characters

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Posted on by thejouskablog

fangirl

I recently re-read Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, and I realized that I hadn’t written a review on this book yet. So, here goes! 

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.
Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan…
But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere. Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words… And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.
For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Rating (Goodreads): 4.2 stars/5

Review:

Fangirl always cheers me up, seriously! Rainbow Rowell always makes her plot and characters seem so realistic. From the very beginning to the very end, it felt as if I was taken into another world. The story starts off with Cath and her twin sister, Wren entering a new journey of their lives at the University of Nebraska. While Wren goes out and parties every day, Cath prefers to sit in her room writing Carry On, a fanfiction based on Simon and Baz. Even though Cath doesn’t enjoy being in the presence of strangers, she meets some pretty interesting people. And, that’s a good thing! I know there are a few people out there who haven’t read this book yet, and for their sake, I’m not going to spill out any fascinating details. Moving on to the character portrayal, the author has vividly portrayed the lives of all the characters which makes the readers feel as if they were witnessing them in reality. All of the dialogues, relationships, and emotional moments between the characters add up to the strikingly picturesque element of the book. Moreover, the author’s seamless and easy flowing writing is what impresses me the most. It’s surprising how a book can be so much fun to read in its simplicity.

My favourite quote from the book:

Image result for fangirl quotes rainbow rowell

I would definitely recommend this book to YA lovers!
What are your thoughts on Fangirl? Share your opinion with me in the comments section below. 🙂

thejouska-2

The Pokémon Go Book Tag

Posted on by thejouskablog

Hi, everyone! 🙂

I’ve been tagged for the Pokémon Go Book Tag, which was originally created by readatmidnight.

Pokemon-Go-Book-Tag

Before I start, I would like to thank mayathebookexplorer for tagging me. She posts great book reviews and tags. Do visit her blog! 😀

Let’s get started!

Pokemon-Tag-01Starters

To be honest, I’ve been a book lover ever since I was a child. I used to read a lot of =Enid Blyton books and Disney books when I was younger. The one book I remember and still have on my bookshelf is the 1994 edition of The Lion King.

Pokemon-Tag02Pikachu

To Kill A Mockingbird will always be one of my most beloved classics. It’s an amazing book with a very powerful plot.

Pokemon-Tag-03-Zubat

I would have to choose The Fault In Our Stars, sorry! I really wanted to enjoy reading this book, but it just didn’t appeal to me as much as John Green’s other books.

Pokemon-Tag-04-Ditto

I can’t think of any book right now. But, I am tired of reading one overused trope…the love triangle.

Pokemon-Tag-05-Snorlax

The Throne Of Glass series. I know, I know, I should have probably started reading this series sooner. I promise I’ll get started before 2016 ends.

Pokemon-Tag06-Gengar

Gone Girl! Seriously, the plot twist at the end was just unimaginable. I couldn’t help but think of the other possible ways in which the story could have ended.

Pokemon-Tag07-NidokingQueenMy latest favourite would be Jonah and Vivi from When We Collided.

Pokemon-Tag08-Rapidash

A Court Of Thorns and Roses. I really enjoyed reading this fast-paced book, the story was very captivating.

Pokemon-Tag09-Eevee

I don’t think I’ll ever be tired of reading Harry Potter spin-offs, haha.

Pokemon-Tag14-Magikarp

The Raven Boys! I did not expect it to be that good, seriously. After seeing so many book bloggers loving the story, I decided to give it a read, and I’m so glad that I did.

Pokemon-Tag12-Legendary

I think I would have to choose the Throne Of Glass series again.

Pokemon-Tag15Mew-MewTwoLike Maya, I wish I owned the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Deluxe Illustrated Edition. Ah, it’s so beautiful!

Pokemon-Tag10-Egg

I’m pretty excited to read You’re Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner. But, the publication isn’t due until next year.

Pokemon-Tag11-Lure-Module

Some of my favourite auto-buy authors are, Gayle Forman, Danielle Steel,  J.K. Rowling, and Rainbow Rowell.

Pokemon-Tag13-Server-Down

SO MANY BOOKS! However, I’m most looking forward to reading The Upside Of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli. The story is indeed very interesting, and I can’t wait for it to be released. Only 8 more months to go…*smiles weakly*

I tag everyone! If you’re a fan of Pokémon and Books, you’ll have tons of fun doing this tag. Feel free to drop a link to your answers in the comments section below. I’d love to read them. 🙂

I hope you enjoyed reading my answers! 😀

-The Jouska

The Book Fangirling Award

Posted on by thejouskablog

Hi, everyone! 🙂

FANGIRLING AWARD

I saw this award earlier on Sammie @booksandbiros, and I would like to thank her for encouraging me to do this award. She posts great book reviews and tags. Do visit her blog! 😀

The Rules:

  1. Create a post to accept your award.
  2. Answer the questions I have at the end.
  3. Nominate between 5-10 book bloggers who you think also deserve this award.
  4. Come up with 5 questions for your nominees.

Answers to Sammie’s questions:

  1. Take the last four main characters from the last four books that you read and create two new OTPs/couples! Who would end up with who, and why? Also, who do you ship the most?!

    The last four main characters from the last four books I’ve read so far are:
    a) Jane from My Lady Jane
    b) Andie from The Unexpected Everything
    c) Gansey from The Raven Boys
    d) Jonah from When We Collided

    OTP’s I wish were real:
    a) Firstly, I would pair Jane and Gansey because they are both strong-headed characters, who never let their guard down. I imagine their relationship to be confusing but romantic at the same time.
    b) Secondly, I would pair Andie and Jonah because they both seem to be at a confused stage in their lives. By helping and supporting each other, they’ll be able to save themselves from all the turmoil.

  2. If you could try any food described in any book, what would it be?

    To be honest, I don’t remember any specific food items being described in books. However, I do appreciate stories with creative food items that are realistically unattainable.

  3. What was the last book that you gave five stars to, and why?

    The last book that I gave five stars to was My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. There are many positive reasons as to why this book deserves a five-star rating.

  4. Willy Wonka, Professor Snape and Katniss Everdeen walk into your bar (start of the world’s greatest joke, right?) What drink would you make for each of them, and why?

    Sammie, your questions are getting wilder by the minute, haha!
    a) Willy Wonka’s Drink:
    A milkshake with peppermint canes, rainbow sherbet ice cream, whipped cream, and gummy bears.
    b) Professor Snape’s Drink:
    A black coloured drink with a pinch of chilli and lemon.
    c) Katniss Everdeen:
    I’d probably serve her a drink with fire.

  5. What’s your favourite fandom, and why?

    I’m a part of a lot of fandoms, but my ultimate favourite is the Harry Potter fandom. I’ve been a Harry Potter fan since I was a young child, hence, it holds a very special place in my heart.

Questions for my nominees:

  1. Where is your favourite place to read books?
  2. Do you have an account specially dedicated towards your fandom?
  3. Are there any book characters that you can personally relate to?
  4. How would you rate your fangirl/fanboy level on a scale of 1-10?
  5. If you could host a book signing event, which authors would you invite?

Nominees:

I nominate all the fangirls and fanboys! If in case you decide to do this award, feel free to let me know in the comments section below. I’d love to read your answers!

I hope you enjoyed reading my answers! 🙂

-The Jouska

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton & Jodi Meadows

Posted on by thejouskablog

MY LADY JANE

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.
At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England.

Review:

I know I’ve been saying how much I loved reading this book, but it’s time to write a proper review on it! When I first heard about My Lady Jane, I wasn’t very keen on reading it because I’m not much of a history fan. However, after seeing a whole lot of positive reviews on this book, I decided to give it a shot. (And, I’m so glad that I did!)
The fact that this story is co-written by three talented authors is intriguing, to say the least. This book has the perfect blend of history, romance, humour, and magic. The intense and powerful scenes will have you craving for more, seriously. The story is told from the point of view of three characters, namely: Edward, Jane, and G. When it comes to character portrayal, the authors have done a great job by making use of puns, arguments, and other hilarious statements. To be honest, I felt like the characters were enacting a play right in front of me. The most interesting part of this book is that the story seamlessly flows from one scene to another without any interruption. It’s safe for me to say that this book went way beyond my expectations.

My favourite quote from the book:

“We’d fight much less if everyone would just sit down and read.”

I would definitely recommend this enthralling book to all readers looking for a fun, relaxing read that will instantly uplift your mood! 🙂

-The Jouska

 

Movie Marathon-Zootopia(2016)

Posted on by thejouskablog

I got a chance to watch this movie while I was on my long flight, and I really enjoyed it. This movie resembles the modern world in a way, which makes it even more appealing to a wider audience. 

Storyline:

From the largest elephant to the smallest shrew, the city of Zootopia is a mammal metropolis where various animals live and thrive. When Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) becomes the first rabbit to join the police force, she quickly learns how tough it is to enforce the law. Determined to prove herself, Judy jumps at the opportunity to solve a mysterious case. Unfortunately, that means working with Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), a wily fox who makes her job even harder.

Review:

This movie is an inspiration for today’s generation, to the people who feel like they cannot achieve their big dreams. My favourite character from the movie is Judy, the rabbit. Being small did not stop her from achieving her biggest dream of becoming a cop in the city of Zootopia. Her character inspires the youth of today to move forward and work hard to fulfil their aspirations. The characters were well-developed as they all had something special and unique about them. The best thing about this fast-paced movie is that the interesting story never stops, it keeps the audience glued to the screen till the very end.

Life Lessons:

  1. Work hard towards achieving your dreams. If you work sincerely and persistently, there’s nothing that can stop you from reaching your destination.
  2. Believe in yourself. Ignore what the haters and critics say, just focus on the right path and do what you feel is right. Remember, pre-conceived notions don’t matter.
  3. There are two sides to everybody: a good side and a bad side. You can’t predict who’s going to stand by your side in the end. I’ve learnt this from the example of Nick and Judy’s relationship in the film.
  4. Everyone lives for a purpose. We all play different roles in this world, no matter how big or small they may be.
  5. Last but not the least, be aware of your surroundings. Always make sure to safeguard your own interests whilst you’re being nice to other people and learn to make conscious decisions.

Overall, this was a great movie and totally worth a watch! 
What’s your favorite part of the movie? Let me know in the comments section below. 🙂

-The Jouska

The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag

Posted on by thejouskablog

Hi, everyone! 🙂

I’ve been tagged for the Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag. To be honest, I have a list of tags that I was going to do before this one. However, since it’s already July a.k.a the mid-year month, I thought it would be more apt to do this tag right now.

mid year

Before I start, I would like to thank mayathebookexplorer for tagging me. She posts great book reviews and tags. Do visit her blog! 😀

Let’s get started! 

  1. Best Book You’ve Read Yet in 2016: 
    I have to say My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. It was a lovely read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a relaxing, fun read.

  2. Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far in 2016:
    Unfortunately, I haven’t read any sequels this year. Most of the book series I’ve read have either released their sequels last year or the years before that. However, I have started reading The Raven Boys which is a part of The Raven Cycle Series.

  3. New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To:
    With Malice by Eileen Cook. With all my friends reading it and all the good reviews, I’m even more excited to read this book.
    26153925
  4. Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year:
    Speed Of Life by J.M. Kelly. The reason why I’m waiting eagerly to read this book is because the story is completely different from what I usually read in YA Fiction. 

  5. Biggest Disappointment:
    I don’t have any picks from 2016.
  6. Biggest Surprise:
    Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. The plot twist at the end of the book completely threw me off.

  7. Favourite New Author: (Debut or New to you)
    Morgan Matson. I recently discovered her book The Unexpected Everything and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
    Morgan Matson
  8. Newest Fictional Crush:
    I don’t think I can choose anyone over Charlie from The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.  
  9. Newest Favourite Character:
    Samantha from How It Feels To Fly by Kathryn Holmes.
    23603597
  10. A Book That Made You Cry:
    Me Before You by Jojo Moyes…

  11. A Book That Made You Happy:
    My Lady Jane is definitely one of the funniest books I’ve read. No doubt it is based on history, but it’s also got a touch of humour and romance in it.

  12. Favourite Book To Film Adaptation:
    My all-time favourite book to film adaptation is The Harry Potter series. However, this year’s favourite would be Me Before You because I haven’t watched any other book to film adaptation this year.

  13. Favourite Post You’ve Done this Year:
    I’ve enjoyed writing so many posts this year, but my latest favourite would be: 
    June’16 Favourites .
  14. Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought this Year:
    The Loose Ends List by Carrie Firestone. I bought this book just a week ago, and I think the cover is beautiful in its simplicity.
    best-ya-june-16 the-loose-ends-list-firestone
  15. What Books Do You Need to Read by the End of the Year:
    *Laughs loudly* Oh, don’t even get me started on my never-ending TBR pile. Let’s just stick to my ‘So many good books, so little time!’ monologue, haha. 

I tag everyone! If in case you decide to do this tag, feel free to let me know in the comments section below. I’d love to read your answers! 😀

I hope you enjoyed reading my answers!
Have you read any of these books? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below. 🙂

-The Jouska

The ‘I Messed Up’ Book Tag

Posted on by thejouskablog

Hi, everyone! 🙂

messeduptag

Before I start, I would like to thank Ara @Thebookishagenda for tagging me. She posts great book reviews, discussions, and tags. Do visit her blog! 😀

Let’s get started!

  1. A character’s appearance you misread or imagined differently:
    I’ve been racking my brain to think of something because I’m sure there is at least one character that I’ve misjudged in the past.

  2. A character name you’ve been pronouncing differently:
    As a child, I always used to pronounce Hermione Granger as ‘Hermine Granger’ but then I realised that it’s actually pronounced as ‘Her my OH knee- Grain Ger’. Thanks, internet!
  3. An overused trope that is your guilty pleasure:
    Insta-love! Most people hate this overused trope because it’s realistically impossible, and I agree. But, I also find it kind of cute. Insta-love is basically falling in love at first sight.

  4. A cliched character type you enjoy viewing on screen than reading about:
    I’d rather watch a movie or a TV show with a mean girl character instead of reading a book with such a character because I’d probably just skip her part or be disappointed.
  5. A word/phrase you learned because of its use in a book:
    The most uncommon word that I’ve learnt from a Shakespearean play is ‘nincompoop’ which translates to a stupid or foolish person.

  6. Have you ever not read or completed a required reading for school?
    Yes, actually. We were assigned to read Three Men In A Boat, and I stopped reading the moment I finished chapter three. I tried my best to read further, but it was just too boring for me.

  7. Have you ever skipped or wanted to skip a chapter from the POV of a character you weren’t interested in?
    I don’t think I’ve ever done that because it’s important for me to read the story from all the characters’ P.O.V. to understand what the author is trying to communicate. And, you never know when a character is about to drop a big clue.

  8. Have you ever cancelled social plans to read a book?
    Guilty as charged! I’d rather read a good book than going out and not enjoying someone’s company. Now, if I really wanted to go out, then I wouldn’t have even considered the idea of staying home to read a book. 😉

I tag everyone! If in case you decide to do this tag, feel free to let me know in the comments section below. I would love to read your answers! 😀

I hope you enjoyed reading my messed up book moments, haha!  🙂

-The Jouska

Paper Towns by John Green

Posted on by thejouskablog

papertowns

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life–dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge–he follows. After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues–and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.

Review:

I’m not going to lie, this is one of my favorite John Green books. One of the main reasons why I love Paper Towns is because of the cleverly written plot. I have never seen a book so engrossing and ridiculously fascinating. Everything about this book screams adventure! Quentin’s boring life is turned upside down when Margo moves in next door. A lot happens between the two of them (Which I won’t specify because I don’t want to spoil it for you). Suddenly, one day, Margo disappears leaving behind clues that no one in their sane mind would’ve thought of. And, guess what? The person who makes an effort to find her is Q and his buddy, Ben. As most of them say, it’s Q’s journey rather than the destination that matters most. The best part about this book is the portrayal of characters and the seamless flow from one scene to another. It felt as if I were observing a teenager living their life. The author tries to go in-depth to bring out the realistic personality of the characters which cannot be seen upfront. Last but not the least, the mysterious spark this book holds cannot be ignored, because it exceptionally intrigues the readers, making them want to read more. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to readers who are up for an adventure.

My favourite quote from the book:

What’s your favourite John Green book? Let me know in the comments section below. 🙂

-The Jouska