WWWW Wednesday 5

August 30, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

This meme is hosted by Taking on a World of Words.

What I am currently reading

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles 2) by Marissa Meyer
I just finished the first book in the series called Cinder. I really enjoyed it and so I rented the 2nd book from Libby as an audiobook!

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
After reading The Nightingale, I knew Kristin Hannah would be one of those authors I would continuously read. A classmate recommend I check out this book by here and I am glad I have started it!

What I recently finished

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles 1) by Marissa Meyer

This book is definitely not your average princess story re-telling. This book takes you to a completely different place that makes it seem like an entirely different story except for some subtle similarities.

Uglies (Uglies 1) by Scott Westerfield

I was not sure if I read this book when I was younger but I have to say, I really enjoyed it. I look forward to the rest of the series!

What I am reading next

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
After being disappointed by Marked, I hope this vampire series will be more enjoyable!

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
I know I said I was going to read this last week but my hold was kind of suspended and I got involved with other books. Hopefully I will get to it because I love this series!

REVIEW: A Court of Frost and Starlight

August 25, 2019August 24, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

“You were born on the longest night of the year.” His fingers again stroked down my back. Lower. “You were meant to be at my side from the very beginning.”
Page 53, A Court of Frost and Starlight

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
**Duration:** 229 pages
**Format:** ebook
**Genre:** Fantasy, New Adult, Romance
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

The goal of this book is to give the reader a look at life after Hybern’s war and the preparations for the Winter Solstice. Feyre is busy with High Lady duties while Rhys is busy with enforcing the Illyrian armies to train women soldiers. Elain is also shown acclimating to the Night Court by tending to a garden and other household duties with Nuala and Cerridwen while Nesta has completely closed herself off.

Review

Plot – This novella is definitely more lighthearted than the main books in the series, which was a nice change of pace. Crazy events didn’t happen but the book still went at a good pace to keep you reading. I think it was a good way to tide fans over until the new book is released.

Writing – I like how you get different POV’s in this book. They’re marked clearly and I like having the ability to get a glimpse inside other character’s heads besides Feyre. Some of the overused phrases I have mentioned in my “A Court of Wings and Ruin” review definitely make their appearance again but since it’s so short, they’re not used quite as often.

I found this novella and enjoyable read and the foreshadowing for what is to come. I hope the series is continued and I can’t wait for the next book!

“to remember that she picked it. Picked me. That it’s not like my parents, shoved together.”
Page 20, A Court of Frost and Starlight

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

How did you like the A Court of Thorns and Roses series? Did you read this novella as well? What did you think?

REVIEW: Always Never Yours

August 24, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

“You’re in luck, you know,” I say. “Every one of my boyfriends finds the perfect girl right after we break up.”
Page 321, Always Never Yours

WARNING: some spoilers ahead.

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberly
**Duration**: 349 pages
**Format**: ebook
**Genre**: romance, YA
**Rating**: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Being the girl boys date before they meet their perfect match is exhausting.
There’s Tyler who fell madly in love with my best friend while we were dating.
Anthony who kissed me and figured out he was homosexual.
Amongst others who have left for any other number of reasons.
It’s really hard to see your worth when you don’t feel like you’re worth anything.

Review

Plot – This book revolves around Megan Harper’s relationship mishaps, all while she is playing Juliet in her school play of Romeo and Juliet. I think it is an interesting premise for a YA romance novel. This book goes through Megan evolving and being able to finally see that she IS worth something, and that the other boys that just used her were all to get to a good end. Another frustrating aspect was when Megan still went for Will, even though she could tell there was chemistry between her and Owen. I felt really bad for Owen to stay by her during all of that and to listen to Megan after they broke up.

Characters – To be honest, Megan is one of those characters that can make me really annoyed. I understand being upset about family problems, but I get annoyed when the characters bring it up several times. I thought after she went to Owen’s house and saw that he literally takes care of his 10 year old brother, that she would realize that she doesn’t have it bad at all. Other than the complaining, I do like the banter between Megan and the other characters (especially Owen) – that’s what really keeps the story alive and entertaining. I love Owen as a character, it is rewarding to see the nerdy kid people don’t pay attention to blossom into this hardworking, witty young man throughout the book.

Overall, I found this book enjoyable if you want a kind of immature romance book. It will keep you hooked until the end. If there were less frustrating parts and Megan was a bit more mature, I would have enjoyed this novel more.

“Everyone’s an idiot like Juliet sometimes. Or everyone should be. Juliet dares to care about something. It makes her do crazy things.”
Page 315, Always Never Yours

⭐️⭐️⭐️

REVIEW: The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen

August 23, 2019August 21, 2019 Lindsay Short1 Comment

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
**Duration:** 440 pages
**Genre:** YA, Contemporary, Fiction
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Life is a journey, wouldn’t you rather be the person behind the wheel than the one just being carried along?”
Page 154, The Rest of the Story

Synopsis

Emma Saylor has her summer planned out –
✓Dad getting married
✓ New house being remodeled
✓ Staying at her friends house and crushing on boys while her Dad and Step-Mother go on their honeymoon
The plan gets disrupted when her friend has a family emergency and is unable to let Emma stay over. She has no other options except her grandmother from her mother’s side that she hasn’t seen since she was 3 years old. Since her mother passed when Emma was 10 years old, she hasn’t even thought about this side of the family. When she arrives, North Lake seems like a distant memory to her. During the 3 weeks she gets to spend there, it shows her getting to know this part of her family that becomes near and dear to her heart.

Review

Sarah Dessen has been one of my favorite authors for over 10 years. She has such a unique way of writing relaxing stories that make you immersed in the story and invested in the characters.

Plot – It’s kind of funny that I reread one of Sarah’s old books – Keeping the Moon – just last month. This book was really reminiscent of Keeping the Moon except updated for the current times. Both books deal with the main character going to stay with an aunt during the summer while meeting people they become close with and falling in love. The way that Sarah updated this story to make it more relevant with the circumstances Emma’s mom passed from (opioid abuse) and delving into how Emma deals with her anxiety. Even though the plots had similarities, they had quite different feels based on their settings.

Characters – I enjoyed Emma’s resilience. When she first arrived to North Lake her cousins thought she was the spoiled rich kid who just got to laze around. She proved them wrong by helping them work at her aunts motel and by knowing her struggles with her mother and anxiety, you know she is a strong girl. I loved the feel of the relationships between everyone at North Lake – how you know that they all grew up together and they have that loving friends-like-family type vibe.

Writing – Sarah Dessen has a very simplistic way of writing that feels so laidback and enjoyable. When she described North Lake it made me crave to be by a lake this summer – swimming, barbecuing, lighting sparklers, etc. Even though the writing isn’t incredibly detailed, it is done in such a way that you want to continue reading.

Overall – I was very happy with Sarah Dessen’s new book. I really enjoyed that she made it relevant to current issues while still keeping her simplistic summer relaxation vibe.

“You can make your life, or life can make you. Was it really that simple of a choice?”
Page 181, The Rest of the Story

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this book or any of Sarah Dessen’s other books? What did you think about it?

REVIEW: Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

August 22, 2019August 20, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
**Duration:** 384 pages
**Genre:** Thriller, Mystery
**Rating:**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Jules Larson was struggling after losing her job and her boyfriend within the same day. Desperate for a new job while living off of her friends couch, she finds a job that seems too good to be true – an apartment sitter at the most prestigious apartment building in NYC that pays really well. She would be a fool not to take it. The first day she moved in she met another apartment sitter named Ingrid who tells her that she’s starting to feel uneasy and terrified at night. What could possibly going on at the Bartholomew?

Review

I loved this book from start to finish. It drew me in with the grandeur of living at the Bartholomew and how this girl with hardships got an opportunity of a lifetime. Then when things started to get creepy and unsettling – I couldn’t put the book down. Especially near the end when you discover what is actually going on there – I was in absolute shock. I could not have guessed about what was going on. I cannot wait to read Riley’s other books – which I heard are all fantastic.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WWW Wednesday 4

August 22, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

I’m a little late to writing this post BUT – this is one of my favorite posts to write so I still wanted to do it anyways!

What I am currently reading

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
For a book battle I needed to read a book about space. One of my teammates suggested this book. I just started the audiobook a couple days ago and it’s pretty interesting! It’s about a family who gets frozen so they can travel 301 years to somewhere in space to get more natural resources for Earth.

The Selection by Kiera Cass
I have been hesitating to read this book for awhile. What was holding me back was the main characters name – **America Singer.** I thought it sounded *lame*. BUT I’m really enjoying this book (and I couldn’t put it down enough last night to write this post).

What I recently finished

Always Never Yours by Emily Wibberly

I thought this book looked intriguing based on how beautiful the cover is. I enjoyed some parts of it but I also think I’m too old when I read a YA book with a main character who complains a lot.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

I thought this book was fascinating and well written to keep the reader involved in learning more. It’s like hearing all the juicy gossip without being a part of it – which is the best of both worlds.

What I am reading next

What I am currently watching

Nigeru was Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu (JP)
I haven’t watched many dramas this year, but this one has to be my favorite one thus far! It’s funny seeing how awkward Hiramasa is. I like that Japanese dramas are fairly short – they don’t drag it out as much as Kdramas

What I recently finished

Toumei na Yurikago (JP)
I enjoyed this drama throughout. I loved seeing the babies and experiencing the joy of life and the sorrow of loss throughout the show. Definitely recommend!

What I am watching next

Shoplifters (JP)
Not sure which drama I want to start next, but definitely want to watch this movie!

REVIEW: The Last Mrs. Parrish

August 21, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
**Duration:** 560 pages
**Genre:** Thriller, Mystery
**Format:** ebook
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Amber Patterson moved to Bishops Harbor with one goal in mind – to get close to Daphne Parrish and eventually, her husband.

Review

Plot – This book made me feel like I was in a “The Real Housewives” show but with even more deceit and jaw dropping moments. I liked how the author built up the story with Amber and Daphne’s friendship and showed how Amber worked her way into their family. Then when it switched to Daphne’s POV, I enjoyed learning about the beginning of their relationship and everything that went on behind closed doors.

Writing – The first part of the book is from Ambers perspective of when she meets Daphne. The middle is Daphne’s perspective starting from when she met her husband, Jackson Parrish, throughout to when she met Amber. The last portion of the book goes between POVs. The best aspect of thrillers is thinking the story is going one way, until it goes in the complete opposite direction. By writing the story this way, the reader can appreciate the protagonists perspectives on the situation and the truth behind it.

Characters – I thought that the characters were very well played. Going along with what I said above, being able to see the different POVs really made me understand and appreciate the characters more. When I was reading reviews on this book that had lower ratings, I noticed a lot of people saying Jackson was misogynistic. He definitely was, but I think that is the point the author is trying to convey. The author is trying to paint this portrait as to how a family could look so perfect and put together, but terrible things can be happening behind closed doors. I understand that part can make women uncomfortable, but I think it was really to elaborate on making the story more heart wrenching and to understand Daphne’s motives more.

This has been the year of thrillers for me. I really liked this book – it had me in disbelief while I was listening to it. I couldn’t believe some of what was going on. Nonetheless, I definitely don’t think this book is for everyone. You need to be comfortable with reading about misogyny and with understanding that this isn’t necessarily a happy book. If you like other thrillers like Verity, I think you would enjoy this book as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this book? What did you think?

Medical Monday 3: Grateful

August 20, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

I originally chose to go to podiatry school in NYC because of the diversity. I knew I would be able to experiment the treatment and management of unique pathologies I would not see elsewhere.

Along with the assortment of pathologies, came patients from all different backgrounds and cultures.

Last week I had 2 patients that made me realize how grateful I am everyday of all that I have been blessed with in life. Having the opportunity to meet, examine, and communicate with these patients made me feel like I can truly make a difference in someone’s day.

The first patient came with large ulcers on the top of both of their feet. The patient said that they had a variety of events in their life occur which led them unable to come to our clinic. The ulcers were present for a couple months and the patient was trying their best to keep them clean but they were not decreasing in size. The patient was very emotional – they expressed their fear of potentially losing their feet and how these ulcers prevented them from going on vacation to see family and from walking. I listened to the patient intently and praised them for coming to see us and reassured them that we will do our best to take care of them and to save their feet. I ended up seeing that patient again today in the hall and I smiled and said hello. I know life is hard for that patient now, but I am so happy that they are being persistent with their treatment.

The second patient was a bit harsh in the beginning. Sometimes you get patients that don’t really want to deal with students and just want to see the doctor and get out. I just started listening to the patient intently, letting them tell me their story and asking inquisitive questions when necessary. The patient was showing me pictures of their ulcers in different stages of healing. By fostering this connection with the patient, they allowed me to examine their feet before the doctor could come in to discuss surgery. When the doctor came and was asking about the patients living conditions, the patient said they were kicked out of their apartment for renovations and was currently living in a shelter. My heart sunk – this patient we thought was kind of being rude for not wanting to deal with the students was going through so much more than I could imagine. I was so thankful that I have an apartment that I share with someone I love and is a safe place to call home.

My goal as a doctor is to treat everyone with respect and care, no matter their background. My hope is to brighten their day at least a little bit, and allow them to release what is bothering them and perhaps make them smile and laugh.

REVIEW: Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

August 18, 2019 Lindsay Short1 Comment

Marked (Marked #1) by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
**Format:** audiobook
**Duration:** 306 pages
**Genre:** YA, Fantasy
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

Marked begins with Zoey going to school like any other normal day – except when she arrives, she gets marked with a crescent moon on her forehead by a vampire tracker. She knows what happens if you are marked and don’t go to the house of night – you’ll keep getting sicker and sicker and eventually die. She brings it up to her mother, hoping for some understanding, but since her mother remarried she obeys her new husband instead of sticking up for her daughter. Her husband freaks out and wants to have and intervention call with the church to bless Zoey. Zoey ends up sneaking out and visiting her grandmother who is understanding and helps her get to the house of night.

At the house of night we meet the other students who soon become Zoeys best friends and confidants, as well as an elite club called the Dark Daughters. This book follows Zoey’s journey in the house of night, the changes she endures while becoming a vampire, and figuring out what makes her different from everyone else?

Review

Plot – If you’ve been on my blog for one second you know that I’ve been enjoying the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, which is about faeries. So, I thought a book about vampires would be similar enough to hook by interest but different enough to be unique in it’s own way. To be honest, I felt like not a lot of exciting events happened in this book. The events felt mundane to me and didn’t pull me in a way where I felt like I had to keep listening. The most interesting parts were when Zoey was trying to come to terms with the changes being a vampire entails.

Characters – Zoey is a strong character and you can appreciate her growth and development throughout the book. She started out as a frightened high school girl and evolved into someone who doesn’t take bullying at all. Her friends all have their own individual personalities that all mix together into a coherent, amusing friend group. It made me wish I was sitting with that group during my school lunches. I loved how they all supported Zoey right from the start and stood by her until the very end.

Overall – I was disappointed since I felt like this book was bland and a weak start to the series. I’ve heard a lot of praise about this series and to be frank, I just don’t see it. It was an easy read but nothing that really drew me in and made me beg for the next book. Part of me is hesitant to continue the series. Friends on goodreads have told me it does get better but I am still on the fence about it. I may try a different vampire series instead!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this series? Do you think it’s worth it to continue if I felt like the 1st book was only okay? Are there any other Vampire book series you recommend?

REVIEW: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

August 18, 2019August 18, 2019 Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Format: ebook
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
**Duration: 6**99 pages
**Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“…what we think to be our greatest weakness can sometimes be our biggest strength. And that the most unlikely person can alter the course of history.”
Page 309, A Court of Wings and Ruin

Synopsis

Feyre is back in the clutches of the Spring court – but she has a plan up her sleeves. Even though it is difficult to be so far from Rhys, she knows what needs to be done. The third installment of this series goes through the difficulties with making alliances with neighboring courts so they can still thrive after the war with Hybern, how Elain and Nesta are handling being made from the cauldron, and the actual war itself.

Review

After all of the heat and excitement I was feeling from A Court of Mist and Fury, I was definitely excited to jump right into this book. I hate to say this but this book did not live up to the first two.

1 – I felt like some parts were kind of slow and dragged on. The book was quite long so it really could have been cut down a considerable amount.

2- A lot of the lines were overused. I can’t even begin to count how many times someone used a “vulgar gesture” or “mate.” It would have been better to just start leaving it out after it was used a couple times or use something else instead.

In the end, the book did have some great parts that still made it earn 4 stars out of 5 from me. I love Rhys and Feyre’s relationship as well as the friendships within the night court, and the humor sprinkled throughout the book. I am currently reading book #3.1 A Court of Frost and Starlight. I plan on starting Sarah J. Maas’s other series – Throne of Glass. This series is definitely well worth reading despite this book not being as strong as the 2nd.

“And I wondered if the road ahead – the road to true peace – would perhaps be the hardest and longest one yet.”
Page 689, A Court of Wings and Ruin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read this series? How did you feel about the 3rd book compared to the others? Have you read Throne of Glass? Which series did you think was better?