What Makes Me #MoreHappyThanNot?

The publishers at Soho Teen asked bloggers, and other readers, the following question:

"What makes you #MoreHappyThanNot?"

in preparation for Adam Silvera's debut novel More Happy Than Not.  Naturally, I had to jump aboard this campaign and share my own answer.  I thought long and hard because SO many things, little things to be exact, create happiness in my life.  I felt very blessed by this realization.  I could go with the simple happiness in my life, like: a good cup of coffee, fresh baked cookies, blooming flowers, a hot shower after a long day, or snuggling with my old-lady pup Daisy.  But I wanted to dig deeper and express something in my life that TRULY makes me more happy than not, every day, for the past thirty-three years: My sisters.

I grew up in a house of four girls, ranging only five years from me (the youngest) to the oldest.  We had our fair share of fights (mostly verbal aggressions over something that lasted only five minutes), but looking back, I am filled with countless happy memories beaming with my sisters.  I don't know what kind of life I'd lead today if it weren't for them.  They are my people, the ones I go to when I want to share good or bad news.  They understand me like no one else.  They've seen me at my worst, and have triumphed with me at my best.  I don't ever want to know what life would be like without them.  My sisters have always made me "more happy than not" in immeasurable ways.  As one of my sisters once shared, just after our mother passed away, our mom gave us the best gift -- each other.

I'm now asking you, my readers, what makes YOU more happy than not?  Please share in the comments below!

***

About the book: The Leteo Institute's revolutionary memory-relief procedure seems too good to be true to Aaron Soto -- miracle cure-alls don't tend to pop up in the Bronx projects. But Aaron can't forget how he's grown up poor or how his friends aren't always there for him. Like after his father committed suicide in their one bedroom apartment. Aaron has the support of his patient girlfriend, if not necessarily his distant brother and overworked mother, but it's not enough.

Then Thomas shows up. He has a sweet movie-watching setup on his roof, and he doesn't mind Aaron's obsession with a popular fantasy series. There are nicknames, inside jokes. Most importantly, Thomas doesn't mind talking about Aaron's past. But Aaron's newfound happiness isn't welcome on his block. Since he can't stay away from Thomas or suddenly stop being gay, Aaron must turn to Leteo to straighten himself out, even if it means forgetting who he is.

Adam Silvera's extraordinary debut novel offers a unique confrontation of race, class and sexuality during one charged near-future summer in the Bronx. [goodreads]

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Proof of Forever + Top Ten Summer Camp Essentials

Proof of Forever by Lexa Hillyer
Published: June 2, 2015 by HarperCollins
Source: From the publisher

Before: It was the perfect summer of first kisses, skinny-dipping, and bonfires by the lake. Joy, Tali, Luce, and Zoe knew their final summer at Camp Okahatchee would come to an end, but they swore they’d stay friends.

After: Now, two years later, their bond has faded along with those memories.

Then: That is, until the fateful flash of a photo booth camera transports the four of them back in time, to the summer they were fifteen—the summer everything changed.

Now: The girls must recreate the past in order to return to the present. As they live through their second-chance summer, the mystery behind their lost friendship unravels, and a dark secret threatens to tear the girls apart all over again.

Always: Summers end. But this one will change them forever. [goodreads]

Ever wanted to relive your summer camp days as a do-over?  Well, for these four teenage girls they get that chance, plus so much more.  Told in alternating chapters from third person point of view, Joy, Tali, Luce, and Zoe are all coming back to Camp Okahatchee for their summer camp reunion.  While a few are reluctant to attend, others have a completely different agenda for this reunion.  As they are meeting up face to face for the first time in two years, they decide to retake a series of photo booth pictures, just as they did on their last night of summer camp.  When the flash goes off, however, they are thrust back in time to two years ago.  While some are revolted by the idea of reliving their summer at fifteen, others see it as an opportunity to rewrite the past.  But can they do that?

The concept for this novel was a lot of fun to follow.  I loved the idea of it being set at summer camp.  As someone who never got to experience this as a teenager, but always wanted to, I loved seeing the camper life through these four girls perspectives.  They were set on a mission to get through their last week of camp two years ago in the past, hoping to find that photo booth and get back to present day.  But as they attempted to not alter the past, they soon realized their fate was in their hands.

The different storylines flowed smoothly, intertwining at just the right moments, and casting enough emphasis on each girl to give their own spotlight when needed.  While the story is set at summer camp, full of pranks and mischief, there are also deeper themes being discovered, which I felt gave a nice contrast for this particular story.

"Top Ten Summer Camp Essentials" - from author Lexa Hillyer

1. Bug spray!
2. Bathing suit—a cute but practical one that you can actually move around in without creating a scandal and/or causing several of the boys to drown from distraction.
3. Journal
4. Stationary (extra points if you have a pen-pal of a romantic nature. Even if things don’t work out for you two, there’s nothing better than rereading old “love letters”—or love postcards—long after the flame has gone out. But warning: any crush you left back home will seem WAY better to you in your mind while at camp than he or she will when you get back to school in the fall.)
5. Sunscreen—30spf or higher. Extra sunglasses, too—you will somehow lose all of them.
6. A giant towel, to be sure you are fully covered when dashing back to the cabin from the showers!
7. One keepsake from home, a comfort item, just in case. Maybe it’s a book you’ve read before but would love to read again.
8. Nail polish or other item that makes you feel clean and civilized for at least one night after being mostly covered in sand, grass-stains, and mosquito welts.
9. A sweatshirt. It may be boiling hot but there will be at least one rainy day or nighttime bonfire, and you can’t always count on the boys at camp being gallant enough to lend you theirs. (Plus theirs probably smell.)
10. A mini-flashlight for sneaking out at night—I mean, for staying up reading PROOF OF FOREVER of course! (See what I did there?)

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My Top Ten Books I Think Make Great Beach Reads

As I've said before, (and if you're a regular of my blog then you know because of my Sweet Summertime Reads features for the past three years) I AM A SUMMER GIRL.  So naturally, I have loads of "beach read" recommendations.  But since it's a Top Tens list, I've done my best to narrow it down.

If you're hitting the beach, pool, or park this summer, I highly recommend grabbing one or more from my list to throw in your bag to take along.  Let me know in the comments some of your fave "beach reads".  As always, be sure to check out The Broke and the Bookish for more details on this awesome weekly feature.

The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase [add to goodreads]

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas [add to goodreads]

Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren [add to goodreads]

You can never go wrong with a steamy, page-turning adult read at the beach.  These three are my favorites from the past year (though Blue-Eyed Devil was a re-read for me!)

Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby [add to goodreads]

First There Was Forever by Juliana Romano [add to goodreads]

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen [add to goodreads]

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler [add to goodreads]

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord [add to goodreads]

If a deeper, more emotional YA contemporary read is what you seek while you're reading at the beach, then these five recently published books will definitely sweep you away!

Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae [add to goodreads]

The Sound of Us by Ashley Poston [add to goodreads]

These two books have the potential to transport you to another locale, enjoying each page as the fun-filled story unfolds.  A definite tag along for any beach, pool, or park -side reading!

My Top Ten New Adult Books To Recommend

Since this week's topic is considered a freebie, I thought it would be fun to list my top ten New Adult recommendations.  As this "genre" is growing and making a name for itself, I've encountered some winners (and some not-so-winners, unfortunately).  If you're a fan of these books, or interested in giving them a try, hopefully today's list will be a good point of reference.

Let me know in the comments if you have your own New Adult recs -- I'd love to add them to my TBR! As always, be sure to check out The Broke and the Bookish for more details on this awesome weekly feature.

All Lined Up by Cora Carmack [add to goodreads]

All Broke Down by Cora Carmack [add to goodreads]

All Played Out by Cora Carmack [add to goodreads]

When Joss Met Matt by Ellie Cahill [add to goodreads]

Boomerang by Noelle August [add to goodreads]

Last Will and Testament by Dahlia Adler [add to goodreads]

How to Love by Katie Cotugno [add to goodreads]

One & Only by Viv Daniels [add to goodreads]

Deeper by Robin York [add to goodreads]

Easy by Tammara Webber [add to goodreads]

Review: The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler
Published: June 2, 2015 by Simon Pulse
Source: ARC from publisher

The youngest of six talented sisters, Elyse d’Abreau was destined for stardom—until a boating accident took everything from her. Now, the most beautiful singer in Tobago can’t sing. She can’t even speak.

Seeking quiet solitude, Elyse accepts a friend’s invitation to Atargatis Cove. Named for the mythical first mermaid, the Oregon seaside town is everything Elyse’s home in the Caribbean isn’t: An ocean too cold for swimming, parties too tame for singing, and people too polite to pry—except for one.

Christian Kane is a notorious playboy—insolent, arrogant, and completely charming. He’s also the only person in Atargatis Cove who doesn’t treat Elyse like a glass statue. He challenges her to express herself, and he admires the way she treats his younger brother Sebastian, who believes Elyse is the legendary mermaid come to life.

When Christian needs a first mate for the Cove’s high-stakes Pirate Regatta, Elyse reluctantly stows her fear of the sea and climbs aboard. The ocean isn’t the only thing making waves, though—swept up in Christian’s seductive tide and entranced by the Cove’s charms, Elyse begins to wonder if a life of solitude isn’t what she needs. But changing course again means facing her past. It means finding her inner voice. And scariest of all, it means opening her heart to a boy who’s best known for breaking them . . . [goodreads]

Sarah Ockler delivers another stellar performance with her latest YA contemporary, The Summer of Chasing Mermaids.  She out does herself on the richness and authenticity with this particular story.  I felt myself completely connected to the characters and its setting.  In true Ockler fashion, she makes it difficult to look away until you've reached that final page -- only to find yourself flipping back to the front, wanting to revisit it all over again.

Elyse's character is someone who will definitely stand out in my mind for many books to come.  I wasn't sure how I would respond to a character that was mute, but I found myself truly connecting with her despite these obstacles.  Her voice spoke volumes through her actions, as well as her inner dialogue.  Her pain played a key role in propelling the story forward, as well as a catalyst for the amount of personal growth she endures.

I always gravitate towards stories in a beach-side setting, but this one felt very unique on the Oregon coast.  I really loved the attention to detail that Ockler gave the landscape and how it interacted with the characters themselves.  Even though Elyse's character carved out a place inside my heart, I've also made room for Christian as well.  His own hardships slowly presented themselves, but never took away from Elyse's story.  These two characters molded into a beautiful story, complimenting one another, even at their most difficult times.

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids tells a story about second chances, and facing fears.  It dig deeps with emotion, creating a bold portrait in hues of forgiveness and humility.  I have strong feelings that I'll be recommending this Ockler book, along with her backlist, for years to come.

Review: The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase

The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase
Published: March 31, 2015 by Ballatine Books
Source: Purchased book

Perfect for fans of Emily Giffin and Jennifer Weiner, this bright, funny debut from a fresh voice in fiction offers a delicious take on love, family, and what it means to build a home of one’s own.

Sarina Mahler thinks she has her life all nailed down: a growing architecture practice in Austin, Texas, and an any-day-now proposal from her loving boyfriend, Noah. She’s well on her way to having the family she’s hoped for since her mother’s death ten years ago. But with Noah on a temporary assignment abroad and retired Olympic swimmer — and former flame — Eamon Roy back in town asking her to renovate his new fixer-upper, Sarina’s life takes an unexpected turn.

Eamon proves to be Sarina’s dream client, someone who instinctively trusts every one of her choices — and Sarina is reminded of all the reasons she was first drawn to him back in the day. Suddenly her carefully planned future with Noah seems a little less than perfect. And when tragedy strikes, Sarina is left reeling. With her world completely upended, she is forced to question what she truly wants in life — and in love.

Full of both humor and heartbreak, The One That Got Away is the story of one woman’s discovery that, sometimes, life is what happens when you leave the blueprints behind. [goodreads]

Where do you begin a proper book review when you've just read one of the best stories of the year?  I could dive right in with my passionate cheers for a well-rounded story, bringing forth emotion I hadn't quite expected.  Or I could slowly build my love for this book layer by layer, thoroughly explaining why it's meant so much to me.  Regardless of how the words come pouring from my fingertips, I hope this review does the book justice and propels readers to get their hands on this novel asap.

The One That Got Away is set in the beautiful, eclectic city of Austin (which is also not too far from where I live).  So immediately I had a personal connection to the story.  It was so easy for me to visualize the different scenes taking place, and so fun to actually see the story come alive.  Bethany Chase did an amazing job of writing Austin into this novel.  Aside from the setting, I also connected to Sarina's voice immediately.  Close to my own age, I identified with her strong will to focus on the career she worked so hard to finally see take off, yet still enjoying the ride as it all unfolded.  She's been in a committed relationship for the past few years, with wedding bells not too far off in the distant future.  She's content with her life.  But you can also see there's something lacking.  Yes, she's happy with her present day, but when a spark from her past resurfaces, it ignites a flame she thought had burned out long ago.

As a sucker for any type of romance, I really appreciated this unique, well-written piece.  Yes, the title of this book implies that the story must revolve around a certain someone who got away, but it also digs deep into plans Sarina has let get away from her as well.  While Sarina's boyfriend takes on a job that keeps their relationship long distance, she allows herself to step back and really focus on the things that matter most to her.  I quickly identified with this theme because I can totally see how easy it is to get caught up in our every day lives, forgetting simple practices we once took pride in and let fall to the wayside.  While Sarina tackles the long distance relationship with Noah, she also begins to tackle what it is she truly wants in a relationship, as well as her future.

When "the one that got away" named Eamon takes up residence in her circle of friends, she tries to convince herself he's just a friend (as well as a client who's house she is redesigning), and not the guy she had a one night fling with so many moons ago.  Their encounters as the story progresses kept the pages smoldering.  I was secretly cheering them on, yet wondering if Sarina will truly act on anything while she's in a committed relationship.  I knew where her heart would eventually end up, but it was the journey she had to endure that made the struggles and triumphs that much more real.

The One That Got Away is a story that stuck with me for quite some time after I finished reading it.  I thought about these characters as if they were real people, wondering what they were up to.  It's the type of book you find yourself flipping back to the first chapter just after you finish, because you're not quite ready to let it go.  I adore every aspect of this story, and want to hand deliver a copy to every reader I know.  The beauty in realizing what you want, and going after what you need, is a selfless act that is so hard to master.  I applaud Bethany Chase for delivering such a well-rounded, unforgettable story that I know will be at the top of my favorites for a long time to come.

***

As some of you know, music is my other passion besides books. After I finished reading The One That Got Away, I heard this beautiful melody from Brandi Carlile and it immediately took me back to the novel. The harmonies are so rich and soulful, while the lyrics told a story very similar story, in my mind, to that of Sarina's. Have a listen...

My Top Ten Authors I Really Want To Meet

I have been lucky to live in the great state of Texas, where a lot of fabulous authors visit.  However, there are a few (10 I guess I should say) that I have yet to meet and REALLY want to.  Hopefully one day soon this will happen.  In the meantime, I'll continue to read their books and be inspired by their work.

Let me know in the comments if you've met any of these fab writers, or who's at the top of your list to meet!  As always, be sure to check out The Broke and the Bookish for more details on this awesome weekly feature.