Jam and her TBR Jar - Reviews

The Girl on the Train by: Paula Hawkins

10/30/2017

The Girl on the Train by: Paula Hawkins
Synopsis: The debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people's lives.
EVERY DAY THE SAME
Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.
UNTIL TODAY
And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

Creepy, addicting and absolutely mind blowing, The Girl on the Train is perfect for anyone looking for an intoxicating thriller.

Going into this book, I had fairly low expectations because I had heard so many mixed reviews. However, as cliche as it sounds, I was completely hooked from the very first page. Similar to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, the twisted plot and deranged characters in this novel keep you on your toes and guessing from beginning to end. The unpredictably and authenticity of their actions and emotions maintained the eerie and hair-raising mood/tone as well as made them very relatable. The complexities of the human condition were so prevalent in this novel that nothing felt out of place or random but rather felt like an insight into the nature of mankind.

The only itty bitty problem that is preventing me from giving this book 5 stars was the simplicity of the writing style. There were some things that didnt flow as well as I would have liked and at times, it felt kind of choppy. Just my personal opinion. :)

Because of the well deserved hype surrounding this novel, the movie adaptation of it will be released sometime in October starring Emily Blunt and Haley Bennet! YAY! I am a huge Blunt fan and I think she is the perfect Rachel. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping and mature read that is perfect for the Fall/spooky Halloween season.

Happy reading nerds!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by: John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, J.K. Rowling

9/27/2017

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by: John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, J.K. Rowling
Synopsis: Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

Its been a very long time since a book has made me as confused and conflicted as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Harry Potter is everything to me. Similar to a lot of other people, it raised and moulded me into the person that I am today. That is why, with an extremely heavy heart, it causes me physical pain to say that JK Rowling made a mistake with this one. And I don't mean she messed up with her writing (BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUS SHE DID NOT WRITE THIS) but that she messed up by letting anyone but herself contribute.

I think my biggest problem was with the characters. While I waited for it to be released, I had pretty low exceptions for the plot and format (a play) but I NEVER doubted the characters. However, from the very first scene, it was obvious that these were not the people that I had grown to love. Instead of getting to read about my all time favourite characters, all I got was what seemed to be some random people in wizard Halloween costumes. None of the depth or authenticity from the original books were there. It was like they had succumbed to all the stereotypes that surround their characters. Harry was the drama queen that only cared about his own success (and who, might I add, was a lack-lustre dad), Hermione was the annoying opinionated girl who has lots of books, and Ron was the dummy who only seemed to exist for the sole purpose of contributing painfully timed one liners. Out of any problems I had, this was what angered me the most. These characters are some of the most well known in literary history and this story did nothing but take away their most valued traits.
(SPOILER) I am sorry but that whole scene where Harry had his little tantrum at Dumbledores painting about how much he hates him and how Dumbledore ruined his life etc etc... the OLD harry would not have done that. No matter how hard I try, I can not rationalize that behaviour. :(

When I finally was able to push through the character problems, I also got completely tripped up by the plot. Really Rowling? Voldemort supposedly having a kid with Bellatrix in the MIDDLE of all his conflict with Harry so many years ago? IM. NOT. BUYING. IT. Not to mention, how many times has that plot twist been used? Evil villain dies but then has a child who is supposed to be even more evil then them who then comes back to rule the world in their parents name, blah blah blah. Nothing about it seemed original or well thought out to me.

Yes, I did love being able to find out what happened to the squad post-Hogwarts. Yes, I loved Albus and Scorpius. YES, I did giggle a few times. And yes, there were a few redeeming moments (travelling back in time and getting to see Snape and Professor Umbridge ;) ) but NO I do not think that this story was necessary. As a die hard Potterhead I feel like everything frustrated me way more then it gave me any semblance of closure. Maybe the actual play in London is gods gift to mankind but printing the script for everyone was a mistake. Someday I hope Rowling will rewrite this story in her own 2000 page book but until then, I'm just gonna try to forget about a lot of the stuff I read in this.

Happy reading nerds!

A Court of Mist and Fury by: Sarah J Maas

7/30/2016

A Court of Mist and Fury by: Sarah J Maas
Synopsis: Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

!!YES YES YES YES OMG YES YES YES YES SARAH J MAAS YOU ARE A GENIUS!! THE ENDING. THAT ENDING. MAY 2017 CANNOT COME FAST ENOUGH.

I was initially worried that A Court of Mist and Fury would be a victim of the "second book syndrome" as I like to call it. In my experience, and I think a lot of people can agree, the the second book in series (especially trilogies) is usually a bit of a let down. With that being said, Sarah J Maas in all her glory did not allow this to happen. ACOMAF was EXACTLY what this series needed and in my opinion, blew the first novel out of the water.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the first book but for me there was just something lacking. I couldn't put my finger on it but I just wasn't connecting with the characters in the same way I have with Maas' Throne of Glass squad. However, ACOMAF took us deeper inside Feyre's head and showed us a whole new side of the world of Fae. The action, world building, humour and MY GOSH THE ROMANCE PEOPLE (!!!!!!!!!SUBTLE SHOUTOUT TO CHAPTER 52!!!!!!) was out of this world and I swear, I could not put this book down. Even though I was in the middle of prepping for final exams, I finished it in all its 640 page glory in less then 48 hours. Im not sure what it is about SJM's writing but once I start, I can never stop. The amount of jaw dropping and heart stopping plot twists and cliff hangers in her books make it nearly impossible to put down them, let alone get the stories out of your head.

One aspect of ACOMAF that really surprised me (and made me FALL IN LOVEEEE) was the amount of sex and more "mature" content. In comparison to ACOTAR as well as Maas' TOG series, there were more sex scenes. I found this to be extremely fitting with the storyline and characters as opposed to something that was looking to invoke a "shock value" in the reader, like in some other books. Rhys is kinda my new book boyfriend. His humour, sensitivity, and support/love for Feyre had me swooning 24/7. The fact that he was training her and making her into this strong warrior woman made me love him even more.

Prior to Maas' books, I had never really read about or considered Fae as a species but now, I can say that next to werewolves/shapeshifters, they are my fav to read about. The primitive and animalistic qualities/behaviours are extremely intimidating, empowering (and attractive *winks*) and I can not wait to see where this series goes.

If there is anyone reading this who has yet to read one of Maas' masterpieces (god forbid) please do so immediately. For those of you who have read her books, please comment immediately so we can aggressively fangirl together. :)

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with your thoughts on this wonderful series!

Too Late by: Colleen Hoover

6/16/2016

Too Late by: Colleen Hoover
Synopsis: Sloan will go through hell and back for her little brother. And she does, every single night.
Forced to remain in a relationship with the dangerous and corrupt Asa Jackson, Sloan will do whatever it takes to make sure her brother has what he needs.
Nothing will get in her way.
Nothing except Carter.
Sloan is the only good thing to ever happen to Asa. He knows this and he never plans on letting her go; even if she doesn't approve of his lifestyle. But despite Sloan's disapproval, Asa knows what it takes to get what he wants. He knows what he needs to do to remain on top.
Nothing will get in his way.
Nothing except Carter.

Alright... its review time!!

YAS COLLEEN YASSSSSSSS!!!!! ONE DAY, YOUR BOOKS ARE GOING TO BE THE DEATH OF ME.

From the very first page, Too Late had me clinging to the edge of my seat because I became so immersed in the lives of the characters. Out of the 14 New Adult books that I have read by this author, this one has to be one of the most addicting. It tells the story of a young girl named Sloan who is struggling to balance college and caring for her mentally disabled brother. In order to support her brother and keep them off the streets, Sloan has to rely on her abusive, possessive, and controlling drug dealer of a boyfriend, Asa, to pay for her brother’s care. Sloan is determined to do everything in her power to make sure her brother is cared for, even if it means enduring Asa’s abuse and torment. At least that is what she thinks until Carter steps into the picture. *spoiler alert, Carter is TOTALLY SWOON WORTHY*

The drama in this book was off the charts and I could not put it down. What I especially enjoyed was that not only getting to read from Sloan’s and Carters duel perspectives, but also hearing from the tormenter himself, Asa. Hearing his side of the story and childhood, while it in no way excused his actions, helped develop his character and add a new angle to the story. While you wanted to hate him, you couldn’t help but just feel sorry for him. I am so happy I read this and I HIGHLY recommend all of Colleen Hoovers to anyone who is a fan of more mature contemporary romances.

Happy reading nerds!

Binge by: Tyler Oakley

6/16/2016

Binge by: Tyler Oakley
Synopsis: Pop culture phenomenon, social rights advocate, and the most prominent LGBTQ+ voice on YouTube, Tyler Oakley brings you his first collection of witty, personal, and hilarious essays written in the voice that’s earned him more than 10 million followers across social media.

Alright... its review time!

“When life throws a wrench in your plans, catch it and build an IKEA bookshelf.” - Tyler Oakley

Tyler Oakley is one of the most beautiful human beings on this planet. If I’m being completely honest, I’ve never really been a big fan of non-fiction. While I have read the odd memoir here or there, none of them have really grabbed my attention the way Binge did. For those of you who do not know, Tyler Oakley is an LGBTQ YouTube personality and activist with over 8 million subscribers. I started watching his videos around 2 years ago and instantly fell in love with his contagious smile, relatable humor and the fact that he isn’t afraid to be unapologetically himself. While his book was filled with some of the most hilarious stories that had me laughing out loud, what I liked the most was that he talked about feelings and situations that we all have to experience. Binge focusses on (however cliche it may sound) learning how to enjoy the journey instead of panicking about the destination. Its about getting back onto your feet, even after life hits you with some pretty cruel curveballs. I think this is lesson that everyone (myself especially) needs to revisit every once in a while.

If you haven't watched any of Tyler's videos I beg that you do so immediately. If you consider yourself a fan but have yet to read this book, stop what you are doing and please drive to your nearest bookstore asap.

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with your thoughts about this WONDERFUL memoir!

The Young Elites by: Marie Lu

2/19/2016

The Young Elites by: Marie Lu
Synopsis: Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites. Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

Alright... its review time!!!

IM SORRY BUT MARIE LU HAS TRULY LET ME DOWN.

While it pains me to say it, this book was only mediocre. I am a HUGE fan of Marie Lu’s Legend trilogy so I was very optimistic when starting the Young Elites. Sadly, it did not meet my expectations. This book is described as being a story that is about the bad guy, not the hero. I’m a sucker for badass female characters so I was definitely intrigued. Instead, we just got this whiny main character who would make these grand statements about revenge and how she was going to “burn down the world” and “make everyone cower in fear” but then who would proceed to fail every mission and cry. For example, her constant mistakes almost led to the deaths of 5 of her friends and family members. Adelina was just extremely hard to relate to and I felt like there was little to no character growth happening.

Also, while I was intrigued by the plot and the idea of this illness and its effects, I didnt really understand the world itself. I don't really know why because I usually don't struggle with this in fantasy books but I just found it very difficult to imagine where things were happening and what they looked like. While there was a map in the front of the book, I still didn't understand where all these countries were in relation to each other, what they looked like or how the royalty/leaders worked. Because of this, I wasn't enjoying the story because there was no clear image in my head of what anything looked like. Very disappointing.

While I really struggled with the characters and the fact that the world building was a little less then stellar, the plot and premise behind the story has a lot of potential so I do plan on continuing with the next novel. While this book doesn’t even begin to compare to Legend, I’m willing to give it another shot. Wish me luck!

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with you opinion on this novel!

A Darker Shade of Magic by: V.E. Schwab

1/3/2016

A Darker Shade of Magic by: V.E. Schwab
Synopsis: Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.
Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London—but no one speaks of that now.
Officially, Kell is the personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. While travelling, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.
But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to try to stay alive.

Alright.... its review time!!

**Closer to a 4.5 star rating**

I am literally in awe of V.E Schwab and her writing abilities. I wish I could be inside of her head for a day because based on what I've seen in her books, it must be the coolest place ever.

Granted, this is only the second book that I have read by Victoria Schwab (the first being Vicious) but both times she has absolutely blown my mind with her complex plots and WEIRD ASF worlds. Because I read so many books in a year and I don't have the best memory in the entire world, I tend to forget about some books a month or so after I read them. This will definitely not be the case with this book. The world is so creative, unique and unlike anything I have ever read before! I wish my brain was that talented.

I must admit, when I first started it, I was more then confused because we were just thrown into this brand new world with lots of magic and lingo that had zero sense. Within the next 50 pages or so everything was laid out for us and things started to click together. Basically this book is set in a world where there is lots of magic and parallel universes. There are 4 different versions of what we known to be London. Each version of London (black, white, red, and grey) has different rulers, ways of life and degrees of magic. Kell, our main character, is one of the last rare Travellers who can jump between the different London's.

I absolutely loved Kell's character (and coat) from the beginning and Schwab had be rooting for him till the very end! Our other main character is Delilah Bard, a young girl that Kell meets while travelling in Grey London. This girl was a firecracker. And SASSSSSSSSSY as all get out. AND a professional badass. Obviously, I loved her from the moment she was introduced. I loved seeing her and Kell's relationship grow and their bickering brought more then one smile to my face.

Im not gonna give much away about the actual storyline of the book but just please know its amazing.The only reason that i maybe wouldn't give this book a full five stars was because a small thing that happened during the ending that kinda confused and frustrated me. I HIGHLY recommend this novel and I can not wait until February 23rd (the release date of the sequel, A Gathering of Shadows) because I need to know what happens next. I also have a theory or two about one of the characters so I want to see if I'm right!

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with your opinion on this novel!

Maybe Not by: Colleen Hoover

12/30/2015

Maybe Not by: Colleen Hoover
Synopsis: When Warren has the opportunity to live with a female roommate, he instantly agrees. It could be an exciting change.
Or maybe not.
Especially when that roommate is the cold and seemingly calculating Bridgette. Tensions run high and tempers flare as the two can hardly stand to be in the same room together. But Warren has a theory about Bridgette: anyone who can hate with that much passion should also have the capability to love with that much passion. And he wants to be the one to test this theory.
Will Bridgette find it in herself to warm her heart to Warren and finally learn to love?
Maybe.
Maybe not.

Alright... its review time!!

BRIDGETTE AND WARREN. BRIDGETTE AND WARREN. BRIDGETTE AND WARREN. BRIDGETTE. AND. WARREN. *SWOONS*

Im really starting to feel like I'm repeating myself these days when I say that Colleen Hoover is a QUEEN of a writer.

This novella was exactly what us Maybe Someday fans needed! For those of you who do not know, this little story follows the romance between 2 of the side characters from Hoovers original masterpiece. It was fun, fast-paced and sexy. While I absolutely loved Bridgette and adored Warren when I read Maybe Someday, I never totally connected with them because, obviously, we never got to be inside their heads. Bridgette especially is quite the tough little cookie so this novella really explained her actions and showed us why she is the way that she is!

Hilarious, entertaining and perfect in every way. I missed these characters so much.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with your opinion on this novella and its parent novel, Maybe Someday!

November 9 by: Colleen Hoover

12/28/2015

November 9 by: Colleen Hoover
Synopsis: Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Alright... Its review time!!

*1,000,000 stars*

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, COLLEEN HOOVER HAS DONE IT AGAIN. SHE HAS SOMEHOW FOUND A WAY TO BOTH BREAK MY HEART AND MEND IT ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

Okay, so this is the 11th book that I have read by Ms. Hoover (Yes, I do have a bit of a girl crush on her. No, I am not ashamed.) so I'd like to think that I have a pretty good grasp of her writing style by now. Thats why when I say that this is one of her best novels yet, I mean it.

It had everything that any fantastic New Adult novel needs... relatable characters, swoon-worthy romance, heart breaking betrayals, a healthy amount of sexy time and more. You put all of that together and add Hoover's signature humour on top..... PERFECTO! Because of all the crazy plot twists, November 9 managed to have me giggling uncontrollably, laughing out loud and screaming into my pillow all within the span of 100 pages.

What I find so special about Hoover's writing is that her plots and story lines are so unique and different. Sometimes I struggle reading books from the New Adult genre because they are always so similar. Average girl meets a boy who just so happens to look like one of the guys off an Abercrombie and Fitch bag and who always knows exactly what to say. Boy and girl fall in love. Boy and girl fall apart due to some relationship drama. Boy and girl get back together. The end. These sort of stories are so over done and for the most part, I find them extremely unmemorable. Instead, in November 9, we get these two extremely complex characters with very unique and twisted pasts. What I love is that not only do we get to watch them fall in love blah blah blah, but we get to watch them combine their broken pieces to make one another beautiful and whole again. I don't want to say to much because I personally believe it is way better to go into this book blind, but I can promise you that the plot is unlike anything Ive ever read about before. :)

AND BENTON JAMES KESSLER. I DO NOT CARE IF THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN BY A FEMALE AUTHOR AND THAT HE IS 100% FICTIONAL. I WILL FIND SOMEONE LIKE HIM. I DO NOT CARE WHAT IT TAKES.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK OR ANY OF COLLEEN HOOVERS WRITING, PLEASE DO SO NOW. LIKE RIGHT NOW. LITERALLY, STOP READING AND GO BUY THIS MASTERPIECE!!

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with your opinion on this amazing novel.

Made You Up by: Francesca Zappia

12/26/2015

Made You Up by: Francesca Zappia
Synopsis: Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and delusion. Armed with a take-no-prisoners attitude, her camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and her only ally (her little sister), Alex wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. She’s pretty optimistic about her chances until classes begin, and she runs into Miles. Didn't she imagine him? Before she knows it, Alex is making friends, going to parties, falling in love, and experiencing all the usual rites of passage for teenagers. But Alex is used to being crazy. She’s not prepared for normal.

Funny, provoking, and ultimately moving, this debut novel featuring the quintessential unreliable narrator will have readers turning the pages and trying to figure out what is real and what is made up.

Alright... its review time!!

This was just so disappointing.

So I joined my schools bookclub (nerdy, i know) and this was the first book that we picked. And when I say "we", I really mean everyone voted for this expect for me. I wanted to read Lets Get Lost by Adi Alsaid but what ever, I was outvoted 20 to 1. I was excited to give it a try though because a) it has a GORGEOUS cover and b) the synopsis sounded pretty decent. The main character in this book is named Alex and she has schizophrenia. I knew next to nothing about the mental illness so I must say, reading this book and talking about it in my book club has definitely educated me. I was just really disappointed when I finished it because while the plot had a lot of potential, I felt like it was executed very poorly.

I just really don't feel like I took anything away from this book. More importantly, I just didnt feel like there was a solid plot. Like I finished it a couple hours ago and I honestly don't think I could tell you how it ended, I was that bored while reading it. I just feel like the author was really trying to write a book that was philosophical and life changing but failed. It was sorta fun getting to know the characters in the beginning but after that, things became predictable, weird and just straight up confusing. Maybe this was meant to reflect the main character's schizophrenia but as a reader, it made the story hard to follow. As much as I wanted to love this book, I just couldn't get into it

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with your opinion on this novel!