Day One -- Book Review Blog Challenge -- Dreams And Ambitions

And away we go. Lets do this! For day one in the blog challenge from Great New Reads which is a book about dreams and ambitions I immediately went to my personal development/self improvement book section of my bookshelf since they are all about living your best life and being your utmost beautiful badass self. The book that I was drawn to tell you about is a book from a woman who I have followed for over 10 years, who I have met on numerous occasions, who started out as fashion blogger and grew into the radical self love guru that I love today and continue to learn from. Thats right - I am going with the one and the only Gala Darling and her book Radical Self Love: A guide to Loving Yourself and Living Your Dreams.

Here are some words about this book from the one and only Gabrielle Bernsten, author of Miracles Now: "Have you ever dreamed of a life full of laughter, love and sequins... But felt totally clueless about how to make it happen? You're not alone. I spent years in soul-sucking jobs, battling depression, an eating disorder, and a preference for chaos and disaster, simply because I didn't know how to create the life I dreamed about. In RADICAL SELF LOVE, you'll begin to discover exactly what makes you so magnificent, and you'll uncover a litany of tools and techniques to help you manifest a life that bursts with magic, bliss and adventure. When you love yourself, life is limitless. You can do anything you want. It's time to throw off the shackles of expectation, and start living from your heart. It's time to astound yourself with how beautiful your life can be. It's time to treat every single day like a celebration... Cake, candles and confetti very much included! "Radical Self Love should be on every woman's bookshelf. Gala Darling is the fresh voice of a new generation, encouraging us to love ourselves and rediscover the most magical facets of who we are. This book will crack you open to the presence of your authentic power."

I've followed her blog as well as when she made Radical Self Love Coven, Love and Sequins, RSL Bootcamp, and now her books and her membership program known as The Vortex. She is one of the pillars of my continued radical self love journey and I have watched her whole evolution. If you're a woman having a hard time loving yourself just as you are, read this book. It's fun, funky, honest and frank and it can really help you fall back in love with yourself. Now some people might find her work a little "woo-woo" and that is okay. From discussions of EFT tapping and astrology and journaling -- this book will help people become a brighter, sparklier and more conscious version of themselves.

Day 0 Book Review Blog Challenge -- Great New Reads

It has been a hot minute since I reviewed books as well as took part in a challenge. Considering this quarantine (Day 34 for me!) I have all of the time to read! I have joined the Great New Reads #BookReviewBlogChallenge to pump myself up as well as join some more communities. Found this through Girlboss Community. Plus there are prizes! Who could say no to prizes? With all of that being said -- lets get this party started!

Day 0 has the prompt of to post a picture of a book that sparks joy. There are so many possibilities of a book that sparks joy but the one that comes to mind is...

Now I bet you are all wondering why I chose this book? The bonds between friends as well as one of my favorite restaurants in New York City has this theme. This book has always been my solace, my peace, my sense of spark and adventure, my sense of whimsy and perkiness. Plus sometimes you just need a good book that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever as well as fantasy.

Book Review: Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige

Growing up, Aquaman was also considered the superhero of "why?" Not powerful, plays in water, can swim really fast -- who cares. But through the power of excellent storytelling and Jason Momoa -- Aquaman is now a badass superhero. But what about another favorite undersea royalty? That is where Danielle Paige comes in with this exciting young adult graphic novel titled Mera: Tidebreaker! This graphic novel is set to released on April 2, 2019.

Here is the book description: Princess Mera is teenage royalty and heir to the throne of Xebel, a penal colony ruled by the other no-so-lost land under the sea, Atlantis. Her father, his court and the entire kingdom are expecting her to marry and introduce a new king. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown....When the Xebellian military plots to overthrow Atlantis and break free of its oppressive regime, Mera seizes the opportunity to take control over her own destiny by assassinating Arthur Curry--the long-lost prince and heir to the kingdom of Atlantis. But her mission gets sidetracked when Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love. Will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera's side, or will he die under her blade as she attempts to free her people from persecution? An astonishing graphic novel that explores duty, love, heroism and freedom, all through the eyes of readers' favorite undersea royalty. From New York Times best-selling author Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die) and artist Stephen Byrne comes a Mera and Aquaman origin story that explores Mera's first steps on land, and her first steps as a hero or villain, forcing her to choose to follow her heart or her mission to kill.

Mera Tidebreaker is an origin story of sorts that goes beyond the story that we know and into the world of Mera and how she became the woman that she is; which I think every young adult woman should read and learn about since it is a very strong female lead. Fans of teen thriller/romance will find this book good enough to sink their teeth into and will enjoy the pace of the text and storyline and the illustrations follow the story all the way up to its exciting climax and ending. I will say this -- for myself it doesn’t seem connected much to the story of the new Aquaman movie, unless Arthur is supposed to have turned into much more of a bad boy in between, so the timing and universe disconnect might confuse some, but do not let that bother you too much. This book is very enjoyable and if you have read other work from Danielle Paige before, you will surely like this story.

Book Review: The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons

When I first saw this on NetGalley -- I was instanly intrigued. A combination of a heist and a mystery -- SIGN ME UP. I was pumping my fists in the air and bouncing in my seat as soon as I saw the title with a mad smile on my face. It’s that kind of book.

The Deceivers is Pretty Little Liars meets Ocean's 11 in this highly commercial, intrigue-filled contemporary drama from acclaimed author Kristen Simmons; the author of the Article 5 series and Metaltown, who brings her remarkable imagination to her latest novel where good kids are needed to do some very bad things. I mean, how can you not get excited about that? This book is slated to be released on February 5, 2019 and is available for pre-order at all major booksellers, including my favorite AMAZON.

Here is the book description: Welcome to Vale Hall, the school for aspiring con artists. When Brynn Hilder is recruited to Vale, it seems like the elite academy is her chance to start over, away from her mom’s loser boyfriend and her rundown neighborhood. But she soon learns that Vale chooses students not so much for their scholastic talent as for their extracurricular activities, such as her time spent conning rich North Shore kids out of their extravagant allowances. At first, Brynn jumps at the chance to help the school in its mission to rid the city of corrupt officials―because what could be better than giving entitled jerks what they deserve? But that’s before she meets her mark―a senator’s son―and before she discovers the school’s headmaster has secrets he’ll stop at nothing to protect. As the lines between right and wrong blur, Brynn begins to realize she’s in way over head.

Book Review: Shakespeare's Sonnets, Retold: Classic Love Poems with a Modern Twist by William Shakespeare and James Anthony

Ahhhh the Bard. His words are still studied and read today and it makes my big literary heart happy. When I received this galley -- my heart jumped for joy as I feel everyone should read Shakespeare as well as classic literature. While I love the poetic language of Shakespeare, it's nice to have a modern translation side-by-side with it; that way you get both the poetry and the meaning. I can understand the trepidation of reading the original work as his words can be hard to understand so when modern retellings are brought forth into the world -- people should scoop them up. I studied Shakespeare while in college and while it is rare that a remake or a retelling will be better than original; the use of current language in this book makes the Sonnets much easier to read and understand. This was a great read and I could see this text being used in classrooms and for teaching tools, especially in mine. Thank you James Anthony and Penguin First To Read for giving me the gift of this book!

Here is the book description. This book is set to be released on November 13, 2018 to major and independent booksellers. James Anthony has long enjoyed poetry with a strict adherence to beat, rhythm, and rhyming patterns, which he likens to the very best pop songs. This drew him to the rewarding 14-line structure of Shakespeare’s sonnets, yet he often found their abstract language frustratingly unintelligible. One day, out of curiosity, he rewrote Sonnet 18—Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day—line-by-line, in the strict five-beat iambic pentameter and rhyming patterns of the original, but in a contemporary language a modern reader could easily understand. The meaning and sentiment—difficult to spot, initially—came to life, revealing new intricacies in the workings of Shakespeare's heart.And so, James embarked on a full-time, year-long project to rewrite all 154 of the Bard's eternal verses creating SHAKESPEARE'S SONNETS, RETOLD. This collection of masterful reinterpretations brilliantly demystifies and breathes new life into Shakespeare's work, demonstrating the continued resonance of a playwright whose popularity remains over 400 years after his death. Now, the passion, heartbreak, deception, reconciliation, and mortality of Shakespeare’s originals can be understood by all, without the need to cross reference to an enjoyment-sapping study-guide. Coming with a foreword by Stephen Fry, this is a stunning collection of beautiful love poems made new.

Book Review: Choosing Me -- Love Letters from a Poet by Bill Weber

I am pleasantly surprised at the power of Instagram. It has brought forth to me some amazing people -- two life coaches, vivacious bookworms like myself, and inspiring authors. As most of you know I am going through a period of growth that is filled with positivity and that energy has manifested in my Instagram account.

When I was contacted by Bill Weber about his book Choosing Me -- Love Letters from a Poet, I felt this calling. I had to read this book. I had to HAVE this book. An opportunity arose for me to read it before everyone else. The universe is giving me all of this great energy and positivity and is sharing it with the world. This book is available for pre-order on Amazon and it goes on sale to the general public on December 1, 2018.

Here is the book description: Every time we make love is another opportunity to recognize how the spiritual principles of Yin and Yang represent themselves through the design of our bodies and the pleasures of the experience. It is another opportunity to experience the joy of transcending the illusion of duality, and another step along the spiritual journey of awakening to the true nature of our being. Making love is a physical expression of the interplay of Yin and Yang energy, , a joyous celebration of the human body, a sensual fountain of pleasures, a regenerating process of sacred energetic potential, and a hint of the joy of the heaven of enlightenment. Savor the sacredness of the being you are with. Savor the intimacy of the connection. Savor the ebb and flow of energy. Savor every sensation. Savor the sacredness.

Now I will admit -- when I started to read this book it made me blush a lot due to the content. There is an element of eroticism in these poems. I will admit -- the genre of eroticism/romance I normally do not read. I am happy and grateful that this book took me out of my comfort zone of reading. I am also happy and grateful that there are people out there who yearn to keep the spark of love alive in their relationships. It is the ultimate life force and my main priority is feeling good as much as I can. So when I started reading this book I felt happy. I felt good. That is what it is all about. It was also refreshing to see a man step out of his comfort zone of romance. His words just flow onto the page creating a myriad of images in my head; filling my soul with warmth. Plus the fact that this man is essentially honoring women, in particular his partner, it is a glorious sight to read and makes me wish to have a man in my life who is so expressive with his words.

If you are a fan of poetry, romance, love, eroticism, and feeling good as much as you possible can -- GET THIS BOOK. I highly recommend.

Book Review -- What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

This book. Oh my goodness this book.

I have never read anything by either Becky Albertalli or Adam Silvera before. I have heard such great things about both authors and I am always down to experience new authors. I read mostly paranormal/fantasy/horror/thrillers as well as young adult and this book, which isn't due out until October 9, 2018, (thank you to Epic Reads at Harper Collins Publishers for the ARC) is such a page turner I could not put it down. I really loved this book! Filled with so many ups and downs and twists and turns -- I have never been so emotionally invested in a book before. It is heartwarming, humorous, awkward, and inspiring. I virtually had to force myself to put it down when necessary and could not wait to pick it up again. If you are a lover of Adam and/or Becky’s work, you won’t want to miss their debut project together.

Book description: ARTHUR is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it. BEN thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things. But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them . . . ?
Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited. But what if they can’t nail a first date even after three do-overs? What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work and Ben doesn’t try hard enough? What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play? But what if it is? What if it’s us?

I loved the set up of their story – not only the charm having a “missed connection” to find each other later, but also the hilarity of their terrible, terrible dates. We have all had those terrible dates before and it was so refreshing and relatable to see on the page. Ben and Arthur have a very unique love story that I feel is absolutely worth reading. I also loved the fact that I was able to get annoyed/angry with both main characters so frequently. I LOVE characters who’s reactions make me mad while also enabling me to see their viewpoint and fully understand their reactions. There were many times where I would throw the book in anger, let out an "awwww" at a cute moment, and just feel all of the emotions. Both characters are easy to love, yet remain flawed; and you are not rooting for one over the other. You want to see this relationship work somehow. The only critique/problem I have is with the ending. Granted, its reality but gosh darn it a girl loves some cheese!

To let you know -- there are the subjects of cheating, homophobia, racism, and panic attacks in this book. If any of this are triggers for you -- you have been warned. Overall, I really loved my time reading this as it was a step out of comfort zone of reading. If you are someone who is excited for this story, I don’t feel you will be disappointed. I would definitely recommend to everyone who loves a young adult diverse contemporary romance novel.

Book Review: Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu

As I wrote in a previous blog -- I have adopted a sacred morning practice because the most important thing in life is to FEEL GOOD. Feeling good is priority #1 in my life. It should be yours too. If you do not feel good, you will drag those negative feelings with you throughout the day and you will pick up more negativity along the way and will continue to go down the spiral. Why would you want to feel like that? I sure do not want to feel like that. So since I do not want to feel like crud all day -- my sacred morning practice puts me in my vortex first and then I act. You learned that as part of my sacred morning practice I crack open a non-fiction book; whether it is a self-help book, something inspiring, something motivating, a memoir, etc. So this time around -- have you ever read a book that you had trepidations about because you might not know all of the content but then you receive it and are so happy you did? Let me present to you Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu.

Throughout history and across the globe, one characteristic connects the daring women of Brazen: their indomitable spirit. With her characteristic wit and dazzling drawings, celebrated graphic novelist Pénélope Bagieu profiles the lives of these feisty female role models, some world famous, some little known. From Nellie Bly to Mae Jemison or Josephine Baker to Naziq al-Abid, the stories in this comic biography are sure to inspire the next generation of rebel ladies.

Well, this book sure did inspire my inner rebellion and my indomitable spirit. Plus this book was originally published in French and we all know how much of a francophile I am! This book is marketed for young adults but it is surely not just for young adults. This is a wonderful, inspiring and eclectic group of triumphant women's stories. There is a consistent theme of feminism in the stories but there is a whole spectrum of issues that need to be overcome from autism, to poverty, to war, to lack of musical talent. Bagieu created a cornucopia of entries featuring a variety of trailblazing ladies from across a spectrum of time and place. Some were familiar to me, but many are lesser known and have been sadly overlooked by the mainstream. I wish every girl (heck every boy too) gets a chance to read these stories to see that nothing can hold you back if you don't let it.

I am amazed at the different stories that made it into this book from the bearded lady to Hedy Lamarr. For example -- one of my favorite hobbies and interests are solving murder mysteries. With a notebook in hand, I try to get as many details as I can to put things together. This book exposed me to Frances Glessner Lee who was a crime miniaturist. She would recreate crime scenes for police to solve crimes. She put so much detail into her work. Such an inspiration and so relatable. Bagieu seems to have put in a lot of heart, and effort into researching different women to feature in this book, who deserve so much recognition for the incredible work they have done. There's such a great range of stories in this book, some of which literally choked me up several times throughout the book. I felt truly connected to some of the stories. I also personally love that Bagieu chose a graphic novel concept. The illustrations go perfectly with the history of the amazing women Bagieu chose to highlight, and her humor makes the history memorable. A definite feast for the eyes and for the brain.

I would love to see a second book from her with some more Brazen women. This is a perfect way, for anyone to learn about some pretty incredible people, in a very digestible way. If you are interested in current events, history, and science; in dance, movies, and songwriting; by people interested in explorers and political rebels -- GET THIS BOOK. Highly recommended.

Book Review -- Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

The modern retelling of classic fairy tales craze and genre is still going steam ahead. Now sometimes, I wish it would stop. But then a book like this comes along and your brain just goes YES.

This book is basically take the movie Frozen and have it meet The Bloody Chamber and you have Girls Made of Snow and Glass. This is a feminist fantasy reimagining of the Snow White fairytale as you've never seen it before, tracing the relationship of two young women doomed to be rivals from the start: the beautiful princess and stepmother queen.

Here is the book description: At sixteen, Mina's mother is dead, her magician father is vicious, and her silent heart has never beat with love for anyone—has never beat at all, in fact, but she’d always thought that fact normal. She never guessed that her father cut out her heart and replaced it with one of glass. When she moves to Whitespring Castle and sees its king for the first time, Mina forms a plan: win the king’s heart with her beauty, become queen, and finally know love. The only catch is that she’ll have to become a stepmother. Fifteen-year-old Lynet looks just like her late mother, and one day she discovers why: a magician created her out of snow in the dead queen’s image, at her father’s order. But despite being the dead queen made flesh, Lynet would rather be like her fierce and regal stepmother, Mina. She gets her wish when her father makes Lynet queen of the southern territories, displacing Mina. Now Mina is starting to look at Lynet with something like hatred, and Lynet must decide what to do—and who to be—to win back the only mother she’s ever known…or else defeat her once and for all. Entwining the stories of both Lynet and Mina in the past and present, Girls Made of Snow and Glass traces the relationship of two young women doomed to be rivals from the start. Only one can win all, while the other must lose everything—unless both can find a way to reshape themselves and their story. It is set to be published on September 5, 2017.

In terms of retellings, this is one of the more imaginative ones I’ve read. I can’t really spoil. You have to read it for yourself. But really, the new elements added were so delightful and creative, yet stick to the spirit of the tale. With one exception, obviously, for Mina and Lynet’s relationship.

This book’s chief strength is the character work. Mina’s character arc is extremely well-written and developed. Her character isn’t so much morally ambiguous as troubled and self-hating but I found her combination of self-hatred and confidence so realistic and definitely relatable.

The things I did not like was the miscommunication and assumptions as a plot device. It’s always frustrating and usually makes me like the character a little bit less. I can understand where Lynet was coming from and why she acted rashly, and didn’t want to hear any explanations. But as the reader, we know more than her, we know she should stop and listen, so it was mildly frustrating that she didn’t. Also there was very little world building. We get to see a bit of both the North and the South, but we don’t really get much history, their culture, or customs. I would have liked to know more about the fantastical world that Mina and Lynet reside in.

You definitely want to pick up this book in September. This books definitely highlights feminism such that it stresses the importance of females helping females and they can coexist peacefully, unlike real life and maybe real life should take a lesson from this. The reader will understand why as they read. This is a wonderful female empowerment fantasy novel. Definitely a recommend.