3 (three) STARS
Let it Snow
by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle
I borrowed this one from the library.
I love how all three stories connect. The first story was pretty fun to read and had a very funny main character. The second story had some annoying kind of sexist teenage boys and I didn't really like it. The third story was cute, if not simply because it features a teacup pig.
In a Handful of Dust
by Mindy McGinnis
I borrowed this one from the library.
I still love the characters and enjoyed the survival story in this sequel to Not a Drop to Drink, but it wasn't what I was expecting. It wasn't as epic as the first book. Make no mistake, I still am glad I read this dark and sometimes gruesome sequel.
Roomies
by Sara Zarr, Tara Altebrando
I own it.
There are many things that I liked about Roomies, how different the two main characters were, how it made me reminisce about getting ready for college, just to name a few. On the other hand, it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be and it wasn't that easy to really connect with either character.
Avalon
by Mindee Arnett
I borrowed this one from the library
I don't read a lot of science fiction books but THAT COVER. I just had to find out what was behind that beautiful cover. I liked the characters. I liked the plot. I liked the somewhat surprise twists. I just didn't really love anything, and the info dumps were kind of annoying. I will probably read the next book since this is a duology.
I adored Handful of Dust but yes it wasn't as epic as the first. i also enjoyed Roomies and Avalon but they werent in my favorites. I had isues connecting with the charcters in both books. I have heard that the sequel to Avalon is easy to connect. So I may read that one.
ReplyDeleteI think I may be reading the sequel to Avalon as well. I was in the same boat as you. If I have characters that are hard for me to connect with on some level I don't enjoy the book as much.
DeleteWoo hoo for being caught up! I read so many books in January that I already feel behind even though I've only been doing monthly round-ups lately. Can't honestly say I really read more than usual, but thanks to being on a graphic novel/short book kick lately, my January list is looming!
ReplyDeleteP.S. 3 days til your challenge starts -- YAY! Are you planning to start with a re-read of Outlander for February or pick up with Dragonfly in Amber?
I feel so much better now that all of my 2014 books have been reviewed!! I like your round-ups so there is no complaint here. :)
DeleteI am so EXCITED!! I am going to re-read Outlander since it has been like two years now since I first read it.
Yay for being caught-up! I enjoyed Avalon as well, and like you mentioned had to find out what was behind that cover, lol. I have the Not a Drop to Drink on my wish list, so I'm glad you enjoyed the second book overall.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Kay :)
Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend!
It feels so good to be caught up! :) I hope you try Not a Drop to Drink. I think it will be worth it!
DeleteI'm surprised you didn't like In A Handful of Dust as much as Not a Drop to Drink. I thought they were both really good, couldn't-put-down reads. But we're all entitled to our own opinions! :) I've heard Let It Snow can be a little lack luster. Happy reading! :)
ReplyDeleteI still did enjoy In a Handful of Dust but for whatever reason I just couldn't get into it as much as I did Not a Drop to Drink. Let it Snow was good, but it could have been better.
DeleteFREEDOM! I'm so far away from freedom it's not even funny haha :P
ReplyDeleteThis is actually a great idea for reviews of those books you thought were alright or good - an idea I might steal!
Teacup pigs remind me of the book Poison. I wish there were more companion animals in YA.
I like that Avalon is a duology. I'm intrigued by the cover too. The love of nothing kind of sucks but the surprise twists and sci-fi aspect all sound enticing.
Freedom feels oh so good! lol :) I loved writing these reviews this way since I didn't have too much to say on each book anyway.
DeleteIf there were more companion animals in YA I would die from happiness.
You are right! It is totally a duology. Didn't even realize that. Now I will have to read the second book for sure.
I actually read Let It Snow, but wasn't too impressed with it. It was kind of bland and some parts were quite disappointing. :/ I'd rate it three stars as well.
ReplyDeleteSome stories and characters were better than others, but I agree with you, I don't think it lives up to the big name authors that contributed.
DeleteI felt pretty similarly for Roomies and In a Handful of Dust. Glad I am not alone. Maybe I'll give Let It Snow a shot during the Holidays next year.
ReplyDeleteI just thought they could have been so much better. I'm glad I'm not alone as well. :)
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