Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon Wrap-Up

Hello everyone! Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon is over. Did you stay up the whole time? I didn't! But I did spend a lot of time reading and got a lot of reading done.

So, since I didn't post any hourly updates during the read-a-thon, I thought I would make this wrap-up post to share what I read.

I started on page 366 of Allegiant by Veronica Roth and finished the book for a total of 160 pages of that. This was a good book, but not quite as good as the first one. If you are interested to know more of what I thought you can click here for my book review of it.
I also finished Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick and read from page 315 to the end for a total of 110 pages.
I read 199 pages of Betrayal by Robin Wasserman during the read-a-thon. I had read 10 pages before the read-a-thon started.
Lastly I started Vitro by Jessica Khoury and read 49 pages.

For a total of 518 pages during the read-a-thon!

I am very happy with how well I did during the read-a-thon. I want to thank everyone who put the read-a-thon together and helped keep it going for the whole 24 hours. I had so much fun reading and I'm so glad I decided to participate!

Dewey's Read-A-Thon Hour 24 End of Event Meme

End of Event Meme:

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Hour 16, I decided to get some sleep!
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Vitro by Jessica Khoury
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? No, I think it was great
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? I think just about everything went well
5. How many books did you read? I read four, but some I had started before the read-a-thon and one I didn't finish.
6. What were the names of the books you read? Allegiant by Veronica Roth, Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick, Betrayal by Robin Wasserman, Vitro by Jessica Khoury.
7. Which book did you enjoy most? I enjoyed Allegiant even though parts of it were frustrating!
8. Which did you enjoy least? Crescendo the main character really started to bug me!
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? I was not.
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? I'm very likely to participate! I would be a reader again :)

Dewey's Read-A-Thon Mid-Event Survey

We are halfway through Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon! 12 hours to go!

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?
Betrayal by Robin Wasserman
2. How many books have you read so far?
I have finished Allegiant by Veronica Roth and Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick, both I had already started before the read-a-thon began
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
I'm looking forward to starting Vitro by Jessica Khoury. 
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
No, I lucked out and didn't have any plans for the day. It also ended up being a rainy day which I think is perfect for staying inside and reading. I guess I could be doing homework, but I'll save that for tomorrow :) 
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
I have had several interruptions, but I just continued reading as soon as I could!
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
How supportive everyone is to each other, I think it's great.
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
No, keep up the good work!
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
I think I would sign up earlier and just get more excited to read.
9. Are you getting tired yet?
I'm not too tired yet, but it is only a little after 7 pm where I live and I started at 8 am. I'm sure I will be getting tired soon!
10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?
I think if you can find someone you know to join in the read-a-thon with you it might be fun. I told my mom about it this morning and she decided to participate also. It's been nice sharing how much we've read and encouraging each other to keep on reading. 

Book Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

I rate this book...

4 out of 5 stars

What I thought...

*Non Spoilers Section*
I didn't have high expectations for this book after being so disappointed by Insurgent. But I liked this one much better. It wasn't as good as Divergent, but it was better than Insurgent.
I didn't like that this book was written in both Tris and Tobias's point of view. I thought this was confusing. I understand why she did it, but I just didn't like that.
We find out a lot of information in this book and I feel that it did a good job of wrapping up the series. I do feel like some things were unnecessary though.
I definitely recommend this series.


*Spoilers Section*
I don't have too much to say really.
I was so glad we finally know what's beyond the fence! I think the idea of them being an experiment is so interesting. I was a little disappointed that Tobias wasn't really divergent like Tris. But it didn't matter in the end.
I love the fact that we got to find out about both of her parents more.
I like that we got to see Caleb more, but I wish we got to see more of them getting along or perhaps something in Caleb's part of view so we could really see where he was coming from.
The end was so sad. After all that had happened why did Tris need to be the one to die? I felt so bad that she lived through the death serum to be killed by a gun.

Tips For Read-A-Thons

I have participated in quite a few read-a-thons now and with the Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon and the Bout of Books read-a-thon coming up I thought I would share some tips for read-a-thons with you. I am not a professional, but here are some of the things I will be doing during the upcoming read-a-thons that might help you out as well.

• Be prepared - I like to pick out the books I will be reading before the read-a-thon starts, this way I don't waste reading time by trying to decide what I'm going to read. 
• Pick small books - You don't want to be stuck reading a huge book the whole time. You will also feel more motivated to keep reading if you finish a book and can start a new one.
• Get comfortable - Find a comfy, quiet place to read, you don't want to be distracted by being uncomfortable or by noisy family members. Also remember not to stay in one spot all day, move around and get a little exercise.
• Stay away from electronics while reading - If I have my computer, iPod or something like that nearby, I always get distracted from reading. I have learned that it is best to stay away from them while reading.
• Take breaks - It's great if you want to read as much as possible, but sometimes a break is necessary. This is also a good time to play with those electronics and to check social media and blogs!
• Get snacks - And don't skip meals! You will get hungry while you are reading, so you need to refuel with some food! 
• Have fun! - Don't take things too seriously, remember this is supposed to be fun! So don't stress out if you aren't meeting the goals you've set for yourself or you think others are doing better than you, just relax and enjoy reading!

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon

Hello everyone! I know I just posted about the Bout of Books read-a-thon, but I just found out about this one today when I watched this video from Catriona, little book owl on YouTube, talking about how she was going to participate and what books she is going to read. So, I decided to participate also.
This read-a-thon starts on Saturday April 26, 2014. The whole world will start reading at the same time, so if you are interested click here to see the starting times. I will be starting at 8am EST. Also, if you are interested in signing up click here for the sign up post. You can sign up until the day of the read-a-thon.

Now I thought I would share the books I plan on reading for the read-a-thon.

• Allegiant by Veronica Roth - I am in the middle of this book already and I want to finish it and post a review once I'm done.
• Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick - I have about 100 pages left in this book to get through.
• Vitro by Jessica Khoury - I read her first book, Origin, and flew through it, so I'm hoping I'll love this one just as much.
• Betrayal by Robin Wasserman - The second book in the Chasing Yesterday trilogy. This is a really short book and more of a middle grade than young adult book. I should be able to get through it pretty quickly.
• Truth by Robin Wasserman - This is the final book in the Chasing Yesterday trilogy. Also should be a quick, fun read.

If  I finish these five books, I will just pick up whatever I'm in the mood to read next.

I think this read-a-thon will be a lot of fun and I hope you join if you're interested. Happy reading!

Bout of Books 10

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Hello everyone! I am going to be participating in the Bout of Book 10 read-a-thon that will be taking place from May 12th through May 18th. I had so much fun during the last Bout of Books read-a-thon and I am excited to be participating again! Stay tuned for my Bout of Books goals post and my daily updates during the read-a-thon.

Nail Polish Haul

I recently went shopping and found some Essie Nail Polish on sale. So, of course I had to get some. Here are the colors I got.

forever yummy, go overboard, a cut above, and tart deco

I got four colors by Essie. One is a bright red color called "forever yummy". The next is a deep blue called "go overboard". Then a pink glitter polish "a cut above". And lastly a bright coral color polish that I think is perfect for springtime called "tart deco".

tart deco

This was my first time trying a polish by Essie and I had high expectations because everybody seems to love this brand of nail polish. This definitely lives up to the hype! I tried the "tart deco" color on my nails and it applies very nicely and the color is pretty opaque, I used two coats. It dried really quickly on my nails and It has lasted a long time with minimal chipping. I can't wait to try the other colors I got, I hope they will be just as good.  I would also like to get some more polishes by this brand.

Birthday Book Haul!

Hello everyone! My birthday was this past weekend and every year I ask for gift cards to a bookstore. I thought I would share the two books I got myself and the one I got as a gift for my birthday.

The first book I got is Vitro by Jessica Khoury. I have been wanting to get this book since it came out. I loved her first book Origin and I'm really excited to read this one.

The second book I got myself is Frost by Marianna Baer. I've heard mixed reviews about this book, but it sounds interesting and it was on sale!

Lastly my parents got me the Exclusive Collector's Edition of The Fault in our Stars by John Green. This is probably my favorite book. I have read it twice so far and plan on reading it again before the movie comes out. I just had to have this special edition of my favorite book!

Top Ten Bookish Things (That Aren't Books) That I'd Like To Own

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's Top Ten Tuesday topic is: Top ten bookish things (that aren't books) that I'd like to own.

1. The Fault in our Stars "Okay? Okay" Shirt from Barns and Noble 

2. Polandbananasbooks Booklion shirt  or Mundane Fools shirt 

3. A new bookshelf, because my little one is overflowing!
4. A Harry Potter wand
5. Cute bookends like these cat ones 

6. Bookmarks

7. A Kindle or ipad or e-reader
8. Book phone case  

Pinterest 

9. A new book light

10. A home library and reading area for all of my books to go

Favorite Spring Nail Polishes 2014

Hello everyone! Spring is finally here and I am so excited to wear pretty pastel colored nail polish again. Today I thought I would share some of my favorite spring nail polishes. 

Mrs. Mint

Mint Sorbet

One of my favorites is Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in the color Mint Sorbet. It is a nice mint color and lasts a long time on my nails.

Next is a polish by Funky Fingers in the color Mrs. Mint. This color is very similar to Mint Sorbet but it is slightly darker. This one is a little cheaper and doesn't last as long on my nails.

Your's Truly

Green With Envy

Next is another Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polish in the color Green With Envy. This is a light green color I think is great for the springtime.

You can't not wear pink nail polish in the springtime. One I love is by Sinful Shine in the color Your's Truly. This looks great on and lasts for a long time on the nails.

Blue Me Away!

Sugar Plumb Fairy

Another Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polish! This one is in the color Blue Me Away! This is such a pretty bright blue color that is perfect for spring.

Next is another polish by Funky Fingers. This is the color Sugar Plumb Fairy. It is a nice pastel purple (you can see it is almost the same color as my wall haha.). This is a beautiful color but these polishes do tend to chip off easily.

Mellow Yellow

Last I have yet another Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polish (can you tell I like these?). This one is in the color Mellow Yellow. I think this is a nice color for transitioning into the summertime because it is a little brighter, but not too bright for a yellow.

Book Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth (collector's edition)

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

I rate this book...

3 out of 5

What I thought...

*Non Spoilers Section*
I was really excited to read this book after reading Divergent. However, this book was definitely not as exciting as the first book. In fact, I was quite bored during some parts. A lot of it was repetitive and not a lot of exciting things happened until the end. It took me a lot longer to read this one than it took me to read the first book. It felt very dragged out. I honestly don't remember everything that happened because it really didn't leave that much of an impression. I was just expecting so much more from it.

*Spoilers Section*
I don't have too much to say about this book. It was quite disappointing.

I hated Caleb for agreeing with "faction over blood". Caleb is the only family Tris has left.

It sort of annoyed me that Tris and Tobias had so many issues and that Tris couldn't pick up a gun. I thought she would get over it and pick up a gun, but she never really did. I thought it was annoying that Christina could forgive Tris, but Tris couldn't forgive herself or at least move on from the fact that she killed Will.

I liked that we got to see more of Amity and learn more about them and some of the other factions.

The end was definitely the best part. Tris is related to the women in the video explaining everything about why the factions were started and is one of the first people to live in this society with factions. This makes me want to read the last one just because it ends at a cliffhanger.