Review: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I honestly don't have much to say about this book. I had higher expectations for Will Grayson, Will Grayson, but they were not met. If there hadn't been a few parts of the book that I liked and made me laugh, I probably would've given it only one star.

First off, it's not even about either of the boys named Will. It's about this other character named Tiny Cooper who serves as the connection between the two Wills. The book centers around Tiny putting on a musical production about himself... how self centered can you get?

As for the book's namesakes, I found it hard to connect to either of them. They were both passive in different ways and they rambled a lot. Much of the conversations in the book were pointless and I got lost a few different times because I would just space out while reading.

So, I don't really recommend this book, but if you want to give it a read and make your own opinion... be my guest.

Proud to be a Hufflepuff

When you're a kid and you read the Harry Potter series, you almost always want to imagine that if you went to Hogwarts you'd end up in Gryffindor.  After all, that's where Harry and his friends were all sorted into, and they were the good guys.  You only identify with Slytherin if you're going to be the bad guy and the two other houses don't matter.

But when you're older, you realize that the other houses are actually really cool.  You learn the common traits of the people sorted into those houses and you start to identify with them as you learn more about yourself.

Of course, as a kid I wanted to be in Gryffindor.  First of all because that was the "good guy" house and you know, lions are cool.  Plus, I'm not a fan of snakes.

As I've grown up, I've learned more about myself and while I carry some traits of each of the houses (as I'm sure we all do in some way) I find that I identify the most with Hufflepuff House.  But it wasn't official until I joined Pottermore and took the quiz.

And what do you know?  I was sorted into Hufflepuff!

I proudly refer to myself as a badger and stand with the reserved house of Hufflepuff.  I'm such a nerd about this stuff that I've even ordered different Hufflepuff t-shirts, sweats and other miscellaneous items to display my house while I'm out and about.

So now I'm wondering who else among the HP fandom is proud of their own house?

Review: Binge

Binge by Tyler Oakley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm going to start off by saying that I'm not a huge Tyler Oakley fan. I'm more of a casual one who will watch a few videos every few weeks. That said, I do find Tyler to be funny in a majority of his videos, so I was definitely expecting the same of his book.

I was not entirely disappointed.

He is definitely engaging in this book and is able to pull you right into his life story. He opens up and tells us things we never knew about him, like his real name. But he gets real personal in this book and we're taken on a journey of his life and the places he's been to get where he is today.

His writing style reminds me of his videos. The way he talks though the book makes it feel like I'm watching a video of his while I'm reading. Honestly, this book would've made a good video for him... though it would've been long. It's different than most authors, so if you're a stickler to "good" writing, you might want to stay away. But if you're looking for that personal touch in writing, then definitely pick up this book.

I personally really enjoyed the book and give it 4 stars. It's definitely a book you'll want to read if you're a Tyler Oakley fan - whether it's a super-fan or a casual fan like myself.

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The Ultimate Book Tag

I've seen a few different book tags, so this will definitely not be the only book tag I'll do on my blog.  I think tags are fun (from what I've seen) and I think it's cool to see the different answers people will give.  So here's my first tag - the Ultimate Book Tag!

The Ultimate Book Tag

 

1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?

Nope.  I can read in the car with no problems.

2. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.

Harry Potter hand down. My points are:

1. AWESOME PLOT!

2. Magic

3. Dragons trump vampires and werewolves any day.

3. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is it in (besides books…)?

Not specifically for books.   I just use my backpack.

4. Do you smell your books?

Maybe...

5. Books with or without little illustrations?

Doesn't matter to me, I like both.

6. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing? (Ex. I read Twilight before I read HP and thought the writing was amazing but read HP and now think Twilight is a little bit of a joke.)

I haven't come across that situation yet since I'm a new bookworm, but I'm sure it'll happen sometime.

7. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!

Nope, only because I wasn't much of a reader as a child.

8. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?

5 Love Languages for Teens by Gary Chapman

9. What is the thickest book on your shelf?

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

10. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?

Other than this blog... no.  At least, not yet.

11. When did you get into reading?

Within the past year or two.  My best friend JP loaned me a book of his that he thought I'd like and it just hit me... I loved the book and suddenly wanted to read more.

12. What is your favorite classic book?

The Great Gatsby.

13. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?

I never got good grades in English until last year.  Even then, math and art are still my best two subjects.

14. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated…what would you do?

I say thank you and then pass it on to someone else who would enjoy it.

15. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?

I'm not sure if it's lesser known, but I like The Testing series.

16. What is your favorite word?

Groovy (since no one uses it anymore)

17. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?

Dork (see above)

18. Vampires or Fairies

Vampires.

19. Bookmark or random piece of paper?

Bookmark - it's more sturdy.

20. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love?

I guess forbidden love is usually more intriguing... but I haven't read a lot of romance books.

21. One book at a time or several books at once?

One at a time man!

22. Can you stop reading at any part of the book or does it have to be the end of the chapter?

Anywhere, but it's easier if there's a page break.

23. Do you write in a book?

No.

24. Can you read while listening to music/watching tv?

No. I need complete silence (unless I'm also listening to the audio book)

25. Do you read out loud or silently in your head?

A mixture of both... depends on the book and where I am.

BONUS QUESTION: Physical book, e-book or audio book?

I like e-books and audio books.  E-books I can take anywhere and have a number of books to choose from.  I like audio books when I'm also reading the e-book or when I'm out on a walk or something.

So that's all the questions for the book tag!  If anyone feels like doing this tag just leave a comment with your link because I'd like to read your answers!  

Review: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked up this book since I have recently taken an interest in writing - mostly short stories that will probably never be seen outside my English class. But my teacher noticed my new interest and suggested this book to me. So I went out and got it.

Let me tell you, it's great.

Any other books I've looked at recently are all 'how to construct a plot' or 'how to properly write dialogue.' But not this book.

In On Writing, Stephen King guides us through his journey in life and his journey in becoming one of the best known authors out there. It's refreshing to read how someone got to where they are and the real struggle behind it. He doesn't give us instructions, he gives us a story.

Within the story he gives us tips on becoming a writer, such as even letting yourself write 1000 words a day, just to keep up the practice. My favorite one is that in order to write, you need to read. It makes sense because whether you read good writing or bad, you're learning from it. You either learn how to write a good story or a bad one.

Whether you're a King fan, an aspiring writer or you just want a good read, I highly recommend this book!

Howdy!

Um... hi.

So, on a whim, I decided to start this blog.  I guess the inspiration came from my best friend, JP, who started a blog of his own a few months ago.  He wanted a place to share his thoughts and his photography, so now he does over on his Wordpress.com blog. 

I almost made a Wordpress.com account, but I figured, "Hey, I use gmail, so I might as well just sign up with Blogger."  So, here I am.

For the most part my blog is going to be book related, since I love to read.  But I can't say that I won't throw in a few video game or lifestyle type posts, because well, life happens.

Like this post, for example.  It isn't book related.  I'm just introducing my blog.

I'm new to this blogging thing, so I don't know how often I'll post.  It might be once a week, or a few times a week.  It might just be as I read and review books, or feel like I have something I need to say.

With that, I think I'm pretty much done right now.  I'm trying to work on the layout and figure out this Blogger thing, so I will see you (whoever you are) the next time I post.  Which will be soon.

In the meantime, you can feel free to check out my 'about me' page or my social media accounts.