End of Year Book Survey 2012

I participated in the End of Year Book Survey hosted by Jamie from the Perpetual Page-Turner (link will take you directly to the survey) last year and it was tons of fun. So here I am again!

And okay, yes, I am a cheater for most of these questions... you can't make me choose between my babies!

Best in Books 2012

1. Best Book You Read in 2012?

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan. And maybe there were other books I read that I thought were "better" but this book just touched me so personally. It's so, so, so many things that I want in a book and I'm so glad that I read it! <3

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn't?

I had really high hopes for Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne and it was just okay for me. I was expecting high stakes and excitement and I ended up feeling the total opposite for the most part. I still think this one had so much potential... SIGH.

 

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?

I don't think I would have read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein had it not been a Bookurious Blog It Forward novel and that would have been about the worst mistake of 2012. This book was PHENOMENAL. There are literally no words.

4. Book you recommended most to people in 2012?

Near the end of the year, that was probably Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan. Before that, Storm by Brigid Kemmerer and the Bloodlines series were popular as well. I feel I should clarify though that "recommend" is less of me calmly suggesting and more of me begging on hands and knees for people to give them a shot haha.

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

 

This isn't really a series but I finally read Graceling by Kristin Cashore this year and I was in LOVE! I still haven't gotten to Fire and Bitterblue but I definitely plan to next year.

6. Favourite new authors you discovered in 2012?

I've only read 2 of Maggie Stiefvater's novels so far but The Scorpio Races was enough to secure her a spot on this list. Then there's also Kristin Cashore, Jennifer E. Smith and Jenny Han.

 

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

I'm so so glad that I stuck with Code Name Verity despite the fact that a good chunk of the beginning went right over my head. I don't normally read war novels or even just novels that are so technical and specific but THANK GOODNESS I did.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

Last year was Divergent and this year is Insurgent... These books are SO ADDICTING. I can't put them down for a second. Storm/Spark, Hunting Lila and The Fault in Our Stars also did very good jobs of keeping me up at night. 

9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

 

I'm already itching for re-reads of Cinder by Marissa Meyer, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead. I can't wait.

10. Favourite cover of a book you read in 2012?

11. Most memorable character in 2012?

Can I have a tie of two characters from the same book? I thought Alina and the Darkling from Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo were both remarkable memorable for completely different reasons. With Alina, the growth and development was just so beautiful that I can't forget it and with the Darkling... I can't help but be intrigued! Ugh, he is disturbingly fascinating!

 

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

I think that one goes to The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. It was just so stunning <3

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

The Fault in Our Stars and Code Name Verity tie for this one. I couldn't stop thinking about either afterward and although special to me in different ways, they were both such emotional reads. My highest recommendation to you if you haven't read either of these.

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?

I pre-ordered and stalked my mailbox for Bloodlines by Richelle Mead and then for some mind-boggling reason, I didn't read it until May 2012. I mean, I LOVE the Vampire Academy series and so to wait this long (for Adrian!) makes no sense. At least I'm caught up now! Caught up and just as tortured in my wait for The Indigo Spell as the rest of you....

15. Favourite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?

"She overcame a moment of hesitation and glanced at Jared. All the lights in his crazy gray eyes were dancing. A shiver went through her, a ripple of his delight. She felt again the way she had at the Crying Pools and at her house, the thrill of sharing your secret soul and having someone think it was wonderful."
- Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

"Oh, I wouldn't mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you."
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

'"We're all right, you know," he says quietly. "You and me. Okay?" My chest aches, and I nod. "Nothing else is all right." His whisper tickles my cheek. "But we are."'
- Insurgent by Veronica Roth

'"Sage," he said. "What are you wearing?"
I sighed and stared down at the dress. "I know. It's red. Don't start. I'm tired of hearing about it."
"Funny," he said. "I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at it."
- The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

"It's like being in love, discovering your best friend."
- Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (and another one from here (you know which one) but I CAN'T. MY HEAAAAAAAAARRRRT! *endless sobbing*)

And I will stop myself now.

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read in 2012?

Shortest: A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan (187 pages) -- tiny but packed with awesome!
Longest: The Diviners by Libba Bray (592 pages) -- you monster. But SO GOOD.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.)
The endings of Code Name Verity (or even the end of Part I) and Unspoken. I was DESTROYED after both of those.

18. Favourite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc.)

The crazy co-dependent relationship of Kami and Jared from Unspoken is fascinating. Not always healthy... but fascinating. And I can't help but love it. And then there was the best friendship ever in Code Name Verity <3 <3 <3 (wow, have I mentioned these 2 books before somewhere??)

19. Favourite Book You Read In 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Still Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan! (and okay, I have linked it enough times LOL)

20. Best Book That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

Hands down, the entrance of Brigid Kemmerer and her ridiculously fantastic novels into my life is thanks to Brodie and Sarah. They always have THE best recommendations. What would I do without you two?

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012

1. New favourite book blog you discovered in 2012?

Oh, there are so many good ones! I'm going to have to go with Sam from Realm of Fiction. Sam is a SUPERHUMAN! Her blog is always ready with amazing, insightful reviews for me to read and she's the sweetest. And then there's Mimi from Mimi Valentine who was like my soul sister, seriously. I miss you, Mimi! <3 OH, and Alex from Alexandra's Scribblings has some beautiful writing and I love talking to her about books... we have such similar taste, it's wonderful :)

2. Favourite review that you wrote in 2012?

Hmmmm... maybe my review of Spark by Brigid Kemmerer? I have to do more 5 Reasons to Read style reviews, I always have so much fun with them!

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

In terms of page views, it's hands-down the post I did on Why Fantasy Rocks. I also got a bunch of e-mails over that one from people looking for some fantasy recommendations. Yay fantasy!!

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?

Oh man. I KNOW that I've read some good ones but I never mark them down! I don't know if this counts or not but I thought Cassandra Clare's post on rape myths and rape culture was very well done. It's worth a read but beware of City of Lost Souls spoilers if that concerns you.

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

The Ontario Blogger Meet-Up was just straight-up awesome.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

I don't think I have one particular moment but just those times where I'm interacting with other bloggers and gushing about everything under the sun... those are the best :)

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog?

Again, the Why Fantasy Rocks post!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Hahaha, all of them? <3 I was kind of surprised that the Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side giveaway post didn't get more attention but I guess it was an older release + Canadian only giveaway.

9. Best bookish discovery?

I've been thinking about this for the past ten years and I've still got nothing. SKIP.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I completed the Debut Author Challenge (yay!) but that's all. I'm still 5 books short for the YA Contemporary Challenge and I am so hopelessly behind on my GR goal that I don't really want to check.... Oh well. According to this survey, I only read like 3 books anyway, ha.

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. OMG guys. This was my #1 most anticipated of 2011 and I FAILED. Now that Ashley has generously given me a copy of it, I have no excuse!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

Tadaaaaa!

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Blogging/Reading In 2013?

I want to do more book chatting with other bloggers. It's the best part of blogging for me and so why don't I do more of it? And okay, I want to read more too because this year was kind of a flop on the total number of books read. And one last thing: perhaps this is the year I will force convince my dad to read Harry Potter! It was happened for my mom and sister. FATHER, YOU ARE MINE.

***

Wow, I don't remember last year's survey taking so long but I'm at the finish line! Thanks so much to Jamie for hosting this. And thank YOU for reading! I dearly hope that I have not bored you to tears.

Top Ten Villains in 2011

I have to admit, this was a tough list to create. While I do love my villains, for some reason they weren't really jumping out at me like the book boyfriends did. There's definitely a varying degree of "evil" in my choices since I like a variety but there are also some similarities. Without further ado...

ALL Villains (the Alchemist, the Lady Premiere, Augusta)
Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

The first thing I have to say is: This is such a fantastic book! The main characters are delightful which only makes it all the more infuriating that the villains are so heartless. Very well done!

-

Eli
Hereafter by Tara Hudson

This is more of a sympathetic villain than the others, I think. While he is pretty twisted, Eli also tugs some heart strings with the explanations of how he got to be the way he is. That is definitely what makes him stand out to me as a villain.

-

Housemaster Vaughn
Wither by Lauren DeStefano

This was the first person that came to mind when I read the topic. Housemaster Vaughn got to me like no other villain on this list from the very beginning. Every time he's mentioned in the book, I feel revolted. I don't even know what exactly it is about him!

-

The Murderer
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

I believe this is the only villain to get his own perspective that I've read about. The parts of The Body Finder with the murderer's POV were definitely the darkest of the book and probably a huge part of why it was so intriguing. Kimberly Derting has a way of making this character seem real.

-

Olivia's Mom - THAT WOMAN...
Clean by Amy Reed

The last thing I want to do is spoil this wonderful book for anyone, but Olivia's mom (that's the mom of one of the kids in rehab) makes me want to bite something. What sort of person does that?! It's just... gah. I can't stand her.

-

Reth
Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Okay, so obviously Reth isn't Chief Villain but I couldn't resist adding him in. He's the strangest combination of lovely and lethal. I'm still hoping to see more of him in Endlessly although I feel Supernaturally explained a great deal.

-

Severin
Firelight/Vanish by Sophie Jordan

This is basically the head of the MC, Jacinda's, people. While I don't think his intentions are completely horrid, he does do things in a way that annoys me. Plus, he's just so creepy!

-

Shayne
My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody

Ahhh, Shayne. She's the best friend of the MC. You might remember that I compared her to Voldemort in my review? She's not actually that bad, it was more just the mood I was in, but I still think she's probably the worst friend to have. Totally selfish.

-

Warner
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I am so torn on this guy! Obviously, he's a manipulative, disgusting man, but he is also very well written by Mafi in that I know where he's coming from. I can see why he has turned out "evil" and I don't even want to blame him for it. I neeeeeed more Warner in the next installment!

-

The Society/The Officials/The Government/That Creepy Group
ALL DYSTOPIANS!

This was the year for dystopians and I loved them! One thing they pretty much all have in common is that group that runs the world by making everyone else's life hell. Whether they're closely identified or just a distant, looming threat, I think all of them deserve to be up here.

Who freaked you out in YA this year? Any important ones that I missed?

Top Ten Book Boyfriends in 2011

THIS LIST WAS TORTURE. I love so many of the fabulous boys in YA... how could I narrow it down to ten? Here I am though, presenting what is more or less my top ten selection. Alphabetical order this time!

Adam Wilde (If I Stay/Where She Went) - He's sweet, funny, confident, the lead singer and guitarist in a band and just my kind of guy all-around.

Akiva (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) - This boy is entrancing and sweet, sharp and stunning.

Alex Sheathes (Delirium) - And then there's... Alex. Alex who laughs, listens, cares and lights Lena's world up like a chain of Christmas lights.

Ash (The Iron Knight) - Distant and moody perhaps, but Ash is a wonderful catch with wits, strength and a heart.

Cricket Bell (Lola and the Boy Next Door) - He's brilliant, awkward, kind and thoughtful. He talks with his hands and has good fashion sense. He is TALL. I dare you to not fall for him!

Etienne St. Clair (Anna and the French Kiss) - He was wonderful and I totally swooned every time his name appeared on the page. He's more than just a pretty face (although he has that going for him, too). He's sweet, funny and thoughtful... plus, he speaks French.

(I know! I couldn't resist having Stephanie Perkins' characters on here twice. Darn you, swoon-inducer!)

Four (Divergent) - When Tris needed a push in the right direction, Four was there. When she needed someone to let out her frustrations on, he was there.

Lend Pirello (Paranormalcy/Supernaturally) - Lend was a sweetheart... He was just what Evie needed: kind, supportive and comforting.

Noah Shaw (The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer) - Noah is supportive, caring and gorgeous. He's on Mara's side before he fully even understands why he needs to be and... he has a British accent.

Tucker Avery (Unearthly) - I fell in love with Tucker before I even knew what was happening. There is just something about that friendly cowboy that I find so endearing. I want more Tucker, please!

FYI: I was feeling pretty unoriginal so I decided to just steal a line or two about the guy from my original review - oh, except for Ash because apparently I didn't have much to say about him in my review of The Iron Knight.

Honourable Mentions:
Marcello (Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren)
Seth (Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr)
Derek (Darkest Powers trilogy by Kelley Armstrong)
Ky (Matched by Ally Condie)

***

My original list had 19 names so... yeah. This was a little tough for me to put together!

Do any of our book boyfriends match up? :)

Top Ten Covers of 2011

A FULL DAY late this time! Oh well. So here is what I shall do:

a) Post yesterday's post now.
b) Post today's post later today.
c) Actually schedule the other posts so that I am not late. Again.

Aaaaand... break!

Once again, these covers are in no particular order although the first one is probably my favourite :)

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

(If only I liked the book more :( ... )

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Entwined by Heather Dixon

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

So, interesting story. I own 9 of the 11 (shhh) books listed here - that's everything except The Girl in the Steel Corset and The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer* buuuut of those 9, I still haven't read 5. Which, admittedly, isn't so bad, except these are pretty much all books I was totally coveting. Oh well :) There's still time left in 2011 I guess!**

*Oh, and possibly The Iron Knight depending on whether or not the person it is on loan to is ever going to give it back!

**This is what I say to myself when referencing the 2011 Reading Challenge thing over on GR.

"Pshh, still 4 days left and only 5 books to go! Har har, challenge, you are mine!"

(I'm living in high optimism. It's a lovely place.)

SO. What covers made YOUR eyes glaze over in 2011?

Top Ten Books of 2011

Yikes, yikes, yikes! In my typical fashion, I completely spaced out on the fact that TODAY is the day this lovely week-long event (hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic, A Life Bound by Books, Fiktshun and Two Chicks on Books - like how I slipped that in there?) starts. Anyways, with less than an hour (in my time zone) remaining, I should probably get started!

Update at time of actual post: Um, apparently it takes really long to post something like this even when you've already picked out a list. So I am now a day late! Whoops!

Narrowing down this list to ten was REALLY, REALLY HARD. I have loved so many books this year... 2011 was definitely a good one! In no particular order, I present to you:

The Top Ten Books I've Read in 2011

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
My Review

Okay, I said this was in no particular order but that's a lie. This is definitely my number one for the year. If you haven't yet, reeeeeeaaaad it! I will be sending you subliminal messages! My recommendation will surely reach you! Do yourself a favour and experience the magic!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
My Review/Love Letter

This book is absolutely gorgeous (as is the author, I love herrrr). The writing sparkles, the characters dazzle, the world-building shines and can you tell I'm on a glitter kick?

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
My Review

Stephanie Perkins' words make me melt like chocolate. I am always so happy when I'm her books, I love it! LOLA was even better than ANNA for me which is quite an impressive feat. Definitely one of my favourites of the year!

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My Review

I remember this book pre-release. It seemed to me like everyone was going kind of insane for it but I still wasn't sure if I wanted to buy it. Then I found out the author was coming to a signing literally 5 minutes from me and I just had to. THANK YOU, UNIVERSE! I stayed up way too late reading this book and I loved every minute of it. Plus, bonus: the author is delightful and liked my "tattoo" (Amity written with permanent marker on my arm... Lauren Oliver thought it was an actual tattoo.)

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
My Review

Okay, I said Delirium but really, any of Lauren's books can work here. I read all of them this year and each one made it to my favourites. Lauren Oliver is a genius with words and well, everything else in that whole writing area. Looking forward to more more more!

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
My Review

This series... READ. IT! unless you already have, in which case, good for you! It is charming and adventurous with faeries and magic and one of my favourite romances! Ash is in this book! In fact, Ash narrates this book! <3 Just... loved it so much.

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
My Review

This book has so many great things going for it. The main character is very relatable, which is always important to me, and the plot takes interesting turns. Just the entire concept for me was fun and exciting. Besides, all the battle scenes (swords, hand-to-hand combat, ARCHERY!) excite me.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
My Review

I've always loved fairytales and folklore... all that good stuff. That is what The Near Witch was like for me. With the seriously stunning prose (you guys, I was in awe) and pretty spooky storyline, this definitely makes my top ten of 2011.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
My Review

I adored this book so much. It brought up a million different emotions in me and I just feel like it was one I really connected to. That itself is kind of weird, since I have thankfully never been put in Mia's situation (or anything even close to it). The characters were amazing as well - I loved Mia's family and friends (ADAM).

Red Glove by Holly Black
My Review

I love the Curse Workers series! It's creative and original with characters that come to life when you read about them and stakes that seem to just keep raising. Cassel is an awesome MC and it's nice to read from a male's perspective every once in a while. It's also nice to read from the perspective of someone that comes from a family of cons - how often do you see THAT?

Honourable Mentions
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Matched by Ally Condie
Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt

(probably more that I am forgetting)

End of Year Book Survey

So Jamie from The Perpetual Page-Turner has this book survey going on right now. As soon as I saw the post, I was like, "YES! SURVEY ME!" For some reason, I love love love answering questions in surveys (like those ones on Facebook and stuff? Yeah.) Anywaaaaays, here we are.

You can find the survey HERE!

1. Best Book You Read in 2011?

I am actually prepared for this question! It's being asked all over the place at this time of year and so I've already gone through the horrible process of picking JUST ONE.

I'm going to have to say...

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton! You have no idea how pumped I was to read this book... it seemed like almost everyone adored it and it really sounded like something I would like :(

3. Most Surprising (in a good way!) Book of 2011?

Probably The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. I went back and forth with this book before reading it and I had no idea what really to expect. WOW though... I loved it!

4. Book You Recommended To People Most in 2011?

I was pretty adamant that my reader friends read Divergent by Veronica Roth. I even loaned out my signed copy!

5. Best Series You Discovered in 2011?

I think it was probably The Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan. I LOVE THOSE BOOKS <3 If you haven't started the series yet, you are missing out!

6. Favourite New Authors You Discovered in 2011?

Oh so many... Stephanie Perkins, Gayle Forman, Laini Taylor, Lauren Oliver... I worship them.

7. Best Book That Was Out of Your Comfort Zone or Was a New Genre For You?

I think it was probably Bumped by Megan McCafferty! This was such a new thing for me but I'm really, really glad I gave it a shot.

Sidenote: I need to read more books that are out of my comfort zone!

8. Most Thrilling, Unputdownable Book in 2011?

I think it was probably Divergent by Veronica Roth... I wanted to take this book into the shower with me.

9. Book You Most Anticipated in 2011?

Clockwork Prince! I just got it but I haven't yet started reading. I'll probably save it for winter break.

10. Favourite Cover of a Book You Read in 2011?

 

11. Most Memorable Character in 2011?

Ooh, tough question! I think Cassel from the Curse Workers series by Holly Black is incredibly memorable. Also, Sam from Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall.

12. Most Beautifully Written Book Read in 2011?

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab, Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor OR Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I can't decide!

13. Book that had the Greatest Impact on you in 2011?

I think it was most likely Gayle Forman's novels - If I Stay and Where She Went. Beautiful and heartbreaking.

14. Book You Can't Believe You Waited UNTIL 2011 to Finally Read?

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan or The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. WHY, SONIA?

15. Favourite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder:

"sometimes, love is loud.
 sometimes, love is quiet.

 Always, love is my mom."

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor:

"Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic."

Delirium by Lauren Oliver:

"Sometimes I feel like if you just watch things, just sit still and let the world exist in front of you-sometimes I swear that just for a second time freezes and the world pauses in its tilt. Just for a second. And if you somehow found a way to live in that second, then you would live forever.”

+ probably many, many more that I can't find at the moment.

16. Book That You Read in 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Be Reread in 2012?
I would love to re-read Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins!

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.)
Either THAT MOMENT in The Demon's Lexicon or THE END of Delirium.

First one: ... what? o.O x5487598345 Then... OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.
Second one: NOOOOOOO!

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead! Why haven't I read it yet? :(

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?
I'm... supposed to pick... one? Just ONE? *rocks back and forth*

Okay. I'm going to go with... Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. I am also, btw, TERRIFIED to read this book but I have faith in Lauren Oliver who has basically blown my mind with every single book so far.

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

I want to read more! It's always tough to find the balance between reading and All That Other Stuff and next year will undoubtedly be even busier, but I'm determined to find some extra time.

I also hope to do some more blog exploring! I feel like I've seen one billionth of the blogosphere and I'd love to meet all the lovely people out there :) With that, I seriously need to up the number of comments I make.

***

Phew! That's it!

Just a sidenote: Sorry that the posts have been pretty sparse lately. This is probably the busiest time of year for me in terms of school and other stuff. Plus, there was my birthday! My friends made a glitter pinata and I know you have no idea what I mean by that BUT for anyone curious...

Basically a giant paper mache eyeball was made - painted and with all of the proper veins and everything. They filled the eyeball with TONS of glitter and smashed it over my head. So, the glitter all came raining down on me. This happened like 5 days ago and I am still finding stray pieces of glitter all over me, not to mention my things! So yeah :) It's been a crazy (but great) week.

To Rate or Not to Rate?

So, I've noticed that the first thing I look for on a review is a rating. A group of paragraphs can tell me a lot but how the book compares to others and whether or not it's one of those READ OR DIE books is harder. I've read reviews that make the reviewer seem crazy for a particular title and then I'll look at the rating and, what?! A three out of five? Knowing how a book rates on a set scale is actually really nice (not to mention convenient) when I'm browsing on Goodreads.

All of this, and yet I don't rate books in my own reviews.
There is a reason for this other than the fact that I'm lazy. Off the top of my head, I can say that Divergent by Veronica Roth would be a five stars for me. I loved it, couldn't put it down. At the same time though, if five is the highest on the scale (as it normally is) wouldn't say, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, earn a five out of five? Great. Awesome. Harry Potter, 100%! But... does my brain consider Divergent and Harry Potter to be on the same level? Heck no. No offence meant to Divergent at all - I loved you! - but c'mon, it's Harry Potter. I am so biased it's not even funny.
Now, I'm not saying that this would be a major problem. Everyone here probably understands that my love for Harry Potter is like no other and chances are, I'm not going to run into another series like that one.
That's really the Big Deal about book ratings though. Not all three-stars would be equal in my mind. Maybe that's not such a huge thing though, I don't know. I've been going over some books in my head and I definitely could rate them if I tried (I'd probably like my half stars though LOL).
So now I thought I would ask you! I'll post a poll in the side bar (right at the top) and if you could vote on it, I would really appreciate it!