Paper Pizza: bookish

book reaction

Reading Negative Reviews on My Favorite Books

11:23 AM
By Kenzie
13 Comments

author signing

I MET BECKY ALBERTALLI (aka author of Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda)

3:54 PM
By Kenzie
15 Comments

book

What I Look For in Books (What makes a good book a good book?)

12:00 PM
By Kenzie
16 Comments

A question that has been on my mind a lot and has been brought up to me a couple of times these past couple weeks is...

What makes a good book a good book?

Some people might say that having a unique and solid plot is what makes a book good. Some might say that it needs to be life-changing, inspirational, filled with metaphorical references...

While most of that is true, especially when it comes to having a solid plot (much needed, of course) but there is only one thing that sells a book to me.

No, actually, what sells the book to me is if it has a really #aesthetically pleasing cover (yes, I judge books by their covers biTE ME). And, of course, if the synopsis sounds cool and it has gotten really good reviews (lol I'm not picky what makes you think that)...

BUT. What really sells me while I'm reading a book are THE CHARACTERS.

**Having really great developed characters is an A+ in my book (lol pun).**

I don't care if the story is considered cheesy or cliche. If the writer is able to make me fall madly in love with the characters, I'm obviously going to fall in love with the book. Seems pretty logical, right??

Books like Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han are examples of books that didn't need super intense plots or deep metaphorical meanings in order for me to deVOUR THEM LIKE THEY WERE THE LAST SLICE OF PIZZA ON EARTH.

For real, though. I would be totally fine reading a scene with two characters doing nothing except staring at each other inside an empty, colorless room.

BUT ONLY IF I LOVE THOSE CHARACTERS. Which arises another questions...

What makes us love characters?

In order to feel like you need to protect those said characters at all costs, you have to have emotional attachment to them.

What gives us emotional attachment to characters?

I have one word for you and that is: personality.

When a character as a nicely built personality, you are automatically going to love them so much more than a character whose only purpose is to "SAVE THE WORLD". And how is that going to work, you ask? Well, like it would with any other real person. Getting to know them. What is this character's weakness? What is their strength? What makes them bubble with excitement? Do they have a favorite cereal? You could honestly answer the latter all on your own if you feel like you really know the characters.

Examples of characters with strong personalities (so strong that you could probably predict their favorite cereal!):

Simon Snow from Carry On

If there was a cereal with scones in it, that would be Simon's favorite.

Rudy Steiner from The Book Thief

Need I say more?

Lara Jean from To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Even though there were a couple moments where LJ was a little unpredictable, for the most part she was #relatable and just a sweet, refreshing main female character.

Simon Spier from Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

OREOS!

But that's not the only thing I look for in characters...

I like reading about strong female characters that don't act like males just to have that strong attribute. For example: Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Galathynius from the Throne of Glass series.

Yeah, she may be a trained assassin and long lost queen, but she has fears and weaknesses-- and she's not afraid to say something when she spots an attractive man.

Another thing I like to look for in characters are happy boys. So many guys in YA fiction are portrayed as "muscular" and "serious" to represent their masculinity.

Umm... Yeah, no. I'd actually like to see some hyper boy who can't stop talking about the stars or why he thinks dogs are the best animals on the planet.

I also love seeing characters do something that you'd least expect. Demon hunters going grocery shopping for food supplies? YES.

TALK TO ME!

What is something YOU look for in books? Do you love nicely built characters as much as I do? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES? Can you agree with some of the statements I made above? Let me know! I'd love to hear your thoughts and have a lil' book chat with y'all. ;)

xx Kenzie

book

Reader Problems | book tag

12:00 PM
By Kenzie
15 Comments

I don't know when it was the last time I did a tag but I was in the mood to do one so I googled some and now here I am!

I found this one here and they actually have a list of a bunch of cool ones so that's... cool. Let's all just ignore the fact that I wasn't actually tagged. Okay? Okay!

Reader Problems Book Tag

You have 20,000 books on your TBR, how in the world do you decide what to read next?

It's all about the vibes, my dude. Usually, what I'm in the mood for. Sometimes I have to prep myself before picking up a read. It's starting a book that is always hardest for me.

Which is my biggest flaw when it comes to being a book lover because I can get lazy and all I want to read are the "easy books". You know what I mean?

Then meanwhile I've got five 600 paged books giving me the death glare, which I respond with by hiding behind my cutesy pastel contemporary and fear for my dear life.

You're halfway through a book and you're just not loving it. Do you put it down or are you committed?

I AM COMMITTED. I AIN'T NO QUITTER. Even if the book is about teaching you how to quit, once I'm ten pages in, I'm finishing that book. (Which is probably one of the reasons why I haven't picked up certain books given my true dedication towards the completion of le book.)

I don't know why but it just never occurred to me that I could actually put a book down just because it wasn't flowing with me? Yeah, sure, I've done it. It's just always felt weird to me, yah know? Like I'm missing a limb and I'm just procrastinating on getting a new one.

The end of the year is coming and you're behind on your reading challenge, do you try to catch up? And if so, how?

This happened to me last year but I was (barely) able to make it to that whooping goal of 30 books. I mainly read some modern poetry books to get that book count up.

And hey... I don't see a law that says comic books don't count towards your reading goal. So I did a lil' bit of that too. IT'S ALL PERFECTLY LEGAL OKAY.

The covers of a series you love don't match. How do you cope?

Cry with despair then drown in my sorrows by eating two whole pizzas.

Or buy the series again so that they all match. lol i'm not a perfectionist. I haven't actually done this but I have thought about doing it.

Everyone and their mother loves a book that you do not. Who do you bond with over your shared feelings?

Pft, duh. That's so easy! My dog! She can't talk so she must agree with me on everything. It's the only logical answer to this question.

Jk. It's actually my sister who shares all my bookish opinions. We love all the same books. All the same characters. It's great. God is so good to me.

You're reading a book in public and you're about to start crying. How do you deal?

I cry until I am able to make a river to use as a form of transportation to go back home and crawl under my comforter so I DON'T HAVE TO FACE THE WORLD EVER AGAIN.

Or... I close the book and pretend I have allergies. I'm an ugly crier.

The sequel to a book you loved just came out but you've forgotten a lot of what happens. Are you going to re-read it?

Well if I already loved the book theN YOU BETCHA. But, like, it all depends. Was the first book too emotionally wrecking? Was it really long? I don't know. It would most likely call for a re-read, especially since it's the perfect excuse to read it again! I did this with the To All The Boys I've Loved Before books. ;)

You do not want anyone to borrow your books, how do you politely say no when someone asks?

I won't. I'd probably give it to them or even offer it to them beforehand BECAUSE I'M A PEOPLE PLEASER. And then I'd probably go back to my room and cry since one of my babies is gone and now I know how the princess must of felt sleeping on that darn pea because evERYTHING FEELS SO OUT OF PLACE.

You have picked up and put down 5 books in the last month. How do you get over this reading slump?

...really? FIVE books?? Dang, I must really be in a slump then. Reading slumps are the worst and you don't actually get over them until they go away for themselves.

But usually what helps me get over a reading slump is picking up a light read. One I know I will devour in two days and will eventually lead to another book slump BECAUSE IT WAS FREAKING PERFECTION AND HOW WILL I EVER FIND A BOOK THAT PERFECT EVER AGAIN?

It's a vicious cycle, my friend.

There are so many books coming out that you are dying to read, how many do you end up buying?

I hate spending money period, especially more than I need to... so I would probably have to choose one carefully then read it and go get the other one that I wanted. Orrr... I wait until Christmas so that I can get all of them but then will have to wait to read them because SO MANY BOOKS. MUCH OVERWHELMED.

After you purchase all of these books you're dying to read, how long do they sit on your shelves before you get to them?

*glances at untouched books from Christmas 2016* ... *mumbles* I dunno, two, three days?

Stop looking at me like that.

TALK TO ME!

What are some problems that you run into as a reader? HOW MANY BOOKS ARE ON YOUR TBR? Would you ever let someone borrow one of your precious babies? Or would you rather move far far away, change your name, and become pet hoarder because AT LEAST ANIMALS WON'T ASK TO BORROW YOUR BOOKS. NOW IT'S YOUR TURN! I want to know your answers! So if you end up doing this tag then let me know and comment the link back to your post. :)

xx Kenzie

p.s. it's snowing. it's april and it's snowing. what kind of cruelty is this??

book

10 Romantic Reads That Will Leave You Squealing For More + PRETTY BOOKISH PHOTOS

4:46 PM
By Kenzie
9 Comments

I know that Valentine's Day has gone and passed, but is it really over? I think the whole month of February does sort of celebrate this day of love, even if the 14th is no longer here. So, since I am a huge fan of Valentine's Day (chocolate, cards, pizza... what holiday gets better than that??) and I happen to devour romance books, I thought I'd give you all a few recommendations for when you're looking for that special read.

Okay, I'm not going to lie, this post is basically an excuse for me to ramble on and on about some books tHAT NEED MORE LOVE. I've been in a very bookish mood lately so please, indulge me.

Book recommendations that will probably destroy your soul but leave you squealing for more

I'm going to list these from most soul-wracking to this is the cutest book I have ever touched. Or at least try to...

The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis

"Maybe I'm not so ugly after all. Maybe no one is really ugly, and maybe no one has the right to call someone that or tell them that they are. Maybe the only real ugliness is what lives inside some people."

I'm putting this first because I'm still on the "book high" for it. I can't even properly form the words on how much I loved this book, so I'm just going to copy and paste my recent review of it because it SUMS UP MY FEELS PERFECTLY.

Initial response: Too much of an emotional mess right now to write a review but allow me to say that EVAN AND HENRY ARE THE CUTEST DARN THINGS IN THE WORLD AND I AM MENTALLY CHUCKING MORE STARS AT THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT DESERVES THEM ALL.

More composed response:

I flipping love this book with all my heart and soul. Okay? I haven't read a book like this since All The Bright Places, which was around this time of year THREE YEARS AGO.

I absolutely fell in love with the characters right away. Evan is an adorable little cinnamon roll and deserves the world. You hear me? He. Deserves. The World. And don't even get me started on Henry. THAT BOY. *sobs over his level of perfection for years and years*

Their relationship is so SO good. I don't know how to explain it, but their connection was built so perfectly... in a way that didn't make it seem like the book was just trying to have romance in it. You know? Henry and Evan have been life-long best friends and when Evan comes back from church camp, Henry is basically like:

"lol y did u leave me i road my bike passed your house everyday lol i think this girl likes you, ev. lol ev, i know she likes you. do you like her? say no, ev. tell me you like me because i like you. as a friend. (not really because i'm gay. for you. and only you.)"

And meanwhile, all Evan can think about is:

"When did Henry get so hot?"

But that's not even the best/most important part of their relationship. Evan is in an abusive household and it's a really, really difficult situation to be in. Henry doesn't know that Evan's mother is abusive, but he slowly begins to piece it together. What I love is that Henry doesn't want to "save" Evan, he wants to help him. Because, realistically, Evan is really the only person who can save himself from this type of abuse and Henry is just... UGH. He is so supportive and caring and sweet and DID SOMEONE SAY THANKSGIVING? *sobs even more*

And what I love even more about this book was that the author, Angelo (I LOVE YOU), put so many personal emotions into this. Like, everything felt so real while I was reading it. I felt all the things Evan was feeling and that's something I really love when it comes to reading a book. It was just so raw and it discussed issues that nobody even talks about... And the fact that this was also based on Angelo's personal story made it even more beautiful.

So, yeah. I WANT TO WRAP THIS BOOK UP IN A FUZZY BLANKET AND TIE IT TO MY BACK AND NEVER LET GO. (aka: I LOVE THIS BOOK AND I NEED MORE FROM ANGELO. <3)

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

"My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations."

Yeah, you've heard of this book. And yeah, you've probably read it... But it is worth mentioning so imma just leave it right here. Okay? Okay. (See what I did there? *laughs turn into ugly sobs*)

It's my favorite John Green book aside from Turtles All The Way Down. I didn't enjoy Looking For Alaska or Paper Towns (not including the road trip part because that was MY FAVE) as much as some people. I used to think I was the only one but now I've been hearing similar opinions? Oh well, John Green is still a mastermind.

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

"You are all the colors in one at full brightness."

DON'T LET THE ADORABLE PASTEL COVER FOOL YOU! This book ripped apart my soul and threw it into the streets to be run over by a gigantic monster truck. Here, read it. *shoves tear-stained book at you*

I know a lot of people think that this book is "romanticizing" mental illness but I beg to differ. This book is about two teens, Violet and Finch, who meet at the top of their school's bell tower and eventually fall in love. Violet is suffering the loss of her sister at the time but Finch has something deeper going on that nobody really puts much thought into. So, I just want to say that this book is about two people who have mental illness and fall in love. They do not fall in love BECAUSE they have mental illness (which, to me, would be when the whole "romanticizing mental illness" comes into play). Also, if I may add, Finch was never properly diagnosed with his mental illness, so it's not like Violet knew of his disorder right away.

Anywho. THESE ARE MY BABIES AND I WILL FIGHT YOU IF YOU HURT THEM. GRRR. (I'm just kidding. I respect everyone's opinions and I love hearing what you think. So please read this book. It is beautiful and sad and asdfghjkl. It wasn't until the author's note did I cry because words like "this was based on a story of a boy I knew and loved" reaLLY KNOW HOW TO KNOCK ME IN THE FEELS.)

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

"He made her feel like more than the sum of her parts."

I read this book in two sittings and such a long time ago... but it'll always be one of my all-time favorites. It takes place in the 80s which I THINK IS SO COOL. It's about two "misfits" who find liking in each other. Eleanor lives in a dysfunctional household and she's not really the noticeable person at school, but Park finds a liking in her and they end up exchanging comics and music and ASDFGHJKL- SUCH AN ADORABLE LOVE STORY. I cry for days.

I really need to read it again because It's been so long and my memory can only recall the moment when Park wore eyeliner.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

"You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible."

THIS! BOOK! Can we talk about how ethically thought-provoking it was? I honestly did not expect to love this book as much as I did. The way it was written made me feel cozy, you know? I actually won it in a goodreads giveaway right around the time when the movie came out and LET ME TELL YOU, MISTER- IT WAS AMAZING. I'm fairly certain I cried? I can't remember because the emotional trauma was just too much. Oh! And the movie is just as amazing. You should definitely watch it. The actors are top notch. (Do I sound like an official Brit? Yes? No? Just lie to me, I want to be British.)

So, if you want a book that makes you laugh, cry, and think about life then this is the book for you.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

"The universe stops and waits for us."

BRO. This book is so good. I honestly didn't think I was going to love it as much as I did? Which says a lot considering how much I adored Everything, Everything. Nonetheless, I feel as though this book deserves more recognition. I mean, I know it's in the works of becoming a movie (YES) but the way it was written... it was so creative. The story's events all take place in one day, which is something I don't typically enjoy but THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD, I DIDN'T MIND.

The book centers around Natasha who is trying to help her family from getting deported back to Jamaica. During her day roaming around NYC she meets Daniel who comes from a strict Korean family. He dreams of becoming a poet and unlike Natasha, he is a hopeless romantic.

Their relationship is so good, you guys. I know that it would be considered "insta-lovey" since the book takes place all in one day BUT IT DIDN'T FEEL THAT WAY. Plus, the book also shows the point of view of the people Daniel and Natasha encounter through their day.

I don't know, I just feel like if you didn't enjoy Everything, Everything like I did, you will absolutely devour this one.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

"hehe. nice."

*giggles* Yes, of course I am going to put this book on the list... I can't help it! Nicola Yoon is now one of my favorite authors. <3-<3 Her creativity just captivates me!

I won't say much about this book since you all have probably heard a lot about it BUT THIS BOOK IS THE CUTEST THING EVER AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH. It makes you believe in love and want to take risks. Y'all should have seen me while reading Olly and Maddy's IMs. I couldn't stop giggling and smiling. AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE MOVIE (perfection).

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

"Baz... Y-you're wearing jeans."

"I am. And you're wearing half the countryside."

If you know me or have briefly encountered my awkward presence on the internet, then you probably know I will never ever shut up about this book.

Let's break it down, shall we?

Gay Harry Potter Fanfic + Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell = Carry On

You know how when someone asks you "lol what's your favorite book?" and you just kinda black out because WHAT KIND OF EVIL QUESTION IS THAT?! Well, this is the book that always pops into my mind first. Don't get me wrong, I love alllllllll my babies... But there's something about this book that makes me want to jump off walls and cry from happiness.

Th sass in this book is so real. We have clueless Simon who is "The Chosen One" and is always thinking about scones, and then we have Baz who doesn't know how to deal with his feelings so he pushes Simon down the stairs. (They're such beans.)

It's a fantasy novel written by a contemporary author. NOTHING GETS BETTER THAN THAT. So, please, please, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK FOR ME. I am begging you here.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

"'Is this your feller?'

'No, not really,' I say, and Peter throws his arm around my shoulder and says,

'Yes, sir. I'm her feller.'"

When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be childish... BUT BOY, WAS I WRONG. It says it's about a girl who writes love letters to all her past crushes and they accidentally get mailed out BUT THAT'S NOT EVEN THE START OF IT. She (Lara Jean) agrees to "pretend date" this boy (Peter Kavinsky) so that her current crush doesn't find out her true feelings... *bursts into a fit of girly giggles* And it's just so good. Peter and Lara Jean's sarcastic banter is literally the best thing ever.

I will never ever get over this book.

It's actually a trilogy. I read the second book thinking it was the last one and I was soooo upset because of how everything was going, but then JENNY HAN CAME OUT WITH A THIRD AND YES. I cried like a baby reading the third book. #noshamehere

It's just one of those books that will leave you squealing forever and make you the happiest person in the world.

Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

"I try not to change, but I keep changing, in all these tiny ways... And every freaking time, I have to reintroduce myself to the universe all over again."

I am sooo not smiling stupidly at my laptop as I think about this book. Why would I do that? It's not like this book plastered an everlasting grin on my face and now people mistake me for the joker.

But for real.

This book was like the king of "cutest books in the history of books". Simon is one of the most adorable characters I have ever read, and I just adored his whole mindset. Of course, the book centers around Simon who is dealing with the whole "coming out" situation. He doesn't really know how to go about it, but he discovers that another boy from his school is going through the same situation, so they start talking to each other under fake names.

I am such a sucker for "we met online so we've never been in each other's physical presence before" type of romances. So, my favorite part was when we FINALLY got to figure out who Blue was.

So, if y'all wanna look like me (aka the joker) please read this book. I promise you won't regret it.

TALK TO ME!

Wow. This was a really long post... but I couldn't help it! Once I get started on talking about books there is no stopping me. Mwuhahahaha! SO, TELL ME; WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ROMANTIC READS? ANY THAT MAKE YOU SMILE STUPIDLY AND GIGGLE LIKE CRAZY?? Any that I forgot to add to this list? Lemme know, friend.

xx Kenzie

P.S. If you click on some of the titles of the books, you'll see my aesthetic boards for them. ;)

bookish

What I Read and What I'm Reading Next | Shop Annoucement!

4:03 PM
By Kenzie
12 Comments

Reading Negative Reviews on (some of) My Favorite Books

To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

"The only part I really enjoyed was the scene of Simon finally meeting Blue. And it's not just the twee-ness and forced cuteness of it all that I don't find entertaining anymore. Too many Oreos, and Reese's cups, and cookies, so many of them!"

Everything, Everything

"Generic Teen Book on Steroids."

The Fault in Our Stars

"I have inside jokes on how stupid and shallow this book is."

Carry On

"To me Carry On felt like a bad joke."

TALK TO ME

xx Kenzie

And on top of all that... I GOT TO MEET SIMON'S MAMA.

lol of course I went.

All in all, life has been really good, my friend.

TALK TO ME!

xx Kenzie

What makes a good book a good book?

Having really great developed characters is an A+ in my book (lol pun).

Books like Carry On by Rainbow Rowell and To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han are examples of books that didn't need super intense plots or deep metaphorical meanings in order for me to deVOUR THEM LIKE THEY WERE THE LAST SLICE OF PIZZA ON EARTH.

What makes us love characters?

What gives us emotional attachment to characters?

Examples of characters with strong personalities (so strong that you could probably predict their favorite cereal!):

Simon Snow from Carry On

Rudy Steiner from The Book Thief

Lara Jean from To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Simon Spier from Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

But that's not the only thing I look for in characters...

TALK TO ME!

What is something YOU look for in books? Do you love nicely built characters as much as I do? WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES? Can you agree with some of the statements I made above? Let me know! I'd love to hear your thoughts and have a lil' book chat with y'all. ;)

xx Kenzie

Reader Problems Book Tag

You have 20,000 books on your TBR, how in the world do you decide what to read next?

You're halfway through a book and you're just not loving it. Do you put it down or are you committed?

The end of the year is coming and you're behind on your reading challenge, do you try to catch up? And if so, how?

The covers of a series you love don't match. How do you cope?

Everyone and their mother loves a book that you do not. Who do you bond with over your shared feelings?

You're reading a book in public and you're about to start crying. How do you deal?

The sequel to a book you loved just came out but you've forgotten a lot of what happens. Are you going to re-read it?

You do not want anyone to borrow your books, how do you politely say no when someone asks?

You have picked up and put down 5 books in the last month. How do you get over this reading slump?

There are so many books coming out that you are dying to read, how many do you end up buying?

After you purchase all of these books you're dying to read, how long do they sit on your shelves before you get to them?

TALK TO ME!

xx Kenzie

p.s. it's snowing. it's april and it's snowing. what kind of cruelty is this??

Book recommendations that will probably destroy your soul but leave you squealing for more

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

TALK TO ME!

xx Kenzie

The Paper Pizza shop is back!

But that's not all!

okay, hehe, back to the post.

WHAT I READ IN 2017

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel

The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E Smith

The Hating Game by Sally Throne

Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Page

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Get Happy! by Dr. Anthony Gunn

Whiskey Words & a Shovel Volume 1 and 11 by R.H. Sin

The Forbidden Bestsellers of Pre-Revolutionary France by Robert Darnton

The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace

Note to Self by Connor Franta

Runaways #1 and #2 by Rainbow Rowell

Not pictured...

Runaways Volume 1 and 2 by Brian K. Vaughan

**Having really great developed characters is an A+ in my book (lol pun).**