quotes Elisquared likes


"Saying 'I notice you're a nerd' is like saying, 'Hey, I notice that you'd rather be intelligent than be stupid, that you'd rather be thoughtful than be vapid, that you believe that there are things that matter more than the arrest record of Lindsay Lohan. Why is that?' In fact, it seems to me that most contemporary insults are pretty lame. Even 'lame' is kind of lame. Saying 'You're lame' is like saying 'You walk with a limp.' Yeah, whatever, so does 50 Cent, and he's done all right for himself."— John Green

1.30.2016

Backlist Books Reading Challenge - Masterpost


As I posted previously, I am participating in some book challenges in the new year!  This particular one, Backlist Books Reading Challengehosted at Pretty Deadly Reviews, is a majorly needed challenge for me!  I have a TON of older books that I haven't gotten to that I want/need to read!  With this challenge, it gives me an excuse to focus on those older books!

There isn't a level element with this challenge, unlike Pretty Deadly's LGBTQIA Reading Challenge.  But there will be a review requirement so you can be entered into the giveaway at the end of June and end of December.  There will be a link-up post over at Pretty Deadly's blog to link your reviews up.

While there isn't minimum or maximum to how many books I read, I once again am going to shoot for 12.  Some of those are going to be ones I read for the other two reading challenges, but others will be just because!  Once I'm done reading a book, they will be listed below, along with the review!

Hopefully I get to 12, but I'm not going to say I will for sure, the amount could go up or down depending on my other obligations. But even if I read one backlist book, that will be one less I have on my TBR pile!



Books I've Read
  1. The Impossible Knife of Memory by Lauire Halse Anderson (Review/Goodreads)
  2. Throne of Glass by Sarah. J. Maas (Review/Goodreads)
  3. The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater (Review/Goodreads)

I'm really excited for this, and the two other challenges I signed up for!  You can check out more info and sign up yourself at the link above!

Happy reading!



1.29.2016

LGBTQIA 2016 Reading Challenge - Master Post


As I posted previously, I am participating in some book challenges in the new year!  This particular one, LGBTQIA 2016 Reading Challenge hosted at Pretty Deadly Reviews, is near and dear to my heart because I love LGBTQIA+ books!  There needs to be EVEN more of them out there, and I'm going to make sure to read quite a few this year!

For this challenge there are different levels that correspond to the colors of the rainbow:

  • Red = 5 books
  • Orange = 6-12 books
  • Yellow = 13-20 books
  • Green = 21- 30 books
  • Blue = 31- 40 books
  • Purple = 41- 50 books

My level I'm going to aim for is the Orange Level (6-12 books) because I am also doing two other book challenges, plus wanting to read ALL the other things out there (ARCs, new releases, book tours, etc....so many books).  

What's great about this one is that backlist books are able to be read, which is perfect because one of the other challenges I'm doing is specifically for backlist books (two birds, one stone YAS!).  Another requirement for this challenge is that the book needs to be reviewed.  This allows you to be eligible to enter the giveaway at the end of the year for a LGBTQIA book!  Wooh!

Here are the books I'm planning on reading (these may change...I'm unpredictable like that LOL), and when I post the review I'll link it here too:
  1. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth (Review/Goodreads)
  2. Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Review/Goodreads)
  3. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan (Review/Goodreads)
  4. None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio (Review/Goodreads)
  5. The Letter Q: Queer Writers' Notes to their Younger Selves edited by Sarah Moon (Review/Goodreads)
  6. Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg (Review/Goodreads)
  7. The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun David Hutchinson (Review/Goodreads)
  8. Ash by Malinda Lo (Review/Goodreads)
  9. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Review/Goodreads)
  10. Ask the Passengers by A.S. King (Review/Goodreads
  11. Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan (Review/Goodreads)
  12. Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey (Review/Goodreads)
Hopefully I get to all of these, but I'm not going to say this is a concrete list.  I may switch some out for new releases or old release I learn about through the year.  I also may lessen the amount or increase the amount

I'm really excited for this, and the two other challenges I signed up for!  You can check out more info and sign up yourself at the link above!

Happy reading!


1.27.2016

IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT by Paul Rudnick (Review + Giveaway)




Title: It's All Your Fault
Author(s): Paul Rudnick
Edition: Hardcover, 304 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Books
Publication Date: January 26, 2016
Source: Rockstar Book Tours  (As part of book tour for an honest review)
Buy: Amazon Barnes & Noble - Book Depository














The Summary

One last chance. One wild weekend.

My name is Caitlin and up until forty-eight hours ago I had never: Tasted alcohol, kissed a boy, sang in public at the top of my lungs, kidnapped anyone or--WHAT? STOLEN A CONVERTIBLE?

Now I'm in jail and I have no idea what I'm going to tell: The police, my parents, the mayor, all of those camera crews and everyone on Twitter.

I have just noticed that: My nose is pierced and I have-WAIT? IS THAT A TATTOO?

I blame one person for this entire insane weekend: My famous cousin.

Who is also my former best friend.

Who I have HATED for the past four years.

Who I miss like crazy. NO I DON'T!!!!

IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT, HELLER HARRIGAN!!!!

My Opinion

When I first read the description for It's All Your Fault, I thought it would be a funny contemporary; something light to breeze right through.  I was right that it was a funny--no hilarious contemporary, but it wasn't always a light read, and I think that is what Paul Rudnick did the best when crafting the story of ultra-conservative Caitlin and her ultra-rebellious cousin Heller.

Let's talk writing really quick, because this is where I both loved and hated the book.  Rudnick is the king of one-liners and rapid exchange.  The dialogue that comes out of Heller's, and Caitlin's, mouth had me laughing out loud.  Of course with this intense back and forth, the quips just keep coming and it's great.  I feel like I'm on a non-stop rollercoaster, which is needed because the things that happen is this book are somewhat stretching reality.  But at the same time, there is A LOT OF CAPS USED TO EXPRESS THINGS.  Both Caitlin and Heller, at one point or multiple points, yell throughout the book.  I hate when ALL CAPS are used in books, because while I understand the want to really emphasize the crazy, I don't need someone to shove it down my throat.

But that is completely a personal thing of mine, and I can see how it works well in the context of this crazy story.  Heller is the resident crazy famous girl, who did a stint in rehab and is now being baby-sat by her uptight Jesus loving cousin, Caitlin.  Obviously these two girls consistently bash heads because their lives couldn't be more different.  Throw in all the crazy promo stuff that Heller has to do for her new movie, think a Twilight/The Hunger Games level franchise for the movies, and shenanigans happen.  The plot and the dynamic between the two are really what makes this book so fun.  While sometimes you have to suspend disbelief, it works.

I feel like this book is in a way Rudnick's commentary on pop culture and how crazy both the conservative side and liberal side of people can be when it comes to celebrity or being a "good Christian".  Also, the additions to the book that highlight pop culture are really the best.  There's a particular scene that really captures all the feels us book lovers go through when reading a particularly heart-wrenching book that just had me laughing so much.  Then, of course, there are other things like the three little girls named Katniss, Hermione, and Bella, and the clear reference to the "cancer book"; we all know what book that is.

But even with all the crazy that happens, underneath it all is really a story of cousins, and how they deal with their issues with each other and with themselves.  There are some heavy themes in the book, like drinking, drugs, OCD, anxiety attacks, that are prevalent but never lingered on for very long.  This helps keep the story light, but also helps ground it in reality amidst the circus that Caitlin and Heller's three days become.  I think without this aspect I wouldn't have liked the book at all because it would have been just too crazy.

Overall, this was a very fun book, full of madcap hijinks.  The fast-pacing makes you fly through the book and the humor never lets up, even in the more serious times which I really loved.  I think this is a must needed addition to any humor collection, whether it be YA or Adult because it is so funny and current.  With It's All Your Fault in hand, you won't have a dull moment.

Final Rating




About the Author

Paul Rudnick is a critically acclaimed novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. His screenplays include In&Out and Addams Family Values, and he’s written for Vogue, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker. His plays, including I Hate Hamlet and Jeffrey, have been produced both on and off Broadway and around the world. His first young adult novel, Gorgeous, was called a “wicked good time” by the New York Times Book Review. Under the pen name Libby Gelman-Waxner, he is also the world’s most beloved and irresponsible film critic. Paul lives in New York City. 


Giveaway

5 winners will receive a finished copy of IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT

Giveaway is open to US ONLY

Giveaway ends on February 1st


Tour Schedule


Week One:
1/18/2016 - The Cover Contessa - Interview
1/19/2016 - Zach's YA Reviews - Review
1/20/2016 - Swoony Boys Podcast - Guest Post
1/21/2016 - Book Briefs - Review
1/22/2016 - In Wonderland - Interview

Week Two:
1/25/2016 - The Best Books Ever - Review
1/26/2016 - Avid Reader - Guest Post
1/27/2016 - Eli to the nth - Review
1/28/2016 - BookHounds YA - Interview
1/29/2016 - A Dream Within A Dream - Review



1.26.2016

Past. Present. Future. January Edition


This feature hightlights the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read for each month! 

I'd love for you all to join in if you want! Leave me a comment to your post or just let me know in the comment what's your Past. Present. Furture. in books!


PAST:
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas - Why did I wait so long to start this series?!  I LOVED IT SO SO SO MUCH!  Definitely one of my top books I've read so far, and I don't imagine that changing.  If you're looking for a great fantasy read with a strong female protagonist and an interesting mythos, then you have to go pick this one up!




Built by Jay Crownover - Oooooh this was a very sexy but sweet book!  I'm not one for romance novels, but Jay has a talent to ground her stories in the real world.  Of course each of her men are deliciously tall, dark (or light), and handsome!  Zeb is no exception to this; good with his hands, both with building and with seducing.  Not a book for kids/teens, but a nice romp for ladies (and gents) if you're so inclined!
PRESENT:
It's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick - I am currently reading this for the blog tour for the book through Rockstar Book Tours (< Click for the tour schedule), and it is cute.  I'm a little on the fence on whether or not I really love it or just like it, but I haven't finished quite yet (gotta speed up!!!), so I'm waiting to formulate my complete opinion until then.




The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater - I am currently listening to this on audiobook, and I adore it! Will Patton is the narrator, and his southern drawl just adds to the atmosphere of the story set in Henrietta, Virginia.  I love love love all the characters: Gansey, Noah, Ronan, Adam, and especially Blue, are my baes!  I don't know why I waited so long to dive into this series, but as you can see below, I am all ready for Book 2 when this one is done!

FUTURE:
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater - Can't wait to start this audiobook as soon as I wrap up The Raven Boys!  I am really enjoying listening to this story on audio, and can't get enough of these Raven Boys!  They are my baes!  Also, this book goes more in depth on the mythos surrounding Ronan, supposedly, who is my favorite bad boy!
Leveled by Jay Crownover - This is the novella that connects Jay's two series, the Marked Men series and the Saints of Denver series.  It is also divergent in that it is a M/M romance, which I think need to be out there even more.  I'm excited to read this book and then start in on the MArked Men series.







If  you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!


1.15.2016

Visual Inspiration - Dumplin' by Julie Murphy




Pictures/Art/Photographs all help me see the books I'm reading.  Often, while I'm online, I stumble upon images that remind me of the book.  These visuals add layers to the stories, and can be used to offer hints to the plot.  So I've decided to put out "Visual Inspirations" in order to spark readers' interests in those books that I love.  Please feel free to join in; hopefully you'll get some new books to read in the process!

This is one of my favorite books of 2015.  When I read it, I fell instantly in love.  So without further ado, I give you inspiration this week from:


Dumplin' by Julie Murphy


Oh, what could all of this mean!?


Check the book out at your local bookstore or local library.  You will fall in love with Willowdean, I guarantee!  If you want a chance to win your very own copy Dumplin', I am holding a giveaway which you can check out here!

If you liked this, keep an eye out for more posts and check out my other Visual Inspirations!



1.13.2016

Waiting on Wednesday (93)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming/recent releases that we seriously can’t wait to read

Here's my pick for the week, that I seriously can't wait to read:



Girl in the Blue Coat
Publication Date: April 5, 2016


The missing girl is Jewish. I need you to find her before the Nazis do. 

Amsterdam, 1943. Hanneke spends her days procuring and delivering sought-after black market goods to paying customers, her nights hiding the true nature of her work from her concerned parents, and every waking moment mourning her boyfriend, who was killed on the Dutch front lines when the Germans invaded. She likes to think of her illegal work as a small act of rebellion.

On a routine delivery, a client asks Hanneke for help. Expecting to hear that Mrs. Janssen wants meat or kerosene, Hanneke is shocked by the older woman's frantic plea to find a person--a Jewish teenager Mrs. Janssen had been hiding, who has vanished without a trace from a secret room. Hanneke initially wants nothing to do with such dangerous work, but is ultimately drawn into a web of mysteries and stunning revelations that lead her into the heart of the resistance, open her eyes to the horrors of the Nazi war machine, and compel her to take desperate action.

Meticulously researched, intricately plotted, and beautifully written, Girl in the Blue Coat is an extraordinary, gripping novel from a bright new voice in historical fiction.

(Summary from Goodreads)



One of the most interesting parts of history to me is WWII and the Holocaust.  There are a lot of different aspects of humanity, both good and evil, that come out while studying this time period.  And books focusing on the horrible atrocities that were done to the Jewish people, and also the moments of incandescent kindness, bravery, and selflessness that were accomplished in the face of these atrocities are the books I like to read.  Often a heart-wrenching reminder of what humans can do to other humans and also as a platform for all the voices that were lost, books like Girl in the Blue Coat are necessary.

The Jewish Book Council is full of great resources to learn and teach about this period, including a Young Adult book list, where you can find other texts set during the Holocaust.

What book are you waiting for?

1.11.2016

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy (Review + Giveaway)

Title: Dumplin'
Author(s): Julie Murphy
Edition: Hardcover, 375 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (Imprint of HarperCollins)
Publication Date: September 15, 2015
Source: Bought from Amazon
Buy: Amazon Barnes & Noble - Book Depository















The Summary



Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked…until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back.

Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant—along with several other unlikely candidates—to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any twiggy girl does. Along the way, she’ll shock the hell out of Clover City—and maybe herself most of all.

With starry Texas nights, red candy suckers, Dolly Parton songs, and a wildly unforgettable heroine—Dumplin’ is guaranteed to steal your heart.

My Opinion


Where was Dumplin' when I was in high school, both the book and the girl?  Julie Murphy pens an empowering story for every girl who has ever felt out of place within her own body, but is definitely a major empowerment for fat girls everywhere.

Willowdean (Wil to her friends) is fantastic.  She is the heart of the book.  Wil is tough, but loving, and her obsession with Dolly Parton is the best thing ever; Wil is definitely a Texan through and through.  She also makes mistakes, and owns up to them.  Her characterization shows all facets of what a girl her size feels and expresses, because let's be real, while this book can be relatable to all girls in one way or another, this books sings to the big girls out there.

Wil is comfortable with herself, but sometimes when faced with situations on which society has placed certain "standards of beauty", Wil faces doubt and a tiny bit of hate within herself.  This is so relatable for girls, especially in modern society.  How many beauty ads/weight loss ads/you're not good enough ads do teen girls get exposed to nowadays?  It can be a struggle to be comfortable within your own skin instead of all seeing the "flaws".  This was definitely something I struggled with, and still struggle with even though I'm 27!  I think the way that Murphy executed this within the book, not just from Wil's perspective, but showing little glimpses of other women/girls within the story dealing with issues that conflict or embrace society's expectations of beauty is skillful.

All the supporting characters were also full of personality.  Ellen, the best friend; Bo, the maybe-not-really-what's-going-on "boyfriend"; Millie/Amanda/Hannah, the trio of "misfits"; Mitch, the other maybe-not-really-what's-going-on "boyfriend" all of layers to them.  Some you get to see a little more than others, but I didn't think any of them were a cookie cutter character.  I really loved each one for different reasons, and felt like these were all people I could find in a small town in Texas.  Mille, Amanda, and Hannah were probably my second favorites out of all of the characters behind Wil.  The strength and conviction of character all three have, especially Millie, was so great.  True friends are hard to find, so when you find them, you really need to keep them.

Exploring loss, body confidence, and relationships, both familiar and romantic, Murphy is able to create a story that feels real, and is not about the "fat" girl sliming down to get the guy, which, let's be honest, a lot of YA books with a larger protagonist often do.  Wil faces new and sometimes uncomfortable situations, but she finds her way through on no one's terms but her own.  I loved this book so much, and I think it is one which every person needs on their shelf!  Remember, in the words of Dumplin' herself, if you got it, flaunt it!  Go pick up a copy of Dumplin' by Julie Murphy TODAY!!

(Psst there's a giveaway below!)

Extras









Final Rating

Book Cover: 5/5

Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Ending: 9/10
Overall: 49/50: A+

1.07.2016

Babbling About Books - A Little Reading Q&A for the New Year


First, I'd like to apologize; I know I've been in and out of things here on Eli to the nth, and I really don't have an excuse other than life happens. I've been clocking in the hours at my full-time job, so this volunteer and fun job got put on the back burner.

To start out I'm going to get back in the groove of thinking, writing, eating, breathing books with this really awesome survey I found at Eve's Fan Garden. I love doing these surveys, and I hope some of you do it too!  There will be reviews coming, so please bear with me; the content is coming again, I promise! :)




1. Favorite childhood book?

My favorite childhood book changes in the expanse of my childhood. When I was really little I loved Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd. I couldn't get enough of that book. My parents and I would spend an hour saying goodnight to everything in my room just like in the book. Then as I got older (5-7) I devoured The Berenstain Bears series by Stan and Jan Berenstain.  When my little brother was born, my parents got me The Berenstain Bears and the New Baby just so I could relate to what I was about to go through!  
I had so many of them, and I still love them now!    

2. What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading: it changes constantly!  While 2015 was a sloooooow reading year for me, I still read all over the place genre-wise.  Of course, the books are 99.99% YA.  YA is bae.  But I am enjoying the hell out of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas!  I don't know why I waited so long to devour these books!


3. What books do you have on request at the library?

Here's the thing about me and the library: I have a problem with returning my library books on time. After the 50th time of this happening I've put a personal band on myself. This is really funny considering I have a degree in Library and Information Sciences. I'm a librarian who can't even check out books from the library.

4. Bad book habit?

If I'm reading books I personally own, I have a tendency to write in them. This is an unfortunate habit left over from my undergraduate days as an English lit major. We have to explicate everything, so it is just automatic for me. If it's not my book then I have the bad habit of not returning them on time (I never want to let any books go!)

5. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

Nada (see #3)


6. Do you have an e-reader?

I use to have a Nook Color, but we all know what happened to that e-reader.  I much prefer a hardcopy anyway.  I love the smell, weight, and texture of a real book.  Nothing can replace it, even for convenience sake.


7. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

I read several books at once. This usually happens because if I get a new book I have to start reading it! Right now I'm reading six books, and starting three reviews. I also have like 100 books in my TBR list. It's a problem.


8. Have your reading habits changed since starting a blog?

My reading habits continually fluctuate, and I wouldn't say it's due to my blog.  I've always been a reader, but with college my reading became more discerning.  I read not only for pleasure now, but I also analyze books more closely.  But I suppose there is a change due to blogging, just because I don't always get to choose when I read certain books, especially if they are specifically for review purposes.

9. Least favorite book you read this year (so far)?


I'm going to go with 2015 since I've only read 3 book so far in 2016.  Out of all the books I read in 2015, I only had one Did Not Finish: One Thing Stolen by Beth Kephart.  The premise sounded intriguing, and I got the book for review, but I just could not get through it.  The style of writing was strange, and it was confusing right away.  I think that might have been the point, but I just could not get into it at all. 

10. Favorite book you’ve read this year?


Again, looking at 2015, hands down, no question about it, Uprooted by Naomi Novak was my FAVORITE BOOK! Maybe not even of the year, but Top Ten ever!  It was such an amazing book, full of intriguing characters, beautifully built settings, and a non-stop engaging plot.  If you like fantasy even a tiny bit, then you must get a copy of Uprooted!


1.05.2016

Teaser Tuesday (75)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jenn of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along! Just do the following!
  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.
  • Share a few teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.
  • MAKE SURE NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (you don't want to give too much away and ruin the book for other readers)
Share the title and author too, so that other readers can add your book to their TBR list if they like your teaser!





      Her sword slide out of its sheath with barely a whine.  She took a shuddering breath, bracing herself for what would come next.
      Lord Nirall's eyes flew open just as the King's Champion raised her sword over her head.
(Page 4)













I have no clue why I hadn't started this series sooner!  I devoured Throne of Glass, the first book in the series in one day, and moved on to the second, Crown of Midnight, as soon as I was done.  Ack, it is so good!  Engrossing story line with enough twists to keep you on your toes.  A fully developed world and characters that just make you want more.  And soul throughout the book guiding the words along.  I HIGLY recommend you read this series; I know most people already know that, but if you're one of the few like me, that had it sitting on the shelf just waiting, DON'T WAIT ANY MORE!!!



1.04.2016

Full House Reading Challenge - Master Post



As I posted previously, I am participating in some book challenges in the new year!  This particular one, Full House Reading Challenge by Book Date, looks to be especially fun!

It is a bingo-style challenge, where you have to "fill up" each square on the card below.

In this post I will list all the books I've read, what square they fill, and the review for each!  


Squares Filled/Books Read

Published in 2015 - The Casquette Girls by Alys Arden (Review/Goodreads)

You Didn't Want to Put It Down - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Review/Goodreads)

Would Make a Good Movie - It's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick (Review/Goodreads)

Way Out of Comfort Zone - Built by Jay Crownover (Review/Goodreads)


I'm really excited for this, and the two other challenges I signed up for!  You can check out more info and sign up yourself at the link above!

Happy reading!


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