The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

Novel: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Release Date: January 10th, 2012
Publisher: Dutton
Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Challenge: Contemporary Challenge 2012

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Willa's Rambles:
   I didn't know if I had the strength to write the review of this book, because it was so emotional for me. I'm an avid John Green fan, and every time he releases another book, I go insane. The Fault in Our Stars is his best. Hands down. The emotional ride John Green takes you on is funny, heart felt, and beautiful all at the same time. You fall in love with Augustus, laugh with Hazel, and cry every chapter, because you love the characters and everything about them. 
   I wish I knew a Hazel. She is so strong and confident in herself to everyone else, but doesn't know how to deal with her cancer other in the way she has learned - to live her life around the cancer, which is really her only option. Hazel is quite bright (she's taking college classes, and graduated from high school. And she's sixteen.) and has a remarkable vocabulary that I'm very jealous of. I honestly wish I knew a Hazel, because that girl would probably change my life forever, and in her place, Hazel changed me. 
   Augustus and Hazel's relationship was amazing. The way they trusted each other and fell so in love with each other left you dizzy and craving more, and their relationship felt so real and easy to relate to, even if you aren't in their situation. They overcome their challenges together, and at times of need, they are there for each other. 
   I know I'm not doing this book justice. It deserves pages and pages of rambles, but I don't have that. Instead, I'm just going to tell you that if you know John Green, there's John Green mixed in with heart felt John Green mixed in with a bit of Hank. Also, I will direct you to Erin from Mint Tea and a Good Book's review, which might help you to realize how truly life changing this book is. Because it's just that: life changing.
   The Fault in Our Stars will have you laughing, crying, and questioning the ways you live your life all in one chapter, and then will dive into the next chapter and do it again. I'm in love.

  Recommendation to readers: Make sure you have a box of kleenex around at all times. They might will be needed.

Switched: Book Review

Novel: Switched by Amanda Hocking
Release Date: January 3rd, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Format: Paperback

Source: Publisher

Challenge: None

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.  

Shout out to St. Martin's Griffin for sending me my first novel from a publisher! I'm a very happy book blogger.

Willa's Rambles:
   Usually, I'm not really a fantasy person. Trolls, fairies, and fantasy creatures usually aren't my thing - I like paranormal instead. But I accepted the request because my friend Jess of Remarkable Reads loved it and I was taken by the cover, so I thought I would give it a try.
   I read Switched in four/five hours. Wendy's story had me begging for more, and flipping pages until I couldn't keep my eyes open. The world of Wendy Everly is one that is new, original and unforgettable. It might be my favorite fantasy of all-time.
   Wendy can't seem to fit in, she has no friends, and she's constantly causing trouble without meaning to. Sure, she uses her power to her advantage, but wouldn't anyone in her situation? So when Finn Holmes comes along and tells her she is a troll, and then describes characteristics Wendy can't help but recognize, she has to face the truth. She's Trylle. Her new life is overwhelming, and she is continually surprised and frightened by the things she sees. Can she get over her fear and live up to her destiny? Or will she fall back to what she knows and for the boy she can't help but love?
   The relationships Wendy has are complicated, and she is introduced to a society she both loves and hates - she can't stand their system of rank, but she loves their world and the beauty that comes with it. But it's a life she doesn't know - or understand, and as readers, we uncover the secrets with Wendy and watch her make decisions and face her future.
   I loved Switched for it's beautiful plot, fantastic characters, and incredible story. I fell in love with Wendy's story, and and the people around her. Switched might be one of my favorites of the year. 

Jellicoe Road: Book Review

Novel: Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Release Date: September 1st, 2008
Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover Novel

Source: Gifted

"What do you want from me?" he asks. What I want from every person in my life, I want to tell him. More. 

Abandoned by her mother on Jellicoe Road when she was eleven, Taylor Markham, now seventeen, is finally being confronted with her past. But as the reluctant leader of her boarding school dorm, there isn't a lot of time for introspection. And while Hannah, the closest adult Taylor has to family, has disappeared, Jonah Griggs is back in town, moody stares and all. 

In this absorbing story by Melina Marchetta, nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to more questions as Taylor tries to work out the connection between her mother dumping her, Hannah finding her then and her sudden departure now, a mysterious stranger who once whispered something in her ear, a boy in her dreams, five kids who lived on Jellicoe Road eighteen years ago, and the maddening and magnetic Jonah Griggs, who knows her better than she thinks he does. If Taylor can put together the pieces of her past, she might just be able to change her future.

(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

   I've read this book before, but it was before this blog was ever created, so a review was never written. But, I recently reread it, and I realized I needed to write a review and spill my heart out. This book is one of my favorite (if not my favorite) book I've ever read. It has everything - a good laugh, a romantic moment, fantastic characters, heart-wrenching scenes, and a beautiful setting.

   Taylor is a character that grows on you. At first, I did not like her - I thought she was selfish, demanding, and quite confusing. You never knew what she was going to do. But then, when Jonah Griggs comes to town, her past begins to unravel, and I realize that there is more to her than just a girl abandoned by her mother, that she has real problems in her life that make it hard and almost impossible for her to show compassion.

   Jonah is incredible. I wanted to pull him out of the book and place him next to me and spend the rest of my life with him, because all he wanted was Taylor. He has family issues too, but that past helps him to relate to Taylor, and he has secrets that might even be worse than hers. So when they start falling for each other, he is always there to help her piece together her past, and the past of five other people that changed her life.

   My favorite thing about this book are the two stories. The first is the present - Taylor's. And the second impacts Taylor's story in ways unimaginable - it's the story of five kids who lived where she is now, and all she has of them is a manuscript - or so she thinks. 

   Set in Australia, two stories of the past and present result a story with twists and turns, real life lessons, romance that is unique to the characters, and a story that is more beautiful than any other - that no matter how bad life gets, the people you love can pull you up out of the dirt and dust you off in a way no one else can.

The Hunger Games

This post is written to honor this amazing series. 

~

These books, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay are what I believe to be the new Harry Potter Phenomenon. Remember when the first movie came out? When Dumbledore died? When we all cheered for Harry as he goes and tries to defeat Voldemort? Cried when Sirius died? Around the world, you would find people of all ages reading these books, and now, it's The Hunger Games.
    The first book came out in 2008, and I remember getting it from the library and I couldn't stop reading it. What I loved so much about it was the relationship between Katniss and Peeta, and it's what kept me reading the whole series. I wanted to know what happened to them. They had this complicated relationship,  that was fueled by lies only meant to save their lives, and Katniss never thinks she could fall for the boy with the bread.
    Then, in 2009, Catching Fire arrived in bookstores, and I remember getting it at the library as well and tearing through it in one day. I only stopped reading to eat, and again, Katniss and Peeta's complicated relationship kept me going, along with the disaster of the Quarter Quell. At the end, I wanted nothing more than to rip of President Snow's head, because he had ruined everything, and Katniss began to realize how much she had started to fall for Peeta, which fuels the entire third novel.
   And in 2010, the astonishing Mockingjay was launched, and everyone dashed to bookstores (including me! No library this time!) to pick up their copy. I started reading it in the car on the way home, and finished it that night. In this novel, you finally see the depth of Katniss' feeling for both Peeta and Gale. How she is torn between them and doesn't know where she stands. The ending is one of my favorites, but I wish it had been longer. I wanted another whole book for the epilogue.
   I recently reread all of them, and I have fallen back in love with these characters. I have grown to love Katniss and admire her courage and talent, and have fallen back in love with Peeta, forever the boy with the bread. I have remembered how sorry I felt for Gale, because nothing he could do would compete with Peeta. I fell back in love with Prim and her caring heart, and Finnick made me laugh again.

   When I finished Mockingjay, I was crying - not because it was sad - but because it was beautiful. The story was over, and the characters had become people to me. Now, I see a bird high in the sky and think, "Katniss could kill that", and walk by a bakery and think of Peeta behind the counter, handing Katniss the bread all those years before the stories started. And wonder where Finnick and Annie would belong, and who Prim would marry. I went into what I call "Hunger Games Withdrawl" because I couldn't stop thinking about the books. Last night I had to reread the ending of Mockingjay just to fall asleep. These books have become part of me again, and I love them for that.

And now there will be a movie! Can you believe that? Our favorite characters will be up on screen, and the whole world will cheering for Katniss and Peeta, falling in love with them all over again, crying at every death, and astonded at the girl on fire.
   The only thing left to say is:

May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

Book Recommendations for 2011

First, I want to mention how massively sorry I am for the lack of posts. It has been.. ah-em.. a [cough] week [cough cough]. My darn finals are to blame. If you could teleport me from school to a bookstore of your choice, let me know. I would be happy to oblige.
   On to more important topics. Guess what friends? We have a mere 13 days left in 2011! Also, it's the Holiday Season, and for many of us, it means we are looking at the shelves of various stores going "What in the world should I buy this person?!" [I'm experiencing this. On a very tight budget of what I call "a teenage book nerd".]
   And so, I present my first ever Book Recommendations for the year.

Like the picture? I think it's cute.

How this is going to work:

   The books are in totally random order, because I hate numbering books. I think it's mean to the last ones. All these images are not made by me - they're taken from whatever site I find them at from Google.  Also, not all of these were published in 2011 - I either have read them then, or since it's my first one, I love them a ton. Lastly: feel free to do one for your blog! I've included a little linky to submit your link and let us all connect! Now find a good book.

1. Paper Towns by John Green: This. book. rocks. my. world. I laughed so much I that I thought he had run out of jokes. He didn't. Green is funny, the book is beautiful, and the characters are incredible. A review will be up later in the week! [Okay, I broke my numbering in order of love. But only this one.] 

Genre: Contemporary

2. Ashes by Isla J. Bick: One of my favorites of the year. The story is incredible, and the dystopian concepts Bick put into the book are original and thought provoking. 

Genre: Dystopian

Ashes Book Review

3. The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle: This book is so beautiful, heart-wrenching, thoughtful, and amazing. One of my favorite debut novels of the year! The characters are fantastic, and it is a book I constantly recommend.

Genre: Contemporary

The Beginning of After Book Review

4. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray: If you haven't read this, you are missing out. Bray had me laughing, stunned, and craving more at the end of each chapter. The characters are so unique, and the topic is one that I believe is quite thought-provoking and current.

Genre: Humor, Adventure/Survival

Beauty Queens Book Review

5. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: Again, if you haven't read this, you must be living under a rock. Anna and the French Kiss isn't just good - it's addicting! Perkins is an amazing author!

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Anna and the French Kiss Book Review

6. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins: The companion novel to Anna! You don't have to read Anna first, but I would. It's just at sweet and gooey as Anna and just as fantastic!

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Lola and the Boy Next Door Book Review

7. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin: Amazing dystopian set in New York City. The topic of a family illegally making chocolate is such a interesting concept, and the book is beautifully written with twists and turns at every corner!

Genre: Dystopian

All These Things I've Done Book Review 

8. Supernaturally by Kiersten White: The second book in a trilogy, the first novel being Paranormalcy, the New York Times Bestseller. It's romantic and hilarious all at the same time! One of my favorites!

Genre: Paranormal

Supernaturally Book Review

9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater: This book blew me away and left me craving for more. It's romantic and amazing and mind-blowingly addictive. It's a paranormal about werewolves, and a girl named Grace who falls for one... I would recommend having the second and third at your side when you finish!

Genre: Paranormal

10. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson: I love the setting in this one and the historical-ness of it! Set in London and filled heavily with historical references to the Jack The Ripper era, it is a wonderful mix! And of course there's some romance. 

Genre: Supernatural/Horror/Mystery/Suspense

The Name of the Star Book Review

11. Don't Stop Now by Julie Halpern: Don't Stop Now was so fantastic! The main characters go on this road trip where they end up wondering if their relationship is something more - and along the way you get to see America with them!

Genre: Contemporary

Don't Stop Now Book Review

12. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson: Also set on a road trip! Amy's father has recently died in a car accident, and her mother is moving Amy and herself to Connecticut, just in time for senior year. Her mother's old friend's son Roger drives her, much to Amy's dismay, and together they face the road, and they learn that there might be more than a simple "friendship" between them.

Genre: Contemporary

13. Divergent by Veronica Roth: A fantastic debut for 2011! Divergent is on my favorites list, and one I always suggest to Dystopian lovers of romance. Tris is such a strong character, and the issues she faces relate to present as well as future.

Genre: Dystopian

Divergent Book Review

14. The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway: The story of three sisters with powers and the problems they encounter. I don't really think this book was all about the sister's powers for me - much more about sisterhood and the humor! 

Genre: Supernatural, Contemporary

The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June Book Review

15. Eve by Anna Carey: I loved this debut novel! It was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it for fans of dystopian or readers trying to find a good dystopian to get the ball rolling for this genre. I read Eve in... A day? The romance is to die for!
Genre: Dystopian
A book review should be up soon, but for now, go check out the Remarkable Reads Review!

16. My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody: I just finished it a few days ago and WOW! It was amazing! So funny and has such a great message behind it. You can't help but root for Brooklyn as she navigates her way through life.
Genre: Contemporary
Book review up soon - but go check out Anna from Anna Reads' review!

17. What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen: This book is my second favorite Sarah Dessen book, and such a great read. Anyone who hasn't read Sarah Dessen - go check this one out! It's a great rainy day or holiday read.
Genre: Contemporary
What Happened to Goodbye Book Review

18. Angel Burn by Lee Weatherly: This is the only angel book I've read, and only because it was so beautiful. The characters, the romance - the whole thing was so enthralling! Fantastic!
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Go check out Mint Tea and a Good Book's review of Angel Burn!

19. Bunheads by Sophie Flack: I had never read a book about a ballet dancer, and this one changed the way I thought about ballet. Hannah (the main character) is someone you immediately care about, and her drive to dance is so inspiring. I suggest it for any reader, but definitely young adult.
Genre: Contemporary
Bunheads Book Review

20. The Fox Inheritance by Mary Pearson: The sequel to The Adoration of Jenna Fox, and equally as wonderful. The Fox Inheritance blew my mind away, just like Jenna Fox did. These books are about cloning and the implications to three teenagers. One of my favorites!
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

I hope this helped some of you buyers or curious readers! Now for the linky for all of the bloggers joining in.

The Beginning of After: Book Review

Novel: The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle
Release Date: September 6th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: ARC

Source: BookPeople Teen Revieiwing

Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

Jennifer Castle’s debut novel is a heart-wrenching, surprisingly witty testament to how drastically life can change in the span of a single moment.

(From Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

   The Beginning of After has been on my to-read list for ages, and I've wanting to read it for just as long. Somehow, I didn't go buy it when it came out, but that isn't a problem because I have it now! And I couldn't wait to post this review! 

   Jennifer Castle's debut is breathtaking and spot on true. Laurel's problems and obstacles are relatable from page one, and she responds to every problem in character and with understandable uncertainty.

   I loved Laurel the minute she was introduced. Her feelings and thoughts rang so true to me, even though I've never had to experience what she had to, I could still nod my head and whisper, "yes, yes, yes," frequently. The plot line let Laurel grow and make the necessarily realizations that were required for the story to move.

   One thing I absolutely love about this book: It spans over a year. 432 pages for one year. Jennifer Castle passes the months quickly, but they're believable and you never feel like you missed a piece. It was fast paced and never lagged. You got to experience every part of the year and how it was for Laurel without her parents and brother which was a necessary piece.  

   Castle has built a beautiful story of a girl's story that rings to true for everyone - whether or not they're lost their family. Be ready to be starstruck by the words of Laurel.

Supernaturally: Book Review

Novel: Supernaturally by Kiersten White
Release Date: July 26th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover Novel

Source: Purchased

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

(From Goodreads)

Willa's Rambles:

   From the author of Paranormalcy, comes the dazzling sequel, Supernaturally, which is as hilarious, breath-taking and surprising as the first. 

   Evie has moved to the normal world, made a few friends, found a job and roommate, and is happy - ish. The normal life is somewhat boring, and when Raquel comes to visit and offers Evie an opportunity to come back to PCA, she accepts. But the promise of a "easy and danger-free return" doesn't turn out to be so, Evie begins to wonder if the choice she has made is the right one. 

   White has done a fantastic job with satisfying our curiosity, making us drool for Lend, and laugh every chapter with Evie and her predicaments. This sequel does not disappoint, and neither does the plot. With every chapter Evie encounters yet another hurtle making her stronger and even more well-suited to fight off the paranormals that roam our world. Her personality makes each response hysterical, and her past adds yet another layer to the novel. Wonderful!

Haven't read Paranormalcy? Check out Katie form Katie's Book Blog's review here.

Austin Teen Book Festival: Oh. My. God.

The Super Long Rundown of...

AUSTIN TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL!

   For those of you who couldn't make it to the festival today, never fear! I am here to save the day, along with the Teen Press Corp who took video, photos, and interviews for you to see! You can view the blog here, the Youtube channel here, the Flickr here for photos, and the Twitter feed here to learn everything you can.

Austin Teen Book Festival started off small - not many authors, not many attendees. But now? IT'S PACKED! Signing lines are long, you can't move around, but thankfully, everyone just wants to meet authors.
It's an entirely volunteer run event, and you could see tons of volunteers all over the festival.

I had the huge honor of being in the Press division and got a press pass! (see below) This gave me the opportunity to be in the VIP Author Hospitality area where I could talk, mingle, and take photos with authors. Meredith (Mint Tea and a Good Book) and I got to talk with Stephine Perkins, author of Anna and the French Kiss and recently out Lola and the Boy Next Door. 
All of the authors were so sweet and willing to take a photo with you in an elevator, ready to sign books at any moment, and to talk to you about anything!

<----- My Press Pass that I could flash and feel famous! I don't think I ever got over the "I'm so important" feeling.

While we were in the Author Hospitality room mingling, we were surprised by the Hill Country Player's performance of the Thriller dance! All of the authors wiped out their cells were and tweeting and photo taking machines!
Maureen Johnson saw the zombies before they entered the hospitality room (by accident) and was awestruck. "Where's my camera?!" She whispered to Meredith and I while we politely escorted her away from the zombies. Her face was hilarious.

The keynote speaker was Scott Westerfeld, author of the Uglies series, Levithan series, Peeps, and Mignighters, all YA. The keynote talked about illustrated novels, and how the modern book world doesn't have illustrations like they used to.
We do have fan art though, and Westerfeld showed the crowd a few of his favorites.
"Maybe illustrated novels aren't gone - they're just from you," he ended with, referring to the fact that the novels are illustrated by readers instead of illustrators and authors.

One of the panels, Pen Fatale, made up of Alyson Noël, Mary Pearson, Jessica Brody, and Gabrielle Zevin (right to left in the photo) was hilarious and charasmatic.
Jessica Brody, author of My Life Undecided and The Karma Club is an outgoing and fantastic person - one of my favorite to meet and talk with at the festival.
Mary Pearson, author of The Jenna Fox Chronicles, and most recently The Fox Inheritance, was eager to talk about anything with you, including her ideas for the future!
Alyson Noël, author of The Immortals Series and the Riley Bloom Series, most recently Dreamland, was so sweet! She was happy to laugh and giggle with you about your book crushes.
Gabrielle Zevin, author of All These Things I've Done, Memoir of a Teenage Amnesiac, and Elsewhere noticed my nail polish and we had a conversation about that! She was a great person to talk to and eager to listen to everything you had to say.

Stephanie Perkins, author of Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door, unfortunately lost her phone at the event! (If you were on twitter you probably heard this.) But, on the bright side, Meredith and I got to help her look for it! Stephanie is such a sweet person with a fantastic sense of style (her boots her incredible!) and loves talking with you about anything. She was happy to answer our questions about St. Clair, the companion novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door and everyhting in between. Keep an eye out for her next, Isla and the Happily Ever After!

The signing lines.... Oh boy. These lines were to the farthest walls, curved, and sitting. An hour before authors were supposed to sign, avid fans were camped out with their books, flipping pages and enjoying their recently bought novels. Scott Westerfeld and Maureen Johnson's especially. It was amazing how much these authored were loved by their fans!
People were so willing to wait forever to get their books signed and have that split second with an author while he/she is signing your book. It's your second to connect, and many authors live for it.

The day ended though... Much to my dismay, but I left with four books, all signed by the authors! Meredith and I got the last copy of Lola and the Boy Next Door, so we had to share. (But we don't mind! I get it first though! YEAH!)

My signed copy of Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Can't wait!

 Meredith and I's signed copy of Lola and the Boy Next Door!
CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS ONE!

 Signed copy of Vanish by Sophie Jordan!
I read Firelight, and want more of Will! Hopefully he's in this one.

Signed copy of The Name of the Star! (I did some minor stalking for this one!)



I'm so happy and honored to participate in the festival. To ATBF volunteers, attendees, and authors: THANK YOU! You made today so special!









Don't forget! Tonight the giveaway end! Finish up with your submitting!

TGIF: Taking it Personal

Originally from Ginger @ G-Reads, and continued here!

Taking it Personal: Which books have effected you on a personal level and lingered in your mind long after you closed the pages?
My answer: 
Hmm... What books effected me on a personal level... I'm going to put my choices into categories, simply because books effect me on a personal level for many different reasons. Here we go with our categories!
(By the way, the book title goes to Goodreads)
Categories: 
~ Made me want to spend the rest of my life with the characters because I love them so much: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. You can see my epic review written shortly after I finished the novel here.
~ Made me laugh out loud so many times: The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May & June by Robin Benway. I think you will all know why and nod your head in agreement when you read my review.
~ Inspired me to write a novel/short story: I definitely count these as effecting me on a personal level because they evoked a story in my head. There will a few... Sorry!

• If I Stay by Gayle Foreman - inspired a novel that was never finished.
• 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher - inspired my short story Someday, which can be found in my Story Archive.
• Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer - I may not be a huge fan of Bella, but the entire series gave me the idea for Rosaline's character. Don't know who I'm talking about? Check out the Story Archive.
• Sass and Serendipity by Jennifer Zeigler - inspired the newest novel I'm working on that is currently titled Who is Ellie Davis.

~ Book I will always and forever remember: I have two. 13 Reasons Why (mentioned above) simply because it really spoke to me about bullying and what some people do because of it. Secondly, one of my all time favorite YA novels, Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. This is such an amazing novel, and she is an amazing author. 

And, I've mentioned them all.... I think. If I think of anymore, I'll let you all know!