REVIEW : Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

REVIEW : Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

   9:57 PM       Elisa

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Anna and The French Kiss

Author      : Stephanie Perkins
Publisher   : SPEAK
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 372

Summary from Goodreads :

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and Ameriban, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

Cover Glimpse :
Simple but very sweet =D
I love the background (Eiffel Tower!) and how they place Anna and Etienne at each side, while Etinne only reveals his arm. It's simply lovely.

2cents :
I decided to read this as a little distraction from any kind supernatural and Dystopia novels, I needed a normal reading to keep my mind straight and healthy (lol, hey you know what I mean, it doesn't literally mean supernatural and Dystopia readings do something terrible, except make your imagination goes wilder xD) I already had a high expectation over this book because it has very great reviews and many people recommended this book too me, I highly hoped this would entertain me more than just another ordinary teen romance. Then did this book meet my high expectation? Oh hell YESH! This book is FABULOUS, probably one of my most favorite reading this year. Although it's a teen romance, I didn't find it cliche at all. The story is very well-built and develops in a right pace so I didn't find it in the rush or dragged at all.

Reading this book gave me such a nice feeling, made me so happy, giddy, dreamy and also uber-jealous over Anna, for her luck, getting a chance to study at Paris (the most romantic city in this world, yes?) and also lucky enough to have such a WOW-nderful boy-friend like Etienne St. Clair. Aaaaaah Etienne!!! If only I had someone like him on my high school moment... *dreamy mode on*.
Anyway, beside the lovely premise, the characters also help in building the whole story more 'alive' and believable. I love the nice-one-high-school drama (which is not too cliche nor too mean-girls-vs-poor-girls, something like that quite annoys me), the friendship among the characters and how they maintain it while it faces problems, and especially I love how Perkins knits love between Anna and Etienne. She does very awesome job in step by step improving their relationship from friend to lover. The moments and tension just... wow! Really WOW! I can't spoil them, just read it yourself so you know how I feel. Love it so much!

One thing I also love from the character because they're real. Like a real teen who flaws and does a lot mistake in their lives. Anna is a nice, sweet, very lucky, I should add, and a bit naive girl and I really like her. Like a normal girl, she has insecurities in her mind about some things and mostly about how Etienne feels about her. Sometimes she's also being driven by her emotion and does something she'd regret later. I felt a strong connection to her and I could understand her insecurities very well. Etienne who I adore too much and looks all perfect is not that perfect too. He has some flaws too, physically and mentally. To be honest, his indecision and insecurity quite bugged me and I could not agree with his certain behavior. But again, he's very very awesome and I literally melted over his cuteness, the most awesome boy-friend you'd ever have if he really exist and still one of the most awesome YA boys.
Other characters also give another spices and unexpected moments into the story as well, and I heard they would appear in the sequels. Really can't wait to read more about them!

Overall, Anna and The French Kiss is a must read for fans of contemporary story or simply for those who love very nice-cute story with awesome and believable characters. You'll fall in love with Anna and moreover, to Etienne *squeeeeee!* And of course, PARIS! Because of this book, I dream to go to Paris someday with someone special... ugh, see, I'm all dreamy again! So then, grab it FAST!
Happy reading! =)

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Top Ten Tuesday #2 : Top Ten Series I Haven't Finished (because either you didn't like them, you just have procrastinated, etc.

Top Ten Tuesday #2 : Top Ten Series I Haven't Finished (because either you didn't like them, you just have procrastinated, etc.

   9:20 PM       Elisa

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Top Ten Tuesday is a feature/weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It's the best and fun way to share lists of certain topics with other fellow bloggers. If you want to participate, please visit their blog for further information! =D

I think this week's topic is more like me, because I'm a big procrastinator.

Top Ten Five Series I Haven't Finished

(because either you didn't like them, you just have procrastinated, etc.)

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakely-Cartwright
I watched the movie first and quite liked it, so I thought I had to read the novel too. But just too bad, I'm not. I didn't finish this book, simply because I was getting bored at page 20. The story moves very very slow and Valerie barely says anything although we see the whole things through her eyes. I don't have intention to continue it though, just too bad =(

Size 14 is Not Fat Either (Heather Wells #2) by Meg Cabot
I've read Size 12 and it was okay. But I stopped reading this book at the middle. Simply because I got distracted with the other books and still don't know when I'll continue reading this.


Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
This is probably the first YA series I've ever read (I read it on high school) and I really really loved it. The characters is amazing, the story is amusing, funny and cute. I really got a great time with Princess Diaries and since then I become a fan of Meg Cabot books. But then I stopped reading this series around book 7-8, I couldn't exactly recall because seriously, the story was dragged out and I lost interest on it. But I still want to read it someday.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
I read Benedict Society nearly a year ago and instantly became my favorite of middle grade series. It's a smart reading with wonderful characters and adventure, and I'm basically a big fan of mystery and detective series. But I dunno why I still haven't read the next sequel until now. I keep being distracted by other books =_=


The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
This book stays a bit too longer on my shelf while I already read I Am Number Four like long time ago. I like this series though, but maybe there are a lot series that more compelling out there. I need to read this soon.


Well, that's the short list of mine. What's yours?
Share them on your comment! =D

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In My Mailbox #26

In My Mailbox #26

   5:44 PM       Elisa

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In My Mailbox is a blog meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. You can show some books you got over the week which you bought, borrowed or given to you.





Hello guys how are you today? I hope you're all in a good shape ;)
Anyway, here are some new books I got from several past weeks. They're quite huge and... OOOOH MYYY GOD I LOST CONTROL! *silently scream frustratingly*. I really could not resist to buy some books while I struggle to save enough money for my trip next year ><;;;;.
Oh well. So here they are :

HARDCOVER

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Defiance by C. J. Redwine

From Book Depository, no words can express how I love this online bookstore =)
Actually I already have UTNS in International Edition, but when I saw the price-reducing for Hardcover one, unconsciously I was pressing buy and check out button. LOL. I've already eyed Defiance since long time ago and glad finally I got the copy! Can't wait to read these books! =D

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

*sigh* So basically I lose a patience waiting for the translation version and I don't care anymore if my VA series doesn't have even version. Uhm, not exactly like that though because I saw this pretty hardcover version at sale shelf for only IDR 35k (around $4)! So how I could not buy it?!

PAPERBACK

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

These two I got also from sale shelf at local import bookstore. Strange that Last Sacrifice in hardcover was cheaper than Spirit Bound in paperback. Ow, I was kind of lucky =p. And for Darkest Mercy, you see the price tag, it's only IDR 10k (or around $1)!!! And yep these aren't even with the rest series and it's not a problem anymore =p

INDONESIA VERSION

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

I was so startled Daughter of Smoke and Bone was going to be published here, and surprisingly with very fascinating and pretty cover! I was looking forward to read this book since people love it very much.
And for This Lullaby, I've never read any Sarah Dessen book before and I heard amazing things about her books. Lately I need contemporary reading so I can't wait to read this book! =)

Agatha Christie novels :
The Seven Dials Mystery
Sleeping Murder
One, Two Buckle My Shoe
The Thirteen Problems

Agatha Christie's books are one of best seller books in my country and they already got cover change for four times, these are the fourth and I love this version. They look really artistic and mysterious. I'm a fan of her books as well, especially I read mostly about her famous character, Hercule Poirot. So now I try her another main character, Mrs. Marple and the rest.
If you want to know about her books, I suggest Big Four and And Then There Were None, because they're my favorite =D

And... things unrelated to bookish-es :

YAY! Avengers and The Hunger Games DVDs! My country just sells basic version, but that's okay for me.

A lot of books, so little time (and money, LOL!)
Here I am babbling again, thanks for spending your time to read them =p

So what do you get last week?
Leave your link so I can check it out and envy yours ;D

Happy reading! =D

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Wishlist Wednesday #20

Wishlist Wednesday #20

   9:44 AM       Elisa

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Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.
This blog meme is hosted by Pen to Paper, if you want to join please visit here to find more about this meme.

The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green

Summary from Goodreads :

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, 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.

Maybe I'm the only one who haven't read this book *facepalm*. Looks like I won't read any bad things about this book because it has fantastic rating at Goodreads. I still haven't read any John Green book yet but this sounds a very good tear-jerker reads, sometimes I need it =)
I often see this at my local import bookstore but I can't buy it for some reason and that pissed me off ><;;;; I hope I can purchase this awesome book soon =). Anyone already read this book? What do you think about it?

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REVIEW : Firelight by Sophie Jordan

REVIEW : Firelight by Sophie Jordan

   10:02 PM       Elisa

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Firelight

Author      : Sophie Jordan
Publisher   :
U.S. : HarperCollins
Indonesha : Atria
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 200

Summary from Goodreads :

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Cover Glimpse :
I have to say I'm really disappointed with the cover of translation version, since the first thing that made me want to read this book is the original cover.

2cents :
I was pretty excited and wanted to read Firelight so bad because, well, despite being dragged by some reviews, the premise sounds really unique about a girl who is dragon-shape-shifter. I was thinking like : "wow, DRAGON GIRL? This gonna be a bad-ass story!" or something like that. And I was captivated by the original cover which is so pretty and really match to the story perfectly (girl's face with slightly scales and dragon eyes, bad-ass!!!). One day I realized one of publisher here released the translation version of this book, not wasting time abruptly I bought it of course and as my bad habit, I put it on the shelf for quite a long time. Then at one day because of a guilt (lol) I decided to read it and... well... I have to say I was kinda... disappointed. No, it doesn't mean the story is that bad, interesting though, but maybe my expectation was a little too high /:.

To be honest, I expected this book would have a 'fiercer' storyline or some good action scenes since, well, you get the word 'dragon', but I didn't get it. I still appreciate what Sophie Jordan decided, but in my opinion, the story could be developed to be more intriguing and interesting, more than just emphasizing the teen drama-like and love story only. I felt the story just move around, not forward. Many people said the story is slightly like Twilight and well, I realized it too. But so strange, I did enjoy and love Twilight very much. And this one? I don't hate it nor love it because it leaves no remarkable thing at me. Just too bad.

Jacinda has a admirable characteristic actually. She's knows well about who she is and she loves her family so much. She goes through the hardship because she doesn't want to let down her mother despite of her longing to stay as herself and I could imagine how hard it is. But as I tried hard to understand her circumstances, I found it was tiring to read all her whines and her back-and-forth over some decisions she has made. Her inconsistency almost stopped me from reading this book. Once she decides one thing, then in the end she loses it. It's like reading the same thing over and over again until I almost couldn't hold my rage like "GIRL IF YOU REALLY WANT IT JUST GO AND GET LOST, OK". Really, I was like that almost for 3/4 book.

The love line between Jacinda and Will is an example of insta-love and a bit shallow for me. Will does do several good things to Jacinda but I didn't get it why in sudden she falls in love with Will although she barely know about him. Usually I always like a hero with mysterious and dangerous feeling like Will, and sometimes he does stalking a girl he likes. But strange, I feel nothing to him. Will still doesn't impress me much and his character isn't really stand out. I was more intrigue with Cassian who shows up just a moment but leave deep impression with his strong character as the alpha-male and the third person between Jacinda and Will.

Overall, don't let my 2cent bother you. I might be disappointed with this book, but you who love light romance and a Twihard perhaps, might not. The idea is brilliant, I have to tell, because at first I quite interested with the explanation about Draki community and the power of each kind. But then most of the rest was like a turning down, because it was far from I've imagined. I'll read Vanished though, because nevertheless I still curious about what happen next on Jacinda, her twin sister Tamra, Will and Cassian.
I think you should try to read this because it offers a different idea of paranormal story (although the love story seems really common these days). Happy reading! =)

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In My Mailbox #25

In My Mailbox #25

   5:29 PM       Elisa

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In My Mailbox is a blog meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. You can show some books you got over the week which you bought, borrowed or given to you.






Hello guys how are you today? =)
Here are some books I got about last 2 weeks :

INDONESIA VERSION

 

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Thankfully the publisher at my country really loves Meg Cabot, so they published Abandon here. Although it has not too good reviews, I still thrilled to read this. It's Meg Cabot anyway and I love her books. =)

 

One Grave at A Time by Jeaniene Frost

The sixth and the last book of Night Huntress series that has been released for now. And I think it's the prettiest cover from all covers. Can't wait to read this too =)

IN PAPERBACK

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
I've eyed this book since the first it has been announce because it has such a cool premise and pretty cover then abruptly pre-ordered it. I know it gets a lot critics but still I want to give it a try. It still sounds good anyway =)

Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Quite anticipating this series since it got a lot of good praises. Need to read Obsidian first though =p

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

I've been wanting to read this book since long time ago, so I bought the paperback one. I've never read any zombie book yet, can't wait to read this.

That's all I got. What's yours?
Don't hesitate to put your links, I'll check it back and maybe would be jealous of your haul ^^
Happy reading!

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Cover Reveal #10 : Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Cover Reveal #10 : Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

   11:20 PM       Elisa

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I've waited for Dark Triumph cover since I was so in love with the previous book, Grave Mercy, cover. I bet this series would be one of series with the best cover-series ever and seems I'm right. WOW WOW WOW! It's still sooooooo fierce and pretty!
Let's take a look:

Woah, this book will make my bookshelf prettier! 8D
Already so excited! I have to read Grave Mercy very soon!

What do you think about this cover? Will this picture the story well? ;)

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REVIEW : Beautiful Creature by Kami Garcia & Margareth Stohl

REVIEW : Beautiful Creature by Kami Garcia & Margareth Stohl

   9:59 PM       Elisa

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Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicle #1)
Author      : Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Publisher   :
U.S : Little, Brown and Company
Indonesia : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 618

Summary from Goodreads :

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Cover Glimpse :
Although surprisingly the cover quite matches the story (with tree's branches and pictures that I assume as Ethan and Lena), I have to say that based on my taste, this cover doesn't appeal that much, I almost didn't buy it. It's 'too' purple. just too bad the publisher didn't use the original cover. And I think Ethan's picture reminds me of Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson =|

My 2cents :
Doesn't mean to compare one to another, but the blurb somehow reminds me of Twilight, you know, someone lives in a small town then someday the other comes and change his little and boring life like forever (and doesn't oppose it though because I do love Twilight, and for antifans, please don't hate me =p) with reversed position of the main characters. That's one point why I really wanted to know about this book, beside because as long as I can remember, the YA series about witch or wizard I've ever read was just Harry Potter series *facepalm*.

At first I couldn't get what exactly the story is but after reached several pages and dove more into the story, it started to be more interesting and addicting. And wow, this book is very amazing and beautifully written! I love the gothic and magical feeling, how three-dimensional and unique the setting and the characters are, yet it feels so real and down to earth. It's not only about supernatural aspect (in this book, you'll know more about Caster, more like witch/wizard also some dark creatures) but there are also stories about family bond, school life and its problem, traditions, and many more. Those enrich this book, make it unforgettable for some moments.

It seems like the authors want to make us understand more about the details of Gatlin County and its heirlooms, tales and the interactions between its eccentric residents, one of it is Ethan's family. Because of it, the story seems dragged out and moves in a slow pace (and to be honest, the thickness of translated version one was kind of freaking me out), but as I read it more, I found they were really fascinating and gripping. It made me want to know more about the setting the background. I was very curious, how it felt to live in a small town which has a lot of unsolved mysteries and secrets. Also it was told by Ethan's voice which is a bit sarcastic, funny and somewhat poetic, so I quite enjoyed it.

I love how the authors took a longer time to build the love story between Ethan and Lena, and both of them show very good personalities at the progress, especially Ethan. I think it's normal for someone from a so called 'nothing's gonna change', 'boring' place to be attracted to someone new and mysterious like Ethan to Lena, and because of Lena circumstances, being hated and treated as an outsider by most of their friends, slowly they become close and their attraction grows and becomes love. I also love their interaction, it's not too lovey-dovey, but Ethan obviously shows his support and love toward Lena. Lena too, doesn't fully depend herself on Ethan. She's really courageous and strong, also one thing I like about her is that she doesn't always act pity, at some times she takes little revenges on people who hurt her, which is very normal for me.

The support characters are also very wonderful and unique, made me having fun and growing fond on them. Everyone has their own portion and role, each of them gives colors in this story, no one is a waste even those evil ones. They're very unpredictable and made me keep guessing what is his/her role.

Overall, Beautiful Creatures, like its name, is a beautiful reading. It moves in a slow yet right pace, offers something new about supernatural world and has an unpredictable storyline, well at least for me because really, I couldn't imagine or predict anything while I read this book. It has amazing characters with unique personalities and powers. No doubt this series is one of those awesome series I treasure the most, and I can't wait to read Beautiful Darkness. I hope the publisher here would release it soon. Oh, and yeah, I also can't wait for the movie which will hit the theaters on early next year. It has pretty good casts so I highly anticipate it. I hope it would be as good as the book version =D

Happy reading!

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Top Ten Tuesday #1 - Top Ten Books On Your Fall TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday #1 - Top Ten Books On Your Fall TBR List

   4:22 PM       Elisa

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Top Ten Tuesday is a feature/weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It's the best and fun way to share lists of certain topics with other fellow bloggers. If you want to participate, please visit their blog for further information! =D

So my first TTT is about Top Ten Books On Your Fall TBR List (oh yay finally I decided to participate this fun meme! 8D). Actually my country doesn't have fall season. instead we have to prepare an umbrella, warm drinks and of course, good books to accompany when we couldn't get out from home because of a lot of water pouring outside *Lol, oh well, I syill have to go to work although it's raining hard though*.
Here are 10 books (which mostly aren't new anymore) I plan to read for Fall season next 3 months ahead :

Matched by Ally Condie

It's time to go back to Dystopia, and start with the mild one and then I chose Matched. I'm reading this now and quite enjoy it so far.

Torment by Lauren Kate

I've waited to get Torment since I finished Fallen like long time ago and I was like 'what the...' in the end, because... I didn't get any answer! So yeah, I definitely will read this soon.

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
This is the last book of The Darkest Power series so I definitely have to read this, to know the conclusion of Chloe and her supernatural friends

(this is the cover of Indonesia version)

One Grave At a Time by Jeaniene Frost
I'm a HUGE fan of Night Huntress series and I'm already itched to read this one! I need more Bones in my life! xD

Across The Universe by Beth Revis
I've heard awesome things about this book and since it has already stayed on my bookshelf too long I think it's the time to read it.

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
I'm really really really excited to read The Evolution of Mara Dyer. I really loved the first book and still being intrigued until now. I hop I could get some answers in this second book. Can't wait!

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
This book has published here at my country, yet I haven't read it, so I include this on my next-to-read list and catch up with the other readers =)

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
I read a lot of awesome reviews about this book and my sister also said this book was reeeeeally good. I really love the idea of female assassin in Medieval era so I have to read this one soon!

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
Sweet and alluring, WOW! This book sounds really seducing and I know a lot of you love this book. I really want to read this, to know about the sexy guy named Kaidan Rowe, since he follows my twitter LOL

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
This book is one of 'love-at-the-first-sight', and I still haven't read it yet *facepalm*. I also still have no idea about the story and it's really intriguing! I have to read this!

And a lot more actually. I hope I can fullfill this without any distraction, also despite my business that consume almost 3/4 part of my daily life *cries*
So what's' your TTT this week? Share yours! =D

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