"Harry Potter and The Cursed Child" BY: J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany

To say this book or rather screenplay has been long anticipated would be an understatement. I think millions of people have been holding their breath and waiting years for a Harry Potter to come back into their lives. Nothing is better then entering into your favorite book world. It's only something true book lovers would understand. Remember, a new world is right at your finger tips.

After the 7th and final Harry Potter book ended, it left you 19 years into the future with Harry, Ginny, Ron and Heromines kids all going off to Hogwarts. Harry's younger son Albus, was going to Hogwarts for the first time and was nervous about where the sorting hat was going to place him, since he didn't want to be in Slytherin. The screenplay picks up where the last book left off. Harry reassures Albus that the sorting hat takes his choice into account. Albus' fears come true and the screenplay fast forwards with Albus being the main character to drive the plot forward.

The Cursed Child is not like a Harry Potter book. It is a new and refreshing take on the long and detailed books we are used to reading. But don't let that stop you, actually let that entice you more to read it. I don't need to sell you this book. It doesn't need my help. But what I want to get across with this post is not so much what the book is about, but more about what I made me feel and what Harry Potter does for millions of people.

I think it's close to fate that I only started reading the Harry Potter books a year ago. It was the perfect timing for the Cursed Child to come out. I was still fresh on my Harry Potter hype train. I can honestly say now that I'm a Harry Potter super fan. As I'm writing this now I'm wearing some Harry Potter merch and I wear it proud.

Harry Potter brings out the kid in you and brings out the magic in everyone that truly experiences and believes in it. If you are anything like me that you'll when you get to experience and see your favorite characters grow up and have their own families and live happily. So maybe I'm biased or overly happy and protective of my Harry Potter fantasy that no matter what The Cursed Child was like I would probably stand by it. The only thing that someone can say is that the story was rushed and that's not the stories fault so much as the medium of which is was written for. You need to go into the story remembering that it is a play and written to be a performed on stage. If you keep that in mind then nothing should truly disappoint you. I went into reading it with the right mindset and I think that made all the difference.

This story gives you the best story line that Harry Potter could give you. It revisits the past. It visits different futures that give you a different perspective on the meaning everything happens for a reason and that we should never wish to change our past because it could greatly alter our future. It touches on the strain of a legacy that a son must carry through life for his father. And how Harry tries to navigate fatherhood without having a father himself to learn and model himself from.

Cursed Child is beautiful and poignant to the true hearts of Harry Potter fans, It touches you right in the Hogwarts feels. One things for sure. I'll be a Harry Potter fan, ALWAYS.

*DUEL REVIEW* My Library Finds (Danielle Steel and Jodi Picoult)

Hey! I'm trying something new with this post today and for very good reasons. As I alluded to in my last post, I got inspired to go to the library and see if I could find some great reads. Fortunately, I did ! I found two promising books and they really delivered but the timing was not the best. I found the books less than two weeks before I was going on vacation and as you may know you have to return library books and I wasn't about to bring them on vacation. However, my due date happened to be the day before I went away so I went on a binge trying to finish reading both books. On the day before they were due I stayed up into the night to finish but it was all worth it because I really couldn't put down "Leaving Time" by Jodi Picoult.

Since I finished both books a day before I went away, I didn't have time to write the reviews right away as I normally like to. My bright idea was to write both reviews in one post. Hopefully it works out okay.

The first book I found was the first book I started reading. That lovely book was "Property of a Noblewoman." I've read Danielle Steel books before and was really pleasantly surprised so I was hoping for a similar outcome. I found tons of her books at the library and I narrowed them down by reading the inside covers to see which one sounded the most interesting. Sadly, this is how I pick books most of the time if I'm not just picking up the first one's whose cover looks the prettiest. I was really impressed with this book. Danielle Steel cranks out books like nothing. I don't know how she does it, but I'm sure glad she does.

"Property of a Noblewoman" was created with history, nostalgia and charm. It all started with an abandoned safe- deposit box that contained old post WWII pictures and exquisite jewelry with no rightful heir. Jane and Philip were assigned by chance to handle the estate. Little did they know that their assignment would be a stroke of fate. After learning more about the woman who left behind the jewelry, Philip's mother realizes that this woman could be her older sister that mysteriously died when she was very young. The adventure unfolds trying to find out if Philip's mom is the right ful heir or is their an even bigger surprise waiting for them.

The journey that this books unfolds is really remarkable. It created suspense and thrill and the plot twists don't disappoint. It reminds you that you are never too old to change your life and to find out who you really are. It was inspirational to see a 70 year old woman try to find herself even when everyone thought she should just let her family secrets rest. It's not everyday that you get a second chance at life. Danielle Steel created a timeless story with exceptional storytelling ability. I 'll have to browse the shelves to find more of her hidden gems.

Lastly, the second book was "Leaving Time" by Jodi Picoult. I love Jodi's books. I have read and reviewed other books of hers on the blog before. And I remember being at the library and scanning the shelves and nothing was catching my eye until I saw "Leaving Time." Initially I wasn't going to take it because I wanted to read a different author but as time dragged on I kept coming back to Jodi's book and I knew I really couldn't go wrong.

Hold the phone, stop what you are doing and run don't walk to get this book. "Leaving Time" left me with my jaw dragging on the floor. I almost couldn't comprehend what I was ready because that plot twist was on fire. "Leaving Time" had one of the the best plot twists of all time or at least one that I have ever read.

Jenna doesn't really remember mother, she just remembers moments and then sometimes she's not sure they really happened because she was only three when her mother disappeared. The only thing she really has are her mother's old journals as an elephant scientist. Jenna believes her mother wouldn't abandoned her but she doesn't know where she is or why she left her to live with her grandmother.

Jenna enlists the help of Serenity, a washed up psychic, who doubts her once very valuable gifts and Virgil,  alcoholic private investigator. The three of them create the most unlikely friendship as they try to uncover what happened the night her mom disappeared. Her dad, who was there at the elephant sanctuary the night of the accident, is no help since he is in an insane asylum and is even a threat to himself. Jenna doesn't ever give up hope and right as she is about to conclude the story, Jodi turns the story upside and swirls it all around. This is the part where the book turns into the sixth sense. Jenna is dead, Virgil is dead and Serenity's psychic powers are alive and well. Serenity's job was to help Jenna and Virgil spirits find their way to the other side because their souls never crossed over due to unfinished business in the real world.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. The whole time reading the book I thought I had it all figured out. I was really rooting for her to find her mother or at least find some closure but what I found was so beyond unexpected. Jodi created a book that was much more than a powerful story about what happens to souls and the journeys in life that we never want to give up on. But it also provides amazing insight into the life of elephants. There was so much I learned about elephants in the wild or in sanctuary's that I'm not sure I will ever look at an elephant the same again. This book was riveting from beginning to end. I was blown away and it's not every day a book can do that to you.

I think you get the gist now that the books out did themselves. The library journey was a success and proves that the libraries still hold that old school charm.

Book Paradise

Searching for a new book is not always so easy, and lately I have been having the most difficult time. Nothing has really been hitting me. There hasn't been a book to hit the trend waves in a while, so I have had to do more research than normal. 

Today, I had some free time and something told me I should go to the library. It was like the day was just set in stone, like it was meant to be. Well, I decided to hit up one of my local libraries. 

Something kind of hit me when I went to the library and that something was nostalgia. Growing up, going to the library was like my candy store. It was as much of a day out as it would be going to the movies. As a young kid and up to now, there has always been something magical about going to the library. It holds something special for me that nothing else could replicate. It's my happiest place on Earth. 

Going to the library today instantly brought back those same feelings of excitement and anticipation of what books I was going to find. Looking at all the books gives me this simultaneous feeling of anxiousness and peace. It can be overwhelming at times because I have such high hopes for what I can find. Plus, you have hundreds of books at your finger tips for FREE. Lot's of Book Bound material is supported by the New York Public Libraries because books can be expensive. It also makes it easier to get a bunch of new books to review right away. 

The inspiration for this blog post was from my experience at the library today. Even though it wasn't the best library that I have been too, it still created for me that childhood innocence and excitement that never gets old. I have to remember that even though going to the library isn't a very popular thing to do for people my age, it's still popular in my heart. It is still something that people should put there support behind. It's the only place that I know of that you can go and get something special for free. Books to me are priceless and beautiful works of art that help you escape from your realty. They give you a place to go when your mind just can't rest. They lift your mind and creativity to new heights. It's the only thing in this world, outside of my family and friends, that I have had a connection to. The one constant thing in my world that has made sense. Books have and always will be a part of me, a part of my soul. 

XOXO,

Cheryl 

REVIEW: "The Girl on the Train"- BY:Paula Hawkins

Happy July! I have a great book review for you today!

First off, I've been having a slight struggle figuring out what to read lately. Usually, I have a running list of books but it has gotten harder recently. I haven't heard of a hyped up book in quite some time so it has definitely taken a little more time to do research.

The book review this time is for "The Girl on the Train." Now this was a hyped up book at one time. I remember seeing it everywhere and especially in Target stores for quite awhile. I remember thinking at that time that I wasn't really interested in what the book was about, basically it wasn't my time to read the book. So, now in my desperate time of need for a book, this book popped up and fell in my lap at just the right time. Now lets stop using the word time and get to the review.

Rachel is a recently divorced alcoholic. She rides the train to and from work everyday even though she was recently let go. She sits in the same seat and looks out at the same familiar landscape. She especially looks forward to seeing this one particular group of houses. One is her old house the other is of a couple that lives a few houses down (Scott & Megan) that looks like the perfect couple with the perfect life that she once had in that neighborhood. Everyday, she looks forward to spotting the couple outside on the terrace soaking in the sun or having a cup of coffee. Rachel creates in her mind the life she thinks they live and what they like to do. She also tries to avoid looking at her old home, where her ex-husband Tom still lives with his new wife Anna and their little girl Evie. They are everything she wanted in her life but as it turns out, Rachel can not conceive so her life crumbled and she turned to drinking.

One not so ordinary day, Rachel spots Megan kissing another guy that's not Scott. And one roughly bingeful night Rachel wakes up completely bruised and beaten but she can't remember what happened to her. All she knows was that she went to her old neighborhood but the rest was a blur. Then Megan mysteriously goes missing and her body found down by the river. Rachel finds herself right in the middle. Police question her because Anna saw her at the train station the night of the disappearance. All Rachel wants to do is tell Scott that Megan had been unfaithful because Rachel knows how it feels to have a spouse cheat on them. Rachel and Scott start a tumultuous relationship of trying to help Scott figure out who could have killed Megan and what happened that night that she can't remember. Little does she know just how intertwined her life really was to Megan's murder.

"The Girl on the Train" was suspenseful and thrilling. Some of the best writing is the kind that really makes you feel the emotions and actions that are happening. And that't exactly what this book did for me. The book was dark and twisted. It was like going through the mind of an addict. I loved how the chapters each had a different perspective of the three girls: Rachel, Anna and Megan. Each character was awesomely developed to truly feel like you have a good sense of what each character was like before and after the murder. I'm so glad I decided to read this book. It gets The Book Bound seal of approval. I don't want to give away the ending but be prepared for some plot twists and turns that make the whole book exceptional.

XOXO
Cheryl

"The Walking Dead" Compendium Comics

"The Walking Dead" came from somewhere before it was a hit TV show. It was first created as a comic. I've been a fan of the show for a couple of seasons now. It captured my attention almost straight away and even made me cry, which is not something I usually do when watching TV. 

After the last season ended on a cliff hanger, it really got me wanting to know what happens next. Plus we all know that TV and movies don't always stick to the script, so to speak. 

I choose the compendiums because they are all the editions of the comics wrapped up into on book. It makes it easier so that I don't to buy each individual one, which would be a lot of money and time. The compendiums are huge but totally worth it. I breezed through these compendiums. The books are huge but it't not hard when the book is made of mostly pictures. 

I truly loved the experience of reading the true "Walking Dead" story. It was amazing to see where the comic and the book differ. The comic definitely had a slightly less than TV friendly demeanor so at times it made sense that they changed the story. Even though I love the TV show story line, it was really cool to read the comic and get this whole other side of the story. Because even though the settings of the show may not be too different, the people and events have differences that make the comic a whole different story and a great story companion. 

If your a "Walking Dead" fan, you should definitely get your hands on these comics. It's such a fun and exciting read with as much cliffhangers and plot twits as the show. There are characters that are still in the comic that don't even make it past the first season of the show. It's truly a different side of "The Walking Dead." Can't wait till they compile the next set of comics into the 4th compendium.

Ciao,

Cheryl

P.S. There will be a new book review coming very soon! Check back soon. :)

HAPPY THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

It's that time of year again! Happy Anniversary Book Bound ! (Real anniversary is the 30th) Three years have flown by. Like every anniversary post, I like to reminisce and I feel like this one should be no different. I think everyone who starts something never really knows how it's going to go or if they can even keep doing it for so long. But when I started this blog, I knew it was something that felt right. It was something I knew that I could really see myself consistently keeping up with. And maybe my posts are not as frequent as I would like, but that doesn't make it any less of a success. It can get hard juggling life and having to read the books and make the posts. It's definitely time consuming when I don't have all that much time. But this post isn't a pity party. It's a celebration of 3 years of doing something that I love to do. It brings me much joy to my soul and that's all I can really ask for.

I also wanted to catch you all up on my latest literature adventures. Recently, I have really been loving comics. I know this is a bit off the path of what I normally review on this blog but I thought I would change it up for just one post and make a comic review. The particular comic I will be reviewing is "The Walking Dead." I have all 3 compendium's and I have already finished the first one and am loving the second one. I'm a huge fan of the show and was just dying to know the true story. I was considering doing an individual post for each, but reading the comics doesn't take too long. And I also wanted to just make one post about my comic experience so I think I will be able to cram all that into one post.

And as always, I wanted to thank everyone of you that does take the time to read my posts or comment and contribute to the blog. I thank you with all my heart for allowing me to feel like my dreams are real.

Ciao, xoxo

Cheryl

REVIEW: "Somebody I Used To Know" -BY: David Bell

Here's another review for you.

Let's get started!

To start on a great note,"Somebody I Used to Know," is a great read. I forget where I first heard about this book. It might have been a magazine or scrolling along the suggested books, but I'm glad I went ahead and purchased it.

What I love and hate about this book is the fact that nothing is quite what it seems. At first, the book is laid out pretty straight forward. The plot doesn't seem to have any holes in it. Nick's college girlfriend, Marissa dies in a fire twenty years prior to the start of the book. Tragic but it seems like it was just an accident. However, where its starts to turn is when he goes to the grocery store and he spots a women who looks like a spitting image of Marissa. The girl gets spooked when Nick comes up to her and she runs off.  The next day the police come to Nick's door asking about the girl he saw in the store, because she was found dead with his name and address in her pocket. Even when you think you have the story straight and all figured out, you are probably wrong. You would think that a family wouldn't lie for over twenty years about their daughter dying in a fire, but you would be wrong. Nick takes it upon himself to find the connection between the dead girl and Marissa, even when those closest to him think he is just chasing a ghost.

There are many twists and turns that are the best motivators to want to finish the book. I loved the writing style as well. It was clear and crisp and the main character Nick seemed like he should be the next Bachelor on ABC. You couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy. He has a good heart.

There are also some other characters that come in that make you realize that in some chapters of your life, especially college, the memories and the people you meet can leave imprints on your life forever. And how it can take you years to truly get over certain times in your life.

I had a hard time choosing a book this time around and I'm really glad I gave this book a go. It was exactly what I wanted to read. It was a mystery book that had suspense and thrill but it was a light enough read that it wasn't hard to follow and the plot lines where not too muddled with intricate and confusing information.

I think this review was a nice change of pace from my last heated review.  Thanks for taking the time to read! Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Until next time !

xoxo

REVIEW: "Grey"- BY: E.L. James

Welcome back to another review!

Sigh.....

I hate to start a blog post like that, but sometimes you just have to be real. What I almost hate even more is the review I am bringing you. Maybe hate is a strong word. I guess I should explain...

"Grey" is the Christian Grey version of "Fifty Shades of Grey." Before I started blogging, I read the fifty shades trilogy. I bought the first one on my Nook and refused to spend my own money on the rest so I opted on borrowing them from a friend of a friend. Probably wondering why I even bothered finishing the series but I wanted to do just that, finish. I can't just invest some time in a story and not find out how it ends. That's just wrong.

When "Grey" came out, I'm not going to lie I was a little intrigued. There's no denying that Christian Grey is beyond alluring. He seems intoxicating. BUT he also seems like a really "fucked up son of a bitch." (If you read that book you will get why that is in quotes) There is so much I despise about Christian, Anastasia and all the books combined. I flat out almost refused to continue reading "Grey" when I first started it. I was so tempted to just call it off, but like I said, I have to finish. And  hate to make this post all about my anger towards these books, but I aim to write reviews whether good or bad. This one happens to be the worst.

Christian Grey is everything I hate in a man. Over-possesive, domineering, control freak and out right egotistical. I can't stand how he "needs" to cause physical pain to women to live his life. I'm sorry but there is no way that that can be acceptable to anyone or be an acceptable way to live. I know that technically he doesn't want relationships he wants submissives, but I find it absolutely appalling. And Anastasia is the opposite of a heroine in this book. Shes such a naive little brat who makes no sense, who also happens to have the perfect body and looks. Honey, no one is perfect. It makes me sick. The whole BDSM lifestyle is nothing short of horrifying and I want no part of it.

If you've read the trilogy then you know what "Grey" is about. I will admit that it was enlightening to see this perspective, mainly for the fact that I now have validation that Christian Grey is the worst fictional character of all time.

Sorry....


not sorry.

xoxo

REVIEW: "Turning the Tables: From Housewife to Inmate and Back Again."- BY: Teresa Giudice

Hello again!

Today I'm bringing you a brand new review of a brand new book! Teresa Giudice, famous from her role on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," recently was released from jail after being incarcerated for almost a year. While in jail, she took advantage of her time and wrote an almost "tell-all" book about where she came from and her life growing up; and most importantly about her time in jail and how it has helped her to have a new look on life.

I knew immediately I wanted to read this book and even pre-ordered it. When I learned about Teresa and her husband, Joe, being sent to jail, I was so upset. Mainly, because I felt so sorry for their daughters. Having a parent go away for a long time is a very challenging thing because you rely on them so much throughout your day to day life. I know I wouldn't know what to do without my mom for a whole year, and then knowing she was in jail just makes it so much worse. I also felt bad in general for Teresa and Joe, because they seem like good people and going to jail is just the worst thing imaginable.

While I was reading, I truly could feel the heavy weight that Teresa carried on her shoulders. I felt like I was in her shoes, having to deal with the press, taking care of her family while fighting legal issues. Ii felt so overwhelming. And I also felt some anxiety for her while she was in jail. I don't know how I would be able to handle living in unsanitary quarters and eating expired food for a whole year. Just the thought of it made me want to cry. If everything Teresa wrote was true, then I truly applaud her for her strength and ability to be positive during her time there.

Teresa spent much of the book talking about her first few days there because I am sure those were the toughest. That is also where I felt the most anxiety for her. I would start to feel like I was the one facing those next 365 days of hell. It felt almost too much to bear. Even though Teresa's book was written much like a conversation or diary, it felt like it was full of emotion that was just leaping off the page. Many times she talked about just missing her girls and husband and how she had to just keep busy and stay strong for all of them and how she was one tough Italian cookie.

What I really loved about the book was the first few chapters about her life growing up, how she met  and married Joe Giudice and her eventual role on RHONJ. I always love a good back story, because to truly know someone you have to know where they came from. It was great to read something about Teresa that I didn't know. Like how her parents met or the she repair business that her father started in America after emigrating form Italy. I loved when she talked about her relationship with her brother and how close of a bond they had. What I also loved was how her and her husband have known each other since they were little kids and loved each other even way back then. I'm a sucker for a good love story. It shows that their families have strong bonds that brought them up to be good people and sometimes good people make mistakes, but it doesn't have to define who you are. And I believe that is what Teresa is trying to tell through her book. She wants to move on from her mistakes and make the most out of her life every day.

The stories she told about her time in jail where almost made for a movie. Since I have watched, "Orange is the New Black," I could totally picture the setting and events that were taking place. I love that she made friends and worked on herself by changing how she reacted to things while in  jail. In jail, there can be lots of chances for confrontation, but she made it a priority to stay away from trouble. She was focused on getting out of there as soon as she could. The conditions that she lived in sounded horrible, and when she said she found out they were eating expired food I felt sick to my stomach. I understand that criminals don't deserve luxury but they are human beings that deserve at least a good meal. I don't know how I would have functioned without decent food, but it seems that even she could make it through.

Overall, I loved her book. Reading it felt much like reading her diary which is probably exactly how a book like that should be written. Often times, when reading a biographical book, I expect a lot of deep writing, which is what I love, but you won't find a whole lot of in depth writing, just a lot of emotional writing that fit the book nicely. Before you go and judge Teresa based off her TV life, read this book about her real life and maybe you will learn to not always judge a book by it's cover.

XO

REVIEW: "You Can't Make This Stuff Up: Life Changing Lessons From Heaven" - BY: Theresa Caputo

Welcome back to my regular book reviews. Glad to be getting back on track. There are so many books in the lineup so check back for more reviews coming soon. 

Back in May of 2014, I read Theresa Caputo's first book, "There's More to Life Than This." I reviewed it for this blog and recently re-read it and I consider that review one of my best, if not my best work. Looking back, I remember how deeply moved and inspired I was by the first book. Her books and her message were totally unexpected. It is truly a soul changing experience. 

When I found out that she wrote another book, I knew what my next book was going to be. And it was just as soul changing as the first. This time around she focused mostly on life lessons and our souls journey in this life. She often talks about soul- searching and how important it is to find out our souls purpose on this earth. I learned a lot about how our souls reincarnate and choose our bodies and then come to earth to continue learning the lessons it didn't fully learned on its first round on earth before they died. Your soul also has the choice to stay in heaven and learn the lessons there. It's all about of your souls journey to reach the highest level of heaven which is where God is supposed to be. 

Most importantly I learned a lot about how our choices and the way we view our life and our reactions to things can effect our souls. Theresa explained the ways that we should go through life trying to trust in our souls journey and to not hold grudges, resentment or anger. We should always be kind, do out best and let go and forgive all the things that weigh heavy on out hearts and souls. It only effects ourselves in the next life. 

I think in a lot of ways it was my destiny to read this book. Sometimes along the way, you need to stop and smell the roses. Look around you and realize that life is a wonderful gift. I needed this reminder to get my life and my soul's life back on track. It helped me feel more comfortable in my journey and that no matter what is happening, I am were I am meant to be. 

Theresa also included many stories about the people she has read. Each story was so powerful and moving. It was again, comforting to know that our loves ones who have crossed over are always looking out for us and guiding us from the other side.

I don't thing nearly enough people give Theresa the time of day to truly listen to her message. Theresa said her gift was from God and spirit to help the world receive his message in a new and more interesting way and I truly believed it has helped me to feel stronger to my faith and believe and trust more in God's will for my life. It's not always easy to give up some control of your life or destiny but her message makes me feel more secure that God has the right plan set out for me and for everyone.We just have to listen and live the best possible life. 

I highly recommended reading her books not only are her books entertaining and fun reads, but there life changing and help you to be a better person. And who doesn't need a little lesson in that?!

Achievement Unlocked: Read the Harry Potter series

I'm so excited to announce that I have now officially finished reading Harry Potter. I read all 7 books. And now I can die happy. :)

Reading Harry Potter has brought me so much joy and renewed my love for books. I can't even quite remember a time before reading Harry Potter, because it probably it took me a few good months to get through them. They sparked a new life in me. I truly felt as if these books carry a magic all their own. It was truly a trance like experience reading them. It helped that I also saw all the movies so the visual imagery was totally alive. I think it's time I start binge watching those movies again....

All 7 books were phenomenal and delivered everything and more than I could have ever imagined. I got started on this journey after I cam back from "Harry Potter World" at Universal Orlando, Florida. I got so insanely inspired from that park that I knew I had to read the books. I wanted to know all the secrets. I wanted to immerse myself in Harry Potter land and never leave. I luckily had 3 of the 7 books and then just ordered the rest on Amazon. I sometimes literally could not put the books down. They were amazing from start to finish. Each and everyone. 

Some times that surprised me about the books started with the very first one. I know these books came out many years ago and at the time I was slightly too young to truly appreciate them. So I feel that now was the perfect time for me to get the full experience. But the first book less intense then I was expecting. It felt very much like being a kid and your parents withholding all the "grown-up" stuff that you don't need to know yet. And all the books progressed, much like we all age and come to learn about all those things that our parents omitted telling us. It was the underlying theme that played throughout. Each book got more intense and starting revealing more and more. 

I know years ago, I remember some people had told me that the movies did not follow the books too well. So when reading it I was hoping to find out some more information that the movies skipped over. To be honest, since having seen the movies first, I didn't see that much difference. of course there were plot lines that were omitted for good reasons I think. Except for the last book. I felt that towards the end there were some interesting things left out. Such as when Harry dies and goes to "Kings Cross," his conversation with Dumbledore was much more informative then I remember the movie being. I especially remember this because I was a little frustrated with the lack of information he gave Harry in the movie. But we all know movies are far more complex.

Harry Potter is a MUST READ. It's magical and amazing. After finishing the last book, I felt as if my whole life was changed from that moment and that it would never be the same. I remember just sitting there with the book closed in my lap and thinking,"What am I going to do now?" 

It's the true feeling of a "book-hole." Where you don't know what to do with yourself after investing so much time and enjoyment into something. This book will live in infamy and I will be sure that my kids read these books and enter the magical world one book at a time. 

Lose Yourself In A Good Book

Happy New Year Book Bound!! Can't believe its already 2016.... (Pause for a slight panic attack).

Every time a new year rolls around, it almost forces you to reflect on how the past year has been. 2015 has definitely not been my year, but it did have some really fun and happy moments. Definitely, my top favorite are my vacations. I went to Florida 3 times this year. Seeing Harry Potter World with my love was definitely my highlight. I also got to spend some time with my grandparents who live in Florida and which I have not seen in over 3 years. I've also had some really low, lows but otherwise I'm happy to say that I am keeping a positive attitude for 2016! I hope nothing but peace and happiness to all!

One thing I am definitely happy about this past year is my continuation with this blog! Even though I may not post as often as I would like. I am still so proud of myself that I have not let this fall apart. I love this blog more than I can express. Books and reading are a passion that I will always want to be a part of my life. For Christmas this year, I bought The Book Bound it's first ornament. (See attached picture.) This ornament just spoke to me and I had to have it. The ornament says, "Lose yourself in a good book." That epitomizes what reading and books are to me. It's an escape, to a world all its own. It's a world like to no other that you can explore in your own mind. It's my favorite gift of all. This new year I hope you all lose yourself in a good book. Lose yourself in hundreds of books. Don't stop believing in the magic of books.

I also hope for this coming year, much like every year, to continue with this blog and make it bigger and better. Here's to 2016!

Much love
xoxo

Writing Power

Lately, I've been trying to write more things down. I often have an overflow of ideas or thoughts. They just can't stay in my head space for too long. So for some time now I've been telling myself that I need to get into journaling more. I even bought a journal from work for the purpose of starting my journaling journey. However, its taken me some time to really take the plunge.

But writing is second nature to me. Heck, I'm obviously writing right now! Writing is who I am. It's always been apart of me. So I don't quite know why it takes a whole lot of energy to get me to do it sometimes. My best guesses are: I'm super busy sometimes and I have so many thoughts to write that it can seriously get overwhelming. The best idea is for me to write down the influx of thoughts but I'm sure I'm not the only one who has trouble truly sitting down and sorting through your thoughts to write them out. Sometimes the work can just be put off for another day. Except today was the day and I didn't have another day to spare. The thoughts were going down on paper. One way or another. And it was exactly what I needed. I brought be the clarity that I had so desperately been craving.

Sometimes you just have to stop overthinking and just go with the flow. Literally JUST DO IT ! Don't think. Just Do. That's going to be phrase going forward because I have big plans and I want to be in control of them. That's the only way to get ahead.

So no more time for excuses. It's time to make things happen. Writing is my vice in life. Besides reading of course. It's the way my mind knows how to function.

Another good tip of mine for life is to write. Writing is sometimes the only way to get out your true feelings. It's pure and personal and sometimes the most vulnerable you can feel.

So I did what I set out to do. I WROTE!

xo Cheryl

Just One of Those Days

Until mid-day, I was having a mostly normal day. Nothing crazy and I was feeling pretty good. For some reason, as the day went on, I just got into one of those moods. Nothing even happened to make me feel this way. My attitude just flipped and I was no longer feeling like this day was normal or fun.
Sometimes these days just happen. And often times I find myself reflecting on this moments because for the most part I like to remain happy at all times. I have some suspicions that I have some underlying issues, like under the surface that I haven't faced, that cause me to create these moments in a seemingly good day.
I wanted to share this thought with you because I felt like we can all use a reminder that bad days will happen and they won't be announced. But remember that you can turn things around. Don't get weighed down by the negativity. I believe that life is a lot about how you react to it. Stop for a moment before you make a decision or say what your thinking. Often times if you give yourself that few seconds to think you will find that what you are about to do or say in those moments of negativity are not the correct response. I tired to do that today. I still failed but I realized that I do have the power over how I respond to things and how I respond reflects on how well my day will go.

Another reason I wanted to write this, was because reading is a huge antidote to a bad day. If I'm ever having a bad day I know one thing that will always get me out of it and that's reading. One of the major things I love about books is that they can be an escape. Books have always been an escape route for me from life. Whenever I need clarity, I read, because it clears my mind of my worries or concerns and opens it up for more positive and rational thoughts. Reading should truly be a medical remedy for some people because I swear its my life line.

So if you're having a bad day, maybe this time start reading, if you don't normally do that. I think you might find that your day just turned around again and this time for the better.

XO
Cheryl

Magic is Happening

I'm sure you read the title of this post and was a little confused. So let me explain...

Probably going to sound familiar to you when I say that I'm sorry for not writing for some time. I don't know why, but I always feel the need to apologize or preface a post before I really get into it. It helps me to put my thoughts and emotions out there and then move on from them.

But, I actually have a good reason for being away and that reason is: HARRY POTTER. Guys, I'm officially obsessed. I know one of my last posts was about how I was going to be reading and 'reviewing the books so this shouldn't come as a complete shock. My plan now is to read all the books and then write one post about my thoughts on the books and my experience reading them. It will be some great reflection writing and I'm excited about that post.

I figured that writing an individual post about each book was too much and I barely have gone a day without reading a chapter, even between books. I just flew through the first 3 and now I'm almost finished with the 4th. By the time I realized that I should have written about them, it was too late. Plus I feel my new idea is way better, so it all worked out.

In the meantime, while I'm reading HP. I will try to write some more opinion or journal like entry's that focus on topics of interest about reading or just some random thoughts or rants. Really whenever I get the inspiration to write I'm going to just do it. (I'll try my best.)

I've really been getting more and more inspired by my passion for books. It just reassures me that I'm on the right path to success, I just can't give up yet. Because, I do believe in the magic of books.

Please let me know if there is something you would like me to talk about. I tend to have opinions on most things and I'm sure it would be fun to have a dialogue about it.

For now I'll just say see ya later!

Ciao,
Cheryl

REVIEW: "14th Deadly Sin"- BY: James Patterson

Hey!

Look at me, two blog posts in one month! I'm proud. :)

This book review is supported again by the book contributions of my lovely co-worker.
She's a quick reader and I'm sure I will have endless book supply from her.

Now about the book...
I have only read one other book by James Patterson and that was also reviewed on this blog and I loved it. But if I remember correctly, I didn't like the ending. Much like I didn't really like this one either. It seems James Patterson loves to leave a good cliff hanger. I'm not about that. But, who am I to question an acclaimed authors style? Clearly, he's doing something right.

"14th Deadly Sin" is another mystery book. It is also apart of Patterson's series of "The Women's Murder Club." I did have some reservations before reading it because, as I've said before, if I don't think I would pick this book up myself then there's a good chance I might not like it. However, lately I have been eating my words because I've liked all the books so far.

There have been a lot of robbery/murders happening in San Francisco. The SFPD has been trying to connect the dots before anyone else gets murdered. Claire, Yuki Cindy and Lindsay make up "the Women's Murder Club." They coined the name because they each work in some aspect of the law or media that requires them to be involved with murders and and crimes. There are two major mysteries that have been happening. The first is a string of murders that are happening in broad day light to women on the same day for five years. The other is a string of robberies that end of with deaths. This case largely has to do with drugs. These robbers are identified by masks and SFPD windbreaker jackets. That is all they know of these criminals but can't seem to figure out who these people are and why they keep robbing and killing. People keep dying left and right that might have answers to who is behind all this but are the killers right under their noses? That is the driving question of this book.

"14th Deadly Sin" is largely compelling. It catches you right away, if not just for the aspect of it being a mystery and you need to know what happens. The chapters are nice and short so you can breeze through this book nicely. I really enjoyed the writing style because it was quick and dynamic and just kept your imagination running. You couldn't help rooting for the SFPD once they starting fitting the pieces together. And I love how the book did break up to accommodate the other ladies and their stories that eventually was all connected in the end. The way that happened was purely  seamless.

Patterson definitely will be put on my list of approved authors. The reading was so effortless yet still complex. It felt like a nice change of pace. I hope you enjoyed the diversity I'm trying to bring to appeal to all of my book lovers.

Feel free to comment a favorite Patterson book!

REVIEW: "The Tides of Memory"- BY: Sidney Sheldon

Here's another review for ya! I'm gonna make it as short and sweet as I can.

An older woman that I work with and I got to talking one day and we realized we are both book lovers. I always feel like I'm in good company with a book lover. Now me and my co-worker do not have exactly the same taste in books. Partially because there is a significant age gap, but also because well, we just have different tastes. She has a much more mature reading style and I still tend to gravitate towards teen fiction. But, I don't like to book discriminate so when she said she left me a good book to read, I couldn't say no.

"The Tides of Memory," is largely a mystery thriller. But what is great about this book is that it's not the creepy kind of mystery books that I often associate with mysteries. The story line was very reminiscent of other books that I love, so I quickly immersed myself in this book.

The book is initially set at a summer camp in the 70's where Toni Galetti and Billy Hamlin become too distracted with each other to realize that a young boy camper has drowned. However, Billy takes the rap for it all because he loves Toni and doesn't want to see her go to jail. Billy winds up going to jail for 20 years and Toni runs away and is never to be seen again.... as Toni. Toni runs away to England and starts another life as Alexia. No one comes looking for her and she ends up marrying Teddy De Vere who is British royalty. Aelxia, for some time, lives a politically sophisticated life with her husband and two kids. That is until she became Home Secretary of England. From that moment on, things start to unravel or Alexia one by one. Her daughter had tried to commit suicide but ultimately ended up paralyzed in a wheel chair. Her son quit University to follow a dream and Billy, the boy who took the rap for her all those years ago, has suspiciously showed up in England looking for Alexia.

Billy has gone crazy since he got out of jail and ends up dead in England as he was trying to get Alexia to help him because he has been hearing voices that someone was going to kill her and his daughter. Alexia didn't want anything to do with Billy, since she tried to hard to erase her old life.

Alexia is ultimately pushed out of office because surprisingly to Alexia, her husband was charged with murder of her daughters ex-boyfriend and also of the murder of Billy Hamlin. Alexia thought her husband was the good one but he did heinous acts to protect his family.

The biggest surprise came when the book revealed that Alexia's best friend Lucy was actually the brother of the little boy that died at camp under Toni's watch that Billy went to jail for. Lucy had been plotting for years to get revenge on her and Billy. Lucy almost successfully kills Alexia but ends up just killing herself and leaving her family completely in shock.

The book may start out a little slow with peaks and valleys to keep you on your toes. But once all hell breaks lose it is like an avalanche of misfortune. One crazy incident after another. I was pleasantly surprised by the story line of the book and was even more surprised by the way the book was written. I loved the style of writing and appreciated the shorter chapters and breaks within.  It is definitely a compelling read and the ending was something I totally had not suspected. There are multiple twists and turns in this book that deserves a gold star.

REVIEW: "P.S. I Still Love You"- BY: Jenny Han

Hey! Glad to be writing another review! Let's get into it.

If you have been following my blog for some time now, you will know how I feel about the book that preceded this one, which is, "To All The Boys I've Loved Before." That review is something else. It was my first truly negative review. I was outraged over that book for some reason. That book was everything I despise in a book, which is no true ending. And I'm starting to realize that I shouldn't be so hard on books. Books can sometimes be very subjective. We all interpret books differently and I'm trying to change my perspective on them. I take each book for what it is and try to think about it deeply and critically until the book lacks all meaning. This method works. It might not make sense or you might think I'm crazy because I put so much thought into the meaning of books. But what can I say, books are my life.

Anyways... What can I say about "P.S.", that's what I'm gonna call it. There's not much I can really say about this book. It's a prequel to a book that I nearly despise. You are probably wondering why I even read it at all considering that I hated the other one so much. Here's why I read it, and it's simple, I knew I would get my long awaited ending. I was prepared this time for the style of writing and basic plot line. Not much has changed in that respect. But I'm happy to report that the ending was exactly that, an ending.

We left off with Lara Jean trying to figure out what she is going to do next. We don't know if Peter, the guy she really likes wants to be with Lara Jean and we don't know what will become of Lara Jean and her neighbor Josh. Happily, the book pretty much goes straight to the good stuff which is Lara Jean and Peter getting together. I love them together, their love story was the one redeeming quality the first book had. But of course Peter and Lara Jean go through the typical teenage romance trials and another man John comes in to swoop Lara Jean off her feet. But the bad boy, the one that makes your heart flip, Peter, is that one that Lara Jean can't let go of and Peter can't let go of the good girl Lara Jean. The book ends in the happily- ever- after kind of way that makes my heart happy. It also makes me believe that someway, somehow Jenny Han read my last review,

Of course, their are story lines introduced and never fully developed in this book, such as her Dad's possible love life with the neighbor. Or even Stormy, the older lady she helps at her volunteer job at Belleview. Also, the Margo and Josh love story that was brutally ended and Josh was nearly non- existent in this novel. He comes in and out like a ghost which I think works in some way. However part of me misses having Josh stirring things up.  But maybe I'm missing the whole point of the book, which is love always finds a way and we have to give love the chance to break our hearts because love doesn't come without taking some risks.

It's a must read for me if you read the first book. You won't be wowed but you won't be disappointed either.

XOXO

NEW! Throwback Series!

Hey!

I hope everyone had a lovely 4th of July!

I'm also excited to announce a throwback series that I have wanted to read for well over a decade. That series is: Harry Potter !

Now, let me explain. The first week of June I took a vacation to Universal Orlando. Mainly for one reason, which was to see Harry Potter World. I have been dreaming about going there every since it first opened. I was beyond excited to go this year. And let me tell you, it was MAGICAL. That place brought me so much inspiration. I was just itching to get home and read the Harry Potter books that I knew I had but never read.

When HP first came out I was pretty young, so those books seemed a little bit above my reading level. I mean they were 300 pages! That was too much for me apparently. I wouldn't even blink at that now, but of course when you're young that seems impossible to read. So I just never read them. Also, for some reason I have a problem with jumping on ban- wagons. Meaning, I never jump into hyped up obsessed series right away. I have to come to want to read something or do something on my own terms. I don't know why I'm like that. I was also like that with the Twilight series but I eventually came around and became obsessed. I have gotten better at it over time. BUT, anyways the years flew by and the HP movies came out and so I felt like I didn't really need to read the books anymore. But as we all know the movies are never quite accurate to the books and only the book lovers would know that. I mean I broke my own rule: "Never watch the movie before reading the book."

For some reason, going to HP World made me want to read something more then anything ever has in a while. I felt like all these years, I've been missing out on all the secrets that HP held. I wanted to finally know the ins- and- outs of HP. I felt like I never quite knew everything from the movies and slowly people would connect the dots for me, but I would also feel embarrassed. That's going to change with this Throwback Series.

I will start this series soon, because I am currently about to start reading a newly released book, "P.S. I Still Love You," which I had downloaded before leaving for vacation. I figured I would get that one out of the way so I can go full stem ahead on the new series.

I hope you all join me and get re inspired by the HP series. I know I'm going to really love it.

Ciao!

(Photo taken my be. Isn't it magical!)

HAPPY TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY !

HELLO Lovelies !

The 30th of May marks the Two Year Anniversary of The Book Bound Blog. I can still remember when the idea of the blog came to me. It was right after I read an amazing book and I just had to write about the book and share it with as many people as I could. The only way I saw that happening was through writing a book review blog. I loved the idea instantly and I haven't looked back. To date, this has been the most consistent thing I have stuck with. And that's because of my love for books. All the other ideas haven't always stuck because they weren't always ideas that have come from a place of passion and love.... This blog however did, and that is why we are here celebrating two years of this wonderful blog.

I like to believe if you can imagine something enough and put all of your positive energy into it then anything can happen. Even though this blog may not be the most popular, I still like to believe that it is and I treat it as such. I hope to always continue with this passion, even if it leads to no where. I still love writing about books. Books have held a special place in my heart and my world since I was very young. They are an escape, a world of there own and they become a love like no other. True book lovers will know the secret world that books can bring you to. I sometimes feel like I hold this special world all my own being a book lover.

Anyways, stay in touch for more reviews coming soon! I have been scouting out for the best books. I also have in the works a beauty blog to supplement this blog. I will write a post about that in the coming months as I sort out my ideas and create another passionate blog. I hope you all stick with me on this journey. I truly appreciate it will all my heart. Feel free to comment me about any suggestions or ideas. I am open also to contributors.  Thank you!

Love,
Cheryl