Update on my struggle to read the classics!

I've been trying to read at least one classic a month, but it doesn't always work out. However, since I started my quest to read the classics, since there are so many I have never read, I've surprised myself with getting through quite a few and *gasp* even liking some.

Classics I have read so far this year:
The Jungle
Wuthering Heights
Catcher in the Rye
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Currently reading: 
The Scarlet Letter

I'll admit I listened to some on audio: The Jungle, Wuthering Heights and the Scarlet Letter . The Jungle audio was very well done by Casey Affleck and I found myself completely emerged in the story. I wanted to keep listening to find out what would happen. It was quite depressing, but very eye opening to the time period and the people who came to America for what they hoped a better life. My heart ached for the characters and I kept holding out hope they would get a break. When I started it, I didn't think I would like it, but it's one of my favorite classics I have read so far.

Wuthering Heights was actually hard for me to get through. People always say it's an epic love story, but for me, I found it depressing and not in the way I found The Jungle depressing because in Wuthering Heights these people did it to themselves. They were self-absorbed and hard to like. I didn't sympathize with any of the characters and that made it hard for me to really get into the story.

The Catcher in the Rye I could see my teenage self loving it. Now that I'm older I found Holden a little obnoxious and repetitive. I really wish I read this one back in middle school or even high school. I think my opinion would be completely different. I write YA and I read YA and I absolutely love it especially when it has a strong voice. Unfortunately, when it comes to this book, I just didn't like Holden very much. His only redeemable quality was his love for his sister, but I'll admit I also found it a little strange. He seemed to obsess over her a little too much that for me bordered on creepy. Am I the only one who thought this?

I just finished Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and to be quite honest, it was one of those books I read, but felt like nothing stuck. I might actually change my rating for Catcher in the Rye because while I read that book over a month ago I remember a great deal of it. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde I read two days ago and I vaguely remember scenes. It just wasn't my type of book.

The Scarlet Letter I'm listening to on audio and the voice is very similar to the one who voiced Wuthering Heights and because of that I'm having a hard time listening to it. I might wind up just reading it instead. I have a feeling I might enjoy it more. Stay tuned...

Classics to choose from for the next few months: 
The Jungle Book
The Secret Garden
The Awakening
The Woman in White
The Beautiful and Damned
Frankenstein
The Importance of Being Earnest
Les Miserables

Have you read any of the above? Thoughts? Favorites?

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

I still remember the first Sarah Dessen book I read. It was Just Listen and from the moment I picked it up I was in love. She was a writer who understood the world of a teenager and at the same time created a story that had me hanging on to every word. Since then I have read a majority of her books and come to the conclusion that she will never disappoint me.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on, What Happened to Goodbye, but in my typical fashion I bought it and didn't get around to reading it until a few weeks later. However, I had it and it was there waiting for me. Finally a couple of days ago I picked it up just wanting to read the first page to see how it started and in turn found myself on my couch a hundred pages deep. The story immediately pulled me in. The one thing I noticed or at least in my opinion is her books start off slow and it takes me a little bit to get through the first few pages and into the heart of the story. That was not the case this time around. The connection I felt with Mclean was instant.

Okay before I get into it a quick overview of the story:

After her parent's divorce, Mclean Sweet chose to live with her dad since she blamed her mother for destroying their family. Her dad's job as a consultant for an eatery chain has them moving around an awful lot, four different places in two years. In every new place Mclean Sweet transforms into someone else. Eliza Sweet, Beth Sweet, Lizbeth Sweet leaving Mclean Sweet behind her. However, when she moves to Lakeview she returns to Mclean Sweet, makes friends, meets a guy and discovers who she really is.

First off Sarah Dessen has a knack for creating an amazing supporting cast of characters. Everyone has their own quirk and makes you want to jump into the pages and become their friends. There are so many times when I am reading a book and as soon as it diverts the attention from the main characters I get bored. Usually resulting in me reading faster to get through it and back to the main characters conflict. Riley, Ellis, Deb, Heather, Opal, Leo, Tracy, Jason, every time they came into a scene I read slower. Each one was unique in their own way and I actually wanted to know more about them.

I loved that both Mclean's parents were in her life, but it wasn't all peachy. They had problems and because of that I loved them more. I understood where Mclean was coming from in blaming her mom for the divorce, but as I read I paid extra attention to her dad and the tidbits of past information she would give and started to slowly understand where her mom was coming from. Which is another thing I love about Sarah Dessen's books, everything has purpose. They are not just words strung together on a page. No. Every word is a piece to a puzzle and it is your job to piece it all together.

Another thing I loved was the relationship between Mclean and Dave and how the attraction wasn't necessarily front and center but more of a steady build up.  My favorite part of the book was when he talked about having a 2am, the one person you can call at any time of the day/night. It was a short conversation, but for Mclean it was an eye opener.

What Happened to Goodbye is right up there with my two favorite Sarah Dessen Books, Just Listen and The Truth about Forever. If you are a Sarah Dessen fan you will not be disappointed and may even find a new favorite. If you aren't, what is wrong with you? Kidding. If you aren't or have yet to read one of her books this is definitely one to consider.

Currently Reading:

~I need a bigger bookshelf~

Borders is closing (insert sad face here) so of course I had to stop in to browse which led to purchasing seven new books (insert happy face here). I really didn't have the money and I really shouldn't have and the funny thing is I was kind of upset about bills and my boyfriend said come on let's go to Border's it will make you happy. He always knows how to cheer me up. It worked and I'm not even concerned with the money I spent because to me it was well worth it. Who cares about paying bills anyway? I'm kidding. Sometimes though you just need to buy something in order to give you a little pick me up. Besides it'll give me a reason to stay home and not go out and spend more money. See it all works out in the end. I bet you want to know what books I bought.



One of these books is not like the other. I know, but I'm a sucker for Nora Roberts and couldn't resist.

Have you read any of these? Thoughts?

Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Corrinne was born and raised in New York City spending her days shopping at Barneys, attending galas and riding her horse at a country club in Connecticut. Her life is perfect until the recession, which was just a topic in the news, becomes her reality when her dad loses his job. Instead of heading to Kent, the boarding school she had been dreaming about, she is on a plane with her younger brother, Tripp, to Broken Spoke Texas. From the minute she lands in Texas all she wants is to return to New York. As time passes Texas starts to grow on her and she realizes that maybe her life in New York wasn't everything she ever wanted.

I originally bought this book based on the cover. I mean how could I not? The cover is amazing. Her yellow dress and turquoise jewelry and his plaid shirt and cowboy hat. I fell in love. I was ready for a serious love story, but that's not what I got. Instead I got a touch of a love story with a huge dose of a girl coming into her own. While I am a sucker for a love story Corrinne's struggle with leaving her life in New York City and trying to deal with her new life in Texas took center stage and I think that is what made the book.

In the beginning Corrinne reminded me of a character out of Gossip Girl which she happens to watch, but it was nice to see her get past the glitz and glam and just be a normal teenage girl who eats fast food and wears jeans. What annoyed me most was her attraction to Rider. *Spoiler Alert* He was a jerk who wanted to use her and it was obvious at least for me from the very beginning. It annoyed me that it took her so long to realize, but it did add to her overall growth.

I loved Kitsy she was the balance that Corrinne needed in her life. She was fun, perky, sincere and an all-around nice girl. One of my favorite parts of the book was when she dissed Waverly, Corrinne's BFF from NYC. It was great.

I wanted more of Bubby. We got little bits of him here and there, but I wanted more. Especially at the end. I did like the ending I just again wanted more. It was left too opened. I like things to wrap up nicely and not have to make me think about what is going to happen next. I just want to be told. However, with that said it is left wide open for a sequel and I really hope that is a possibility because I really fell in love with Corrinne and her new life in Texas and really want to know what happens next.

Have you read Where I Belong? Thoughts?

Currently Reading:

Everlasting by Alyson Noel

There is finally an end to the Immortals series by Alyson Noel. Between the first book EVERMORE to the sixth and final book EVERLASTING I was curious where Alyson Noel was going with the series and how she would wrap it up and even though I was leery after books three through five I am happy to say that EVERLASTING did not disappoint. It finally brought an end that was satisfying and worth the wait. A quick recap from Alyson Noel's website:

The sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.
Will they be united—or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

Ever and Damen seem to have been through it all. All of their past lives, all of the secrets that Damen was so desperately trying to keep from her, but it turns out there was a life that came before all of the rest. A life that neither of them knew anything about and it is the life that set forth the events that continued to plague them for six hundred years. It is the life that finally gives us the answers that we have so desperately wanted to know. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say, It is about time!

I loved learning about the past life that neither of them knew about. I love how as I read I was able to recognize each person for who they truly were. It basically brought back all of the characters from the entire series and it finally made sense. We now know the truth behind Roman and Drina and even get a better understanding of Jude and why he always seems to be the one interfering with Ever and Damen's life. We also get a better understanding of Ever and Damen and what it was that triggered everything that happened for six hundred years.

In the end Ever *SPOILER ALERT* makes peace with both Drina and Roman as well as Haven. I finally got the happy ending with Haven that I wanted in the previous book. She also got to see Riley again and I have to admit when she was able to see her standing there on the wing of the airplane I started to tear up. Because even though Riley left the series much earlier she made such an impact that she was always in the back of my mind as I read. I always hoped she would pop up from time to time and I'm happy that Alyson Noel brought her back for the end. It was perfect. I also wanted a happily ever after for Jude and was actually quite pleased when I realized he would possibly get it with Honor. A character that you love to hate but at the same time can't help but like her.

The other obstacle Ever was facing was having her aunt Sabine believe in her. Believe in what she was and what she was capable of doing which proved to be one of her hardest tasks. I honestly didn't think she would ever be able to get to her. *SPOILER ALERT* I'm happy she did. Ever may have had Damen, Miles, Jude, Ava, and the twins but Sabine was the last of her true family and I don't think Ever would have been truly capable of moving forward without being able to make amends with Sabine.

What I also liked was how Ever grew throughout the series. I remember thinking she was immature in the first few books, but in the last book and this one you can see the growth in her character. She finally grew up.

Did I mention that *SPOILER ALERT* Ever and Damen are finally able to be together! I have to say it again, It's about time! Though, the antidote is not what cures them it is the fruit from the tree of life. The fruit that Damen is reluctant to eat because it will make his body no longer immortal. Just when you think the end is near Alyson Noel hits you with another obstacle. Ever wants to eat the fruit and Damen does not. He wants to take the antidote and stay immortal. Neither seeming like they are coming close to a compromise only leads you to believe that they will go their separate ways because what other choice do they have? Thankfully Ever throws at Damen the one thing he cannot say no to, the chance to see his family again and have the opportunity to have his own family.

I think this was the perfect conclusion for the series and as sad as I am to say goodbye to Ever and Damen and all of the other characters I have fell in love with I am relieved to know there is finally an end.

Currently Reading:

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

AFTERLIFE by Claudia Gray is the fourth book in the Evernight series and just like the books before it did not disappoint. A quick overview from Claudia Gray's website:

Bianca and Lucas have always believed they could endure anything to be together. When a twist of fate not only transforms Bianca into a ghostly wraith, but also turns Lucas into a vampire—the very creature he spent his life hunting—they are left reeling.

Haunted by his powerful need to kill, Lucas can turn to only one place for help... Evernight Academy. Bianca is determined to remain with him. But with the vampire leader of Evernight waging a war against wraiths, her former home has become the most dangerous place she could be, despite the new powers her transformation has given her.

A battle between wraiths and vampires looms, and Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They’ve overcome every obstacle life has thrown at them, but is their love strong enough to survive the challenges after life?

I have loved most of the characters from the very beginning and my fondness for them only grew in AFTERLIFE. In this book both Bianca and Lucas are struggling with what they have become, though, their love for one another is just as strong if not stronger. That is one of the reasons I love this book so much. No matter what is thrown their way they take it head on together. They never lose faith in each other. What I really liked about this book is how Bianca takes on the roll as the protector. It shows her strengths and her undying love for Lucas.

I loved how becoming a vampire didn't change Lucas. He was still him and even when the vampire urge took over those things that made him who he was always prevailed. I cried when his mother turned against him. It broke my heart. I was a little skeptical when Skye was introduced to the story and was thrilled when the author did not take it in the love triangle direction I was expecting.

I was happy to see all of the other characters return for this book. Vic and Ranulf always make me laugh, Charity is the girl I love to hate yet still feel this sadness for her at the same time, Balthazar well I just love him, Patrice, Maxie, Dana and Raquel are also all great in their own ways. The character that surprised me the most was Mrs. Bethany. I've always disliked her but when she took a liking to Lucas and we then found out about her past I honestly started to like her. I felt for her and then was completely shocked *SPOILER ALERT* when it turned out that she was actually using Lucas all along then I really hated her. However, when Christopher switched places with Maxie in order to save her and Mrs. Bethany finally got to see him after all those years I kind of started to feel bad for her again. My thoughts and feelings were all over the place and that is what made this book so great.

The only thing I didn't like was the ending. And I know many people may disagree but the fact that *SPOILER ALERT* Lucas is human again means that Bianca will have to lose him one day. And yes I know if both were alive one would eventually have to go but what makes that okay is that usually the other one goes soon after or at least eventually. Bianca will have the rest of eternity only remembering him. And yeah Lucas said he would live on forever in her but really that's not the same. Then I thought that maybe he would become a wraith and they could still be together. Yes, I am thinking way too far into this, but that is what I do. Either way the book was great and as much as I disliked the ending I loved it at the same time. Weird I know.

I love Claudia Gray's style of writing. It is easy to get sucked into. I'm thrilled that she's writing a spinoff series about Balthazar and even more excited that Skye is going to be in it. Considering Balthazar is a huge part of Bianca and Lucas' life I only hope that they as well as the other characters from the Evernight series will make an appearance or two.

Did you read the Evernight series? AFTERLIFE? Did you fall in love with the characters as much as I did?

Currently Reading: