book and am glad I picked it up, finally, to read it. It is light and fluffy and perfect for when you can't concentrate on anything else. Oh...and full disclosure, I didn't understand the title of this book until after I finished reading the.whole.thing. which is a little embarrassing. Oops! =]

See what others are saying about Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas:

• April @ Good Books & Good Wine
• Gillian @ Writer of Wrongs
• Kelly @ Effortlessly Reading
• Aimee @ Deadly Darlings
• Brittany @ The Book Addicts Guide

The List by Siobhan Vivian

The List by Siobhan Vivian
Publisher: Push
Publication Date: April 1, 2012
Number of Pages: 332
Genre: Young Adult
Source: personal purchase

Summary {via GoodReads}:
An intense look at the rules of high school attraction - and the price that's paid for them.

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

She thinks: Every woman - teen, preteen, adult - needs to read this book. It perfectly addresses how we judge ourselves and, let's face it, each other based on appearance. The girls in the book are all affected in different ways by appearing on the list, from eating disorders to bullying. It touches on each dynamic and feeling each girl might encounter based on their place on the list. Each girl's struggle with being on the list is perfectly tied to their grade and maturity level. You can feel the pain and confusion and delight on the page. And, just because you're picked the prettiest doesn't mean that you won't have your own set of struggles. This book is real, and I am grateful for that.

Played by Liz Fichera

Played {Book Two} by Liz Fichera
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Number of Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
This Game Is Getting All Too Real

He said: I like to keep under the radar and mostly hang out with my friends from the rez. But when I saved Riley Berenger from falling off a mountain, that rich suburban princess decided to try and save me.

She said: If I can help Sam Tracy win the heart of the girl he can't get over, I'll pay him back for helping me. I promised him I would, no matter what it takes.

She thinks: I wanted to read this book. Hardcore. I kept passing by it on the shelf at work but wouldn't let myself check it out, telling myself that I had enough books of my own already to read. Finally, I succumbed to curiosity and checked it out. And, honestly, I'm a little disappointed. It could have been so much more than what it is.

The characters lacked motivation. Riley Berenger has a breakdown of sorts...but I don't understand why. I get that she's a goody two-shoes and is supposed to be perfect 24/7, but what sends her over the edge? What was the final tipping point? Maybe it's just me, and I missed that part of the book. And, then there's Sam Tracy. Why does he hate Jay Hawkins? I kept waiting for some profound revelation...but...nothing.

The scenarios they got themselves into seems a little far fetched too. Being rescued in a helicopter from the side of a mountain? Running away? Car accident? I felt like I got whiplash from all the different disasters that followed the two around wherever they went. Maybe they need to live in a bubble instead...?

I will say that the book helped me get out of my reading funk. I hadn't read in over a week when I picked this one up! So, yay for that?

See what others are saying about Played  by Liz Fichera:

• Aimee @ Deadly Darlings
• Nichole @ YA Reads
• Estelle @ Rather Be Reading
• Kimberly @ On the Wings of Books
• Kezia @ Chapteriosity

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martina's Press

Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Number of Pages: 310

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Realistic Fiction

Source: borrowed from local library

Summary via GoodReads:

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it's been in trouble for a long time. She still lives her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply - but that almost seems beside the point now.

Maybe that was always beside the point.

Two days before they're suppose to visit Neal's family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can't go. She's a TV writer, and something's come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her - Neal is always a little upset with Georgie - but she doesn't expect him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she's finally done it. If she's ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It's not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she's been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts...

Is that what she's supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

She thinks: I love Rainbow Rowell. When she writes, it is real and honest and true. Her characters have actual problems with no easy solutions. They are conflicted and heartbroken and raw. I feel like Rainbow Rowell's tag line should be, "I only speak the truth." Maybe John Leguizamo could follow her around saying that line from Moulin Rouge.

{via quickmeme.com}

As for Landline, I couldn't have asked for more. Every woman at one point or another in a relationship has felt the way Georgie feels. Is what I'm doing enough? Do I take him for granted? Am I ruining this? And to have a book written that makes you feel okay about your insecurities is phenomenal. Solidarity sister.

{via tookieclothespins.tumblr.com}

This book will give you hope. It will make you believe in love. It will make you want to fight for what you believe in. You will not regret reading this book...ever. I would love to own physical copies of all of Rainbow Rowell's books. Guess I know what I'm putting on my Christmas list this year! {Will someone remind me that I said this in a couple of months??}

See what others are saying about Landline by Rainbow Rowell:

• Stacey @ Pretty Books
• Kelly @ Effortlessly Reading
• Jamie @ The Broke and the Bookish
• Kevin @ TomeBound
• Joanne @ Once Upon a Bookcase

Blog Tour Guest Post: Annie Lyons

Annie Lyons is the best-selling author of Not Quite Perfect (now available in paperback) and Not Quite Perfect Christmas (a short story). Her new novel Dear Lizzie is published by Carina and is available as an eBook.

Not Quite Perfect is the first printed book that Carina is publishing. They previously focused on eBooks only. Not Quite Perfect is about two sisters who aren't quite happy with the lives they're living. 

Annie has graciously stopped by this little piece of the interwebs on her blog tour promoting Not Quite Perfect in paperback to share with us her top five not quite so perfect but still delightful heroines.

Bridget Jones

The Mummy of them all. So flawed. So real. So just like me and millions of other women. She tries hard, and often fails and then tries again. She is also the funniest heroine I have come across. And by heavens, I love her for it. When I first saw Not Quite Perfect in print form in a bookshop, she was sitting next to me. It was a sublime moment.

Emma

If Jane Austen were writing today, she would be the toast of Twitter and if she had written Emma for a modern audience, the Empire line dresses might have gone but the spirit of this character would feel as fresh as ever. And don't get me started on her unrealised love for Knightley. It's as relevant now as it was back then.

The other Emma from One Day

She stayed with me long after the final page. I can't remember a character that I've longed to hug more. This book made me want to be a writer.

Anne of Green Gables

She has to be here. She's the perfect heroine because she's anything but perfect. She's wild, naughty and so much fun. Growing up with her and watching her fall in love with Gilbert is as good as it gets. We also basically share a name so I've always had a soft spot for her.

Catherine Earnshaw from Wuthering Heights

Spoilt and selfish, she can be a difficult heroine to love because she's anything but perfect. However Heathcliff loves her and it is this love affair which makes this novel a masterpiece and my favourite book of all time. This isn't love in the traditional sense of the word though. It's love in all it's hand-wringing, tragic, passionate glory - definitely not for the faint-hearted.

{all gifs are sourced from giphy.com}

Before You by Amber Hart

Before You (Book One) by Amber Hart
Publisher: K-Teen {Kensington Books}
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Number of Pages: 320
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads:
Some say love is deadly. Some say love is beautiful. I say it both.

Faith Watters spent her junior year traveling the world, studying the exquisite places, before returning to Oviedo High School. From the outside her life is picture-perfect. Captain of the dance team. Popular. Happy. Too bad it's all a lie.

It will haunt me. It will claim me. It will shatter me. And I don't care.

Eighteen-year-old Diego Alvarez hates his new life in the States, but staying in Cuba is not an option. Covered in tattoos and scars, Diego doesn't stand a chance of fitting in. Nor does he want to. His only concern is staying hidden from his past - a past, which if it were to surface, would cost him everything. Including his life.

At Oviedo High School, it seems that Faith Watters and Diego Alvarez do not belong together. But fate is as tricky as it is lovely. Freedom with no restraint is what they long for. What they get is something different entirely.

Love - it will ruin you and save you, both.

She thinks: To be honest, I'm not really sure what I think of this book. It has me perplexed. I thought about this book for three days before I wrote this post. I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to say. So, I'll say this: the plot is definitely addicting, and I found myself not wanting to stop reading at the end of my lunch break. However, I am staunchly against present tense narration. I just don't like the way it feels when I read.

Now, despite my aversion to present tense narration, I liked the A Walk to Remember vibe that was going on. Good girl/pastor's daughter falls for bad boy who is misunderstood. I liked the twist on the tale in which the good girl has some demon's in her closet too. They supported each other, and it was beautiful.

At the same time, it felt a little preachy about how life ruining gangs and drugs can be. At one point towards the end, the author has this small moment where you just know she wants you to understand how she feels about young people having to resort or choosing to live those lifestyles. She wants them to understand that they have other options, and I do too. I just wish that particular moment wasn't so in your face.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book for what it was. At one point, I was crying and silently screaming in my head (because the mister was already in bed), "WWWWWHHHHHHYYYYYY?" But, I'll leave you to read the book and figure out that particular moment for yourself. Sigh. The love story is beautiful...if not a little rushed, as I find with most of the YA books I love so much. It is definitely a book that I would check out from the library.

See what others are saying about Before You by Amber Hart:

• Celeste @ The Book Hookup
• Jenea @ Books Live Forever
• Nick @ Nick's Book Blog

Since You've Been Gone by Anouska Knight

Since You've Been Gone by Anouska Knight

Publisher: Harlequin HQN

Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Number of Pages: 320

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads:

How do you learn to love again?

In one tragic moment, Holly Jefferson's life as she knows changes forever. Now to the external world, at least she's finally getting back on her feet, running her business, Cake. Then she meets Ciaran Argyll.

His rich and charmed life feels a million miles away from her own. However, there's more to Ciaran than the superficial world that surrounds him, and he too is wrestling with his own ghosts. Will Holly find the missing ingredient that allows her to live again and embrace and unknown and unexpected tomorrow?

She thinks: I wasn't ready!!! The tragic moment happens so fast. I was left reeling; I didn't know whether to put the book down and walk away or power through. I am proud and eager to say I powered through though, and it was wonderful. It was light-hearted yet touching at the same time.

Bad boy turned good guy. We've seen it and read it before...a million times probably. And that won't stop me from reading it a million more when their presented in such nice packages. Ciaran sweeps Holly off her feet reluctantly and bittersweet hilarity ensues. Ciaran's father is a hot mess, and the Ice Queen will wish you had stabbed her with a pair of stilettos instead of a cake. I definitely needed some of my own cake after finishing this book! 

If you are in search of a feel good read in which you wish you could be friends with the main character (or live her life), then I highly suggest you pick up this book. {You can thank me later!}

And, if you're anything like me, this song has been on repeat in your read since you read the title of the book. Plus, Pitch Perfect makes everything better!!!! You're welcome!

Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen

Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: July 22, 2014
Number of Pages: 350
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC via NetGalley

Summary via GoodReads:
Dakota Halifax loves to be in love. In fact, as one of Las Vegas' premier wedding planners, she's built a whole career around romance. Which is why her own wedding has to be nothing short of perfect. And then her fiance' jilts her. While she's waiting in her wedding dress. On a cruise ship already out at sea. Once back on dry land, Dakota tries to pour her heart into her business and weekly wedding advice column, Get Ready to Wed. But how can the heartbroken celebrate others' true love? When she reconnects with her childhood best friend, surprisingly sexy and all-grown-up casino bouncer Brendan West, Dakota wonders if maybe she can fall back in love with being in love.

But then her ex reappears, begging for another chance, and suddenly Dakota questions if she'll ever understand love. Can someone once-burned and twice-shy ever find her way down the aisle again?

She thinks: I had high hopes for this book because I wanted a light read. It sounded like a humorous plot, and it started out that way too. It quickly took a turn into not exactly "weird" but overly predictable. Dakota is trying to figure out her life after being left at the altar when her long lost friend comes back into her life. As soon as he showed up, I knew what was going to happen. Somehow, it wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be. It happened too quickly and then there was too much drama after it happened for me to like the book completely. Waaaaahhhhh. Yay for happy endings though!!

See what others are saying Ready to Wed by Cindi Madsen:

• Heather @ Turning Pages
• Angela @ The Reading Cave

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern

Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Number of Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
John Green's The Fault in Our Stars meets Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park in this beautifully written, incredibly honest, and emotionally poignant novel. Cammie McGovern's insightful young adult debut is a heartfelt and heartbreaking story about how we can all feel lost until we find someone who loves us because of our faults, not in spite of them.

Born with cerebral palsy, Amy can't walk without a walker, talk without a voice box, or even fully control her facial expressions. Plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder, Matthew is consumed with repeated thoughts, neurotic rituals, and crippling fear. Both in desperate need of someone to help them reach out to the world, Amy and Matthew are more alike than they ever realized.

When Amy decides to hire student aides to help her in her senior year at Coral Hills High School, these two teens are thrust into each other's lives. As they begin to spend time with each other, what started as a blossoming friendship eventually grows into something neither expected.

She thinks: This book had a lot of potential. The story was compelling and had a great plot. I loved that Amy and Matthew helped each other grow and learn despite their own struggles. I can see why it was compared to Fault in Our Stars and Eleanor and Park. I just....wanted more but less at the same time.

That sounds very convoluted, but it's true. I wanted Amy and Matthew to grow more and more quickly. To me, it felt like the book dragged on more than it needed to, and I don't think it needed to end the way it did. There were other and, in my opinion, better places to end the book. I hated that I had to push myself through some of the scenes so I could get to the end because it was a little repetitive. Amy and Matthew kept coming up against the same struggles over and over again, which they had to conquer in different ways. It wasn't my favorite.

Don't get me wrong though. I liked the book! I am so grateful to get to look into the thoughts of these characters. Too often we take for granted all that we have and are able to do. This book lets you see that every person has their own internal demons to control. Oh, sweet Matthew broke my heart at every turn of the page. I know it's not real, but I'm glad he had someone like Amy in his life to give him guidance and help him acknowledge his OCD. Sigh.

See what others are saying about Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern:

• Tara @ The Library Who Doesn't Shhh
• Blythe @ Finding Bliss in Books
• Kristen @ My Friends are Fiction
• Anna @ Anna Reads
• Estelle @ Rather Be Reading

She Reads at the Beach

It's July.

Can you believe that????

J.U.L.Y.

{via studentbeans.com}

Whhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaattttttt?!

I guess since it's July I should come up with some kind of beach reads post...maybe?

I'm not so good at this because I consider any book that you can carry with you to the beach a "beach read."
That's pretty much the case for us bookworms, right?

Well, anyway, here's what I consider some good beach reads from my 2014 list of books I've read!

For a light, relaxing time, she reads...

Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore {coming out later this month!}; Arranged by Catherine McKenzie; Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink by Kim Gruenenfelder; The Week Before the Wedding by Beth Kendrick

For books with more substance {which just all happen to be YA books}, she reads...

Tease by Amanda Maciel; Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell {or any of her books!}, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green; The One {book three in The Selection series} by Kiera Cass

What are your favorite beach reads for 2014??
Do you have some similar ones?
Different ones?
Share your thoughts!!

{all book cover images are sourced from GoodReads}

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Number of Pages: 328
Genre: Young Adult
Source: borrowed from local library

Summary {via GoodReads}:
Two Misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor...Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Parks...He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds - smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

She thinks: When I first read about Eleanor and Park, I was wholeheartedly against it. Now, before you bring out the pitchforks, hear me out. I imagined these two sitting at the back of a public bus, sharing a walkman, and listening to different mix tapes. I liked that part. It was sweet and romantic. Thinking that it revolved around music, it reminded me of High Fidelity, which I did not care for when I read it. Hence, my resignation in reading this book.

Why did I then decide I wanted to read the book? Well, I was invited to participate in a GoodReads Q&A with Rainbow Rowell. I was perusing the questions she was being asked when I stumbled on one about the ending of Eleanor and Park. Of course, I won't say what the ending is or what the question was, but I will say that it was enough to get me to put the book on hold and read it.

This is me now after having finished reading it...and every time I think about the book at all!

{via knowyourmeme.com}

The thing about this book - it has to be experienced. It needs to be felt and processed and shared with the world. It is a John Hughes movie in a book. More Pretty in Pink and Breakfast Club than Sixteen Candles and Some Kind of Wonderful. It is a book that I will tell everyone to read; it is just that good.

The thing about Rainbow Rowell's books - she knows how to write an ending! I've read all three of her books, and her newest one, Landline, should be arriving at the library for me any day now. Her endings are absolutely perfect whether it's the ending you want or not. You can't begrudge her the ending because it's real and true and you don't feel cheated in the slightest.

If you haven't read any of her books, DO.IT.NOW!! You will not be sorry. I promise. So.many.feelings.

See what others are saying about Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell:

• Stacey @ The Pretty Books
• Jane @ Dear Author
• Excellent Reads
• Lisa @ Read Breathe Relax
• Gillian @ Writer of Wrongs