"Emergency Contact" Review

"I know I love someone when I can't remember what they look like in any real way. I can never seem to recall whether they're handsome or ugly or if they other people think they're cute. All I know is that when I'm not with them and I think about them, where their face should be is this big cloud of good feelings and affection."

I experienced this story in a different way as I read the book and also listened to the audiobook. The narrators worked so well with the story especially when there was a change in point of view. I loved the formatting of the book more importantly during the text conversations between Penny and Sam.

Penny is starting college at the University of Texas. She has two friends, Jude who considered Sam her uncle. Penny meets Sam, he has a crush on him realizing he was the male version of her. While attending her class, she sees Sam fainting and takes care of him which causes him to have her as his Emergency Contact.

Sam was the manager of House Coffee, he lived there as well. He has felt like a failure for so long as he was attempting to go to college and wanted to breakout as a film director. Sam has Penny as his Emergency Contact, they text each other through the day while keeping it a secret from Jude. She gets upset when she finds out, Sam does tell her it's because he doesn't want her to know the mess he is.

Sam and Penny constantly contact each other through text, their friendship blossoms leading to them wanting to be more than that. Their relationship is so awkward yet cute, you can't help but root for them and wanting their relationship to progress. I enjoyed how cute the story was, I wish there was another story with these characters as they were relatable. I could relate to Penny's college life and Sam wanting something more of out life and wanting to have a better future than his parents, breaking the cycle.

If you have not picked up this book, I recommend it to you! I am leaving here a few helpful links if you're thinking about purchasing it. If you have read the book and want to discuss it, my twitter is @astridpizarro and my Instagram is @bookloversbookreviews, I'll be so happy to discuss it!

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Contact-Mary-H-Choi/dp/1534408967/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548625326&sr=8-1&keywords=emergency+contact

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emergency-contact-mary-h-k-choi/1126511895?ean=9781534408968#/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35297272-emergency-contact

Mary's Social Media

Twitter - https://twitter.com/choitotheworld

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/choitotheworld/

"Girls of Paper and Fire" Review

I decided to read this book due to the popularity of it within the book community. I didn't know much about the plot or characters but I am glad I did as it helped me experience the book in a different way.

I enjoyed the world build the author has created here as it gives the reader a unique experience with these characters. Lei is Paper caste, the lowest class in Ikhara, she has golden eyes which sparks the interest of the King. Lei is taken from her home in order to join the Paper Girls. She takes this time as an opportunity to search for her Mother and any information of her whereabouts. Every year, 8 Paper Girls are selected to serve the king but due to the him finding out about Lei, she's chosen as the ninth girl.

In the beginning of the book, we began to experience her journey as a Paper Girl from meeting the other Paper Girls involved to her training before meeting the King. Her first night alone with the King doesn't go as planned which is when Madam Himura instructs Lei to be assisted by Wren (one of the Paper Girls) during her lessons. Wren and Lei begin to fall for each other as they spend time together but they have to keep it hidden since it can affect the plan Wren has for the King. The clans in Ikhara have a plan set for the King, Wren and Lei are the key points to making it happen. Their love becomes strength for Lei to do what she was meant to do.

"I pull my necklace over my head and sharply inhale at the fresh pain it flares in my shoulders. The gold shell of my pendant is still unbroken, perfectly seamless. Carefully, I cup it in my palm, looking for a way in, when its casing cracks neatly open in two. And years after it was made, its secret is finally offered to me. For a moment, I stare in silence. Then a laugh escapes my lips. Tears blue my vision. Because the word that floats inside, a single character in brushstrokes of softest black, is so perfect it's a wonder I never guess it. Fight. I look a moment longer. Then I snap the pendant shut and run back into the the temple, shouting Wren's name over and over, half laugh, half crying, heart bursting with the awe and sun-bright surety of it. Because this is what Wren is to me - my wings. And with her love, she's taught me how to use my own. To fight against what oppresses me. To lift and laugh and soar into the air, just as we did tonight, just as we will have to do everyday if we are to make the kingdom safe, just as we will continue doing for the rest of our lives, flying, dancing through the brilliant skies, reaching new heights together, always together."

Natasha's writing is so beautiful and smooth as the story progresses, it keeps you at the edge of your seat, thinking of what will happen next. This book kept me guessing on what was going to occur to the characters. The setting is so detailed, I truly cannot wait to read the sequel from Natasha, I know for sure it'll be just as incredible.

If you have not picked up this book, I recommend it to you! I am leaving here a few helpful links if you're thinking about purchasing it. If you have read the book and want to discuss it, my twitter is @astridpizarro and my Instagram is @bookloversbookreviews, I'll be so happy to discuss it!

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Paper-Fire-Natasha-Ngan/dp/0316561363/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1548622784&sr=8-2&keywords=girls+of+paper+and+fire

Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/girls-of-paper-and-fire-natasha-ngan/1127924208?ean=9780316530408#/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42867181-girls-of-paper-and-fire

Natasha's Social Media

Twitter - https://twitter.com/girlinthelens

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/girlinthelens/

Bookish Goals for 2019!

As a reader, I decided to challenge myself this year and to also be a part of the community that I love. I started my booktube channel, I can't wait to film more videos and get involved with it. I joined a few buddy reads which resulted in meeting new readers and being able to chat about the books we love while also get recommendations, who doesn't love those? I also decided to give audiobooks a try, let me just say that I love them, I keep borrowing them from the library.

Next year, I wanted to challenge myself once again especially based on how this year went for me. I had a few bookish goals for 2019 that I wanted to share with you all, I categorized them to keep myself organized with them.

Bookstagram:

I recently restarted posting on my bookstagram which has been a blessing since I've been able to build friendships, join buddy reads and share about my reads and favorite books. First, I wanted to have authors takeover my account to do giveaways and chat about their work, writing, etc. I also want to be a rep for a shop/company, I want to take lovely pictures from items that I love! Another goal I have is that I want to reach 2,000 followers, I want to focus on this mainly because I want to interact with other readers. I want to participate in more daily challenges and QOTD (question of the day), I started to do a few of them but I hope I can find inspiration within those questions to get to know more readers and interact with them too. Lastly, I wanted to host a buddy read, I've been able to participate in a few and I wanted host one of my own and hopefully have other readers join in on the fun and discussions.

Booktube:

Since joining booktube, I've filmed a few videos including tags and unboxings. I also have goals regarding my channel, for example, I want to read 100 subscribers. Even though I am not focused on the numbers, I just want to grow my channel and audience. I want to do live shows especially since it'll help me open up and grow out of my shell and shyness. I want to brainstorm and grow in my creativity on my videos since it is a factor I've been lacking so far. Another goal I've had is to create an original book tag, hoping other booktubers will join and share it as well. A goal I've had set with my channel is to join more readathons, film and show you all my experience with that. I want to try vlogging every now and then as well whether it is book shopping or showing my reading progress. Another huge goal I have is to collaborate with other booktubers whether it's doing live shows or filming videos together, I want to meet and interact with other booktubers. 

Book Blogging:

This year, I did not keep blogging as a focus when I should have. I want to find a schedule that works for me to write about what I'm reading, favorite books and authors. I have a Writing Major and I have loved writing for so long yet I realized how I've left it behind unfortunately. I would like to post more book reviews, include a booktube spotlight, to share the booktubers I've loved recently as well as TBRs for readathons that I'll be joining next year. 

Reading:

For my reading, I decided to join the Goodreads Reading Challenge once again, I am setting my goal for 20 books, same as this year, since it motivated me to read and discover new books. I want to read more comic books since I read a few this year that I enjoyed! My main focus and goal towards my reading is to read major and popular series such as Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Raven Boys, The Infernal Devices, The Mortal Instruments, to name a few! I will be using my copies as well as audiobooks in order to reach that goal, now tell me, what are your reading or bookish goals for 2019?

Hispanic Heritage Month Interview - Zoraida Cordova

 For Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to include an interview, I had the opportunity the send Zoraida Cordova a few questions about it. Zoraida is known for being the author of Labyrinth Lost and Bruja Born, both of these are available now! 

1. Do you have any plans to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? 

I generally don’t do anything special for it. Growing up I wasn’t aware that there was a Hispanic Heritage Month. Now, I try to become aware of the way that media picks up our stories and the books that are chosen. I boost Latinx authors as much as I can all year so it doesn’t change much. 

2. How important is it for you to include/incorporate your Hispanic background into your stories?

I don’t consider myself to have a Hispanic background. I used Ecuadorian first, and Latina of Latinx second. Most people don’t know the difference, especially outside of the cultural groups, so I don’t take offense of Hispanic, I just don’t have many historically positive association with it. 

3. What were some of the struggles you faced through your childhood due to your heritage?

My family immigrated to New York when I was six. Up until I was 11 I went to school with a mostly Latinx population so I never stood out. Junior High School came kids who made fun of me for speaking Spanish. The teacher always called on me and singled me out and so that put me on the spotlight. But that was born out of jealousy, since I got automatic good grades. Every school I attended before college was majority people of color, so I didn’t have to struggle with being Ecuadorian. 

4. Do you have any Hispanic authors you would recommend to someone that wants to know about the culture?

Borderlands/La Frontera by Gloria Anzaldua and Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano.

5. Do you have any Hispanic traditions or customs that you continue to do with your family?

No, I think if we were in Ecuador we would celebrate national holidays. When I visit my mom on All Saints Day she makes a drink called “colada morada” which is an Andean drink. It’s very tasty.

6. How do you think your heritage affected your writing style?

The first novel I tried to sell was about a Latinx family. It probably will never see the light of day. I didn’t write Latinx characters truly until Labyrinth Lost. Being Ecuadorian is part of who I am, so it affects me in the same way all writers are affected by something in their lives. I think the true thing that influences my work is living in New York being surrounded by so many people. It makes me want to see the world more and try to leave something behind.

I want to thank Zoraida for giving me the opportunity send these questions and for taking time away from her day to do so as well. Check out her books, you won't regret it!

"They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera - Review

 

I loved the book from beginning to end! The story focuses on a gay Puerto Rican and bisexual Cuban character, Mateo and Rufus. The concept of the book is what made me want to read it. Deathcast is a company that calls people to inform them of their last day in order for them to say goodbye to their loved ones and live their day to the fullest and those affected are called Deckers. The company also has an app called Last Friends in which Deckers can connect with others to spend their last day together.

Mateo and Rufus have completely different lives, they connect through the Last Friend app without thinking they would have a great connection at the end. I liked having the perspective from other characters aside from Mateo and Rufus because it connects the story a lot more.

The story shows how aside from the pain and grief one will suffer due to death, there is also opportunities through life to connect with other individuals that have nothing in common with one another. Some Deckers realize how many adventures they want to have and how they want to make every opportunity count since they do not know how they'll die or when.

Mateo and Rufus get to know each other on a deep level through their journey. Mateo gets to realize how much he missed out since he was holding himself back and Rufus gained happiness from the moments they shared together. Rufus says, "That was no way for him to go out. Mateo should've gone out saving someone, because he was such a selfless person,. No, even if he didn't die a hero's death, he died a hero. Mateo Torrez definitely saved me." While Mateo shared a moment with Rufus, he was able to open himself in a way he hadn't before, "And you wouldn't have waited for me to be brave. Maybe  it's better to have gotten it right and been happy for one day instead of living a lifetime of wrongs." They both value their loved ones a lot more knowing it's their last day with them and they also learned from each other, something he didn't think would have happened when they met.

The story is an emotional one as it allows us to realize how we should enjoy every interaction with those we love. Also, to appreciate and give an opportunity to those people that may seem and are different from us as we get to learn from each other. As Rufus' friends the Plutos said, "Entire lives aren't lessons, but there are lessons in lives. You may be born into a family, but you walk into friendships. Some you'll discover you should put behind you. Others are worth every risk." As even Rufus said, "I know I helped Mateo live his life, but he helped me get mine back in shape. I wanna be remembered as who I am right now, not that dumbass mistake I made"

They Both Die at the End is worth reading, you'll get attached to the characters and see how their stories intertwine and also how much we can change or impact someone else's life.

How My Reading Has Changed This Year

 

As most readers, I have a Goodreads account and I participate in the Reading Challenge. Last year, I wanted to read 10 books and I did but I wanted to motivate myself to read more than that. This year, I decided to change my reading challenge to 20 books. 

 

I found myself thinking I wouldn't be able to reach this goal since I'm not a very fast reader, I like to dive in and take my time to process the stories I am reading. 

 

However, I decided to seek advice from fellow readers. I've been a member of a few book clubs but I have failed to participate in discussions as well as groups reads. I asked them for ideas and tips to be able to read more often and read faster. Through their answers, I realized that participating in the groups reads, starting or joining buddy reads and listening to audiobooks were really great options.

I began to participate in group reads and create a few buddy reads that have motivated me to read more and discuss with fellow readers about our adventure through the story.

 

I also began to get audiobooks from the library through their app (pictured) Overdrive which has helped me read through my books a lot quicker especially those books that intimidated me. So far, I have read 12 books and I have nearly finished with another one while I also have an audiobook for another book. 

 

I have used social media as well, I have joined readathons and I have had the opportunity to document my progress while interacting with other members of the book community. 

 

Overall, being a part of book clubs, buddy reads and readathons have improved my reading while giving me opportunities to expand friendships and be a part of the book community that I enjoy and love so much. When it comes to reading, seek advice within the community, it has made a difference with me.

Astrid

Cover Reveal of author Nicole French

COVER REVEAL
The Discreet Duet
Author: Nicole French
Publisher: Raglan Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Raglan Publishing
Photo: Eric McKinney, 6:12 Photography
Models: Roddy Hanson & Jenna Dallender

#1 Discreet – Release Date: October 4, 2018
Fitz Baker was the world’s biggest sex symbol. Until he disappeared.
Fed up with the trappings of fame, he traded his world of Hollywood for a quiet life on Newman
Lake. He was perfectly happy living as an island. Until he met her. 
Returning home with nothing but a failed music career, all Maggie Sharp wants is to rebuild her life.
A life that doesn’t involve the surly, arrogant stranger now living across the lake.
Still, there’s something about Will…Something familiar. Something Maggie can’t quite put her finger
on…
She only wanted the spotlight.
He gave up his life to escape it.
The real question is if they can remain discreet.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40524221-discreet

#2 Indiscreet – Release Date: October 25, 2018
Sexiest man alive.
Playboy movie star.
Reckless actor.
Will Baker, better known as “Fitz,” is back, and the world has questions.
Where did he go?
Why is he back?
Who is Maggie Sharp, the girl who found him?

As Will and Maggie flee her family’s troubles, they return to a world most only dream of, where
privacy belongs to the highest bidders, and loving Will might cost Maggie everything she has.

Secrets mean betrayal, and Will’s are bigger than most.
As he returns to a life of wealth and excess, will he fall back into his old vices too? Or is loving
Maggie Sharp the one thing that will save him?

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40524232-indiscreet

AUTHOR BIO
Nicole French is an East Coast/West Coast hybrid creature, Springsteen fanatic, hopeless romantic,
and total bookworm. When not writing fiction or teaching writing classes, she is hanging out with
her family, playing soccer with the rest of the thirty-plus crowd in Seattle, or going on dates with her
husband. In her spare time, she likes to go running with her dog, Greta, or practice the piano, but
never seems to do either one of these things as much as she should.

AUTHOR LINKS
Website: http://www.nicolefrenchromance.com
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z7i9b7
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornicolefrench
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/clandnicromance
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/authornicolefrench
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nfrenchauthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nfrenchauthor