Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy

Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy
Published: March 18, 2014 by Balzer + Bray
Source: ARC via author + friends

What if you’d been living your life as if you were dying—only to find out that you had your whole future ahead of you?

When sixteen-year-old Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, her prognosis is grim. To maximize the time she does have, she vows to spend her final months righting wrongs—however she sees fit. She convinces her friend Harvey, whom she knows has always had feelings for her, to help her with a crazy bucket list that’s as much about revenge (humiliating her ex-boyfriend and getting back at her arch nemesis) as it is about hope (doing something unexpectedly kind for a stranger and reliving some childhood memories). But just when Alice’s scores are settled, she goes into remission.

Now Alice is forced to face the consequences of all that she’s said and done, as well as her true feelings for Harvey. But has she done irreparable damage to the people around her, and to the one person who matters most?

Julie Murphy’s SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY is a fearless and moving tour de force about love, life, and facing your own mortality. [goodreads]

I had the privilege of reading an early copy of this novel last year, and my first thought after finishing it: EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK.  There was a constant flow of admiration for Julie Murphy's writing as I read page after page, thinking WOW, this is her debut?!  Her ability to make me think beyond the pages is a testament to her craft.  This story is rich with emotion and consequences, flooded with humor and wit.  SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY encompasses a lot of what makes contemporary YA so compelling for this adult reader.  The emotions it conjures up are unforgettable, leaving behind a slue of tears and echos of laughter.

Alice thinks she's dying.  In fact, her doctors have told her she doesn't have much time left.  So instead of conquering a bucket list of inspirational moments, she creates a list of wrongs she wishes to right.  The only problem is that these wrongs have ugly consequences.  However, since Alice has been given an expiration date, she figures she won't be around for the aftermath.

But then life plays a funny trick on her, giving her a second chance, and all those wrongs she didn't see through are now staring her in the face.  The biggest consequence belongs to her best friend Harvey, and coming to terms with the truth about her true feelings for him.

There's a spark of raw honesty and ruthlessness in Alice's character that drew me in, causing me to really despise who she was.  It was downright dirty in some parts.  But there was also a fire in this girl, refusing to be extinguished, not even by Harvey.  Oh Harvey.  This boy captured my heart from the first few pages he is introduced and caused my heart to swell even in the moments that I just wanted to wrap him inside a warm hug.

There are scenes in this novel that resonated deep within my teenage self.  It took me back to a time of belonging and what it means to find your place among people who hold influences in your life, whether you want them to or not.  Julie Murphy tells a story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, littering the pages with words that are impressionable and poignant.  I highly recommend this contemporary YA to readers that welcome thought provoking stories that cause them to feel long after they've finished reading the last page.

YA at the Movies in 2014

Who else is super pumped for all the YA books being brought to the big screen this year?!  I'm excited, but nervous too.  Will the adaptation do the book justice?  Or will it give a new spin on the written story?  The three listed below have gotten a ton of hype and I am so anxious to see their faces that I've always pictured in my head be brought to life on the big screen.  The last movie isn't a YA book, but it IS from the genius mind of someone who has written a YA book. So there's that.  Plus it's VERONICA MARS and since I'm a proud kickstarter backer of the movie, I've gotta show it some love on the blog.

Divergent
To be released March 21, 2014 (US)
movie website
photo credit

About the book: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her. [goodreads]

The Fault in Our Stars
To be released June 6, 2014 (US)
movie website
photo credit

About the book: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind. [goodreads]

If I Stay
To be released August 22, 2014
movie website
photo credit

About the book: In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice Mia commands. [goodreads]

Veronica Mars
To be released March 14, 2014
movie website
photo credit

About the movie: On the eve of graduating law school, Veronica Mars has put Neptune and her amateur sleuthing days behind her. While interviewing at high-end New York law firms, Veronica Mars gets a call from her ex-boyfriend Logan who has been accused of murder. Veronica heads back to Neptune just to help Logan find an attorney, but when things don't seem right with how Logan's case is perceived and handled, Veronica finds herself being pulled back into a life she thought she had left behind. [movie website]

Are you planning to go see any of these movies? Which ones are you most excited about (or most worried about)? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!!

My Top 10 Books I'd Frame As Pieces Of Art

This week's top 10 list is meant to be a rewind (choose a topic from the past), but I decided to create my own!  Books are definitely a form of art when it comes to the words written between the pages.  But what about those covers?  I own a few that I have seriously considered framing and hanging on my walls.

Below is a list of my top 10 books (+ a few more) that I'd showcase as art (if I could bring myself to actually take a part the book's pages, lol). Be sure to check out The Broke and the Bookish for more details on this awesome weekly feature.

Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler [goodreads]

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell [goodreads]

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson [goodreads]

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley [goodreads]

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen [goodreads]

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas [goodreads]

Just One Day by Gayle Forman [goodreads]

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller [goodreads]

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord [goodreads]
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby [goodreads]

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith [goodreads]

The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta [goodreads]

Springtime Preorder GIVEAWAY!

It recently dawned on me that some of my favorites of 2014, that I had the opportunity to read early copies of, are being published this spring.  So why not host a preorder giveaway to build more buzz while featuring my favorites?  Well, that's exactly what I'm doing.  Here are the details: I will choose one winner and he/she will have their pick from the preorders below.  I'll make sure the book gets ordered (hard copy or e-book) and delivered to them by publication date!  Pretty easy.  Now go forth and enter below and help me spread the word about these fabulous books publishing this spring!

Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy [goodreads | pub date: March 15, 2014]

Noggin by John Corey Whaley [goodreads | pub date: April 8, 2014]

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord [goodreads | pub date: April 15, 2014]

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han [goodreads | pub date: April 22, 2014]

YES! It's open to International Readers, too!

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Bright Before Sunrise: My One Night Story

Author Tiffany Schmidt, of the recently published young adult novel BRIGHT BEFORE SUNRISE, has asked various authors and bloggers to share their "One Night" stories in response to the book's tagline: One night can change how you see the world. One night can change how you see yourself. I decided to share my own One Night Story, digging a bit deeper into a very emotional time in my life.  Most of you know that I lost my mom to cancer awhile ago.  I've shared bits and pieces of that time in my life and how it's affected me now.  But for this particular assignment, I am going beyond the surface and sharing a very personal moment, one that I immediately thought of when I read this book's tag line.

One night can change how you see the world. One night can change how you see yourself.

It was the fall of 2003 and I was 22 years old. Most of my friends had just finished college and were on the cusp of starting their career. I, on the other hand, was still slowly making my way through school, not having a clue what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. But then, life threw me a curve ball, one of the biggest plays in my lifetime that I will ever see.

My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 vaginal cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. There wasn’t a cure, we were told. All that was left to do was to make sure she was comfortable. One day I was beginning classes at the community college, and then the next I was listening to doctors tell me that my mother only had months to live. There are moments in your life when time feels as though it stops, yet speeds up all at the same time. I found myself in a whirlwind tunnel of hospitals, doctors, IVs, vitals, and tears. Oh so many tears.

We had been in the hospital for about ten days. I say we because between my sisters, my dad, and myself, someone was always there with my mother. Most of the time she was pumped with so much morphine through her IV that she probably didn’t even know someone was there. Looking back though, I know that was more for our benefit than hers. At this point we understood it was more about comfort, and each day there was a new task to battle, an oxygen level to maintain, or a protein count to make. I forgot about the outside world, sometimes sleeping in the same clothes I had worn the day before.

One night, it must have been very late, or very early in the morning hours, I remember my mother waking up. She hadn’t spoken a lot in the past few days, so at this moment I was just happy to see a reaction from her. I don’t remember what exactly was said, but I do remember her asking me what was on the TV. I picked up the remote, only finding an early morning news broadcast on and leaving it there. She then asked me to come lie with her in bed. So I slipped out of my flip flops and snuggled up next to her.

There we were, just mother and daughter, lying in bed that early morning. She was stroking her pale, fragile fingers through my hair. If words were shared, I can’t remember what they were. All I remember is that feeling of having my mother’s comfort next to me. I told myself to hold on to this memory, that it would later be very important to me. And I was right.

This is my last memory of my mother being my mother. Of her taking care of me, nurturing me, loving me. In the next few days that would follow, she slipped further into a comatose state, and then on September 20, 2003 she took her final breath. I have many memories, some nightmares, from the twenty days she was diagnosed in the hospital, to her final day here on Earth. But it is this memory I hold so close to my heart. It’s the way I want to remember her, even through all the bad days we saw there. This one night gave me strength that I could hold on to for the next few days, and eventually for the rest of my life. It’s impossible for it not to change my world, and it most certainly did. But I am ever so grateful for having this one moment to look back on and remember my last memory with my mother, as the woman who always protected me, the woman who unconditionally loved her baby until there was no strength left to fight.

My world changed that night, it shifted from fear of losing my mother, to a sense of peace, knowing that whatever happens next, as horrible as it may be, I’ll be able to handle it. And ten years later, I’m continuously learning how to handle it, constantly reminding myself that this has changed me, and will continue to change me.

Please visit Bright Before Sunrise's tumblr page to read other One Night Stories: http://brightbeforesunrise.tumblr.com/  Their stories have been heartfelt, as well as humbling. It's amazing how one night can change so much in a person's life.

Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt
Published: February 18, 2014 by Walker Childrens

About the book: When Jonah is forced to move from Hamilton to Cross Pointe for the second half of his senior year, "miserable" doesn't even begin to cover it. He feels like the doggy-bag from his mother's first marriage and everything else about her new life—with a new husband, new home and a new baby—is an upgrade. The people at Cross Pointe High School are pretentious and privileged—and worst of all is Brighton Waterford, the embodiment of all things superficial and popular. Jonah’s girlfriend, Carly, is his last tie to what feels real... until she breaks up with him.

For Brighton, every day is a gauntlet of demands and expectations. Since her father died, she’s relied on one coping method: smile big and pretend to be fine. It may have kept her family together, but she has no clue how to handle how she's really feeling. Today is the anniversary of his death and cracks are beginning to show. The last thing she needs is the new kid telling her how much he dislikes her for no reason she can understand. She's determined to change his mind, and when they're stuck together for the night, she finally gets her chance.

Jonah hates her at 3p.m., but how will he feel at 3 a.m.?

One night can change how you see the world. One night can change how you see yourself. [goodreads]

Cover Reveal: NOWHERE BUT HERE by Renee Carlino

You may remember me gushing about a certain book that I read at the end of the year, and how it quickly jumped to my favorites list.  No? Well, in case you missed all that craziness you can check out my review for SWEET THING by Renee Carlino right here.  But in the meantime, I am so over-the-moon excited to be part of the cover reveal today for Renee Carlino's next novel, NOWHERE BUT HERE.  I got to read a snippet of this novel, and it definitely left me wanting to read MORE MORE MORE!  Oh how I adore this woman's writing and her ability to weave such an emotional, addicting storyline.  Check out the gorgeous cover below & let me know in the comments what you think.

About the book: A Chicago reporter in her mid-twenties unexpectedly finds love in Napa Valley when she’s assigned to spend a week with a famously reclusive genius.

Kate Corbin has lost her spark. From the outside, her life seems charmed. She has a handsome, long-term boyfriend and a budding journalism career at a popular Chicago newspaper. But in reality, her relationship is going nowhere, and she’s quickly losing motivation for what she once believed was her dream job. When her boyfriend dumps her unceremoniously, Kate loses all hope of finding love.

With no living family and few friends, Kate confides in her boss. Trusting that the hungry, ace reporter is buried somewhere deep inside, he gives Kate the opportunity to jumpstart her career. The assignment: to interview the famously reclusive R.J. Lawson, a wealthy tech genius who disappeared years ago but recently reemerged as a Napa Valley vintner. The week takes an unexpected turn, however, when Lawson refuses to divulge any information. Desperate for a lead, Kate turns to Jamie, a vineyard hand who shows her the romance of wine country—and stirs her aching heart. But his connection to Lawson is ambiguous, and when Jamie disappears before the end of the week, Kate is left to investigate another story: the truth behind the man who stole her heart.

USA TODAY bestselling author Renée Carlino explored love and heartbreak in her beautifully written debut Sweet Thing, and her newest novel does not disappoint. For fans of Colleen Hoover, K.A. Tucker, and Katja Millay, Nowhere But Here is a stirring and satisfying romance that you won’t want to put down.

add to goodreads | Pre-order links will be available Thurs, Feb 27, 2014

Nowhere But Here is to be published on May 5, 2014 by Atria Book (Simon & Schuster)

GReads! Interrupted: A Little Bit of Country & A Whole Lot of Cold

Sometimes I want to share things with my followers that aren't necessarily a book review, so I thought I'd create a sporadic feature on my blog to do just that.  GReads! Interrupted. is a personal reflection of me -- music I'm listening to, delicious treats I'm craving and/or baking, or even just a random thought that I feel is worthy of sharing.  This is meant to be a fun break from the usual reviews + a chance for my followers to get to know me a bit more.  Hope you enjoy!

I'm a Texan, so one would think that country music is rooted deep in my soul.  However, I think because I'm a Texan and grew up surrounded by country music, it's caused me to detour away from it in my adult years.  Every once in awhile I'll hear a song and it brings me back to my country roots, though.  So I put together a playlist of a few country songs (new & old) that I consider favorites.  Have a listen, and as always if you like what you hear support the artist by purchasing their music, thanks!

This winter has been absolutely CRAZY down here in Texas!  I know places up north, and further east have gotten it much worse, but for us southerns it's been C-O-L-D!!  In the past two weeks we've had snow/ice/freezing rain -- wintery elements we don't see often down here.  The city of Houston closed schools twice, and I even had a day off of work.  Needless to say, this Texas girl does not know how to drive on ice!

With these cold temps, it's had me wishing for spring-time weather.  I even made myself a spring-time wreath for my door (PS - this craft was super easy to do! All I did was wrap a styrofoam ring with burlap ribbon and hot-glued my own embellishments -- found these super cute flowers at my local Hobby Lobby.)  This cold weather also makes me crave sweet treats.  I ventured out to the Cheesecake Factory & ate this delicious Reese's peanut butter cheesecake, and I am not sorry about it one bit.  I also got in the spirit of Valentine's Day and made cookies for my sweet nephews.

I couldn't end this blog post without SOMETHING book related.  Since I don't participate in any book haul type posts, I wanted to feature a few of the books I recently received & read.  A little bit of YA contemporary, and a little bit of Adult contemporary.  Look for these reviews coming very, very soon!!!

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson | add to goodreads |

 The Last Enchantments by Charles Finch | add to goodreads |

 Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler | add to goodreads | read my review |

 Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler | add to goodreads | read my review |

 To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han | add to goodreads |

 Sweet Little Thing by Renee Carlino | add to goodreads |

How's the weather where you are? Do you have any hobbies/cravings while it's cold out and you're kept inside?  What's the last book you received in the mail, or picked up from the library?  Please share in the comments below!

My Top 10 Reasons I Love Being a Reader

It really wasn't that long ago that I became a reader.  Sure, I did the required reading in grade school and (very) occasionally picked up a book or two in my early 20s, but it wasn't until about five years ago that I truly referred to myself as "a reader".

There are so many, MANY, reasons why I love to label myself as such now.  It's hard to just narrow it down to 10.  Being a reader has opened so many doors for me, both personally and professionally.  A list can never represent how grateful I am for that. Be sure to check out The Broke and the Bookish for more details on this awesome weekly feature.

I love being a reader because... It allows my mind to wander to another life, another time, another adventure.  When I try to describe what reading is like to non-readers, the easiest explanation I can give is that it's like watching a movie for me.  For a short period of time I can be transfixed to another place and visualize the story as it unfolds.

I love being a reader because... I can share my thoughts on what I read with other book lovers.  I started this blog because I was in need of a community to discuss these wonderful (and not so wonderful, sometimes) books that were taking up space in my life.  There's nothing better than dissecting a book with someone else who has also read it.

I love being a reader because... I get to recommend books to people, both readers and non-readers.  I love it when my family members ask me for book recommendations, especially when I know reading is not their first choice of pleasure.  It gives me great pride to look back in my own personal library and really think about what that particular person would enjoy.

I love being a reader because... It's the fuel to my passion in becoming a teacher.  A few years ago, just as reading became a huge enjoyment for me, I made the decision to go back to school to become a teacher.  I knew I wanted to get other kids excited about reading, if not, then at least to put a book in their hands for the first time.  I owe this decision all to reading.  Without it, I don't know if I'd ever venture down this wonderful path I've found myself on.

I love being a reader because... It's COOL!  I don't care what anyone else says, reading is awesome.  I wish I had learned this a long time ago and picked up reading when I was younger.  Hey, at least I'm doing the cool thing now, right?

I love being a reader because... Books make a home beautiful and cozy.  I love to decorate, but its my book collections that are my most favorite decorative pieces.  Plus, they're very functional too!  Having a full bookshelf creates a sense of fullness in my home that I crave (especially since it's just me & Daisy).  I love my books, and the places they create in my home.

I love being a reader because... It's allowed me to see stories from a different perspective, and appreciate the diversity of this world we live in.  Books have a way of challenging us and opening our eyes to things we may not have seen before.  It's easy to get lost in our own bubbles, so I am thankful for reading because it allows me to venture outside my comfort zone every once in awhile.

I love being a reader because... My vocabulary has increased!  Studies have proven that the more you read, the larger your vocabulary will expand.  This is definitely true, for any age.  I still find myself bookmarking a word while I read to look up later and understand its origin.  I love that.

I love being a reader because... It's allowed me to connect with other people, through a common bond.  Walking into a bookstore or library full of strangers is quite normal, but when someone walks up to you & starts a conversation based on the book you're holding, it's pretty dang awesome and you find yourself instantly connected to them.

I love being a reader because... It brought me here!  Because of reading, I started this blog.  And because of this blog I have met some of my closest and most dearest friends.  Reading has become a domino effect for a lot in my life, allowing one thing to happen after another.  The friendships I've made because of this community is definitely high on my list of most rewarding experiences.  You matter to me, so very much, xo.