Book Review: Scent of Magic (Healer #2) - Maria V.Snyger

YA - Lounge

Book Review:  Scent of Magic - Maria V.Snyder

Scent of Magic ( #Healer 2)  by Maria V. Snyder

Hunted, Killed—Survived?

Release Date: December 18, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin MIRA

Source: NetGalley
Rating: Snore!

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle. Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat. War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.

Death Lilys and the Walking Dead

I loved Touch of Power (Healer #1) the first book in this trilogy
In fact I loved the first book so much that I went on to read the entire Study series and started the Glass series. Healer #1 started my foray into the fantasy genre. I loved to read fantasy when I was a young teen, when Tamora Pierce was one of my favorite authors, but I somehow lost sight of the awesome book-genre that is fantasy and started to read adult contemporary fiction and YA-contemporary. So of course I was over the moon when I finally got my hands on Scent of Magic through the awesomeness that is Netgalley. That was last year. It took me a while to read it.
The Scent of Magic is sadly one of these typical *middle, second in a trilogy book*. It has a slow start, many flashbacks and *explaining the plot from the previous book* and non-logical exasperating decision-making from Avry.

Different to the first book, the story in the second book is told from two POVs. We still have Avry's but now also Kerrick's voice. To be completely honest I found Kerrick's story a lot more interesting than Avry's. He was a mysterious entity in the first book and now we get to see a little glimpse of his thoughts and feelings. But also his storyline was more action filled than Avry's which seemed to be at a standstill.

Avry and Kerrick spend a lot of time apart in this book. I missed the banter and the arguing. For me it also made Avry a much weaker character than in the first book, where she was a headstrong, independent young woman with extraordinary abilities. In Scent of Magic a big chunk of Avry's thoughts are occupied with missing Kerrick, feeling lonely without him, wondering if he's ok and still alive. I missed the slow-burn, the bubbling passion between these two. Now that they are in love and together it got a bit predictable and boring.

Also, what is it with dying in these books? Seriously!

All in all this is just *transition* book for me, a bridge I have to cross to get to the big Finale. But there are still some awesome scenes in it, and it was nice to spend time with Avry and the Monkeys again, to read about the different magicians and all the obstacles this world still has to face before there can be Peace. An enjoyable read with a somewhat slow start. With an ending that makes you want to pick up the third book without delay.

Book Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

YA-LOUNGE

 Book Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

The IRON KNIGHT by JULIE KAGAWA

 My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn'darkmyr Tallyn. I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her. My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…

Release Date: October 25, 2011

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Source: NetGalley
Rating: Epic!

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.


To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

The Epic Journey of Ice Boy

It was last Christmas when I finally started reading The Iron King, it had been sitting on my bookshelf for a while, and I was completely blown away by the Iron Fey world. Immediately after finishing the first book I started the second one, The Iron Daughter, and I loved that one even more than the first one. After that the excruciating wait for book three, The Iron Queen began. When I finally held the Iron Queen in my hands I was over the moon, so happy, and when I finished it I was crying like never before. I needed to read The Iron Knight right there and then. Not possible of course.
A few months ago, I finally got my hands on The Iron Knight. The wait seemed eternal. Happy-Dances all day!
But, finally having the chance to read the fourth book in the series made me very apprehensive and scared too. What if I wouldn't like it as much as the previous three? What if the ending wouldn't satisfy me? What if I didn't like to see the story through the eyes of Ash? Would I miss Meghan too much?...I shouldn't have worried of course. Because The Iron Knight was everything I hoped for and more. It is EPIC!

Julie Kagawa is a genius when it comes to storytelling and using words. The Iron Knight has the perfect blend of adventure, action, emotional scenes that made me cry and hilarious banter between Ash and Puck that made laugh so hard I almost dropped my kindle. And lets not forget about Grim (lets hope he'll NEVER change!).

For me, The Iron Knight was the perfect, but bittersweet ending to a series that very much reminded me of the Neverending Story. It was interesting to see the Fey-world through Ash's eyes. To get to know him a bit better (though he'll ever be mysterious Ice-boy for me), to understand his actions, get to see small glimpses of his heartbreaking past, and feel the love he has for Meghan.

So, prepare for an epic journey (yes, I realize I use the word epic way too much in this review, but for me there's no other word to describe this book better), have tissues ready and prepare to fall in love with Ash and Puck and Grim and the Fey all over again!

Romance Retreat: Only His by Susan Mallery

Book Review: Only His by Susan Mallery

Only His - Susan Mallery

Wedding bells are ringing in Fool’s Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss is her first love. Maybe she could overlook the fact that they’ve seen each other naked, but she’ll never forget the way he broke her heart. Tucker Janack agrees to Nevada’s “business only” ground rules. After all, love is a trap that the construction millionaire has avoided his whole life. But when great business partners turn out to be so much more, every rule gets broken. Will either of them be willing to try again…or will their past get in the way?

HQN Books - Release Date: 27th September 2011

Why Did I read this book?

As I've already explained in my previous Romance Retreat post, I like to read at least one book a month in this genre and Susan Mallery is a favourite author of mine when it comes to contemporary romance.. Only HIs is the sixth book in her Fool's Gold series (the 3rd in the Hendrix triplets mini-series) so, naturally I had to pick it up.
I got this book through Netgalley

The Cover

As always with e-galley I've not seen the cover in IRL. I quite like it though. It looks summery and very serene and tranquil. It doesn't fit the story though, as Only His is more a wintery novel than a summery, and I don't think there's a lake in Fool's Gold.

My Thoughts
When you pick up a Susan Mallery novel you always get exactly what you expect. A charming setting, a sweet romance, some obstacles and a Happy Ever After. It's like a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate during Winter, or the sand under your feet and the ocean breeze on your skin in Summer. In other words, it's the perfect escape from dreary every day life.
Only His is the 6th Fool's Gold novel and features the third triplet sister Nevada and her first crush, now boss, Tucker Janack.Only His is not solely about Nevada and Tucker, but also about the town they live in.  It's awesome reading about Fool's Gold again, it's such a wonderful place and it comes alive within the pages. There are a few sidestories. For instance we get to follow Denise Hendrix, mother of the triplets, and her second chance at love, something that was set up nicely the earlier novels. We also get to see Jo falling in love, she who has been the constant throughout all six novels, owner of the bar and a shotgun, averse to love and men.
Only His is several things at once. It's a nice ending to the Only-miniseries, it's also a bit like a high-school reunion where you get to meet all the characters you liked in the earlier novels and see what they are up to know AND it's also setting up another three novels set in Fool's Gold, as we get to meet new(ish) characters like Annabelle, Charlie and Heidi.

Final Words
If you've enjoyed the previous novels set in Fool's Gold, you definitely shouldn't miss this one.

YA-Lounge: And For Your Information... - Denise Deegan

Book Review: And For Your Information... by Denise Deegan

Sometimes you come across a book that surprises you. It doesn't happen all that often to me anymore. I guess I spend to much time on Goodreads and on other blogs. I hesitate writing a review of this book because I really think you should go read it first, and then come back and let me know what you thought.  Anyway, And For Your Information... is the second Butterfly Novel, the first one is And By The Way which you should have read before starting this one, as it's going the spoil it otherwise.

And For Your Information... by Denise Deegan. A Butterfly Novel

Everyone thinks they know who I am - ditzy Sarah, who cares more about appearances than she does about anything real. And yeah, I do care about what people think of me. Take my friends Alex and Rachel. We all go to Strandbrook College, Dublin. We're supposed to be best friends. But Alex and Rachel - they're really close. They tell each other things that they would never tell me. I try not to mind. And then there's Simon. He's my sort-of boyfriend but we hardly see each other. And when we do, I feel like he doesn't really 'see' me, you know? Everything's such a mess right now. My dad left us to be with Her; my mum is really angry all the time; and my brother Louis, he just doesn't care. I guess that's why the shoplifting started. It makes me feel good. In control. I just want everything to change. And it does. The day I got caught...

My Review

Oh, you're still here?! (or back again :) )

I still think one should start reading this book without knowing anything about it. Because I didn't. And let me tell you, this book took my heart out of my chest and punched it. Several times. Then it put it back all battered and bruised.
So, yeah, I've already destroyed it for you. I'm sorry.

I started And For Your Information... right away when cute Postie came by with it. Maybe it was the wrong time for me, as I just had some very bad Family news and still felt really emotional. I wanted to read something that cheered me up and I thought this would be the perfect book for that. I was wrong.
It started already in the beginning of the book. The scenes between Sarah and her mother felt so real and raw, they made me feel so frustrated I wanted to punch something.
I've read And For Your Information in one day. In the end I actually hid it under my bed because I didn't want to finish it, so I tried to ignore it, but that didn't work obviously.

Romance Retreat: Only Yours by Susan Mallery

Book Review: Only Yours by Susan Mallery

Only Yours - Susan Mallery

Man’s best…matchmaker?

Montana Hendrix has found her calling—working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right…or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have.

Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

Why did I read this book?

As I've already explained in my previous Romance Retreat post, I like to read at least one book a month in this genre and Susan Mallery is a favourite author of mine in this genre. Only Yours is the fifth book in her Fool's Gold series (the 2nd in the Hendrix triplets mini-series) so, naturally I had to pick it up.
I got this book through Netgalley

The Cover
I haven't seen this cover IRL, only on the e-galley. Not quite sure what to make of it, it looks a bit like late spring, early summer, but the color-combination reminds of Autumn. But it looks like a feel-good novel, which it is. The only thing missing is the dog!!!
 
My Thoughts
Some of you may remember that I wasn't a big fan of  Only Mine as I stated in my review, but I immediately dove into this one after finishing Only Mine. For me the difference between book #4 and this one was like Day and Night. I simply adored this book. Simon is such an interesting and troubled hero, I love his scars and his self-sacrifice, his loneliness. Montana on the other hand feels like a fresh breeze. I felt a connection with her that I didn't with Dakota. Maybe because we get to know Montana a little bit more in the previous Fool's Gold books than we do Dakota. And the fact that she worked in the library before obviously helps.
What I loved about this book is that it focused more on the main characters, the secondary stories are kept to a minimum and we get to meet the characters from the previous books again. After having read five books about Fool's Gold it's become close to my heart. I love reading about that town, it feels like a know every inhabitant, every street, all the corners and moods of this town. The parts that are set in the hospital in this story are heartbreaking and wonderfully written. The chemistry between Simon and Montana is perfect, as easy as that.

My only problem with Only Yours is a personal one. I'm scared of dogs. That's all.

Final Words
If you are looking for a feel-good novel, sparkling chemistry, scarred hero and cute dogs this is the book for you.

Chick-lit Corner: Bookreview

Bookreview
Girl On The Run by Jane Costello

I'm cheating a little bit today, as I've had a horrid week (those who follow me on twitter know why) and just couldn't read, so the book I'd planned to review today hides under my bed only half-read. So I thought I'd post a short review of a book I've read back in April.

Girl on the Run - Jane Costello

Abby Rogers has been on health kicks before - they involve eating one blueberry muffin for breakfast instead of two. When she's encouraged to join her fitness-fanatic best friend's running club - by none other than its gorgeous new captain - she finds a mysterious compulsion to exercise.

Why did I read this book?

 I've been a huge Jane Costello fan ever since I found her first book Bridesmaids in a bookstore in Stockholm a few years back. I've devoured her books ever since. So, of course I had to read her latest one too. 

The Cover

I love the cover, it matches the previous ones and fits the story perfectly. It's summery, it's fresh, it's funny.

My Thought about the Book

Sadly it is already a few months since I've read this book so my thoughts about it aren't as coherent as I'd like them to be. I like to have the story fresh in my mind when I review a book.

Anyway, I remember that I giggled my way through it. From start to finish. I felt a strong friendship with Abby, she's really likeable, funny and charming. I could really relate to her aversion to all things exercise as I'm really not the sporty-type and particulary hate running (which may have to do with the fact that I have very very weak ankles and always sprain them as soon as I start to run, or well, I sprain them even when I walk, but that's another story). 

I admire Abby's fighting-spirit, that she doesn't give up because she has something to fight for. That she wants to run for charity, to help her friend is just awesome.

Lets not forget about the man in the story. *Swoon*. Where was I? Ahh, yes, he's perfect. Enough said. He and Abby have a lot of chemistry, the dialogues are witty and snappy. 

All in all..I loved this book. It made me giggle. Chick-lit at its best!

YA - Lounge: Bookreview

Bookreview 
Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Saving June - Hanna Harrington

'If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.’

Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one — so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going — California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down — again.

Why did I read this book?

 I heard so much good about this book on Twitter and  in the whole blogosphere that it made me really curious to see what all the buzz is about. Dealing with death in the family, especially suicide is a hard but interesting topic, I wanted to see how it was executed in this book. And yeah, I'm a sucker for Road-trips and bad boys :)

The Cover

I actually don't think I like the cover. I doesn't blow me away. It's a bit blah. But I haven't seen it IRL so maybe it looks better on the book? But I do get a sense of sadness so it has achieved its purpose.

My Thoughts About the Book

For full disclosure I have to say that my timing of reading Saving June could have been better. I picked it up (or, well, I started my laptop) the day after I read one of the most amazing books I've read this year (Wanderlove). Not only after an amazing book, but an amazing book featuring travel/road-trippy kind of things. So it was clear from the outset that I'd judge Saving June to the background of that book.

There's a lot of grief in this book. I mean how would you feel if your perfect big sister ended her life by choice? With the grief comes the judging of others how you handle that grief. Are you numb? No tears, no showing of emotions? That's exactly how Harper reacts. She's just a teenager and has no idea what to think or feel about the suicide of her sister.

Harper is a sarcastic, outspoken character. She has a lot of anger bundled up inside her. It takes a while to warm up to her, actually I'm not even sure that I liked her at the end of the book. The same goes with bad boy Jake. He really is mysterious. Sure there are some bits and pieces revealed about him. Or maybe I should say that there a lot of descriptions about him. Like he lives and breathes music, that he doesn't write his own music, he has quite a strong opinion of what good music and bad music is, he can be a jerk, he can be nice, he had a difficult childhood. But you know what? I don't feel like I know him after having read Saving June. In fact, I feel like I don't know anything about any of the characters, not Harper, not Laney (her best friend), not Jake and certainly not June. It's not like they didn't do anything in this story, not that they didn't have opinions about things. I think my problem is that too much happened. To many conflicting views and opinions, characters changed from page to page. Or maybe that was just me.

I read Saving June on my laptop which isn't really a nice way to read a book. So there must have been something in the story, in the writing compelling me to read on. Yes, it is an interesting story, I did want to know how it all turns out, how it ends. Saving June is about a difficult topic and it shouldn't be easy to read those parts of the story.
What I particularly liked about this book is all the talk about music, how Harrington weaves these small anecdotes and tidbits perfectly into the story. How music plays such a big part in it. There even are playlists included at the end of the book.

What I didn't like (may contain some small spoilers !!)

There was just too much in this book in my opinion. All the teenage clichés crammed into it (promqueen, bad boy, goth-girl, drinking, drugs, sex and first times, date-rape, teenage pregnancy), different political views and acts and opinions (vegan, vegetarian, my body is a temple, protesting, religion, talk about God, and more...). Pretentious is the word. Sometimes less is more. In fact, there was a perfect scene near the end of the book which would have made the perfect ending for me.

Also the whole Road Trip was a bit disappointing for me. I had high expectations and it fell a bit short for me. I didn't really feel like a was there at all the different places, couldn't feel and smell the air, I didn't have the urge to google all the places or to pack my bags and travel. Which is a shame really.

All in all.... I know that Saving June  is well liked by many readers, many love it and connected with it on a deeper level. I didn't. I really wanted to like and love it, but didn't. Something was missing. If you find the blurb on the book interesting and think it might appeal to you then please read it, don't let my personal opinions keep you from reading it :)

Romance Retreat #1

Bookreview - Only Mine by Susan Mallery

Only Mine (Fool's Gold #4) - Susan Mallery

You can’t win if you don’t play…

Her town’s lack of men may make headlines, but it isn’t news to Dakota Hendrix. The beautiful blonde has bigger problems to deal with, such as overseeing the romance reality competition filming in Fool’s Gold. Screening eligible bachelors is a difficult enough task, but Dakota hits an unexpected snag when a sexy stranger comes to town.

Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers—the perfect contestants—off the show. Despite Dakota’s better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious outsider. Like her, Finn knows about heartbreak and how a family can fall apart, so she doesn’t dare to hope for anything more than a fling. After all, even in the Land of Happy Endings, finding true love is never as easy as it looks on TV.

Why did I read this book?

I know I haven't featured Women's Fiction/Contemporary Romance on this blog before. I've always read at least one a month to take a break from darker dystopian YA novels or *heavier* chick-lit. Susan Mallery is one of my favourite authors when it comes to these type of books and when I heard that the Hendrix triplets from her Fool's Gold series would get their own books I was excited.
I received Only Mine through Netgalley.

The Cover

I haven't seen the cover IRL as I've read it as en e-galley. I haven't any opinion about it apart from liking the color-combination.

My thoughts about the book

I really enjoyed the overall warm and fuzzy feeling this book evoked in me. It felt nice visiting Fool's Gold again, seeing all the old characters again. Fool's Gold is such a charming, friendly and unique place, it's a perfect background to the story.
Dakota is a smart, funny and headstrong woman. I envy her inner strength, her fighting spirit. The interaction between her and her sisters, mother, the women in town and of course with Finn are beautifully rendered and a joy to read.

Finn is quite swoon-worthy. I love me an Alaskan Man (yes, I have a soft spot for Alaska). I liked the fact that his family meant everything to him, that he spent the most part of the book angry and grumpy, and oh my is that man wonderful with a little baby-girl. But other than that I found him regrettably boring, I just didn't quite connect with him.

There were quite a few things that bugged me while reading this book. I can't reveal specific details as I don't want to write down any spoilers. I was sad to see that this book features so many pet-peeves of mine, pet-peeves that really annoy me and take away from the joy of reading it. I also didn't feel any romance or spark between Dakota and Finn, no reason why they should be together and like each other. Which is a shame, as I really liked Dakota.

There is however a second couple in this book. I LOOOOOOVED them together. Aurelia and Stephen. Quite a controversial match, for some at least. I couldn't get enough of them, couldn't turn the pages fast enough to read more about them.

Last Words

Only Mine is a light and fast read. Even though I had some problems with some aspects of it, it was still a quite enjoyable read and I finished it in one evening. If you enjoyed the previous Fool's Gold novels Only Mine is definitely worth to pick up and read.

Recommendations

My favourite books by Susan Mallery are Straight From the Hip and Sweet Success.

June Favourites (Monthly favs #6) - Very short reviews

Ugh, another month has come and gone, where does all the TIME go? Is there a time-graveyard somewhere (along with the missing socks and my missing books?). Anyway, as I love my *statistics*, here comes my short recap of June where I present my favourite books I read over the past month.

I've been on a blogging hiatus (and still am, kind of), due to spending my Summer at the lake:

I've tried to read a lot, but was often distracted, sometimes by various animals as the BIG BLACK SNAKE I came across or stories my father told me daily about coming eye to eye with a wolf or a moose...this country is scary...lol :). Anyway, according to Goodreads I've read 16 books, which is not as bad as the previous months. I also discovered that I like to read on my Kindle much more than I like to read actual *tree* - books.

So, here are my June favourites!:

Don't Stop Now by Julie Halpern

On the first day of Lillian’s summer-before-college, she gets a message on her cell from her sort-of friend, Penny. Not only has Penny faked her own kidnapping, but Lil is the only one who figures it out. She knows that Penny’s home life has been rough, and that her boyfriend may be abusive. Soon, Penny’s family, the local police, and even the FBI are grilling Lil, and she decides to head out to Oregon, where Penny has mentioned an acquaintance. And who better to road-trip across the country with than Lil’s BFF, Josh. But here’s the thing: Lil loves Josh. And Josh doesn’t want to “ruin” their amazing friendship.

Josh has a car and his dad’s credit card. Lil has her cellphone and a hunch about where Penny is hiding. There’s something else she needs to find: Are she and Josh meant to be together?

I have mentioned a few times earlier that I simply love Road-trip books. As I've never been to the US I find it really interesting to read about all this peculiar places and look up pictures of these places on google. I love being in a car, even though I don't have a driving license myself ( I've never had enough money...). Most of my Summer-holidays consisted of my family driving all over Europe, yeah Road Trips!
For me this book had everything, the right places, the right pacing, an interesting story, a sweet romancing, a little bit of mystery. It is a coming of age story, finding the right way and there's just enough of an openness at the end to not lock the story in between it's covers but still giving me that feeling of content.....

Back When You Were Easier to Love - Emily Wing Smith

What's worse than getting dumped? Not even knowing if you've been dumped. Joy got no goodbye, and certainly no explanation when Zan - the love of her life and the only good thing about stifling, backward Haven, Utah - unceremoniously and unexpectedly left for college a year early. Joy needs closure almost as much as she needs Zan, so she heads for California, and Zan, riding shotgun beside Zan's former-best-friend Noah.

Original and insightful, quirky and crushing, Joy's story is told in surprising and artfully shifting flashbacks between her life then and now. Exquisite craft and wry, relatable humor signal the arrival of Emily Wing Smith as a breakout talent

This is also a Road-trip books, but quite different from 'Don't Stop Now'. This books actually took my kind of by surprise. I never expected to like it, event though I really adore different and quirky books. I downloaded the sample to my kindle and when I saw the word 'Mormon' I was intrigued. I've never read a book set within the mormon culture before and it was quite frankly not what I wanted to read about at this point, I just wanted to read a book about a boy and a girl ..a road and a car...lol. Well, there isn't much 'mormon' in this book as far as I could detect, or at least it didn't hinder my reading-experience. I loved the *journey* Joy went through, most of all her internal one. I really enjoyed this book, it gave me quite a few things to think about.

The Single Girl's To-Do List by Lindsey Kelk

A hilarious and romantic standalone novel from the bestselling author of the I Heart series Rachel Summers lives every area of her life according to a to-do list and so far, she is ticking most things off. She has a job she loves (make-up artist to the stars), the perfect boyfriend, a cosy London flat and a fantastic circle of friends. All that remains on her life to-do list is to get married, have a baby and live happily ever after. Simple. Well, not quite! Suddenly, Rachel's perfect boyfriend wants to take a break. She's convinced it's just cold feet but when the break turns into a split, her best friends Emelie and Matthew step in and come up with the ultimate heartbreak cure -- the single girl's to-do list, the top ten things Rachel must see and do to kick-start her fabulous, new single life. But nothing can prepare her for the adventures that unfold as the to-do list takes them all over town and even abroad, and proves to all three that love is out there if you're willing to take a chance!

I just realized that all my favourite books this month are about journeys. This chick-lit-y book is also about one. It's the journey from being just dumped and miserable to enjoying single-ness, this is achieved with the help of a list. A list written while being drunk. I love Lindsey Kelks novels. I enjoy her humour, her talent to draw me in, the feel every emotion within the pages, to identify with the characters. A perfect Summer- Beach-Read (or Winter-hot chocolate-on couch-read).

Groundswell by Katie Lee

EAT, SURF, LOVE. A butterfly flaps its wings in New York City . . . and a groundswell forms in Mexico. . . .

Sometimes the biggest ripples come from the smallest events. Like the day that Emma Guthrie walks into world-famous movie star Garrett Walker’s trailer. When she steps through the door, she’s a novice PA who’s just dropped out of college after losing her scholarship. When she walks out, she’s on her way to becoming Mrs. Emma Walker—wife of an A-list actor. Soon, Emma has made the transition from nobody to red-carpet royalty, trading jeans and flip-flops for closets full of Chanel and Birkin bags, swishing past velvet ropes to attend every lavish party and charity gala on both coasts. With her husband’s encouragement, Emma pens a screenplay based on her life, Fame Tax, which becomes a blockbuster sensation. Through it all, Garrett is her ally and her mentor . . . until their relationship is thrown into question by an incriminating text message that Emma discovers on Garrett’s phone the night of the Met Costume Institute Gala.

Devastated by her husband’s infidelity and hounded mercilessly by the paparazzi, Emma must flee New York City to get away from it all and clear her head. Her destination? A sleepy coastal town in Mexico where no one recognizes her and there is nothing but unspoiled beaches for miles. Here, she meets Ben, a gorgeous, California-born surf instructor, who teaches her about the healing powers of surfing, shows her the joys of the simple life, and ultimately opens her up to the possibility of love.

From Manhattan’s hippest restaurants to the yacht-and-celebrity infested waters of St. Barts, Katie Lee’s debut novel is an irresistible insider’s glimpse into a glittering world—and a captivating story about how losing everything you thought you wanted can be the first step to finding what you need.

And another book about a journey, gosh, what is it with the month of June??
This book also completely surprised me. It has all the elements I don't like in a book. Written by kind of a celebrity (even though I've never heard of her, as I live in Europe), a too long flashback and too *new-life* story, I still enjoyed this book immensely! I downloaded it to my kindle one late evening and I didn't go to bed until I'd finished it sometimes early early morning (or late night :P ).

So, last but not least, these are about my own journey, about how I've grown, where I've come in my life....

The Rywig- series by Berte Bratt

These books were some of my favourite books when I was a very young teenager. They were already *old* when I read them some 16 years ago, as they're set in the 50's and 60's in Norway, Germany, Africa, Australia and Canada.

I recently bought them used and got the revisit my favourite childhood characters. Yes, I teared up. Yes, I still love them. Yes, they opened up my eyes to things I didn't see before. They are still changing me, even all these years later.....

May Favourites (Monthly favs # 5) - Short reviews

Hello Again,

I thought I'd take a short break from my recent hiatus (not sure yet when that is going to end, but soon I hope, I had my last day of uni the day before yesterday, and even though I'm not done with everything I'll still have more time to read and hopefully to write. My parents are coming to visit soon and will stay a while, so I'll spend my summer on a camp-site at the lake not far from here....) to post my May favourites (yes, I love my statistics!).

I didn't have much time to read in May, due to *finals* and some serious tennis-watching and yeah, I still was in a reading slump for most of the month. But it seems now that I've gotten out of it, thanks to my kindle, it certainly makes it easier.

So, according to Goodreads I've read 9 books in May, started one on the last day of May and have one DNF (and lots and lots I only read one page and discarded, but those don't count). Out of these 9 books I have a grand-total of 5!!! favourites, which is kind of crazy. Anyway, here they are, with my short-reviews:

What Happened to Goodbye - Sarah Dessen

Since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move - four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, Mclean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, Mclean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself - whoever that is. Perhaps her neighbor Dave, an academic superstar trying to be just a regular guy, can help her find out. Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.

Not surprisingly, the new Sarah Dessen is on the top of my list of my favourite books of the month, if not year. I'm a big Sarah Dessen fan, and I loved this book. I like books that are slow, where nothing really happens. Books that feel real, slow-simmering books, that somehow crawl under your skin and suddenly *boom*, you're crying, feel so much emotion and can't let the book, the story, the characters go, don't want it to end. This is one of these books. I can't exactly pinpoint what I love about this book, because there's not much of a plot, the premise is simple, the writing perfect.

Moonglass - Jessi Kirby

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.
While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

How gorgeous is that cover, seriously! It's breathtaking. This book really surprised me. Again, it's a slow book, one that draws you in without you noticing. I cried during the last pages, big fat tears, really. It is beautifully written, the story sad and believable. I want to move to the beach now! haha.


                                                         

 Tempest Rising - Tracy Deebs

Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her—and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

This is my first *mermaid*-book. Somehow I've always been fascinated by the mythology but never got around to read a book with this theme. That's probably why I was like a wide-eyed child of wonder. Seeing something for the first time, everything is so beautiful and new. I found its premise really interesting. In the beginning it reminded me a lot of Moonglass because Tempest's mother had willingly gone into the ocean. And also the passion for art and the beach. But whereas Moonglass was a contemporary *reality* read, this one is mythology and paranormal and whatnot.

At some point while reading I made this note on Goodreads:  "Somehow this book manages to combine all things I normally hate in books, that irritate me, annoy me, make me want to throw the book across the room, all my pet-peeves and MAKE IT WORK! Brilliantly so! I don't know why, I don't know how, it just does!"  

So, what were those things that normally really annoy me? For instance I hate cheating in books, really really hate it. I've recently read a book that was quite similar to Tempest Rising in the cheating department, and let me tell you, I threw that book against the wall several times. But here it worked! It didn't bother me. My second pet-peeve is *insta-love*, gaah, hate that. But again, Tempest Rising made it work, brilliantly so. There were a few things more, but it would take me all day to ramble on about it.
With that said, read this book, it's beautiful.

Divergent - Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

I'm not going to say much about this book. It was really really hyped before its release day, and it was well-deserved! It's not usually my genre, but everybody was raving about it so I just had to had it, right? Once I'd started reading the first page I couldn't put it down again. I was hooked. If you haven't read it yet, Go READ IT, I'll wait!

Cross My Heart - Katie Klein
True love can blossom in unexpected places. This is Jaden pretending not to notice. . . .

Jaden McEntyre and Parker Whalen are a wrong fit from the start. Jaden is driven and focused, Harvard Med School within reach. Parker has a past-a reputation-and the rumors about his mysterious habits abound. So there's no reason why, when they're assigned to work together on a project in English, they should discover they have anything in common, or even like each other, and they definitely shouldn't be falling in love.

As they bond over Edith Wharton's tragic novella, Ethan Frome, the "bad boy" vibe Parker plays begins to dissipate. Soon, Jaden finds herself shedding her own "good girl" image: sneaking around to be with him, confiding in him, and ultimately falling hard for this leather-wearing, motorcycle-driving loner who plays into the rebel stereotype.

Still, Jaden can't shake the feeling that there's more to Parker than he's letting on. He's hiding something from her, and discovering the truth means reconciling the Parker she's grown to love with the person he really is. Because it's possible that his life inside the classroom-everything Jaden knows-is one, massive lie.

I found this book whilst browsing on my kindle. I downloaded its sample and started to read...and never stopped (yeah, I bought it after I've read the short sample, of course). Anyway, I think this was the month of slow books. The ones that grow on you. This certainly was one of those. I loved Jadens voice, she really drew me in. I'm can't say too much about this book without revealing too much. There was a big twist at the end that I really didn't expect. Really didn't see that coming. I thought I had it all figured out, haha.

Chick-lit-week #2 'Swept off Her Feet'

Welcome back to another *review-recommendation-thingy* in my chick-lit week.

>>To all my followers who read YA and follow my blog because of its YA-content, don't worry, I'll be back with YA-paranormal/dystopian/contemporary soon!

 The steps of a charmingly complex dance—Scotland’s famous reel—are at the heart of Hester Browne’s enchanting contemporary novel of two very different sisters whose dreams may come true at a romantic Scottish ball. Evie Nicholson is in love . . . with the past. An antiques appraiser in a London shop, Evie spins fanciful attachments to Victorian picture frames, French champagne glasses, satin evening gloves, and tattered teddy bears—regardless of their monetary value.
Alice Nicholson is in love . . . with Fraser Graham, a dashing Scotsman whom Evie secretly desires. As crisply neat and stylish as Evie is cheerfully cluttered, Alice is a professional organizer determined to pull her sister out of her comfort zone—and who presents her with an irresistible offer.
As a favor to friends of Fraser’s family, Evie jumps at the chance to appraise a Scottish castle full of artifacts and heirlooms. What could be more thrilling than roaming the halls of Kettlesheer and uncovering the McAndrews’ family treasures—and dusty secrets?
But crossing paths with moody heir Robert McAndrew has Evie assessing what she wants the most . . . and at an upcoming candlelight gala, a traditional dance will set her heart reeling.

Why did I pick this up?

I haven't previously read anything by Hester Browne, even though I've actually bought one of her books while on holiday on Gran Canaria. I had every intention of reading that one, but when I was at the beach, opening the book I realised it was the third book in her Little Lady Agency series What the Lady Wants (now called the Little Lady Agency and the Prince). Anyway, I didn't want to read the third book without reading the other two, so I put it away and somehow never got around to buy these first two books. Anyway, when Swept Off her Feet started popping up on various blogs I recognized the authors name - Hester Browne, and thought, why not :).

My thoughts about the cover: The cover looks actually better in the picture than in reality. The colors are much paler than the image shows. I'm not a fan of shoes and no fan of the color-combination of that read with the pale blue. And isn't the woman sitting in a very awkward position? I like the yellow dress though (even though I have no idea what it has to do with a ball in a castle in the winter...) and the Scottish tartan pattern on the shoes is a nice touch!

My thoughts about the book, why I liked it:

I didn't like this book at first, as my Goodreads-updates clearly show.

 "What I don't like in books ( or movies) ( or IRL) are scenes that are hilarious/funny bordering on embarrassing. I think in this book they're meant to be funny but I cringe all the time. They are not too embarrassing yet, so I read on... ( like the story/plot though - just not the naivety/dumbness/stupidity of the MC)" - is what I wrote down while reading. I don't know why I can't read or watch embarrassing scenes and my threshold is pretty low. So I think other readers will just find these scenes funny, lightening up the plot and will laugh out loud while reading. 

I pushed on though, because I really liked the premise. I like the heroine's quirkiness, her inner monologues and daydreams and her clumsiness. Evie and her sister Alice where referred to Big Bird and King Kong (p.20) by their teachers and fellow pupils, the image that creates in my mind is just ridiculous, haha. 

It took a while for me to feel the connection between the lead-guy and Evie. Evie was so caught up in her crush on her sister's fiancé that it took a while to feel the chemistry. 

But as they say, opposites attract. As soon as I felt the chemistry I just had to read more and more and I couldn't stop. I loved the fact that it is written from first person POV, loved to be left in the dark about what he was feeling. The development of the romance between the two of them felt real, it went under my skin. 

And did I mention that it is set in a castle(ish), in Scotland? Swooon :)

My verdict: This is a new take on an old fairytale, with lots of interesting details and tidbits of *old things*, the female lead is different and adorable, the premise interesting, the romance oh so sweet. After a somewhat rocky start I couldn't put this book down. *swoon*

Chick-lit-week #1 'The Girls Guide to Homemaking'

Hello everybody,

You've probably all noted that I've been quite AWOL here this year. I haven't even posted a single review. I'm a bad bad girl *ashamed*. Well, I'll try to be better in the future.

I've started out this blog as a way for me to keep up with my reading, organize it, remember the books I've read and give ideas to others, what books to buy, where to find ideas of new books and so on. Let's face it, I was really lost back then (2.5 years ago), and I still am most of the time. I still have no idea what I'm doing, haha. Anyway, when I started this blog I was mostly if not only reading chick-lit. This has changed during the past 8 months, now I'm leaning more and more towards YA, contemporary and paranormal, fantasy and thus I read less and less chick-lit. Sometimes though I like to go back to my *roots* and read a pink, girly and flowery book again :). 

So, this week my focus will be on the few chick-lit books I've read during the past months, I probably won't write any long and thoughtful (when have I ever done that?) reviews, only some short recommendations and random ramblings about feelings and emotions (blaargh) because I'm all about those..haha

The Girl's Guide to Homemaking by Amy Bratley

'What makes you happy? What do you want from life?' I ran through a list of things that I supposed would make me sound cool. And then I told the truth. 'A home,' I said. 'A home with some people in it I love.' On a mission to have the perfect home, with tweeting bluebirds and a white picket fence, Juliet hits a major stumbling block - reality. On the first night with her boyfriend in their new flat, Juliet discovers that Simon has been sleeping with her best friend. After growing up in a dysfunctional family with secrets that haunt her, there's no way she is prepared to build her nest on a broken branch. Heartbroken and seeking an escape from her troubles, Juliet retreats into the comforting world of her grandmother's 1950s homemaking manuals, discovering tips like 'put a ribbon in your hair to brighten your husband's day' and though Juliet knows that won't get her anywhere, she discovers that craft and homemaking are back in style. Taking control of her life, Juliet is determined to get her home with a heart. But who will win hers?

Why did I pick this up?
I've seen this book mentioned on various book-blogs and chick-lit sites, but it didn't really *jump* at me, yelling buy me, buy me!!! I've dismissed it with a single glance, never to look back. Why did I do that? Well, firstly I don't like the cover, it's a bit old-fashioned (though cute!) but screamed 'old-lady' at me and secondly the title, what's up with that? I have to quote myself here (one of my earliest posts from 2009):
And I don't particular care for books with titles such as "A Singles Guide to...",. 


Well, that should say it all, but it doesn't. Homemaking - urrghh, not my thing, at all. Nope, I was never ever going pick up this book. And not because I judged the book by its cover, but because I wasn't the target-group for this book, simple as that.

But how did I end up with this book anyway, and reading it, and LOVING it? A few weeks back I had the privilege to be able to visit THE Bookshop in Zürich, The Orell Füssli English Bookshop. So when I was browsing their shelves I realised with horror that I've already had read every single book that looked interesting! So after a while, with that sinking feeling in my stomach that I had come all the way there for nothing, I started to randomly pick up books, read the blurb and put them pack. Then I saw The Girl's Guide to Homemaking, I recognized it and thought, well, it can't hurt, so I picked it up, read the blurb and bought it! (I later also found some books upstairs in the YA-section).

My thoughts about the book, why I liked it:

This from my Goodreads-account: 'Page 171, Yay - I finally have some spare time to read! I'm in LOVE with this book!!!!!'.  So, yeah, this book really surprised me. I was hooked from the first page, I wanted to know how Juliet would rise herself up again and start anew after hearing her boyfriend call out her best friends name in the first night at their new home. The home that was everything to Juliet.
What I most liked about this book is the contrast. The contrast of the inside from the outside. What's written in those pages doesn't match the cover or title. Amy Bratley managed to constantly surprise me, throwing curve-balls at me. I love the contrast of  Juliets 'homemaking' to how Juliet speaks and acts. I cried, I laughed, I couldn't put it down!

Review # 7 - 'Anna and the French Kiss' by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins

So, I wasn't going to review this book. Honestly, I wasn't! There has been such a big hype about this book, everybody is raving about it, every bookblogger out there is reviewing it and every single one of them loves it. So, I thought, why should I? Well, this is going to be a short review, mostly written for myself, so I'll remember the feelings and using it as an outlet for the feelings and emotions still lingering in my body.

Anna was 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. So she's less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Étienne St.Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all ... including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss? Stephanie Perkins keeps the romantic tension crackling and the attraction high in a debut guaranteed to make toes tingle and hearts melt.

Anna and the French Kiss has been a very emotional read for me. I picked it up and couldn't put it down until I've read the very last sentence. I've been dreaming about it last night and I woke up with all the emotions still lingering in my body. The emotions going through my whole body while reading were bitter-sweet. I love Paris. I really really love Paris, sometimes I miss the City so much it hurts and I have trouble breathing. I try to visit at least once a year, this year though it just wasn't possible and reading about it, feeling the asphalt under my feet, having the different scents and smells in my nose, feeling the air against my skin - let me tell you, it was pure agony. Like when someone puts a big chocolate-cake in front of you but you're not allowed to taste! Perkins does a beautiful job of making Paris come alive on the pages, it's beautifully written.
And the second thing, I know/knew a boy/guy like Étienne, memories are a tricky thing and not everybody has a happy-ending.
So, my rant is over. I love this book. Really really love it. It is one of the best books this year. Books like Anna and the French Kiss are the reason why I read. Why I sort through all those bad ones out there, why I keep going, to finally find a jewel like this one and then the quest starts anew. I would give it 10 stars if I could, hihi :)

Review # 6 - 'The One Before the One' by Katy Regan

The One Before the One - Katy Regan

To Do List

Make something with Quinoa.

Do something ' cultural' every week.

Dump married boyfriend.

Thirty-two year old Caroline Steele is a woman in denial. After calling off her wedding to teenage sweetheart Martin, she should be moving on. Instead she's racked with guilt, downing her sorrows with Pinot Grigio and has developed a penchant for dressing up in her never-used wedding dress.

Add to this the fact that she is head over heels with the delectable, but unavailable Toby Delaney and it's clear her life is not going to plan.

Then her little sister Lexi comes to stay for the summer and life gets even more complicated. How is Caroline supposed to advise her on matters of the heart when she can't even come clean about her secret lover? In order to find The One, Caroline needs to deal with The Ones before...

I've been looking forward to this book ever since I've read Katy Regans first novel One Thing Led to Another , a warm and funny novel about an unexpected pregnancy. So I was very excited when The One Before the One finally arrived on my doorstep (the book, not a guy :( ) and I had to start reading it immediately. I was sucked into it from the start. I already had tears in my eyes after the prologue, I could feel the heartache and the guilt.
The actions of the main character, Caroline, would normally make me dislike her, she's dumping her fiancé and boyfriend of fourteen years right before their wedding, she's involved with a married man and she's lying to her family. But Caroline is human, she's hurting. The lists she's always writing are her desperate ways to get control over her life. She's lost and unsure of herself and also a bit naive. Caroline is warm and funny and totally likeable despite her actions.
The second character, her little sister, Lexi, makes the book interesting and keeps you reading .It's the relationship between those two, its development and the role Lexi plays that makes this book an entertaining and wonderful read. I really liked how Regan added so many layers to Lexi, and how she was nothing like she seemed to be from the start.

I really enjoyed this book, I liked to read about the emotional journey these two women made, how they changed and developed.
I wanted to read on forever, I was sad when I reached the final page. It is written beautifully, the words flow, its pace is exactly right, the emotions feel real.

4.5 stars from me!

Review # 6 - 'Psych Major Syndrome' by Alicia Thompson

Psych Major Syndrome - Alicia Thompson

Using the tools learned so far in Intro Psych, write a brief self-assessment describing how things are going in your freshmen year.

PRESENTING CONCERNS

The Patient, Leigh Nolan (that would be me), has just started her first year at Stiles College. She has decided to major in psychology (even though her parents would rather she study tarot cards, not Rorschach blots). Patient has always been very good at helping her friends with their problems, but when it comes to solving her own ... not so much.

Patient has a tendency to overanalyze things, particularly when the opposite sex is involved. Like why doesn't Andrew, her boyfriend of over a year, ever invite her to spend the night? Or why can't she commit to taking the next step in their relationship? And why does his roommate, Nathan, dislike her so much? More importantly, why did Nathan have a starring role in a much-more-than-friendly dream?

Aggravating factors include hyper-competitive fellow psych majors, a professor who is badly in need of her own psychoanalysis, and a middle-school-age mentee who thinks Patient is, in a word, naive.

DIAGNOSIS

Psych Major Syndrome

Wow, what a book. I received my copy of Psych Major Syndrome last evening and finished it a few hours later. I didn't want it to end. At all. I fell in love with it. From the first page. It's hilarious, wonderful and moving.

Psych Major Syndrome is set in College life, something I haven't encountered before in the Young Adult genre. It felt a bit different, but oh so right. The best thing about this book is the protagonist, Leigh. I immediately felt some kind of kinship with her. My first thought actually was, wow, someone's written a book about me. Leigh is intelligent and strong and at the same time completely oblivious and as her mentee Rebekah calls her 'naive' and 'dumb'. Her narrative is completely endearing, she is snarky and loyal, she's concentrating a bit too much on the small details and is terrified of change.

This is my favorite part,(small spoiler): " 'But it's all broken, right? Everything's broken.' I knelt down, trying to scoop up the glass and confetti - for what I don't know. Maybe it seemed symbolic, although all it really meant was that I was acting completely pathetic over a ten-dollar souvenir that could never be whole again. I guess that's symbolism for you, another term-paper topic to win a contest." (© Alicia Thompson, Psych Major Syndrome,2009, p.202)
Actually it's the part that comes after this that I like most....