Audiobook Review - Looking for Alaska by John Green

How did I come into possession of this book?

I previously read The Fault in our Stars by this same author, and have heard nothing but praise for him all year.  Even though the previous book I read by him was quite depressing, I thought I’d give another one of his a try for the long drive to Tahoe for the holidays.

What is it about?

Miles (aka Pudge) starts going to boarding school a couple states away from his parents. Immediately upon getting to school he falls into a crowd with his roommate.  One of their closest friends is a girl named Alaska.  The book follows his experience in his first year there and all the drama and fun that comes with boarding school.

What did I think?

I really liked this book. Again, it was quite depressing and after the pivotal part of the story I felt like there was quite a lot left and not sure how it would end.  When it all finished up I decided that I did like the end but for a while thought it would just be upsetting and sad the whole way through.  There were times in this book where I laughed and there were also touching moments.  I really enjoy his writing and although I’m not sure I’d act the way many of his teenage characters do I thoroughly enjoy reading his books.  This audio was great (as compared to the other book I listened to by him, which I though was very poorly narrated) and it kept my attention.

Who would I recommend it to?

This is first and foremost a young adult book.  But I could see it being one that can cross over to adults because the writing isn’t just aimed at young adults.  I think that is why I like his books.  The topics are a bit more young adult but the way the book reads doesn’t make me feel like I’m reading a quality level below what I should be reading.  I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good read, it is also pretty short a nice in between for longer books you may be reading.

I'm baaaaack

My old computer died and for some reason it took me a while to purchase a new one, but now I have one, super exciting, right?

I think Angel is just as excited as me...

Well I'm going to try to get back to blogging for a bit, but I'm going to attempt NaNoWriMo again (I've never won but attempted it the past two years).  I think I have a good direction with this one and have done more prep then I have in the past so we will see how it works out, maybe I'll even share some of it on here!

Summer Reading Challenge!

It's summer and that means it's time for another reading challenge!  Summer is just another season to me (I don't get time off) but with the hot weather, I plan to spend more time by the pool or river and will hopefully be taking a couple short weekend vacations.

The challenge is with the same blog I did the challenge with last summer, Semi-Charmed Kind of Life.  The rules and categories are below.  I've also included my thoughts for what I will read (in blue).  I would love input from any of you on my choices or if you have other recomendations for books I've overlooked for some of these categories.

Rules:

• The challenge will run from July 1, 2013, to September 30, 2013. No books that are started before 12 a.m. on July 1 or finished after 11:59 p.m. on September 30 will count.
• No re-reads (unless specifically stated)! I want you to experience new books with this challenge.
• Each book must be at least 200 pages long. Audiobooks are fine, as long as the print versions meet the page requirements.
• A book can only be used for one category. If you want to switch the category later, that's fine, just be sure to account for that in your point total.
• The highest possible total is 200 points, and the first five people who finish the challenge will win a featured/guest post on Semi-Charmed Kind of Life. Good luck!

The Challenge:

5 points: Freebie! Read any book you'd like, as long as it follows the above rules. :) —Veronica by Nicholas Christopher
5: Read a book that is less than 150 pages long. — Don't know yet, open to suggestions.
10: Read a book with a color in the title. — Someone recommended Red Azalea, by Anchee Min to me, I have no idea what it is about, but ill probably give it a try!
10: Read a book that is not the first in its series. — So many options, I'll have to decide between: Insurgent, Crossed, The Girl Who Played With Fire, Requiem, The Scorch Trails, or Shadow of Night (apparently I suck at following through with series)
15: Read a book it seems everyone but you has read! — The Casual Vacancy by J. K. Rowling
15: Read a banned book.—The Perks of Being a Wallflower or Tiger Eyes.
20: Read a book written by a celebrity. This can be a memoir or a fiction book published by someone who was already famous by another means. — My Life in France by Julia Child or something by Steve Martin
20: Read a non-fiction book that is not a memoir. It can be pure non-fiction or narrative non-fiction. — Again, a couple options: How to be a Woman, What I Wish I Knew When I was 20, The US Women's Soccer Team, an American Success Story, or Three and Out.
20: Read a book that takes place in a state you have never been in. If you have been to all 50 states, choose a book that takes place in a country you have never been in. Also do the latter option if you are not American. — My Losing Season by Pat Conroy (South Carolina)
25: Read a book that is at least 400 pages long. — I'm not sold yet, but thinking about Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
25: Read a book with a main character who shares your first name.** —  Misery by Stephen King or Then Came you by Jennifer Weiner 
30: Read a book written by an author who was born in the same year as you.* — At first I couldn't find anything but this website was recommended and I found exactly what I was looking for! I have options: Legend by Marie Lu, Purity by Jackson Pearce, or Wake by Amanda Hocking

If there are some others of you out there interested in participating head over to Semi-Charmed Kind of Life and join in! Time to get reading!