Tired, Two Week Book Buying Ban

      Hi guys, I'm sorry for not writing sooner. (Argh! I always say this in every blog.) Unlike the last circumstances of the last blogs, I just simply run out of steam.

How I Was After Writing the Last Blog

     My back was sore from writing my blog and my eyes were flickering from looking at a computer screen. (I had Computer Vision Syndrome from watching anime and Korean dramas nonstop without rest. So I unplugged myself for two days before looking at a screen.) During the past few days, I have been reading books I bought this month. I was getting cabin fever from not leaving my house for a certain period of time, so I ventured to Target on a snowy day. That was not really enjoyable, but I really needed to get the last three Percy Jackson books. Unfortunately, I was not able to get The Last Olympian. (Bummer!) I wanted to venture to the older and further Target today to see if the book was there, but I didn't feel like going on a 20-30 minute bus ride on a really cold day and with icy conditions. So for some reason, I ended up in the closer and newer Target doing absolutely nothing. (Sorry guise, I did not buy books today.) I did not buy books there because I've bought about $80.00 of my own money for books. (BLEAGHHH!!!) Yeah. But these purchases were not in vain. I've read every book I have bought this month. So until Cress comes out, I will be on a book buying ban for two weeks. (My wallet and my bookshelves will be happy!)

     Ugh, for the past week I've binged read four books : The Titan's Curse and The Battle of the Labyrinth, both by Rick Riordan, along with The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken and Legend by Marie Lu. Because I'm really tired and school for me is starting on Monday, my next review will definitely be in a week or so with Cress.

   

   I like the Percy Jackson series so far, but I personally like The Sea of Monsters and The Titan's Curse of the most. I really like how the books can expand more with the gods and newer characters and the connections with old myths.

   With The Darkest Minds, I struggled reading with it and I did not know how to describe my feelings for the book until the very end. 

 I was annoyed with Ruby because she kept complaining and thinking that she's worthless. I also was very annoyed with the ending of the book. I felt like as the runaways tried to find a utopia and peace, it seemed that there was no such thing and the obsession with a letter. Why did it matter to give the letter if most parents sent their children away to the camp? Also, I was confused about the premises of the colors, the camps and the other associations. 

   When I started reading Legend, I still felt a little emotionless. (Dystopian is not really my favorable type of genre when choosing a book.) 

    But, I really liked the book. While I have read other reviews that Day and June seemingly have the same voice, I don't see it in that way. June is acting as a she was taught to be and Day is the way he is because of the events that happened to him. I liked how the book had an in-depth explanation of what was going on in the book. (Seriously, almost every question was explained throughout the whole book in a well-written way.) I think I will be buying the second book Prodigy in the future.

    That's all I will be posting for now folks. Definitely Cress will be the next book I review. Though I'm debating whether I should get it in Barnes and Noble for $18.99 or wait if Target will have for a lower price.

See you until later,

Neko

The Type of Reader I Am

      Hi readers, today's topic is about how I read books. Right at this moment, I am attempting to participate in a Scarlet Read-a-thon with Marissa Meyer's Scarlet on Instagram.

     For those who have never read the book, Scarlet is a continuation of Cinder, which is loosely based on the fairy tale Cinderella and takes place in the future. Like Cinder, Scarlet is based on the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. The story is about a young Frenchwoman named Scarlet Benoit who tries to look for her missing grandmother while uncovering secrets of the past. I really suggest this book because its uniqueness from other YAs and it's so good! (Plus I'm biased with this series, constantly reading fanfiction.) Btw, this little section is not sponsored. I'm not sponsored with anyone and this is my personal opinions on the series itself.

    Going back to subject, when I am bored, sometimes I watch book reviewers on YouTube. Normally as I watch booktubers on YouTube, I watch videos such as book hauls and book reviews. I would see the passion in their eyes as the booktubers joyfully review books and somewhat envy their huge bookshelves. (Or turning another eye at the massive amount of books they own.) Honestly, I consider myself a casual reader or a beginner in reading. I don't have gazillion of dollars to have many books, nor do I have the space to have that much and plus I am picky about the series I read.  Plus, I don't have a exact time to sit down to read books directly after school due to my tough major. I only have time to do mass readings on vacation. (I have certain exceptions to that rule such as The Finishing School Series by Gail Carriger and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.)

   While I do love books, it takes me about 2-4 days to finish average if I like the book. So don't expect me to post a picture of myself hugging a stack of books. (Though that would be a funny pic btw.)

Nope, I don't go for the mass reading approach every time I  read a book.

     Sometimes readers, there are books that other people and reviewers will like and rave about that I do not like. Though I can review a book on my blog that I don't like, I really don't want to give a terrible on a private blog unless I find that other people have a similar reaction to mine. Otherwise, I don't review books I do not like. As usual, I get off topic so....

The Type of Reader I Am

by Neko

Part 1: The Reader That Rushes in Excitement

                                                How I Am Every Time I Rush Though A Book

     This my friends, is the number one thing I do when I read a book in excitement. While I try to rush on reading the book fast, I will pick up 75% of the details of the book rather than 100%. Though I do that, I pretty much will get the main gist of the book. (Yes, I know it's a sin to do this, but I am excited to ram through the book that I can't stop moving at the pace I am.) After finishing the book, I excitedly start the next book in the series or wait for months before I reread. (See Part 5)

Part 2: The Bored Reader (or Actually, the Book Takes Years to Finish)

   
     There are times in my life when I really lose interest in a book rapidly. It could be the plot or the flow of the book as I read. Normally if I'm in this state, I will read the book for a period of time and drop it when I lose interest. Rarely if I'm in this state, I will finish the book eventually. Otherwise, I will give the book away if I know if I'm not going to touch it ever again. At least the next owner will appreciate it better than me.

Part 3: The Reader Who Counts Chapters and Days

Yes, I Know This Picture Doesn't Match the Title. Anyway's it's cute!

     Normally when I get a book, before I start reading I will check the amount of chapters they have. Yes, I am very impatient when I read a book just as I stated in Part 1. I will search to the back of the book and look for the last chapter. (No, I do not read the ending. I always squint until I see a number. Why would I want to see the ending and spoil the fun of reading.) Gradually, this will wear off as I enjoy the book in a faster pace. (If not, then see Part 2 and Part 4.)

Part 4: The Angry Reader

How I React Every Time A Book Pisses Me Off

       As I've mentioned, there are a couple of critically acclaimed books that I cannot tolerate. (Sometimes, it is also a book other reviews equally cannot tolerate.) When I first encounter these books, I like them AT FIRST. After that as the world and characters develop, I grow an annoyance and hatred for the personality of the character. Either:

A): They are so stubborn to the point where I want to say get over it

B): The character seems likable, but is really despicably terrible

C): The character is weak

D): The character is assumed to be strong, but is weak

E): The character does something that does not make sense or really something stupid

F): The character refuses their true potential until the very end

     All these points can "grind my gears" when reading a book. The character who is supposed to be enjoyable is in fact worse than the pretty description on the binding of the book. (Honestly, I try to be an optimist. I'm really an optimistic person but sometimes these things can drive me really critical. Hence, why I read other people's reviews to know I am in the same boat as them.) Nevertheless, I will try to give the book away if I hated it. (Even if I hate a book, I have to re-read them if I paid some amount on it. Grrr!)

Part 5: The Reader Who Reabsorbs

Yes, That is How I Feel Reading a Book Again

     As I read a book again, it is like taking a trip to a familiar place and gaining new memories. In Part 1, I mentioned I rush when reading. In this part, I recount the things I missed and gain a better appreciation of the book. Originally as I read Scarlet, I wasn't too keen on Scarlet's hot-headed attitude. (Especially after reading the Tiger's Curse books, her attitude was understandable and as I re-read the book, I grow a liking to her.) I also noticed details I did not completely remember as I read the first time. Same thing as I read Cinder for the second time. Readers, it is good to reread a book on your shelf. They feel lonely as they sit there in the dust, waiting to be read. Plus, you must have spent some amount on them. It is good to get your money's worth in re-reading a book. Who knows, you might love a book after reading it a second time.

     It is now time for me to go, I have to continue reading Scarlet and my back hurts from writing this post. Sorry for not posting much. I would rather post a really good post in a long time compared  to writing an uninspired post with a summary of a book. (Guise, I write my reviews in a diary sense compared to writing in a normal review format.) 

XOXO,

Neko

Opinions on Tiger's Curse

     Sorry guise for not posting for a while. I am in the midst of having writers, reader's and artist's block at the same time mixed with boredom and confusion. I don't really think I will writing or reading much at this moment. I seriously don't want to give you a very unenthusiastic post with most of the review ending up like a summary. That is not my style. I originally was going to write  a long post about my opinions of the Tiger's Curse series by Colleen Houck but, I felt uninspired and was writing something not in the way I usually approach things.

     I was going to read the first two Percy Jackson books: The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters and review them eventually but, I really feel empty when reading anything now. It really should not be hard for me to get into the book. I know I would like the book series as is but, I am kinda at a down point now. So I will be taking a short break from blogging for the next few days.

     Next week, I will be rereading Marissa Meyer's Scarlet with the read-a-thon. I was going to read it to get more information to use when writing fanfiction, but I ended up buying the Tiger's Curse series and devouring them instead. Down below, I will be putting short, but simple opinionated reviews on the books.
(Keep in mind, when book 5 comes out, I will put out a more serious review compared to the short posts.)

Book 1: Tiger's Curse

Kelsey: I like how she's strong and not afraid of the challenges ahead. I like how she's not afraid of challenges. I don't like how stubborn she is.

Ren: Tiger becomes hot guy. Perfect with a chiseled bronze chest, beautiful long hair and blue eyes. (Drools and fangirls  every time man-Ren appears in book.)

Kishan: Ooohh! Hot tiger guy has a brother. Even more buffer and brawny. (Please make this an otome game!)

Book 2: Tiger's Quest

Kelsey: Understandably sad and mopey. Still pines for Ren. Has 3 awkward dates. Becomes a hopeless romantic when Ren show's up. Only to lose him again as he lost his memory.

Ren: Shows up out of nowhere. (Still drools every time he comes on page.) His romantic gestures become borderline Harlequin novel. (Blushes and squees!) Sadly gives up his memories of Kelsey in captivity.

Kishan: Appears as the awkward comic foil. Starts falling for Kelsey.

Book 3: Tiger's Voyage

(Book needs less romance and more quest!!!)

Kelsey: I feel sad for the first 5 chapters. She really is getting annoying. She constantly argues with Ren and gets hurt over and over again. Chooses Kishan over Ren despite her true feelings. Will you please stop the classic t.v. references. It appears no one is getting it. She becomes a damsel in distress and eventually gets kidnapped by Lokesh. (Great !)

Ren: Lost memory. Argues with Kelsey. Gets domineering with Kells. Starts dating a bimbo named Randi. (Great choice.) Finally gets his memory back near the end of the book. (Took too freaking long!)

Kishan: I feel bad for him. The girl he loves is in love with another guy. Yet she still chooses him for security.

Book 4: Tiger's Destiny

(Yes! No more stupid petty arguments between Kells and Ren. More quest! Ending too rushed!)

Kelsey: Finally gets a backbone and starts using her brain. Chooses Kishan when he proposes to her. (Why!!!) Realizes Ren is the one in the end and marries him. (Are you freaking serious?)

Ren: Finally respect Kelsey and Kishan's relationship. (About time. SMH.)

Kishan: Proposes to Kelsey. Becomes Durga's tiger in the end. (Okay, seriously! I knew there was some spark with Kishan and Durga during the whole series. But couldn't you at least give Kishan and Durga a few flirting scenes before the last battle?)

Overall: This series is a 3 1/2 out of 5 stars for me. I felt like the books were stronger in the first two books and things that were blatant obvious like Kelsey and Ren, should have not taken a long,
 emotional road trip as it did.

I'm sorry if this is longer than what it seemed. So I'll be bidding you adieu until next time.
Neko

Went Shopping Today, Continuing the Tiger's Curse Series, How I Buy My Book's

     Dear Reader, today's blog is a very long blog. As you all know, I am on vacation from school. I normally spend my time at home watching Youtube videos and reading books. Okay, I REALLY need to do something other than sit in my house and lazily read Lunar Chronicles fan fictions. My elbows feel sore from leaning on my bed reading for an extended period of time. I need to get a life outside of my house. I feel like a hikikomori from an anime.

           Ugh! Cold weather and low temperatures has kept me cooped up in my room reading Tiger's Voyage and now Tiger's Destiny. I just finished reading Tiger's Voyage and started reading Tiger's Destiny. While I thought Tiger's Voyage was alright, I was annoyed with Kelsey and Ren's relationship problems and the constant pop culture references. It annoyed me that Kelsey kept using those references to make allusions despite the other characters not understanding the puns. Also, I questioned the moody relationship between Kelsey and Ren. It seemed like Kelsey was immature during many disputes and had uncontrollable outbursts when she argued with Ren. I'm aware that Ren had temporary memory loss but it was annoying me that half the book was their relationship. Additionally, I couldn't not tolerate Ren not respecting Kelsey's decision to date Kishan despite her internal feelings. But I enjoyed the book more closer to the quest of getting the third item, Durga's Pearl Necklace. Continuing to the fourth book, I will expect the result of Kelsey being kidnapped by Lokesh and the journey to find the fourth item.

  While my last blog was about reading the Tiger's Curse series this blog is about how exactly I buy my books. As a person who receives a monthly allowance and doesn't work, I cannot spend a lot of money on books. If I were to show my book shelf, yes I do have a lot of books but, I used primarily money I received on 18th birthday buying most of them. But seriously, I should not be spending so much on books. I probably spent hundreds of dollars on books already. ': ( (Imaginary sweat drop falls from head). So pretty much when college starts for me again, I won't be reviewing every 2-3 days as I do at this moment. I will only buy 2 new books a month to limit myself from excessive spending and book hoarding.

      With that said, my next book reviews will probably range from books I buy from a thrift store to books I already have on my shelves. The next new book I plan on buying is Marissa Meyer's Cress. I have been following the series since I was a senior in high school and waiting for month's to borrow the first book Cinder. I won't be going into full detail about how the series affected my life until that review comes out. For now, I could say I'm writing fan fictions  and fan comics about the series but, my writing kinda sucks at this moment. I have the first chapter up on deviantart and will be putting down the link for peering eyes to view.
Link: http://nekofox94.deviantart.com/art/December-Story-Chapter-1-421805564

     If anyone catches those weird Naruto fan fiction on my page, the ones that were posted in 2009 were written when I was 14 years old. I feel embarrassed at how dreadful the writing style was for at that time, I was a delusional teenager delving into anything involving anime and Japanese culture. Going back on the subject regarding how I buy books, this is how I do it.

     These are the options I use when buying books, though some of them require searching a needle in a haystack. Before you read, I am not being paid or sponsored to mention these stores. I am just a beginning blogger pointing out how I buy stuff.

Option Number 1: Thrift Stores, Library Sales, Used Bookstore, Yard Sales, any used sale in general

    When looking at any way of acquiring books through used means, I really do not suggest having a severely open mind. Even though it is a great way to buy books for $1 or lower (or depending on who sells the books), you WON'T always find something you exactly like. In the thrift store I usually go to, I have scored on books such as The Lovely Bones, City of Glass, The Kite Runner, The Girl who Played with Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. In the past, I was able to pay 50 cents for paperbacks and $1 for hardcovers, hence why I was happy when I scored the last two books of the Millennium Trilogy for $1.50. But lately as I buy from the that store, I constantly have to ask for prices for books and only buy if it'd $1.00 a piece. Not the amount I always want to pay, but it's lower than mass retail price. 

   Also when buying a book used, I also can suggest bargaining. I have bargained for books before, often paying for lower than the price but, I do not suggest doing this every time you shop in a store every time you visit. The people running the shop might think you are rude with your offer.I think the bargaining method would work best if you approached it in a yard sale. The owner wants to get rid of it for profit and you want a lovely addition to your bookshelf. Just be nice when bargaining with the owner instead of being rude. This could help you more likely to obtain the book rather than being standoffish. 

Option 2: Dollar Stores, Discount Stores

     Like the used book store, this option is like a needle in a haystack. Except instead of random used books, there are piles of random books. I don't usually find books in this method but genre's the store can carry can range from fantasy to YA. Though, the books in dollar stores most of the time as I check are formerly popular YA series, random fantasy novels or random politics. I'm not saying that you can't find a good find, but you would have to be lucky to find a great book from a dollar store.

     In my first blog, I mentioned that I bought Richard Harland's Worldshaker for $0.50 in Christmas Tree Shops. While there were other books in clearance that can go lower than $0.50, other's were a few dollars off regular price such as Fifty Shades of Grey. (Not that I review or read that book ever).  Like I said, with the thrift store, you have to come with an open mind when searching for books at dollar stores and discount stores.

Option 3: Marshall's, T.J. Maxx

         Yes, I am aware that these are clothing stores owned by the same company. But, I have bought books from both these stores such as The Great Gatsby and Beautiful Creatures. I like to buy books in these stores because the sell them a few dollars of mass retail price. But the real beauty of buying books here is when they are on clearance. You can get a hardcover around $10-$12 while it is $18-$30 retail price. (Okay, I know it's seriously not that lower but, if you can't find the book anywhere, it's not a bad option while trying to save a few bucks.) But for YA and young reader paperbacks, when they are slightly damaged and on clearance you can pay $3, $5 on books that would normally cost $10. (Rarely, if you look hard, you could find a book cost $0.70 than normally would cost $10.)

Option 4: Target

    If you've ever ventured into a Target, you'll know they sell almost anything. From clothing to food, there would be no doubt that they sell books. Target usually has a selection of books that are new and popular for lower prices. Today in Target, I bought The Darkest Minds and the first two Percy Jackson books for under $25. (Not the cheapest, but it's more for my buck compared to Barnes and Noble.) I personally like to purchase books in Target because they sell them 20% off retail price. 

Option 5: Barnes and Noble

    You're probably wondering why this is number 6 on this list.I am guilty for spending hundred of dollars at Barnes and Noble. As the main bookstore (only bookstore) in the town where I live since the closure of Borders, this place sells majority of books from every genre. For me, going here is like going into a candy store. If I had endless dollars, I would buy all the books I could and devour them as much as I can. (Hence this is the reason why I have a book buying limit.) For me, book buying from Barnes and Noble is like indulging in an expensive sin. Anyways this store for me is my go to spot for buying steampunk novels and other books I can't find anywhere else.

     After talking about these options, my next blogs will be centered on the Percy Jackson novels and the Grisha trilogy.

Thanks for reading,
Neko

Bought Two Books Today, Fangirling Later

 
        Today's post is not a book review, it is more of a progress report of how I am reading a series.  As I've  mentioned in my previous blog, I have been reading Colleen Houck's Tiger's Curse series.
I never heard of the series until I bought the second book, Tiger's Quest in T.J. Maxx for $5.  
 
 (Yes, bargain price did play its way for me to buy it.) Price was not the reason I picked the book. I was merely intrigued by the story line. Girl falls in love with 300 year old Indian Prince with a curse, how much more interesting can this book series get. Honestly, I get very picky when choosing a book series to start. My particular taste, according to my personal bookshelf is between fairy tale like novels and books set in steampunk situations. (Hence why one of my shelves is full of Gail Carriger books.) I'm not that fond of dystopian  yet nor have I read much of  that  genre. ( I will try to read more btw.) I'm also not fond of reading paranormal romances. Too many books of guy meets girl who need to be saved in the end by guy situations.




    For me, finding a book series is like finding a Korean drama. (Yes, I occasionally watch a Korean drama when I don't read books.) I don't like reading books that feel formulaic  or when I know I won't connect with them easily. But I do end up reading books like those sometimes when I can't help it. As a reader, I personally like buying books when they really interest me. When I buy a book, I feel like I can be personal with it since it's mine to hold and keep.

   Okay getting back to topic, I later bought the first book in the series, Tiger's Curse.  I started to read happily as Kelsey started to bond with the tiger, Ren. Generally, I liked the vivid descriptions from Kelsey's perspective as she describes her journey from her job at the circus to India. I felt like I was there with her
her encounter with the human Ren. The descriptions of Ren literally wanted to make me fan girl every time he came into picture. But the journey of Ren and Kelsey to find the a way to break the curse drew me in to know the progress of how Ren and his brother Kishan will become human.

  As I started book 2, I started to fangirl more. As Ren stepped into Kelsey's life in Oregon, I started giggling like a school girl every time Ren romantically pursued or flirted with Kelsey. At times I thought there would be a naughty little scene that will make me blush. There were a couple of those intimate moments. (Cough, cough.)

     Today, I bought Tiger's Voyage and Tiger's Destiny, which I will be reading (fangirling) for the next four days. As I begin book 3, I will be picking up on the next journey as Kelsey, Ren and Kishan go on their next quest to continue the path to break the 300 year old curse. Though it is sad of what happens of what has happened to Kelsey and Ren's relationship at the end of Tiger's Quest. (Come on, why does each book end with a relationship problem?) I hope I will enjoy it like the other ones.
Thanks for reading, Neko.

First Blog Post

     Hi, this is my first blog post.
Honestly, I don't know how to exactly start this.
My name is Dennise, but I will be using the name Neko as an alias when posting on this blog.
My goal with blogging is to try to test myself as a reader and a writer. Also, to share part of my life to the world. Basically in simple terms, I am attempting to become a book blogger or something like that.

   Since I am off from college, (Yes, I am a college student.) I have been binge reading on some unread books on  my bookshelf. I started by reading Colleen Houck's Tiger Curse and Tiger's Quest. At this moment, I will not be reviewing those two books until I read the other two books in the series. Instead, I will be reviewing Richard Harland's young adult novels, Worldshaker.

    While I was reading the Tiger's Curse series, I alternated by also reading Worldshaker and Liberator. The setting of both books takes place in a steampunk period on a civilized airship called Worldshaker. There are social hierarchies on the ship as the upper class rule the ship on the upper decks while the lower class called Filthies, are stationed on the lowest part of the ship called Below. Filthies are often disregarded by the upper class and are transformed into emotionless servants called Menials with a lobotomy-like surgery.

     In Worldshaker, we meet our main character Col Polpentine. Col's story starts out as he is announced to be the successor of his grandfather announces that Col will be taking over as his place a supreme commander of Worldshaker, a flying airship. As Col was born and raised as a child of privilege, he was taught to believe that the Filthies of Below are not human and unintelligent compared to those of the Upper Decks and are destined to become mindless servants called Menials. Col's perspective of Filthies changes as he meets Riff, a Filthy who seeks refuge in his room. As the two people from different worlds bond, Col starts questioning the truth and the things he was taught by his world.

    Okay, for starters I honestly bought this book for $0.50 in Christmas Tree Shops. I didn't mind paying the clearance $1 price, but I was shocked on my receipt that the books was priced  $0.50. Disregarding the matter on how much I paid on the book, price is not the full reason of why I bought the book. I was intrigued by the story line because I have a fondness for the steampunk genre. I found it refreshing as for most of the steampunk genre I own centers on a female protagonist in London whereas this series takes place on a juggernaut airship called Worldshaker centering on a male protagonist. Even though the book does not take place in England, there a still elements of it such as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert being residents on the Worldshaker.

     When I started reading the book, I felt as the first few chapters were slow. I won't be dwelling on that as those chapters are the starting point of the book. As I delved further in the book, I started noticing the character buildup and the setting. Honestly as a book, it was a quick read for me.  (Defining quick read, 2-3 days.) I liked how Col's perspective changes as he bonds with his unusual friendship with Riff and his the truth of his world is revealed to him. I like how Riff was a strong girl who is not afraid to speak her mind but having a soft spot for Col despite their difference in classes. Finishing the review, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I thought it was a nice starter book to read for those who want to start the steampunk genre. I know this book review is quite late from the publication date but this is my first blog post. Thanks for  reading, Neko.