Warm Bodies (Warm Bodies #1) by Isaac Marion

Warm Bodies (Warm Bodies #1)

byIsaac Marion

4 out of 5 Stars

Hardcover, USA Edition, 241 pages

Published April 26th 2011 by Atria

R is a young man with an existential crisis--he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams.

After experiencing a teenage boy's memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim's human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.

Scary, funny, and surprisingly poignant, Warm Bodies is about being alive, being dead and the blurry line in between.

 

“I am Dead, but it's not so bad. I've learned to live with it.”
― Isaac Marion, Warm Bodies

I am actually surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I am not really a fan of zombies; I have read one zombie novel previous to this one and hated it, and 'The Walking Dead' both bores/disturbs me, so I have no interest in watching it, unlike, it seems, everyone else I know. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because I felt like the last part of the book should have spent more time elaborating and explaining why exactly the changes going on are happening. In my opinion, it ju...moreI am actually surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I am not really a fan of zombies; I have read one zombie novel previous to this one and hated it, and 'The Walking Dead' both bores/disturbs me, so I have no interest in watching it, unlike, it seems, everyone else I know. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because I felt like the last part of the book should have spent more time elaborating and explaining why exactly the changes going on are happening. In my opinion, it just sort of ended, and I feel as though there could have been more there especially since the book was not relatively long at all. The main character, R, is of course, our lead zombie. R is not his real name, however. In fact, he has no idea what his name was, or anything about his life previous to becoming a zombie. As previously stated, this book caught me by surprise. I never expected it to be such a heart-warming story, with a quite loveable hero. But can you really blame me? A zombie-romance? I have read my share of paranormal romances so it really shouldn't have made me cringe as much as it first did. However, I am glad I picked this up; I was able to finish it in less than a day.   The story line was definitely intriguing. I found myself fascinated with the world Marion created. What I found most interesting was how everytime R takes a bite of his meal's brain, he is hit by a rush of his victim's memories and glimpses of their lives. This plays a major role in the story, as R keeps seeing into Julie's (the love interest) boyfriend's memories throughout the story because he had, unfortunately, killed him. With my aversion to zombie tales, I was quite relieved to see that the book wasn't filled with shuffling zombies, crying out "Brainsss!" As I said, I really enjoyed this novel except for the ending. You're never really told what specifically is going on to the zombies to make them change. You know that it was all triggered by Julie and R, but the whole situation is never really elaborated upon. Overall, it was a great and quick read. Did it change my views on zombies? Eh, probably not so much. However, I do know I will be eagerly awaiting the release of the movie adaptation in February. Below, I am going to post the book trailer, along with the movie trailer. Enjoy! :D

Heartache in the World

My heart aches for the victims of the Connecticut school shooting and their families. Only an incredibly screwed up individual could do something like murder innocent children. It's just hard to comprehend how someone can perform such an atrocious act, and not just to children, but to any other human beings as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy, and I sincerely hope they get some justice and/or closure. It's such a difficult time for them, and I only hope that the media and press leave this poor people alone so they can grieve in their own way.

Waiting On Wednesday (#5)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme highlights some of the books whose releases bloggers are most anticipating this year.

The book whose release I am most excited for this week is...
  

 

Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2)

byJessica Spotswood 

Expected publication: June 18th 2013

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

 The first book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles was just amazing! It honestly has to be my favorite witch related book so far. I devoured the book quickly and as a consequence, have been waiting ever so patiently for the next book. I just recently found out that the cover was released, and after seeing it, just couldn't control my eagerness. June 18th seems so far away, but know that when this book hits shelves, I will be be first in line to get it. Check out the first book, Born Wicked, below by clicking on the cover:

(Book 1)

Book Haul (#4)

 

All books shown above were picked up at a Goodwill near my university. After bringing all the books back to my dorm, I realized that nearly all of them have been turned into movies; though the only one I have seen is The Boleyn Girl, which is why I wanted to get the book. I have also already read Northanger Abbey, but I loved the book and didn't have my own copy so I definitely had to grab it when I saw it sitting there on the shelf :)

Every Day by David Levithan

Every Day by David Levithan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published August 28th 2012 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

In his New York Times bestselling novel, David Levithan introduces readers to what Entertainment Weekly calls a "wise, wildly unique" love story about A, a teen who wakes up every morning in a different body, living a different life.

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan, bestselling co-author of Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

“The moment you fall in love feels like it has centuries behind it, generations - all of them rearranging themselves so this precise, remarkable intersection could happen. In your heart, in your bones, no matter how silly you know it is, you feel that everything has been leading to this, all the secret arrows were pointing here, the universe and time itself crafted this long ago, and you are just now realizing it, you are just now arriving at the place you were always meant to be.”
― David Levithan, Every Day 

This is the first novel I've read by David Levithan, and after finishing it, I have to say that I will definitely check out more of his work.

GoodReads was advertising this book like CRAZY when this book first came out. I couldn't go anywhere on the website without it being shoved in my face, rather obnoxiously if I may add. So, upon one day stumbling upon the book on the shelf of my county library, I decided, "Why not?" GoodReads is obviously trying to get me to read this so it can't be all bad. And, it wasn't; I fell in love with the first few pages.

Every Day is about a character named A; A doesn't have a definitive gender, at least, not that A knows of. A wakes up in a different person's body everyday; sometimes as a girl, boy, thin, obese, straight, or homosexual; the possibilities are endless. This has been going on for as long as A can remember.

A pretty much accepts this life because there isn't any way to change it. It’s not something s/he can just turn on and off at will; it’s his/her reoccurring ailment. That is, s/he accepts this life, until s/he meets Rhiannon. And to make matters even more complicated, Rhiannon has a rather asinine boyfriend who basically treats her like dirt and she lets him.

I have to say, the whole concept of waking up as a different person everyday and being able to also access all their memories, is definitely a unique plotline. It is what I loved so much about this story. The characters also felt so real that is was hard not to love them or connect with them. Though, at one point, I was getting pretty annoyed with Rhiannon. At parts, she seems a tad judgmental when it came to A’s appearance. A specific example would be when he was a 3 or 400 pound boy. She kept looking at him oddly, and seemed ashamed to be seen with him in public. I guess I can sort of understand her situation; it must be hard to be with someone who is in a different person’s body every day, but A is still the same person inside. She seemed to have trouble seeing that at times when A was on the more unattractive side. For some reason it just irked me a bit.

Overall, the writing was wonderful! I didn’t expect to fall in love with this book like I did. Now, you are probably wondering why if I loved it so much, I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I can’t really explain why. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, I found I wasn’t as immersed in the story the closer I got to the end. The ending, don’t get me wrong, wasn’t bad. There probably wasn’t really any alternative to what happened that wouldn’t have completely changed the story. Another factor that could have paid tribute to me giving the book only 4 stars was the fact that A got a little creepy as the book went on. By creepy, I mean obsessed. He constantly thought of Rhiannon and wanted to see her, and would go see her, even if she didn’t want to meet; this interfered with the lives of the people s/he inhabited. I felt like that wasn’t really fair.

As I said, the book was good. I would recommend it to anybody. However, just a warning: the majority of the book is about romance. Yes, there is the sci-fi aspect, but the story itself pretty much revolves around A’s love of Rhiannon. So, if you are expecting some epic sci-fi novel, or are just not a huge fan of romance, then this is probably a book you should skip out on.

View all my reviews

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

So I think the title of this post pretty much says it all.

Yep, it's my birthday! Today I turned 19 and have been listening to all my friends and family tell me that I am now old. That's just what every girl wants to hear on her birthday right? Haha, well anyway, it's been a great day. I opened my door early this morning to be pelted with balloons and party poppers...it was definitely an interesting way to wake up lol.

I wish I could do a giveaway for you guys, but I am currently lacking in the money department right now (the joys of being a college student). So, I hope you guys will be just as happy with me telling you I will definitely be more active on the blog in the upcoming weeks. I have some reviews I am working on right now for you guys (on my birthday :P). I figured I would take a break from studying today and do something productive, yet enjoyable. So look forward to the things to come :)

Breaking Dawn Part 2: WHY???

Well November 16th was the day "twihards" (unlike myself) have been waiting for: the final movie in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga is released! I meant to post this the day I saw the movie, which was opening day, but just haven't had the time :(

To say I haven't been waiting for this movie, would be a small fib; I have been waiting for it, but not for the same reason most other girls my age are. I have just been waiting for it to be over. There, I said it! I am so tired of all the Twilight hype and am so glad it is coming to its end. If I ever have to look at Kristen Stewart's expressionless face, or hear Taylor Lautner's voice again, I will go insane!

Now, I may be a hypocrite; I am sitting here telling you all how much I don't like the movies, yet I see every one of them and own them all as well, so really, who am I to judge?

I do have to say that Breaking Dawn Part 2 was pretty awesome. However, that little twist they threw in there nearly gave me a heart attack. I won't go into detail about it because there may be some of you out there who have yet to see it, but for those of you who saw the movie and know what I am talking about, how did you feel about the twist? I HATED it!

My friend and I were freaking out! I have never been so emotional during a Twilight movie, and am quite ashamed at my reaction...it was pretty bad. The whole scene, I was just sitting there thinking, "What is this?! This didn't happen in the book!" My friend beside me was about ready to get up and leave; though it's a good thing we didn't.

Every other person thought that the twist was clever and brilliant. Well I disagree! And hopefully, I am not the only person out there who does. I think it was pretty cruel to trick us like that...but that's just me.