Book Signing | Grace Helbig at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe for Grace's Guide

When I found out that Grace Helbig, YouTuber, comedienne, and author extraordinaire, was coming to New York City for a book signing the day before my twenty-fifth birthday, I couldn't help but rejoice! Grace is an awesome human that I follow online, and I jumped at the opportunity to meet her. In honor of her first book's release, Housing Works Bookstore Cafe hosted a launch party on October 19. I decided it was perfectly cool to buy myself a copy of Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to Be a Grown Up as a birthday gift.

I had never been to an event at Housing Works before, but I've been to enough YouTube meet-ups and book signings that I knew I had to be there early. I arrived at 10:30am, and asked when the line would be starting for the 1:00pm event. I was super surprised when employees told me they weren't going to start setting up until 12:00 noon! Nonetheless, I hung around for a couple hours, and soon the place was packed with a crowd I was 99% sure was there for Grace.

Things got a little complicated. Everyone had to get up and move out of the cafe so the employees could set up chairs. Then, just before we were about to choose our seats, the book sales began. So even though I was one of the first fans to arrive, I ended up missing out on a prime seat due to there not being a line. I had a few seconds of panic and annoyance, but luckily I used my ever-growing patience skills and dealt with the disorganization. Finally, I got my book and chose a seat. I was next to a pole, but luckily had an amazing view of Grace!

Grace was really sweet and funny, and just like I would expect her to be. She read a piece from her new book, and then took questions from the crowd. I was completely obsessed with her outfit and totally chill attitude. Plus, she gave great advice to those of us trying to make it in New York.  Grace spoke for about half an hour, and then we were called up in groups to get our books signed. There was no personalization at this event, but Grace did pose for pictures! Here are a couple of awesome selfies we took!

 Overall I had an amazing time at Grace's book signing even though things were a bit disorganized at first. Grace was so nice, and I can't wait to read her book. As a now 25-year-old millennial, Grace's Guide is absolutely perfect for this time in my life. I'll be sure to have a full review up once I finish reading it!

Book Review | Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

In the spirit of Halloween I wanted to share my thoughts on a young adult book that I read over the summer. I had heard great things about Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, but was hesitant to pick it up due to the creepy cover. When I won the book in a giveaway, I decided to give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is not a scary book at all!

Miss Peregrine's opens with teenager Jacob living his life, when all of a sudden his beloved grandfather is found dead in the woods by his house. Jacob rushes to the scene only to discover a monster lurking nearby, but no one believes that the monster is real. Instead, Jacob's family and friends, and even his new psychiatrist, believe that Jacob created the monster out of grief for the loss of his grandfather. Because of this, Jacob convinces his father to accompany him on a trip to Europe to visit an island where his grandfather spent time after escaping the Holocaust. At first it seems that no one left on the island remembers Jacob's grandfather, but everything changes when Jacob finds a home full of peculiar children.

As you can probably guess from my brief plot summary, Miss Peregrine's does have mysterious and spooky elements to it, but I would not consider it a horror novel at all. Instead, it is an interesting story with paranormal elements, and lots of twists and turns throughout the way. There is no denying that Ransom Riggs has created a new and unusual world, and I want to mention how incredible it is that he includes vintage photographs in the book to illustrate the story. The use of photos gives the story life, and helps the reader visualize things that would otherwise be lost in the imagination.

That being said, I did have a few issues with the book. The beginning is a bit of a downer. In fact, I almost didn't want to continue reading because I was afraid the entire story would be depressing. Luckily, I was able to move past that and discover the fantastical story Riggs created. However, I also felt that the ending to the book was quite rushed. Things happened so quickly that I had trouble grasping what was going on. In this way, I think Miss Peregrine's has an awesome plot, but could use some polishing at the start and finish. Nonetheless, I gave the book a solid 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, and would highly recommend it for young adult readers who are looking for something different.

Miss Peregrine's is the first book in a series that continues on with Hollow City. I'm not sure whether or not I will continue reading this particular series, but I do look forward to other books by Ransom Riggs, as they are sure to be imaginative. You can purchase Miss Peregrine's on Amazon HERE. Of course, please tell me your thoughts on this book in the comments!

I use Amazon Affiliate links so you can find the books I mention easily. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Book Review | The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE ROSIE PROJECT, THE FIRST BOOK IN THE DON TILLMAN SERIES. SEE MY NON-SPOILER REVIEW OF THE ROSIE PROJECT HERE.

If you've read The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, you're probably extremely excited that the sequel The Rosie Effect is coming out on December 30 of this year. I could not wait to see the next chapter in Don and Rosie's epic romance, and was thrilled when I got the opportunity to read an advanced Ebook of The Rosie Effect. As you would expect, I read it right away!

The Rosie Effect begins with Don catching readers up on how life with Rosie has been since the pair got married and began a life together in New York City. Don's life is substantially better – his friend group has increased dramatically, he has a great job at Columbia, and, of course, he has Rosie. Yet everything is about to change when Rosie announces that she's pregnant, and Don has to deal with this surprise.

Once Don accepts that fatherhood is just around the corner, he does everything he can to learn about pregnancy and children. Unfortunately, Don's good intentions get him into some sticky situations, and he soon finds that his relationship with Rosie is heading for disaster. Readers follow Don as he tries to cope with the new changes in his life, and ensure that his future with Rosie and Bud (Baby Under Development) will be a good one.

While I still really enjoyed The Rosie Effect and gave it a 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads, it was definitely not the fun, romantic comedy that was The Rosie Project. This sequel is full of hard-hitting emotions, and at times it was downright sad. I came to really dislike Rosie for much of the book, but kept on reading because I just had to find out what was going to happen. I did like the ending, and that helped me come to terms with the parts of the story that I found lackluster.

That being said, I really liked the character additions in The Rosie Effect, and the side stories that took place in addition to the overarching plot. Plus, you do not want to miss Gene's major confession in this book (totally unexpected!). I hope Graeme Simsion continues on with Don's story, as I definitely want to see the next phase of Don and Rosie's relationship. I'm too invested for this to be the conclusion!

I definitely recommend The Rosie Effect if you enjoyed The Rosie Project, but keep in mind that this second book has a different tone. The book was still great, but a bit darker than the first. In fact, if you are looking for more depth and emotion, you'll love The Rosie Effect for sure. You can preorder the book on Amazon HERE to ensure you get it as soon as it's released!

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. I use Amazon Affiliate links so you can find the books I mention easily. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Book Review | The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

I began hearing good things about The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion a couple months ago, and then it seemed everyone was talking about it. What really propelled me to pick up this pick was the comparison of the main character to the beloved Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory. Any book that has a Sheldon is a book for me, so I picked up The Rosie Project as soon as possible!

The Rosie Project is an adult contemporary novel told in the first person by main character Don Tillman. Don is a middle-aged geneticist who is anything but average. He's programmed his life to know how every minute should be spent, and has emotional issues in the sense that he cannot feel emotions as most people do. Yet Don has started a new project called The Wife Project in order to find himself a life partner who is absolutely perfect for him. While he's waiting for Mrs. Right to come along, Rosie knocks on his office door and Don's life is derailed.

Rosie asks Don to help her find her biological father. Don agrees to put The Wife Project on hold to help Rosie, and along the way the two form a unique relationship. The Rosie Project is a true romantic comedy, and a joy to read. I could not get enough of Don's narrative, and when the pair ended up in New York City I just couldn't handle the feels anymore. The ending was a bit cliché for me, but you'll have to read the book to find out what I mean!

I gave The Rosie Project a 4.5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads. There were a few minor issues along the way that did not take much away for my love of this story. Don Tillman is not a Sheldon Cooper replica, but if you enjoy Sheldon I think that love will transfer to Don as well. The Rosie Project is a quick and easy read, and I highly recommend it. You can purchase the book on Amazon HERE, and stay tuned for my review of the sequel book, The Rosie Effect, later this week!

I use Amazon Affiliate links so you can find the books I mention easily. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Snapshot Sunday | Fall in NYC

Fall is my favorite season, and as a native New Englander, it can be a bit sad to be away from beautiful foliage and crunching leaves. I appreciate the small steps that some NYC businesses and neighborhoods take to make the city feel more festive. I had to snap a picture of this mum and pumpkin setup in SoHo. I loved the colors and autumnal feeling. Fall in NYC is nothing like it is in New England, but this view helped for sure! 

Broadway | On The Town

I am so excited to tell all of you about On The Town, as this was truly a one-of-a-kind Broadway experience for me. On The Town officially opened on October 16, but I rushed to the theatre during previews because one of my best childhood friends is in the show. I couldn't wait to see her perform, and it was a dream come true! We met as dancers growing up, and it was surreal to see her onstage in a classic musical. Thus, despite me being a bit biased about the show, I still wanted to share my thoughts on On The Town!

On The Town is now playing at the Lyric Theatre (formally the Foxwoods Theatre), and is revival of the classic musical that first performed on Broadway in 1944. The story follows three sailors who dock in New York City and have just twenty-four hours before they take off again. What plays out is a funny and romantic tale that takes the audience around New York in the span of two and a half hours.

I saw the show in previews, and as my friend explained, changes were being made on a daily basis. At the time, the show did feel a bit disjointed, but it was overall a joy to watch. Leonard Bernstein's score is recognizable and cheerful, and the well-known New York, New York! was stuck in my head for days. The entire cast was excellent, and I really appreciated the dancing. The strong dance numbers were not only entertaining, but they gave me the opportunity to see my friend onstage for most of the show! I should also mention that the set and costumes are amazing. I loved the bright colors and how seamlessly the stage was transformed in each new scene. I never knew what was going to happen next!

I do want to make a quick note in this review based off of my personal experience as an audience member. I attended a Saturday matinee, and the majority of the audience was made up of senior citizens who presumably wanted to view a favorite show of theirs. Yet unfortunately the crowd around me made some comments (in the middle of the performance, mind you) that need to be addressed. If you buy a ticket to On The Town expecting the movie starring Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly, try to keep an open mind. The actors in the broadway show are incredible, and deserve to be respected in their own right. It's unfair to compare them to the greats of the past, and downright rude to comment "They're not as good," or "It's definitely not the same," both things I overheard from my neighbors in the middle of the show. Please, if you go see On The Town, keep your comparisons to yourself and don't spoil the performance by adding your own soundtrack.

Last but not least, I want to mention the Stage Door, which is located on 43rd Street. The actors did come out and sign autographs, and barricades were set up. I didn't get my Playbill signed this time around because I was getting a behind the scenes tour with my friend! I think that was definitely worth foregoing the autographs. Plus, there is always next time.

Overall, On The Town was a lovely experience. It's a show that's perfect for families, as younger audiences members will not catch on to the cheeky jokes that adults will love. I was luckily able to score an amazing seat in the orchestra thanks to the $20 lottery system (all details on that in THIS blog post). In fact, now that the show is officially open I plan on going again at some point in the future. I think that proves that On The Town was a great show, and I highly recommend it! Please let me know in the comments your thoughts on On The Town!

Snapshot Sunday | Leather Weather

I spotted this sign outside of m0851 in SoHo and had to laugh. I love leather weather, and in fact do own some leather pieces in my wardrobe, but I knew immediately who doesn't love leather weather: cows.  

Book Review | Extraction by Stephanie Diaz

I absolutely love reading young adult dystopian books, so when I heard about Extraction by Stephanie Diaz I knew I had to add it to my list. It is the first in a new series, and was just released this past July. If you're looking for a dystopian pick with some unique science fiction elements, you'll definitely want to pick up Extraction!

Readers follow sixteen-year-old Clementine as she struggles to survive on the Surface. Because of pollution, the moon has started leaking a killer acid through the depleted ozone layer. Though scientists built a shield to keep the acid from killing the population, most people now live underground, with the Core being the desired place of residence. As the book begins, Clementine is about to take the Extraction testing. This test decides whether she will be chosen to live in the Core, or whether she will be killed at age twenty once she is no longer needed.

Clementine scores well on her test, and is given the opportunity to escape the Surface. But leaving means she will be ripped away from her best friend Logan, whom she will most likely never see again. Clementine hopes her new life in the Core will be a safe one, and that she might possess enough Promise (the score each citizen is given according to their physical and intellectual abilities) to impress the Core's commanders.

Overall, I really enjoyed Extraction, and gave it four out of five stars on Goodreads. The story is fast-paced, easy to read, and very adventurous. There were many twists and turns around the way, but they were logically written and Diaz drops subtle hints to carefully craft the story. I also really enjoyed the characters, and how I never knew who I could trust and who was a bad guy. My only critique was that there are many elements of Extraction that were very reminiscent of other dystopian novels I've read. I would have liked a bit more originality at some points, but for the most part the story is out of this world (pun intended).

While Extraction had a solid ending, I'm very much looking forward to the second book Rebellion which is scheduled to be released in February of 2015. If you love the young adult dystopian genre like I do, I highly recommend picking up this series. Extraction is available for purchase on Amazon HERE. You can also preorder Rebellion HERE to make sure you'll get the next book as soon as it's released! As always, please let me know your thoughts on Extraction in the comments below!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I use Amazon Affiliate links so you can find the books I mention easily. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Book Review | The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

As a child I absolutely loved reading fantasy novels, but for some reason I've strayed away from the genre. When I saw that the book club Booksplosion was hosting a read-along for the first book in the Heir Chronicles series by Cinda Williams Chima, I decided to pick up The Warrior Heir and join in on the fun.

The Warrior Heir is a young adult fantasy novel that follows our main character Jack. The book opens with a mysterious prologue that gives us a glimpse into a magical world, but then jumps forward to Jack's high school life. He's lived as a normal teenager, but one day he forgets to take his medicine and weird things start happening. It turns out Jack is a member of a magical world, and readers follow him as he adapts to his new status.

There were several aspects of The Warrior Heir that I really enjoyed, but unfortunately the story was very slow going for me, and I felt like the world-building took a long time to develop. For much of the book, I was quite confused and wished I had more of a setting for the story. Similarly, I found the story hard to believe. Yes, it is a fantasy novel, but as the story begins Jack is still a normal kid at a normal high school. He and his friends do some crazy things no questions asked, and that annoyed me. However, I did like Jack's relationships with his friends and his Aunt Linda, and I thought the book ended well.

That said, I don't think I will continue on in this series. The Heir Chronicles is a companion series, which means that each book follows a different main character. I would love to hear more about Jack and how his life develops after The Warrior Heir, but I'm not interested in other characters in this world.

I rated The Warrior Heir a solid three stars on Goodreads. While the story was innovative and ended well, the book was just too slow in its world building for me to rate it any higher. If you really love fantasy, especially those with magic, I think you would enjoy this book. On the other hand, if you are looking to break into the fantasy genre, I don't think this is a great series for you. You can purchase The Warrior Heir on Amazon HERE. As always, please let me know your thoughts on this book in the comments!

I use Amazon Affiliate links so you can find the books I mention easily. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.