Review of The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick

*Click above to be redirected to the Goodreads page!*

The Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick

What I love about Huntley Fitzpatrick's books is that they are REAL. In The Boy Most Likely To, Fitzpatrick is unafraid to delve into the nitty gritty, which is to be expected coming from Tim, a recovering alcoholic/junkie. I'm not sure anyone would expect anything sweet and fluffy like the first book. The subject of this book is a little mature and the twists throughout this book are definitely unexpected. I really enjoyed the relationships between everyone and the interactions of the Garrett family. The writing is smooth (although I disliked how Alice's POV was bolded... like really?) and the storyline engaging. Now I'll just point out the little tidbits that could have made my experience better if adjusted. I found myself skimming this book quite a lot so maybe if some extraneous details were cut out, I would have been fully immersed. I also found the romance really quick (in terms of the first "I love you" and their first intercourse) but of course, the romance was sweet and I love how they found themselves in each other. Also, although Tim's really boy-ish POV was authentic, I was squirming a little at some of the stuff he said. I guess it makes this book more real, but as a "pussy" (as he so mentions many times), I couldn't take that much language. Overall, it's very different from the first but still just as amazing. This book definitely deserves higher ratings! xx Jennifer

Cheeky Review of Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

*Click above to be redirected to the Goodreads page!*

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

That rating! I know you guys, it hurts me too.

 Sadly, my premonitions were true. This book was so incredibly slow and boring. The first 60-70 pages just set up the story and I honestly gave up. Reading this book as a fanfic of Harry Potter made me uncomfortable and I just wanted the real deal. The characters didn't even seem interesting. 

I think it's for the best I quit early. I'll be avoiding Rainbow Rowell's fantasy for sure. Another PASS on a hyped YA novel. :(

xx Jennifer

P.S. Last post of the day, expect a review of The Boy Most Likely To shortly!

Cheeky Classic Review: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

*Click above to be redirected to the Goodreads page!*

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

(Still on page 301, might go back on currently reading) Love this book (based on what I've read thus far). Engaging storyline and very strong, capable leads. Everything makes SENSE as well! Jane makes me swoon. This romance stands the test of time. xx Jennifer

Classic Review: Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy

*Click above to be redirected to the Goodreads page!*

Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy

This book isn't bad. I came into this with very low expectations after hearing it was sad, sadder, and sadder. Jude the Obscure definitely tumbled down that path. 

As I read this for English IV AP, I didn't finish the last chapter (just because we didn't have to & I spark-noted the rest) but my review still encompasses this novel as a whole.

I definitely dislike the portrayal of women in this book- they come off as manipulators and fickle which plays in more to the female stereotype. Jude was an enjoyable, gentle soul- I had no problems with him.

What I did have problems with were his relationships with Arabella and Sue. They went in endless cycles that bored me out of my mind. I do appreciate his message about marriage and the social criticism he subtly conveys about societal pressures on unmarried couples and children born out of wedlock...

Ok, the last chapter back at Christminster was f*cking insane. Honestly, I couldn't believe what happened. Everything spiraled downhill so quickly and overall, the ending made this book ever the more memorable and Thomas Hardy's message is engrained in my soul forever.

And for a classic, this novel was surprisingly easy to read! Might read Tess in the future...

xx Jennifer

Review of Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

*Click above to be redirected to the Goodreads page!*

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Wow, I thought I already this reviewed this book!

The rating is pretty generous... this book does not in any regard live up to its hype. The focal point of this novel was the romance and the romance was very insta-love and too fast-paced to be realistic for me. In fact, the premise of this whole book was very unrealistic (especially their trip given her little knowledge of the outside...) The plot twist redeemed this novel just because I sort of didn't see it coming. 

Her sickness (the second focal point) wasn't described vividly and I had difficulty relating to the character. I couldn't bother to pity her circumstances. 

This book left me feeling very "meh" and "those 2 hours were a waste." Once again, I encourage you guys to SKIP THIS BOOK. Very disappointed in the hyped up books in YA that are really not worth the hype at all.

xx Jennifer

War & Peace Review

This 2016 period drama was INCREDIBLE. I had no idea what I was expecting but this definitely exceeded any and all of my expectations. I have not read the book (although it's on my bucket list to read Tolstoy's novels) but I have heard that this drama was faithful. Now, I will begin to list everything I enjoyed (which was a lot):

1. The cinematography: The scenery was freaking gorgeous and breathtaking. They filmed the scenes so beautifully and artistically that really highlighted the backdrop they filmed at. I couldn't help but get emotional during certain parts due to the aesthetic. I feel like I haven't seen anything more gorgeous, truly. (HONESTLY, JUST WATCH THIS DRAMA FOR THE AESTHETIC, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!) I even enjoyed the transitions which were intentionally subtlely abrupt (you can figure out that oxymoron).

2. The music: The music is subtle and complementary; it doesn't take away from the storyline at all and it's a nice little touch. No lyrics, all instrumental & classical music that's appropriate for the scenes playing.

3. The stories intertwined: They paced this drama so well! Despite the incredibly long novel, I think the roughly 6 hours of the drama portrayed everything essential and even took the time to slow down parts that showed their true life. It was nice to see how their stories overlapped. Nothing was confusing; they explained each part well. I also feel like there was a good balance between tragedy and happiness.

4. The period aspect: I just watched Downton Abbey over winter break and I was obsessed. With it being over, I didn't know what could fill that missing part of me that craved period dramas- this satisfied it. It's definitely darker than Downton Abbey but it has the same visual aesthetics (I will keep mentioning that because l o v e). It has all of the gowns and courting and footmen and manners and gossip that I love to love from the 1800's. It followed the history books quite well in regards to the retreat and the Russians who burned all of their stuff to prevent the French from surviving the winter there. The little French and Russian accents were great tributes to the Russian novel despite this being an English drama. I found the costumes so enrapturing; they also made me wonder if Russians wear their outerwear always draped on one shoulder? I think the filmmakers took time to explore the historical accuracies of the events, language, manners, clothing, etc which I'm so impressed with.

5. The acting: Ahh, I've never seen Paul Dano act before this and I'm impressed! His scene as a prisoner retreating to France was amazing. It must have taken a lot to get that low. (Reminds me of Leo from The Revenant.) Lily James fits so well into that bubbly period drama character so she did well. I only found Napoleon a bit lacking. ALSO, Tuppence Middleton who plays Helene was really good because it took me forever to realize she plays Riley from sense8 and her character is the total opposite! She plays such a great seducer ;)

If you are a fan of Downton, I emphatically recommend this drama for you! Absolutely stunning and breathtaking!

xx Jennifer

P.S. Currently watching Signal which is the bomb-diggity- go watch it, it's a kdrama.

Cheeky Review of Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

*Click on the book above to be redirected to the Goodreads page!*

Kindred Spirits by Rainbow Rowell

I fortunately got the opportunity to read this ebook before its release & give an honest review, which is as follows:

"This is a really short and sweet read from Rainbow Rowell. It has the components of a cheesy chick lit with two angsty teens who meet fortuitously. Unfortunately, I felt a little disconnected with Elena because of her childish nature and the implausibility of the situation. Many times, the teen jargon seemed forced and contrived like the Instagram posts and likes in order to relate to the audience. Also, I found it hard to believe that any mother would let her daughter sleep on the streets with two men (even though Rowell did try to address that)... Or that a girl would camp outside without any girlfriends. Despite these drawbacks, the inner nerd in me still jumped in excitement with all of the Star Wars references and the sparks of romance between Gabe and Elena were a good tease for something more. This was a good read for me as I wait for Rowell's next contemporary which is bound to amaze."

I have read Eleanor & Park and Fangirl (& am trying to get through Carry On which is a struggle), So this book definitely did not live up to these standards whatsoever which was such a disappointment.

Overall, I'd recommend you guys pass on this book. :(

About to post TV show reviews and kdrama reviews! Expect lots more!

xx Jennifer

Mr. Robot Season 1 Review !!

Mr. Robot Review

After watching the Golden Globes the other night & seeing Mr. Robot rack up so many awards, I knew I had to watch.

The premise, if you don't know, is about Elliot, a cybersecurity firm employee by daytime and a hacker by nighttime. He gets an offer from Mr. Robot to hack the biggest conglomerate in the world, Evil Corp, and get rid of their databases so people can have their debts erased and get a fresh start. Essentially, this show is for the 99%-ers.

I'll be honest- the first few episodes did nothing for me. I got a little more than I expected, with Elliot being a drug addict and slightly insane. The plot was alright although slightly confusing. The supposed villain, Tyrell, intrigued me definitely though.

Episode 7/8 is when it really started to hook me. There is such a cobweb of plot twists that make sense and also blow your freaking mind. The connections the characters have as well as the mental sanity/insanity of certain characters (ahem Elliot cough Tyrell). It's the acting in the last few episodes that makes me appreciate Rami's and Martin's acting intensely- they are GODS!

Also, can we appreciate how the main lead is Egyptian?! Talk about cool diversity!

Plus, this drama does amazing social commentary on the current state of society in terms of our growing class-ism and the divide social media creates. It also promotes cyber safety awareness and uses real hacker language- you can really see the tech & jargon of programming, which as a computer science nerd, I adore.

Overall, I am impressed with how, despite my early doubts, Mr. Robot managed to keep me hooked and now I rave about it to every person I see.

xx Jennifer