First of all, you may have noticed some changes going on concerning this blog :)

I've really worked hard to make an effort and review more books per year, and also achieve more pageviews ;)

But this time, it's actually crucial that I make this blog look good AND include great content and posts for my readers...

Because this blog is actually entered in a competition!

I'm really excited.... And to tie up this post: Once Upon A Book will start looking fantasmic!

I know that the current template is glitchy and buggy and I hope you'll forgive me...

Anyway, books rock!

Current reading list:

The Deja Vu Experiment (really difficult to understand...)
Scarlet
All my textbooks ;)

Pls refresh my page for me to get more pageviews! Just kidding... <3

20 Ways to Draw a Cat and 44 Other Awesome Animals by Julia Kuo *Quickie Review*

Note: As of the writing of this post, Once Upon a Book has 3997 pageviews! Just 3 more to go until 4000~ <3 y'all are the best :)


20 Ways to Draw a Cat and 44 Other Awesome Animals: A Sketchbook for Artists, Designers, and Doodlers by Julia Kuo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know that this is a pretty high rating considering
a) it's not even a real book (at least by some standards, as it's partly labeled as a sketchbook )
b) at least 1/4 of it is blank... there's blank space on every other page at least.
c) most of the illustrations aren't even in colour.

However, the four stars I gave this book is not relative to others; my personal satisfaction regarding this book was insanely high for almost no reason, except that I really really like looking at the gorgeous illustrations and designs.

I knocked off a star because I didn't particularly like how it's designed as a sketchbook; the paper is not suitable for drawing, and I had thought it would be good as a reference book when making your own designs or copying these, but not to draw in.

Perhaps I'm somewhat biased as I received this book FREE from my school library's book fair book raffle, so I'm super pleased with that :3

Also, just to note, but I read the Chinese version of this; physically it's not much different though, with just an addition of the Chinese name for the animal under each page's heading and a Chinese introduction.

Obviously you have to look out because this book contains barely any words (I would say, fewer than 50 in all, except for the introduction/preface thing), so you may not find this purchase worth it (if you are buying...?) As another reviewer said, this book doesn't contain any how-to instruction, and it seems that some of the designs were produced with graphic-design software, which is pretty hard to replicate by hand. However, it's still a very nice book with pretty illustrations, so.....

More about the pictures:

I really liked them :) Even in (mostly) black and white, they were really inspiring at least to me. Clean lines and not cartoony looking, while still being creative-and-sketchy.

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Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen (Good and Bad Review)

I first picked up a Sarah Dessen novel at the unreasonably small library at my school, since it seemed fairly interesting. This was last June and I was fairly new to the YA romance scene; now, I have been told that this first book was one of the best by Dessen. If so, then it unfortunately set my expectations "unrealistically" high. This book was The Truth about Forever, and you can read my review of that book here.

As I said, I guess I sculpted my expectations for Along for the Ride based on The Truth about Forever. It wasn't as though I'd only read one Dessen book-- I'd read two others besides: Someone Like You, which I disliked but thought was the exception, not the rule, and Dreamland, with its excellent writing (even with its topic making me uncomfortable.) Anywho, Along for the Ride was just not for me.

Bad:

1. Maggie & Co. are cardboard-cutout characters, vastly disinteresting. Mostly, I hated selfish and inconsiderate Leah (who just cares about going where she wanted ((TALLYHO))). Auden, the main character, was right in her first-impressions-judgement of them: They ARE superficial. Obviously, Maggie has more to her than meets the eye, but still: It's just her, and frankly it's not enough. (Think 4 Kaitlyns from The Fault in Our Stars, but one of them is quite intelligent.) Additionally, their taste in boys says it all (kind of), and makes them seem even more shallow, even Maggie, if such a thing is possible (it is).
2. Jason. I understand that he was made to be unlikeable, but STILL. Weirdly enough he said things like "I wouldn't blame you if you were to never speak to me again," showing his emotions. I think he cares for Auden but expects too much from her: to wait until he himself has time for her, and sit idly, skipping a lot of fun/parties, when he doesn't. Also: is he Jason from The Truth about Forever? While this is kind of unlikely due to timing, they have similar personalities, and I have heard that Dessen commonly includes characters from other books into new ones, reprising their roles. (But usually, MCs from other books get small roles in new books, so...)
3. Auden's actions? Like, specifically, Jake. >.>
4. Sarah Dessen's book formula. Like, I understand that you are supposed to look at books separately from each other, especially if they are not part of a series, and treat them independently. But one has got to wonder if Dessen is just really really really overusing all her plot elements.

Good:

1. Eli? He's quirky for sure, but.... the way he just opens up to  Auden & no one else, especially seeing that Auden is NEW TO TOWN, is really kind of unnerving. I love the laundromat-pie thing, though. It really adds an extra dimension to the Eli/Auden relationship (whatever it is).
2. Heidi. YES YES YES. Auden was condescending about her in the beginning but that only made me love her more when she turned out to be..........nice.
3. Auden....... but only sometimes. I'm glad she has a good relationship with her parents (Even if said parents are consistently make mistakes/use poor judgement regarding decisions).
4. Auden's brother, Hollis. Agh! He's lucky, lucky, lucky, and quirky, and kind of a spoiled kid, but he seems to be a genuinely nice guy with an interesting personality (even if he just keeps sapping money from his parents).

Opera A to Z by Liddy Lindsay

Opera A to Z: A Beginner's Guide to Opera by Liddy Lindsay
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The following review was first posted on NetGalley. Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book! :3

I had a hard time enjoying this book, although I suppose that I'm in the target age range. Was it because of how difficult it was to relate to the subject matter? Perhaps, although I consider myself as being more open-minded among my peers...

I expected the paintings to be a big plus. While obviously the whole picture book thing was discounted because I read it on a Kindle (third generation, so it's still black-and-white), I looked up the author's website shortly afterward, and the paintings were not spectacular as some other reviewers on Goodreads have said-- in fact, they looked somewhat pitiful and amateur.

I mean no disrespect to the author by saying this; in fact, the writing was very informative. However, I was quickly bored, without any deviation from the almost monotonous structure to keep me interested.

I do give this book two stars, though, for the content, although I would not read this again.

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End of Year Book Survey!!!

Hai guys! This will be the first time I have ever done an "end of year book survey." This survey was created by Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner. The link to original is at the end of this post, so keep reading! :D

Best in Books

Best book(s) you read in 2013?
Historical Fiction: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Nonfiction: Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook by Ellen Potter
Realistic Fiction: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Book you were excited about and thought you were going to love more but didn't?
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Alternatively, Who Done It? edited and composed by Jon Sciezka.

Book you read in 2013 that you recommended to people most in 2013?
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

Best series you discovered in 2013?
Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer Hands DOWN.

Favorite new author you discovered in 2013?
JOHN GREEN. and Jodi Picoult too, but I think I started reading her books in 2012.

Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen.

Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2013?

Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross.

Book you read in 2013 that you most likely to re-read next year?
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Also, The Truth About Forever, because I reread everything that I really love. I'll reread the first one more though, as I actually own a copy of it.

Favorite cover of a book you read in 2013?

Most memorable character in 2013?
Erm. Hmm.... I simply can't choose!! D:

Most beautifully written book read in 2013?
Mehh honestly I don't know.

Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2013?
The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard.

Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2013 to finally read?
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne. I know right?! It's so cute though.

Favorite passage/quote from a book you read in 2013?
"Some infinities are bigger than other infinities."
-The Fault in Our Stars, John Green

Shortest and longest book you read in 2013?
Shortest: Cheer Skills: Beginning Tumbling and Stunting by Jen Jones (32 pages)
Longest: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay (544 pages)

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).
Definitely Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley.

Favorite relationship from a book you read in 2013 (be it romantic, friendship, etc.)
too many to name, but I shall name a few:

Jase x Samantha

Macy x Wes

Kate x Anna (sibling bond)


Favorite book you read in 2013 from an author you've read previously?
I guess either A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass or The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech.

Best book you read in 2013 that you read SOLELY on a recommendation from somebody else?

None?

Genre you read the most from in 2013?
Realistic Fiction, for sure. It's basically all that I read nowadays. I tend to stay away from fantasy, although I'm not sure why. I don't think I've had a very positive experience with fantasy books in general. I mean, I have, like Harry Potter and all that, but still.

Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2013?
Jase! From My Life Next Door. <333

Best 2013 debut you read?
Ack... I think I've only read one 2013 debut... Seeing Cinderella.

Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read in 2013?
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis. I loved how realistic he made it.

Book that made you cry or nearly cry in 2013?
UGHHH I don't know. I don't read emotional books anymore ;_; no but mostly I'm just oddly unaffected by books, however well written. Maybe The Book Thief by Markus Zusak?

Book you read in 2013 that you think got overlooked this year or when it came out?
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley. Seriously. Soo good. Although, I guess, the plot may come off as a bit cliche.

Book blogging/Reading life in 2013

New favorite book blog you discovered in 2013?
Because I just found it and got addicted to it, Saru's blog over at To read or not to read? I also simply adore her blog design.


Favorite review that you wrote in 2013?
Urmm....... Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings, by Sophia Bennett.

Best discussion you had on your blog?*BURSTS INTO TEARS* I don't have discussions on my blog :'(

Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?
No idea. Something that I saw on Goodreads....

Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
Hrmm. HRMM. I don't know, because I rarely participate in anything. Yeah, my reading life is almost nonexistent :D

Best moment of book blogging/your book life in 2013?
Whenever I get a new comment on a post. :)

Most popular post this year on your blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
Pfft. For comments, it was my post about "Thank You!!!
For views, it was --WHAT!?!??!?!?!?!-- my review of The Danger Box by Blue Balliett. I only just posted it like, last month!!!! Wowzas.

Post you wished got a little more love?
Each :)

Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?
Goodreads :)

Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
Well.... the simple answer is no. I completed only 2/3 of my goal :(

Looking Ahead...

One book you didn't get to in 2013 but will be your number one priority in 2014?
Ugh! It's not that I "didn't get to it", it's just that I wasn't able to finish it! I guess audiobooks just really aren't for me. :(


Book you are most anticipating for 2014 (non-debut)?
Hrmm. Wait a second, I got this.... Cress by Marissa Meyer!


2014 debut you are most anticipating?
I can't see any on my immediate list...uh oh! I have to change that! Any books you guys recommend I look out for?


Series ending you are most anticipating in 2014?
Nothing?


One thing you hope to accomplish or do in your reading/blogging in 2014?
Read more~!! Since I don't really have access to a library here, it's pretty hard for me to catch up on reading :(


Happy New Year everyone! Don't forget to check out the original post here at The Perpetual Page-Turner!

The Danger Box by Blue Balliett :)

The Danger Box by Blue Balliett
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Danger Box. Ahhh <3
Just kidding.

i picked up this book when I saw it at the library for a number of reasons:

1) Ooh that's an...... interesting cover. Rather reminds me of this one, another personal favorite:
2) Ooh Blue Balliett!!!! I read her book Chasing Vermeer and thoroughly enjoyed it in fourth grade and I assumed that that meant that her other books were all equally entertaining. Alas!
3) Ahh the blurb is so.... intriguing!
4) Omg dat TITLE~! It just sounds amazing and interesting and VERY mysterious.

So there were a lot of things that I felt had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, it didn't work out quite as well as I had hoped it would.

Firstly, the main character, Zoomy, is the son of an alcoholic and a migrant worker. His father is the alcoholic, Buckeye, and he did not claim Zoomy, leaving him under the care of his parents (Zoomy's grandparents). "Zoomy" turns out to be the name of Buckeye's childhood 'invisible friend.' I felt like that concept could be developed a little more, like maybe some special link with Buckeye's childhood friend that becomes a special link between estranged father and son.

Secondly, Zoomy has pathological myopia (he's legally blind), so he wears incredibly thick glasses. This does affect the way he sees, as mentioned in the blurb; but, it doesn't play as big of a role as I had hoped it would, nor is the 'affected way he sees' the way I had anticipated, either. Surely he is almost blind, but most of the time anything related to his eyesight comes up it's usually when he's saying "I can't see! What's going on?" or some other version of that.

Also, I never really understood what the Danger Box really was. In the preface in the beginning of the book, something about "Everyone has their own Danger Box" was mentioned, which really heightened my hopes, but in the end, it seems that the Danger Box is just a box full of treasures and memories?

Additionally, the plot was disorganized, for the most part. I would have liked to know more about Lorrel, the "mysterious girl who doesn't fit in", and her family, as well as her life before in the city.

Really, my major disappointment was that it was never really clear what (view spoiler)[ the "players" hired by "Mr. Zip" were hired to do. (hide spoiler)] It had all sounded so thrilling, so exciting, so mysterious, in the beginning of the book, but then it really fell flat for me.

However, I would probably consider reading "The Wright 3" and "The Calder Game" just because I thoroughly enjoyed "Chasing Vermeer" and those books are (i think?) sequels to it.



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Quickie Review: The Good Earth

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ahh <33
This book is kind of long, so it has a lot of ups and downs. I didn't find this particularly good, because Wang Lung in general is not really an interesting character. It may just be my bad memory, because I read this almost a month ago, but although I plowed through it, I didn't read any parts that jump out at me in particular.

Sigh, I really wanted to like this book as a friend recommended it to me with glowing reviews. I guess I'm just not as cut out for these kinds of books....

Best part of this book: (view spoiler)[ I would say that the best part of this book was the part where Wang Lung and his family go to the south to try to live city life when their rural village town is stricken by drought therefore famine. (hide spoiler)]

Favorite Character: My favorite character would have to be Wang Lung's mute and mentally disabled daughter. She does not have a name, but is Wang Lung's especial pet, and he often says to her: "Oh, poor fool! You poor little fool!" in a way that is meant to be a compliment.



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