100 DAYS OF SUNLIGHT (GIVEAWAY) | ARC Review + Interview with Abbie Emmons

9:16 PM
By Kenzie
10 Comments

*bursts through the door with a truck load of waffles* Hello, all! Today is a very special day. Want to know why? (I'm so glad you asked.)

Today I am sharing my post for the 100 Days of Sunlight Blog Tour! Where I share an honest review of the book and an interview with the author herself! Abbie is a good friend of mine and a huge inspiration to me and the blogging community. So, when I got accepted for an Advanced Reader's Copy of her debut novel, I kinda fangirled (a lot). And let me just tell you, I was not disappointed.

100 Days of Sunlight centers around Tessa Dickinson, who was involved in a car accident that caused her to temporarily lose her eyesight. No longer able to write, Tessa's grandparents send out a request for an ad to be put in their local newspaper looking for a typist to write for Tessa. When the young and obnoxiously optimistic Weston Ludovico shows up on her doorstep, Tessa is not happy (to say the least). Despite Tessa's frustration and anger, Weston continues to show up. But little does Tessa know, she's not the only one suffering...

AN HONEST ARC REVIEW

Plot

The main concept of this book is so refreshing, especially in the YA community. What I loved most about this unique story was its uniqueness and how it wasn't striving to be different amongst all those other fluffy contemporary novels you see in the bookstore.

It caught my interest and held tight to it, all the way until the end.

Characters

If you haven't already read some of my reviews, I'll let you in on a little secret. I LOVE CHARACTERS. They're my favorite part of a story and once I love a character... I love them with my whole being.

And for me, that was Weston.

The book switches between two different perspectives and that is Tessa and Weston. I really enjoyed reading Weston's perspective a lot (even though I really loved all the characters, including his siblings). His mind was just so real and the way he was written... I felt like he was an actual person. AND I JUST LOVED HOW HE WAS AS A BIG BROTHER AND SO FULL OF HIMSELF AND RUDY AND... GAHH.

What I really enjoyed about Tessa was experiencing her character growth. The book starts off with her angry and frustrated. It's funny because even though the books begins almost right after the accident, you know that Tessa's character is not the angry type. You can actually feel her pain and how frustrating the situation may be to someone who was very happy with life. Also, the fact that she's a blogger!!! A homeschooled blogger, if I may add (with internet friends*). That bit was very nice to read because you don't get that representation very often. A good representation, too.

The only thing is, I would have maybe liked to learn more about Tessa's mother. However, I did love her relationship with her grandparents. <3

* WHO MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ACTUAL PEOPLE I KNOW FROM THE BLOGGING WORLD (I so did not fangirl)

Writing Style

The writing style was amazing. I really loved how Abbie took us through Weston's past but drew us right back in to the current events. The transition between point of views and the timeline of the events all flowed very nicely. I never got lost or bored. Whenever I opened up my kindle app, I got so excited to continue reading. I swear, I quoted almost every scene and posted on my Goodreads' status update...

Because it was fun to read.

I loved the little graphics for each part in the story. They were so cute. And I just love having a good and enjoyable experience while reading.

Creativity

Like I said, the story is very refreshing but not extremely out there in attempt to be "different". I really enjoyed that the characters were unique but easy to relate to.

Aesthetic

Gahh, the small upstate NY town with all the summery sunshiney feels, plus waffles... So cute.

Pace

The pace was quick and didn't drag on. It's such a quick and easy read, filled with all the feels... You'll love it.

This is definitely an insta-love book but that's what I like about it, and it was done very nicely. What I loved about it was that Tessa didn't have to know what Weston looked like to fall in love with him. Those types of stories get me.

Cover

It's gorgeous and it's yellow... Need I say more??

But seriously. This cover is stunning and it's definitely on my list of favorite-covers-I-could-sit-and-look-at-all-day-long-list.

Overall

THE CUTE CONTEMPORARY READ I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR. It feels like it's been so long since I've read a book that put me "in the feels". And this is definitely a must-read, especially for those who are looking for something cute and refreshing.

Caution: some minor swearing but nothing much.

100 Days of Sunlight was released on August 7th and is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble (but if you continue reading this post, you will have the chance to enter in a giveaway for an free eBook copy).

Now for my favorite part...

photo via Abbie

INTERVIEW WITH THE SUPER AMAZING DEBUT AUTHOR, ABBIE EMMONS

Abbie, thank you so much for joining us today... As I'm sure you're aware, I really enjoy pizza. But today, we are setting that love aside to embrace your love for waffles!

*enters with plates filled with all the waffles your heart desires* I hope this is enough to last us the whole interview. So, let's begin, shall we? Please, take a seat, dear. Make yourself at home.

Did you have to do a lot of research for 100 Days of Sunlight?

Yes, I did so much research. Honestly, it was such a fascinating journey to research and write about Tessa and Weston’s disabilities. I read A TON of articles, blog posts, first-hand accounts, more blog posts, watched videos, vlogs, asked questions, rinse, repeat. The researching process was long and daunting, but always educational and eye-opening. Also, my editor had worked as a sighted guide at a center for the blind so she was able to give me some great input on Tessa’s condition and experiences.

Did you design the book cover yourself? If so, was that the original design you wanted to go for, or were there prior drafts to this beautiful design?

I always had a vision in my mind of what I wanted the book cover to look like, and the cover art right now is exactly what I saw! It was really just a process of turning my ideas into reality. Thankfully I’ve always been really into graphic design, so Photoshop is familiar ground to me. I actually really enjoyed putting my ideas together and playing with the typography and illustrations. And I’m super pleased with how it came out!

What does it feel like to hold a physical copy of your first book? How does it smell? (We support book sniffing in this household.)

IT FEELS AMAZING. I’m still freaking out?? Like, I’m not sure how this is even real??? But it’s so so good. And the book smells awesome! I’m definitely a book-sniffer as well, it’s an important part of the reading process. My books have a very nice clean fresh smell and I really dig it.

Which character did you have the most fun writing?

Weston. I try not to favor one of my characters of the others (like a true book-mom!) but Weston is just so special to me. I love his personality and writing the dynamic of his tough side and his soft side. And his sense of humor! A lot of people already know this, but I love writing comedy – it’s one of my favorite aspects of a story, and with Weston’s voice I had plenty of opportunity to insert humor where it was needed, and of course, sassy banter between him and Tessa.

NO SPOILERS but was there a specific scene that you loved writing?

Oh gosh I loved writing SO MANY SCENES. But particularly Weston’s backstory, that was some of my favorite stuff to write. I loved writing all the scenes with him and his brothers, and the dynamic of their relationships. And of course everything with Rudy! I love writing family/friendship themes, so these scenes were especially close to my heart.

How did the idea of this book come to you? What was the main message that you wanted to convey?

One day I was thinking about my own lifestyle and how much I use my sense of sight for everything I do: blogging, writing, making videos, reading, everything -- and then I thought how different all that would be if, for some reason, I suddenly went blind. I pondered this thought for a few hours, and then suddenly the idea struck me: blogger girl loses her eyesight, meets a boy with no legs (unbeknownst to her) and he helps her overcome her struggles. That was all I had at the start, but it was enough to totally steal my heart and make me want to write the book ASAP.

The message I want to convey is: hope. You are strong, even when you don’t feel like it. You are worthy. You are loved. Your life is priceless. There’s nothing you can’t do. And when life knocks you down, remember that you are strong enough to get back up again.

What helped push you through the entire process of 100 Days of Sunlight?

The dream. Being able to share my book with the world, with people who need it. Being able to shine a light in the dark places. That is what kept me (and continues to keep me) going. The hope that I’m positively impacting someone’s life in even a tiny way – that is so encouraging, and gets me out of bed every morning and excited for life!!

What helped you choose the setting of the book? Did all the same characters make it to the final draft?

It’s actually kind of funny because this is the first book I’ve written with a setting very much like my hometown. Although Rockford NY is entirely fictional, and I live in Vermont, it’s very much inspired by the upstate country small-towns I’ve been surrounded by all my life.

Yes, all the characters made it to the final draft! I typically outline so thoroughly before I start writing, so not much changes from first draft to final draft, except cleaning up the prose and sometimes pacing.

How were you able to handle your other creative jobs/hobbies while writing this book?

Oooh that’s a good question. Well, I wrote the first draft in NaNoWriMo of 2017, so I was able to carve out that whole month to do pretty much nothing except write the book. Which was awesome. But from that time forward, I’ve had to really balance my other creative projects and this book in order to keep all my ships sailing smoothly.

The past couple of years have involved a lot of goal-shifting for me, and much introspection and thinking about my priorities for the future. So some things have slid closer to the back burner while I focused on the publication of 100 Days. It’s been an interesting season of growing and learning a lot!

What made you want 100 Days of Sunlight to be your first published book?

I always knew there was something special about this book. While I was writing it, I just knew it was going to be my debut novel. It’s very close to my heart and conveys the themes I’m most passionate about. My biggest goal is to shine a light in the dark places, and I really hope this book will do that for people.

What is your next grand project?

I can’t reveal too much about my next grand project, but I’m very excited for it! It has to do with my YouTube channel and all things writing, but my lips are sealed as to what exactly it is. Hehe. Stay tuned! ;)

HOW EXCITED ARE YOU TO FINALLY SHARE THIS BOOK WITH THE WORD?!

SO FREAKING OVER THE MOON EXCITED LIKE I CAN’T EVEN WORDS I CAN’T EVEN BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING IT’S SO SURREAL!!!!

Thank you so much for interviewing me on your beautiful blog, Kenzie!! It was a pleasure chatting with you about all things writing + 100 Days. :D

WHERE TO FIND ABBIE...

Buy 100 Days of Sunlight

Add 100 Days of Sunlight on Goodreads

Facebook

✨NOW FOR THE SUPER EPIC GIVEAWAY (that you will be very thankful for, trust me) ✨

I will be giving away THREE eBook copies of 100 Days of Sunlight by Abbie Emmons. That means you have the chance to win a copy, you will have a chance, and you will have a chance!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much, Abbie, for allowing me to be part of this super exciting blog tour. I see amazing things in your future. ;)

Just so y'all are aware, Abbie is actually giving away some super awesome BOOKISH MERCH on her blog so you should definitely check that out by clicking here.

TALK TO ME!

What did you think of our lovely interview? HAVE YOU READ "100 DAYS OF SUNLIGHT" YET?! If you haven't, you know what to do. ;) WHERE YOU PART OF THE BLOG TOUR? If you were, please comment with a link to your post because I'd love to check it out! <3 sends you all home with rainbow colored waffles THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING!

xx Kenzie

blogger roundup

Mental Health in YA Books (Blogger Roundup)

12:00 PM
By Kenzie
10 Comments

Mental health representation in young adult literature is extremely important but not as important as getting it done the right way.

Thanks to Anna, she gathered up a bunch of bloggers (including moi) to talk about YA books with great mental health rep! Thank you so much, Anna, for allowing me to be part of this roundup. <3 Shall we get started?

Young Adult Books With Great Mental Health Representation

Anna @ annaish - Girl Against the Universe

When it comes to mental health, YA books tend to romanticize, cure, or isolate a mentally ill character. It’s frustrating, insulting, and misleading because those tropes don’t happen in real life. Thankfully, we do have YA books who don't fall into those tropes and one of those books is Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes.

The book follows Maguire, a girl who has PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and is on the path of recovery. For starters, her path of recovery isn’t romanticized. The book highlights her good and bad days. Maguire isn’t cured or isolated either. She goes to therapy and has loving support from family/friends. And, probably the best part about this book is, Maguire’s mental illness isn't her only personality trait. She’s spunky, sarcastic, and a fantastic narrator. I could talk about Girl Against the Universe all day long but I'll leave you with this, mental illnesses exists and more YA books need to talk about it.

Kenzie (MEEEE) - Turtles All The Way Down

There has always been a bit of controversy when it comes to the topic of John Green’s writing, but when I heard that he was working on a book about mental illness, I knew he would nail it. Aza is the main character in this story and she suffers from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) which is also related to anxiety. Rarely do I ever see anxiety discussed in Young Adult literature and to find a book that describes it PERFECTLY feels like a phenomenon. Even though everyone experiences anxiety, it still seems there is a stigma towards it. With Turtles All The Way Down, you feel as though your soul has been ripped open and there is finally someone who understands you.

“The thing about a spiral is, if you follow it inward, it never actually ends. It just keeps tightening. Infinitely.”

Aza is a great character. She is different from most female characters in the YA world, and what I loved most about this story was how real and raw it was. Whether you love YA or dislike it, everyone needs to read this book. It is an excellent representation of mental health, especially in young adult literature.

Emily @ Paperback Princess - Top Ten

When Anna asked me to choose a novel I thought had the best mental health representation, my mind immediately went to Top Ten by: Katie Cotugno. This YA novel features the main female protagonist, Gabby, going through high school with intense anxiety and agoraphobia, making her very shy and nervous when it comes to the overbearing parties her classmates throw. Gabby’s best friend is an extroverted star hockey player named Ryan, one of the most popular guys in school. However, what makes this book so awesome, is that Ryan doesn’t “save Gabby” from her mental illness. Instead, through their unlikely friendship, he encourages and supports her and the two remain good friends throughout the entire book. I loved this novel not just because I could relate heavily to Gabby, but also because it didn’t have to feature the trope that the guy and the girl must fall in love and suddenly all her fears are whisked away. It was refreshing to see Gabby and Ryan remain strictly friends and how Ryan learnt how to support Gabby during her panic attacks. This book made me wish I had a friendship like they had in high school.

Abby @ Ups and Downs - Eliza and Her Monsters

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappos is one of my favorite books for its portrayal of social anxiety. For those unfamiliar with its plot, the book follows a girl named Eliza Murk with a famous web comic named Monstrous Sea who keeps this part of her life private. I loved to this book in many ways— the way it portrayed social anxiety and its relationship to how the protagonist connects on the digital world, the injection of art pieces showing Eliza’s comic, and her struggle towards opening up to her friend Wallace, who is also one of the most popular fan fiction writers of the comic. However relatable the character is, the book does get heavy fast, but it does so with an acknowledged nuance and understanding.

Tasya @ The Literary Huntress - Every Last Word

This book is one of the most underrated book out there. Every Last Word is a sweet and calm, but sad story about Sam, who has pure O-OCD. This book addresses the common misconception of all OCD people are obsessed with cleaning and tidying things up and tell Sam's story in such a way that make us empathized with her. The depth of the author research is shown with Sam's portrayal, it doesn't feel stereotypical or shallow, she felt like a real person. Another thing that I love is how supportive Sam's family and friends are and how positive her relationship with her psychiatrist is. She's open and always tell the psychiatrist about everything, she actively participating instead of raging and closing off, which is a great message. This is a really poignant and heartfelt book, and I wish more people read it!

TALK TO ME!

What are some books that YOU think is a great rep for mental health in YA? Which one was your favorite and why? Have you read any of the books mentioned above? Let me know!

If anyone ever needs to talk (about anything or nothing) you can contact me through my contact page or shoot me a DM via instagram and I will try my best to reply ASAP. :) You can also contact @thelxvelies through instagram as well! It is an account I own with five other girls who want to help spread positivity and happiness, and to let you know that you are NOT alone.

xx Kenzie

Emotional Support Hotlines

note: The main goal for these hotlines are to help prevent suicide but they will take anyone with any type of emotional crisis. A majority of these hotlines also offer SMS. Sorry if I missed your country, click HERE, HERE, or HERE to find it.

(US) 1-800-273-8255 | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

(US) 1-888-628-9454 | Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio

(US) 919-231-4525 | Hopeline

(US) 1-866-488-7386 | The Trevor Project

(US) 877-565-8860 | Trans Lifeline

(UK) 116 123 | Samaritans

(UK) 0800 068 41 41 | HopelineUK - Papyrus

(CANADA) 877-330-6366 | Trans Lifeline

(CANADA) 1-800-668-686 | Kids Help Phone

(CANADA) 1 866 277-3553 | Suicide Action Montréal

(AUS) 13 11 14 | Lifeline Australia

(AUS) 1800 55 1800 | Kids Helpline

(AUS) 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue

(CHINA) 800-810-1117 | Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center Hotline

(CHINA) (021) 6279 8990 | Lifeline Shanghai

(BRAZIL) 188 | Centro de Valorização da Vida

(RUSSIA) (7) 0942 224 621 | Youth Crisis Line

(MEXICO) (55) 5259-8121 | Saptel

(INDIA) +91 84229 84528 | The Samaritans Mumbai - A Suicide Prevention Helpline

(THE PHILIPPINES) (02) 804-HOPE (4673) | The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation

(NEW ZEALAND) 1737 | 1737, need to talk?

(SOUTH AFRICA) 0861 322 322 | Lifeline

(SOUTH AFRICA) 021 712 6699 | The Triangle Project

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.