The Book Lovers Paradise

2024 Reading Challenge!

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Unsaid by Neil Abramson

Book Info: 

Genre: Animals, Adult Fiction, Drama, Death, Contemporary Literature

Original Publication Date: January 1st, 2011

Pages: 360

Published by: Center Street, Thorndlike Press, Playaway, Hachette Audio

Website: Neil Abramson

THOUGHTS: 

I don't know if you've ever read a book that has made you change the way you look at the world, or what you see when you open your inner eyes to the world, but I think that for me this book really was a life-changing experience. A true masterpiece, with stardust and pure wisdom all over it. I won't say anything about the plot, because I want to leave it raw and unexplored for your eyes and your hearts. Saying something about how things eventually turned out and how the characters felt or evolved won't be fair, because this book is so deep in its life-lessons, that I don't want you to have formed an opinion beforehand. I loved each and every one of the characters, even the known "evil" ones. All of them hided respectful reasons behind their actions, and I liked how they gave birth to life-changing decisions, that affected both themselves and everyone around them. I adored Neil Abramson's writing and I dare saying that I just included him in my top 5 favourite writers of all time. The way he described emotions and thoughts throughout the book was mesmerizing. I swear, at some parts, I not only felt my heart breaking, but I also got overwhelmed by the love and hope and life that was radiating out of the pages. I cherished every word of the book. So, yes, EVERYONE must read this book, regardless of their age, their book taste, emotional stage and so on. It's magnificent. It will open your mind and heart to the bottomless world of animals' wisdom and it will make you wonder about -and wander in- the depth between humans' and animals' true communication and understanding. Like a character said somewhere in the book, there is a distinction between "unspoken" and "unsaid". Just because animals can't talk, it doesn't mean that they don't have something to say. And, often, they have something richer and purer to say than people do. So, 5 out of 5 stars, even though this rating can't be 100% representative of the flawlessness of this book. It will make you cry, hope, smile but, above all, it will make you realize that death and grief can give birth to hope and life only if you believe that all creatures -both human and non-human- are interconnected. I'm convinced that as more and more people read books like this one, the world will become better and better, fairer. To all, not just to humans. P.S I loved the idea of a garden dedicated to all those pets that led short lives. "On the pages within are those who came before; those who shared their lives with us all too briefly. These are the lives we honor. These are beloved angels that have returned to God." I adored this quote, I must write it and put it on my wall, it's so damn beautiful. I wish, one day, as a successful veterinarian, I'll be able to look back on all these animal lives I'll have saved, feel proud and loved, and hope, that somewhere else, these animals that I'll be forced to take their lives away, will forgive me and love me back. I'm counting on Helena's knowledge. Amen.

  Where you can buy this book from: -> Paperback and Hardback

Learn more about this book here: 

~ My most favourite book of all time!!! ❤❤❤

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Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Book Info: (Part of the series: 'Miss Peregrine', #1)

Genre: YA, Fantasy > Paranormal, Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction > Time Travel

Original Publication Date: June 7th, 2011

Pages: 352

Published by: Quirk Books, PAN, Noguer

Website: Ransom Riggs

THOUGHTS: 

A book of all genres: mystery, horror, magic, paranormalcy, romance, adventure. What a masterpiece! First of all, I want to point out that I had extremely high expectations for this book (because of the inhumanely large amount of unspoiled reviews which I read all over the Internet), and I dare to say that it didn't disappoint me to the slightest degree. A not-so-ordinary 16 year old boy, Jacob, finds himself questioning the "peculiar" stories that his grandfather, Abraham Portman, used to narrate to him when he was a little kid, when his grandfather dies under suspicious circumstances. He travels to a mysterious European island and he soon discovers an abandoned orphanage with the most creepy history. And from this point forward, Jacob's magical journey begins... Okay, Ransom Riggs's writing was spectacular. Beautiful formal words, detailed descriptions, and an amazing landscape of his main protagonist's thoughts, a.k.a Jacob Portman. Along with the magnificent collection of the world's most weird vintage photographs, which created the most suitable spooky atmosphere for the book, you can imagine what a true legend this book is. It didn't include life-moving quotes, or anything like that, but this doesn't mean that it wasn't absolutely brilliant nonetheless. When I started reading it, for some unknown reason, I thought that the story would be about children with mental illnesses and/or magic (like American Horror Story or The Orphanage). But, no, Riggs left me in awe. The story had much more emotional and atmospheric magic hidden inside it. Overall, 5 out of 5 stars, and I'm dying to read the sequel! I also want this book to be made into a movie as soon as possible (You go, Tim Burton!). The author left me with unanswered questions, and when I finished the last page, I wanted some things explained at that moment. So many mysteries and so much potential this book has. Go read it immediately, don't waste another second! I'm sure it will delight you to the greatest extent.

  Where you can buy this book from: -> Paperback and Hardback

Learn more about this book here: 

Have a look at the 2nd book of the 'Miss Peregrine' series here: Miss Peregrine #2

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Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Book Info: (Goodreads Choice Winner - 2012) 

Genre: Science Fiction > Dystopia, YA, Apocalyptic > Post Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

Original Publication Date: May 1st, 2012

Pages: 525

Published by: HarperTeens, Harper Collins Children's Books, Katherine Tegen Books

Website: Veronica Roth

THOUGHTS: 

Another masterpiece of unbreakable adventure and emotions. I really couldn't expect more from this book. It was spectacular from its first page to its last. The plot continues to be intriguing and I liked the fact that some of the characters -like Peter- play an important role. The world that Tris faces begins to break down, but she's so strong. And the relationship between her and Tobias is so cute. And the ending?! Gosh, the ending was nothing but expected. I didn't really understand what the new person that came to the surface represents, but I'll discover it in the third book, so... Overall, Insurgent was a total perfection. A recipe of pure adventure, choices that are more difficult than they seem and a war that is at its dawn. Again, Roth's writing was mesmerizing with quick and vivid dialogues that can make your heart pound for hours after you've finished reading. None of the chapters is boring or predictable. Everything is original. 5 out of 5 stars, even though it deserves some millions. I recommend it to everyone, even to people who don't read books from the dystopia genre. Believe me, this author won't disappoint you. A haunting version of the future that will satisfy your reading needs to their last extents.

  Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback and Hardback

Learn more about this book here: 

Take a sneak peek at the 3rd book of the 'Divergent' series: Allegiant

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Book Info: (Goodreads Choice Winner - 2012) 

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Adult Fiction

Original Publication Date: May 24th, 2012

Pages: 466

Published by: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Crown, Phoenix, Thorndlike Press, Large Print Press

Website: Gillian Flynn

THOUGHTS: 

One of the most difficult and dark books I've ever read, certainly. I'll start my review by saying that it took me a really long time to finish this book and it wasn't because I had little free time or anything. It was because it seemed to me like a difficult book, mysterious, ambiguous and so emotional, in every single level. It wasn't one of those classic thriller books where horror is the main theme and you're anxiously terrified from the first page to the last. No. This book was so much more. The depth of the two main characters was unfolded slowly and it tortured me on the inside because neither Nick nor Amy was what I would call "a mentally healthy human being". So many lies, secrets, hate and anger they held for each other. Their relationship was built on ideas, not real facts. It surprised me how sick they both were, yet they tried to act so normal and happy in their marriage life. Gillian Flynn's writing was particularly attractive, even though it seemed to me that the dialogues dragged on a bit at some points. But generally it flew naturally and the plot twists could deftly keep the reader's attention. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars because I definitely enjoyed it. It was a smart, peculiar in a way, but brilliant in its wholeness, book that will keep me thinking for many years to come. It will haunt me, because I'm scared that my own relationships, if left unattended, could turn out as awful as Nick's and Amy's relationship was. But I recommend it to everyone, especially to people who like reading books about unstable depressing relationships and about protagonists who are nothing but simple, in mind and in heart.

  Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback and Hardback

Learn more about this book here: 

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Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Book Info: 

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Drama, Family

Original Publication Date: May 27th, 2010

Pages: 432

Published by: Simon Pulse, Definitions, RHCB Digital

Website: Tabitha Suzuma

THOUGHTS: 

Wow. Just wow. I can't find the right words to describe the brilliance of this book. I hoped while reading it. I loved. I laughed. And I cried. So, so much. The ending. So heartbreaking. I had really hoped for a happy ending for Maya and Lochan. I had really hoped that they'd be given a future, a free future, a future full of love. But she stayed behind, for the children. The most selfless act of all. I loved Lochan and Maya. I literally did. The passion that they shared for each other, their willingness to help their family, and their love. Above all and after all, their love. Their love that just couldn't set them eternally free. I'll keep them in my heart. In my mind, Lochan and Maya are free, grown-ups, with different identities, in a world where they can't be judged. Because they so deserved it. Because their love shouldn't have known life's and society's boundaries. All in all, this book is a masterpiece. A total masterpiece.

  Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback and Hardback

Learn more about this book here: 

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22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson

Book Info: 

Genre: Historical Fiction, History > World War II > Holocaust, British Literature, Adult Fition

Original Publication Date: August 24th, 2011

Pages: 533

Published by: Large Print Press, Orlando, Penguin Books, Pamela Dorman Books, Thorndlike Press, Fig Tree

Website: Amanda Hodgkinson

THOUGHTS: 

Rarely one is given a chance to read a book on such a difficult subject, but with such a powerful and heartbreaking story to narrate. I haven't read many books that evolve around the time of WWII, and this book was a pleasant surprise for me. A family that gets reunited after the war splits them. Secrets, both from Janusz and from Silvana. Secrets that threaten to blow their fragile life to pieces. And Aurek, the child who survived one war and then he seemed to be involved into another, the kind of war that needs courage and blood to be won. The war that's called life. My emotions for this book are quite contradictory. I certainly fell in love with the plot and the characters. The three main characters were strong and brave people who had witnessed a lot more than a humane heart can ever stand, yet they chose to try and resurrect the dreams and paths of their long lost mutual life together. I really admired them and their choices, no matter how confusing and ethically ambiguous they were (at least one of them in fact). The first half of the book wasn't something particularly enjoyable. But then a cliffhanger occurred and the plot took an enthusiastic lift upwards. The second half of the book (as you probably understood) was much more promising, beautifully dark and hopeful at the same time. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars, for the fact that it seemed to me that some of the plot details were left a bit unattained. In other words, in some parts of the book I had the feeling that Amanda Hodgkinson hadn't really thought the story fully, wholly, because some certain choices of the two main protagonists were too naive and rushed. So, my last words for this book are: Go read it if you like novels that take place in WWII and their main characters are tormented people who struggle to join the pieces of their puzzled life, who are only dust in the wind. This book isn't a masterpiece, but an amiable read. And it will certainly make you think about war, its consequences and its marks, both on its' victims futures and their hearts.

  Where you can buy this book from:   -> Paperback and Hardback

Learn more about this book here: 

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Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Book Info:

Genre: YA > Teen, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Death

Original Publication Date: January 1st, 2005

Pages: 277

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, Square Fish, Turtleback Books

Website: Gabrielle Zevin

THOUGHTS:

I read this book quite a long time ago and can't remember much of it, except for the fact that it wasn't really bad but not really good either.

I won't go into details over the plot of this book, but I'll say that it holds an always interesting question: What happens after we die?  In the book you move to Elsewhere where you age back (instead of getting older you get younger) while growing up mentally, until you become a baby and then you are sent back to earth to live another (in a new body) life. It is about coming to terms with your death, about enjoying your life no matter what strange form it is in. And put some dogs who can speak inside it, and there you are.

I didn't really like it because the writing of Zevin seemed below of average to me. Some sentences were far too simple and it was like she wrote this book for 12 year old children, or something. Furthermore, some "plot twists" weren't really plot twists but mere adventures with absolutely no further meaning for the book and they didn't make me jump in anxiety or worry. Generally, this book didn't really make me FEEL. It was flat and dry, like a toast. 2 out of 5 stars, because of all these reasons. However, I want to point out that it wasn't too dumb, or too boring, and if you like stories about afterlife and such kind of stuff, you can read it, you might as well enjoy it.

Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback and Hardback

Learn more about this book here: 

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Envy by Gregg Olsen

Book Info:

Genre: YA, Mystery, Fantasy > Paranormal, Thriller, Ghosts

Original Publication Date: August 23rd, 2011

Pages: 285

Published by: Splinter, Brilliance Corporation

Website: Gregg Olsen

THOUGHTS:

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS. CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED! :)

If there was an award for 'the creepiest and most related to the story' book cover, this book would win it for sure! I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked the supernatural touch that it had -how the twins Hayley and Taylor could sense the feelings, images, and sounds of the dead- but the story, to some extent at least, was a bit predictable for me. Why? Because of the fact that it's based a lot to the well-known suicide of Megan Meier and I had already read about it before I started reading this book. So, Mindee was basically Lori Drew, but not entirely because Teagan set foot in the story too. Except for it though, I enjoyed the writing of Gregg Olsen. He seems to be quite capable of providing to his readers a detailed overview of the landscapes he has in mind and all the feelings and thoughts that his characters feel and think at a particular time. I loved the fact that the story had so many people involved because this made the web of the plot a little more tangled. All in all, it was a great book. 4 out of 5 stars, definitely. Not a pure masterpiece, but I surely want to read the sequel. I recommend it to people who like crime books with a supernatural touch. P.S I just want to point out how much I admired Gregg Olsen's theme for this book. Cyberbullying and cyberstalking. He teaches us that crime doesn't have to come in physical ways, so as to be scary. Evil can penetrate even the toughest armors. So, we should all be careful with what paths we walk on the Internet. A life lesson that should not be ignored.

Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback and Hardback

Find out more about this book: 

Have a look at the 2nd book of the 'Empty Coffin' series here: Betrayal

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Entangled by Nikki Jefford

Book Info:

Genre: YA, Fantasy > Paranormal, Witches, Romance

Original Publcation Date: February, 20th, 2012

Pages: 303

Published by: Createspace, Kindle Edition

Website: Nikki Jefford

THOUGHTS:

First of all, I want to point out that the plot of this book was so original, so brand new. I haven't read something like that before, and it certainly took me by surprise. I loved the whole story about the twins that share the same body. One dead, one alive. A touch of romance in it, and voila, things become even more interesting. Raj McKeena is the new concept of how a boy should look like, and behave, in the real world. I also liked the fact that witches ans warlocks in this world could use magic for their own advantage too, not like what happens in 'Charmed' (the TV series). What bothered me was the shallowness of the characters. It seemed to me that the author didn't develop her characters' thoughts and feelings to a satisfying extent. There were adventure and twist plots, but I could hardly see depth behind Graylee's or Raj's decisions and actions. It was like the book kept switching from one landscape to another without explaining the inner motives of the protagonists' choices. Overall though, it was a great book. Not predictable and with the right proportion of magic, suspense and love. 3 out of 5 stars, only for the reasons that I explained earlier. I'll definitely read the sequel. Recommended to people who love books about magic.

Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback

Find out more about this book here: 

Have a look at the 2nd book in the 'Spellbound' series here: Duplicity

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Divergent by Veronica Roth

Book Info:

Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy, Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic

Original Publication Date: May 3rd, 2011

Pages: 487

Published by: Harper Collin's Children's Books, Katherine Tegen Books, Nathan

Website: Veronica Roth

THOUGHTS:

This book made me feel a variety of emotions. Okay, I had extremely high expectations of it as I had read many reviews and everyone was bragging about how perfect it is and I honestly say that it didn't disappoint me. Everything about it was perfect. The plot wasn't fake at all, this version of the future slightly reminded me of The Hunger Games and most of the characters (even the evil ones) had something on them for me to love. Tris, the protagonist, is so adorable. She grows stronger and stronger throughout the book and she teaches us some valuable life lessons. Four, well, he is my favorite character. The way he handled every situation was spectacular. Even Peter, had something brave on him, considering the fact that he was cruel. Veronica Roth really surprised me. I've read many books and I've become quite capable of predicting parts of the plot in them. But now I couldn't predict what would happen in the next page, let alone at the end of the book. Everything was brand new, a new path for the characters to follow, a new face, a new thought, more and more intriguing information. I also adored the fact that the Dauntless faction consisted of people with so many tattoos and piercings and such a reckless, but at the same time cautious, sense of life. I found myself related to them, as I love piercings and tattoos and living in a society were both of them are considered common and desirable, seems like heaven to me. Overall, a great book. The most astonishing recipe of adventure, love story, dystopian-future story and mystery. The only flaw I can think of is the way the author describes the factions and what they represent in the beginning of the book. In the first few pages, I kept forgetting what each faction stands for and I had to re-read the part where it's explained. But this, only this, is a fault in the book. 5 out of 5 stars, even though it deserves a million. I highly recommend it to everyone, as it's terrifying, thrilling, it keeps on you on edge from its page to its last. It must not be missed by anyone.

Where you can buy this book from: -> Paperback and Hardback

Find out more about this book here: 

Learn more about the 2nd book of the 'Divergent' series: Insurgent

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Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn

Book Info:

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday > Christmas, Realistic Fiction

Original Publication Date: October 26th, 2010

Pages: 260

Published by: Ember, Mira Ink, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Turtleback Books

Website: David Levithan

THOUGHTS:

This book is the perfect read for the period before Christmas. I really enjoyed almost everything about it. The plot was something brand new, the dares that Dash and Lily exchanged between each other were witty, funny, and uncharacteristically original, and the characters were particularly relatable. (I loved the dog, Boris. It was such a smart creature, it was almost like he knew where to intervene in the story and where not to.) I also loved how Dash called himself a "bookish" person and how he said that this characteristic is something that should not be discussed about in public. I guess the previous line describes me really well and it's the reason I fell in love with him even more. One clue for the people who are about to read the book: It gets better and better as it goes on. In the beginning it's only a red notebook that goes back and forth between the two characters, but then more events occur and something bigger and deeper starts evolving. Overall, I loved this book. I couldn't decide how many stars to give to it, I was divided between 4 or 5 stars and, finally, I settled for 4 out of 5. It was a short and great read and with some deep and moving quotes that will be in my mind for many years to come. I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes romantic stories between teenagers and/or is in search of a beautiful Christmas book. Favourite Quotes: "I was attempting to write the story of my life. It wasn't so much about plot. It was much more about character." "There are just lots of possibilities in the world...I need to keep my mind open for what could happen and not decide that the world is hopeless if what I want to happen doesn't happen. Because something else great might happen in between." "Be careful what you're doing, because no one is ever who you want them to be." "I find I very rarely live up to my words. And since you know me primarily through my words, there are oh so many ways I can disappoint."

Where you can buy this book from: -> Paperback and Hardback

Find out more about this book here: 

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Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Book Info:

Genre: YA, Science Fiction > Dystopia, Fantasy > Fairy Tales, Romance, Retellings

Original Publication Date: January 3rd, 2012

Pages: 387

Published by: Feiwel & Friends, Alexandra, Edge, Penguin Books, Puffin

Website: Marissa Meyer

THOUGHTS:

Cinder, a mechanic and a cyborg, in New Beijing (supposedly after War World IV) lives her quiet life, until her path becomes entwined with charming prince Kai and a deadly disease affects her beloving stepsister. But mysteries about her past are about to be revealed and she'll find herself in the need to choose between love and freedom.

I really liked this book. It was a Cinderella story, but modernly enhanced. The plot was so genuine and Cinder's character was strong, captivating. Romance, adventure and fantasy created a mesmerizing mixture that captured my attention until the very last page. The only thing that didn't quite live up to my expectations was the ending. It was far too open, uncertain and ambiguous in my opinion. Generally, though, the author's writing was good, with many dialogues and short descriptions that were nothing but tiring. 4 out of 5 stars, only because of the (rushed?) ending. A worthy suggestion for all of you who love fantasy/supernatural literature.

Where you can buy this book from:   -> Paperback and Hardback

Find out more about this book here: 

Have a look at the 2nd book in the 'Lunar Chronicles' series here: Scarlet

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Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Book Info:

Genre: YA, Science Fiction > Dystopia, Chick Lit, Fantasy

Original Publication Date: April 26th, 2011

Pages: 352

Published by: Balzer + Bray

Website: Megan McCafferty

THOUGHTS:

I liked the plot of this book, it was genuinely original, funny and captivating. The fact that the perspective of the story went back and forth between Melody and Harmony really mesmerized me, because I could see what thoughts these sisters had about each other. I didn't really like the way the author used the language in the book. There were too many jokes about erection and pills for it and, also, the idea that most parents in this futuristic universe pushed their daughters to become pregnant only for the sake of money. I found it somewhat inhumane, I don't know. And, well, I liked Melody's character more than Harmony's. Harmony seemed to me like a 'tight' and cold Church girl, lost in her beliefs and her confused ideas about religion, the world and love. On the opposite side, Melody was an outrageous, brave and mature girl who knew how to question biased beliefs of the society and how to follow her own unique dreams. Jondoe was nothing more than a futuristic Casanova. Overall, I think it was an easy and good read, with funny dialogues and interesting ideas about teen pregnancy that will certainly make you think, even months later after you'll have finished the book. 3 out of 5 stars, because of the fact that dialogues were a bit naive, at least sometimes, and somewhere in the middle of the book the story began to move with the speed of a turtle. I recommend it to people who love reading about teen pregnancy and want to take a look at a -scarily believable- future which lovingly considers teen pregnancy the savior of society.

Where you can buy this book from:   -> Paperback and Hardback

Find out more about this book here: 

Take a look at the 2nd book of the 'Bumped' series: Thumped

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Breed by Chase Novak

Book Info:

Genre: Horror, Adult Fiction, Mystery Suspense

Original Publication Date: September 4th, 2012

Pages: 311

Published by: Mulholland Books

THOUGHTS:

'Breed' brings horror in your home. This is one of the creepiest, weirdest and most special books I've ever read. The story begins with Alex Twisden and Leslie Kramer, an infertile young couple, who are very much in love with each other but their efforts concerning offspring are nothing more than fruitful. They hear about a successful doctor in Slovenia and decide to take a chance... But fertility, just like life itself, is a like a chess game. You make a move and sometimes it's victorious, other times you just lose. My thoughts: First of all, this book was horrific, really scary. The way the author describes the scenery of the house (in which tremendous things take place) catches your breath and prevents you from breathing normally. The plot was magnificent, so many twists and kept me at ease until its last page. This book really is about how true monsters, scarier than bloody vampires or tough werewolves (so common in today's fiction), can live among us and inside us. People tend to get stuck in particular ideas and forget that, sometimes, the consequences of these ideas can prove to be fatal for them and their families. That each and every one of us can stick to his/her lifelong dream, but we must always keep in mind what this dream may mean to the people around us and to ourselves when life will have transformed us, because time has this ability of changing angelic people into monsters. Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars, because it was a particularly enjoyable read. It was fresh, original, nothing like I read in the past. I strongly recommend it to people who love horror books and are at ease with graphic murder scenes and spooky environments. 'Breed' will not disappoint you, you'll find yourself turning the pages late at night. A book with amazing life-lessons. So, yes, go read it as soon as possible.

Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback and Hardback

Find out more about this book here: 

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Because You Tempt Me by Beth Kery

Book Info:

Genre: Adult Fiction, Erotica, Romance > Contemporary Romance

Original Publication Date: July 31st, 2012

Pages: 55

Published by: Penguin Group (USA)

Website: Beth Kery

THOUGHTS:

A very sensual and erotic short novel between a businessman and an artist who draws some of his paintings. I loved it. I can't wait to read the next book.

I know that this is a relatively short review but this book consists only of 55 pages and, like, 10 of them describe sex scenes or dialogues between the characters, so there is nothing major to say about the plot, except for the fact that the chemistry between the two protagonists is undeniable.

Where you can buy this book from: Amazon -> Ebook

Find out more about this book here: 

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14,000 Things to be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer

Book Info: (Note that the picture depicts the Updated edition)

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-help, Reference

Original Publication Date: January 4th, 1990

Pages: 700

Published by: Workman Publishing Company

THOUGHTS:

A book that must exist in every bookshelf of every library of every person in the world. It's a book that helps us become more and more optimistic, and open to ourselves and to others. It makes us think about life, love, friendship, who we are, who we used to be, and how we will be able to achieve even our greatest dreams by finding happiness in daily routine, in everyday life. 5 out of 5 stars, because it really is a "Bible" for my gray days. I liked how many references are about foods and sweets. A good meal makes the stomach happy and the heart. :-) So, yes, I'd recommend it to everyone, even if you don't read it at once, you should at least keep it on your shelves, so you can turn to it in days when things seem to get really black. I promise you that it will light up your mood. To a great extent.

Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback

Learn more about this book here: 

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172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

Book Info:

Genre: YA, Science Fiction > Fantasy > Paranormal, Thriller, Mystery

Original Publication Date: September 15th, 2008

Pages: 368

Published by: ATOM, Little - Brown Books for Young Readers, Cappelen Damm

THOUGHTS:

Before I go into thoughts about the details of the plot of this book, I want to point out that it was a really creepy book. I would categorize it in the horror/sci-fi genre. It wasn't a simple adventure story, it was scary enough. The plot: It was genuine. Three teenagers from different countries are selected for a trip to the moon in 2019. (It isn't so far away, is it?). The first half of the book takes place on earth and it is the slowest part. The pre-journey preparation, some information about the reasons the teenagers wanted or didn't want to go to the moon and a mysterious aspect for this trip of a man who suffers from memory loss. The second half of the book, though, was much better. Much, much better. It takes place on the moon and it's really good. Unexpected deaths begin to occur and soon everyone finds themselves in the position to fight for their lives... Something scariest than they could have imagined is after them. What I liked: The plot, certainly. It was something completely original and the 'bad side' was something I could have never thought of. Many congratulations to the author. He really caught me off guard. I particularly loved Mia, Antoine and Midori. They proved to be the toughest and bravest of the crew. The other members didn't really fascinate me, some of them were really stuck in their hopelessness. (I'm not giving more information away, because I don't want to spoil it all.) What I didn't like: Well, the last two pages of the book really confused me. I didn't understand what happened after the 'evil plague' was spread in the world. And the letter that Sander, the little brother of Mia, wrote to her? What happened to it? Mia's and Antoine's love story too. I think the author could have written more about it, it was left hanging in the air or something. Overall, though, it was particularly good. It was realistic enough, concerning that missions to the moon are difficult and need thorough preparation. 3 out of 5 stars, because the background and the characters' feelings weren't developed enough. In my opinion, the writing was a bit stiff and superficial. Maybe because it's not the original language, but it was translated. I recommend it to people who like scary stories that take part in the outer space and want a quick and adventurous read.

Where you can buy this book from:  -> Paperback and Hardback

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