Sophie's Stacking the Shelves

So I got a bunch of new books that I should review in the next month or two, unless they’re really, really boring. If they are and I lose interest I will tell you at the end of another review or my next haul.

So I got:


The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oskar Wilde

This is about a man who models for an artist and wants to stay young forever as youth is valued as the most important aspect of a man’s character. It is a classic but it’s only 220 pages with good font size. It isn’t too heavy going so it’s a good introduction to classics. I’m about 2/3 of the way through and the first half was a bit slow moving in the same way Harry Potter 1 is slow moving when he’s at the Dursleys.

Book Depository Link: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Picture-Dorian-Gray-Oscar-Wilde/9780141442464?a_aid=SophieCharlotte

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5297.The_Picture_of_Dorian_Gray



Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher

It’s about a girl who is writing to a man on death row in Texas and she feels very guilty about something and she thinks he is the only person that will understand. Tension starts to build as you realise what has happened but you can’t work out to who it happened to.

It’s good, despite her poor marketing department.

Book Depository Link: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Ketchup-Clouds-Annabel-Pitcher/9781780620305?a_aid=SophieCharlotte

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Ketchup-Clouds-Annabel-Pitcher/9781780620312?a_aid=SophieCharlotte

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11088150-ketchup-clouds



Across the Universe

This is about Amy and Elder. Amy has been frozen with her parents, to be rewoken on the new planet only she is woken up 50 years too early in an attempted murder. Elder is the future leader of the space ship and is trying to discover how to be a better leader under the rule of Eldest. It’s my big leap into the world of sci-fi.

Book Depository Link: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Across-Universe-Beth-Revis/9780141333663?a_aid=SophieCharlotte

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8235178-across-the-universe


Every Day by David Levithan

This is about a man who lives every day of his life in a different person’s body until he falls in love with one persons girlfriend. I read Will Grayson Will Grayson which I really enjoyed so hopefully this will be good.

Book Depository Link: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Every-Day-David-Levithan/9780307931894?a_aid=SophieCharlotte

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13262783-every-day

AND TWO POST APOCALYPTIC FICTION BOOKS

YES I FILMED THAT.

I am Legend by Richard Matheson

This was made into a Will Smith film which I haven’t seen but apparently the book is amazing. Also I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone because it’s about zombies.

Book Depository Link: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/I-Am-Legend-Richard-Matheson/9780575079007?a_aid=SophieCharlotte

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14064.I_Am_Legend


The Road by Cormac McCarthy

This is about a father and son walking down a road in America going South when the world has run out of resources. I probably will review these two together as like a comparison but don’t hold me to that.

Book Depository Link: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Road-Cormac-McCarthy/9780330447546?a_aid=SophieCharlotte

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6288.The_Road

Oskar Wilde's Sexuality in Dorian Gray

I normally write one or two reviews, one on my opinions and one where I'll basically do your English homework. This is one of these.

"There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written. That is all... All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril."

The start of Oskar Wilde's book seemed at first, quite poetical, and what I have always wanted to tell my English Literature exam board. However, after reading the first few pages, it seemed odd how much of himself he put into the book.

"I have put too much of myself into it... I am afraid I have shown in it the secret of my own soul."

Oskar Wilde was imprisoned at what is now my local young offenders institute for sodomy and indecency, which translated into Modern English, is homosexuality, though he pleaded not guilty.  When I was reading, I kept wondering why he put so much of his sexuality into the book when he could be persecuted for it. Dorian Gray is described as "beautiful" and "handsome" by two men over and over and one of the men is infatuated (this is not a spoiler, spoilers don't happen on the second page) by this man; his life revolves around Dorian Grey because he is so beautiful.

Do we notice Oskar Wilde's sexuality in this book because it is so clear or because homosexuality is not mentioned enough? Do we read books by heterosexuals and when they write that the opposite sex is beautiful do we brush over it because homosexuality is still not talked enough about, even in modern society?

(n.b. Admittedly, if you want to hear how the opposite sex is beautiful, you should probably read one of Maiya's books.)

I think I found it so obvious because when reading classics, homosexuality is unheard of. Even if the author had those feelings, they would have suppressed them because of the illegality and the consequences; prison did lead to Oskar Wilde's untimely death. 

When reading classics, I read into the meanings of the book, I don't just accept them for what they are. I think maybe that is why I was surprised by the amount of homosexuality in the book. This brings me back to my first quote:  "There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written. That is all." Was Oskar Wilde going to be told that these thoughts were "immoral" and is this why he put this two page introduction discounting the homosexual references? He knew his book was well written, but some of the subjects were just too modern for his time.

I think it would be interesting if we could know if this introductory passage was written before or after the whole book was written. Did he realise what could be read from his book and change it so no one could accuse him? He calls it "art." This simply makes it sound like societies vanity which the book is written around, but I believe it is much more than that.

Oskar Wilde's story was tragic, but Dorian Gray, so far, is brilliant. Honestly, pick up a copy. Hetero or homosexual, Oskar Wilde put himself into the book and I think the part that an author puts into a book should be taken into account.

If you buy this I get a commission so I would love you forever and ever, and it's 25% off: http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Picture-Dorian-Gray-Oscar-Wilde/9780141199498?a_aid=SophieCharlotte

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

So I think I should start off by saying there is no point discussing the meaning of any of my books or the writing style because in all honesty there isn't much to say about it. The reason we read these book is to fall in love, cry, laugh and generally have a good time. So anyone who tries to be super analytical of these books is just wasting there time cause it's TEEN FICTION. It ain't gonna win prestigious book awards :) 
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! So this is probably the best time to tell you that Abbi Glines is one of my favourite authors ever! (Apart from Richelle Mead). This book is part of a series I read last summer, I wanted to review it because I loved it!! It was a great book which has recently been modified if that's what you call it! You can still get the original which is what I recommend you do, because the newer version is quite descriptive. (The correct book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12900174-the-vincent-boys)

This book is a good read for about 15 year old's. When I read the book I instantly fell in love with Beau. He is so handsome (not really the word for him, he is hot!) and amazing in every way!

The book is about Ashton, Sawyer and Beau. As children they were inseparable. Ashton and Beau were always closer with each other and they used to be the trouble makers. But everything changes when the boys start to notice Ash differently, but Sawyer is the first to make a move. Ash becomes his girlfriend because she thinks Beau isn't interested that way. They have been dating for the past 3 years and Sawyer is the perfect boyfriend. He is the star quarterback, son of a respectable business man and goes to church with her every Sunday. But Ashton finds it hard to keep up, she is trying to be perfect for him, but still doesn't feel good enough for him. Beau is the bad Vincent boy, he doesn't care what anyone think, he's on the football team, but he is trouble and he doesn't do relationships. Ash and Beau have barely said two words to each other since she started dating Sawyer. But then Sawyer goes away for the summer and thing heat up........

First of all Ashton: I loved this character, she wasn't too girly but also she wasn't self concious. I hate books where the girl complains about not being hot enough or pretty enough. But also I liked the fact that she had a conscience, because in some books the girl completely forgets she has a boyfriend which really irritates me! But Ash cares about the fact that Sawyer may get hurt. Ash felt quite real to me because a lot of people try to be someone their not for the people they love. But is it love if they can't accept you for who you are? 

Sawyer: He is the perfect boyfriend, with the perfect body and the perfect life!! He is generally a great guy. He plays a decent part in this book but not a huge part (do not worry he plays a bigger part in the second book!). But one little downer was that Sawyer did not feel 100% real he was just a bit too perfect for me.

Finally BEAU: Hot, amazing, sexy, love of my life! He is the most amazing boy/ man ever! Beau is trouble. He is the bad guy that everyone loves but never dates. But that happens to be for a reason. He has been in love with his cousins girl for years. Ash is the only one who knows the real Beau. And he will do anything for the girl he loves. Okay I wish I could say Beau is 100% true, but he's not. I love him but that's because boys in books are always better!

This book was a page turner for me, the main reason was because of how I wanted to find out how they were going to deal with Sawyer. My favourite moment has to be when Sawyer gives his  blessing. Although I didn't cry, I have only ever cried in one book (Sophie has hell to pay for that!), the book did make me laugh!

Negatives............ Well I can't really think of any, I mean although the storyline was predictable what else do you expect? TEEN romance is predictable and I love that about it. It gives me an escape from studying and The Great Gatsby and GCSE's! (Ha Ha Sophie see I do read sophisticated books........ just not voluntarily.)

Overall the book was amazing, it follows the typical storyline for teen romance. But I love that. This book will make you swoon and it will minorly shock you! It is a good book which will leave you in love with both Vincent Boys! 

Star rating: (five stars if you couldn't tell, I know it looks like none but this is my attempt at being arty!) 

Maiya :)

My name is Maiya :) And I am here to review the Teen Romance novels!! Of course I am the better and more exciting half of this blog because seriously who doesn't love a predictable love story, with a few heart breaking "twists" along the way.

Now most would think that Teen Romance books are one off's and a load of trash, but they would be mostly wrong. Yes some are utter rubbish, (I am trying to be PG). But most are super sweet and amazing! I think I must admit that I am in love with too many boys in books. Boys in books are always better though!

The worst thing ever is when the author decides the book is destined to be a 2 part book and ends the first book with a massive cliff hanger (by that I mean they didn't get together and he's done something to screw up the relationship!). Those are the books that I hate and love because I want to know what happens, but I have to  wait like half a year!

If you are interested in teen romance then I am your gal! But if not then check out my other blogging half - Sophie!

Just finished reading -Unbroken (Cedar Cove #1) by Melody Grace (warning contains s*x)
You can add me on goodreads, there are some widget things on the side, click on them and it will take you to goodreads :)
http://www.goodreads.com/profile/maiyamaiya

Introduction to Sophie

My name is Sophie Charlotte, but you can call me Sophie. I read proper books, and am one half to this blog. The book I last read was The Casual Vacancy by HRH JK Rowling. I read mostly adult fiction and some bits of YA (John Green, basically) and I like some classics. I also like the use of italics. I'm in to graphic design, film, playing guitar and singing (at the same time), Imagine Dragons and being indoors. I also colour code my books.

The point of this blog is that Maiya reads what I call "trash" but is really romance with some *cough* s*x scenes in (yes, I don't know how old you are) and I read pretty much the opposite. Apparently, according to goodreads, we're 0% compatible. There's something for everyone.

I am currently reading The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oskar Wilde. I'm really enjoying it actually. When I review books I often talk about the covers and the use of fonts and colours because of my interest in design. I also talk about like, not just reviewing the book but general themes, so I'm basically doing your English essays for you.

If you are interested in adding me on goodreads - there are links in the sidebar and below to my read books and stuff. I am reading a book a week for 2013.

I hope to see you next time, when I shall be discussing Oskar Wilde's sexuality and homophobia. That will fuel you through your week.

Links:
http://www.goodreads.com/sociallyawkwardsophie my goodreads
https://twitter.com/SophieCantVlog my twitter
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMo_tx-FHXE7XQD0_lgZn4A my youtube