Eleanor & Park book review

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Eleanor & Park was the perfect read for the month of February. Rowell is able to explore falling in love for the first time so subtly, yet so thoroughly. Reading through Eleanor and Park's story transported me back to the time I was young and exploring the idea and feeling of love for the first time, and brought back a barrage of memories and emotions I'd long since forgotten.

The characters are so well-developed, and the plot is so engrossing you are swept away into 1980s Omaha without even realizing it. I see why this is a beloved book by many, and I regret having waited so long to read it. I feel this book is relatable for just about everyone that is 13+, and suggest if you're looking for a read that touches the darkest recesses of your heart to check it out.



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Secret Vampire (Night World #1) book review

Secret Vampire by L.J. Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I have to admit, I do judge books by their cover. I just bought this title, and the lovely hardback caught my attention immediately, then the synopsis within the cover left me knowing I had to read this book. I found the characters and pacing refreshing. As someone who has read (and enjoyed) the Twilight series, I was completely prepared for another long-winded, long-drawn-out story about a girl in love with a vampire. However, plot devices within this book expedite the story and we get to the “good stuff” within a few chapters. I flew through this book, which says something about the readability and the appeal of the story. I work full time, and I usually read right before bed. Instead of falling asleep within a few pages, I spent over an hour and a half reading without even knowing how much time had passed.

Upon doing more research about this book, I didn’t realize it was originally written in the late 90s, which is probably why I feel it isn’t as broody or convoluted. The characters aren’t absorbed in modern situations or technology, they are living simply, and that, for me, helps the book feel refreshing and lighter. There isn’t a lot of filler, and I was ultimately sad that the ending seemed to come so soon. I will definitely be picking up #2 in this series, because the world Smith creates is interesting, out-of-the-ordinary, and fun.

This book is great for paranormal romance lovers from middle school through adulthood. I just wish I had found these when I was younger, I had SO MUCH MORE free time for reading back then!



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Fallen Series: Rapture book review.

Rapture by Lauren Kate

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Fallen

Some of Kate's descriptions are lovely, and this book definitely takes some unexpected turns. The way in which the story of Daniel and Luce plays out is really rather poetic, and left me with a warm feeling in my heart. Young Adult fans should definitely cap off the Fallen series with this final installment of Daniel and Luce's story. Romance, danger, violence, and ethereal mysticism fill this book to the brim. It left me wanting it not to end.



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