Cinder: Marissa Meyer

Cinder is a Cinderella retelling of sorts. The twist Cinder is a cyborg mechanic in a post world war 4 world. Cinder was injured at some point in the past and the only way to save her was turning her into a cyborg, then she was adopted, but her adoptive dad died. So now she lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters.  She meets Prince Kai when he brings his android to be fixed, and they fall in love for a happily ever after. The end. Just kidding but there is a little chemistry happening. Before anything can happen between Cinder and Prince Kai the moon people and the horrible disease Letumosis must be dealt with for the safety of New Beijing.

I have looked at this book a million times but something always kept me from reading it. I do not know what it was but I am glad I finally ignored it because I love this book. This was my first book from Marissa Meyer, and she is a wonderful writer. Cinder isn’t my usual type of book but Marissa’s style and unusual story kept me entertained enough to enjoy the book. 

Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale so I was a little skeptical to see a cybog retelling but Cinder is really her own person. Marissa Meyer put a lot of Cinderella into Cinder but still managed to give her her own story. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book with it being so far out of my normal comfort zone. Cinder lives up to the hype around her and I cannot wait to see what happen with the rest of the books.

4/5

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda: Becky Albertalli

What to say about this book? I love everything about it. I want to be Simon’s best friend. This book is just so real, I knew it would be good but I did not expect to love it so much!

Simon is gay, and is fairly comfortable with being gay even though he isn’t out yet.  He starts an email relationship with Blue who is also gay but isn’t as comfortable with that fact yet as Simon is. One day this relationship is compromised, and a blackmail situation begins because Simon doesn’t want to out or lose Blue. The blackmail situation actually leads Simon to being comfortable enough to come out to his family and friends. Most of them accept him but a few problems do arise, but that really is to be expected. Blue and Simon continue their relationship through it all.

Simon brings about some great points in his story. Why is it automatic that the world is straight? Why doesn’t everyone have to declare their sexuality when they are at that point in their lives? Homosexual, straight, bisexual, asexual it shouldn’t matter.

I had a couple guesses about who Blue was but I can honestly say I didn’t see the truth coming. Everyone I thought was wrong, but I am ok with that because the surprise was amazing. Now I just need more Simon/Blue stories. So get to work Becky! 

This book just makes me so happy!!

5/5

Bookstore Bucketlist

I live way out in the middle of no where so there are no bookstores close by. I have to drive at least 1.5 hours sometimes more to reach any kind of bookstore. Horrible I know!! Confession time: I have only ever been to a Books-a-Million and a Barnes and Nobel! *hides* There is a used store I love where my school is so maybe that will save me. *crosses fingers*
Because my major lack of bookstores I decided to share my bucketlist of independent and other bookstores I hope to visit in my lifetime. Many thanks to my Twitter people that helped me add to this list! And not what you are all here for:
 
1) Little Shop of Stories Decatur, GA

2) Flyleaf Chapel Hill, NC

3) Half Price Books Multiple Locations

4) Parnassus Nashville, TN

5) Malaprops Asheville, NC

6) Joseph Beth Booksellers Multiple Locations

7) Andersons Multiple Illinois Locations
 
8) Blue Bicycle Books Charleston, SC

9) Blue Willow Bookshop Houston, TX

10) Emerald Isle Books Emerald Isle, NC

Wish me luck on completely this bucketlist in my lifetime! Feel free to share any other stores you think I should add to this list!