POPSUGAR Reading Challenge Update 2018

2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge

Half-way (ish) Update

Looking at my Goodreads list of the books that I have read so far this year, I have now completely updated my POPSUGAR Reading Challenge and... I'm not thrilled by it, but I'm also not completely disappointed either. If there is a link on the book title, it will take you to the review I wrote of that book.

Here are the books that I have read for the Challenge so far and the categories they belong in:

1. Next book in a series you started: Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi
2. Novel based on a real person: #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
3. Book about death or grief: The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh
4. Book that is also a stage play or musical: Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
5. Book by an author of a different ethnicity than you: The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano by Olaudah Equiano
6. Book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
7. Book by two authors: Zenith by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings
8. Book with aliteration in teh title: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austin
9. Book with a weather element in the title: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
10. Book with an animal in the title: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood 
11. Childhood classic you've never read: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit
12. Book that's published in 2018: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
13. Book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
14. Cyberpunk book: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
15. Book by an author with the same first or last name as you: A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

On the same note as challenges, I was doing really well with my Goodreads Challenge for this year, but within the last two weeks I have completely fallen off my mark and I'm woefully behind. It looks like I've got a lot of reading in my future.  

Hope all of your challenges are going well!
 
Thanks for reading!

GENERAL UPDATE!!!

Hello!

I don't know if I actually have any consistent readers on here, but if I do, or if you look backwards toward my previous posts, you'll notice I have been absolutely horrible with posting consistently. Part of that is due to a nasty reading slump (***crying tears of nonexistent words***), and part of that is due to just not having the motivation to do much of anything.

What I think it may be is that I'm normally so busy during the school year that even though I have some things to do now, I'm not nearly as productive every day and the rest of the time I just shut down. It's like my mind is forcing me to take a break. But, if that's the case, then I'm going to go with the flow and just post as I so please. I'm not actually too worried about it and I hope you all just enjoy the posts that come out when they do. Thinking about it, it's probably better this way because then I'm not rushing through reviews or putting out surface-level statements.

That all being said, I am in a blogging mood at the moment and will be catching up on some work here for a bit. We'll see how long this lasts, but there may be some posts coming up in the near future. :)

ALSO! Before I forget, part of the work that I need to catch up on is updating my Popsugar Reading Challenge, which involves adding a lot of tags to old posts. So if you see a lot of updates from me in a row, I'm not trying to be obnoxious, but I'm sorry if it seems that way.

I hope everything is going well for all of you and, as always,
Thanks for reading!

Sweetbitter Season 1 Thoughts and Feels

Sweetbitter

Season 1

Thoughts and Feels

3.85 out of 5 Stars

Before reading, please assume spoilers for the entirety of the television show AS WELL AS the book Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler.


What initially caught my attention for this show was almost classical- the trailer for it just opened the door enough to get a glimpse of the story inside without revealing what was actually going to happen. From there, I read the book and have been watching the episodes ever since. I finished the book a couple of weeks ago and reviewed it here, and while I will try not to do this, it is very likely that I will make comparisons to the book.

Sweetbitter in its first season has been a coming-of-age story that dips into the luxury of finding your own life independent from anyone and anything. Tess has been an incredible character to follow as we see her struggle, succeed, and explore the different avenues that are presented to her as options for ways to live. The key element of this story and of this season comes to point in the finale when Tess tells Simone that she has never really allowed herself to want anything. While not explicit until this point, once Tess says that it becomes clear that this was the theme coursing underneath everything. She finally is starting to let herself want things in her own life.


Looking at the character of Tess, she is very human. A bit cliched, but also necessarily so. I think what is best about her character though is that she is slowly starting to grow a spine. It is very annoying to see a character bend their will so easily for others, but as the episodes progress, it appears that Tess starts to hold her own more and more. Despite this growth, I think there is still a lot of room for her to grow. The backstory is not as important for Tess, but I think I would like to see her develop herself as a less self-centered friend and establish goals and benchmarks for herself. That's kind of the whole point of the show, is for Tess to make a life for herself.

One of the things that I really loved about the show is that the side characters got SO much more attention and development than they did in the book. For example, I loved Sasha in both the book and the show, but the Sasha in the show was such a more fleshed out person. I love that he and Tess have a whole other relationship to them that was not in the book and I think it can come in extremely handy in the future should they be approved for a second season. The show definitely did not cover as much ground as the book did, but honestly, that is fine with me because we got to see a lot more of the other characters and build relationships with them all instead of just a handful.

For those of us who have read the book, we know that there is a whole lot more to the Jake/Simone plotline. It is a very interesting and disturbing dynamic that they have between the two of them, which was briefly hinted at in this season's finale, but overall, I thought it was just a tad underdeveloped in the show. A lot of what I think the viewer was supposed to use to get this feeling from was Tess's speculations and questions to other workers, but that doesn't feel substantial enough to me. There were rarely any times that there was a significant example of the creepy vibe of their relationship actually coming from them (Jake and Simone). And while I know Tess is supposedly a good judge of character, that is not enough for me to take her insecurities to the bank. Because that's partially what they are when they're coming from her: insecurities because she is into Jake.

Why just under 4 stars if I can't really find anything bad to say? It's because nothing really blew me away either. The acting was good, the camera work was good, the setting and scoring were good, the script was fine... it all just sort of leveled out a bit when I think it could have reached a different height. The character development should all keep progressing I think as is- with the exception of Jake and Simone who could use some more work in their relationship. The plot should definitely continue to see Tess find herself and grow as a person. The tone of the show is in the right area. Everything I think though could be stepped up just a little.

My biggest question now is if there is going to be a season 2? There is definitely enough story left because the show did not cover the whole book. Plus, I want to see more from all of the characters and how their relationships unfold. Especially in regard to Tess, because she is a bit of a self-centered friend and I want to see Ari put her in her place. Also, there should be a very significant moment with Howard that is pivotal to Tess as a character growing and deciding to take what she wants for her life and I want to see that. Well, I do and I don't. It's a horrible situation, but what Tess decides to do afterward is great. With all of that, I hope there is a season 2. I would definitely watch it because I think the creators of the show have a good grasp of the story and can make it better and better.


Thanks for reading!

The Soldier Prince by Aarti V. Raman Review

The Soldier Prince by Aarti V. Raman

***3.5 out of 5 Stars***

Thank you so much to the author for providing an ARC for me to read!

For those who don't know, The Soldier Prince is a royal romance that takes place (for the most part) in the Alps in a fictional country called Stellangard. It is fluffy and sexy and perfect for a break from the ordinariness of everyday life. The story picks up right away and follows Sasha as she accidentally throws herself into a situation that leads to a mandatory trip to Prince Alexander's castle for her own protection. Does that not sound like a perfect set up?


SPOILERS BELOW

PLOT: Fully aware that this is a fun romance book, there was not too much of a plot to speak of- but it works in this case because the story is more about the relationship between Sasha and Alexander than it is of what the terrorist group is doing against the royal family. So going off the plot of building the relationship between the two of them, I think the story did a pretty great job.

I believe this castle is actually in Budapest

There was one series of events in particular that I just adored: their date in the city. The entire thing from the beginning at his mother's grave all the way through the apple pie was just so casual and adorable. What I think I really appreciate about that moment is that is shows the reader the two of them outside of the extreme situation of a terror threat. Yes, there was still some pretty high security, but it gave both of them a glimpse of what their lives could look like together. There were a couple of other really cute moments like that. There were a couple of awkward ones as well that I felt like were forced, and I was cringing the entire time Sasha was trying to talk to Xander about how they could make a relationship work. But the other moments make up for the few awkward ones.

CHARACTERS
Sasha: I really liked Sasha. She was just so completely normal. She wasn't too weak or too strong but completely believable and relatable without being bland. A bit impulsive, but that is almost excusable because she is in a very unique and strange situation. I loved hearing about her background and interests and I thought she was the perfect balance for Alexander and he was the best for her in return.

Alexander: While I can appreciate the general appeal to Alexander- prince, soldier, uptight, caring, protective- I wasn't completely on board with falling in love with his character. There were pieces to him that I really loved reading and were making me swoon, like when he was taking care of his family, but as a whole not really my type. He's definitely Sasha's type though and I think she really pushes him to relax a bit more into less of an overbearing ass, just like how he pushes her to challenge herself and reach for what she wants. A.k.a. I ship it.

An actual royal couple ;)

There weren't too many other characters. There were a bunch of minor ones that all kind of filled in the gaps, but these two were the only ones that were really developed in the story. As far as the two of them go, Sasha and Alexander, it was pretty good development for the most part. A bit choppy at times, but then it still all made sense by the end of the book without being too disruptive.

WRITING: I have to say this first: Every time I read Stellangard my mind read Stalingrad. It is SO SIMILAR in spelling and it kinda drives me crazy. The only other thing in regard to the writing of the story is that it was all in third person but limited omniscient from two POVs, Sasha and Alexander (like how Cassie Clare writes in the Shadowhunter books- that kind of thing). I really like this kind of writing in general, but I wish that the sections were more divided so that there was a clearer distinction as to when who was thinking what. For example, a chapter would start from the perspective of Alexander but then randomly switch to Sasha when a thought from her perspective was needed. It required a bit too much work on the part of the reader I think and was slightly confusing. If it was divided into either whole chapters or even section breaks, I think it would work a lot better. And I'll be completely honest, it could be because I was reading and ARC, so that change may have happened in the final version- I just don't know.

Swiss Alps- near this fiction country

On a separate note, the country that Raman describes sounds like paradise to me. Mountains, castles, chilly weather, cabins and apples, oh my... how much for a vacation here? A house that I can buy? How much to change citizenship to this fictional place? The descriptions were really amazing and I can't help but wish this place was real. Not even for the royalty, but for the country itself.


The Soldier Prince is a book to grab and bring on vacation, read on a plane, or just before you go to bed to relax. It's both lighthearted and captivating, allowing you to fall in love with the couple and hope to see their happy ending. Apparently, this is also only the first book, so we'll see where this series goes. A part of me hopes that we get to see more of Sasha and Alexander to see just how they make their story work, but another part of me really wants to see one of the siblings and see a relationship with one of them. At the end of the day, I will be looking forward to the next book in this series no matter what.

Thanks for reading!

Spoiler Free Review: The Soldier Prince by Aarti V. Raman

The Soldier Prince (Royals of Stellangård Saga, #1) by Aarti V. Raman

***3.5 out of 5 Stars***

Thank you so much to the author for providing an ARC for me to read!

For those who don't know, The Soldier Prince is a royal romance that takes place (for the most part) in the Alps in a fictional country called Stellangard. It is fluffy and sexy and perfect for a break from the ordinariness of everyday life. The story picks up right away and follows Sasha as she accidentally throws herself into a situation that leads to a mandatory trip to Prince Alexander's castle for her own protection. Does that not sound like a perfect set up?

The Soldier Prince is a book to grab and bring on vacation, read on a plane, or just before you go to bed to relax. It's both lighthearted and captivating, allowing you to fall in love with the couple and hope to see their happy ending. Apparently, this is also only the first book, so we'll see where this series goes. A part of me hopes that we get to see more of Sasha and Alexander to see just how they make their story work, but another part of me really wants to see one of the siblings and see a relationship with one of them. At the end of the day, I will be looking forward to the next book in this series no matter what.

Thanks for reading!

Solo: A Star Wars Story Movie Review

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Movie Review

 
3.4 out of 5 Stars

Before I really get into this review, I want to make it clear that I am NOT a Star Wars junkie. I haven't even seen all of the movies. So please, please, please- if you are a huge fan of the franchise, please either read this kindly or don't read at all. I'm reviewing this movie based on this. movie. I understand that it fits into the series of movies, but I'm pretty sure that it comes before the other main movies so I'm good to review it for itself.

Solo was pretty entertaining. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't particularly spectacular either. What really didn't do it for me though was that it was the general idea of the characters and the plot that made me enjoy it and captured my attention- not the actual content and execution of them. If a movie has a great premise and holds my expectations for something amazing (especially if they have the budget for it), then I want to see it followed through. It was almost there for so many different elements, that it just fell short in too many categories for me, like character development, suspense, action, and dialogue.


What I was really hoping for was strong characters. I don't mean this as in their values and actions, but in how dynamic they were and definable as themselves. I've heard so much about the Star Wars character of Han Solo, but I wasn't really feeling the playboy vibe from this movie. I got the arrogance- that was well done- but that was about it. I didn't even ship him too much with Kira. Speaking of Kira, I really wanted to like her. But the same issue came up where I wasn't really getting a grasp on her character. The two of them just didn't have as strong as a connection as I thought they would. They were cute, but fleeting. I wasn't heartbroken at the end of the movie. About that- was Han even upset? Was he supposed to be? Because I felt like he just accepted it way to easily.

The other thing that I really wish the movie did a better job of was suspense and intense moments. I think there was only one time when they were trying to escape the gravity hole that I actually felt like I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened. There were so many other moments though that I though could have had this element and didn't. Like when Han is fighting Dryden at the end and Kira steps in to help. I wasn't even worried about Han's life or possibility of injury. That feeling of oh-crap-what's-going-to-happen wasn't there. I missed those moments because I thought there would have been a lot more of them.

All of the actors though I thought did a great performance. I didn't recognize all of the names and faces, like Alden Ehrenreich and  Phoebe Waller-Bridge, but it also included some of my favorite actors like Emilia Clarke and Thandie Newton. I actually didn't realize that Thandie Newton was in this and when I saw her on the screen I freaked out just a little. I really enjoyed all of their performances though and I think it was a well-efforted even showing of the character across the entire movie.


Would I recommend Solo? I don't know. I'm not sure if I'm the best person to ask this question to because I don't know the Star Wars movies that well. But if you had asked me last week I would say sure- go for it. There wasn't too much else out. But this upcoming weekend Ocean's 8 is coming out and I am really looking forward to that one, so I will definitely be seeing that and reviewing it. Also Deadpool 2 is on my list of movies to see while they're out. So in terms of recommendation, I would put those two above this one I think. I also haven't seen Book Club yet, but that's a comedy so it's slightly different from these other movies.

Thanks for reading!

Feysand (A Court of Thorns and Roses): A Ship in My Fleet

A Ship in My Fleet

Feysand (Feyre and Rhysand)

From: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

***Assume spoilers for the entire ACOTAR series***

My level of obsession with this ship is probably way too high to be healthy. But, being completely honest, I'm totally okay with that. To put it in perspective: I'm a very frugal person and don't spend money on fandom merchandise- ever. For this ship, I bought a navy sweatshirt that says "Team Rhysand" on it and I wear it proudly in public. There's just something about the equality between them and the respect that they have for each other that really just makes them work so well together. They don't always get along either, which may seem like it would work against them, but really creates a more believable relationship where they can resolve their conflicts and disagreements in a realistic and healthy way.

When I Started Shipping:

Tumblr / moonlit-sketches

Contrary to most readers of this series, I started to ship them in book 1. Yes, even with all the creepy touching and inappropriate comments and everything else that was working against Rhys at that time. I would like to point out though that in my mind, I saw his reasoning for doing those things. Maybe not all of them- the little details that he reveals later- but for the most part I got the vibe that he was doing the least that he could do to maximize Feyre's safety and health while she was in that hellhole Under the Mountain. I also did not like Tamlin because he was just pretty and sitting there, and I know he had his own circumstances of being bound by Amarantha. However, when he did break away from her, he tries to hook up with Feyre. Um....what? But yeah, I started shipping Feysand book 1. I didn't ship them as much as I do now, but I was definitely hoping she would end up with Rhys and not Tamlin. Yeah me!

Favorite Cannon Moment:
These two have a lot of really great scenes. In general, I love when they play "thought for a thought." Even the concept of this game is built on a foundation of trust. Trust that the other is being honest and trust that they won't judge you or tell another person what you said. It's completely beautiful. A specific scene though that I love (and I'll keep it PG-13 or younger) is when Feyre celebrates Starfall for the first time and she paints the star splatter on Rhys's hand. She laughs and Rhys stops still because he knows that's the first time she has done so since Under the Mountain. It kills me because Feyre is fully comfortable with Rhys and is starting to heal. And Rhys is starting to heal too and this scene shows that he really only wants Feyre to be happy and what is best for her.

Tumblr / monolime

Feyre:
Understandably, it takes Feyre a bit to be open to this relationship. She has had a hell of a time in the fey world, so it makes complete sense to me that it isn't until the end of the second book that she actually beings to accept Rhys as something other than a friend. What I really appreciate about Feyre is that she is more than just her role in the courts and with other characters. You can really see this in her passion to paint and I think it is really reflective of how her relationship with Tamlin worked versus her relationship with Rhysand works based on how she paints. After she was Under the Mountain, she couldn't paint at all. But being with Tamlin couldn't bring that back for her- she was stuck in this depressive state and Tamlin was doing nothing to help bring her out of it. Rhysand on the other hand is when she started to paint again and I think part of it is because of how Rhys helped pull her out of her depression. Feyre is able to be her whole self and feel secure enough in herself and the chance to mess up when she is with Rhys. 

Rhysand:
What a gem. My favorite thing about Rhys is that he pays attention to Feyre and communicates with her. Since they were Under the Mountain all the way through the war and into A Court of Frost and Starlight, Rhys has paid attention to Feyre to make sure she is not just okay, but the happiest that she can be and that he sets aside his own desires. The fact that he knew they were mates and was going to let her get married won him some major points in my book. It broke my heart, but it made him all the more endearing to me that he would do something like that for her. As a character alone, I also really appreciate the sass and the clever comments that come from him. The way he holds himself and acts around his family even though he has so much authority and power shows just how good of a guy that he is.

Tumblr / raconteaurwitch

Feysand:
There are a lot of reasons why I think they work really well together. One of my reasons why they're a favorite of mine- definitely one of my OTPs- is because they are so realistic as well. They argue and disagree with each other and there are still moments when they aren't on the same page, like with their views on Nesta. I don't agree with Rhys's perspective on this, but it drives home the point that these two still function even though they are different people. They respect each other's opinions and differences and will talk through things together that they need to have a mutual agreement for.

The last thing with Feysand is- I WANT A WEDDING. Yes, I know they secretly went off to get the mate bond blessed or whatever but is that the same thing as getting married?? Feyre was human; maybe there's still a part of her that wants a traditional human ceremony. If that's the case, I want to see that because we have yet to see a Sarah J. Maas wedding and it kills me... 

Thanks for reading!