What I Read: March

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I don't really know why I stuck with this series, and this book in particular. The characters really drove me crazy in this one, even Jeremiah who I loved in the other books. There was just too much drama, too many stupid things said or not said. Some of their childish behavior was kind of excusable in the first two books because of age (Belly was only 15 in the first one) but as 19 & 20 year olds I think they should be a *little* more mature by now. I really don't think Belly deserved either of the guys and I don't think either of them deserved her. I hate who she ended up with. I wish she would have gone on and married someone completely different. I don't know. I just didn't really enjoy this book.



Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the story, even if it was a little creepy. ;) The book was fast paced and I found myself thinking about it even when I wasn't reading it. My only real issue was with the way it ended. It ended too abruptly for me and I wasn't crazy about the whole hearing and I didn't get enough of Lenzi & Alden at the end. Oh, and SPOILER ALERT [I also didn't like that she said her name was Rose at the end. I kinda like Lenzi's character a lot more than Rose and was hoping she would stay.] I'm looking forward to another book for all of my unanswered questions. :)



Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (The Underland Chronicles, Book 2) by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Even though this is written for a younger audience, Suzanne just has a way of writing such amazing characters and telling such a wonderful story that you forget about that. I have also really come to appreciate Suzanne's subtle humor that catches you off guard and found myself literally laughing out loud a few times. Can't wait to read more in the series.



If I Stay by Gayle Forman
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting book and it made me grateful that I haven't had to experience this sort of tragedy in my life. I just had a hard time with the overall flow of the book. I loved the hospital scenes because that was the present and what was crucial. I know the flashbacks were necessary to tell the story but I found myself getting a little bored with them and wanting to rush ahead to find out what would happen with Mia. It was an emotional book, especially at the hospital and there were many tear-jerker moments. Overall it was an interesting book, good but not great.



Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This was my first "zombie" book and I have to admit that in the beginning, I wasn't sure I was going to love this book. I kinda thought it was a little ..... silly. But as I kept reading I was surprised by how much depth there was and how much these characters grew on me. I loved watching their transformation and how they grew through this journey they were on. Yes, this was a book about the "living dead" but the heart of it was about the living, and I cannot wait to read the others in this series!



The Giver by Lois Lowry
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This was definitely an interesting book. I really like the premise of it and I thought Jonas was a great main character. It was definitely geared for a bit younger audience, but was still pretty good and was a quick read. I must admit, though, that I really didn't get the ending. I'm hoping maybe the other books in the series explain more.



The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful and moving story about love, life, and flowers. I was instantly drawn to Victoria's story. She had many flaws and insecurities but she was so real and I loved watching her slow & cautious growth. I loved how the author told the story, switching from the present to the past, weaving the two together beautifully. I've always held a fondness for flowers and reading this makes me wish I had all the knowledge that Elizabeth and Victoria shared -- to see the beauty and message in them. I was so moved by the love Elizabeth had, as well as many of the people in Victoria's life. It makes me want to be a better person and show more kindness and love to those I encounter. I love when a good book touches me so deeply.