Queen of Books

Saturday, 8 September 2018

Book Playlists - To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Hello everyone! It's September which means school is starting and I am a lot more busy than I was during the summer. That being said, I am starting a new series on this blog which is called: Book Playlists. I will do one every now and then when I find a book that I love and want to put songs to it.

The first book I am making a playlist for is To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han.

I Like Me Better
Lauv

I love this song so much and it isn't just because it was used in the movie version of To All the Boys I've Loved Before. I think it captures Peter Kavinsky and Lara Jean's relationship perfectly.

I especially think this line works for their relationship: "I knew from the first time, I'd stay for a long time 'cause I like me better when. I like me better when I'm with you."

Lovers
Anna of the North

This song was used in the movie for the hot tub scene which I love. I also just love the tempo and the softness of this song. It's very unique and really works for their relationship.

Line I love: "Now I'm in the dark, show a little loving. Shine a little light on me."

Fearless
Taylor Swift

I've always loved this song and it really works for this book. It describes how Lara Jean changes when she gets into a relationship with Peter Kavinsky. She really comes into her own and gains courage.

Line I Love: "And I don't know how it gets better than this. You take my hand and drag me head first. Fearless."

No Promises
Demi Lovato and Cheat Codes

This song is not my favorite but it fits the book. Peter and Lara Jean's relationship is fake throughout most of the book so this song really makes sense.

Line I Love: "Oh na na, just be careful, na na. Love ain't simple, na na. Promise me no promises."

Baby One More Time
Britney Spears

I love this song so much! Also, it totally works for this book. It shows how much the two main characters come to like each other and respect each other.

Line I Love: "My loneliness is killing me (and I). I must confess I still believe (still believe). When I'm not with you, I lose my mind."

Is There Somewhere
Halsey

This is a song that describes the complexity of their fake relationship and how they gain feelings for each other which is not the point of a fake relationship.

Line I Love: "I'm trying not to let it show, that I don't want to let this go. Is there somewhere you can meet me?"

Electric Love
Borns

This song describes the relationship between Lara Jean and Peter Kavinsky and I really like the lyrics and the song.

Line I Love: "Baby you're like lightning in a bottle. I can't let you go now that I got it. And all I need is to be struck by your electric love."

Roses
The Chainsmokers

Roses by The Chainsmokers is a song that is always on the radio and so many people know it. Including myself. I really enjoy it and think it fits the overall tone of the book.

Line I Love: "Say you'll never let me go."

Bathwater
No Doubt

Bathwater is such a good song that I just discovered and it truly works for this book. I feel like it describes how Lara Jean feels about Peter Kavinsky picking her.

Line I Love: "So why do we choose the boys that are naughty? I don't fit in so why do you want me?"

Goodnight n Go
Ariana Grande

Goodnight n Go is one of my new favorite songs from Ariana. I feel like it fits the end of the book quite well (I'm not going to spoil it but it is bittersweet).

Line I Love: "Why d'ya have to be so cute? It's impossible to ignore you. Must you make me laugh so much. It's bad enough we get along so well. Say goodnight and go."

Be Okay
Oh Honey

This is another song for Peter and Lara Jean. It is very cute and I like the melody. It also describes the two when they realize they like each other.

Line I Love: "Can't complain about much these days, I believe we'll be okay."

Out of the Woods
Taylor Swift

I love this song so much. It really describes Peter and Lara Jean when they are having a hard time with their relationship.

Line I Love: "Are we out of the woods yet?"

That's it for this blogpost. If you have any suggestions for the next book I should do, then let me know in the comments. Also, if you have a song to add to this list, then write it in the comments. I'll be adding a Spotify link soon.

See you all soon!

Sunday, 2 September 2018

Weekly Recap: 8/27 - 9/2

Weekly recap is where I update you on my life, reading and watching. Plus any posts I have done or will do.

AHH! I'm writing this in my dorm room. I will possibly share pictures of it once it is completely done. It's still a little bit of a mess but I'm a mess too so it's okay. College is already stressful and I miss my home and family but it will be fun (hopefully!). Also, it's so hard making friends here.

I'll be sort of MIA on here for awhile but will try and post once a week.

Now, let's get into recapping.

New Books

Purchased:

Library:

Received for Review:

Sunday, 26 August 2018

Weekly Recap: 8/20 - 8/26

Weekly recap is where I update you on my life, reading and watching. Plus any posts I have done or will do.

This week has been a lot about getting ready for college as I am leaving this coming week. It's so crazy.

I read four books this week which was very impressive and I am on my fifth book of the week! I finally saw To All the Boys I Loved Before on Netflix and it was the cutest movie. Obviously, I've read the books but to see it come to life was a whole different thing. Noah Centineo was a perfect Peter Kavinsky and Lana Condor was a perfect Lara Jean. I highly recommend it.

Now, let's get into recapping.

New Books

Purchased:

Library:

Received for Review:

Saturday, 25 August 2018

JULY '18 WRAP-UP

So, it's the end of the month and that means another wrap-up!

It's already almost the end of August so this is really late but it is finally here. I am going to college in three days which is crazy.

In July I was in California and I had fun. I went to Disneyland and did a lot of things that I normally don't do there.

Join my book club: here.

Anyways...

Time to talk about the books I read this month.

PHYSICAL BOOKS

The first book I read was Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray. I really enjoyed this book as I liked seeing how the two characters found each other again and how we got more development for them. Also, I loved seeing more of the world. I rated this one 4 Crowns.

The second book I read was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. My sister read this a while back and made me read it so I did. I did enjoy it though I like books better if there are more girls (cause I'm one). I did enjoy the storyline and the message. I rated this one 3 Crowns.

The third book I read was Nerve by Jeanne Ryan. I have wanted to read this for awhile and I finally have. I did not like this as much as I wanted to. It was a little bit confusing and although I liked the concept, I found it disturbing so I ended up rating it only 3 Crowns. Also, the last half of it really freaked me out.

The Continent by Keira Drake was the fourth book I read. There is so much controversy surrounding this book so I was a little hesitant to start this book but I requested it from the library and read it. I really enjoyed it. I feel like there are a couple of issues with it but the author edited it really well and made it better. I loved the premise and the characters. I rated it 3 Crowns.

The fifth book I read was Unite Me by Tahereh Mafi. I loved these short stories in the Shatter Me series. Learning more about Warner and Adam was so interesting and made me love Warner even more. I wrote reviews of both of these short stories on my blog. I rated the whole thing 5 Crowns.

The sixth physical book I read was Ms. Marvel Volume 2. I really love Ms. Marvel as she's a teenage girl who has powers and is interested in helping her town. I loved this one and learning more about her. I rated this one 4 Crowns.

The seventh physical book I read was The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden. I love this series so much. The main character is so interesting and I love the whole story. I want to write a review of two of this book so I am not going to say anything. I rated this one 4 Crowns.

AUDIOBOOKS READ

The first and only audiobook that I listened to was Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi. I love the person who reads these audiobooks because she makes the characters sound so realistic and her voices really match the characters themselves. I also loved the story and how it wrapped up, for the most part. Plus my ship: Warner and Juliette. I rated this 5 Crowns.

ARC'S READ

The first and only ARC I read was Rule by Ellen Goodlett. I received this as a physical ARC from the publisher and I loved it so much. I really liked the concept of the three queens who each have to fight for the throne although they all became friends and allies when someone threatened all of them. I liked the characters and the setting. I rated it 4 Crowns.

REVIEWS IN MARCH:

Rule by Ellen Goodlett Review

Inkmistress by Audrey Couthurst Review

WEEKLY WRAP-UP:

DISCUSSIONS/OTHER:

June '18 Wrap-Up

FAVORITE COVER OF THE MONTH:

NEW FICTIONAL BAE'S:

Aaron Warner from Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Morozko from The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

NEW FAVORITE FEMALES:

Zofi, Akeylah and Ren from Rule by Ellen Goodlett

Vaela from The Continent by Keira Drake

Vasya from The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

NEW FAVORITE BOOK RELATIONSHIPS:

Warner and Juliette from Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Vasya and Morozko from The Girl in the Tower

TV SHOWS I WATCHED THIS MONTH:

MOVIES I WATCHED THIS MONTH:

WHAT BOOKS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

NEW BLOG FINDS

NONE

SONGS ON REPEAT

Done for Me - Charlie Puth ft. Kehlani

You Drive Me Crazy - Britney Spears

My Prerogative - Britney Spears

Boys - Britney Spears

BOOKS I WANT TO READ NEXT MONTH

The graphics at the top belong to me. The background pictures for them, however do not.

Friday, 24 August 2018

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han Book Review

This is a spoiler free review.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Written by Jenny Han

Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary/Romance

Publisher: Penerbit Spring

Release Date: March 20, 2015

Pages: 355
Source: Bought

Places to Get this Book: Amazon Barnes and Noble Book Depository

Recommended Age: 13 and up!

Summary:

What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them… all at once?

Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

Review:

To All the Boys I've Loved Before is the cutest contemporary that I have ever read. I loved the characters and the storyline. Plus, there were so many details that were adorable.

COVER

I think the cover is adorable. I love how Lara Jean is on the cover and she is writing which is the whole premise of the book. I also love the font of the title and how it seems to be written with expo marker.

WORLD-BUILDING

There isn't really any world-building though we do learn a bit about her town and her past throughout the entire book.

Then there are the characters.

LARA JEAN COVEY

Lara Jean is a half-Korean, sixteen year old girl who is invisible, meaning that she isn't noticed at school and lives on the sidelines and for the most part is content with it. She lives with her single father and two sisters (one older and one younger) but her life changes when her older sister moves to Europe for college and Lara Jean is the oldest Song girl, giving her a lot more responsibility. Then, as if to make it even harder for Lara Jean, her secret letters that she keeps in her mother's hatbox are sent to five boys who Lara Jean used to like. Lara Jean is horrified, especially when they start confronting her. Lara Jean is a shy girl who enjoys staying home to bake and spend time with her sisters which is partly due to the fact that she hates driving. Lara Jean loves her family and schedules most of her life around them which is sweet. She's also scared of relationships which is totally relatable. She is easily one of my favorite fictional characters and one who is easy for me to relate to.

PETER KAVINSKY

Peter Kavinsky. Where do I even begin? He is one of my favorite male characters as well as favorite book boyfriends. Peter is a jock who is one of the most popular kids at school and is one of Lara Jean's previous crushes who gets one of the letters. He and Lara Jean start a fake relationship which is so adorable. Peter is a very kind person who looks out for Lara Jean despite their relationship being fake. I love how supportive he is and how he willingly does things that Lara Jean wants to in exchange for her doing some of the things he likes. Peter was such a good boyfriend (well, fake boyfriend) and a great character.

KITTY COVEY

Kitty is Lara Jean's younger sister and a hilarious character. I loved how honest and feisty she was. Kitty is not afraid to say whatever she thinks and often forgets about the consequences of her actions. She quickly accepts Peter and always wants to hang out with him. I really liked her relationship with her sister as well as her relationship with Peter Kavinsky.

MARGOT COVEY

Margot is Lara Jean's older sister who isn't in the book that much because she went off to Europe for college. Margot is very smart and was in charge of a lot in the household before she left so those responsibilities are taken over by Lara Jean. Margot is a little self centered and makes many problems about herself or blames problems on her sisters which I didn't like but overall, she's a complex character.

FRIENDSHIP/FAMILY

Family is a main theme in this novel as Lara Jean spends a lot of time with her sisters and her father. Lara Jean would rather be with her family then anyone else and I liked that about her. I loved how close she was with her family and how much she cared about them.

PLOT

Lara Jean is a sixteen-year-old-girl who writes a love letter to every boy she's ever 'loved'. She keeps them in a hatbox that her mother gave her and no one knows they exist. Well, that's what she thinks, until the letters get sent out and the boys start confronting her. Basically, she starts living her nightmare, until one of the boys, Peter Kavinsky, suggests that they fake date in order to keep the other boys at bay and make his ex-girlfriend jealous.

The plot is adorable, light and fluffy. Lara Jean's journey is so cute and I loved reading about it.

ROMANCE

The romance was quite possibly my favorite part of this book (besides Lara Jean's baking obsession and Peter K himself). As I mentioned before, it starts out as a fake relationship because Lara Jean's letters get out and Peter wants to get his girlfriend back. They create a contract of things they have to do such as Lara Jean will get driven by Peter to school, and personally I loved that about their relationship. Obviously, feelings start to emerge and their fake dating doesn't remain fake. It is so cute and Peter Kavinsky is basically the best boyfriend (where you find one of those in the real world, I don't know). He knows what Lara Jean likes and doesn't like and tries to always have her back which proves tough later on.

WRITING

Many people complain about the writing in these books but I love the writing. It's simple and easy to read. Lara Jean does sometimes act like a whiny teenager but in my opinion this makes it more realistic. I liked how Jenny Han crafted her characters and shaped them through their experiences.

FINAL THOUGHTS

To All the Boys I've Loved Before is one of my new favorite books. I loved the plot, the characters and the romance. I thought all the characters were complex and exciting. Also, the plot was original. I highly recommend this book if you haven't already read it.

This book has also become a Netflix movie which I haven't watched yet but I'm excited to.

Quotes from the Book:

“When someone's been gone a long time, at first you save up all the things you want to tell them. You try to keep track of everything in your head. But it's like trying to hold on to a fistful of sand: all the little bits slip out of your hands, and then you're just clutching air and grit.”

“Love is scary: it changes; it can go away. That's the part of the risk. I don't want to be scared anymore.”

“If love is like a possession, maybe my letters are like my exorcisms”

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Crowns