Songbook for Haunted Boys and Girls by Wayne McNeill

  Songbook for Haunted Boys and Girls is a story of life, love, learning and meaningful memories that will leave an impression on you for as long as you live. Wayne McNeill tells you of his experiences with romance, unique customers in a bookshop, friendships, new and old and lasting conversations, and all in poetry form.
  I'm honored to say that I've spoken with Wayne McNeill (about his book, book reviews and even birthdays) personally, and he's as- or even more- charming than he is on paper. I absolutely fell in love with him while reading Songbook for Haunted Boys and Girls and after I finished it, I'll admit, I totally fangirled.
  His book is very enlightening. It'll open your mind, heart and soul to thinking about things you might not normally take the time to think about. He has a way with words...almost as if his book wasn't written in poetic form, it would be poetry regardless.
  Although I own a Kindle copy of the book (and you all know how I feel about reading on my Kindle), it's so insightful, I no doubt see myself buying the paper copy and picking it up to reread almost every day. I'm sure, no matter how many times I read it, I'd find new things that I missed reading the first time around.
  I find it amazing that authors of poetry can relay so much in so few words...more than some authors can do in 500, fully-packed pages. Poetry is so moving and when an author, like Wayne McNeill, puts personal stories and adventures in there, it makes it ten times more incredible.
  This book was very short, but I'm a firm believer in judging it by not how long it is, but by the emotional and touching substance that's in its pages...and since I'm judging it based on that, Songbook for Haunted Boys and Girls gets a gold star.

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World War Z by Max Brooks

  Told by survivors of the zombie apocalypse, World War Z by Max Brooks is written entirely via interview style. The narrator talks to survivors from all over the world who have tragic, adventurous and scary stories to tell of their experiences, and survival of the Second Civil War or...World War Z.
  Max Brooks just so happens to be the son of film director, actor and comedian, Mel Brooks, and is also the author of many other zombie books (i.e. The Zombie Survival Guide).
  This book was chosen for my local book club's Book of the Month and I was very excited to read it. Besides "infection" and "plague" plots that are not quite zombie stories, and books like Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth, I had not read many zombie books. So when it was chosen, I was VERY excited.
  I wont say that I was disappointed with the book, I'll just say that I didn't expect it to...turn out the way it did. I didn't expect the writing style to be so unique, I didn't expect the characters to go into such long details about military aircraft (what they are, what they do, etc.) and I didn't expect...so much talking.
  Silly of me, I know. I should have figured it was going to be all talking since it was all interview format. (Shame on you, Becca, for not paying attention to the synopsis!)
  I like a nice balance of narrative and dialogue. Narrator thinks, narrator speaks (either to themself or to another person) and repeat. There have been a few books where I make an exception to this rule, i.e. Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert, where I could listen to her narrate all day, and TTYL by Lauren Myracle, which is literally all IMs. I love these books just as much as I love a "well balanced" one.
  But for some reason, for me, when I read interviews I get VERY distracted. Even with Carrie by Stephen King, which as short of a book as it is, I got confused and distracted about who was speaking and what they were talking about.
  I'm not going to say that I disliked this book though, because I did enjoy it. I did have "Holy crap!" moments, I had favorite and least favorite characters (as I always do, no matter how much I dislike a book) and I was interested in the plot progression and figuring out what started this whole flesh and brain eating pandemonium.
  I find zombies to be very interesting and fun to read about. For me they're in the same category as vampires, witches and werewolves; these scary and spooky tales "coming back to life" in our day and age. But unlike vampires and werewolves, and unlike other zombie stories I've read and seen, Max Brooks made this horrifying lore into something that seems more than entirely possible. And that's scary.
  Even though this book was not a favorite of mine (whatsoever), I did get a lot out of it.

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My Favorite Books of All Time

  Since today is September 7th and National Buy a Book day, I've decided to take the time to write a list of my all time favorite books! These are books that have made me laugh, cry, swoon and have left a huge impression on me. I have more favorites, but I figured I'd only bombard you with fifteen...so here they are, my lovelies! My top fifteen favorite books:

15) Wonder by R.J. Palacio 

Wonder is the story of August Pullman, a child who was born with a facial deformity. After being homeschooled for the first ten years of his life, he decides to spend his next school year in public school...and the kids aren't as nice as they seem. This book broke my heart for so many reasons. For the pain August goes through, emotionally and physically, and how society reacts to someone who's different. Everyone should read this book, even though it's considered "Children's Fiction." Everyone, young and old, will learn something from it. 

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14) Just Remember to Breathe by Charles Sheehan-Miles

(Series)

  After a complicated past, Alex and Dylan find themselves in a work study program to help restore a semi-famous author's career, but what they end up restoring instead is their love for each other. Everyone has a dark past, but for Dylan- who's recovering from a grievous leg wound and suffering from post traumatic stress disorder after serving in Afghanistan- it's haunting his every dream. The story of Alex and Dylan, from beginning to end, is a heart breaking tale of recovering from war wounds, physically and emotionally, rekindling old relationships and battling personal demons. I love this series, this author, these characters and everything else that Charles Sheehan-Miles has compiled into the Thompson Sisters series. 

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13) Matched by Ally Condie

(Series)

 Cassia Reyes, the main character in Matched, lives in a society where the government (A.K.A. Officials) decides who you are supposed to fall in love with. Every 17 year old has their own Matching Banquet where they will finally see who they are meant to be with...and for Cassia, things couldn't be more confusing. All is well. Cassia's match has been chosen for her and it just so happens to be her best friend, Xander. But when another's face flashes across the screen, Cassia can't help but feel there's a reason behind it... Everything Ally Condie described- the pages of books fluttering out of the spine like brittle bones from a corpse, and the passion a boy has for words and poetry- was pure magic. The way she wrote, even describing a simple leaf, was absolute poetry. At points I even stopped reading, put the book down and closed my eyes to picture perfectly what she was saying.

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12) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

We all know the story of Scout, Jem and Atticus Finch's timeless tale of hope, courage and bravery when times are more than tough. This book is so inspiring...so sweet and at times, even funny. To Kill a Mockingbird came out well before its time, but I'm thankful that it's more popular than ever in this day and age. I feel that everyone should read it at some point in their life.


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11) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 

  Born into a poor family, Jane Eyre was an ugly duckling from the very beginning. After her parents died, she was forced into the custody of her Aunt and Uncle Reed, who were less than loving to her. Following her husband's death, Mrs. Reed becomes tired of Jane's attitude and decides to send her off to Lowood School, where Jane is treated equally as horrible.But even after her rough childhood, Jane becomes a well adjusted young woman who finds a job as governess for a girl named Adele at Thornfield Hall. Where she also finds Mr. Rochester, the unpredictable, cocky and frustrating master of Thornfield Hall. (In my opinion, when women now read books about frustrating men who challenge the heroine's intellect and opinionated views, they're attracted to the original cocky yet charming man, Mr. Edward Rochester.)  I was given Jane Eyre by my uncle, who's absolutely in love with Jane's story.After reading and appreciating this book, I have to agree with him. Jane Eyre is possibly one of the best books I've ever read. It's shockingly scary, surprisingly addictive and absolutely wonderful.

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10) Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

(Series)

  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is the story of Claire Randall and her adventure through the stones...

  In 1945 Claire and her husband, Frank, are vacationing in Inverness, Scotland, but Claire's vacation is about to get a little more adventurous...And Scottish. While searching for herbs located around a stone circle, Claire hears a faint buzzing emanating from the stones which rapidly turns into a loud humming, accompanied by sounds of battling men and galloping horses. Leaning in a bit too close, Claire falls through the stones, blacks out and is transported to 1743 Scotland. Almost 200 years prior to her vacation with Frank. I absolutely adore the Outlander series and its commitment like relationship. I've cried over it and I've reread some of my favorite scenes (i.e. the ghost Scotsman watching Claire brush her hair in front of the window in the first Outlander novel) over and over again. Diana Gabaldon's books are beyond incredible. Inhumanly amazing.

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9) The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

  The Red Tent is Anita Diamant's telling of the classic biblical story of Jacob and his four wives; Rachel, Leah, Zilpah and Bilhah. Although in Miss Diamant's version, she tells us the details of the story we didn't know, what we haven't learned from the bible; Jacob's relationship with each wife, and the love story of Leah's daughter, Dinah. I am not a religious person whatsoever. I have faith, I was born with a religion, I plan on keeping it that way, but it does not control my life/lifestyle. I get overwhelmed with religion very easily and I try not to immerse myself too deeply in it. I was apprehensive to read The Rent Tent because of its religion-based plot, but I was convinced by several friends that I needed to read it...and I did. It was fabulous. Interesting, entertaining, full of depth. There was nothing that bored me- it was just nice. A nice, sweet, inspiring and educational read.

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8) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Taking place during World War Two, The Book Thief is a serious and emotional read that'll use and abuse everything that makes you human. But Markus Zusak's ability to do that, with just words, is incredible and mind blowing. The Book Thief is a book that'll stick with you forever. 

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7) Eat, Pray, Love and Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

(Book and sequel)

Elizabeth Gilbert (or "Liz" Gilbert, as she's called by friends) has just gone through a really rough patch in her life, a few years after her overwhelmingly traumatizing divorce. So she ventures out on a trip to Italy, India and Indonesia to find food, faith and herself (and in my opinion, renewed hope for love and a romantic future). Eat, Pray, Love is semi- (if not completely) autobiographical, so when I read all about Liz's character, adventures and misadventures, Elizabeth Gilbert climbed to the top of my "Most Inspiring People" list. I absolutely adore her! She's so normal...no nonsense, clear headed (most likely because of mistakes she's made in the past) and most of all, the heroine of her own life. Committed is the "sequel" to Eat, Pray, Love and it follows Elizabeth Gilbert's life after her spiritual journey. I love Committed as much, or maybe even more than Eat, Pray, Love. 

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6) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows a very unique character named Charlie and his letters to "Friend" about his experiences in high school. It's sad, sweet, funny and an absolutely amazing read. Five stars all around! 

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5) The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

Written by one of my favorite authors in the world, The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley is an all time favorite of mine. It has time travel, historical fiction and a love story that'll make you swoon and tear you to pieces. This book is perfect escapism and a complete delight to read. 

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4) Looking For Alaska by John Green

Okay, besides The Fault in Our Stars, THIS is my favorite John Green book ever. It's beyond incredible. It's your typical story with very non-typical events and characters...boy meets girl, boy falls in love, boy has adventures, etc. It's...oh gosh, it's just so amazing, I can't even...

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3) I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

After Ed Kennedy starts receiving "Ace" cards in the mail with instructions on them...he starts to follow them. The first card has addresses on it...and after some convincing Ed visits each location. After finding interesting situations at each address, he realizes that whoever sent him these cards wants him to help fix...the world. It has a mysterious beginning with an intriguing middle and an end that'll blow your mind. 

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2) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

 The Fault in Our Stars is my favorite book ever. It's a book to go into without knowing anything about it. Refrain from reading the book jacket, don't look up a short synopsis...just go into it with eyes (rhetorically) closed and let John Green's words take you over. Escape into it, let the characters tell you their story and let John Green lull you into a state that you wont want to get out of.

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And last but not least...the book (series) that (in my opinion) can never be beaten is none other than...

1) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

(Series)

This is the story of Harry Potter, a normal and every day boy, with an abnormal secret. He's a wizard. Read about Harry's adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, fight alongside him as he battles the dark lord, Voldemort, and reclaim your childhood. 

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I hope you enjoyed my top 15 all time favorites! Go on, tell me your own favorites and why in a comment. Thank you and Happy Reading! <3

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

  The Red Tent is Anita Diamant's telling of the classic biblical story of Jacob and his four wives; Rachel, Leah, Zilpah and Bilhah. Although in Miss Diamant's version, she tells us the details of the story we didn't know, what we haven't learned from the bible; Jacob's relationship with each wife, and the love story of Leah's daughter, Dinah.
  I am not a religious person whatsoever. I have faith, I was born with a religion, I plan on keeping it that way, but it does not control my life/lifestyle. I get overwhelmed with religion very easily and I try not to immerse myself too deeply in it. I was apprehensive to read The Rent Tent because of its religion-based plot, but I was convinced by several friends that I needed to read it...and I did.
  It was fabulous. Interesting, entertaining, full of depth. There was nothing that bored me- it was just nice. A nice, sweet, inspiring and educational read.
  I loved it! I had favorite characters and...well, there was a part that made me sob like a toddler who has just had a toy taken away from them. I only wish it was longer. I would read more and more of Anita Diamant's work: New books, old books, more of The Red Tent, fiction, non-fiction- whatever! It was just so enjoyable I can't see myself saying no to any of her work.
  So, with my personal opinion of this book aside, my professional opinion says that this book is very well written, it's very well done on an educational level and it's a book I would recommend for mature young adults to read in school.
  My mom had read it for her book club, and many of my other friends who decided to pick it up did too, and I find that somewhat tragic. This book should be more well known and more popular. It should be on the best selling table at Books-A-Million. It should replace many other books on that table that aren't better than it, or even as good.
  So, I've made it my goal to get more people (friends or perfect strangers) to read this book. Give it a chance, go into it with an open mind. You may hate it (I don't expect everyone to love it) but look at it as a treasure. It's something that should be cherished and adored.
  And hopefully, after enough time, I'll be able to walk into Books-A-Million and see in out on display for everyone in the world to see.

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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

  The Fault in Our Stars is a book to go into without knowing anything about it. Refrain from reading the book jacket, don't look up a short synopsis...just go into it with eyes (rhetorically) closed and let John Green's words take you over. Escape into it, let the characters tell you their story and let John Green lull you into a state that you wont want to get out of.
  And then collapse into a ball of tears. (This book may include laughter, sadness, LOTS of tears and a possible life changing outcome.)
  I had heard about this book from many people. What I heard repeatedly was, "John Green's new book came out!" until one day I picked up a copy of Entertainment Weekly and the bulls-eye in the back was "The Fault in our Stars is becoming a movie, please Hollywood, DON'T SCREW THIS ONE UP." I was convinced. Several of my friends raved about it, Entertainment Weekly (who has VERY critical book reviewers) loved it and...well, they had autographed copies at Books-A-Million. I went ahead and bought it.
  About a week later, my mom picked it up, read it and laughed...and cried...and laughed and cried some more. She finished it and said (actually sobbed), "You have to read this *blows nose* booooook!"
  I shoved my "To Be Read" list aside, sat down and read it.
  The Fault in Our Stars is THE BEST book I've ever read. I've. EVER. Read.
  I refuse to put a synopsis of the book in my review, only because this is the one book that is best read without knowing about it.
  Hazel and Augustus' relationship is one I could only dream of having, one that's so beautiful and moving it's beyond words.
  I've read almost every book John Green has written (minus a few impossible books that are only available through an online wild goose chase) and every single one of them is life changing/amazing/the best book I've ever read. But of course, The Fault in Our Stars is my favorite.
  It is a beautiful and emotional work of art...the only way to truly describe John Green is saying that he's an artist.
  If you have not read this book, I want you to take this challenge I'm about to give you. Ready? Pick up the book, take the book jacket off and go into it without any preconceived notions.

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A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard

  When I say, "This is the most horrifying book I've ever read" I mean this is the most horrifying book I've ever read. A Stolen Life took my, "My mom is paranoid" attitude and turned it into a living fear. A real fear that anyone could be taken away from their family any day and not be seen for 18 years...or ever again.
  If you were alive in 1991 and watched the news, you probably heard the story of Jaycee Dugard, an 11-year-old girl who was on her way to school when a man and his wife abducted her in broad daylight. Jaycee Dugard was not seen until 18 years later, after being held captive and forced to have two children by the male captor.
  When A Stolen Life came out, I knew that I had to read it. Jaycee's story is not something pass up. She's so incredibly inspiring, so strong, so admirable, and my heart goes out to her for all she's gone through. In A Stolen Life, you'll read about Jaycee's capture, her struggles and terrors in captivity, how she was finally released back into normal society and how she's adapted to it.
  The life of a kidnapping victim is a terrifying one; not knowing exactly where you are, not knowing what kind of individuals you're with, when (or if) you'll get away...and Jaycee has gone through these exact feelings at the age of 11 years old. The kind of person that would take a child away from their family and do such horrible things to them is an unstable and horrible human being.
  This book is not for the faint of heart. Jaycee, who is not a professional writer, (but I thought she did a excellent job) goes into the horrifying details of her captivity. What that husband and wife did to her, what they made her do...it was sickening.
  Her loss of innocence was absolutely heartbreaking (I couldn't continue the story without letting out a few sobs) and her abduction was terrifying (to the point where I was afraid to run out to the mail box and check my mail).
  Although Jaycee's story is not an easy one to read, I would- and will- suggest it to anyone willing to try it. Her heartbreaking story must be heard and her bravery must be acknowledged.

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Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

  Clay Jensen returns home from school one day to find a package waiting for him on his front porch. Inside the package there's a cassette player and several cassette tapes holding Hannah Baker's reasons for why she killed herself.
  But Clay wants to know why they were sent to him...and twelve other people.
  I really wanted to like this book. I really did. I had heard that Jay Asher's plot and writing were very John Green-ish and- well, you all know how much I love John Green. Thirteen Reasons Why started off promising. Clay was lovable and the story was easy to follow.
  But once I got to that climactic ending...that was it for me. It didn't have that impact, I didn't have an emotional breakdown and "Aha!" moment. It just didn't do it for me.
  Sometimes I'll think back to how many people adore this book and how much it emotionally affected so many readers (and non readers), and I'll wonder, "What's wrong with me? Why don't I like this book?" I'm very much in the minority with disliking this book. Well...I didn't dislike it completely. I adored Clay so much. For me, he was the only thing that kept me interested in the book.
  I didn't find Jay Asher's writing to be believable, I didn't like Hannah's tactics (which may very well have been intentional for Mr. Asher to write), and- without spoiling anything- I don't like how Hannah tied Clay into her reasons. I didn't find it fair of her to do that to him, when now he has to live with this guilt for the rest of his life. That's the only time I got emotionally overwrought in Thirteen Reasons Why, and it was for Clay- the main character.
  Once again, I tried to like it, I really did. I look at the book and think, "Why can't I like it like everyone else?" But there's just something about this book that doesn't sit right with me.
  I do love how Jay Asher has brought so much attention to teen suicide, I love how so many young (as well as older) readers are getting passionate about this subject and I love that this book has gotten many young adults to read.
  I applaud Jay Asher for raising awareness and for being so successful. I love his other book, The Future of Us, and I WILL read his other writings in the future. I'm happy for him and that he's reached so many with his message, and I hope he continues to be successful.

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