The Unexpected Everything

Title : The Unexpected Everything
Author: Morgan Matson
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
Paperback, International Edition,
519 pages
Published May 3rd 2016 by Simon and Schuster

ISBN: 1481486071 (ISBN13: 9781481486071)

Synopsis:

  

Andie had it all planned out.

When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future.

Important internship? Check.

Amazing friends? Check.

Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks)

But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life.

Because here’s the thing - if everything's planned out, you can never find the unexpected.

And where’s the fun in that?

Source: Goodreads

“Theoretical crushes could remain perfect and flawless, because you never actually had to find out what that person was really like or deal with the weird way they chewed or anything.”

The Unexpected Everything is my first Morgan Matson book. I actually saw a lot of her published book even when Amy & Roger's Epic Detour came out. But at that time, I honestly did not care any of it and now I felt I have been missing a lot of her books all this time. Suddenly, National Bookstore announced she will be here. It was a call sign to me to get into her books obviously. 

From the beginning, the political issues are all there. The conflicts were quite vague and accusations are still not clarified. But even so, Andie's father whole-heartedly accepted the fact of it. The nature of getting into politics is seriously a deep one on me. But I did like how it went all simple and straight-to-the point. 

So when it instantaneously hit Andie's life-changing internship, I saw her heart broke. Or maybe her dreams getting grind down into dust. It was a long and deep kind of realization for someone like her when she was used on having all things planned out. It was entertaining with the idea of letting Andie shift into another pace of life. She became this free-spirited girl that needs to stay positive whatever it takes.

Meeting Clark hits all the sparks in me. I can only imagine Clark's shy voice and I already feel myself giggle in a second. He is not the kind of guy that are commonly on contemporary books I've read, Clark is a conservative guy. He's all clean from the start and no pretense on any of it. And I did like how it all went with the outgoing personality of Andie. 

The conflicts that the characters had are so realistic. Andie has her father-and-daughter issue with her Dad being in and out of the congress. Clark having a conflict with his ideas as an author, both of them managed to solve what was missing. And I think it was the closure that they needed to the ones that they fear to lose. I was glad how Morgan Matson made the characters pushed their hearts to fight for what they wanted the most.

The Unexpected Everything brings up a full package of falling in love and friendship. Morgan Matson created an art of falling in love in the cutest way! Most importantly, this book gave out the feeling to cherish what a family can do to solve any problems. All it takes is to risk chances, you might never know what to expect, right?

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Sunday Chat with Morgan Matson #MorganMatsonInPH

The author of Second Chance Summer, Since You've Been Gone and The Unexpected Everything came to the Philippines last week. National Bookstore gave a chance to the Filipino booklovers to see Morgan Matson. Everyone on the social media are sharing and posting their anticipation see her. Especially on Twitter, readers are very much excited to get to sign their books and to know a lot about her. It was one of the highlights of September to every booklovers that I know of. 

We had a forum with her in which we had a lot of fun. Interestingly, I got to see one of the bubbliest author I knew.

One of the things she does to starts on writing is creating back stories of the characters to fill in the gaps. Like, what are their siblings or what are their parent are. Creating details about the characters deepens the story and creates a lot of fun. 

When it comes to advice on writing, one of the advice that made impact on her is to just finish what she started. Back then, she usually creates a 30 pages draft of the story and after that she tends to get sidetracked. But one of her friend told her that she need to finish what she had started with the 30 pages draft. When she finished her first book, she felt she's on a rollercoaster that slowly sets down to the track. And it was a huge moment for her.

Writing realistic theme for teenagers is the only thing that she feels comfortable to write. People asks her if she wants to try fantasy but at the moment, it does not feel comfortable for her. She drawn to write stories about real people and their relationships.

Writing as Katie Finn was definitely fun for her. It was like having a secret identity that she can play around in a different genre. In her books as Katie Finn, it is a little more extreme. People are trying to get revenge on each other and holding grudges. But the only thing that makes it difficult to write on another pen name is when it gets to be a bit time consuming. At that time, she is working on a trilogy and she is doing two books at a time.

On Since You've Been Gone there are list of task that makes the character to get out of her comfort zone. If she will give a task to herself, the top 3 things would be.

1. Skydiving - She really wanted to try it but she's really scared to. Only if her friends will accompany her, then she will probably do it.

2. Drive on the other side of the road - One of the things that she wanted to try is to explore different kinds of places. And to see how people goes around in other places.

3. Get a cat - It could be a lot of fun and scary because she has a dog and she's curious how her dog will react on it.

These are some of the things that we had learned about her. I hope you also had a lot of fun and a great experience on meeting her. Afterwards she signed our copies and we had a group picture with her.

*Signed copies* OMG!

Group picture with the lovely Morgan Matson. 

*Credits to Jesselle of The Lifelong Bookworm*

AND IT IS ME WITH MORGAN MATSON! *flails*

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much National Bookstore and Morgan Matson for making us extremely happy. 

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New Books!!!

Last week was indeed one of the greatest September of my life. Simply because 1.) the US paperback copies of Queen of Shadows are now released and 2.) Empire of Storms are also released in all bookstores! It instantly felt like I hit two birds with one stone! My boyfriend and I had a date and I dragged him down to the bookstore. But before I did that, I reserved copies from FullyBooked SM Megamall branch via landline and they are accommodating. They understand the tone of my pleading voice to have the books reserved on me even though there are tons of readers who made the same thing that I did. 

The conversation went like this:

Me : Can i please reserve a paperback copy of Queen of Shadows and Empire of Storms?

FullyBooked Staff: We can reserve you a copy of Queen of Shadows but Empire of Storms are all reserved at this moment.

Me: *internal panic attack*

FullyBooked Staff: But we can reserve you in line just in case someone might not get it on the deadline of their reservation. 

Me: Yes. Yes. PLEASE *on bended knees*

FullyBooked Staff: Oh, we now got one! I can reserve it to you now. Would you want it?

Me: *hell yeah!!* Yes please. hehehe.

And so I finally obtain these lovely books of Sarah J. Maas

My boyfriend understands how crazy I am with books that is why he's the one who paid for it. I actually begged for him to have me these copies 2 months ago before they will be released. WAHAHA! 

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September Book Mail!!!

 

Last week has been a bit of stressful week on me. But hey, you what takes out all the stress that I had? BOOK MAIL! It instantly washed out every little rubbish thing on my mind. It was a good timing that publishers sent out the packages. 

From HarperCollins :

Aerie(Magonia #2) by Maria Dahvana Headley

Spare and Found Parts by Sarah Maria Griffin

From Penguin Random House :

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glassglow

Miss Peregrine's Journal for Peculiar Children

 

 

I am eager to read Spare and Found Parts, not only because of the cover, but the plot itself is quite intriguing. That is why I initially jumped right on looking at the first few pages. Here's the thing, I really did not expect a package from Penguin Random House, I received it as a gift from them for participating the Book Blog Tour and Author Chat on Twitter for their #Thriller Thursday event.

I've been reading some tweets about the new released book of Kathleen Glassglow's Girl in Pieces. Which is why I am in cloud nine when I opened the package and saw the copy. Another unexpected thing is the journal, I honestly didn't know that there was a journal made from his book, so I am surprised. The pages looks vintage with an illusion of dusty type across the papers of the journal. It also has polaroid pictures that depicts some of the peculiarity of the characters!

 

From the bottom of my bookish heart, THANK YOU FOR THE BOOK MAILS!

I LOVE YOU, HARPERCOLLINS AND PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE!

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The Philippine Readers & Writers Festival 2016 #GoReadWrite2016

Last weekend (Aug. 26 - 28) was a great and cool treat for Filipino booklovers. Once a year, National Bookstore held an event dedicated to their loyal readers and gaves us the chance to have a talk or meeting which was all about books. Every topic depends on which date we will get to attend with. In support to my book blogger friends, Kate, Kai, Hazel and Lyra, which scheduled on a Sunday. Their panel was all about Book Blogging 101. I also got to meet a Bookstagrammer, Eunice. The panel are open to any topics that can enhance book bloggers to widen their influence to others. 

I actually arrived late so I missed some topics, but at that time, they moved on with Establishing Social Media Presence which I need to understand. Still, a great timing for someone who was late. HAHAHA! Honestly, it was such an interesting talk all over it. From balancing our time to book blogging with our school, work, and rest day as well. Up until on requesting ARC to the publishers. They've explained well the reason for publishers rejecting our requests. Whether its territorial rights or blog stats and audience, it was all clarified. I saw some people taking notes about the topics that they have shared. It was a great and meaningful day for a booklover like me and to get to share it with them.

Before the panel ended, we all got the chance to ask several questions about them. Readers asks about any suggestions to improve their blog posts and book instagram posts and they openly answered their insights about it. And they also shared their experiences that brought a lot of fun on the panel. I wanted to shout out that I am very proud to my book blogger for being part on this event. I love you girls!

Another cool thing is having this tag for free! It felt like I am part of the whole festival! This is a great souvenir if you'll ask me. And you know what, they also gave a free entrance pass for MIBF which will be held on SMX MOA next month. And that means more BOOKS! It gets even better seeing this... 

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT IS OFFICAL, MORGAN MATSON WILL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! HNNGGGGG!!!!

I want to thank National Bookstore once more for creating 'festivals' like this. It means a lot to us, booklovers. You all brought literature into another leap. I love it!

See my face in there? That is a picture of an overwhelmed booklover. THANK YOU!

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#ThrillerThursday : Beware That Girl

Title: Beware That Girl
Author : Teresa Toten
Rating : 4 Stars!!!
Hardcover, 336 pages
Published May 31st 2016 by Doubleday Canada
ISBN : 0385678363

For fans of We Were Liars, The Girl on the Train, and Gone Girl, this powerful psychological thriller with multiple mysteries is set against the backdrop of the megawealthy elite of New York City. Toten delves into the mesmerizing yet dysfunctional world of those who manipulate but seem ever so charming. With its gripping pace and Hitchcockian twists, Beware That Girl will keep readers guessing until the very last line.

The Haves. The Have-Nots. Kate O’Brian appears to be a Have-Not. Her whole life has been a series of setbacks she’s had to snake her way out of—some more sinister than others. But she’s determined to change that. She’s book smart. She’s street-smart. Oh, and she’s also a masterful liar.

As the scholarship student at the Waverly School in NYC, Kate has her work cut out for her: her plan is to climb the social ladder and land a spot at Yale. She’s already found her “people” among the senior class “it” girls—specifically in the cosseted, mega-wealthy yet deeply damaged Olivia Sumner. As for Olivia, she considers Kate the best friend she’s always needed, the sister she never had.

When the handsome and whip-smart Mark Redkin joins the Waverly administration, he immediately charms his way into the faculty’s and students’ lives—becoming especially close to Olivia, a fact she’s intent on keeping to herself. It becomes increasingly obvious that Redkin poses a threat to Kate, too, in a way she can’t reveal—and can’t afford to ignore. How close can Kate and Olivia get to Mark without having to share their dark pasts?

Source : Goodreads 

Today is the #ThrillerThursday (!!!) This collaboration of Penguin Random House Int'l and Book bloggers anywhere get to review and share their thoughts with the theme. 

Beware That Girl is my first book from Teresa Toten. I can say that it was indeed full of tricky parts. Kate O'Brien was the girl who keeps her eyes on the prize, as the author describes her from the beginning, I like that she made it straight-forward. Like there wasn't any blabber about it, but all was pointed to the main goal. The clarity of the book was magnificent, thrilling and psychologically haunting. The book gives a trip to the readers on how Kate and with her manipulating skills can gradually grab the heart of Olivia Sumner and use it by all means. Believe me, I know it looks simple but once you dive in to the story, confusions come in and well...it all turned out so worse.

That being said about Kate's eyes to the prize, I saw how Olivia Sumner can be such an easy target. A loving, warm, cheerful and top-of-the-line-oh-so-rich girl, who wouldn't want to get to be friends with her?!? I was skeptic what could be more of her other than a luxurious life, surely she hides something in that serene face. Kate studied Olivia, from her past school records up until to her medical records. As Kate slowly opened and connects it together, it was disturbing as I flip on to its pages. Olivia's psychological illness sidetracked my mind when I felt like I am now getting the sequences of the events. But it made it more fun and haunting actually. Which was cool to think, how can Kate lure Olivia to something more. 

In addition to that, Mark Redkin, the cunning and manipulative man every girl wishes for. The steamy 'disturbing' romance of Mark and Olivia, added up the fire to the story. The obsession was astounding. Characters were  straight forward to their commands. All things must be done on time. That is what I am surprised the most, when the moment that girls cannot help to get to be manipulated with the wrong man. Aside from that, the friendship of Olivia and Kate are not what I expected at the end. I thought someone might lose their wits and kill each other, but they never did, or maybe they nearly did.

Beware That Girl is a surprising and haunting novel you will love to read. Be careful though with the ending, it is not what you will expect and who is that GIRL that you should beware with the novel. I am looking forward to more of Teresa Toten books. Thank you Penguin Random House International for the opportunity!

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A Court of Mist and Fury

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Rating : ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD
Paperback, 624 pages
Published May 3rd 2016 by Bloomsbury Childrens Books

ISBN : 140885788X (ISBN13: 9781408857885)

Synopsis:

Feyre is immortal.

After rescuing her lover Tamlin from a wicked Faerie Queen, she returns to the Spring Court possessing the powers of the High Fae. But Feyre cannot forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people - nor the bargain she made with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court.

As Feyre is drawn ever deeper into Rhysand's dark web of politics and passion, war is looming and an evil far greater than any queen threatens to destroy everything Feyre has fought for. She must confront her past, embrace her gifts and decide her fate.

She must surrender her heart to heal a world torn in two. 

Source : Goodreads 

    "The things that I love have a tendency to be taken from me."

A Court of Mist and Fury embodied pain, strength, friendship, and romance. Unlike the first book which Tamlin and Feyre was on the spotlight, the sequel widened it. It is not just the characters who played a lot, but it was also the Night Court that was utterly wonderful. Even from the first book, when Rhysand said that he is the High Lord of Night Court, I imagined how it will look like. Initially, all my mind can perceive was darkness. But I never knew that a dark painted sky full of stars can be the most loveliest I can ever foresee.

The way Feyre's soul broken, it was a crazy feeling to read that kind of emotion. Sarah Maas absolutely described a choked and caged relationship. The feeling of wanting to get out but Feyre was  surrounded with so much rules here and there. I can feel the air she wanted to have, the freedom she wanted and to fight for her people. Whether it is Fae and human, Feyre is open to learn her new abilities that she inherited from the High Lords that Made her new. I understand Tamlin's end from the start. After seeing a defenseless Feyre on Under the Mountain, his heart was totally devastated. I clearly know how his heart wanted to be so overprotective to her. But the kind of love that Tamlin gave choked Feyre. All the rules and restrictions to go outside is terribly not good at all. What I love here is that, Sarah J. Maas absolutely described Feyre's heart. When she was in full doubt of herself, her abilities to fight and from getting persistent to Tamlin. The feelings she had are crystal clear for her readers to feel that kind of pain.

When Rhysand rescued her from their wedding, I was honestly delighted that he came. Because I felt Feyre's fear to be tied for the rest of her life and never using the power that she deserves. It brought joy when I saw Rhysand and pain when I saw Tamlin. Deeply sad seeing Tamlin's eyes fall so hard on a deep pit. My emotions got mixed up from that point.

Looking into Rhysand's court, I was refreshed to see and feel the calmness of the Night Court. From the long tables, hallways, stairs and chambers, I loved every detail of it. If I could have a shot be at that place, I will sincerely enjoy solitude all throughout my stay. As Rhysand gradually introduce Mor, Cassian, Azriel and Amren, I felt like I am a new member of a family. The thing that sets unique on A Court Of Mist and Fury is that the characters are full of mystery to look at. Their past is astonishing to read. It's like putting the pieces together to form a new bond. I insanely loved that kind of friendship that Sarah J. Maas created to all of them. The scenery of Velaris is something that I will always get back into reading this book again and again. Sarah J. Maas created a fae world full of perfection and clarity. I simply got hypnotized just reading it.

Most importantly, as Feyre adapts and accepts her fate, Rhysand was having his own battle. I know that majority of all us enjoyed how Feyre and Rhysand's emotions are fighting. The love and hate they have shared is extraordinary and addicting. But mostly addicting to be honest. HAHA! Both of them have their own reasons and priorities to settle but I loved how they've come up to resolve it. Their thirsty hearts that clashed is magical. The bond that they have with each other felt more like a tag team. Battling together as one to win.

But of course, sacrifices were made and I was taken aback how the events almost turned upside down. Unlike the first book, this one absolutely created a triple amount of destruction. This book is full of surprises and my heart is deeply contented with it. Because I know that the next book will gave me more than I will ever forecast with the incoming events. A Court Of Mist and Fury brought out a full blast of fire. This book deserves all the time that I have and I will say this once, I am on Team Rhysand. Yes, I switched to another OTP. HAHA!


I WANT TO SEND A HUGE AMOUNT OF HUGS AND THANK YOU's TO SARAH J. MAAS FOR WRITING THIS GRIPPING AND NERVE CRACKING BOOK.

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