"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.

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

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

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

REVIEW: "Saint Anything"- BY: Sarah Dessen

Hey!

I'm excited to welcome you all to another review with a much anticipated book release, "Saint Anything." Sarah Dessen has been a long time favorite author of mine. Her books are light hearted, fun and meaningful. I always find myself doing a lot of self reflecting when I read her books. Probably because her stories are so relatable. Sarah's books are also some of the only books that I pre-order months in advance. I get so excited and sometimes I really don't know why. To be brutally honest, her writing isn't the most amazing writing I've read. But I think her books are like security blankets. They are so comfortable to get into and you just can't help to get wrapped up in it. It's like reconnecting with an old friend. Nothing really changes but it's always a good time.

"Saint Anything" truly spoke to the young girl in me. Sydney, has always been in the shadows of her older brother Peyton. He was always the good looking and star child, until he wasn't. Even when Peyton took a turn to the dark side and got sent to prison, Sydney was still lost in translation. Her mom is too worried about how Peyton is doing, to worry about how this could be affecting Sydney. SO Sydney decides to make some changes. She switches to a new school and decides to hit up a new pizza place for her after school activity to avoid going home. These changes bring her a gang of new friends that help her finally be noticed. She finally is able to come alive and be who she has always wanted to be. She stands up to her parents and finds her voice that she has craved for so long.

I could go into detail about everything that happens but what's the point when this book is something you should read for yourself. Sarah really stepped it up with this book. It reminded me a lot of the way John Green writes. There was a lot more depth and meaning and less drag out of things that aren't important. She also didn't cut to the chase too fast but let the story progress naturally. We may never see eye to eye on how she ends her books but I can appreciate a writers wishes. And of course there is always a cute love story to go along with it. I can't say that the story is truly some amazing work of fiction but it's definitely true to Dessen form, which ain't bad either.

Stay tuned for a cute 2nd anniversary post! Can't believe it's been two years since I've started this journey and I'm never looking back. Love you all !

REVIEW: "Gone Girl" - BY: Gillian Flynn

Welcome back Book Lovers! 

I'm pretty excited to bring you a review of "Gone Girl." I'm probably late to the party again, but that's just my style. Not much of a follower... ya know?!

Anyways, "Gone Girl" is probably not new to you and if it is then I feel pretty good about myself because I just taught you a little something ! :) 

Regardless, "Gone Girl" is basically a house-hold name. You've maybe seen the movie and better yet you read the book before you did. I don't know about you but the trailer of the movie definitely mislead me about the book. My impression of the book, just based on the trailer, made me feel as if this was going to be some middle aged women's version of a mystery/crime scene. That sounds a little harsh but mainly what I'm trying to say is that it could be very blase and not the style I'm impressed with. 

I haven't seen the movie yet because I just finished reading the book. As the natural order should go. It was definitely on my radar because of all the interesting things I've heard about the book. 

I was intrigued from the first sentence. The writing style was beautiful. It was fluid, clear and enticing. I kept finding myself trying to play detective. I was trying to think one step ahead of the author. I went through various stages where I thought maybe he did because it sure did seem like it ... but then just when you thought you had it pegged down, she would flip it on you and you were thinking of a totally different scenario. It was a very natural progression but one that definitely shocked you and you love it for doing that.

Something that I love about books is the hold they can have on you. The hold can be before you read it, while you are reading it or after you read it. This book definitely had all 3. I was excited to read it, couldn't put it down and didn't want to let it go. 

I hate to give some big plot or round up about the gist of this book because it has been so popular in the media. However, I will implore you with a small bit about the book that I feel will help you get a good idea and make you read it or not if you haven't already done so.

Amy and Nick have been married for 5 years when Amy suddenly goes missing from their Missouri home. Nick doesn't freak out but is definitely curious as to how this could possibly have happened. He tries to keep his tracks clear because he knows the story with missing wives and the husbands have nothing to show for it. Nick knows his marriage wasn't great. They both turned into different people after they happened to be married for a little while, but Nick denies any involvement in this disappearance. We slowly learn the true inner workings in the mind of Nick and Amy through narration and "diary" entries that Amy has written. Don't count Nick out just yet. Don't let your mind slip into feminist paranoia towards men. Maybe some women are driven  mad and would do anything to seek their "rightful" attention. 

There is a lot about this book that I love. I love the way it is laid out. Every chapter is either in the voice of Nick or Amy. You are constantly getting a contradiction or rather understanding of what you just read in the last chapter. Its enticing and totally "revolutionizes", if I can say that, about the way I feel towards murder mysteries or disappearances. I never really gave them much thought but I'll probably never think of them the same again. And maybe there is a lot of fictionalization that you can't apply to real life but I always say, "Never say never!"

BUT.. I will leave you with something that still seems to keep plaguing me is the ending. For a book that is full of such suspense, insanity and intrigue the ending still makes me sit and wonder what I just read. Maybe it has a deeper meaning then I can truly wrap my head around at the moment. But it felt like an awfully odd way to let things go. 

Either way, it is what it is and I'll let you go by saying: Yes, read the book enjoy it and let me know what you thought about the ending. I definitely want to hear some thoughts about this book! 

Ciao!

REVIEW: "The Catastrophic History of You and Me"- BY:Jess Rothenberg

Hello book lovers!

I know what you're thinking and I'll spare you my long list of excuses. BUT truthfully ever since I finished reading "The Catastrophic History of You and Me," I've been super busy. I got a new job that is keeping me away from reading and writing as much as I would like too. And this review has been put off long enough.

Full disclosure though, I don't see this review being of great help to anyone truly wanting to understand the book better. This one will be short and mostly work off what I felt about the book, which is all good things might I add. Since it has been some time since I turned off the Nook and said good-bye to the book, it's hard for me to remember exactly what the book entailed. I can't say I'm happy with myself that I waited this long. This book was not something I hated or could have easily just said well it's not worth my time. But this book is worth it. Personally, when I think about it long enough... if I were to talk completely about the plot of the story, I would be giving too much away. Perhaps my feelings are the best way to entice you and engage your emotions towards the book.
Recently, I've been getting re-inspired to read because we all know reading inspiration is the best kind of inspiration. Anyways...

"The Catastrophic History of You and Me," appealed to my fantasy side. The side that believes in the afterlife and the magic that the "other side" can hold. Life after death books are books that speak to my soul... no pun intended. It's so fun to read about how someone else interprets the other world. For Rothenberg, she believes that we meet our soul mates in heaven... well sort of. Brie dies from a literal broker heart. Her heart completely breaks when her boyfriend breaks up with her. Her life in the after world is what I would equate to purgatory. She hasn't entered the pearly gates, she is in this limbo state where she hasn't really left her hometown but she is still so far away. She spends days at this "other world" pizzeria and awaits what happens to her next. Because there will be things that happen to her. Brie needs to learn a lot more before she enters the next phase of her other life.

Brie meets Patrick in her other world. Patrick is the one who will guide Brie through her stages of grief. But Patrick ultimately becomes more to Brie then just a mentor. He becomes her soul mate. And through their friendship she learns all about how the other side works. And how some souls get a second chance to live another life in the real world after they die at the cost of another soul in death. Brie was a previous dead soul that went back to heaven when given a second chance by Patrick and Patrick waited many years for Brie to come back.

This book definitely holds a special place in my heart. It is beautifully written and beautifully told. It's a magical story with both the ups and downs that compels you to push forward. Something interesting about this kind of life after death book is that there is a lot of time that you can spend walking around all your familiar places. And you can even harness the ability to actually touch and feel things. One of my favorite parts is that Bries dog could even see her and he even stays with her in her journey through the afterlife but still goes home in the end.The love story between Patrick and Brie can only be equated to a fairy tale. Patrick looks at Brie like she is the only thing that matters in the entire world. Brie takes some convincing but once she begins to understand the connection they have, then the magic truly begins.
There are so many good things I can say about this book, but mostly I just want you to read this book.You won't feel robbed of your time but only feel more full of life than ever. There is a special place on the top of my list for this book.

REVIEW: "The Storyteller"- BY: Jodi Picoult

There's a lot to say about "The Storyteller." But first, what I would like to say is that I'm very happy that I chose this book. I found this book at Target back in the summer and had plans on reading it on vacation but the summer got away with me and I had to put it off till now. 

Something that is hard to find at times and truly get your head into reading is: historical fiction. I love history and truly enjoy reading a book that can give you a perspective on major historical events.

"The Storyteller" is historical fiction based on the Holocaust. Just by reading the back of the book, you would have no idea that this book is about the Holocaust. So I was definitely a little surprised when a large section of the book was devoted to the main character's grandmothers story of survival during the Holocaust. Without this section, I think this book would have fell flat. 

The book had three sections. The first was developing the main character and the story line that leads up to the second section, which is about the Holocaust. Sage is the main character, and she has been through a lot. She is only 25 and lost both her parents. The one thing in life she is sure of is her ability to bake bread. She works at a bakery during the middle of the night so that the bakery can be full by morning. Once her shift is over, she goes home and sleeps. She classifies herself as a loner. She only gets of the house when she is meeting up with her lover, who is married. They met at her moms wake because he was the funeral director. She walks around trying to hide the large scar she has on her face. But you never find out why she has the scar. 

Josef, a very old but respected man in the neighborhood comes into the bakery everyday. Sage against her will talks to Josef because she feels bad that he comes in all alone. Before long, they build a friendship and Josef tells her that he used to be an officer during the Holocaust and did the wort imaginable things. He ask her a huge favor. He wants her to help him die. Josef feels that he is being punished because he can't die and he has no one left in his life. 

Sage battles with this decision, But she ultimately feels she needs to tell the authorities. She gets in contact with Leo, another main character, whose job it is to convict former Nazi's. 

This leads us up the section where, Leo and Sage get to listen to her grandmother, Minka's story about her time in the Holocaust. It was one of the most vividly, amazingly examples of historical fiction I have ever read. It was full of real emotion and it made me wonder just how horrible some things in life truly are. It made me so grateful to be where I am today. 

Eventually, they find out that Josef was the man that killed Minka's friend during the Holocaust. This was enough to get him convicted. However, Minka dies the night after she tells the story. Now they no longer have a witness to identify the man to the murder. Their only next course of action is to get Josef to confess to the murder on tape. Sage successfully completes that mission but is still torn on whether she should help him die. Leo wants him to go to jail but ultimately Sage takes it upon herself and poisons him and doesn't tell anyone she is doing it. Leo and the police find him dead in his house. 

However, when you think the book is over, the plot twists and leaves Sage completely speechless. I don't like to give away the ending of books because I'm not running a spoiler blog but I truly believe this book will help you to grow as a person and change your perspective on different cultures and walks of life. 

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: "If I Stay" - BY: Gayle Forman

Long overdue, but here none the less...

"If I Stay" is not a new book to me. Almost 3 years ago, I was browsing the book store with a friend of mine. When she spotted the book, she told me that this was definitely one I had to read. I could tell by her reaction that I knew I needed to find out what made this book so great. 

Fast forward to present time, "If I Stay" is just days away from its movie premiere and like any book lover, you need to read the book before you watch the movie. So in book lover fashion, I dug out this book and decided to re-enter a book with no hesitation. 

First off, I love the plot of this book. The concept is right on track with the kind of premise for books that I enjoy. I would like to disclaim that I'm not necessarily in love with the pure tragedy of the book. However, I am into reading about things that I either have not experienced or things beyond human explanation. Basically, far out things that only our imaginations can explore properly. 

This all relates back to the core of this book, which is the tragic story of a family who went out for a drive on a snowy day and got plowed by a truck. There's no easy way to explain it. Mia without realizing it wakes up after the accident and sees her dead family laying on the side of the road. The only person she can't find is her little brother Teddy. When she thinks she found him, she actually finds her own body and starts to realize what has happened. Mia is having an out of body experience. She is somewhere between life and death but she doesn't really know. She follows her body as it is rushed to the hospital. It is there where she will make her life changing decision, whether she stays and lives or goes and dies.... You can see there is so much intrigue with this kind of story. No one really knows what that is like because this kind of experience doesn't happen everyday.

Mia doesn't have much to live for. She lost her whole family in one swipe. The only thing she has left is her boyfriend Adam, who wants nothing more then for her to stay. Adam and Mia have a charming high school love story, where to seemingly to opposite types of people find love over music. Music is another theme of this book, which I think is the gap that makes the book actually have something to work with. But, I digress... Mia has to make an almost impossible decision until she Adam finally gets to touch her and it all makes sense. 

Of course, I'm giving you the short version. There is so much back story intertwined in this book that reading it the second time it seems almost unnecessary. However, I started to think a little deeper about the need for the back story and I thought: Mia is between life and death, it's possible that in this state you reflect on some really significant or memorable times in your life. This makes the most sense to me. The back story gave me a great perspective on this family and you can't help but fall in love with the whole clan. 

"If I Stay," is one of those books that I will always recommend. Reading it a second time did open my eyes to a few things that warped my initial feelings toward the book. The font type makes the book a quick and easy read and you don't find out until the very last page the decision that Mia makes. Some things that I'm not so happy about is that you don't even get a hint or an idea of what happens after she makes her decision. It just ends abruptly. Also, you never truly find out what happened to Teddy. She just made a probably accurate, but non the less an assumption. No one even talks about the loss of her family. They are just keeping vigil waiting for her to wake up. I think there was a miss in this area. Overall,  this book makes the list and doesn't disappoint to charm all those who let it. 

REVIEW: "To All The Boys I've Loved Before"- BY: Jenny Han

Hello everyone,

Here's another review for you, like I promised. 

I've heard a lot of good things about Jenny Han and I've also heard about her previous books being bestsellers and there was plenty of hype for "To All The Boys I've Loved Before," so it's safe to say that I had decently high expectations...

So, I'd like to say this book was amazing, that it was everything I wanted and more... but unfortunately this is not the case. This book lacks something so trivial and fundamental to any book out there.. an ENDING. 

Nothing and I mean nothing in this world annoys me more than a disappointing book. I just wasted "X" amount of  days or weeks on a book that should be able to a least leave me somewhat satisfied but this book was so pointless I wanted to throw my Nook out the window. 

Now, I can't say the book was entirely bad. It had a slow start and I was trying to give the book the benefit of the doubt through all the cliches and underdeveloped characters. The writing was so elementary that I was wondering if the author had someone else write her other books. Anyways, you have to get through the muddy beginning to get to what you probably truly wanted to get to when reading a YA novel...

Three sisters: Margot, Lara Jean and Kitty are close as sisters can be since their mom died a few years back. Margot took on the mother role and is now going off to college leaving Lara Jean to take over. Kitty was too young to remember their mother so the sisters try to be there for her as much as they can.. To be honest Kitty was the most delightful of all the characters, however maybe too mature for a supposed nine year old. 

Josh, their neighbor and Margot's boyfriend, is heartbroken when Margot breaks up with him before going off to Scotland to go to college. However, Lara Jean has liked Josh for some time and tries to be there for him when Margot leaves. 

However, this is where it gets tricky. Lara Jean has written love letters to every boy she has liked or loved as goodbye letters when she knew it was not meant to be. She stored them in a hat box but then one day the letters were "mysteriously" sent out to all the boys, (Josh and Peter) which leaves Lara Jean traumatized and devises this plan with an old friend Peter to pretend to be bf/gf to keep Josh away and also get back at Peter's ex girlfriend, and Lara Jeans former friend Genevieve.

Are you confused yet? There is a constant struggle to understand who Lara Jean really likes, Josh or Peter. Where the story really picks up is when Peter, the supposed "ladies man," starts to actually fall for Lara Jean when that was against the "contract" of their relationship. I was so into the Peter and Lara Jean relationship aspect that it was actually changing my mind about the book. However, when Josh kissed Lara Jean and Margot find outs and LJ pushes Peter away, all hell breaks loose and then nothing is ever the same... nothing. The book literally ends with Lara Jean making up with Margot and Josh but the whole Peter relationship just goes unresolved even though Lara Jean really wants to be with him. It was just left to the imagination. 

I know this might sound a bit rambled, but I needed to delve more into this story for everyone to understand just how unappealing this book really is. It hurts me to have to write such a negative review but the book has no real conclusive ending and that is just not acceptable to me. I'm not entirely discouraging anyone from reading it, I'm just warning you that you will probably want to scream into a pillow when it's over. You have been warned.

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.

Happy Easter Book Bound!

Hey everyone!! 

Happy Easter to everyone and especially to many new faces that have started following the Book Bound! I am soooo excited to have you be a part of this wonderful community. Please do not hesitate for a second to comment or send a message to share your thoughts about books or anything. I love being able to connect with my followers who I appreciate beyond the words I can express to you all.

A quick update: I will be graduating college in a month, a month from yesterday to be exact and I am beyond excited. As some may know, the last semester in college is  truly a challenge and I feel bad that I haven't been able to devote the time I want to the blog. I know I sound like a broken record. However, I plan on reading my heart out this summer no matter where life takes me career wise. I want to make this blog my life's work, no matter the outcome.  Reading is something I have always enjoyed and being able to share my opinions with you has truly been a blessing in my life. Thank you once again.

As always your suggestions are greatly appreciated, I am hoping to start reading very soon... "There's More to Life Than This," by Theresa Caputo, aka Long Island Medium. I have always been fascinated by her gift and I'm expecting her book to only increase my fascination. Hoping for big things!

Have a great day everyone !!

Ciao, 

Cheryl

REVIEW: "Growing Up Duggar"- BY: Jana, Jill, Jessa and Jinger Duggar

It’s all about relationships according to the four oldest Duggar girls from TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, in their new book, “Growing Up Duggar.”  Jana, Jill, Jessa and Jinger reveal what it is like to living with 18 brothers and sisters, all the while trying to navigate into womanhood. Even though their lives are played out on TV, the Duggar girls wrote a book to answer the multitude of messages they receive from their fans who want to know so much more about their lives.

            The book is divided into sections that each deal with a different relationship that encompass our lives and how important it is to keep those relationships strong.

“Those relationships begin the way God created us and seeking His purpose for our lives,” the girls said.

These relationships consist of the ones we have with ourselves, our parents, friends and siblings. They explain the most anticipated section is the discussion about their relationship with boys and how they will find the one for them. Beyond those topics are the ways they serve their culture, country and the world.

            If you didn’t already know the Duggar’s are a devotedly Christian family that believes in living a life with morals and character. The Duggar children grew up with no TV or Internet and were homeschooled. Their choice of movies is a limited selection chosen by their parents. Most of our childhoods would not look quite the same to the Duggar family. They don’t update Facebook or Twitter because it adds nothing of value to their lives.

“While there is nothing inherently wrong with social networking and it is possible for these things to be used as a tool for ministry, they can often be big time wasters,” the girls said.

It is hard at times, while reading, not to think that this book is taking on an air of preaching. The Duggar girls tread lightly when it comes to explaining why they live their life the way they do.

“We know how weird we must seem to a lot of you, with our different style of dressing and our conservative Christian beliefs,” the girls said.  

They believe in not kissing before marriage, wearing clothes that don’t expose their cleavage or thighs and they don’t have to be told more than once to do something their parents ask them. They back up their convictions with passages from the Bible to prove that God wants you to follow those same rules too.

Although their story is far from the norm, more than once it will make you reflect on your own life and figure out where it all went wrong. However, underneath their sermon like demeanor they are still young girls in their 20’s that have the same emotions and concerns as the rest of us.

They try their best to present a different way of life that brings them the most joy and fulfillment. They are so self-confident and happy with who they are as individuals because they aren't falling victim to peer pressure or outside influence from other kids their age. They live their life to serve others and ultimately to foster their ultimate relationship with God. There is something to be said about 19 kids that only believe in doing the right thing.