October/November Book Haul [Book Haul #5]

Hey, y'all! So remember how I said I would see you in December? Oops, I lied. Not on purpose, of course, but I just didn't think about the fact that I'd be doing my book haul soon. My bad. This will probably be my last book haul of the year, because there's only one other book I want to read by the end of the year that I don't have. Also, since there are only 9 books in this haul, I'm not going to divide by sections. I'm just going to go book by book.

Also, as a side note, this is possibly the most excited I've ever been about a book haul. And I'm not saying that because I want you to get pumped or to try to get you to read on. I'm genuinely really excited about all of these books. I bought almost all of these with the intent to read them by the end of the year, so they're all ones that I'm really wanting to read. And there are a couple that I've already read.

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

This is one of the books that I've already read. If you'd like to read my thoughts about it, you can click here to see my discussion post.

There was just so much buzz surrounding the movie and I really like mysteries/ psychological thrillers, so I was really interested in reading it. And it was definitely an interesting read.

The Rook

by Daniel O'Malley

After reading Ready Player One, I had a major book hangover. Like, bigtime. I wanted to read something exactly like it. Every time I looked on a website for similar books, this one popped up. I wasn't totally sure since it was more of an adult novel and I usually go for YA (not that I'm afraid of adult-- my brain just defaulted to looking for books that fit my typical genre rather than branching out). However, upon realizing that this was both a fantasy and a dystopian and after reading the very intriguing blurb, I was very interested. And also, because of my interest in a certain book (which pops up later in this haul), I've gotten really interested in adult fantasy. 

The Chaos Walking Trilogy:

The Knife of Never Letting Go

The Ask and the Answer

Monsters of Men

by Patrick Ness

I've had my eye on these books for a while, and when deciding to get the first book, I just decided to buy the trilogy in matching covers. These covers are really pretty (especially The Knife of Never Letting Go) and I also love the spines.

This trilogy is a science fiction dystopian (oh look, my fave word!) and it just sounds insanely interesting. I know that when I read the first, I'll want to continue immediately. The only concern I have with these is that their binding is really tight. They almost seem like they're British binding and I'm not excited about that because I hate breaking spines, especially really pretty ones like these. I just want them to loosen to that I can actually open them without being scared of cracking the spine.

A Clash of Kings

by George R.R. Martin

I had both the first and the third book in this series, and I want to start it sometime near the beginning of next year, so I decided to go ahead and get the second book. I really like the big, floppy, trade paperback copies, so that's what I went for. I found this used online, so it was pretty inexpensive. So now I can marathon the first three books and hopefully the rest of the series once I buy them!

The Bane Chronicles

by Cassandra Clare

Y'all. This was like my most anticipated book of the year other than City of Heavenly Fire. I absolutely love Magnus Bane. He's possibly my favorite character in the Shadowhunter world. He's just so snarky and sassy  and sarcastic and I love him. The cover is gorgeous, and I could not be more excited about getting to read even more about him. This is my next read after the one I'm reading right now.

The Diviners

by Libba Bray

This is the other book in the haul that I've already read. I discussed it in the same post as my Gone Girl discussion, so you can click here if you want to check out my discussion about The Diviners as well. I won't go into too much detail here, but let's just say that I enjoyed it and am eagerly awaiting the second book in the series (trilogy?). Going into it, I'd heard many really great things, but wasn't certain about how much I'd like it. So I was cautiously optimistic. But I ended up really enjoying it!

The Bone Season

by Samantha Shannon

This is actually the book that I'm reading right now. I watched a book haul that Regan (PeruseProject on Youtube) did, and in it, she hauled this book. When she said fantasy and dystopian within the same breath, my interest was peaked. And when she explained what it was about, I immediately went and found a used copy online and ordered it because it just sounded so incredibly interesting. I love both genres and it's set in England, and it's going to be a series, and it just seems to be everything I really like in books. So far, I'm really loving it.

So there you go, that's all for my October/November Book Haul! Like I said at the beginning of the post, this will probably be the last book haul of the year. I have all but one of the books that I want to read by the end of the year, so I shouldn't be buying any more after that one. Maybe.

I'll be back in a few days with my TBR for the rest of the year, which might be outdated by the time I get it up, because I might have finished The Bone Season by then. Either way, I do plan to get that up later this week.

I've also created a Facebook page for my blog, so if you want to check that out and like it, you can click HERE. I'll try to keep that pretty up-to-date with new posts and such.

Thanks for reading! If you like my posts, I'd really appreciate if you'd subscribe/follow so that I know you're enjoying what I'm posting! See y'all soon!

October Horror Marathon Book Discussions!

Hey, y'all! As y'all may (or may not) know, back in June, I started a series of posts where I do short discussions about all of the stand-alone books that I read. The second post of that series is in the works (just one more book 'til victory!), but since I did a horror (or just generally creepy/suspenseful books) reading marathon in October, I decided it would be cool to do discussions on those books separately. These discussions will be entirely spoiler-free and fairly short. They're also in order of when I read them, in case anyone was curious.

Horrorstor 
by Grady Hendrix

I really love horror, whether it's in movie or book form, but it was the formatting that drew me in. For those of you that don't know, Horrorstor is a new novel (released Sept. 23!) that is formatted like a furniture catalog. The premise of the story is that our main character, Amy, works at a furniture store that's an Ikea knockoff (which everyone in the book actually acknowledges). Some odd things have been happening overnight, so her manager asks her and another employee to stay with him overnight and try to figure out what has been going on. And as you might guess, it's a lot worse than anyone might have guessed. I absolutely flew through this book. I was just too curious to know what happened. I started it before going to bed one night and then finished it the next day. It was really intriguing and fast-paced. I'd heard that it was a pretty typical horror novel, so I wasn't expecting a ton, but I was actually pretty impressed. Yes, there were certain aspects where I thought it fell on typical horror tropes, but in general, I thought it was pretty unique. It definitely wasn't perfect though. I thought that Hendrix could use a few pointers in how to write suspense. In the first half of the book, there were several times something was supposed to be suspenseful, and because of the way it was written, the suspense didn't translate. Overall, it wasn't amazing, but I did enjoy it.

Also, one of the coolest aspects of the book is the way the chapters are presented. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you've read the book, you know what I'm talking about!

I'll give it 7.5 stars out of 10. 

172 Hours on the Moon
 by Johan Harstad

Let me start out with the fact that I enjoyed this book. There were definitely some things that I had problems with, but overall, I enjoyed it. The first thing that kinda bothered me about the book was how long it took before really getting interesting. It wasn't until around page 100 that we started to see creepy things going on, and even then, it wasn't incredibly exciting. Things got interesting when they got to the moon, but that was halfway through. Too much build-up for me. My second problem was the romance. I wouldn't exactly call it insta-love, but it didn't seem to serve a real purpose and felt just kinda thrown in.

This last problem I had is slightly harder to explain without spoiling, so I'll try my hardest. At a point near the end, there is a twist. To keep the reader in the dark about the twist, Harstad has a certain character do things that make literally no sense given what that character knows. Yes, it keeps the reader from discovering the twist until he reveals it, but once the reader finds out about the twist, they're like "oh, then why did that thing even happen?" Sorry to be so vague, but I don't want to spoil. If you want to know which moment I'm specifically talking about, feel free to ask!

However, excluding those problems, the book was enjoyable. It was very suspenseful, and until we discovered what was actually going on, I had no guesses as to what was really happening. Once the characters got to the moon, it became really fast-paced and I really didn't want to put it down. If you're wanting to read this, I'd tell you to power through the first 100 pages. It took me a few days to read the first half of the book, and a few hours to read the second half. It really picks up. I've complained about a lot of things in this book, but overall, I did like it.

In the end, I gave it 8 stars out of 10.

The Diviners 
by Libba Bray

When I started this book, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. All I knew was that it was set in New York City in the 1920s and that it was creepy and paranormal. It took me a little while to get into it. Adjusting to the slang of the time and remembering what was and wasn't acceptable in that time took a little while. But once I got into it, I was hooked. The fact that it was nice and long was really great for me, because it allowed me to actually get invested in the characters and the storyline. I really loved the pacing. The mixture of suspenseful, creepy scenes with the slower sleuthing scenes was really great. One aspect that I really appreciated was that for most of the book, a love triangle was alluded to, but it wasn't until close to the end that anything happened. However, I was really annoyed by which guy she went for. But supposedly, there are 3 more books coming, so that gives Evie three more books to fix her mistake. I actually didn't know until I got near the end of the book that it was going to be a series. I'd been reading it under the assumption that it was going to be just a stand-alone. I'm really excited to pick up the second book when it comes out, because I really, really enjoyed this one. I wasn't sure I'd like it, but I thought it was great. 

Overall, I had to give it 9.8 stars out of 10. 

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

The first thing that I have to say about this is that it was very well-written. Gone Girl was very clever and kept me guessing for a very long time. The unfolding events that are crafted by the characters are very intricate and well done. It took me a very long time to figure out what the truth was and who to believe, and I really like that. I also really appreciated that we're not really supposed to completely like either Nick or Amy. We see even from the beginning that they both have their issues and that they're both flawed people, and I really like that.

One bit that I wasn't such a huge fan of was the ending. And by ending, I don't mean "Part 3" when everything begins to wrap itself up. I mean like the last 10 pages. I thought everything up to that point was really great. But those last 10 pages... nope. However, I do think it was appropriate for the book. For my own contentment, I wanted to change those pages. But they worked. In that sense, the ending reminded me of 1984.

I don't see this book becoming a long-standing favorite of mine that I re-read thousands of times. I think that my praise for the book is due to about 60% appreciation for the complexity of the book and how well-crafted it was, and 40% personal love. Yes, I did really like it, but my feelings toward it lean more toward admiration of a well-written novel than something that I feel extremely personally attached to.

I have to give it 9.5 stars out of 10. It's just incredibly well-crafted.

So there you go, those were my discussions for my October horror reads! I hope you enjoyed this post! I've got a lot of things planned for the near future, so just be ready for that!

I've also created a Facebook page for my blog, so if you want to check that out and like it, you can click HERE. I'll try to keep that pretty up-to-date with new posts and such.

Thanks for reading! If you like my posts, I'd really appreciate if you'd subscribe/follow so that I know you're enjoying what I'm posting! See y'all soon!

30 Day America's Next Top Model Challenge

Hey, y'all! It's time for another One Day Tumblr Challenge! So lately I've been re-watching a lot of America's Next Top Model, so I decided that I would do a 30 day America's Next Top Model challenge!

Enjoy!

Day 1- Favorite Cycle 1 contestant

I really liked Elyse because she had a brain! I also liked Adrienne and Shannon, but Elyse was definitely my favorite.

Day 2- Favorite Cycle 2 Contestant

Honestly, I haven't seen cycle 2, but Shandi seems kinda cool.

Day 3- Favorite Cycle 3 Contestant

There wasn't really a girl this cycle whose personality I enjoyed, but I really loved Amanda's look, especially after the makeover.

Day 4- Favorite Cycle 4 Contestant

This season wasn't one of my favorites, but Kahlen was really down to earth and nice. I liked Naima as well, but I thought Kahlen was much stronger throughout the competition.

Day 5- Favorite Cycle 5 Contestant

Kim was definitely my favorite contestant in season 5. She was really edgy and unique and cool. She was also really funny, and I was so glad she stayed around for as long as she did. I thought her look was really cool, and I'm sad that now, she's let her hair grow out and has a more feminine look, which makes me just a little sad, because I really liked her look during the show. But I also really liked both Nicole and Lisa as well.

Day 6- Favorite Cycle 6 Contestant

Cycle 6 is another cycle I haven't seen much of. I think I've only seen 2 episodes. However, I do remember liking Joanie. So I'll go with her.

Day 7- Favorite Cycle 7 Contestant

CariDee was just great! She was fun and kooky and hilarious, and she was actually really nice. I also really liked the twins (Michelle especially) and Megg. And I really didn't hate Melrose as much as everyone else does. But I'm very glad that CariDee was the winner.

Day 8- Favorite Cycle 8 Contestant

I really like Jael. She was a lot of fun, and I was really sad when I found out that her family recently went to the Dr. Phil show to try to help her quit her meth addiction. Her face has been totally ruined and she looks like she's in her 60s. I really hope she starts to turn her life around, because it's really sad right now. I also really liked Sarah and Brittany this cycle. 

Day 9- Favorite Cycle 9 Contestant

Jenah was really edgy, and I liked that about her. I do wish that they'd left her as a redhead, becaust although the blonde works for her sometimes, she looks totally washed out sometimes. I also liked Chantal and Heather this season. 

Day 10- Favorite Cycle 10 Contestant

Up until this point, all the girls are ones I liked, but not totally loved... but Lauren is one of my favorite people to ever be on this show. She's just so hilariously awkward and I love that she was so punk rock and edgy. Do you see a pattern here? Awkward and edgy are my favorite. I also really liked Anya from this season, because she was just so talented. I wish she'd won over Whitney...

Day 11- Favorite Cycle 11 Contestant

Analeigh is another one who I really love. I was sad that she didn't win, even though I did really like McKell. She was just really sweet and down to earth (oh hey, another thing I seem to like in contestants). I also really liked Marjorie.

Day 12- Favorite Cycle 12 Contestant 

I mean, does anyone dislike Allison? She's just so quirky and a GREAT model, and was super nice and didn't get into the drama. I mean, that's the total package of what I enjoy in a girl on Top Model. I also really liked Celia and Fo.

Day 13- Favorite Cycle 13 Contestant

After the makeover, Erin had such a cool look, and I know some people didn't like her because of how incredibly competitive she could be, but I really appreciated that, and I think she was a really good model.

Day 14- Favorite Cycle 14 Contestant

First off, this picture is one of the absolute best ever, ever, EVER on ANTM. Raina was such a good model and I was so upset that she didn't win. She's one of my absolute favorite models to be on the show. I also really loved her makeover. SUCH a transformation. She makes a great brunette. Plus, she was just such a nice person too.

Day 15- Favorite Cycle 15 Contestant

Liz, I guess? I wasn't a huge fan of most of the girls this cycle. I kinda liked Jane and Chelsey and Chris and Lexie as well, but there wasn't anyone I just absolutely loved.

Day 16- Favorite Cycle 16 Contestant

Surprisingly enough, my 3 favorites were the top 3 this cycle! But Brittani was definitely my favorite. I feel like a lot of looks work on her. She had the jaw length black hair after her makeover, and has also had this supershort hair, as well as long brown hair again, and all of them really work for her (though I have to say, this might be my favorite). Of all of the girls, she was definitely the strongest model. I also really liked Molly and Hannah.

Day 17- Favorite Cycle 17 ‘All Star’ Contestant

ALLISON! I was SO mad when she lost AGAIN! It was so incredibly infuriating, because she's such a great model and somehow has been snubbed twice. At least I know I'm not the only person who hates that she lost so many times. A lot of people boycotted this show after Allison lost a second time.

Day 18- Favorite Cycle 18 contestant

There were several girls I really loved this cycle, but I think Sophie stands above the rest. I also liked Laura and Azmarie, but that was mostly for their looks. I really liked Sophie's personality though. She was really nice, and fun and quirky and I was really excited that she won.

Day 19- Favorite winner

I have to go with Sophie again! I really like her! Also, did I mention that she lived with Emma Watson for a while and is close friends with her? LOVE SOPHIE!

Day 20- Least Favorite winner

I have 2...

Whitney totally did not deserve the win. Her modelling through the competition was just average and she was thisclose to getting eliminated several times. Anya was much more deserving- she was strong the whole way through. Plus, Whitney was so fake and not a nice person.

Cycle 20 disappointed me so much. It was obvious for quite a while that Jourdan was going to win. While I do think that she was probably the best model of the cycle, I couldn't stand her. She caused so much drama, wasn't very nice... and just came off as so dumb. I'm still a bit annoyed that Cory didn't win. He was the only decent person left near the end.

Day 21- Favorite Judge

I miss Nigel and Mr. Jay SO MUCH! They were so great, and I'm really sad they're gone. Nigel was just such a staple of the judging panel and I totally don't get why they let him go. He was great. 

Day 22- Least Favorite Judge

Ugh. Janice Dickenson. Everyone hates on Kelly Cutrone, and while I'm not her biggest fan, I think she at least gives the girls equal opportunities to impress her and has actual good criticism. Janice was just terrible! She hated all of the plus-sized girls because they were plus-sized and because that's what the industry typically thinks of plus-sized girls. She disliked all of the girls who were not typical models and she played favorites rather than judging week to week. Although Tyra isn't always my favorite person, I do think that she believes in all the girls she chooses and thinks that they can break into the modelling industry, and I think she actually wants to change things. Janice is the exact opposite, and I'm so glad she didn't stick around for long. 

Day 23- Favorite plus sized model

I didn't especially like any of the plus-sized models... not because they were plus-sized, but just because I didn't like them as people. I liked Toccara from cycle 3 and Kasia from cycle 16, but I went with Kortnie from cycle 12 because she was silly and entertaining.

Day 24- Best makeover

I have several, so I'll just put them here...

Day 25- Worst Makeover

They said the long hair made her look old, but the short hair aged her SO MUCH.

Look, it's the fifth Beatle!

Day 26- contestant you loved/ favorite
Like I said earlier, my favorites were Allison Harvard, Lauren Utter, Raina Hein, Sophie Sumner, Analeigh Tipton, and Jenah Doucette. I feel like I'm forgetting some, but those are really the important ones.

Day 27- Contestant You Hated/ least favorite
Here are my top handful...

Alasia- cycle 14

Ebony- cycle 9

Hannah- cycle 11

Jourdan- cycle 20

Kimberly- cycle 10

Monique- cycle 7

Sandra- cycle 12

Victoria- cycle 19

Day 28- Someone You Wanted To Be On All Stars But Wasn’t
Raina, Lauren, and Analeigh were probably the ones I most wanted to see again besides Allison.

Day 29- Least Favorite Cycle

The girls on this cycle were OK, but I didn't have a distinct favorite and only Ann was a standout.

Day 30- Favorite Cycle

I dunno, I guess I just really liked the looks they were given, and liked the girls overall. 

So, there's my 30 day America's Next Top Model challenge! Do you like ANTM? Who are your favorite and least favorite girls? Let me know in the comments! If you like my posts, I'd love if you'd follow/subscribe, as it lets me know you're enjoying what I'm posting! See y'all soon!