Favorite Bookish Quotes Vol 1: One Last Thing Before I Go (Jonathan Tropper)

Today’s featured book: One Last Thing Before I Go by Jonathan Tropper

“Mistakes have been made. It’s hard to know where to start. Things have been a mess for many years that trying to pin down a starting point is like trying to figure out where your skin starts. All you can ever really know is that it’s wrapped around you, sometimes a little tighter than you’d like.”

“The thing about living alone is that it gives you a lot of time to think. You don’t necessarily reach any conclusions, because wisdom is largely a function of intelligence and self-awareness, not time on your hands. But you do become very good at thinking yourself into endless loops of desperation in half the time it would take a normal person.”

“We’re all clichés, all following scripts that have been written and played out long before we landed the role.”

“The only thing worse than not having your dream come true is having it come true for a little while.”

“And ice-cream cones,’ she says. ‘What is it with you and ice-cream cones?’

He licks around the edge of his cone as he considers the question. ‘I guess no one ever eats an ice-cream cone at a funeral, or a fire. The Red Cross doesn’t drop ice-cream cones into third-world countries. If you’re eating an ice-cream cone, it’s just very hard to believe that things have gone completely to shit. That there isn’t still hope.”

“It’s hard to imagine your heart simply stopping, but at the same time, it’s hard to believe that it didn’t give up years ago.”

“This was his childhood, safe and warm and brightly lit, and being here now makes him feel like he died years ago and he’s now a lost spirit, stuck between worlds with unfinished business.”

 

Life, Lately (04) + Bookish News!

It has seriously been forever since I last posted here but life has been craaaaazy. There are days when I’m just seriously exhausted and have no time for anything else, and when I do have time I just feel like I want to eat and sleep and walk the dog (lol)…but seriously, it’s been a tiring couple of weeks.

Plus…well, I’ve also been going through a depressive phase. For a time, there were certain things I felt I had to stop (such as writing books, tbh) because I felt like it was going nowhere. I kind of felt like I wasn’t good enough. That has been playing in my head for a while and it was sad and I thought, maybe, I should stop BUT, you know…life really works in mysterious ways because just when I felt like giving up, a certain email popped up in my inbox that made me realize that sometimes, you really just have to wait, especially if you have done your part (because what would you wait for if you have not done your part, right?) and what you’re waiting for will come. I also remembered this conversation I had with a friend (Hi, Kaye!), about dreams and not giving up on your passion, because really, what would life be like if you’d give up altogether?

Well, going back to the email… it’s not exactly what I wanted, but it’s close. Imagine being one of the chosen ones (HAHA not like Harry but that would be good, too) among many (I know, cryptic, will divulge when I could but not now…). What I’m saying is, maybe this will finally lead me to what I really, really want. Maybe, it’s a test. You’ll know soon, but for now (for a taste of it), do read THIS.

And to know more about that, you can subscribe to my newsletter at: http://ift.tt/1OYdEcM

Another bookish news: you can order a copy of this compilation some of my colleagues and I made. It’s called Project TIMES: Hearts For Sale, and you could order your paperback copy here: bit.ly/HeartsForSale

Anyway, going back to other things, I’ve been walking a lot recently because #ChewytheDog loves the outside world so much lol. Still a cat lady though!

What I’ve been reading

Haven’t been reading so much, too L Except for certain articles here and there, and I’ve only read only 15 books this year (that’s a lot for some but not for me but my ADD’s really getting worse…) Most recent reads are:

1. Rainbow Rowell – Kindred Spirits
2. Jojo Moyes – After You
3. Jessica Love – In Real Life
4. OJ Simpson – If I did it (THIS MADE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH UGH)

Currently reading Marcia Clark’s Without a Doubt.

What I’ve been watching

1. American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson. This is so good (and I’m obviously obsessed, if you could tell by what I’ve also been reading recently). It kind of inspires me to do more, do something like that (not KILL OMG but create something as artistic, and as good as that). It’s the kind of show that’s worth watching.
2. How to Get Away with Murder! STOP TRYING TO MAKE WES-LAUREL HAPPEN IT’S NEVER GONNA HAPPEN. But seriously, still twisted and gooooood
3. OUAT. IT’S BACK!!! AND DARKER!
4. Damien. Just started watching this and it’s super creepy! I like how they’re using old The Omen footages though. And I’m really scared of saints (at least the figures), big ones (Ikr it’s weird but they really freak me out) and this show UGH !!!!
5. Pretty Little Liars. #Spaleb

Also American Idol is really good this season!!!! Grease: LIVE was also amazing! Still watching Supergirl, some Recovery Road, and Tyler: The Hollywood Medium, amongst others lol. Oh, and a lot of Late Late Show with James Corden!

Current Favorite Tunes (aka songs on repeat)

1. Alex and Sierra – Back to You
2. Alex and Sierra – I Love You
3. We the Kings ft Elena Coates – Sad Song
4. Zayn – Pillowtalk (IKR LOL)
5. Kelly Clarkson – Piece by Piece (Idol Version)
6. Fifth Harmony ft Ty Dolla Sign– Work from Home
7. New Radicals – Get What You Give (old one but I’ve been playing it a lot)
8. Charlie Puth ft Selena Gomez – We Don’t Talk Anymore
9. Carly Rae Jepsen – All That
10. Nick Fradiani – Beautiful Life
11. The Corrs – I Do What I Like
12. Seafret – Sinking Ship
13. Nickel Creek – This Side
14. Lana del Rey – Freak
15. Chvrches – Clearest Blue

That’s it for now, I guess…So how’ve you guys been doing?

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to http://ift.tt/1OYdEcM. Making this blog more interactive. Let’s do this!

 

124/50: Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015

 

So this year is almost over in like, 2 weeks, and while I have not posted my favorite local and international reads yet (well, they’re coming in the next few days), let me share with you my 2015 Reading Challenge first!

According to Goodreads, I read 124 books this year not counting beta-reads and what-nots. Actually, I only set a goal of 50 books this year because busy life is busy + my memory is failing me + I have a worsening kind of anxiety and (possibly ADD) so I CANNOT FOCUS that much on reading anymore (yeah, it’s sad but that’s life) and I’m kind of disappointed because I know I could still read more. Well, 124’s not bad but the past years I managed 133, 164, and I have no idea before because I have not made a habit of tracking my reads before 2013 lol.

Anyway, let’s see what I’ve read this year…

Well, I kind of started the year with Ines Bautista Yao’s ONLY A KISS, then there’s LEAVING TIME by my all time favorite Jodi Picoult, Hans Christian Andersen’s COLLECTION OF FAIRY TALES (I’m a fairy tale girl in case you still didn’t know), and my alter ego’s STORMY HOLLOW…

Oh, at the start of the year, I was also in this Alessandra Torre feast (SHE IS SO GOOD. Look her up!), then a bevy of non-fiction stuff (I KNOW, I love the Kardashians so what—but seriously, Kris’ book was actually entertaining). And then there’s ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES (my god, that was heartbreaking + one of my personal favorites for this year). Gayle Forman’s I WAS HERE was kind of in the same genre but it didn’t hit me the way it should…

Some suspense/mystery/thrillers here. Oh, and there’s MARY KUBICA’S THE GOOD GIRL (I love that one so much, she’s also such an amazing author!), Lauren Oliver’s VANISHING GIRLS (which reminds me of the old Lauren Oliver that I love), lots of Goosebumps, MY HEART AND OTHER BLACK HOLES (another good one). LITTLE PEACH was quite damaging. THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, well I probably read it at the wrong time because I didn’t like it the way I probably should.

Oh my gosh PS I STILL LOVE YOU (TEAM KAVINSKY FOREVER!!!!), some Fear Street, my friend Amae’s ONE LOVELY SUMMER DAY, and HAHA THERE’S A MENAGE THING HERE LOL. Still Alice was beautiful like the movie and SHUG was pretty cute. ISLE OF THE LOST, hmm I guess I was a little too old for it lol

Some Marilyn books because I’m a Marilynette. Lea Michele’s BRUNETTE AMBITION, HALLOWED—the third installment of the Precious Blood series! Zoe Sugg’s GIRL ONLINE (I had to write about her for work before), ONCE REAWAKENED (I love the show, loved the adaptation, too!), THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB (because I was also obsessed with the show especially Rene Carpenter), Sophie’s FINDING AUDREY (another favorite), and oh yes, Holly’s DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE was really nice, too!

OH my number 1 favorite for this year EVERYTHING EVERYTHING is here. THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU, PRETTY BABY are pretty good, too. PRETTY LITTLE KILLERS was disturbing (go look up Rachel Shoaf and Shelia Eddy), some other true crime books. CREEP for #HeistClub, some new Fear Street novels…

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE was something I had to review for work but it actually turned out to be enjoyable, just not my usual kind of read. JUST A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE with its pretty cover, some more non-fiction stuff, and last night oh god JANUS SILANG 2 made me want Part 3 right away I NEED IT NOW.

So yeah, that’s pretty much my crazy, colorful year in books! Hopefully, I’d still get to read a lot this year (and in these last few days of 2015!) Will post those favorites lists soon!

 

 

Life, Lately… (aka dealing with this and that, and #WriteBreakUpSongsAbout)

So…it’s been a few days since I’ve been here and I wish it was just because I was busy but aside from that…depression and anxiety have been pretty bad, too. The thing with them is that when they attack you bad, they attack you real bad.

And it’s hard. There really were days the past few weeks when I felt like I’ve reached the end of my rope. You have no idea how hard it is to remind myself to keep going; just keep going. Sometimes, life just feels too constricting; like it’s just full of losses and you have no idea how to win. This isn’t about being dramatic; it’s just the truth.

But, anyway, I’ve also been writing and the latest I’ve worked on was my #WriteBreakupSongsAbout (You can still write along! Details HERE) manuscript and though I cannot talk much about it, I could say it’s one of the most challenging things I’ve done simply because…well, this one involved lots of real emotions (my choice! Ha!) and it’s like looking back at a different time in your life (at least, in mine).

It’s just something I have not written about for sooooo long, and this time, it’s like I got to feel all the emotions (haha) just because you know, you’re looking back, seeing another version of you, and putting yourself in your old shoes (whatever the hell that means), and yeah, it’s also kind of therapeutic.

See, I guess what I’ve learned is that sometimes…it’s harder to write about things that are close to you because…you have to work on blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and you have to give it your best.

But here’s another thing: this manuscript is something I’m proud of. It’s something that cheesy as it sounds, really came from the heart. ;)

What I can say is that we had to choose a One Direction song for this project, and what I chose was You and I. You can listen to it below.

I figured it out
I figured it out from black and white
Seconds and hours
Maybe they had to take some time

I know how it goes
I know how it goes for wrong and right
Silence and sound
Did they ever hold each other
Tight like us
Did they ever fight like us

[Harry:]
You & I
We don’t want to be like them
We can make it till the end
Nothing can come between
You & I
Not even the gods above
Could separate the two of us
No nothing can come between
You & I
Oohh You & I

I figured it out
Saw the mistakes of up and down
Meet in the middle
There’s always room for common ground

I see what it’s like
I see what it’s like for day and night
Never together
Cause they see things in a different light
Like us
They never tried like us

[Harry:]
You & I
We don’t want to be like them
We can make it till the end
Nothing can come between
You & I
Not even the gods above
Could separate the two of us

‘Cause You & I

We don’t want to be like them
We can make it till the end
Nothing can come between You & I
Not even the gods above
Could separate the two of us
No nothing can come between
You & I

You & I

Oohh You & I [x2]

We can make it if we try
You & I

Oohh you & I
You & I

Have a good week, everyone!

DRESSED TO KILL Cover Reveal #HeistClub

5 Friends. One Dead Body. A Summer they’d rather just forget.

5 years ago

Amelie, Christina, Cara, Monique, and Tamara spent one summer at Christina’s family’s ranch 5 years ago. It was a time of rest; a time for peace. It was a time when they just spent days fishing, swimming, and forgetting all the troubles of the city. One last hurrah before college, they said.

But that last hurrah ended when Monique was suddenly found dead on the last day of vacation—and their lives have never been the same since.

NOW

Now is their chance to figure out the truth.

But sometimes, truths are far more complicated than they seem.

Will they find out all the answers they need?

Or are they in for something bigger…something deadlier?

Tick Tock. Don’t look back. You might be next.

 

So…recently I joined a class called #HeistClub, and I wrote a story called Dressed to Kill, which will be out soon! And well, you know, I’m always the excited early bird (lol) so ta-daaaa here’s the cover for the said novella!

What do you think? Check back here for more deets!

She Flies with Faeries Reviews: BLISS by Shay Mitchell and Michaela Blaney

Title: Bliss

Authors: Shay Mitchell and Michaela Blaney with Valerie Frenkel

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Sophia Marcus, 21, has already mapped out every aspect of her glamorous life as a Hollywood actor on her vision board. But her life right now in Toronto is anything but exciting. Attending fruitless auditions during the day and working at a douche-y club at night, Sophia is starting to feel like she’s going nowhere…slowly.

Demi Michaels, Sophia’s best friend, didn’t go to college after high school. Short of ideas for her own future, she puts her energy into building the perfect relationship with an older man. And when that relationship crashes and burns, Demi is left to pick up the pieces.

Sophia’s friend (and Demi’s frenemy) Leandra Hunting doesn’t give a crap about hard work or a loving relationship. She has other plans for her future. After college graduation, Leandra sets out to travel the world in the yachts, planes and limos of ridiculously wealthy men. Will any of them be able to show her what love really means–if she can take off her Chanel sunglasses long enough to see it?

Set in the exotic, intoxicating worlds of Hollywood, Thailand, and London, Bliss paints a relatable portrait of life in your early twenties with equal parts optimism and fear, hope and disappointment, expectation and reality. It’s the Age of Uncertainty when you can count on nothing, but, if you’re lucky enough to have one truly great friend, you can survive just about anything.

---

If you knew me, you probably already know that I do like Pretty Little Liars (even though it’s quite crazy and well, you know what it is), and I actually like checking out the first novels of celebrities (because why not?) just to see how it goes.

Well, Shay Mitchell’s BLISS actually had a nice blurb so I thought, why not?

Let’s start with the good stuff first:

1. I thought the book actually had good premise. 3 Friends, interwoven stories, growing up and what-not. That’s basically my kind of thing, you know?
2. Well, upon reading the book I realized it was pretty nice. Nothing too poetic and prose was not deep, BUT, it was quite enjoyable—especially if you’re looking for a good, light read. It reminded me of Dorothy Koomsoon, early Alexandra Potter, some Lauren Weisberger, etc.
3. I like the imagery! This book takes you places, at least figuratively. You have Vancouver, Phuket, London, etc.
4. I’d say somehow, it was also realistic because it deals with issues that 20-somethings usually deal with right now, too—just a bit more exaggerated, though…

Then, the not so good:

1. Uhm, the characters were pretty much all over the place. For 20-somethings, they’re quite immature(!), but hey, a lot of us 20-somethings aka Millenials also probably don’t know what we’re doing. My only problem is that the way it was written made me feel like they could have been more—like there was more to explore but those things just were not explored. I wished the characters actually had more depth. L
2. A couple of stereotypes. (i.e., tourists being scammed, spoiled little rich girls, etc.) They were just passé.
3. There were times when the story itself felt like it was all over the place, especially near the end and you just wish the authors would just get straight to the point already.

But here’s the thing: For a first novel, this was actually good, and I might be reading part 2, if there was any. So, yeah, over-all, it’s still worth-reading—especially if you need a light read—and something you’d be able to relate to.

#CassiesBirthdayGiveaway Time! WIN Adult Coloring Books + eBooks and Bookmarks!

So…my birthday’s coming up and I have some stuff to give away!

1 Winner will Win: [PH Only]

3 Adult Coloring Books

#StrangeLit Incredible Truths eBook Bundle

#ThePathofUs Bookmarks

#StormyHollow Bookmarks

1 Winner will Win: [Open INT]

#StrangeLit Incredible Truths eBook Bundle

#ThePathofUs eBook

#AMerryLittleChristmas eBook

Just click the link below to join!

Giveaway starts today (Oct 17) and ends on Oct 26!

Join #CassiesBirthdayGifts HERE

She Flies with Faeries Reviews: CARRY ON by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Carry On

Author: Rainbow Rowell

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Rainbow Rowell continues to break boundaries with Carry On, an epic fantasy following the triumphs and heartaches of Simon and Baz from her beloved bestseller Fangirl.

Simon Snow just wants to relax and savor his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest, and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he’ll be safe. Simon can’t even enjoy the fact that his roommate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can’t stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you’re the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savor anything.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story — but far, far more monsters.

***

Rainbow Rowell is one of those authors whose works I’d always–ALWAYS–read. And CARRY ON, for starters, is one of those stories that I’ve waited for ever since it was announced that she was going to write it–not just as part of FANGIRL (which is one of my favorite books, ever), but on its own.

Here’s a little backstory, if you haven’t read FANGIRL. CARRY ON is this story that Cath and Wren made a fanfiction of. So, it’s basically a story within a story, which made it so cool and captivating.

You see, CARRY ON is like a mix of Harry Potter and Twilight in its own dreamworld; in its own reality. It’s not trying to pretend to be something else. It’s about finding the CHOSEN ONE, slaying dragons, falling in love with vampires, living in a world full of magic–which definitely made it an easy read. It’s one of those books you’d want to get lost in, especially when you’re feeling like this world is dampening your spirits yet again.

Let’s see. Well, I’d have to say, CARRY ON kind of started out as too “meta” for me. I was like, I’m pretty sure I already know what I’m getting, especially because there were bits of it in FANGIRL. But what’s great about this book is that the author was able to explore its world, and give us more of it in return.

I’d have to admit, there were parts in the beginning where I felt a bit bored–until ta-daaaa this mysterious character suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Oh, and that’s one of those things I like about this book, too, mind you: the fact that it’s told in different perspectives. I always like stories like that because it helps me get in the head of various characters, and not just one of them.

Okay, so, mysterious character started talking and I was like, What fresh hell is this? (sorry, obsessed with Scream Queens right now) and well, it was also nice getting in Baz’s head. That vampire is probably one of my favorite vampires right now–or ever–because he’s sexy, he’s dapper, he’s…well, he could be arrogant, and that’s what makes you like the banter between him and Simon Snow.

I thought there was a lack of banter and connection between the two in the first few parts of the book, which I would have wanted to see. Buildup was slow but man, once it started happening, it just couldn’t end and I swear, you’ll totally swoon (I sure did). Baz and Snow have this unique dynamic. I’m not a DRARRY shipper but I could totally feel them between these two (haha!) and you’d just love to read more. Their arguments are cute, but what’s better is how their feelings for each other unfolded; how we get to see them fall in love, and just get lost in it–while still trying to fight it.

Their love story is complicated, and it doesn’t help that the whole Magickal world is complicated, too–but there in lies the promise. There were betrayals. There were points when you’d feel like Oh god, that was not supposed to happen, and it would break your heart.

Another thing I like about this is that we got to see how each of the characters chose their own endings; how they didn’t just let the world trick them, and we get to understand why they made the choices their made. I guess, this book holds a lot of answers–which is good, considering I don’t know if we’re getting part 2.

All in all, CARRY ON is truly captivating. You’ll swoon, you’ll smile, you’ll laugh…maybe, even cry. But what’s important is that you’ll feel for each of the characters. You’ll root for them. And, well, they’ll help you CARRY ON. 

The Ultimate Harry Potter Tag

So…I’ve been inspired by Fandoms on the Run and decided to do this tag, too! As you know, I’m a big Potterhead so this is pretty much a given :D

1) Favourite book?
Goblet of Fire and Deathly Hallows.

2) Least favourite book?
Ugh this is hard. Maybe, Half-Blood Prince? I just have not reread it as much as I have reread the rest.

3) Favourite movie?
PRISONER OF AZKABAN!!!!

4) Least favourite movie?
Again, Half-Blood Prince. It just didn’t show the depth of the book. Also GOF was wrong on so many levels. I mean, hello, “CALMLY”….

5) Favourite quote?
“You’re not going mad. I can see them too. You’re just as sane as I am”

Also “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times–if one only remembers to turn on the light” 

6) Favourite Weasley?
The Twins.

7) Favourite female character?
Luna Lovegood, for sure.

8) Favourite villain.
Bellatrix. She IS exceptional. (But I’d never forgive her for killing Dobby)

9) Favourite male character?
It would be a toss between Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. I love my Marauders. <3 Also, I have a soft spot for Bill.

10) Favourite professor?
LUPIN!!!!

11) Would you rather A) wash Snape’s hair or B) spend a day listening to Lockhart rant about himself?
Probably just listen to Lockhart (what?! He’s cute lol). I don’t like washing other people’s hair.

12) Would you rather duel A) an elated Bellatrix or B) and angry Molly?
An elated Bellatrix, for sure. She’s easily distracted that way.

13) Would you rather travel to Hogwarts via A) Hogwarts Express or B) Flying Car?
Hogwarts Express. You have no idea how much I’ve fantasized for that for so long.

14) Would you rather A) Kiss Voldemort or B) give Umbridge a bubble bath?
I’d rather kiss Voldy. WHO EVEN LIKES UMBRIDGE?!!!!

15) Would you rather A) ride a Hippogriff or B) ride a Firebolt?
Hippogriff. Not a fan of brooms.

16) Is there a character you felt differently about in the movies?
Ginny. Movie Ginny just didn’t give justice to Book Ginny—and it’s not Bonnie Wright’s fault okay.

17) Is there a movie you preferred to the book?
Azkaban. But I love it just as much as the book.

18) Richard Harris or Michael Gambon as Dumbledore?
I actually like Michael Gambon better.

 

19) Your top thing (person or event) that wasn’t in the movie that you wanted there the most?
PEEEEEVES. Most of GOF. Plus Luna, Ollivander, and Dean in Shell Cottage—more of it. Fleur staying at the Burrow. Fleur and Molly making up. There were just so many things from GOF and HBP that I wished were there. AND REAL GINNY! Oh, and Dudley apologizing to Harry. Well, there’s a floating deleted scene out there that you can watch but I wished they added it in the final cut.

20) If you could remake any of the Harry Potter movies which would it be?
GOF. Definitely.

21 Which house was your first gut feeling you’d be a part of?
Ravenclaw.

22) Which house were you actually sorted into on Pottermore?
Slytherin, and you know what? I’ve come to understand why.

23) Which class would be your favourite?
History of Magic, Transfiguration, Divination (why not?), DADA

24) Which spell do you think would be most useful to learn?
Avada Kedavra lol jk. Maybe Accio and Lumos/Nox. Also Stupefy.

25) Which character do you think you’d instantly become friends with?
LUNA. NEVILLE. Maybe Ron.

26) If you could own one of the three Hallows, which would it be?
The Elder Wand.

27) Is there any aspect of the books you’d want to change?
Probably that Harry should have ended up with Luna.

28) Favourite Marauder?
Sirius and Remus.

29) If you could bring one character back to life, which would it be?
SIRIUS. He deserves a second chance to be happy—and FREE. His death still pains me. ALSO DOBBY.

30) Hallows or Horcruxes?
Hallows. I am not comfortable with the idea of splitting my soul, thank you very much.

Any Potterheads out there? Let’s talk! :) And feel free to do this, too!