Book Review: Uglies

Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Stars 5/5

I am always hesitant to post reviews of things that are:

1. Older
2. Already very popular to the millionth degree
3. Already very popular to the millionth degree

But here we are.

Look at those perfect stars! I really liked this book a lot. I enjoyed the journey, the twists and turns, the love interest—all of it! 

Tally lives in Uglyville, is about to turn 16, and get her wish to turn pretty (as everyone in Uglyville does when they turn 16). However, Tally won't get her wish until she has betrayed her newest friend. Tally is frustrated because she didn't want any part of Shay's new world, but when she gets to know the people Shay told her about and the secrets of New Pretty Town, Tally has a change of heart. There's only one problem, and it's something she was wearing.

After reading the book, I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. Also, I now know that I am a Scott Westerfield fan. I saw that an ARC by Scott Westerfield for the 3rd book in the Zeroes series was available and am now going to have to read the first two. 

So, thanks to Uglies, I am now on the hook to read five more books by Scott Westerfield. 

Book Review: Turtles All the Way Down

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
3.7/5

***Possible spoilers***

Aza believes the world will come crashing down at any moment, and c. diff will be the cause. Aza wants so much to think ordinary thoughts, but once the spiral of anxious thoughts start, it's hard to escape them. She ends up putting her life in danger at one point because her fear of microbes is so intense.

While Aza is dealing with anxiety, she is also trying to live her life. It just so happens that her life is quite complicated. She has a bit of a crush on her wealthy friend, Davis, whose dad is on the run from the law. At first Aza and her best friend Daisy try to find clues to earn the bounty for finding Davis' dad, but something changes this. Throughout the story, Aza wonders what the right thing to do is. She hates watching Davis and his younger brother suffer. All the money the brothers have serving them while their dad is away can only do so much.

I think many people can relate to some of Aza's worries, but hers are really to the point of mental illness. I'm glad John Green came out and spoke about these issues through his character. It was interesting to see how anxiety and OCD can be hard on relationships.

I ended up giving the book 3.7 stars because one of the occurrences in the book happens too coincidentally for my mind.

See more of my reviews here

Paper Towns Review

Paper Towns by John Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this intermittently in a 30 hr. period. This is really saying something because I have been dragging my feet lately as I've read. I keep starting books and not finishing them. However, I started this book and had a hard time putting it down. I stayed up until 2 in the morning reading it, before forcing myself to put it down. So, I have to say that this is a good book! It has some quotable moments. There is the theme of popularity and pleasing other people. I think there is really so much to say about the book and the characters--good and bad.

This book struck me on a personal level.

View all my reviews

Accepting ARCs: Book Review Policy (Updated 10/31/2017)

ARC Review Policy:

Thank you for considering my blog as a resource to review your material. I review a wide variety of YA, Middlegrade, and Picture Books. As libraries often do not purchase self-published books, it is my policy to only read ARCs from reputable publishers.

Due to time constraints, I cannot always read everything that comes my way.  I will advise my readers that I have received an advance copy to give full disclosure. I generally rate on a five-star system, but will not post reviews of books I've rated under 3 stars onto my blog. I will be fair in all of my judgments. I reserve the right to dislike a book and not post it to the blog. I may, however, review it on Goodreads with some notes of why the book wasn't for me, without a star rating.

To consider your book, please e-mail me at acpaige14 at gmail dot com. I will want to confirm some information about the book. This includes title, genre, a quick synopsis, and the number of pages. I generally give a book 30 pages to impress me before I give myself permission to put it down.

I don't receive or accept monetary compensation for my book reviews.

Thanks,
A.C. Paige