#BookTalk- The Girl Who Never Was By Skylar Dorest

 The Girl Who Never Was By Skylar Dorest

 First Line: One day, my father walked into his Back Bay apartment to find a blond woman asleep on his couch.

This is one of the books I got from BookCon! So yeah! I really didn't know what I was getting into when I read it, but boy it was very good and interesting. I never read a Faerie book before.

Summary: Selkie never knew her mother and after her seventeenth birthday she was determined to find her. But she soon realized she should of listened to her aunts when they said stop asking questions. But now it is too late the truth is out: she is half-faerie princess and her mother wants her died.

Last Line:"And then he will die."

 
Characters

Ben. Selkie's friend in the Boston Common, also Selkie's love interest. She doesn't know much about him, but he is always there when she is sitting by herself in the Boston Common. The jury is still out on him for me. Yes, he is a looker! But then again he a faerie. And you can never trust a faerie. But I do love how he cares about Selkie, and puts her above himself. He is pretty honorable. But then again....

Selkie. The funny thing is she acts so human (which is ironic considering). When she is told the truth about her mother and herself. She acts like any normal person would, confused and not trusting. Even after the truth was told to her, she was trying not to be involved. But she was born into that mess, there is no getting out. Selkie is also too strong for her own good. She has all this power that she has not mastered yet. I can't wait until the next books when that can be relieved more.

Kelsey. Selkie's best friend. She has no clue what is happening. Like zero. She just runs head on into helping Selkie. Like a true friend right there. She doesn't really need to know the why, or what, she just knows the who and the how and runs into save Selkie, with limited knowledge. Just plain brave. She is always up for an adventure, and doesn't care the risk she has to take to protect her friend.

Plot

I loved how the book flowed. You were truly just as clueless as Selkie, but you were given all the information, in a timely manner. It sounds weird to say, but it is true. Everything was written very well and everything happened so fast it was like how is this going to end. It was going at a nice pace, and I was reading like a manic. But then I was like what is going to happen in the next two pages to make it end. AHH ohh I wish it didn't end! December is just too far away (2nd book comes out Dec 4, 2014).

Setting

I love world building. The idea of Thisworld and Otherworld is confusing at first. But Dorest does a great job explaining it all. Creating these two worlds that parallel each other, but exist separately is so very interesting. Like you can take the subway to the Otherworld. Something so mundane became so magically. This book was a great introduction to the series. I can't wait to see more parts of the different worlds.

All In All

I never read a faerie book, so I really didn't know what to aspect. But I really did love it. I was sad that it ended. I was really getting into it. Now I have to wait for the next book. Heartbreaking. And I loved the idea of the power of a name. I think that is such a strong theme. How someone's name can be so powerful. It is truly something to think about. I love books that make me think about such mundane this like names. Truly wonderful. This book was an excellent starter to the series. I can't wait to read more, this is going to be great!

@OfficalVAMovie @TeenChoiceGirl #FrostbiteFor2015 #VAFamily #Adrian

Okay. I don't know if you heard but they are thinking of making Frostbite, book 2 in the Vampire Academy Series into a movie. They just need to see the fan following. They asked for the fans to talk it up on social media and go to the movie twitter page and see what you can do to help the project go through. Of course since I read all the books becasue of watching the movie, I definitely want to see this one come out! I hope you do too! Think about it Adrian is going to be in this one!!! That is reason enough!
 Read the Page to Premier Article: http://www.pagetopremiere.com/2014/06/breaking-vampire-academy-sequel-frostbite-is-in-the-works-but-they-need-your-help/

I went on the twitter page (Here is the webpage:https://twitter.com/OfficialVAMovie) and one of the first tweets is about voting for Zoey, who plays Rose, for the Teen Choice awards, and voting for the movie as well, of course. So I was going to vote, why not! Then I got a freaking reality check. I am no longer a teenager! Like are you serious, wow, couldn't believe that happened.
Soo since I can't vote, sadly, all of you who can please do! And if you are old like me, use the hashtag #Frosbite or make up your own and hashtag away!

Together we can change history...for movies that is!

Happy Tweeting and Happy Reading my friends!

#FirstandLast

So many times we over look the first and last lines of books. These lines are the most important. One draws us in and the other concludes what we been reading from that first line. It is crazy to think those two sentences can be so important in deciding whether someone loves or hates a novel.
After considering this, I decided to add this aspect to my #BookTalks. Also I decided to use this concept to talk about books I haven't read recently. By giving these lines, I hope it sparks something in your reading mind about maybe picking it up and read the book. So I am going to give the first and last sentences of some of my favorite books.

White Cat by Holly Black

First Line: I wake up barefoot, standing on cold slate tiles.
Last Line: Marks forget that whenever something’s too good to be true, that’s because it’s a con.

Burning Bridges by Nadege Richards

First Line: I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, I was going to die tonight.
Last Line: Stay alive.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

First Line: The fog was thick, muffling sound and sight.
Last Line: "I have come to be trained as a Shadowhunter."

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

First Line: The newborn wailed as the midwife wrapped her in a receiving blanket and quickly handed her to Sister Ruth.
Last Line: Deal me in.

Switched by Amanda Hocking

First Line: A few things made that day stand out more than any other: it was my sixth birthday, and my mother was wielding a knife.
Last Line: Everything was so new to her, and the beauty and wonder of it all struck her deeply.

Vesper by Jeff Sampson

First Line: I was halfway out my bedroom window when my cell rang.
Last Line: "There is much we should discuss."

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Fist Line: I was born during the second holocaust
Last Line: But whatever came, Thimble knew they could endure it. Together.







I hope one of these books catches your fancy!

Happy Reading

#BookTalk- Vampire Academy Series 1-6 by Richelle Mead

 The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead

I know it has been a long time. I got into a runt. But I am back and I finally finished the Vampire Academy series. The time has finally come to talk all about it ahh, and I can't wait to share my feelings on the characters and the plot! Mead is officially the queen of plot twists and cliffhangers. I had a great time reading this series and can't wait to share it with you!
Ahh! Such great novels! Can't wait to talk about Rose being a killer heroine! But now for the formalities: Rose is dphamir, half human half vampire. She is a guardian for the Moroi, which are mortal vampire that have the ability to weld magic. Then there are the Stroigi, immortal vampires that kill for Moroi blood. Just a twist triangle of blood lust. As Rose tries to protect her best Moroi friend, Lissa through the challenges of the most dangerous place of all...high school. And when they finally get out of high school, more danger awaits at the Royal Court. Where there are evil queens, cute princes and most important a threat to their lives.

Characters

Rose. She is my favorite heroine. She doesn't let the impossible get in the way of what she needs to do. She is smart and strong, and even better she can actually win every fight. She fights to protect her loved ones, and we all know how I am a sucker for those types of characters. Even when Rose is at the lowest of lows she always find a way to pick herself up, and does not play the victim. Her sassy sarcasm and badass fighting abilities makes her an awesome heroine. Mead truly out done herself with this character just perfect!

Lissa. Rose's best friend. She really grew throughout the series. She become more independent, and is able to stand up for herself. Both her and Rose are strong welled and truly care about and want to protect each other. They are the ultimate best friends.  Lissa may not be a great fighter as Rose, but she does find ways to be heard. She grew into her heroine role very well, and she has came a long way, and is willing to grow and will become great leader.

Dimitri. I hate to love him. I don't know what I am even saying. Dimitri is truly a god. He is a great fighter, smoking body and so wise. He is the perfect match for Rose. He sees her as an equal and knows she is capable of defending herself. They are the only ones to pull each other out of their darkest moments. They never give up on each other. Even when he always rejected Rose, you could tell he still loved her. It was unbearable to see them not together.  Sigh. How can you not love Dimitri! But he wasn't my favorite male character.

Got to love the fanart

Adrian. Now this guy is my cup of tea. He is so funny, and even though he has all his vices, he is such a sweet and caring guy. He falls in love, head fist with out a parachute. He is just ahh! amazing. Even though he knew (we all knew) that Rose and Dimitri were going to be together in the end. It still hurt. It hurt me too, to see him so upset. Ahh Rose breaking hearts left and right. Even though he has a bad rep, he is a really caring guy and does care about his friends. He is a good guy in disguise. It is beautiful.

Plot

Oh. When you think you know the plot. Mead turns it around and is like ehh that isn't it. And when you think everything is settled. BAM! She just throws it on you like pepper spray. You are blinded, and mostly experience extreme pain and anxiety.  So many times I was like yeah, I know what is going to happen. Well you don't. She gives you a little piece to a big puzzle. When the puzzle is finished she gives you another. Mead keeps the ball rolling, and keeps the readers on their toes. I am still shaking my head at the end of the final book. Like I wish it wasn't true, but WOW, Mead had done it again. With all those plot twist and cliffhangers, and plus awesome characters, how can you go wrong? Usually I either read the book for the plot or for the characters, but in this case the plot and the characters are both driving forces for me to read it. It was pure genius. *slow claps*

All in All

I am so happy I put my vampire prejudices aside to read this series. It was totally worth it. I want to personally thank my friend, Jenn, for telling me about the awesomeness of it. But better late than never. It look me 6 years to come around but I am so glad I was able to read this series. Truly amazing. From the badass character and killer plot, it was just an epic adventurous read. I have only one problem with this book. The recaps. Mead reexplain everything in each book. I think it was too much becasue I read them all back to back. But seeing that books are usually released a year apart. I can't really complain. And it is good for the reader becasue you can probably start at book 2 or 3 and still know what is going on. All in all great read.

#BookTalk- We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

OMG! OMG! I have a huge hole in my heart after finishing this book. It still aches and I have been done reading it for an hour. There isn't a Scrabble word to explain how I feel after finishing this book. I can say it was a beautiful thriller. E. Lockhart redefines suffering, by allowing me to experience it through her words...Ahh! Can't wait to share this gem. 
Cadence and her extended family go to their private island every summer. They have fun. They love. They live their lives in eternal bliss. But something happens during summer fifteen. Cadence does not remember half the summer, and no one will tell her the truth. They are all telling her half truths. Saying her memory will come back. After two years of not going to the island she is finally back. And this summer she is determined to remember what happened. And the truth will change her.

*deep breath* (no, spoilers)


Characters: The Liars

Cadence. I love her becasue she loves to read. A character after my own heart. She describes her feelings with metaphors, such great metaphors. They make you bleed with her. It allows you to understand her hurt more intensely. Cadence listens to try to understand, not just to heard. She loves with all of her being. She has a wild spirit that demands to be heard. She tries to be normal, becasue she can. Even though she knows normal means numb, and fake, and emotionless. Cadence is one of my favorite voices, as she captivate us with her life. She makes you feel deep and loud. She makes you bleed with her.

Johnny. Johnny's is Cadence younger cousin, they are three weeks apart. He is carefree and just does things to do things. He is always fun, and never tries to be too serious. He makes up pointless games, and dares to do every dangerous thing. He doesn't let the family drama control his future. He stands up for his own future. He is a character to admire, and reminds you to never take yourself too seriously. But when you do take yourself seriously, you do it when to counts so people can remember.

Gat. He was Johnny's friend. Speifically he was Johnny's mom's boyfriend's nephew. He was Indian, he was brown. He was not white like the Sinclairs. It made him an outsider in the family of china dolls. He always thought more about things, thought more about others. He read too, like Cadence. They found each other through their thoughts and understandings of difference. She understood, and she feel in love. Gat inspired the friends to think of life not only on the island but in other places. He demand them to care even when they didn't want to think about it. Gat was different than the Sinclairs, but it was a good refreshing different.

Mirren. I wasn't sure if I was going to like her. She is also Cadence's cousin. She was too much a Sinclair, I thought. Too normal. But as I read on, I enjoyed her character. She was like Johnny. Fun loving and free. She was more responsible but always was ready for an adventure. She cared deeply like Cadence. They were alike that way. She was the protector in the friendship between Cadence, Johnny and Gat. She tried to protect Cadence. In the end I grew to love her.
I grew to love them all.

Plot

The book is about 220 pages, so everything is happening so fast. The sentences are short, and pack a punch. The use of metaphors allows the reader to understand the feels of Cadence as she tries to remember all her summers on the family's private island. The plot takes you through each summer starting at summer eight. It allows you to understand the family history and what brings the family to where they are now. Cadence tries to understand why she can't remember summer fifteen, and slowly pieces together the missing pieces with her cousins and Gat. It is a story of friendship and mostly of all, family. The plot keeps you guessing, as you also try to piece together the memories. When she does remember you can't help but scream, "Oh. My.God." Everything comes into focus, all the clues are brought to light. It was artfully crafted. A story of the lies we tell, and the truths we keep. 

Setting

It mostly takes place on an island off the coast of Massachusetts. It is a small private island called Beechwood. There is no cell phone service.You have to drive a boat into town. Each family has their own house that is connected by a different pathways. They spend every summer at the island. The book provides a lovely map. The island is almost like a haven, where everything is peaceful and nothing is ever bad. Expect summer fifteen. That is when everything changes.

All in All

I did a full #BookTalk on this book with characters, plot and setting. If these doesn't tell you how much I love this book, I will rave about it some more. This book is the definition of "Pain demands to be felt" (the famous TFIOS quote). It is both beautiful and painful. It is the heads and tails of life. The life we live in bliss and the life we live in fear. It is not only a book I will highly recommend, but it is one of my favorite novels. It is the perfect summer read. We Were Lairs is the novel to be reckoned with. It makes you reexamine your motives, and the reasons you love. It allows you to realize what is truly important. It allows you to be grateful. Oh so grateful for the people around you. It makes your heart bleed life. 

#BookTalk- A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

 A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

This new upcoming author is a must watch! Another ARC so the book does not come out until August 2014, but please please keep it on your radar. This book came from Swoon Reads which is a crowd-sourcing site where people upload and comment on manuscripts of book in the YA romance genre. And this one was just plain gold! Gold I tell you!
This book is a love story about these two college students, Gabe and Lea. But it is told in 14 POVs, basically everyone but the POV of Gabe and Lea. And you get to see there love story unfold. From the POV of a bench, the creative writing teacher, roommates and a squirrel. Literally the best YA love story I ever read! (NO SPOILERS, of course)

Plot

Since this story was told in multiple POVs, it was nice to see different people's opinions on the same situation. It keep the plot fast pace. You quickly learn about the different characters telling the story as well as Gabe and Lea. It was like watching a game of perception verse reality. It was just adorable watching their love story unfold.

Characters

Gabe. He is painfully shy at times. But he is just so awkwardly adorable. He never knows what to say, and is afraid of things just like the rest of us. From his and Lea's first encounter you can see him get nervous, and also find confidence in himself about different situations in his life. He has great friends, and family to help guide him. And he even gets help from the barista at Starbucks. He is just a relatable character. You can probably pick out a "Gabe" on your own college campus.

Lea. Her character takes everyone back when they had a crush, and you are just stupid in love. When you over analysing everything you do or say. It is just so cute to see how her love for Gabe develops, and how they up expressing thier love for each other in their quirky way is just so precious and beautiful. Lea is also a relatable character in the novel, and she is the more out spoken one between her and Gabe. She never gives up on him, even through his shyness. AHH! In love.

All in All

This book is my new obsession. I can't wait until it comes out and see all the wonderful fanart to come. This is going to be  the "it" YA romance novel. This book is just pure heart warming fun. It just makes you feel good about life, and about love. You root for the characters through their missteps, and their triumphs. This book was a new take on how to write a love story. The POVs work, and it is interesting to see the same story from different people. Again I will express my love for this novel. But with out a shadow of a doubt if you love love and YA and realistic fiction, and even if you don't you will find yourself falling in love with this novel. Absolutely adorable.

#BookTalk-Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

 Sinner By Maggie Stiefvater

I have never been more excited to write a post as I am now. Brilliance doesn't even begin to explain this love story Maggie has given me. I just want to say thank you (Maggie Stiefvater) for giving me the opportunity to read it. If I didn't get this book as an ARC,  I probably won't of gave it a try. And boy, I am so glad I did. So let us begin...Sinner is the fourth book in the Shiver Trilogy (...but now series), it is the continuation of Cole and Isabel's story. You should probably read the Shiver, Linger and Forever before you read Sinner. I am not saying you can't read Sinner as a stand alone, you totally can. But by reading the others the story, it will make more sense if you start from the beginning. The book officially comes out July 1, 2014! Make sure you get it! I am not saying that lightly at all.

And as I promised, no spoilers!

Characters

Cole. He is struggling to understand what he really wants from life. And understand what is truly worth being, and who is truly worth being with. As he battle's with his self hate, and staying sober, he starts to really understand himself, and what it means to be Cole St. Clair. He realizes the only person he really wants in life is Isabel. He does everything he can to prove to her that he is only longer that self destructive addict from his past. Oh How I Love Cole. His character is just so interesting and you are rooting for him the whole way through. Cole is just so sarcastically funny! I truly enjoyed, seeing him develop through the novel, and loved every minute of reading his POV.

Isabel. There is a lot of things Isabel is missing. She is very straight forward, and bitchy about everything. Never thinking before she speaks. Her words always come out stern, cold and mean. Everything about her is unfriendly. But reading Isabel's POV never feels that way. She easily  removes the guise that everyone else seems to put over there eyes in the fake city she calls home. She is so smart. Smart enough to know the Cole St. Clair is bad is every way, but she can't help thinking about him.  Isabel tries to understand herself and Cole and there lives together. Isabel is a character that your heart goes out to, a character that we all can relate to.

Setting

L.A. plays a big part in the novel. It is the setting for starters. The beauty, the fake-ness and the darkness of the settings all parallel the characters in the novels. The setting is everything to the story line. It is like a third point of view sometimes. You have Cole's POV and Isabel's POV and then you have L.A.'s POV. The setting speaks to you by its landscapes, and its people and its different places.  They are all sharing in the beautiful synthetic darkness of the novel.

All In All

GET THE BOOK!! Oh how I so mean it! Get the book. Fall in love with it! Recommend it!
It one of those tragically dangerous love stories, not becasue it is forbidden love or anything like that. But it is a love story of one tragic and one dangerous person. Their lives are far from perfect, and they find sanity in each other, creating their own rainbows in a world that rains forever. Stiefvater has created a wonderful novel, with great writing. It was truly a pleasure reading such a novel.

The Fault in Our Stars Movie

Yes, I have just recently seen this awesome movie. A beautiful tragic love story. Mostly beautiful! 

Yes, I read the book. I have to say it was so accurate (the movie). It truly was like watching the words come to life. Best book to movie yet!

Yes, I cried. Considering I didn't really cry while reading the book, I didn't think I would cry watching the movie. I think seeing things makes it worst than just hearing or reading about them. It hits you harder, right where it truly hurts. So yes I cried. Wish I had tissues.

Yes, I am going to watch it again. Promised my friend I would see it with her for the second time. But my heart is in recovery, so it might take me sometime. I don't know why I thought it was a great idea at the time. "Sometimes people don't know what they are promising" you are so right Hazel Grace! 

#BookTalk to come

So I decided something. Since I am just reading the Vampire Academy books one after the other, I am not going to review each book but the series as a whole. Pretty ambitious considering there is six books in the series but I will make it work. I am trying to take out the redundancies. I am sorry if you don't find that as productive. But I will leave you with this the books are so awesome that I have no choice but to express my opinion after the fact and not during. 

But I will be reading other books at the same time. I just started Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater. It doesn't come out until July 1, 2014, so you are getting an exclusive review right here. Don't worry no spoilers, I promise!

Until next time,

Happy Reading my friends! 

#BookTalk- Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I actually watched the movie first. I know it's a big no no but because of the movie I decided to read the book. And it was awesome. My friend has been trying to have me read it for years now. Rose is such an awesome character! But I am not going to review the book right now. I am actually going to read the second one and review them both together. So check back at the end of the week to see my review for VA 1&2!

Happy Reading!

#BookTalk- The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

I have to say. I did not want to read this book. I have to read it becasue I am apart of a YA book club. We meet on Wednesday. I am not really a realistic fiction type person, and the plot summary didn't really spark an interest. But I was totally wrong. This book was so moving. I highly highly recommend it:
Jessica's life is running, and when a tragic accident leave her with only one leg, she feels that her life is over. As Jessica comes to accept her new reality with the help of her new friend, Rosa, she realizes that one day she might be able to run again.

Plot

I love the writing in this novel. The short sentences really keep the novel moving. The expereince Jessica is having is not sugar coated, she lost her leg. The novel goes through all Jessica's raw emotions as she tries to understand her new reality and what that means for the future. She finds hope that she can have a normal life, with the help of her friends, Fiona and Rosa. I was never bored by the character, Van Draanen always had a way of propelling the plot forward with the short sentences and ending each chapter with a gripping final thought.

Characters

Jessica. She is so real. There is no falseness to her character. Everything she is feeling is raw. She lost her leg. The book talks to her recovery as she tries to understand her new life. She is made different and has a clear understanding of people with disablities. She doesn't try to make a huge stand, she only has one dream, to run. She is just so mundane. It is refreshing to see a character that is true to their feelings.

 
Fiona. What a great friend! She does not let Jessica use her disability as an excuses for not living her life. She does everything she can to help Jessica, and encourage her. She always tells her how she is no different then she was before the accident. How she is worthy and worth everything everyone does for her. She does not let Jessica pity herself. Wonderful friend.

Rosa. Such a sweet soul. She is such a great spirit in Jessica's life. She shows her how lucky she is to be where she is. Rosa lives her life despite everyone else seeing her as invisible. She is such an inspiration to Jessica, and me as a reader.

All in All

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was inspirational and just a beautiful well written novel. I definitely will recommend this novel to anyone who would like a good realistic fiction book. Excellent!

#BookTalk- Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

 Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

This International Bestseller caught me by surprised. When I picked it up from the library, I thought I was getting an entirely different novel. But what a pleasant surprise! Sixteen year old Gwen's family is filled with many different secrets, one of them being her cousin's ability to time travel. Or so she thought. As Gwen tries to wrap the mysteries of her family, it gets more confusing for to know who to trust. And there might be something way bigger going on then she realized.

Plot

This book of the series seem to be the introductory part of the series. Nothing is found out. All the pieces are just put into play. But like I said before, you don't know any concert information. Why did Lucy and Paul run away? Why did they steal the chronograph? What is so special about Gwen? Why did Grace keep Gwen a secret? What does Gwen need protection from? What is this secret of completing the circle? What is up with the creepy count? Just so many unanswered questions! Gier, tell me the answers! I thought I would know at least one thing after I finished, on solid piece of information. But nada!
Even though my impatience to know answers really go the best of me. I read more and more, and really was interested in this new world Gwen is discovering. Gwen is just as clueless as we are. And the thirst for knowledge is driving my greedy reading mind. Got to hand it to you Gier, not bad. I actually need to read the next book to complete the plot. She just left it hanging there.

All in All

Gier made it very hard for me to formulate any kind of true idea the plot and characters. I feel like I don't even really know them yet. I just got my feet wet. I haven't yet experience the entirety of the world Gier had created. I did love the journey into this secret time travelers society! The things Gier left undone, which is a lot, makes me eagerly want to read the next book! Not at all what I had expected. Gier has a very interesting way of developing plot that allows you hungry for more! I give this mystery an A!

Fun Fact

This book has been translated into English! It was first written in German.
There is a movie on the book, it called Rubinrot. It came out in 2013. I am also assuming it's on the whole series, becasue I can't see the movie for just the one book...or it could be. I don't really know. But still interesting.

#BookCon

I wanted to write about BookCon right when I got home, but being up for 15 hours, most of it consisting of standing...all I wanted to do was to take a hot shower and get some shut eye. But there is!

First thing first: Pictures!

A.G Howard!

 

Line to get into BookCon

YA Editors Panel

Cassie, Holly & Maggie

Cassie talking about New Book

TFIOS Panel Line

TFIOS Panel

John Green and Nat Wolff

ARCs and New Books

#BookSwag

#BookSwagPoster

#BookConBadge

Highs!

• It's a convention dedicated to all things books! Just to be in the presence of fellow book lovers, and to see my favorite authors! Just awesomeness.
• Free ARCs! Unexpected ARCs at the end of panels were icing on top of a book themed cake! Don't worry I will #BookTalk about them and make sure there will be zero spoilers!
• Free signed books! Yes, I would like a book and yes, you can sign it! New books you get for free and all you had to do was wait on line and put your name on a post it. Just plain lovely!
•  I went to the Cassandra Clare, Holly Black and Maggie Stiefvater. On top of them being just plain fabulous people! They gave out free ARCs at the end! Cassandra and Holly wore matching dresses! And I just loved Holly bright blue locks! Please be my best friend!
• Also went to a YA Editors panel where I got to learn the ins and out of the publishing world! Also got some wonderful free ARCs and got some advice when thinking about getting a job in publishing!
• We cannot forget The Fault in our Stars Panel! And surprised us with a clip of the movie and also Nat Wolff, who plays Issac, was there! That wasn't even the best part! During the Q&A one boy came up to the mic and said, "Thank you John Green for telling me if I should keep my leg on or off during sex in great detail." John Green got up from his sit walked down and gave the kid a hug. And then John Green said, "Highlight of my career." I died of laughter. And Josh Boone, the director, said fabulously described TFOIS: "It's the Titanic. The iceberg is cancer and it's about the love story one the boat." well put Josh!

Lows

•  It was very very disorganized! Just madness everywhere.
•  Long long long lines.
• Not enough books, I would wait an hour on a line to get told they ran out of books! I wasted a whole hour!
• I quote a fellow BookCon attendee, "I felt like an uncared for, unwanted adopted child" which is totally accurate to describe the expereince of BookCon.
• Staff had no clue what was going on. BookCon staff know the basics. I would ask them what line is this for? or where is this room? And I was meet with blank stares and a shrug, they were like "I don't know." You work here, find out! And if they did know, they were not nice about telling you. There were exceptions, though, not many but there were some.
• Follow the rules you make. BookCon-ers were only allowed to wait 1 hour before a panel started to line up. So everyone will get a fair chance of getting to see their favorite authors. But that rule went out of the window. TFIOS panel people started lining up at 1:30! It started at 3:30. Enough said.

All in All

I had a great time with my brother and friend, Melissa. We got some great books! Met some great people! And had an all around grand time. It was the first year for BookCon, and I hope that it will be better next year!