*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: "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?!

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

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!)

UPDATE: Playing The Game

Good Hello my book lovers!

I wanted to take a moment to talk to my loyal followers. Sometimes it is nice to take a break from reviews and just reflect on some things that are happening in your life. I have been very busy lately with a new job that I have acquired. I'm working as a supervisor in a retail position right now, while I am trying to figure out my next move. I feel very blessed that I have been given this opportunity. As you know, I was struggling for a little while and sometimes I feel like I still am, but I feel like this new job was exactly what I needed. It has allowed me to unburden myself from the growing anxiety I had felt towards what my future was going to look like. I feel like I finally stopped holding my breath.

But nothing in life is ever guaranteed and it is surely the most unpredictable thing in existence. My life has strange timing but timing nonetheless. Meaning..., I believe that everything in my life is meant to happen when it is EXACTLY supposed to in order for me to either learn a lesson, grow from an experience or have something fall right into place. Nothing that has ever happened in my life was  meaningless and I know that now.

Like a lot of things in life, practice is required in order to perfect something. Reading to me is a "sport." I use that term lightly but I believe it all comes from a place of passion. This blog was sparked from a passion for reading and I think that I am still practicing on being a better blogger. I hope to continue to grow this blog into bigger and better things. It will just take some time and practice. I brought up this particular imagery and message because life is a sport. You have to go through all the obstacles, stumble and get back up a million times before you get to reach your goal. You will face lots of losses and experience some amazing wins but we are all players in the game of life.

Ciao,

Cheryl xoxo

REVIEW: "Paper Towns" - BY: John Green

It's not a surprise that John Green can write a good book. He is quickly becoming my go- to author if I'm ever stuck wondering what to read next. Coincidentally, that is exactly what led me to read this book, "Paper Towns."
If you go look back through my blog, you can see I've read 2 other John Green books and if you have read those blog entries, then you know that I must have had VERY high expectations for this book. However, for some reason I find that I have an almost sixth sense about books. I can take one good look at the book without almost barely reading the synopsis to know if I will like the book or not. This book set off my sensors and I told my expectations to simmer down a bit. I held off reading this book for quite a bit for those same reasons. I just was not ready to be disappointed quite yet, but privy to my needs I thought of my wonderful blog and knew I needed to suck up my inhibitions and dive right in.

Set in sunny Orlando, Florida, where Quentin ("Q") and Margo lived just right next door, you would find a mostly normal suburban families. Q and Margo were friends since day one and Q began to fall in love with her from that day. However, when they were around 9 years old, Q and Margo went to the park alone and stumbled upon a body of a man who had just killed himself. That one experience could surely scar a young kids life. For Q he was able to adjust normally. However, for Margo it ignited Margo's sense of mystery and wonder and she was never the same again. Margo and Q never saw each other again after that day at the park, even though they still lived next door.

Where they left off, the book picks up many years later, just a few months away from Q and Margo graduating from college. Q never stopped loving Margo but from a far. He saw her like a precious jewel that you love to stare at but too afraid to touch. Q made other friends but mostly drifted through high school. However, Margo was part of the popular crowd. She was someone that everyone envied. But Margo had a mysterious side. She would randomly run away and go missing for a few days because she had a tough home life and most importantly for this book, because she felt like a paper girl in a paper town. She had real fears of being stuck in a paper town...

One day Margo climbs through Q's window and persuades him to take a revenge adventure with her. Margo planned this elaborate scheme to get back at all those who wronged her and she also let Q get some revenge of his own. At the end of their night long journey, Q thought this was going to be the start of something really special between them, however it wasn't exactly in the way he had planned. The next day Margo disappeared again but this time she didn't go come back. Margo left some clues behind on where she was headed and it took Q two months and on graduation day to figure it out. Q, along with his pals Ben his girlfriend Lacy  and Radar went on an almost 24 hour road trip to find and save Margo. Q thought once he found her he could bring her home and start over, but what he found was a girl who was not willing to leave and be a paper girl in a paper town. She was a mystery and a mystery she remained.

Now I wish I could tell you what a paper town is or even what a paper girl is ... and I don't want to discredit John Green for his attempt at an explanation, but I just don't get enough understanding of the main underlying theme of this book and for that it makes  this book almost lack luster. There is so much potential for this book and truly it reaches some high points because John Green yet again delivers with deep and profound prose that make you look at life in a much more spectacular way. But the ending leaves me wanting so much more, it is so difficult to wrap my head around a young girl who runs away to the middle of nowhere in an abandoned barn all alone. Also, her family basically disowned her which is just about the nail in the coffin. It's hard to fathom this kind of reality and I feel a lot of this book will go right over people's heads, but what saved the book for me was John Green's magnificent charm that just never seems to disappoint.

REVIEW: "13 Reasons Why"- BY: Jay Asher

As I promised, here is another book review!

For "13 Reasons Why," I had fairly high expectations going into it. I had heard from a friend that it was so good and had always meant to borrow it, but never did. So when I got my new Nook from my boyfriend, I wanted to load it up with good books for myself and for the blog. One of the suggestions was this book and I felt why not!

To give a quick overview of this already popular book, it is about Hannah Baker,suicidal girl in high school who recorded and mailed out the tapes of her talking to each of the 13 people that caused her to get to this hopeless place. However, the narrator of this story, Clay Jensen, is one of those unfortunate souls that caused Hannah to kill herself. Clay had a crush on Hannah ever since she transferred to his school, but never had the courage to truly talk to her or start a relationship because of the unfortunate events that created Hannah's harsh reputation. Clay happened to be the ninth person on Hannah's list and he struggles with every story that passes and wishes he could have done so much more and realized that Hannah was so lost.
We follow Clay on the recorded journey that Hannah takes you with the map she left for those select few to follow to the places where these events happened.

My initial reactions to this book even from the very beginning was confused. I never got a good connection to this book. Maybe I am to blame for that one because my reading habits became a bit sporadic, but there was something almost too cliche that it made me build a wall from really sinking deep into the pages.
To be perfectly honest, I don't see the real hype for this book. I can definitely appreciate the messages behind the story and for that I think it is brilliant. It is a good lesson in learning that every decisions you make can effect someones life. It definitely made me more self aware.
However, I don't think the writing was all that fantastic. And maybe it is just me who feels that the writing style greatly affects my opinion of the book, but I definitely can see how this would affect my connection to this book.

I wouldn't say that this book was terrible by any means. I love the concept, even though it might be about something as morbid as suicide. But anything that can teach a lesson and make you think and intrigue you learn more about what is going on in someone's head who has decided to kill herself. I love reading about the inner workings and most personal thoughts in someones mind. That whole concept intrigued me from the very beginning but I just felt that the writing style throughout the book was very obvious and just not as deep as to what I expected.

Either way, I hear this book is going to be a movie and for that I think it is worth a read.
Let me know what you thought of this book or any other books you might want me to read next !

Happy One Year Book Bound !

Hey!

I know I'm a little late, and the official blog anniversary was May 31st, I still wanted to make a special post about this special milestone. One year of blogging is something that I am truly proud of. It means a lot if you, right there at your computer who probably has a million things to do, is reading this post. I appreciate even a second of your time. As I've said before, starting this blog hasn't always been easy but it's pretty much my favorite thing I have ever done. It makes me happy to do something that I love and that is all I've ever wanted. I might not be blog famous but somewhere out there, who ever you are, is reading this and enjoying my blog. Thanks to any who has reached out or commented in any way. Please, feel free to tell your friends and family about the blog, because I promise that I want to make this blog something great.

Starting a successful blog has been a dream of mine for so long, and just writing this means I'm participating in my dreams. A year ago I started to make my dreams happen and everyday I think I'm getting a little bit closer. 

Before I end the post, I wanted to give a brief update on everything that is going on behind the scenes. Currently, I'm reading "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" By Jenny Han. I've heard some great things about this new release and I'm already forming my own opinions on the book. Also for my birthday, I received a new Nook from my boyfriend. (He's the best). So I've been buying new books and I have a few more books in the wing just waiting to be red and reviewed so keep your eyes on the blog because there is going to be plenty to read and interact with. 

So that's all folks ! Thanks so much and always stay book bound! 

Ciao,

Cheryl 

REVIEW: "There's More To Life Than This"- BY: Theresa Caputo

Happy One Year Anniversary Book Bound!! I'm so excited that my journey with this blog has reached the one year mark. Thank you for reaching this far with me. I knew from the conception of the idea that it was going to be one of the best things I've ever decided to do. It may not always be easy but what in life ever truly is.... I plan to write a special one year post in a few days.

And all this talk about life brings us to the major topic discussed in Theresa Caputo's new book, "There's More To Life Than This." Let me tell you something first, I have always been fascinated with the afterlife. I think I've always been fascinated in things that I can't understand and that is so beyond anything this world could comprehend. It's that one mystery in life. So when I first heard about Theresa Caputo a few years ago and watched her show I was floored but skeptical. We all know the conception of "psychics" or those who know things that the average person can't or who talks to dead people or who can predict the future. You'd think that if this stuff was so serious, they would be monitored by the government and used to battle serious situations or something of that sort. It seems like their gift is something that shouldn't be mocked. Those were my first thoughts about Theresa but after watching her show for a while and learning more about her, before even reading the book, I've grown to accept her gift as real and pure and that maybe there is something more here that I just don't know about yet.

Let me tell you right off the bat that before you even read this review, go read her book. I'm telling you this because I don't want to spoil the magic that is inside this book. I don't just recommend it, I am campaiging for it. I'm telling everyone I know about this book and to me I feel it's almost mandatory. Call me naive but I genuinely feel that my soul has changed since reading this book. It has brought new hope into my life and joy that I wasn't expecting at first. I expected to just read some amazing stories about those she has read for but what I got was something much more special and much more important. I got something that I feel everyone should get and that is just to get inspired and to get working on changing your life for the better. To really think about what we do in this life and the consequences it could have in the next. It's truly eye- opening.

Theresa tells a compelling 10 chapter story about her journey to accepting her gift and how her gift has impacted so many lives. But that's not even the soul changing part. My favorite sections are when she discusses what she knows about the afterlife, what happens when we die and how our souls are connected to our loved ones even when they die. And most importantly the actions we take in this life and how they effect the next. There is SO much that I never knew before. SO much that just made me stop and think, "I'm not doing nearly enough." "I'm not living nearly as much as I should be." Of course it's easier said then done and she says that herself but if you try a little each day to become a better person to "grow your soul," as she puts it, and get closer to God at the end of it all, then it's all worth it.

There is so much about life in general that Theresa discusses, such as how our souls picked us or the past lives they've had. The choice we have when we get to heaven and the impact our thoughts and feelings can have on our soul. She discusses the reason behind traumas and illnesses and just why things happen. She also makes a point that everyone can have the power, in some capacity, to connect with our loved ones like she does. It may not be as strong but Spirit could make it happen.

There are so many lessons to be learned in this book that I couldn't possible reiterate them all without writing the whole book for ya. What I want everyone to get across from reading this book is that we have the power to choose where we go from here, maybe some things are predestined, but we have the power to make the best of what we have. God loves a cheerful giver and we will see when we get there. But in the mean time, read the book, enjoy life and believe that God and Spirit is looking out for us. Turn to them and listen to the everyday signs they are giving us that we are too blind to see. It's all part of the plan.

UPDATE: Figuring It Out

Hey!

Wanted to make a short and sweet update. Clearly, it shows that I have some difficulty with keeping up with blogging on a regular basis but with good reason. Graduating college is no joke and I'm stuck somewhere in the middle of wanting it all the end and wanting to crawl back into the womb because this is not a fun experience, let me tell you. Just imagine being on the edge of a cliff with no way off but to jump. Jumping is the hardest part because you have no idea where you are going to land and you're scared of all the possibilities that could just crush you. On the other hand you could just stay where you are and live in complete denial about life and it's realities. Taking that jump is scary. I'm dangling on the cliff at this moment. Holding on for dear life because the landing is just so uncertain...

This is my good reason for goofing up and not reviewing or reading much for that matter. I did read the next Lord of the Rings book but I realized that those books are far

too complex to truly give a justifiable review. Just not in the cards for this blog. HOWEVER, I did just finish reading "Growing Up Duggar." Kind of loved it. I have my opinions on it and hope to share them with you soon, however, I also am in the middle of working on some major senior projects I need to focus on so blogging has to be put somewhere in the back but in a spare moment I am going to bring you the review I hope will really intrigue people to want to read for themselves.

Ciao,
Cheryl :)

REVIEW: The Hobbit - By J.R.R Tolkien

** Before I write a review for "The Hobbit," I want to fill everyone in on the latest that has happend in my book life. Recently, my boyfriend told me that he wanted to watch "The Hobbit." At first, I was hesitant because I always had this idea in my mind that "The Lord of The Rings" was only for nerds and it was the most boring movie that would make me want to claw my eyes out. However, "The Hobbit" was a tad more inciting and with much pestering and  persuading, I caved a watched the first part of "The Hobbit" movie. Even though it was a 3 hour movie, I really loved the adventure story line and felt that it was exactly what I was looking for in my next book. After going to the theaters and watching the second Hobbit movie, it would be safe to say that me and my boyfriend became hooked on the series. It was all we could think and talk about. My boyfriend being the impulsive buyer, bought the set of books that contained "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." He also bought all of the LOTR movies on blue ray that has extended versions and bonus material. Yes, we nerded out quite a bit. SO these next few blog posts will be sponsored and dedicated to my boyfriend Chris who supports me no matter what.**

"The Hobbit" which is largely an adventure book does not fail to deliver. Again, as a side note, I had some reservations going into the book because I was afraid it was going to be dry and filled with complex jargon and content that would go straight over my head and I would be lost. Nothing makes me more mad when reading when I get so lost and confused that I have no understanding of what I have just read that the book loses all meaning. I entered the book with caution both in the speed of how I read and the focus. I wanted to make sure that I could remember and understanding everything that is true about the book and not just what the movies portray. 

"The Hobbit" is truly a transport book, which is my way of saying a book that brings you out of reality and into a different time and place within the book. Transport books are not only my favorite kinds of books but the main reason I love reading. The main character is Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit. He is recruited by Gandalf The Great, the wizard, who wants him to be the burglar in the adventure with the dwarves who want to reclaim their home under the mountain that Smag, the dragon who destroyed their home and is residing it in. Smaug loves gold and treasure which brought him to destroy their home and claim it as his home. Throrin, the next king after his father and grandfather had died under Smaug, is leading the pack back to their home. I hope that I haven't lost any of you yet. I do find it quite difficult to truly translate this complex book. I won't try to tackle the complexities but I would like to get across the epic adventure tale that "The Hobbit" encompasses. Even though I have seen the first two movies, I was still very enthralled in the book.

Bilbo has the job of going into the mountain, where the dragon lives and retrieve some of the gold that belongs to the dwarves. When he gets there, he soon realizes that his job is more than just to retrieve some treasure, he will have to try to kill the dragon. But the dragon does not stay to be killed but rather to kill and goes off into the night sky. Before all this happened, Bilbo and the dwarves have to go through many lands and fight many battles to get to the mountain. It is with these adventures that truly bring out the magical world.

I found so many things that I love about this book. Not only because of the thrilling adventures but also because of the great narrating and story telling like it was written in a time that was of old. "The Hobbit" is an enchanting novel and I am so excited to start the LOTR trilogy. I recently just finished the movies and I am excited to see where the books transport me next.

** Stay tuned for the next part of the enchanting story.**

REVIEW: So Happy Together- By Maryann McFadden

"So Happy Together," was a pleasant surprise. As you could probably guess by the length of time it took me to write a new post, it took me a while to truly commit to the book. I was hesitant at first because I was afraid the book was going to be a let down. I truly hate starting a book and getting part way through and just hating every second of it. I don't like to spoil my love of books and reading. I am also nearing the end of my winter break and I was afraid that I would have spent my whole winter break without reading and missing the opportunity, so I reluctantly dove into the book and let the chips fall where they may. 

To reiterate, I was pleasantly surprised by how the book made me feel. I was expecting the book to be a bit more mature for my liking but I think it was the perfect book for me and my life at this moment. "So Happy Together" made you feel very introspective. The whole time you were on a wave with the whole family as they were trying to maneuver through their broken lives. In truth, the book is a great reflection of an average American life. You grow up and go through trials and tribulations that make you realize that maybe your parents were right all along and you should have listened to them because then maybe you wouldn't be so stuck in your life. As you get older, you also learn  more about your parents then you could have imagined and learn that maybe you will never really know someone all that well, even if you have lived with them all your life... These are just some of the themes that play out in "So Happy Together." It is a book that helps you to realize that being selfish is okay and following your dreams could lead to bigger and better things that you didn't know you wanted. And most importantly to follow your heart above all else because your heart knows you best. 

Throughout the book I found myself reflecting on my life. This book was a great read for me at this time in my life because I am at a precipice of my college education. I'm graduating in May and hoping beyond all hope that my dreams after college come true. It is not always easy to put your self first and change your life because it is what you want more than anything, but it is what is meant to be. You can't think about the moments you missed, you can only try to save yourself from missing the moments that are to come and hope that you will be present and ready to accept the opportunities that come your way. I hope that my future holds nothing but happy days and love in my heart and that it always be book bound. 

Holiday Readings!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my fellow readers!

I am so happy to be on winter break, which means I have more time to devote to "The Book Bound."
I am really hoping to start 2014 off right by continually bringing you the best reviews and encouraging everyone to bring a little more reading into their life. Reading has always been the best medicine for many heart breaking times in my life. Just like music, reading can make you escape and feel no pain. Let's make 2014 the official year of  books! Let's help support all the struggling authors who want to be given that chance to live their dream.

Now, I have a little favor to ask of everyone! I would really love if everyone could supply me with some great book suggestions ASAP. I have become increasingly interested in reading nonfiction books but I've been having trouble finding ones that would be interesting and meaningful. I love a good memoir or a book that really makes me put life in perspective. So your mission is to find the best books that you would love to see me review or we could discuss together! Whatever it may be, may it always be book bound!

Ciao,
Cheryl :)

REVIEW: "The Longest Ride"- By Nicholas Sparks

Try to channel "The Notebook." Think back to that classical love story between Noah and Allie. Remember them as they were when they first met and then remember the tears you shed as you watched then die together in the nursing home bed. Don't forget this as you read "The Longest Ride."

The reason why I've called upon your memories and imagination is because that is exactly what came to mind when I was reading this book. "The Longest Ride," in some ways reminds me a lot of the "The Notebook." Nicholas Sparks took a different approach with his latest novel then previously yet it strikingly resembles his other tales. I believe that he took "The Notebook" flipped it, swirled it around and that was how "The Longest Ride" was born. 

This love story is manifold because it doesn't only feature one love story but two. They are drastically unrelated for most of the book. The first love story features Ira and Ruth. The golden years couple with the enchanting life story. Born in the 20's and growing up through the Depression and World War II; Ira and Ruth's love story was by far my favorite. Old school love stories are so charming and heartwarming; Ira and Ruth's love story is no different. Ira, to continue the comparison, reminded me of Noah, in the selfless way he loved Ruth. He loved her enough to leave her because he knew he couldn't give her the children he wanted. But like any good Sparks love story goes, they beat the odds and live happily ever after. Ruth looks past Ira's misgivings because she knows their love is pure and beautiful. So as it goes, Ira and Ruth get married and remain childless. However, what I found most interesting about their marriage and what surely was the soul of their relationship was their rare and exquisite art collection. Ruth loved art and it was always Ira's gift to her by giving her art pieces that at the time were done by non- established artists. It was these art pieces that comforted Ira in his widowed years when Ruth died. They were like small time machines that took him back to each memory that was attached to the art piece when he bought it. They gave Ira a reason to live out his years alone without Ruth because he felt some how she was still here through the art pieces.

What I am not telling you is that Ira in present time of the story, is stuck in his car that careened off the side of the road. His body is badly injured and he is unable to move for the most part. But the truly magical part of this story is how Ruth coming in the form like a mirage, is in the passenger seat throughout the story trying to bring Ira strength to wait for help to arrive by recalling their love story. They talked about their love story together from beginning to end and revealed feelings and emotions that they had not previously known. It was by far an amazing plot for Ira and Ruth and even though it pained me to think of a poor old man trapped in his car, the visits from Ruth were all I needed to get swept back in their charm. 

As you can tell this is a long love story. The other love story is much more modern. Sophia and Luke are in their early twenties. Sophia is from New Jersey and finishing up her senior year at Wake Forest, while Luke is a bull rider who owns a farm and helps his mom run it. It is time once again to channel "The Notebook." Sophia and Luke are much like Noah and Allie. They are both from opposite sides of town. City to country. Wealth to poor. They may not make much sense together but their love is stronger than all their differences. Luke has his own worries about his health and the last almost fateful bull ride he had that kept in the hospital for months. He needs to keep riding to win money to save his farm from all the medical bulls he acquired. Sophia is worried about life after graduating. When they meet, those same worries affect their relationship because just like Noah and Allie, are on different paths. Somehow it all comes together when the miracle of finding Ira on the side of the road lifts up not only their life but their love. The fairy tale has only begun. 

So much to say about this book. Throughout the book I kept trying to figure out how these two love stories were connected or if they ever would. And it surprised me that I didn't for see the connection sooner. However, I'm glad I didn't and I'm happy that Sparks did not make it brutally obvious because I believe that is when all charm would have been lost. 

I would absolutely recommend this book, much like I would recommend all of Nicholas Sparks books. To get critical, at times I felt that their was a cliche about this book that I hadn't really felt in other Sparks books and that was slightly upsetting. However, Sparks never EVER lacks in the charm department and always delivers with a sucker of a love story. You will fall in love somewhere within this book. 

I'M BACK!

Okay... so maybe I underestimated how long "The Fault In Our Stars" was going to take to leave my system. That's just a true testament to how fabulous the book is. 

Now I hope everyone has read and fallen in and out of  love with books repeatedly. 

I am truly sorry taking a longer hiatus then I expected, however I plan to come back better than ever and will be supplying you with the latest and greatest books for your pleasure and my enjoyment. Don't give up on me now! 

Even though it's been close to 2 months since the latest Nicholas Sparks, "The Longest Ride" book came out, you should know that I have thought about this book non-stop. What is probably obvious by now, or will be, I am a huge fan and supporter of Nicholas Sparks. Sparks has this raw, real talent to create timeless novels. It's so effortless and for that I will be forever jealous of him. 

BUT, yes I will be reading and reviewing "The Longest Ride" next. I am so excited and I'm hoping to get started in the next day or so and in 2 weeks have the review up. I don't like to make any promises but what I can assure you on is that I won't disappear anymore. I'm in this for the love of the book world and for my own genuine happiness I get from creating this blog. 

Please, as always, feel free to comment, connect with me in any way and make suggestions that you would love to see me read next! 

Ciao, 

Cheryl :)

Keep Calm

HELLO EVERYONE! 

Sorry I have been such a stranger lately! I decided to take a quick break from reading after I read "The Fault In Our Stars." It was such an amazing book, and like I said, it was one of those books that take a while to leave your system, so to speak. It has been hard to get motivated to read a book that I am less than excited to read. I guess because I haven't really been psyched about a book since the last few reviews. I sort of stem-rolled through the first reviews because they were amazing books. But I think it was a good decision, for myself, to take a break, "stay calm," and reflect on where I want to go from here. 

I am thinking of this "book-less" period of time as a restart or a time to reset myself into order to fully immerse myself into getting back into reading before my last year of school starts and reading will seem more like a privilege. 

I am going to start doing a classics segment where I am going to read some of the very most classic books that you probably have read or are reading in high school. I have been dying to re-read all the classics and even read some for the first time. I have always been intrigued in the classics and in high school I know I didn't appreciate them as much as I should have. When I am forced to read a book for school purposes and there is the promise of tests and quizzes... well I completely lose all motivation to read it and read it with the respect it deserves. Not only that but when I read it the focus that I should have in order to understand it completely goes out the window. It's as if I am reading a completely different book then the rest of the class. However, I did great in English in high school, definitely my best subject because deep down I know I cared enough and that helped me get by, even if the books are in general not so pleasant. 

So this post is dedicated to keeping calm, even when you feel so over whelmed and don't know where to start, much like myself, just take a breath and read a book. 

Ciao, Cheryl :)

REVIEW: The Fault In Our Stars- By John Green

It happens every so often, you come across a book that leaves all other books in the dust, they pale in comparison, it leaves you feeling as if nothing else can measure up. So you look around for another book, trying to fill the void that has been left by the other book and eventually you find something that seems adequate enough to give it a shot. But it takes some time before you find the golden book that bounds it's way into the book vault of your heart where only the most special of books will forever live on...

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have found that such book. I found the book that has been forever bound to my soul.

Before reading this book I knew I was entering a hipster paradise. I have seen this book all over social media. Most times, I tend to rebel against such trends for fear I will lose my beloved independence and cavalier attitude toward anything that brands me as a follower. However, I have a soft spot for John Green novels and for that I will be proud to follow into the hipster glory.

A few warnings upfront: This book is by no means a very happy go lucky, typical teen romance novel. John Green has a remarkable way of tapping into the deep crevices of your emotions and bring to the surface, feelings and thoughts that have never seen the light of day. But it is beautiful and magical and a story that only happens once in a lifetime.

Hazel is a 16 year old girl who is dying of cancer. At all times, she must be hooked up to oxygen tanks. Her lungs don't function as normal lungs because of the tumors that grew inside. However, by some medical miracle the tumors shrunk due to a drug trial that was not guaranteed to work. The drugs extended Hazels life but did not cure her.

However, Hazel lives her life holed up in her room where she reads the same book (An Imperial Affliction) and watches the same shows. Her parents are worried that she is depressed and suggests she go to a Support Group for sick kids, mostly cancer patients, to talk about their illness and deal with it together. Upon walking into the church where the group is held, a boy named Augustus, stares at Hazel. This boy looks mostly healthy, (besides the prosthetic leg he had to get after part of his leg was taken off from cancer,)says he is only there for his friend Issac who has one eye and will soon get his remaining eye out due to eye cancer.

It is here at this Support Group that Augustus falls in love with Hazel. He falls in love with her mind, her soul and her beauty. Hazel and Augustus' romance follows a tough road with having to come to terms with the fact that Hazel is terminal and that some day soon they won't be together. Hazel, resists at first even though she has already fallen into his hypnotizing charm and his ravishing good looks.

It was at this point, with Augustus' charm and Hazel's genuine wit, that made me fall in love with this book. Something inside my heart became so comfortable and familiar to the feeling of loving something so much as if it was your own child. The realization was as if a million light bulbs went off all over the world. It is hard to put into words just what this book did to me. It took me on a roller coaster of emotions. It dragged me out to sea and then threw me against the rocks so hard I could see the stars. You know something has touched you, moved you, when you cry so hard that your eyes can no longer read and your mind and body releases itself into the awful twist of sadness that fate has thrown in.

Augustus does everything for Hazel, even so much as giving her his Make A Wish. They go to Amsterdam where they find the author of AIA, Hazels favorite book and ask him the questions they are both dying to know the answers to. However, the trip was nothing like they had planned because they learn the author is nothing but a bitter drunk old man who wants nothing to do with the thought of his literal success.

Hazel and Augustus have a magical time in Amsterdam. It is here where they consummate their love to one another. One sick kid to another. Two cancer hearts beating as one. It is hard not the fall in love with this scene.

I fear of writing more about the book for the fact of giving this little secret away, as if I write more about the pure majestic charm will have someone escaped and the magical spell shall be broken. However, the story continues in it's zest and incredulous spirit that it started with. There are scenes that I will never forget and tears that will be permanently stained on my pillow case. Augustus and Hazel have a teen romance like no other. Their strength, their passion and their outlook on life is almost beyond this world of comprehension. When you think you have it figured out, you're wrong. When you think it can't get any sadder, it can. When you think you can't love it any more, you will.

The only thing that is holding me back from completely calling it the greatest book of all time is because I am a sucker for a happy ending. You won't truly find one here...

Goodnight Book

My bedtime routine consists of checking every social media platform and reading until my eyes can no longer stay open. I find a lot of comfort in my bedtime routine. It has created a calming stability for me. I always look forward to getting cuddled up in bed after a long day and getting lost in my book. For the short while that I am reading, nothing else is going on in the world. My mind has escaped all together and I am floating in book universe where I will never be alone.  

As of yesterday, I finished "The Fault In Our Star." I can't say enough good things about this book. It is by far the best book I have read this summer and has reached my all time favorites list. That is saying a lot considering the extremely lucky streak I have been having in the book world. This book should be turned into a movie, ASAP. But this is not the review this is just a preview and the review should be up by tomorrow. Until then I suggest getting your hands on this book and fully immerse yourself in its splendor. 

For now, I would love to hear about your bedtime routine. Mine changes sometimes but I always love to wind down with some videos and reading. Routines are important in my life because I feel it creates a necessary structure. 

Hope you have a great night! :)

Ciao, Cheryl