Reading into The New Year and Readathon

Hi all! :) I've always been one to stay at home during celebrations so I'm looking forward to participating in this New Year readathon (click button for more info). I already have some books in mind to read during that day. Since I haven't been able to read as much lately, this just rocks in my opinion. Can't wait to start reading on December 31st! :D

Gateway by Sharon Shinn

Gateway by Sharon Shinn
Rating: 2.9/5

Synopsis: As a Chinese adoptee in St. Louis, teenage Daiyu often feels out of place. When an elderly Asian jewelry seller at a street fair shows her a black jade ring—and tells her that “black jade” translates to “Daiyu”—she buys it as a talisman of her heritage. But it’s more than that; it’s magic. It takes Daiyu through a gateway into a version of St. Louis much like 19th century China. Almost immediately she is recruited as a spy, which means hours of training in manners and niceties and sleight of hand. It also means stealing time to be with handsome Kalen, who is in on the plan. There’s only one problem. Once her task is done, she must go back to St. Louis and leave him behind forever. .

Review: This is one of those books where you get let down on because you expected too much. Despite such an amazing summary there, the story wasn't what I thought it would be. Some parts of the book seemed really unrealistic to me. The pacing was a bit slow, and not as fast as I thought it would be due to the blurb.

The good side of the book is that although the characters weren't developed as well as they could be, you'll still enjoy the book because of the choice Daiyu has to make. Other aspects will keep you interested in the book as well such as the choice of words the author uses.

What I thought of...

The Beginning: Nice introduction.

The Middle: Would have liked it to be a bit more fast paced, but overall it was okay.

The End: ARG! The ending was too open for me. Would have liked it to be resolved, and not so abrupt.

FTC: Received this book for Other Shelf Tours

Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti

Rating: 3.8/5

Synopsis: At the beginning of her sophomore year, Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, more importantly, a boyfriend. So when the handsome and popular Derek asks her out, Marisa thinks her long wait for happiness is over. But several bumps in the road—including her parents’ unexpected separation, a fight with her best friend, and a shocking disappointment in her relationship with Derek—test Marisa’s ability to maintain her new outlook. Only the anonymous DJ, whose underground podcasts have the school’s ear, seems to understand what Marisa is going through. But she has no idea who he is—or does she?

Review: With this book, you have a nice plot, good characters, and an element that pulls your reader in. It was definitely a cute read and was very useful in killing some time in the car. On one hand, I was more than happy to keep reading pages, but on the other hand, there were times that I didn't really like it. The pacing was just right, except for some parts that dragged.

With a book, you have the good and bad side. The bad side wasn't necessarily huge, but some parts stood out to me. Marissa and all the other characters were made to be teenagers, and it definitely showed. However, some of the writing got on my nerves with terms such as "whatev" and parts like this:

Andrea's all, "Forget it."
Sterling's like,"Could it be any hotter?"

Maybe it was just me. I could understand that most teenagers speak like that when explaining stuff to their friends, but reading about it just got on my nerves. Again, maybe it's just the annoyingness inside of me.

There was something I didn't quite understand. I think I'm slow, but I didn't really get the idea of how Derek finally dated Marisa. I don't know, but I just feel like the author could have shown that a bit more.

Enough of my whining, here's the better aspect of the book: the characters seemed very realistic, which was something I liked. The writing flowed very naturally most of the time despite my complaints. I recommend this book to people who like books about young romance and discovering yourself.

What I thought of:

The Beginning: It didn't hook me in like I thought it would, but with patience, it eventually did.

The Middle: It seemed a little draggy, but I still liked it

The End: Love Nash and Marisa! The ending was just nearly perfect for the book in my opinion! :)

FTC: I bought a copy a while ago, but before I started, I ended up giving it to a friend. So I checked this puppy from the library.

How Not to Make a Wish by Mindy Klasky

How Not to Make a Wish by Mindy Klasky
Rating: 2.9/5

Synopsis: The AS YOU WISH SERIES shows what can go wrong when a magic lamp, a wish-granting genie, and backstage life in the theater all collide. HOW NOT TO MAKE A WISH (formerly titled THERE'S THE RUB) begins the series, introducing Kira Franklin, a stage manager caught in a dead-end dinner theater job when her true wish is to work on a production of Romeo and Juliet.

Review: I was more than excited when I heard of this book, but as I read it, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. The plot fell flat, and the characters didn't really reach out to me like I thought they would. It's been a month since I read this book so some things are a little fuzzy to remember. I'll refrain from doing my usual thoughts of the beginning, middle, and end of the book because I feel I can't do it justice (darn procrostination and school!). I'm not really sure how I feel about this one. I feel like I like some parts of it, but some others parts that aren't as good overshadowed my feelings for this one.

To end this review on a brighter note, the book had a great premise. It was a great story, but just told in a way that didn't appeal to me. It might to do other people so if you'd like, go check this one out! :)

FTC: Received this book for review from Other Shelf Tours. No bribery involved. Didn't keep this book so no need to sue me.

Win Linger & update

Hi everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates; as usual, I procrostinate with school work everyday and end up wasting unnessary time trying to catch up. Like many people, I'm on break right now so I'm working on reviews and fitting time to read :)

Anyway, here's a lovely chance to win Linger from Karin's Book Nook! :D Today's the last day (eek!) and I procrostinated with entering that contest too. Ha. Just click here to enter and if my streak of bad luck is still going on, you will win and not me! :D Hooray!!

Well back to winter break work ;D

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill @ Breaking The Spine

Lifted by Wendy Toliver

Release Date: June 10, 2010 from Simon Pulse

From Goodreads:

It's not what you steal. It's getting away with it that's so much fun.

Why:

I love Wendy Toliver's works. Ever since I've read The Secret Life of the Teenage Siren, I've always enjoyed reading from her. This being her 3rd book is no exception. This book looks like it is going to be very different from her romantic comedy novels, and for that, I cannot wait to devour this novel next year.