In Which I Discuss a Personal Dilemma: 5 Star Ratings

Dear self,

I know that you have been struggling for quite some time over a certain decision: Do you give a book a five-star rating? I am here to tell you that it is okay to give a book 5 stars.

In your mind, to give a book five stars means that the book is absolutely perfect in every single way, and there is no such thing as an absolutely perfect book. I am telling you that a book doesn't have to be perfect in order for you to give it five stars. All a five star rating does is indicate that you loved the book. That you will probably want to reread it in the future. That you will recommend it to your friends. A five star rating does not indicate that the book is perfect. It's just a perfect fit for you.

So, self, don't be stingy with the five stars. I know that, in a way, giving five stars is scary. How do you know that even if you love it now, you will still feel the same way in a few months? In a few years? Maybe if you go back and reread it, you won't like it as much. Or maybe you won't want to reread it at all. But listen, self, don't let that scare you away. If you love a book, don't insult it by giving it four stars when you really wanted to give it five stars.

Plus, look at how many four star books you have on your Goodreads shelf. More than any other stars. You can mix it up a little.

And while I'm at it, it's okay to give a book three stars. Just because you give a book three stars, it doesn't mean you don't like the book. It just means that the book wasn't as good as it could have been.

So, self, here we are. Try your best to give books five stars when you really love the book. Don't cheat out awesome books because you are afraid to give it five stars.

YouTube has Taken Over my Life

So, in the past couple of weeks (although it's been building for a few months) I've gotten super addicted to (obsessed with) YouTube. To an unhealthy point. I find that instead of reading, doing blog-gy things, and just in general being productive, I'm spending hours watching videos on YouTube. And I do mean hours. I'll go on and tell myself "I'm just going to watch the videos my subscriptions has uploaded." Two hours later...

It all started over the summer when I started watching web series. I've gotten super addicted to The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and I also love Job Hunters (although that doesn't come back on until next year). Then for the next few months I watched quite a few tutorials. For a lot of things but mostly for hair. 

And then, this past week, I went a little overboard. I started watching people's channels and now I spend so much more time on YouTube than I should. 

So, I'm here to share with you a few of my subscriptions. 

As I said above, I subscribe to The Lizzie Bennet Diaries  and Job Hunters. Both are amazing web series and you should watch them!

Troye Sivan

This guy is and Australian, and actor, and singer. He is super hilarious in his videos which is why I love them. 

SuperDooperRad 

To be honest, it's not what she talks about in her videos that makes me like them so much. I just think she is really funny and entertaining. 

This video kind of shows you how fun and eccentric she can be. 

Cute Polish 

Remember when I said I like to watch tutorials? Yeah, this shows nail designs and art and is the only "tutorials" channel that I subscribe to. 

JacksGap

So, this is basically just about this British guy and sometimes his twin brother just being goofy. They are really funny and entertaining.

Totally Booksessed

And last be certainly not least, we've got the only book-ish channel on this list. This channel features some bloggers who talk about books, blogging, and such. 

So, there you have it. If it seems that I'm not posting/reading/around as much, it's because I'm on Youtube, probably watching some of these peeps. I'm trying to pull myself back a little but its difficult. 

Not that I need a reason to be on YouTube more, but do you have any subscription suggestions? As you can see, I mostly like funny channels, but I'm open to other (especially bookish) suggestions as well. 

Halloween Special: Favorite Horror Movies

As Halloween approaches, I'd thought it would be fun to write up a post about my favorite horror movies!

I am a scary movie fanatic; I live for them! And despite that I love them and that I've seen so many horror films, I found it really difficult to come up with a list of favorites. I don't know why! But, alas, here it is. 

Now, if you notice, in the title I said "best" horror movies instead of "scariest" or anything of the sort. That's because I don't get scared at scary movies. Disturbed, definitely. Maybe a little creeped out. Scared? Nope. It's probably because I've been watching them for so long. 

So what qualifies as a "good" scary movie if I can't get scared by one? Well, this is hard for me to decide, but I'd say that it's a movie that either I want to watch more than once or that makes me think about it days after I saw it. 

So, I'll stop rambling and give you my list.

1. The Grudge (1 & 2)

These movies will always be one of my favorites because, well, they were the first ones I saw. It was shortly after the second was released and I was about 11 at the time. I've seen these movies so many times and I always return to them. 

2. Shaun of the Dead

I can't have a favorite horror movies list without this one. This movie is absolutely hilarious while also providing few "jump" moments. For whatever reason, I don't really like zombie movies except for comedies (I also love Zombieland). Even if you are not a horror movie fan, you should watch this because it's just a fantastic movie.

Wow, I really like choosing images with something lurking in the background

3. The Strangers

So, yeah, here's a tip: don't watch this movie and then go babysit until five in the morning on Halloween. This is one of those times that I've been freaked out by a scary movie. Anyway, this movie is a terrifying concept because there is a very real possibility that this can happen. I mostly like this movie because of the remember-able moments: The scene pictured above; the, "is Tamara home?" scene; and the "Because you were home scene." If you've seen this movie you'll know what I'm talking about and that these scenes really are creepy. I don't know why but these scenes just really stuck with me. 

 

4. Vacancy

I honestly don't know why I liked this movie so much. I just remembered that when I finished it the first time I immediately wanted to watch it again. And I did. I've seen this movie several times. Plus it puts a bad taste in your mouth about motels (if there isn't already). 

I purposely stayed away from lurking figures with this one

5. Shutter

Another Japanese remake. This is a movie that the ghost is trying to get revenge and has every right to. One of the only movies that I was actually rooting for the evil being and was happy with the ending. 

6. Reincarnation

I watched this movie years ago when I was about twelve and I honestly don't remember much about it except that it was really creepy. If the Japanese know how to do one thing, it's horror. 

7. Dead Silence

Yay, creepy doll movies! Honestly, is there anything more creepy than dolls? In this instance, no. 

8. The Cabin in the Woods

This is a new release, but I just had to include it. This is a movie that you are either going to love or think is stupid; after much contemplation, I decided I'm part of the former. This movie was not what I was expecting at all and really had me thinking long after I finished it. I've seen this movie called "anti-horror," and that's exactly what it is; it's actually a parallel to the horror genre itself. This movie delivers creepy moments along with comic relief. All I can say is if you are going to watch this movie, go in with absolutely no expectations because this movie is not what you think it is. 

Do you like horror movies?

What are some of your favorites?

Obsessions Started by Books

So, every once in a while I will read a book and immediately go "I want to do that" or "I want to do there." Prior to reading I had no desire to go to said place or do said thing. But once I read the book I just know that at sometime in my life I want to do that thing or go to that place. 

Here are a few:

Go Scuba Diving- Here's a confession: I have a fear of the ocean. I just don't like it. Not one bit. But every since reading Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson, I want to go scuba diving. I think it would be an amazing experience. Plus, I'd have to face my fear, right?

Visit Central/South America- If you would have asked me a year ago, the only places around the world I would want to visit was Europe and maybe Australia. But ever since reading Wanderlove by Kristin Hubbard, I've had this desire to visit Central/South America. Waderlove has such great imagery and (almost) anywhere down there would be such an amazing place to visit and explore. 

Go on a Road Trip- There have been several books that has inspired and fed this idea, the main one being Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson. I just want to get some friends together, pack up, hit the road, and have an adventure. 

So, I ask you this: Are there any things you want to try/ places you want to visit that was inspired from reading a book?

Another Type of Heroines

A few weeks ago I did a Kick-Ass heroine post. I think it's pretty unanimous to us readers that we love a good female character who can kick some butt. Then I got to thinking. There are other types of characters and heroines who are equally as awesome but are not the typical kick-ass type. The type of heroines I'm referring to, my friends, are the smart girls. 

These aren't as abundant as the BA girls and in my opinion not appreciated enough. I've come across a few girls who can kick some butt, not physically, but sure can solve some problems using other parts of the body (get your mind out of the gutter!). While I do love and appreciate a girl who is really BA, I enjoy my smart heroines, too. 

Here are a few:

Sydney from Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

If there is one thing Sydney is, it's smart. Not only book smart (which she is) but can problem-solve, too. (Although socially, not so much.)

Bitterblue in Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

There are quite a few mysteries and unknowns in this book, and Bitterblue has to use her wits in order solve them. She is great at solving puzzles and codes and all of that. 

Now, my question is: do we have to choose? The perfect heroine for me would be someone who is really smart, uses her wits, but can kick some butt, too. I mean, there are some smart and strong characters out there, but I'm talking about the absolutely brilliant ones who are strong physically as well. 

Favorites of 2012 So Far

We are just past half way through the year and I decided that it was time to share some of my favorite books this year. It seems like last year that there were no books that were absolutely amazing, but this year has changed that!

Not of all the books are released this year, but I've read them all in 2012. 

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

I read this book a few months ago. This is a book that I stayed up until the wee hours of the night to finish, despite the length. 

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson

You guys! This book is amazing, this movie is amazing. I just love it! 

Smart Girls Get What They Want by Sarah Strohmeyer

I was so surprised by this book! It is super fun and super cute. It's the funniest book that I've read in a while. Maybe ever!

Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson

I'm not a huge Maureen Johnson fan, but this book is amazing! Adventure, treasure hunt, romance, Italy. What more can you ask for?

Now, I've read quite a few other great books this year, but those are the ones that blew my mind! 

What are you favorite books of this year so far?

Hit or Miss Authors

Over the course of the past few years, I've discovered a few authors that I either really like one of their books, or really don't. Fortunately, the ones that I like are absolutely amazing. But I just can't always count on them to provide me with an amazing story. 

Now, quite a few of these authors, I'm afraid, most of you will probably disagree with me on. But, It's how I feel and I can't exactly change that. 

Here we go.

Sarah Dessen. Okay, to be fair, the only ones of hers I don't like are her early ones. There were some that I just couldn't get into or finish. But, with her more recent novels, she has yet to fail me. 

The Hits

The Misses

Susane Calasanti. She has provided some really cute and fun stories. But she has also had a couple that I just did not like

The Hits

The Misses

This is really the only book that I had real beef with. While I had issues with Keep Holding On, it was still entertaining

Elizabeth Scott. Man, when she writes a hit, it's amazing. One of my favorite books of all time is bloom. But she can also write some novels that I just cannot get into.

The Hits

The Misses

Deb Caletti. This is an author that has given me one of my favorite books ever. One that I absolutely love and cherish. But there are several of her books that just aren't my usual read, that I just don't have an interest in. Of course, that doesn't mean they aren't good. Just not my thing

The Hits

The Misses

(these are ones that I have read and just did not like)

So, there you have it. 

Are there any authors that you feel are hit-or-miss?

Awesome Road Trip Books

If you read my blog for any amount of time, it will probably come up that I love road trip books. I love the stories, the places. I know it's a good book when I feel like I'm traveling right along side the characters. 

So, today, I'm sharing some of my favorites. 

The book that started it all. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is my favorite road trip book, and one of my favorites period.

Read my review. 

This is a real emotional read filled with amazing characters. 

Read my review. 

I read this one recently and loved it. It's a fun ride and journey. 

Read my review.

This one is really fun. A really good Deb Caletti book. 

There are many more out there, but those are the ones worth mentioning. 

Do you like road trip books, or just traveling books in general? Let me know some of your favorites.  

Bookshelf Tour!

So, since I've been blogging for almost four years now (crazy!) I figured it was time for a bookshelf tour, especially since I've never had one before.

I didn't do a video, just took pictures, mostly because I don't have a video camera. 

But, without further ado, here we go.

This is the full view of my main shelf.

This is the top shelf. It's where I keep all of my mass market paperbacks/boxed sets. (the only box sets I have is Little House on the Prairie, and a really old edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)

This is my contemporary shelf. I have more serious contemp on the left and light/fun on the right.

This is my fantasy/paranormal shelf

This is kind of my miscellaneous shelf. It's genres that I don't have a lot of. Here I keep my mystery, historical fiction, and dystopian/post-apocalyptic. 

Here are (some) of my favorites that I keep beside my bed. It's a small shelf so I can't keep all of my favs here. 

And here are (again, some) of my signed books. Some of my others are on my normal shelf. 

I also have two shelves dedicated to my two-read books, but I couldn't find the picture.

So, there you have it. I rearrange my shelf every couple of months or so. It probably won't be long until I do  it again.