Contemporary - A Week of Recommendations

Today's theme for A Week of Recommendations is Contemporary novels. I think that contemporaries are books that I hadn't read much of previously, but after getting some good recommendations, I've been reading more of them and finding some that I've really enjoyed and also some that really meant a lot to me. So, I'm happy to share some with you all as well! Also, in case you were curious about A Week of Recommendations or wanted to follow along and share your own recommendations too, here's the post I wrote earlier about it. 

no. 1 - On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

This is an amazing book. It felt like I was going on an emotional journey as I read along. I think this is a contemporary that's thought provoking and very unique in writing style. It's one I definitely want to reread sometime, and I'm happy my friends convinced me to read it.

no. 2 - Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

I loved how this book was lighthearted and adventurous, but also a book that could have some serious moments as well. Anna explores Paris and brings the reader along with her, and along with way we meet some great characters.

no. 3 - To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

This book. This book is probably the one I've reread all or parts of the most, and it is definitely, definitely one of my favorite reads of 2014. I absolutely loved this novel, and how it was fun and entertaining, but also had a lot of depth and character development. And the characters aren't perfect, they're flawed and make mistakes, but they also change throughout the story. Lara Jean is such a great narrator, and a really relatable character as well. I loved the character dynamics, the witty banter, and the serious moments interwoven with a cute and adventurous story. I am so excited for P. S. I Still Love You!

no. 4 - Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

This is a book that has incredible character development. I think it's a pretty character driven book, because although Amy and Roger are going on this adventure, at the same time a lot of this is about Amy and Roger and who they are. This is a book that's got a lot of fun extras to it that make the story engaging, but also a lot of character development that makes the book shine.

no. 5 - The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes

This is a contemporary with a very unique premise. It brings in an ancient text into a modern contemporary story. Combine that with some hilarious and fun, yet flawed characters and this is a great story. 

Here is the third day of A Week of Recommendations! I hope you all are enjoying this series, and let me know about any suggestions you have! I'll be back tomorrow with paranormal recommendations!

From the paper world,
V

A Little Something Different Review

Goodreads Description:

The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.  But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship. 

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....

A Little Something Different on Goodreads

Visit Sandy Hall's Page on Swoon Reads

My Rating: 3.5 Stars (4 on Goodreads)

I purchased a copy of this novel.

Today I'm writing my first review of 2015! It's been awhile since my last review, but I'm excited to talk about A Little Something Different. This was my first finished read of the year, and I think it was a fun, interesting contemporary to start the new year off with. The characters are all unique and memorable, and the writing of this book is, as the title says, unlike any other. The format of this book follows 14 different perspectives on this one romance, which I really enjoyed because it brought a lot of characterization in to the side characters and really made me appreciate the different points of view. However, I will say that in some places I wasn't the biggest fan of the pacing, but overall this is a really enjoyable novel, and a great read.

Reading from all the different POVs made the characters all stand out in their own ways. Sometimes it's easy for side characters to lose depth as a story continues on if the plot needs to be furthered. But here, all the characters were narrating the story in such a way that the plot flowed through that. I found this idea refreshing and entertaining. Each change brought a new little scene to the overall story. I didn't connect as much to some of the characters, but I appreciated how each viewpoint contributed to this kind of storytelling and how it emphasized the plot development. 

During the plot development and the story, I did think that sometimes the pacing was a little sporadic in rushing at points and not much happening at others, but it didn't bother me too much because the nature of the story was that it was developing by so many different narrations. 

Overall, I gave this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, but rounded to 4 stars on Goodreads because I did really enjoy it, and I appreciated the storytelling style. I think this is a fun contemporary read that's refreshing and different. 

Have you read this book? If so, let me know what you thought in the comments, and if you have any good YA contemporary recommendations, let me know!

From the paper world,
V