Review: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

 Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is a book by Morgan Matson, first published in 2011 by Simon & Schuster Books.

Amy hasn't driven since the crash, and has no intention of getting behind the wheel any time soon. Her mothers "spectacular" idea isn't really helping...she needs someone to drive her car from California to the East Coast, and that's not going to be Amy.

So, here comes Roger. An unexpected (and unexpectedly cute) boy from Amy's childhood. Will they learn to get along, and will Amy form a bond with a car again?

♥

"Roger," I called, hearing how loud my voice sounded. He ran over to me, and as he did, I saw that he had a pack of white tube socks in his hand. When he reached me, he ripped the package open. "I think you have to pay for those first," I said, completely confused as to why he needed socks right now. As I watched, baffled, he kicked off his flip-flops and pulled on a pair of the socks. Then he handed a pair to me. I looked down at the tube socks. "I don't understand," I said.

"Put them on," he said, and he no longer seemed tired at all. He seemed more excited than I had ever seen before.

"But I'm wearing flip-flops," I explained, wondering if maybe Roger had been driving too long.

"Just do it," he said, smiling at me. "Seriously." I shrugged and took off my flip-flops. I pulled on the socks, hoping we wouldn't get in trouble for wearing socks without buying them first. "Ready?" he asked, as I straightened up.

"For what-," I started. But roger grabbed my hand and began running down one of the gleaming aisles, pulling me behind him. I stopped protesting and just ran with him, tightening my fingers around his got just a second. Then he let go of my hand, stopped running and slid down the length of the aisle in his socks.

♥

If Second Chance Summer was perfect, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour might be even better.

This book was enjoyable beyond words, and I really could not stop reading it. It was deep and thoughtful but happy at the same time. Everything reminds me of their adventures, even days after I finished reading!

I think the unique-ness of this book was truly lovely. It's involving and cute, with pictures and little drawings every chapter or so.

To show you how much I loved it, I have to say, this book is actually near the top of my favorite books list, and that's a hard spot to get hold of.

If you like John Green or other Morgan Matson books, or if you don't like reading at all,

READ THIS BOOK. YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE.

-Beth

Happy Reading!❤️

The Fangirl Guide: the explanation

   Beth and I had an idea. (I know, dangerous territory here people!) And so, we present to you:

The Fangirl Guide

   The Fangirl Guide will be updated weekly, and will be packed full of all the things Beth and I feel a fangirl needs to survive. Check back with us soon for our first issue! 

Thanks!

- Emma and Beth!

Happy Reading!❤

Issue 1 of The Fangirl Guide: Food is necessary

   Here we've compiled a list of extremely yummy food that every fangirl (unless said fangirl is allergic to) needs to consume when fangirling. Whether it be books, movies or celebrities your inner fangirl screams for, this list is for you!

   Now, if you are in need of actual sustenance and not just snacking like how us fangirls love to, you're not going to find the answers here. I know, what help am I? Well, I can't tell you anything about anything other than snack-y food because of the very simple fact I can't cook.

   I mean, I can cook cakes. But an actual meal? Ha ha. Hilarious. Ask Beth if you don't believe this, but I actually managed to burn water (with sugar). That's how great I am.

Anyway, here's the food we think every fangirl needs in their life:

 -Bonbons
 -Chicken Nuggets (from McDonalds)
 -Chocolate ice cream (with honey)
 -Chocolate fingers
 -Cookie dough
 -COOKIES! (triple chocolate, white chip: take your pick)
 -Fruit salad (sweets)
 -Fries (large from McDonalds)
 -Fudge chocolate icing (from Betty Crocker, it tastes heavenly on its own!)
 -Hersheys kisses
 -Jaffa cakes
 -Marshmallows covered in chocolate
 -Microwave brownies
 -Nerds (willy wonka)
 -Rich tea biscuits slathered with nutella and peanut butter
 -Rosie apples (sweets)
 -Smores
 - Strawberries smothered in chocolate
 -Twinkies (Charlie from the perks of being a wallflower loves these!)
 -Teacakes (the sweets)


We'll be posting the next issue of The Fangirl Guide soon!

Thanks!

Happy Reading (and eating)!

Review: The Apple Tart of Hope by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald

 

The Apple Tart of Hope by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, first published in 2014 by Orion Children's Books.

The king of apple tarts, Oscar Dunleavy, has gone missing without warning, presumed dead. But his best friend Meg and kid brother Stevie are looking for the mystery behind Oscar's sudden disappearance. They seem to be the only people left in town who actually have any hope yet. Which in some ways, isn't surprising, as they no longer have apple tarts, or Oscar. Or do they?

♥

'This is an apple tart,' Oscar had said solemnly to Barney that night as if it was the answer to everything and as if it contained a million explanations of its own.

'But it's not an ordinary apple tart. It's the apple tart of hope. After you've taken a bite, the whole world will look almost completely different. Things will start to change and by the time you've had a whole slice you'll realize that everything is going to be okay.'

♥

I have to say, after reading Second Chance Summer, I thought any book would be disappointing, but this book looked hopeful (Oh dear, not very punny). But seriously, just look at that cover. Personally, I fell in love. It was the same with the writing, I became hooked quickly!

The writing was deep and meaningful, and absolutely beautiful. I cannot describe it otherwise. You become part of this book, and there are meanings behind the words that only a deep thinker like myself can discover.

If you want to change your perspective, by taking a bite of The Apple Tart of Hope, this book is the one for you!

-Beth

Happy Reading!❤️

Review: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Second Chance Summer is a book by Morgan Matson, first published in 2012 by Simon and Schuster UK Ltd.

Taylor's life is crashing down, her heart breaking into a million tiny pieces.

On her 17th birthday, she is told her dad has 4 months to live. Obviously, it is by far the worst birthday ever.

But not only that. For her dad's last summer, his wish is to spend his time at their lakeside house, the one that Taylor last saw as a 12 year old.

It's definitely going to be an interesting summer for Taylor, especially as when she last visited Lake Phoenix, she left her best friend and very first boyfriend with a lot of unanswered questions.

♥

There was movement at the base of the dock. The kayak I had seen earlier was now tied up and bobbing in the water, and I could see the person who'd been in it-a guy-climbing up the ladder using one hand, holding the kayak paddle in the other. The sun was glancing off the water so that the glare was blocking his face as he stopped on to the dock, but I figured this was probably just a neighbour. He walked forward, out of the glare, then stopped abruptly, staring at me. I blinked in surprise, and found myself staring back. 

Standing across from me, five years older, all grown up, and much future than I remembered him being, was Henry Crosby. 

♥

I cannot deny the fact that I enjoyed this book. In fact, I not only enjoyed it, but I would go as far as to say it was perfect.

Second Chance Summer is one of those books that you feel really part of, and I found myself thinking about Taylor and her family while I wasn't reading.

As I realized at the end of the book, there is a lot of characters involved in the story. But, because of Morgan Matson's amazing descriptions, you can remember every single one.

This book really is an emotional one, and it makes you think about your own life and problems. It wasn't Taylor's story that hit me hard, but the millions of real people around the world who can relate to her.

I think the best way to describe this book is the fact that it shows you exactly what "The best of times, the worst of times" means.

I would certainly not hesitate to recommend Second Chance Summer to John Green lovers, and if you enjoyed First Love by James Patterson, this one could be one for you!

-Beth

Happy Reading!❤️

I'm not sure if you should be happy or sad

   Why hello there, fellow bibliophiles. It's been a while, hasn't it? Turns out I didn't quite have enough 3G to post while I was in the mystical lands of no Wi-fi. I'm sorry!

But I'm back now! I have internet again, hooray!

   Now to explain the title a bit, a list of reasons of why I think you should be happy/sad about my return ensue:-

Reasons to be happy:

> I'll be blogging again (and so will Beth soon!)
> You're reading this (which means you don't hate me for not posting when I promised to - although      this one is technically why I'm happy ;)).
> We have a few new things planned! (Although I'm not sure when we'll be trying them!)


So it's not a very long list. But a list it is! And the sad one is even shorter...


Reasons to be sad:

> I don't think you'll have a review for a couple of days - or at least, not from me.

   I know, I know; at least two reviews were promised this week from me, and look what I've done. I've given you none. You might be lucky though: I might finish my book on Sunday and get a review up for you.

I've just had a very hectic week, which unfortunately means I didn't have much time to read. I hope you understand! Sorry, again.

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

The books!

   Hi! How are ya? I'm running off of 3G so I'm going to keep this short!

   As you know, I convinced my sister to take me to the library on Saturday, but I never actually told you what they were. So now I am!

We have:

Angel by L. A. Weatherly
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

   I started Only Ever Yours, but to be honest, I think I may postpone reading the rest of it (because it's not the most jolliest of stories, and I find myself to be in a really good mood) and may read Angel instead.

Have any of you guys read any of these books? If so, what did you think about them? (And no spoilers!)

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading! <3

The bad news is...

   I went to the library yesterday, after my sister begrudgingly agreed to take me. And I got four books which means...FOUR REVIEWS! Whoop whoop!

   The book I'm currently reading is Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill. To tell you I don't know what to think of it would be an understatement. I have no clue how I feel about this book. I mean, I hate it. What it's about, what the characters in this book think...it's screwed up. But I guess that's the whole point of the book. I'm just struggling with it.

But please don't take the 'I hate it' to mean how the author writes isn't good. It is. Very. It's just the world the book is set in is just so wrong...

   Anyway, I will be posting soon about the other books I got, and when I finish this book I'll put up
 the review. Or I will try to, at least.

And by that I mean this:

   As I'm sure you've gathered from the title, I come bearing bad news. That bad news would be,I'll only have a very limited amount of 3G for the majority of this week and no laptop to blog on. Which means, everything I post after this will be written on and uploaded from my phone.

Which means I might not be blogging as much as I planned to this week. I'm really sorry. It's pretty crappy that Beth and I are busy the same week, and are visiting distant lands where we have no guaranteed wi-fi.

   As I said before, the blogging I do this week will be from my phone, so I'm going to apologise now if any of it goes wrong, or the site doesn't look how its supposed to look. I will fix it upon my return; when me and my (sadly dying) laptop are reunited.

I'll try and blog tomorrow! And once again, sorry!

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

The slow functioning book dragon is taking control!

   So as all of you may know, Beth has abandoned me. I might as well just put it bluntly. Ripping of the band aid fast to save you the pain of anticipation.

You'll know if you've read her latest post that she's not permanently gone; she's just entered a no wi-fi zone for a week. (I know, I know: how will she survive?)

   And you guys know what this means, don't you? It means I've been left to make sure this blog doesn't crash and burn while she's gone. For seven whole days. I have been entrusted with being the sole purpose of entertainment on this blog. FOR A WEEK.

I guess this post is sort of an apology/warning:

1. There is a possibility I may bore you guys to death with my incessant ramblings.
2. Most of the stuff I post is just me speaking complete and utter gobbledygook, (as I'm sure you've noticed.)
3. There won't be as many reviews :(

And to explain that last one for you, the reason you probably won't be getting as many reviews isn't because I'm not reading. I am! Just not very fast.

   Ever since I crawled my way out of that horrid reading slump, I haven't been able to read as fast as I usually do. I normally finish a book within a day; two tops. But now it's taking me a little bit longer.

So I'm sorry about that. I'm sure you've noticed Beth does the majority of reviews while I just ramble on about things.

   But I just figured I should warn you of the week to come: I do have a few things planned, that I haven't quite decided if I should try or not yet.

I'll be back tomorrow! Enjoy the sun! (Sorry if it's not sunny where you are, I'm not trying to shove it in your face!)

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

Newness!!! And I'll miss you :(

Hey everyone! It's Beth here, but unfortunately not for long!

I'm going to be without internet for a week (starting tomorrow) so I've come to say my (temporary) farewells!

But, while I do my last post for a week, we also have some new stuff for you to explore!

TWITTER

TUMBLR

See you soon, have a good week, everyone!

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

♡

Meghan Chase has never quite fitted in...anywhere.

Though that could all be chalked down to because she has faery blood 

running through her veins.Turns out, she's the daughter of Oberon, the 

very powerful fae king. Oh, and did I mention the fact her best friend is the very mischievous Puck?

Not that she knows this. At least not until her little brother is 

kidnapped by the fey themselves.

Now Meghan has to choose between her normal life, or her magical

destiny- and between her best friend and a darkly

dangerous prince. 

♡

   Once I started this book, not for one second did I want to put it down. It was awesome! Julie Kagawa's Nevernever, the world of the fey, was just so magical, I loved it. The story was awesome, the characters were awesome, the detail in this book was awesome! The book just overall was amazing. My fingers are itching to read the next one, and that's what I plan to do as soon as I find it!

I just have two things left to say about this book:

1. It was awesome, go and read it as soon as you can.
2. Ash. AshAshAshAshAshAshAsh.

I love Ash.

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

TBR - From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer & Valerie Thomas

   For those of you that don't know, TBR stands for To Be Read (Gods, I'm starting a lot of posts like this recently, aren't I? Explaining abbreviations seems to be my full-time job). I was thinking of maybe posting a book that I plan on reading, or want to read, on a Tuesday - and yes, I'm well aware of the fact that it is Wednesday.

But I thought I'd do it today for two reasons;

1. I completely forgot I planned on doing TBR Tuesdays yesterday.
2. I have nothing else to post today, because I've only just started reading a new book and I'm not going book hunting until the weekend. 

So let the TBR-ing (I'm pretty sure we can make that a thing) commence!

My TBR book this week is: From What I Remember (hence the post title) by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas.

   I very nearly bought this book off of Amazon earlier this week to go with me on my holiday, but unfortunately, it wouldn't have arrived in time. But I really want to read this, and soon! Maybe I'll find it in the bookshop when I go, though I doubt I'm that lucky. And I read the preview that Amazon gives you and I really liked it. Here's what it's about:

Kylie Flores has been planning her graduation speech for three months, 

only to wake up the day of in Mexico next to the rich, undeniably handsome and

athletic Max Langston. And they're both wearing wedding bands.

Rewind 48 hours to find out how and why they got there!

You can be expecting a review soon by me, so stay tuned! (Or does that only apply when you're watching TV and it goes to a break? Oh well.)

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

Personalisation-A little something for you!

You may (or may not) have noticed we have a new page, just for your use!

We (or Emma :P) had the brilliant idea of creating a page for your navigation-gone is scrolling through to find the review you like,

Now you can find any book you like by the title, just click on the reviews page!

Happy Reading!❤️

I'm feeling...DUFFY!

Duff stands for, if you don't know, Designated Ugly Fat Friend.

The Duff is a book turned movie by Kody Keplinger, which Beth and I just so happened to see to today.

And we loved it. (Which has absolutely nothing to do with Robbie Amell being in it. No. Of course not.)

   Now I've heard the movie doesn't stay true to the book at all. Yet saying that, I've never actually read the book to say this is correct. But I want to - read the book, that is. Because the movie was amazing. It was hilarious, and just awesome.

I have read a book by Kody Keplinger before, 'A Midsummers Nightmare', and I enjoyed it, so I'm thinking I'll enjoy this one too, even if it isn't like the movie. Gods, this is a first: I really loved a movie that was originally a book. What is happening to the world?

   I know this post technically wasn't about a book, but the movie was an adaptation from a book so it wasn't too far off subject.

Anyway, if you're after a good laugh, I would suggest going to your local cinema and watching The Duff. It was awesome.

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading (or rather, watching)!❤

Review: The Weight Of Water by Sarah Crossan

 

The Weight Of Water is a book by Sarah Crossan, first published in 2012 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Kasienka, or Cassie, is moving to England with her mother, and leaving all she has ever known behind her to follow her father. Life is lonely here, in this strange place, lonely for her and Mama too. At school, Cassie is even more lonely. Alone. But suddenly, then, someone swims into her life to save her from drowning. 

♥

Cracked

I cannot make Mama whole again. 

Tata stole

pieces

of

her

and now she is

Jagged at the edges

Cracked. 

When I get home I take off my shoes

To keep the carpet clean

And do my homework 

Without asking questions.

I tiptoe.

I am silent.

She does not look at me

Any more.

She lies in bed

With a book and a

Glass of wine

Held to her heart.

Sometimes she drinks

Half a bottle

And maybe she drinks

Even more.

And then she goes to sleep

Without saying

goodnight,

Without turning off the light,

Without checking I'm all right.

 ♥

I have to say, this was a strange book. I opened it to reveal poems, one after another, instead of a wall of text.

Now, don't get me wrong, that's not necessarily a bad thing, and I carried on reading nonetheless. In some ways, it's actually nice to have something different, and you can pause or stop reading at any point, as there are no chapters.

But, there's one more thing. It doesn't really have any proper ending. This means you are left with pages of questions. What happens after?

Obviously I realize, some books are just like that. But, there is always an ending, or a cliffhanger. Am I right? Here there is neither...it just sort of...trails off into nothingness. 

Alas, that might be just my personal opinion. To me it appears as a shorter, less detailed version of Angel Cake by Cathy Cassidy, but I can see the ways in which it is different. 

If you want to read something different (but still enjoyable), and like poetry, I recommend The Weight Of Water.   

Alaska

   Such beauty should not be able to be achieved with 64,033 words, all made up from 26 letters. It's insane. But once again, John Green has managed it.

I know Beth did a review on Looking for Alaska, so I'm going to keep this short. (I just couldn't resist talking about this book, and its amazing-ness.)


Read this book.

   Stop whatever you are doing right now, and go and get this book. Or go and fetch your kindle and buy it. Maybe it's already on your shelf and you just haven't started it yet? Well go get it. And read it. 

Right now. 

   And hold off any prior engagements until you have finished this book. Because it's beautiful, because every human being needs to read this book, whether or not you're into reading. Stop reading this, surfing the internet, watching youtube videos, finding wattpad stories you like, and start this book. 

John Green teaches us in this book, that there is no easy way to get out of the labyrinth of suffering, but that maybe there are ways we can tolerate it, survive it. And maybe just escape it.

- Emma

Happy Reading!❀

Review: Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald

 

Getting Over Garrett Delaney is a book by Abby McDonald, first published in 2013 by Walker Books Ltd. 

Yes, I'm back. I've already read another book :P

Sadie has been in love with her best friend for 2 years now. But Garrett is - or seems -  oblivious! Whenever Garrett is away from her, Sadie cannot do anything but mope and wait for him to get in touch. 

But this time, no moping is allowed, and when Garrett finally calls to tell Sadie he's fallen in love with someone else, it's time for Sadie to get over him for good!

♥

"You know..." I wonder guiltily if pretending to be a nature girl is the same as pretending to love Dostoyevsky novels and morose British music. Probably. But then my gaze falls to the ground and the point becomes moot, because he's wearing sandals - those leather thong kind that German tourists wear, usually over socks. But Oliver isn't wearing socks, and I can see his bare feet even in the dim light: they're covered in dirt, as if he's been hiking through the forest all day.

I swear I see something...wriggle between his toes.

"Sadie?"

♥

I loved this book!! I thought from the cover that I would enjoy it, but not quite as much as I actually did. It was, no doubt, the perfect choice to read after Looking For Alaska and First Love (Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with those amazing books!!). It is full of strength, discovery and girl power. 

To help Sadie get over Garrett, read Getting Over Garrett Delaney!

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥

Review: First Love by James Patterson and Emily Raymond

 

First Love is a book by James Patterson and Emily Raymond, first published in 2014 by Century.

I picked up this book thinking it would be a good, happy read after Looking For Alaska. But, as they say, you can't judge a book by its cover.

Ironically, this book actually reminded me very much of John Green's work. It is deeply written, extremely enjoyable, and impossible to put down. 

As you can see on the cover, James Patterson achieved The Sunday Times No.1 Bestselling Author, and for good reason. 

I'm not going to lie, this book wasn't very lighthearted, and there was some crying involved. I cannot say anymore than that though, just in case any of you plan on reading this delight.

♥

"She knew how lucky they were," I went on, "because they had found each other. She understood that sometimes people had to search for years to find what they wanted. Whereas some - the charmed few - just stumble upon it. Like children on a beach. Some come home with only rocks and broken shells, while others unearth a perfect sand dollar, fragile but beautiful."

Robinson sighed. By now he was sleeping.

"And the girl understood something else - and maybe the boy did, too. Love was magical and infinite. But luck, in the end, was not."

♥

Axi Moore has decided to drop out of high school and take a road trip across the USA. The only person she wants to go with is her secret crush - and best friend - Robinson. 

Axi's life has been full of grief and loneliness, her little sister died young, her mother walked out, and her father is now an alcoholic. Now she has the chance to escape all she has ever known, and do something for herself.   

But how will Axi cope when life doesn't go as she thought it would?

-Beth

Happy Reading! ♥

Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

   The world that Holly Black creates is just magical. No finer details are forgotten; no characters part left unsung. I loved this book nearly as much as I loved 'The Coldest Girl in Coldtown' by her, and that's a whole lot of love. But moving back to the book...

♡

Near the town of Fairfold, in the darkest part of the forest, is a glass

casket with a sleeping faerie prince inside. Hazel and her brother Ben are

fascinated by him, and dream that one day they will be the ones to awaken him. 

But what happens when their dream comes true? You must be careful

what you wish for in the darkest part of the forest...

♡

Honestly, I feel as if I have magic running through my own veins. I loved this book! So if you're into faeries, knights, princes and true love, you should not hesitate to check this book out!

Thanks!

- Emma

Happy Reading!❤

Review: Stuck On Me by Hilary Freeman

 

Stuck On Me is a book by Hilary Freeman, first published in 2012 by Piccadilly Press Ltd.

This book, although an easy, lighthearted read, is quite touching and relatable for teenage girls.

Set in Camden, London, Sky is obsessed with her nose. To put it mildly. 

Sky's nose is taking over her life, and she wants to do something about it. She's already worrying about it when her long-term boyfriend dumps her, which sends her spiraling into a week hidden away in her bedroom! 

But Sky's nose isn't the only thing she has to worry about...she's also looking for her dad, who left when she was 8. 

I really enjoyed this book, and have read others in the series before. I would really recommend it to anyone who is struggling to find time to read-as it can be read in a couple of hours, if you're a fast reader like me.

-Beth

Happy Reading!♥

P.S. I am currently suffering MASSIVE guilt because of admitting to Em about what happens in Looking for Alaska. *facepalm*