Tag: books

February Flurries: My Second Obsession!

Alyssa Cohen1 Comment

Hey guys,

Today I’m going to be talking about my second obsession (besides books, of course), which is everything DISNEY!!

Since I have a book blog, I thought I would recommend a few of my favourite Walt Disney World travel books!

I have only read the 2014 version of this book, but I’m sure that the 2015 version is the same with minor differences. This book is my FAVOURITE out of all of these, which is pretty obvious because it’s the first on my list.

Same as the last book, I’ve only read the 2014 version, but I’m sure that the 2015 version is the same with minor differences.

My dad actually owns, this book but from a few years ago. I would recommend this book to EVERYONE as it is HUGE with a lot of information included.

Those are all of my Walt Disney World travel book recommendations. I hope you guys enjoyed this post!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Epic Reads Book Tag!

Alyssa Cohen2 Comments

Hey guys!

Today, I’m going to be sharing with you my answers to the Epic Reads Book Tag! This tag was created by the awesome girls over at the Epic Reads YouTube Channel!

Margot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdes8O-bHI0
Aubry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSuF8Xouzoc

Let’s get started!

1. If you could invite one author and one of their fictional characters to tea, who you invite and what you would you serve them?

I would invite John Green and Augustus Waters to tea. I think that both of those men have such a poetic talent, and are all strong male characters in our society (both real and fake). Augustus provides hope, while John Green is such a poetic/talented men. And let’s not forget, John Green writes stories about cute guys providing hope! Click the link to find my The Fault in Our Stars by John Green book review: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2014/06/02/the-fault-in-our-stars-by-john-green-book-review/.

2. What Book do you wish the author would write a prequel for?

I really am not a huge fan of prequels, but I can understand them only when they are needed. I really want a prequel to Anna and The French Kiss, relating to Ellie and St. Clair, and how they first met! I thought that would be really interesting, since I just finished that book YESTERDAY! Review to come!

3. Name two characters (NOT from the same book) do you think would make a good couple. 

Hmmm… Maybe, St. Clair from Anna and The French Kiss, and Hazel from The Fault in Our Stars. I feel like there relationship would be very humorous. Also, St. Clair would make Hazel feel better in times of sadness of grief.

4. If you ran into your favorite author on the subway and could say only one sentence to them who is it and what would it be?

We all know that is Chris Colfer.

I would probably ask him for his email, so we could correspond all night long. Or, I would probably ask him what the title for “The Land of Stories 4” is going to be.

5. What book made you a reader and why?

I can’t really answer this. Like I’ve said in most posts, I have been a big reader since I was a baby, and would always insist on a story read before bed. A book that got me into reading YA was probably Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys, which was my first YA book, or Divergent by Veronica Roth, because that was how I discovered Book Blogs/Booktube. Click the link to see my Divergent Movie Review: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/divergent-movie-review/!

6.  Incendio! Your bookshelf just caught on fire. What one you book would you save?

ALL of “The Land of Stories” books by Chris Colfer, because each of them have a funny story behind them, which I may do a post on!

7. Which dystopian world would you want to live in if you had to choose one? Why?

UMMM… If I had a choice, most likely none. If I had to choose, probably the Divergent World, because I feel like I would be Divergent, which means an alien (GET IT DAD!). I was thinking of The Hunger Games Trilogy, but who’s kidding who, I wouldn’t survive 1 minute of the games, let alone 5 minutes!

8. What is your most epic read of all time?

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer.

That was it for the questions!

Here’s who I TAG:

Cristian: https://thebookishgod.wordpress.com/

Nathalia: https://anoutsiderreview.wordpress.com/

S B Mazing: https://authorsbmazing.wordpress.com/

Want to be TAGGED in my next post? Find out how, here: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/book-tags/how-do-i-choose-who-i-tag/

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Sunday Showcase {02/15}

Alyssa CohenLeave a comment

Hey guys!

Today, I’m going to be doing a Sunday Showcase, which is a Sunday Meme where you share bookish things that happened throughout your week!

This week, I only had one “bookish” event through out the week!

I bought this book today at Indigo, while taking some pics for an upcoming blog post! Be on the lookout in the next few days for an “In My Bookstore”! It’s gonna be awesome! I’m so excited to start this book! Apparently, it’s like mix of The Fault In Our Stars and Eleanor and Park! I’ve read TFIOS, but not E&P, so maybe if I love this, I’ll get my hands on that! I’m reading Anna and The French Kiss for my first Week of Readathons 3 book! Next, I’ll probably read this but I wanted to finish Anna first! I’m gonna do a Week of Readathons Day 1 wrap up on here instead of Facebook this time because more of you read my stuff on here! See you later!

I finally bought “All The Bright Places” by Jennifer Niven!

Originally, I was not going to buy this book, but I decided to because the poster at Indigo was SO intriguing! I wish I took a picture of the post!

I actually did a BONUS post on my tumblr about the adventures of buying this book! Check it out here: http://readingreadingreadingalldaylong.tumblr.com/post/111016034382/i-bought-this-book-today-at-indigo-while-taking!

I hope you guys go and check out my tumblr page for exclusive posts and bonus content that associates with my blog!

See you guys tomorrow!
Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Week of Readathons #3: TBR!

Alyssa CohenLeave a comment

Hey guys!

Welcome back! Today, I’m going to be talking about the 3 “Week of Readathons” of the year! Basically, a Week of Readathons, is when more then 2 readathons are schedule for around the same time/week! I think that it’s easier to create one big TBR about them!

Previous Week of Readathons Posts:

Week of Readathons #1 (TBR): https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/the-week-of-readathons-bout-of-books-13-0-biannual-bibliothon-and-ayearathon-tbr/
Week of Readathons #1 (Wrap-Up): https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/the-week-of-readathons-wrap-up/
Week of Readathons #2 (TBR): https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/the-week-of-readathons-2-24-hour-rybsat-underhyped-books-tbr/
Week of Readathons #2 (Wrap-Up): https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/01/26/the-week-of-readathons-2-wrap-up/

This week there are 4 readathons going on, which all meet up on the same day! Here’s some information on them.

#TBRLove
February 14 – 20
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/…

#ProjectTBR
February 16-22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xE_C…

#ReadThatTrilogy
15-19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NJLU…

Bookentine
February 14-21
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YEVu9x-Ffs&feature=youtu.be

Now for the plan.

Around this time last month I had already read 4 books, and now I have only read 2. But, considering everything, that is alright. I have had SO MANY exams/tests/quizzes this week, while being sick.

So, I plan on reading A LOT of books.

I want to read approximately 5 books this week!

I want to start off with Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.

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Then I want to read Amy and Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, which I’ve had on my TBR since last May!

Next, I want to read Walking on Trampolines, which I received from the lovely girls at Simon and Schuster Canada!

Finally, I want to read The Geography of You and Me.

And, if I get through ALL of that (which I doubt…), I will read This is What Happy Looks Like!

And that, is what I plan on reading for the Week of Readathons #3! Are you participating in any of these readathons? Let me know in the comments below!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Book Recommendations for Valentines Day

Alyssa Cohen2 Comments

Hi everyone,

Today I’m going to be recommending a few books for Valentines Day! Now, these won’t be explicit books, just more romantic books. I have not read all of these, but I hope to soon. I’m choosing them because a lot of people like them.

Let’s get started!

  1. Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler\
  2. Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
  3. The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
  4. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
  5. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.
  6. This Lullaby
  7. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
  8. Why We Broke Up by Maira Kalman

I hope you guys liked these recommendations! Let me know which ones I should review for you guys!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Quick Thought #7: How to LOVE Reading!

Alyssa Cohen2 Comments

Hey guys!

A lot of my friends (who aren’t into reading) always ask me “Alyssa, how do you even LIKE to read? I HATE READING!!!!”

First off all, NO ONE can HATE reading, its (quite frankly) impossible! Reading is everywhere and anything that has words. In fact, you’re READING THIS right now! People may hate reading novels/books and that’s normal!

Many people say “Reading is just not my thing!” But, I say NO to that! Here are some steps on how to LOVE reading!

  • Experiment with different genres!

Many people are not reading things that they enjoy! In January, I experimented with some Non-Fiction books, and I’m definitely going to go back to that genre of reading! Just like many people say, you don’t know until you try!

  • Get Book Recommendations from People who are similar to YOU!

If you know me in real life, you know that I don’t like being compared (unless it’s to my dad :)) and that I think that everyone is there self! But, on this note, I will make some exceptions! People who are similar to you on likes or dislikes, may have read books that you may like! Don’t be afraid to ask!

  • Surround yourself with people who LOVE books!

I believe in the quote that states:

and I REALLY believe that this is true! If you surround yourself with people who love books, then you will LOVE them to!

  • Go on Social Media, YouTube, or Book Blogs!

Similar to my last point, if you go on any social media outlet, there are always people who talk about books! You are sure to find one that your interested in!

  • Pick HYPED UP Books!

There are always “hyped up” books, and most of the hype is there for a good reason! People love certain books because they are worth reading! Go ahead, and picked up a more hyped up book!

Those are all of my tips on how to LOVE reading! While writing this post, it made me think of really fun post ideas for the future, so get EXCITED!

Good Night Book Lions!

Alyssa’s Reviews – February Flurries: Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Alyssa Cohen4 Comments

Hi everyone!

Today, I’m going to be doing a book review for Fairest by Marissa Meyer! This book is a short story in The Lunar Chronicles Series, about the Villain Queen Levana.  While this book is part of a series, I will not be spoiling you on any of the other books in this series, but I HIGHLY suggest that you read this series in order of publication date (Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Fairest, (soon) Winter), as it will be WAY more enjoyable! All spoilers for THIS book will be marked.

Synopsis:

In this stunning bridge book between Cress and Winter in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles, Queen Levana’s story is finally told.
Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of them all?
Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.
Marissa Meyer spins yet another unforgettable tale about love and war, deceit and death. This extraordinary book includes full-color art and an excerpt from Winter, the next book in the Lunar Chronicles series.

Review:

I HIGHLY enjoyed this book! I thought it was an excellent way to surround more hype for Winter, the last book in the series coming out November 2015. Although, I had a few issues with it.

The first time I heard about this book they were advertising it as a FULL LENGTH NOVEL with FULL COLOUR ART. I have 2 problems with those statements. First of all, the length was just about 200 pages, the last 20-ish was an excerpt of Winter. Yes, this could be considered a full length novel, but the other books in the series are 300-500 pages, so 200 wouldn’t do for big fans (like myself). Second of all, this book had ONE coloured art feature, but it was BEHIND the flap of the book (for hardcovers). The image was shown twice, in the front and back. While the picture was beautiful, I wouldn’t think that this would count for full coloured art.

I also very much disliked the first half of the book. Warning, if you are underage, please skip to the next paragraph, or if you are planning on reading the book and have not done so already (spoilers). I didn’t think it was appropriate that Queen Levana wanted to marry someone who had a child, and had a wife who JUST past away. I also didn’t like how LITERALLY for the ENTIRE first half of the book all she wanted was to “make love” with him (if you know what I mean). She practically FORCED him to marry her and love her. You have to remember, all the guy wanted to do was be friendly to her, as he was a palace guard, NOT sleep with her!

Now, for the parts I did like, I really liked how they shared the whole back story of Queen Levana. I found it very interesting to learn more about her past, and find out the reasons why she is like this now. We also learn why “glamour” means so much to Queen Levana, and why she never leaves the palace without it. I also liked how we learned about the whole “no mirrors” thing. That was probably one of my favourite parts!

That is it for this book review! Overall, I gave it 3.75-4 stars!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Forest of Reading & I Made A Book Club?!

Alyssa Cohen1 Comment

Hi everyone!

During a few blog posts, I mentioned a program called “Forest of Reading”.

Forest of Reading, is an Ontario reading program, that encourages children of all ages to read more! I have participated since I was 8 years old, and I still thoroughly enjoy the program.

ANY Schools that are located in Ontario can participate, and order books for the program. Once the program is done, you can put those books in the shelves of your schools own library.

Official Website:  https://www.accessola.org/web/OLAWEB/Forest_of_Reading/Welcome

What are the levels?

Each grade has there own level, in which there are 2 clubs. You can choose Non-Fiction, Fiction or Both! This year I branched out and decided to do Non-Fiction, as I have a lot of my own fiction books to read! Also, as you can imagine, the Non-Fiction books are A LOT shorter then the fiction books.

Blue Spruce™ JK–grade 2 picture books
Silver Birch® Grades 3–6 fiction / non-fiction
Red Maple™
 Grades 7–8 fiction, non-fiction (every other year)
White Pine™ Grades 9–12 fiction, non-fiction (every other year)
Le Prix Peuplier varies picture books
Le Prix Tamarac varies chapter books
Le Prix Tamarac Express varies shorter chapter books or mature picture books

In this program, the focus is reading books for all ages, that are made by Canadian Authors. Personally, I think this is a great idea for children in Grades 7-8, as when they go to high school, they may read a lot of classics and/or books written by canadian authors.

What Have I Read So Far?

I am participating in the Read Maple Selection.

So far, I have read 4 of the 10, non-fiction books:

We Are Canada by Rikia Saddy
The Last Train by Rona Arato
Growing Up, Inside and Out by Kira Vermond
Real Justice: Sentanced To Life at Seventeen: The Story of David Milgaard by Cynthia F.

I will have reviews up for these books soon!

What do you do at the end of the program?

At the end of the program, they hold a ceremony for the books, called the “Festival of Trees”. In which, they choose the most voted books and award them with the Forest of Reading Pick of “that year”. Some schools even go to the ceremony, unfortunatley my school never has.

How do you vote?

In order to vote, you must read at least 5 of the 10 books that were selected, and pick your favourites. The school will send the data to the program administrators, and they do all the rest!

I hope you enjoyed learning about the Forest of Reading Program!

BONUS:

I made a goodreads group/book club! Please join it, it would mean the world to me: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/156785-reading-reading-reading-book-club! This month we are reading “The Lunar Chronicles” Series!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Quick Thought #6: Balancing a Social Life while Running a Blog, Reading and School

Alyssa Cohen4 Comments

Hi everyone,

Today, I decided to do a quick thoughts, as I know a lot of you guys enjoy it! I thought of doing a q+a, but then realized that I should do a whole blog post about this question. A LOT of my friends especially will ask me “How do you balance a social life while; blogging, reading and doing school work?”

To be COMPLETELY honest, I don’t think I’m the best person to answer this question. I don’t really have a HUGE social life, but it’s not like it’s nonexistent.

I try to schedule my posts AS MUCH as I possibly can! Although, I have been really sick this week, and this post is going live in approximately 5 hours… Click here to learn more about scheduling posts:  https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/creating-a-blog-scheduling-postscontent/.

I also try to measure out my time between reading, school and hanging out with friends. Basically, I try to make a schedule in my Kate Spade Agenda! I’m IN LOVE with it! If you guys would like me to do a blog post about it, I GLADLY will! Here’s a sneak peek:

Isn’t it GORGEOUS?!

Anyways, I like to use different colours to coordinate different things. Pink is My Blog, Blue is School, Orange is Appointments/Birthdays, and Green is Other.

I like to put EVERYTHING in it! I even like to put in emails I need to respond to, when I will schedule posts and things like that.

I hope that this helped EVERY type of blogger!

Good Night Book Lions!