Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I cannot even begin to express how freaking AMAZING this book is!!! I'm not even kidding... Everyone should read this book. EVERYONE.

Alright, I'm going to spend this post 'fangirling' about this book, so no judging allowed! Rainbow Rowell really knows how to write a good book, I can tell you! Fangirl is about a girl named Cather, aka Cath. Cath writes fanfiction. Most importantly, boy boy fanfiction. Namely Simon Snow and Baz. Her whole life ever since she started reading Simon Snow, she's become a steadfast Simon Snow fan. Actually, fan doesn't even cut it. Simon Snow became her life. And boy was she good at it. So was her sister, Wren. Cath and Wren, as twins, got sucked into the Simon Snow universe together. However, now that Cath and Wren are going to college, things are going to change. And according to Cath? Not for the better.

It's one of the absolute best coming-of-age books I have ever read. Telling about family, fanfiction, and first love, this book will pull you in and never let go. Honestly. You will fall in love with it like Simon Snow is in love with Baz. It's filled with conflicts, dilemma, hurt, comfort, and love. After all, it's college! I don't want to spoil this book for you at all, so I'm just going to say....

READ, IT.

I recommend this book to everyone 14 and up. And I mean it. Everyone.

***I give this book a 101 out of 10. 'Nuff said.***

Four by Veronica Roth

Four is part of the Divergent Collection, slightly like an extra to the series. As someone who did enjoy the Divergent series, I decided that I would grace myself to buy this book.

As the cover may give away, this book is about Four also known as Tobias. Starting off from his own choosing ceremony, this book tells Tobias's own point of view of what happened during the Divergent series. Even in the books, Tobias is portrayed as a bit of a mysterious figure, especially in the first book. Meanwhile, this book tells all about it's namesake.

Veronica Roth is undoubtedly an excellent writer and has entertained multiple people, teens and adults alike, round the world. I actually love how she could turn her bestselling series and retell it in another character's point of view. In fact, I admire it. It's not easy to rewrite something you've already wrote. In some cases, it may even be harder than to write something completely new again. In order to rewrite it in another characters point of view requires a lot of in depth thinking about the character, as you switch main characters. It shows the connection and understanding Veronica Roth has of her characters, and how much character development and thought she put into them. In no way are either Tris nor Tobias flat characters. They are most definitely round, and come to life on the pages. As someone who highly enjoys character development, I really thoroughly enjoyed this book, seeing the Divergent series through Tobias's eyes again.

I recommend this book to anyone who has read the Divergent series. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you should track down the Divergent series and read it!

***I give this book a 9.5 out of 10***

Awake and Dreaming by Kit Pearson

Confession time! I only took this book because it was by Kenneth Oppel. Alright! On with the show!

Awake and Dreaming is yet another family oriented novel. Written by Kit Pearson, it deals with friends, loneliness, and the meaning of family. Theo, the main character, can't stop dreaming about belonging to a 'real' family. With an irresponsible, young, mother, Theo feels trapped within her poverty-stricken life. Therefore, when she is mysteriously adopted into the large, warm Kaldor family, her dream is suddenly brought to life. Yet such things cannot last forever. Too soon, she finds herself back with her mother, and her new life starts to fade away. Was it a dream? Will  Theo ever be able to find her perfect family?

I have to say that it was indeed a touching book, but it had moments where it left my slightly baffled. For example, how could Theo think that was a dream?? Also, the ending slightly left me in doubts as well. Overall, a good book with a few faulty details. I wouldn't go as far as to say that it didn't make sense, however.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy reading about families and finding the meaning of having a true family. I also recommend it to people who enjoyed 'Waiting for Normal' as it is pretty similar. Just because it's a Puffin Classic doesn't mean you should be fazed by it! It's a good read, not overly emotional so it won't make you cry, but you'll definitely close the book with a smile.

***I give this book a 8.4 out of 10***

Taking the Reins by Dayle Campbell Gaetz

Yep, I'm back. With a horse book. It was bound to happen sometime, so I guess the time is now. I got this book for free, out of my book camp, but at first, I had my doubts-- on whether or not I would actually come to enjoy this book,

Set in the 1860s, I didn't expect myself to be reading a book set on the past, due to my seeming unwillingness to go back into the tales of history. However, I didn't mind it so much in this book, since it didn't have to do with the history, but rather the adventure. I was especially interested in this story due to the setting of British Columbia. It's set in the very place I am living in right now, which I thought was interesting. Therefore, I picked it up, and decided that I would give it a shot. Telling the tale of two girls and a horse, Taking the Reins is a wonderful story about ingenuity, courage, friendship, and the love of a horse.

Our two characters, Katherine and Emma are very different from one another. Katherine was lead to British Columbia by a father who wished to obtain free farm land, yet knew nothing of farming, while Emma's father left Emma and her mother to chase the fantasy of gold. Living in poverty, Emma's story is not a warm one, while Katherine has lived comparatively comfortably, give or take a few unfortunate events. Although they are much different from one another, they must help each other as their situations are getting more and more desperate. Could Nugget, the beautiful bay mare that brought them together in the first place be able to help them solve their differences?

Dayle Campbell Gaetz is an author like no other. Although her story doesn't have the complexity of a sci-fi novel or the shrouding air of mystery from mystery novels, her book contains the magic of friendship, love, and horses. She has sealed what matters most into the writing. Heart.

I recommend this book to horse lovers and adventure lovers alike. Perhaps even to the people who just want to disappear into a really good story one day.

***I give this book a 9.1 out of 10***

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

"If you ain't scared, you ain't human.'

As many people probably know already, The Maze Runner by James Dashner is coming out into theaters soon. Therefore, sales of this books have rocketed, as everyone is trying to read the book before the movie comes out. I am, in fact, one of those people. I saw the trailer, even though I did know of this series beforehand, I hadn't gone out of my way to read it. After watching the trailer, I inquired towards a friend whether or not it was a worthwhile read, and she responded that the first book was great, but the same couldn't be said for the next books. After a bit of contemplation, I decided to read it.

I am now going to make the blandest of the bland statements. I liked it. It wasn't like 'OMG IT'S BEAUTIFUL AND A WORK OF ART' amazing like The Fault in Our Stars or Harry Potter or Artemis Fowl, but none the less, it was a good read. It entertained, and sucked you into the Labyrinth. In my opinion, it's a bit like the Hunger Games, especially the end. There are parts where it gets slightly boring, but for the most part, it's pleasantly action packed, whether they be fighting Grievers or trying to puzzle a way out. 

Meet our main character, Thomas. When he wakes up in a lift, his memory is gone. The one thing he can remember is his name. And he's surrounded by other boys. Their memories, also gone. Yet somehow, Thomas is not like the rest of the boys. When he comes, everything starts to change. He brings something no one in the Glade has thought to have before. Curiosity. All the boys stay in the Glade, a small area in the middle of the Maze. Around the Glade are towering walls. Over them? An ever shifting maze. There's no way out but the maze. Yet no one's ever made it. Then, one day a girl arrives. The very first girl ever. And with her she bring a mysterious and haunting message.

'Remember. Run. Survive.'

James Dashner wrote a bewitching tale of a group of boys, a girl, and a maze. Will they be able to make it out alive? Read on and watch the movie.

***I give this book a 8.4 out of 10!***

The Secret Language of Horses by Heather Dunphy

Your horse obsessed girl back to help you with your riding! ...Jokes. I couldn't help myself with my own riding, never mind you at this point in time... I'm going to be completely honest with you. I got this book only because I really really wanted that free shipping from Chapters. So I bought the cheapest book I thought I would enjoy, which was this. So now you know-- it's a good price at under $5.

That's not to say it's a bad book. Actually, it's extremely informative from the horse breeds to communication with your horse. I love this book, honestly. It can be useful for the most beginner riders to the riders with their own horse. There is a vast amount of knowledge in the 190 pages within this book, and I suggest that all horse lovers read this. I found that this book actually was pretty similar to the material covered in the English Rider 1 and 2 books, complete with descriptions of horses and stable vices.

Heather Dunphy wrote a book that would benefit most equine lovers, and most people will walk away from this book with at least one thing new. I think it was well-put together and it was an entertaining and informative read. I recommend this book to all people who love horses, and all the horse owners. You might find that within the pages of this small encyclopedia, you might find the key to finally getting to know what your horse is saying.With lots of tips and equine facts, I particularly liked this book due to its size.

Most encyclopedias are grossly huge. Take WorldBook, for instance. How many volumes makes the whole encyclopedia?? Don't even want to know... On the other hand, this book is light to read, but none the less packed with cool facts and the key to a confident rider and a happy horse.

***I give this book a 9.1 out of 10.***