Book Review - "Burned" - Ellen Hopkins

Genre – Young adult 

Publishing Date – October 23, 2007

Page count – 544 pages

Source – owned copy

Format – paperback

Standalone/Series – series

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

      I haven't read any of Ellen Hopkins's work in many years, probably since freshman year of high school. From what I remembered, I wasn't too impressed or two invested in any of her work. I'm not saying she's a bad author, it's the opposite. She's very talented and she sure knows how to write a relatable story. Reading Burned brought back many memories high school memories. 

      "Burned is the story of a young woman, struggling to find her place in the world in the face of abuse by the person she most adores: her father. She questions her family, her faith, and her ability to love and be loved.

Suspended from school, she is sent to rural Nevada to live with an aunt whom she barely knows. There she finds love, acceptance and new knowledge about the things that have made her father like he is. But even there, her demons find her. "

      When I started to read Burned I had already started a new job so I became very busy and tired and I didn't have time to read much anymore. My old job I had to take a train to get to work unlike my current job, which is walking distance. I used to read on the train to and from work which made it easier to complete my monthly TBR and my yearly reading goal. But since I walk to work everyday I don't get the luxury of reading on my way to work. But I do try and read on my lunch break.

      So on my lunch I would become very invested in learning more and understanding Pattyn's life and her decisions. I became emotionally attached to her because of the things she has gone through in her life. I don't know what's it like to have a father like that (thankfully) but being a writer I was able to put myself in her shoes without actually going through what she has gone through. 

      My favorite thing about Ellen Hopkins's books is her writing style. I love poetry and I'm also a poet/writer. I love how she tells a story through poetry. Each page is a poem and they're never the same (layout wise). It's a pretty massive looking book but inside it's not as intimidating. I can't explain it, you'd have to read it yourself. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry and a moving story. 

The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins Book Review

The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins 

Genre – Thriller, Mystery 

Publishing Date – January 13, 2015

Page count – 325 pages

Source – Owned Copy

Format – Hardcover

Standalone/Series – Standalone

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

       Hello and welcome to my blog of wonders. Here you can find book reviews of books of all origin and genres. I will always be honest when it comes to reviewing any book. I try and keep my blog up to date and filled with truthful and fun reviews. So let's get started shall we?

      I know I'm pretty late both with reading this book and writing the review. I saw this on my Instagram but didn't pay much attention to it. I didn't even know what the book was about. It was until I saw a trailer for the book adaptation that sparked my interest. For anyone who knows me, they know that I don't like spoilers and if there is a movie I want to see and I know it is based off a book then I will read the book first and then watch the movie.

      The best part of reading this book was that I wasn't reading it alone. My friend and I both read it together and discussed it with one another. It was my first time ever reading a book with a friend or buddy reading. So it is pretty fun to read along with a friend and then be able to discuss it with them. I had a few "OMG" and "I can't stand you" moments. 

      If you're reading this review you probably already know what this book is about but what the hell I'll still include the Goodreads synopsis for those who don't know anything about the book or movie. 

"The debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people's lives.

EVERY DAY THE SAME
Rachel takes the same community train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

UNTIL TODAY
And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good? " 

      I know it doesn't sound that amazing (in my opinion) BUT it is definitely worth the read. I actually really enjoyed the change point of use between Rachel, Anna, Tom, "Jess" & "Jason". There were many moments where I would be left in shock and my jaw dropped open. This book definitely had a fair share of twists and turns. The character and plot developments were very well thought out in my opinion. 

      This book will definitely be on my 2017 favorites list. I have a recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It did start off slow but I promise you it does get better. Now it's time to actually watch the movie.
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