Furthermore

Title: Furthermore

Author: Tahereh Mafi 

Rating: Top shelf

Furthermore follows 12 year old Alice Queensmeadow as she travels through magical lands attempting to bring her beloved father home from the magical and dangerous land of Furthermore. With her travel companion Oliver (who has magical powers of persuasion and deceit) will she be able to succeed? With many surprises along the journey this becomes a magical tale about friendship and adventure that is great for many ages!

This story reminds me of twisted and revamped Alice and Wonderland because of its twisty turns and adventures! Mafi made a very interesting and engaging plot that was impossible to put down!! 

This book is also special because it has nothing inappropriate for a younger audience and it includes some very positive messages! 

I think this was a great book and I suggest everyone go and get a copy now!! If you are interested in more of Mafi's books make sure to check out the Shatter Me series!!! It is one of my all time favorites and I will be rereading them and posting about them in the new year!!

Happy Reading and a Happy New year!!!!!!

The Outsiders

Title: The Outsiders

Author: SE Hinton 

Rating: TOP SHELF!!!!!!!!!

My signed copy: 

The Outsiders is a novel about rival gangs (the Greasers and the Socs) and their members. It is told by 14 year old Greaser, Ponyboy Curtis. Ponyboy lives with his two brothers Sodapop and Darry. His brothers and the gang are the only family and support he has. Throughout the book he has plenty of adventures and rumbles before finding his true identity.

This is another novel that I believe everyone should read at some point in their lifetime. Most kids read this novel in the 8th grade, but that was not a standard for my class. I'm a little later reading it than normal. However, I loved it!!!!!! 

An interesting part to this book is the author and her story. This is a book told from a boy's perspective but written by a female. Because SE Hinton was a girl publishers wouldn't read her book. It was only when she signed it as SE Hinton that publishers bought it. 

Everyone needs to go and pick up a copy right now!!!!! It is worth it!!!!! 

I hope you all love it as much as I do! Happy reading!!!

Do not read the next part of you have not read the book yet!

This is your last chance to turn back!

It was so sad when Jonny and Dally died!!!!!!! They were a few of my favorite characters and I hated to see them go!! 

I loved how this book was really focused on being genuine and "Staying Gold". I think that is such an important message for everyone these days!!! 

What did you think of The Outsiders? Please leave thoughts and opinions on my comments!!

A Christmas Carol

Title: A Christmas Carol

Author: Charles Dickens

Rating: Middle Shelf

This is the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the night he was visited by 3 ghosts. These three ghosts help him re-evaluate his life throughout the night. 

I really enjoyed this book. I have seen movie interpretations so it is nice to read the original. I gave it a middle shelf rating because I was so familiar with the storyline so there were no literary suprises. I think I'm going to make it a Christmas tradition every year! How many of my fabulous followers have read this book or have this tradition? 

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! I also hope Santa brings you lots of good books to read!!

Pride and Prejudice

Title: Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Rating: Top Shelf

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a classic love story. I think everyone (even guys) should read it at some point in their lifetime!!! It truly lives up to all of it's praise.  The picture attached shows my very loved copy of the book as well as my new Jane Austen Socks I got for Christmas!!

This story is about the Bennet sisters on their search for love, happiness, and marriage. That is all I'm going to say because I don't want to ruin it for anyone! Throughout the novel they meet and interact with many detailed characters with strong personalities. Jane Austen magically created these characters and brought them to life with her vivid imagery!!

I will warn it is not an easy read! It took me a long time to get through it but it was worth every second!!! 

I hope you go over and find a copy at the book store or the library!! Happy Reading!!

If you have read the book I have a few things to discuss down below....

If you haven't read it this is your lasts chance to turn back before I start with the spoilers!!!

This isn't as deep on a conversation but i just wanted to express that I LOVE ELIZABETH AND DARCY!!!!!! I spent the whole book waiting and waiting and then I got to volume 3 and I read it in one sitting because it got so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Part of me wishes there would have been a sequel about the wedding and children!!! However, I was left satisfied with just the one book with the perfect ending!!  I also loved Jane and Bingley!!! They were also adorable together!

Who were your favorite characters? Please leave your responses in the comments! 

Of Mice and Men

Title: Of Mice and Men

Author: John Steinbeck 

Rating: Middle Shelf

This novella is a short story about two friends over 4 days. George and Lennie dream of a better life. They want the American dream for themselves even though they have a major roadblock in their way. 

Throughout the novella they meet and interact with other characters with big dreams like Crooks, Curley, and Candy. 

Of Mice and Men is a very deep book for such few pages. Steinbeck does not waste a single page of the book though!

This book is really one of a kind because of the way it censors the characters to portray the viewpoints of the time period. 

I read this book in my English class because it was a requirement. I think I would enjoy this more if I read it for fun without doing such a large analysis of it. 

The Leopard King

Title: The Leopard King

Author: Ann Aguirre

Rating: middle shelf

I am the biggest Ann Aguirre fan ever! I think she is marvelous, so writing this review makes me very sad. I was very disappointed with this book. It is very different from her other books. It is most defiantly a rated R kind of book. I had to skip 1/3 of it because of all of the nasty stuff in it. The book seemed to focus on that.  Also it's language was WAY to colorful for my taste.

 If you could get past that and just read the adventures and journeys of the characters I thought it was great! Because of these conflicting feelings I gave it a middle shelf rating. I'm hoping the next book is cleaner, because I was so excited for this series!!!!

This is book 1-6 in the series. I think I will continue the series when the new book comes out solely to know what happens with the characters next. 

The book focuses on the characters Dom and Pru as they are trying to save their wolf pride while navigating through trials of grief and romance. 

What did you guys think of this book? If you have read it please leave some comments. 

If you want a copy order it online from Amazon or Ann Aguirre's website.  

Fantastic Beasts: The Movie

Even though I was not a giant fan of the book Fantastic Beasts I had to go see the movie as a Potterhead and member of Gryffindor. It was so worth it. I would give it five stars. The movie was made very well and the cast was spot on. Eddie Redmayne was AMAZING as Newt!!!  I can't wait to see what happens with the next for movies in the series! I'm hoping to see many more adorable beasts! I think there's real potential and the storyline!

The only other thing I wanted to mention was the term "NonMag." Why can't everyone just be called a Muggle?! Even though I live in the USA and the official term is "NonMag" I have no intention of switching from the term "Muggle." I'm just being internationally minded!!

Have you gone to see Eddie Redmayne in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? If not, go and see it now or you will regret it!!!

Once you have seen it let me know what you thought in the comments!!

Happy viewing!!!∞ ϟ 9¾ ♔ ⚯͛ △⃒⃘ ➵

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

Title: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

Author: Newt Scamander

Rating: Bottom Shelf

Before I give you the reasoning for my rating I would like to tell you a story about myself. Every time I go to read a book series with more than 3 books I fail. I have a built in three book limit so I unfortunately have not finished the Harry Potter Series, however I do enjoy them. 

You may be asking why I read this book without completing the series...

My book club picked to read this book before viewing the movie as a group, however it was not necessary. You do not need to read this encyclopedia to go see the movie. The 5 Fantastic Beasts movies are about Newts adventures to learn about the creatures and write the book, rather than being about the book it's self. 

I personally would not recommend this book for your personal library unless you are a Harry Potter die hard collector. 

Please let me know what you thought of Fantastic Beasts in the comments and on Instagram (@thebooksundermybed)!!

Gemina

Title: Gemina 

Authors: Amiee Kauffman and Jay Kristoff

Rating: Top Shelf!!!!!!!!!

Gemina is the second book ok the Illuminae files series. The books are truly like no other!! They are told by emails, instant messages, codes, and video surveillance.  In Gemina we also have Marie Lu's journal drawings which are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Gemina takes place on the Heimdall right after Illuminae ends. The main characters it follows are Hannah, the chiefs daughter, and Nik, who came from a criminal family. The two have to find a way to come together to save their ship, other ships, and the universe. 

I suggest everyone read this book and this series!!! You will not be able to put it down!!!!! Go get your copy now!!!!!! 

For those of you who have read Gemina keep reading because we need to talk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

For you who have not read Gemina turn back now!!!!

Okay Gemina readers we can now talk!!

Can you believe this book?!?!?!?!?

It was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! 

-I loved the addition of the journals!!!!!! 

-I loved Nik and Hannah together!!! 

-Kady and Ezra were back as well!!!!!!

- AND SO WAS AIDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE KADY HAD IT!!!!!!!!

-I also loved the way that people would die and come back! And how the two universes collided! It was unexpected and completely played with my emotions!!!!!

I LOVED IT!!!! What did you think?! Let me know in the comments!!

The Midnight Star

Title: The Midnight Star (book 3 in the Young Elites series)

Author: Marie Lu

Rating: Top Shelf

I have loved the last 3 years I have gotten to read and experience this trilogy!! It is a very different approach to YA! One of my favorite things about Marie Lu's writing is the perspectives she uses! You get to enjoy the story from the eyes of different characters!!! 

This is the last leg of the story for the Young Elites and you will not want to put it down! It is the perfect book to celebrate fall break with!! If you haven't read the first two books go get your copies now!! If you read and loved the Young Elites and want to read more by Marie Lu check out the Legend trilogy!!

Hollow City

Title: Hollow City (the second book in Mrs Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children series)

Author: Ransom Riggs

Rating: Top shelf

I enjoyed this book more than the first book in the series!! I thought it was faster moving and easier to follow. It did not disappoint! I am very glad I chose to read it!!! 

This book continues the children's journey through London and in and out of various loops while on the run from the wights. The book also touches more on the relationship  between Emma and Jacob. Through out space and time they are on the search for someone to help their ymbrine Miss Peregrine who is unable to change back into her human form.  Will they make it in time? Or will she be stuck forever?  Read to find out!! 

Go pick up your copy now!! You won't be able to put it down!!

Happy reading!!!

Banned Book Week: Hop on Pop

For the last day of band book week I have chosen to highlight the book Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss. I picked this book because I believe it was banned for ridiculous reasons. Haha. 

Everybody loves Dr. Seuss. His books are filled with so much imagination that they are enjoyable for absolutely everyone!!

Hop on Pop was a banned book because it people thought it promotes violence and it encouraged children to jump on their fathers. Isn't that crazy!?!?!?!

 

Thank you so much for participating in Banned Book Week 2016 with me!!! I hope you enjoyed either reading, rereading, or reminiscing over just a few of many wonderful books!! Comment your favorite banned book below and please follow us on here as well as on Instagram @thebooksundermybed !!!! Happy reading on your next adventures!!!

Banned Books Week: Charlotte's Web

 

This children's book has potential to be another surprise Banned book. Charlotte's Web is a children's book that everyone grew up reading! It was the first book with content that I remember reading. 

You might be asking yourself why is this icon a banned book? It has been a banned book because in different areas of the United States because people thought the tragedy of the story was too much for young children handle. People also thought that the talking animals were against God and promoted which craft. 

This is a book EVERYONE needs to read at some point in time so go and either pick up a copy now or dust off the copy on your bookshelf. It's a short read so maybe you can finish it before Banned Book Week is over!!

Banned Books Week: Paper Towns and The Fault In Our Stars

For day 5 of Banned Books Week I wanted to pick a more modern book and ended up choosing 2! The books I chose are Paper Towns and The Fault In Our Stars both by John Green. Both are very successful and have their own movies!

I'm going to start off with The Fault In Our Stars. We all have come to love the book and storyline of TFIOS so to see this on a list of Banned Books might be surprising to some. However, I think it's on there for valid reasons. TFIOS is a Banned book because of its storyline. Two teens with cancer and a tragic love story is not easy to swallow. Especially if you have known someone who has died of cancer and have gone through of the ups and downs as well as the grieving. This book is also banned because of teen sex and offensive language. These reasons are also the reason why it is a PG-13 movie. I would recommend it to people because it is one of the most impactful books of the century.

Next to Paper Towns!

I classify Paper Towns as a teen mystery novel because of how all of the teens are trying to find Margo and solve her mystery. I enjoyed Paper Towns and would recommend it because it is a short and fun read, but not quite as deep as TFIOS. If TFIOS is too much for you I would suggest this first! I have to tell you that Paper Towns is a Banned book for similar reasons as TFIOS. The book has some explicit language and conversations about teen sex. This has been made into a movie more recently and I would suggest watching it even if you are not interested in the book.

John Green is a great author, not only because he is from Indiana, but also because he writes from unique perspectives that are engaging for the reader. He is like a new teen Nicholas Sparks in a way with his tragic love stories. 

I hope you go pick up a copy of either book or go rent the movie to celebrate the rest of Banned Books Week!! Happy reading!!!! 

Banned Book Week: The Giver

For day four of been I chose the book The Giver. The Giver by Louis Lowery is an amazing book! I have read it four times. 

This is not a book that is often thought of when thinking about banned books though. The Giver was banned because it is seen as an appropriate for the age it was intended for because of its darkness. It is also been considered as having inappropriate and explicit content. That this book is fine for it's intended age group. The only reason I would say to wait a little bit longer is to fully understands the concept of what is happening in the society as well as to fully comprehend the ending which I don't want to spoil for anyone!!

Go grab a copy of The Giver today and you won't regret it! Happy reading!

Banned Books: Fahrenheit 451

For the third day of Banned Books Week I'm picking Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury!! I totally love this classic and I know all of the books I've highlighted thus far are classics, but they are my absolute favorites!!! 

I love Fahrenheit 451 because of the story line and the attempt to break free from societal norms. I also enjoy that it is a book about people reading books!! 

This is a banned book which is SUPER ironic because it is about the future and how books were banned from people!!! It is also banned because one of the books that was burned and banned in this futuristic society was the Bible. 

I VERY much recommend this book!! Go and pick up a copy now to celebrate the rest of Banned Books Week!!!

Reading tip: look up what each characters name means... Yes, Bradbury had a purpose!!!

Banned Book Week: Scarlet Letter

For day two of banned books week I have decided to choose the book the Scarlet Letter. 

This is a more mature book because of the talk of adultery and the novel. That is also why this is a band book because it was against religion to cheat on your husband.  In the story she ended up having a baby as well. Because she was caught in the act of sin she was forced by society to wear a red letter A. This is where the name comes from. 

I would most definitely recommend this book. Go pick up your copy now!

Banned Books: To Kill a Mockingbird

For each day of band book week I am going to highlight a different one of my favorite band books!

For day one I'm going to start out with To Kill a Mockingbird!!

I love to to kill a Mockingbird, it is one of my favorites!! I love how the story is told in a circular pattern. It is truly an engaging. Also I love the characterization that Harper Lee creates. Scout is my favorite. I even named my car after her. 

This is a true classic that everyone should read!!! 

This book was banned book because of the racial issues that covers throughout the time period the story goes through, the language, as well as discussion of rape. This book is for a more mature audience. 

Everyone should check out To Kill a Mockingbird and read it especially this week!!! 

Reading Tip: If you have not read it I would suggest to read all the way through and then go back and read the first page once more. It's magical!

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs

Rating:  Middle Shelf

This book is a good read. It is a tad bit on the creepy side so beware of you are a night reader like I am!! It is also a little slow in some parts. 

Miss Peregrine's Home For Perculiar Children is well known for the pictures in the book. They really elevate the story to a different level  and help you get into the mindset of the characters. 

This is the first book in the trilogy. If you have read the others please let me know what you think I'm the comments. I am unsure about continuing the series or not. 

Miss Peregrine's Home For Perculiar Children is from the perspective of a teenage boy named Jacob. Jacob grew up listening to his grandpas crazy and exaggerated stories of the past. But what if these crazy stories were true? Jacob must go and explore the island that his grandpa spoke of to find the truth about the past. 

I read this book with my school book club and recommend it to other book clubs as well! Also it is a good time to read the book because Halloween is right around the corner and the Tim Burton motion picture is coming out soon!! Once I see the movie I will do a compare and contrast post.

Go get a copy now before heading to the movies!!! If you HAVE NOT read Miss Peregrine's Home For Perculiar Children please stop reading now! I do not want to spoil anything!! Happy reading!!!!!

Hello people who HAVE read Miss Peregrine's Home For Perculiar Children!!

I just have a few thoughts and questions. 

My first is about the twins... There were 2 pictures in the book about them but they were not characters!! I want to know their story!! If you have read the other books are there mentioned in there too?

Also I think it's a little weird that Emma and Jacob like each other, but it makes since if he is like his grandpa. I kind of want them to work out in the end because it didn't for Emma previously.

I also loved Millards investigation of the town through everyone and everything's perspective!! I thought that was a great detail!!!!!!

Please let me know what you think in the comments!!!

Happy reading!!

Immortal Game Series Review

Title: Mortal Danger, Public Enemies, Infinate Risk

Author: Ann Aguirre

Rating: top shelf

This book is a tad darker than Ann Aguirre's other books. However it is sooooo amazing!!!!!! The Immortal games series takes you through Edith Kramer's journey after excepting an offer for 3 wishes that she was granted for deciding not to kill each other. Yeah, it's weird, but the character development is soooooo deep and detailed!!!! You get pulled into the games with the characters!!

There are no other books like the books in this series!!!!

Go and pick up your copies of the Immortal Game series and Ann Aguirre's other books as soon as you can!!

Read my final few thoughts below only if you have read the series!!!!!! Don't ruin it for yourself!!

So, those of you that have read the series it is time to chat!!

I love Kian and Edie and in the end totally fell in love with the Harbinger!!!!!!!!!! I never thought that would happen!!! And she was able to end up with both!!!!! She made such great emotional connections with so many of the characters which was refreshing and quite the suprise!! I thought it was a genius plot twist to have her make connections with those that she once despised!!! I also apprication that we know in the future that 

A) her dad will be okay

And

B) Kian and Edie have a future that they are alive for!!!!

I never would have guessed that he was GreenKnight that was chatting with her online!!! But it was an amazing way to make them meet and connect!! Who does not love the wonders of the Internet?!?! Haha!!

What did you think of the series? 

Make sure to comment your thoughts below!!!

Thank you for reading with me!!